10 Best Reciprocating Saws of 2023

Photo: DeWalt

For many DIYers and homeowners, the reciprocating saw or sawzall as it is also often referred to as is always the ultimate demolition tool as it can cut through anything from wood to plastic and metals provided it has the right blade.

While versatility is one of the main reasons why most people are always looking to invest in the best reciprocating saws, these power saws still have a lot more to offer.

Reciprocating saws offer an easy to maneuver design and one-handed operation which can help speed up your projects. And they are also more compact and lightweight which makes them easy to carry around and use in remote locations.

These handy saws come in different types such as corded and cordless models, and they will also differ in several other aspects such as the power, speed, and stroke length.

In this piece, we make it easier to pick the right reciprocating saw for your projects by reviewing 10 top-rated reciprocating saws and also highlighting the important factors to watch out for when picking one.

10 Best Reciprocating Saws ​– Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. DeWalt DWE305 (Best under $100)	Powerful 12-Amp motor 1-1/8-inch stroke length Flush cutting and more versatile Quick and easy blade change
	2. DeWalt DCS387B (Best Cordless under $150)	4-position blade clamp 1-1/8-inch stroke length Pivoting shoe for increased versatility Bright LED light
	3. DeWalt DCS367B (Best for DIYers)	Powerful 20V max 4-position blade system Handy pivoting shoe 1-1/8-inch stroke length
	4. Makita JR3050T (Best Corded-Electric)	Relatively powerful 11-Amp motor Large 2-finger trigger 1-1/8-inch stroke length Built-in dust blower
	5. Porter-Cable PCC670B (Best Compact)	High-performing drivetrain Compact and lightweight High speed, 0-3,000 SPM 1-inch stroke length
	6. DeWalt DC385B (Best High-Speed)	4-position blade clamp High speed, 0-3,000 SPM 1-1/8-inch stroke length Pivoting adjustable shoe
	7. Bosch CRS180B (Best Bosch)	2 speed ranges, 0-2,400/0-2,700 SPM Fast one-handed blade change 1-1/8-inch stroke length
	8. Black & Decker BDCR20B (Best Inexpensive Cordless)	Powerful and high-speed motor Adjustable pivoting shoe Tool-free blade change
	9. Skil 9206-02 (Best for the Money)	1-1/8-inch stroke length Tool-less blade change Pivoting foot for stability Counter-balanced for minimal vibration
	10. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 (Best for Professionals)	Redlink intelligence plus system Extended capacity battery High speed, 0-3,000 SPM Integrated LED light

1. DeWalt DWE305 – Best Reciprocating Saw under $100

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Corded-electric
• Speed: 0-2,900 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

With a powerful 12-amp motor that delivers high cutting speeds, the DeWalt DWE305 can easily cut through almost any material provided you have the right blade.

This top-rated reciprocating saw includes a variable speed trigger that allows you to choose your preferred speed from 0-2,900 strokes per minute, and so you can easily match it to the task at hand.

And with the 4-position blade clamp, you can be confident of always getting flush cutting, and it also makes this a more versatile power saw.

Also, blade installation and changes are made super easy and fast by the keyless, lever-action system and the 1-1/8-inch stroke length will ensure faster and more efficient cutting.

DeWalt does not include a blade on the package, and this reciprocating saw does not also come with a carry case. However, there are many compatible blades in the market, and you can easily order one with it. As for the case, this is a compact and lightweight saw that should still be easy to carry around. 

Pros:

• More powerful motor
• Quick and simple blade changes
• Fast and more efficient cutting
• Highly precise speed control
• Delivers flush cuts consistently

Cons:

• Does not come with a carry case
• Will not come with a blade

2. DeWalt DCS387B – Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw under $150

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-2,900 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

DeWalt DCS387B is a more budget-friendly battery powered reciprocating saw that still offers the convenience and high performance that you get on the pricier models.

This cordless reciprocating saw runs on a powerful motor and with a variable speed trigger that allows you to choose your preferred speed between 0 and 2,900 SPM.

