Jigsaws are powerful tools designed to cut curves, shapes, and bevels into a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and fiberglass. The tool is a go-to for many serious DIYers because it’s capable of delivering precise cuts that other power saws aren’t able to produce.
Like most power tools, jigsaws come in multiple designs that suit the needs and preferences of a variety of homeowners. To help simplify your tool buying experience, our team took a closer look at some of the best jigsaws available today.
Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Jigsaws
- DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw: Best Cordless
- BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw: Best Control
- Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw: Best Battery Life
- BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw: Best Design
- Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw: Best Barrel-Grip
Compare Top Jigsaws
| Product | Blade Speed | Weight | Handle Type |
|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR JigsawCheck Price | 3200 SPM | 4.2 pounds | D-handle |
BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp JigsawCheck Price | 3000 SPM | 4.6 pounds | D-handle |
Milwaukee D-Handle JigsawCheck Price | 3500 SPM | 5.6 pounds | D-handle |
BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX JigsawCheck Price | 2500 SPM | 5 pounds | D-handle |
Bosch Variable-Speed JigsawCheck Price | 3100 SPM | 5.9 pounds | Barrel-grip |
Best Cordless
DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw
Pros and Cons of DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw
- Illuminates work surfaces with its LED light
- Illuminates work surfaces with its LED light
- Equipped with an all-metal, lever-action blade change
- Its battery and charger are sold separately
- Some customers complained about a lack of control during use
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 4.2 pounds
- D-handle
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw
Positive reviews centered around the jigsaw’s easy-to-use design and adjustable speed settings. Additional positive reviews commented on the product’s solid and high-quality build. At the time of this review, this product received just a single 1-star review that explained a customer’s frustration over the jigsaw’s lack of control.
Best Control
BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw
This corded jigsaw from BLACK+DECKER has a five-amp motor that delivers up to 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM). The tool also features CurveControl technology that offers four custom orbit settings, giving you more control over difficult curves.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw
- Has an orbital adjuster that controls cutting aggressiveness
- Includes a small wire guard for an increased line of sight
- Contains an adjustable shoe for making bevel cuts
- Its short power cord requires an extension for most jobs
- Doesn’t include a trigger lock for additional safety protection
Key Features
- 5.0-amp electric motor
- 4.6 pounds
- D-handle
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw
Satisfied customers commented on the jigsaw’s ease of use, praising features like its tool-free blade change and its ergonomic handle. Other positive reviews complimented the jigsaw’s quality performance at an affordable price. Negative reviews complained about the jigsaw’s lack of a trigger lock, which stops the blade from moving when engaged.
Best Battery Life
Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw
This Milwaukee jigsaw uses an intelligent battery that works with the tool and its charger to protect against overload and delivers long-lasting results off of a single charge. This tool also uses a brushless motor that adjusts speed and power output based on load requirements, further increasing battery life and product durability. Additionally, the jigsaw offers adjustable cuts through its variable speed settings.
Pros and Cons of Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw
- Uses a brushless motor that adapts its speed and power to the cutting material
- Its variable-speed control ranges from zero to 3,500 strokes per minute
- Protects against tool overload by communicating between the tool, battery, and charger
- Doesn’t include a battery or charger
- Some customers complained that they received a used product
Key Features
- M18 battery
- One pound
- D-handle
What People Are Saying About The Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw
Positive reviews focused on the jigsaw’s power output, which customers explained made it both easy to use and accurate. Additional positive reviews praised the jigsaw’s battery, which is compatible with the line of Fuel products from Milwaukee. Most negative reviews came from customers who raised concerns about their purchased jigsaw being a refurbished product.
