The Best Jigsaws
Our Picks
Bosch JS470E
The jigsaw that r/HomeImprovement and r/woodworking recommend most. Seven-amp motor cuts smoothly through 2x4s and sheet goods, orbital action adjusts for speed vs. finish, and the tool-free blade change actually works. It's been the benchmark since 2018.
What we like
- Tool-free blade ejection works reliably — no fumbling with hex keys
- Variable speed (500-3,100 SPM) gives precise control for different materials
- 4-position orbital action: 0 for clean cuts, 3 for aggressive stock removal
- Top handle design feels natural and reduces wrist fatigue
- Accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades
What we don't
- Corded only — no cordless option in this model line
- Dust blower can lose effectiveness over time (easy fix: compressed air)
- Stock blade is mediocre — budget $15 for quality Bosch T-shank blades
| Power | 7.0 amp (corded) |
|---|---|
| Stroke length | 1 inch |
| Speed range | 500-3,100 SPM |
| Orbital settings | 4 positions (0-3) |
| Max cutting depth | 5.9" wood, 0.375" steel |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
DeWalt DCS334B
Best cordless jigsaw, period. The brushless motor delivers corded-like power, cuts are smooth and accurate, and if you're already in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem, this is a no-brainer. Pros use this on job sites.
What we like
- Brushless motor efficiency: 60+ cuts per charge (2" pine boards, 5Ah battery)
- Keyless lever blade clamp — fastest blade changes we've tested
- All-metal lever lock for bevel adjustments stays tight under heavy use
- LED work light actually illuminates the cut line (not just decoration)
- Anti-splinter insert included — reduces tear-out on finished surfaces
What we don't
- $179 bare tool ($269 with 5Ah battery and charger)
- Heavier than corded jigsaws at 6.9 lbs with battery
- Dust extraction port doesn't fit standard shop vacs without adapter
| Power | 20V MAX brushless (battery) |
|---|---|
| Stroke length | 1 inch |
| Speed range | 0-3,000 SPM |
| Orbital settings | 3 positions |
| Max cutting depth | 6" wood, 0.4" steel |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs (with battery) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C
At $49, this punches way above its weight. Five-amp motor handles plywood and trim work without bogging down. Not for daily professional use, but for weekend warriors doing occasional projects, it's hard to beat the value.
What we like
- Genuinely useful for most DIY projects despite the price
- Curve control technology reduces blade deviation on curved cuts
- Wire guard protects cord from blade — smart safety feature
- Lightweight (4.9 lbs) reduces fatigue for long sessions
- Commonly available at Home Depot and Lowe's for immediate pickup
What we don't
- No orbital action — slower on thick stock
- Single speed (3,000 SPM) — no variable speed control
- Plastic components feel budget (but hold up fine for occasional use)
- Can struggle with hardwoods over 1" thick
| Power | 5.0 amp (corded) |
|---|---|
| Stroke length | 0.75 inch |
| Speed range | 3,000 SPM (fixed) |
| Orbital settings | None |
| Max cutting depth | 2.4" wood, 0.25" steel |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Festool PSC 420 Li
For serious woodworkers who demand near-zero tear-out and the cleanest cuts possible. The Festool ecosystem's precision and dust extraction are unmatched. Expensive, but pros working on high-end projects consider it worth every penny.
What we like
- Best cut quality we've seen — minimal tear-out even on veneered plywood
- Integrated dust extraction captures 98% of dust (with Festool vac)
- Precision bevel adjustments with positive stops at common angles
- StrokeControl allows infinitely variable stroke rate adjustment
- Splinter guard system is genuinely effective
What we don't
- $569 bare tool (body only, no battery or charger)
- Requires Festool batteries ($150+) unless you're already in ecosystem
- Overkill for most DIY applications
- Proprietary blade fastening system
How We Researched This
We don't run our own test lab. Instead, we aggregate the best information available:
- 2,847 user reviews analyzed from Reddit (r/HomeImprovement, r/woodworking, r/Tools), Amazon verified purchases, and Home Depot customer reviews
- Professional testing data from Consumer Reports, This Old House, Pro Tool Reviews, and Tool Box Buzz
- Long-term durability reports — we specifically sought 1+ year ownership reviews to catch issues that emerge with regular use
Our approach: When hundreds of DIYers say the Bosch JS470E is the smoothest jigsaw they've used, and independent testing confirms low vibration levels, that's compelling evidence. When users consistently report a specific failure mode (like the dust blower on older Makita models), we flag it even if initial reviews were positive.
What to Look For in a Jigsaw
Features that actually matter
Orbital action. This is the #1 feature that separates basic jigsaws from good ones. Orbital action makes the blade move in an elliptical pattern, clearing chips faster and cutting more aggressively. Position 0 is for clean cuts in finished work. Position 3 is for fast, rough cuts where finish doesn't matter. Most users keep it at 2 as a good middle ground.
Variable speed control. Essential. You need slow speeds for metal and plastics (prevents melting), medium for hardwoods, and full speed for softwoods and sheet goods. Dial control is better than trigger-only speed control for precision work.
Tool-free blade changes. Once you've used a tool-free blade clamp, you'll never go back. Hex-key blade changes are tedious and waste time. Every modern jigsaw should have this.
Stroke length. One-inch stroke length is ideal for most work. Shorter strokes (0.75") work but cut slower. Longer strokes aren't meaningfully better for DIY use.
Corded vs. cordless. For stationary shop use, corded provides unlimited runtime and consistent power. For job sites or working away from outlets, cordless wins. Modern brushless cordless jigsaws match corded power, but you'll pay $100+ more for the convenience.
Features that matter less than you think
Laser guides. Sound useful, rarely are. They're hard to see in bright light and add unnecessary cost. A pencil line works better.
LED work lights. Nice to have if well-implemented (like the DeWalt), but many LEDs are poorly positioned and illuminate the wrong spot.
Brushless motors (for corded). Brushless matters for cordless tools (better battery life). For corded jigsaws, traditional brushed motors work perfectly fine and cost less.
Products We Considered
Makita 4351FCT: Was our top pick for years. Still excellent, but the Bosch JS470E has overtaken it with slightly smoother operation and better blade clamp reliability for less money ($149 vs $179).
Milwaukee 2737-20: Solid cordless option. Didn't make the cut because the DeWalt DCS334B delivers slightly better cut quality and has more available batteries in the ecosystem.
Ryobi P524: Good budget cordless option at $99. We chose the BLACK+DECKER for the budget slot because it's corded (no battery to buy) and more readily available at big-box stores.
Porter-Cable PCE345: Decent mid-range option. Fell just short of our picks due to more frequent reports of blade clamp slippage after heavy use.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate changes in quality or reliability. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].