Many users will love that for a battery-powered reciprocating saw it is more compact and lightweight and that it will easily fit between studs to make it easy to cut in confined spaces.

Other features that make this one of the best cordless reciprocating saw include the handy LED light that will illuminate dark workspaces, the 4-position blade clamp that delivers flush cutting and a 1-1/8-inch stroke length for faster cuts.

The charger and battery are not included in the package but for a relatively affordable battery-powered reciprocating saw like this one, this should not be a dealbreaker and both a readily available and relatively cheap.

Pros:

• Relatively compact and lightweight
• Simple tool-free blade change
• Handy LED light included
• Great for cutting in confined spaces

Cons:

• Battery and charger not included
• A little noisier and with more vibrations

3. DeWalt DCS367B – Best Reciprocating Saw for DIYers

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-2,900 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

The DCS367B is another compact and lightweight DeWalt reciprocating saw that will be perfect for DIYers as it is built to handle a variety of applications given that it can easily cut through metal and wood.

It runs on the powerful 20-volt batteries that will deliver more runtimes and with a 1-1/8-inch stroke length for faster cutting. Blade changes are also quick and easy thanks to the keyless 4-position blade clamp system

Operating this reciprocating saw is made easier and more comfortable by the anti-slip grip and its compact size allows it to fit between studs so that you can easily cut in confined spaces.

Given that DeWalt sells this reciprocating saw as a tool only, it will not come with blades, battery, and charger. This means that you will need to spend more cash to get them, but the quality of the saw makes it worth the extra expenditure.

Pros:

• Powerful 20-volt battery
• Comfortable anti-slip grip
• Compact and lightweight
• Bright LED light
• Quick and easy blade change

Cons:

• Blades not included
• Charger and battery are sold separately

4. Makita JR3050T – Best Corded-Electric Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Makita

• Power Source: Corded-electric
• Speed: 0-2,800 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

The Makita JR3050T is a top-notch corded-electric reciprocating saw that runs on a relatively powerful 11-amp motor, and with 0 to 2,800 SPM speed to allow it to cut into various materials.

Cuts are faster and more efficient thanks to the 1-1/8-inch stroke length. And you can use the saw comfortably and with minimal fatigue thanks to a well-balanced design, large 2-finger trigger with lock-on and comfortable soft grip handle.

Other things that also make this one of the best corded reciprocating saws include the built-in dust blower that keeps the cutting line clear, tool-less shoe adjustment and blade change and all ball and needle bearing construction.

The trigger lock seems too easy to activate accidentally but as you get used to the reciprocating saw, you should be able to use it comfortably without ever activating it when you do not want to.

Pros:

• Simple tool-less blade change
• Large 2-finger trigger
• Comfortable soft grip handle
• Built-in dust blower
• Heavy-duty shoe

Cons:

• Trigger lock is easy to activate accidentally
• Cord can be a pain to deal with

5. Porter-Cable PCC670B – Best Compact Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Porter-Cable

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-inch

A compact and lightweight reciprocating saw like the Porter-Cable PCC670B is a perfect choice when you want something that can easily cut in tight spaces and you can easily carry it around.

This battery-powered reciprocating saw uses a high-performing drive train that will deliver a 1-inch stroke length and a variable speed of 0-3,000 SPM to ensure fast and efficient cutting.

The small reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade release that will make blade changes fast and easy and an over-molded handle that provides comfortable operation.

Users will love that it uses the 20-volt max batteries which besides being more powerful will deliver relatively longer runtimes to minimize downtimes. These batteries are also easier to get given their ever-increasing popularity.

The noise and vibrations are probably the only drawbacks with this cordless reciprocating saw, but it still does the job well and fast enough and it is also well-priced.

Pros:

• Comfortable over-molded handle
• Fast and simple blade change
• High-performing drivetrain
• More compact and lightweight
• Relatively more affordable

Cons:

• Quite loud and vibrates a lot

6. DeWalt DC385B – Best High-Speed Reciprocating Saw

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

DeWalt DC385B delivers speeds of up to 3,000 strokes per minute which is one of the highest among our reciprocating saw review.