Best Design
BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw
This battery-powered jigsaw comes with a blade, battery, and charger, providing you with the tools and accessories needed to complete your next project. This cordless jigsaw offers customized cutting through its variable-speed trigger and a bevel shoe that allows homeowners to make 45-degree cuts in both directions. Additionally, the jigsaw helps you keep your workstation clean with its built-in dust blower.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw
- Delivers straight and bevel cuts
- Contains a built-in dust blower
- More affordable than most of its battery-powered competitors
- Only comes with one battery
- Many customers complained about the jigsaw’s weak battery life
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 5.5 pounds
- D-handle
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw
Positive reviews centered around the product’s good value, with customers praising the product’s effectiveness and power at a competitive price. Many negative reviews focused on the jigsaw’s battery, with some saying it couldn’t hold a charge and others complaining that it died after minimal use.
Best Barrel-Grip
Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw
With its unique barrel-grip design, this BOSCH jigsaw is accurate, controllable, and great for cutting wood and soft metal. The jigsaw uses a convenient tool-less blade change system and a powerful, seven-amp motor to deliver precise cuts with ease. Additionally, the jigsaw features a four-setting orbital adjuster that allows homeowners to swap between delicate and aggressive cutting.
Pros and Cons of Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw
- Uses a tool-free, blade-change system
- Delivers 3,100 strokes per minute
- Has a variable-speed dial to adjust the cutting speed
- Its handle is close to the motor, which can cause it to heat up
- Many customers said that the jigsaw’s cutting line was difficult to follow
Key Features
- 7.0-amp electric motor
- 5.9 pounds
- Barrel-grip
What People Are Saying About The Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw
Satisfied customers raved about the jigsaw’s power, which many said cut through materials with ease. Negative reviews centered around the jigsaw’s barrel grip, which many customers said was uncomfortable and difficult to hold.
Buying Guide to Jigsaws
Before purchasing a jigsaw, it’s important to understand the factors that influence the tool’s operation so that you can make a selection that’s right for your next project. Some of the most important factors when purchasing a jigsaw include the cutting speed, power source, blade style, and grip. Read our guide below for more information.
Cutting Speed
Owning a jigsaw with variable cutting speeds is important if you want to cut different materials. For example, wood requires a higher cutting speed, while metal requires a lower speed. Speed is measured in strokes per minute, with a higher SPM causing the jigsaw blade to oscillate with greater speed. Most jigsaws don’t specify their exact SPM settings, instead offering general variable speeds labeled low, medium, and high.
Power Source
Like most power tools, jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless options. If you’re looking for a powerful jigsaw to use daily for precise woodworking, a corded jigsaw may be a good option. However, if you want a mobile jigsaw for small projects, a battery-powered jigsaw may be a better choice.
Blade Style
Most jigsaws can use either a T- or U-shank blade. T-shank blades are the most popular choice because of their easy-lock technology that’s compatible with most jigsaw models. U-shank blades are distinguished by their “U” shape at the top of the blade. These blades are less popular because they require a tool during installation.
Grip
Jigsaws typically offer two grips—a barrel grip or D-handle—that help you guide the tool as it cuts material. Barrel grips are distinguished by their handle that’s positioned close to the material it’s cutting and the use of a thumb switch. D-handles take the shape of their name and allow the user to fully wrap their hand around the tool. A D-handle, while easy to grip, decreases your leverage and can lead to inaccurate cuts.
Jigsaw FAQs
Can a jigsaw cut a 2×4?
While jigsaws can cut through a 2×4, their small and flimsy blade will generally produce an uneven and jagged line while attempting to cut through the large lumber. In general, a circular saw is the best tool to use to power through 2x4s with accuracy.
How much does a jigsaw cost?
The price of a jigsaw depends on a number of factors, including its available cutting speeds and power source. For example, cordless jigsaws typically cost more than corded models. On average, a quality jigsaw will cost around $100.
Can a jigsaw cut through metal?
Yes. If you want to cut metal with your jigsaw, use a fine, metal cutting blade. The speed should be decreased when cutting through dense metal to prevent the blade from overheating.
How We Selected the Best Jigsaws
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of jigsaws with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.