This speed combines with the 1-1/8-inch stroke length to ensure users always get fast and efficient cutting, and to make things even better, the reciprocating saw is also aggressive enough to cut into almost any material.

With the 4-position blade clamp system, this reciprocating saw delivers more flush cutting and increased versatility. And it also has a keyless blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes.

You can use this reciprocating saw for extended periods with minimal hand fatigue as it includes an anti-slip rubber handle with a sure grip for maximum user comfort.

The design includes a pivoting adjustable shoe with an open-top design that helps to maximize visibility for more accurate cuts.

When compared to other products on our list the DC385B seems a little on the pricier side but for a cordless reciprocating saw, it is still well-priced.

Pros:

• Convenient pivoting adjustable shoe
• Faster cutting speed
• Simple blade change
• Comfortable anti-slip grip

Cons:

• A little on the pricier side
• Battery and charger not included

7. Bosch CRS180B – Best Bosch Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Bosch

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-2,400/0-2,700 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

Bosch is famous for their powerful and well-built power tools, and if you are on the hunt for one of their reciprocating saw, the CRS180B is one of their best options, and this is more so for those that prefer the convenience of battery-operated models.

The top-quality reciprocating saw provides a longer and more labor-saving 1-1/8-inch stroke length for faster cutting. And it has been built for versatility as it has 2-speed ranges (0-2,400 and 0-2,700 SPM) to allow you to match the speed to the task at hand.

With its ergonomically shaped handle and soft grip, this Bosch reciprocating saw has also been built for maximum user comfort and to minimize fatigue when using it for extended periods.

Given its relatively compact design, the saw can easily fit into tight spaces, and this makes it ideal for use in confined spaces. And you will never have to waste precious project time trying to change blades as it has a lock-jaw blade holder that provides the easiest blade changes.

Since this reciprocating saw uses 18-volt batteries, it will have a relatively shorter runtime, but you can easily minimize the downtimes by buying a few extra batteries.

Pros:

• Quick one-hand blade change
• Comfortable and ergonomically shaped handle
• Fits into tight spaces easily
• Long and labor-saving strokes

Cons:

• Shorter runtimes
• Relatively heavier

8. Black & Decker BDCR20B – Best Inexpensive Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 7/8-inch

Any DIYer or homeowner shopping for a budget-friendly cordless reciprocating saw will love the Black & Decker BDCR20B because besides being highly affordable it is also high-performing.

It runs on a powerful and high-speed motor that delivers up to 3,000 strokes per minute to simplify and fasten the cutting process.

Also, this inexpensive reciprocating saw has been built to give users an easy time as it offers tool-free blade changes to minimize downtimes. And there is an adjustable pivoting shoe that enhances the ease of use.

Because this Black & Decker reciprocating saw runs on the 20-volt max batteries, you can also be confident of getting relatively longer runtimes.

The 7/8-inch stroke length is the shortest on our list which means that this reciprocating saw will not cut as fast as our other models. However, for an under $50 model, the stroke length is still good enough.

Pros:

• Powerful and high-speed motor
• Fast, tool-free blade change
• Adjustable pivoting shoe
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Shorter stroke length
• Does not come with battery or charger

9. Skil 9206-02 – Best Reciprocating Saw for the Money

Photo: Skil

• Power Source: Corded-electric
• Speed: 0-2,700 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

Skill 9206-02 is our best reciprocating saw for the money, and this is not only because it is the cheapest model on our list but also thanks to what it offers.

This fantastic Skill saw offers a more stable cut even when using it on tough materials thanks to the pivoting shoe, and it has a heavy-duty metal gear housing that makes it highly rugged and durable.

With this reciprocating saw, you get tool-less blade change to minimize downtimes when you have to replace the blade, and it has a counterbalance to minimize vibrations.

Users will also love that despite its small price tag, it still delivers a speed of up to 2,700 strokes per minute and 1-1/8-inch stroke length for fast cutting.

While the 7.5 Amp motor is not very powerful when compared to what other models on our list offer, for such a highly affordable reciprocating saw, it should still be good enough. Furthermore, it is as good as you can get for that price.

Pros:

• More stable cutting
• Highly rugged and durable
• Counterbalanced for minimal vibrations
• Easy and fast blade change
• Highly affordable

Cons:

• Relatively less powerful motor

10. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 – Best Reciprocating Saw for Professionals

Photo: Milwaukee

• Power Source: Battery-powered
• Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8-inch

As a professional contractor that is always moving from one job site to the other, you will need a powerful and portable reciprocating saw like the cordless Milwaukee 2720-21 M18.

This reciprocating saw runs on a more durable brushless motor and with an 18-volt battery that delivers faster cutting and longer runtimes than most others in its class.

Also, it makes use of the redlink plus intelligence system to prevent common problems like overheating, over-discharging and overloading.

Besides the intelligent operation, this reciprocating saw has other handy features like the built-in LED light and an adjustable shoe that helps to stabilize it when cutting. And storing it on the job site should be easier than it includes a rafter hook.

This Milwaukee saw is the priciest model among our reciprocating saw review, but given that it comes with the battery, charger and tough carry case, it will still give you great value for money.

Pros:

• Powerful and durable brushless motor
• Faster cutting and longer runtimes
• Adjustable shoe for stability
• Handy LED light included
• Comes with battery, charger and carry case

Cons:

• Quite pricey
• Heavier and bulkier

How to Buy the Best Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Skil

You can be confident that there are several reciprocating saw model in our reviews above that will be perfect for your professional, DIY or home improvement projects. But, to pick the right saw for you from these fantastic models, you need to look out for the following things.

1. Corded or Cordless Reciprocating Saw

While reciprocating saws are available in several models and from almost all leading power tool manufactures, you can easily classify most of them into two categories which are corded and cordless saws. And when shopping for one, you will first need to decide which between the two you want.

Corded Reciprocating Saw

Corded reciprocating saws are the types that get their power from being plugged into the mains which means they offer consistent power supply, and you will never have to worry about flat batteries.

Given that they do not need to accommodate a battery, these are often more lightweight reciprocating saw. And when compared to the cordless types, they are also generally more powerful.

However, the power cord can be a trip hazard, and you can accidentally cut it when working. Also, this reciprocating saw can only be used where there is a power outlet which means it will not be ideal for use in remote locations.

Pros:

• Consistent power supply
• Relatively lightweight
• Generally more powerful

Cons:

• Power cable poses a trip hazard
• Can only be used where there is no power outlet

​Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Cordless reciprocating saws are a convenient saw type that runs on batteries which means you can use it from almost anywhere as it does not need a power outlet.

Besides the convenience of portability, it is a safer power tool as there is no cord to worry about which also allows for easier one-handed operation.

However, you should bear in mind that these reciprocating saws will have limited runtimes and more downtimes as you will need to recharge the battery often and are not as powerful as the corded types. Also, the battery makes them relatively heavier.

Pros:

• More portable
• Usable from almost any location
• No annoying power cord to deal with

Cons:

• Less powerful
• Limited runtimes

​Buying Advice: For those looking for a powerful reciprocating saw for use around the house where there are readily available power outlets, go for a corded type. But if you want something more portable that does not have an annoying cord, the cordless reciprocating saw is your best bet.

2. Power

As you shop for a reciprocating saw, you will need to consider how much power it has to offer as this determines what you can use it for.

A good way to determine how powerful a reciprocating saw is will entail looking at the amperage, and most will be typically between 7.5 and 15 Amps.

For home users that are looking for a reciprocating saw for light duties around the home, something with between 7.5 and 10 amp is often good enough. But if you are a professional or are looking for a model for heavy-duty use, go for the 11-amp or more powerful models.

And if you are buying a cordless model, a 12-volt reciprocating saw will be ideal for light trimming tasks such as cutting small tree branches while the 18 and 20-volt models are ideal for heavy-duty tasks and commercial applications.

3. Speed

Speed also matters when it comes to choosing the best sawzall, and it will be typically calculated in strokes per minute which is indicated on the product’s description.

While it is true that the higher the speed the faster the saw can cut through things, the right reciprocating saw for you is one that allows you to choose from different speeds to suits different projects or materials.

The variable speed reciprocating saws offer more versatility, and most will vary between 2,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute. And it is also important to make sure that the saw makes speed control easy with a good trigger or knob.

4. Stroke Length

The stroke length is another factor that will affect how fast the reciprocating saw is able to cut through the material.

Stroke length is how far the reciprocating saw will push the blade upwards and downwards, and for a typical reciprocating saw, it will be anywhere between 7/8 and 1-1/4-inch.

A longer stroke length is always more favorable as it enhances the cutting speed and efficiency as it allows more teeth to cut into the material with every stroke.

5. Blade

While the motor is what gives the reciprocating saw power, it is the blade that will do the actual cutting. And so as you try to pick a good reciprocating saw, you should not overlook the blade.

The first decision you need to make as far as the blade is concerned is the ideal one for the material you intend to cut as they are available in options for cutting different material like metal, wood, and PVC.

To make this decision, you will need to consider the blade’s teeth and design as they determine the material the blade can cut. For the teeth, you need to consider the teeth per inch (they range from 2 to 24 TPI) and a lower TPI is more ideal for wood while a higher one is ideal for metal.

For the blade design, the most important thing to consider is the material used to make it. And here the most common ones are high carbon steel which is great for plastics and softwoods, high-speed steel which works well on hardwoods and metals, and the more durable bi-metal blades that will be great for contractors.

More detailed: The Best Reciprocating Saw Blade

6. Budget

Just like when shopping for other power tools, your budget will have a huge impact on your choice of reciprocating saw as you can only buy what you can afford.

Typically, the reciprocating saws will retail for between $100 and $300, and the price tag will depend on their features, build quality and brand.

While it is true the more you are willing to spend the better reciprocating saw you are likely to get, sometimes even the cheapest models can still work for you if you are a light and occasional user.

Hence, when it comes to the budget, it is all up to your preferences, how often you will use the reciprocating saw and for what.

How to Use a Reciprocating Saw

Photo: DeWalt

Using a reciprocating saw is quite straightforward, and even beginners should not have any difficulties. Here are the steps to follow to use your reciprocating saw correctly, safely and effectively.

Step 1: Pick a Blade

The first step when using a reciprocating saw is always to choose the right blade or something that will be ideal for the material you want to cut. If you are not sure the blade to go for, a wise idea is to stick with a material specific blade.

Step 2: Wear Protective Gear

It is vital to wear proper safety gear before you start using a reciprocating saw as it is a powerful tool with a sharp blade and will hence expose you to a significant danger. You should remember to wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.

Step 3: Insert the Blade

Inserting the blade in the chuck is the next step and before doing it, you need to make sure that the tool is unplugged or the battery is removed for the cordless types. How this is done will depend on your particular saw model, but most modern ones have a tool-free chuck system to simplify things.

Step 4: Plan for the Cut

Once the blade is in place, you should now plan for the cut and know exactly where you need to cut to ensure the blade will not cut anything you do not want to cut. Knowing the cut will even be more important for those who will be plunging into drywall and cannot see what is behind it.

Step 5: Adjust the Speed

As you use the reciprocating saw more and more, you should master which speeds will work best for different materials. But, when starting out, you should do a small cut slowly just to get a feel of how it will react to the torque and speed and then make any necessary speed adjustments.

Step 6: Make Use of the Shoe

To get the best cuts with a reciprocating saw, you also need to utilize the shoe. The shoe comes in handy for different things as you can use it to alter the stroke length to suit different jobs and for stabilizing the tool when cutting as it helps to minimize vibrations.

Conclusion

A reciprocating saw is a highly versatile tool that will be great to have in the workshop as it can cut various materials from wood to metals and PVC.

But, like all other power tools, not just any will do, and so you need to choose the best reciprocating saw from the many models available by considering factors like type, speed, power, and stroke length.

And with our 10 top picks for recommendations, all you need to do as a DIY, homeowners or professional contractor is to pick the model that suits your needs best and is within your budget.