One of the most popular types of power saws, the jigsaw is a handy tool that’s in almost every DIY home garage. A jigsaw will work on a plethora of materials aside from wood, such as plastic, particleboard, metal, and ceramic tile with the right kind of blade.
However, with the many jigsaws on the market today, choosing the best one for your needs can be a little daunting. Therefore, I’ve taken the liberty of giving you a list of the best cordless jigsaws for you to get, whether you’re the weekend warrior or a serious crafter.
Makita XVJ03 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw Kit
The Makita XVJ03 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw Kit is my top pick because of its versatile and convenient features, such as the three orbital settings and straight cutting. This lets you work on various kinds of projects and materials without having to switch between tools. It weighs 6.4 pounds, including the battery, so it won’t be too heavy to cause fatigue.
Speaking of handling, operating this unit is also a breeze thanks to the two-finger variable speed trigger, allowing you to easily adjust the cordless jigsaw while working on your material. With up to 2,600 SPM of cutting speed (variable), it provides sufficient power for most DIY cutting tasks.
Another plus point that I liked about this lithium-ion powered jigsaw is the tool-less blade change system. This will come in handy if your hands are full and you just want overall convenience when working on your task.
Durability is also present thanks to the heavy-gauged, precision-machined base, which will also maintain the tool’s cutting accuracy for a long time. As with all cordless tools in Makita’s LXT line, this cordless jigsaw has Star Protection Computer Controls to prevent overheating and other battery problems.
Things I Like About This Product: The orbital settings and straight cutting options, as well as the two-finger variable speed control, make jobs easier, especially if you’re multitasking.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Although with variable speed, the top SPM is not that high compared to that of other jigsaws.
DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Jigsaw
If you prefer a unit with a slightly higher RPM, the DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Jigsaw is for you. This convenient tool runs up to 3,200 SPM on its variable speed trigger and dial. What’s more, it provides easy flexibility thanks to the 4-position orbital action for handling different material types.
For those who often work in a dim environment, such as in a garage or job site, don’t worry – this unit has a bright LED light for illumination. This will maintain your work accuracy while preventing and/or reducing accidents and mistakes in the long run.
When it comes to changing blades, you’ll find the keyless feature convenient with its lever-action mechanism. What’s more, this setup has an all-metal construction that also adds to its durability. This makes your T-shank changes less frustrating. Moreover, the jigsaw has a brushless motor, which makes it quieter than most units.
Weighing 4.2 pounds (without the battery), the jigsaw has a compact design that allows you to carry it for hours feeling less exhausted. I like that it has an integrated dust blower, which will be useful to help you see the material that you’re cutting easier, resulting in a more accurate cut.
Things I Like About This Product: It has an LED light and dust blower for easily seeing your material for accuracy and safety.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: There’s a bit of a learning curve for custom angles that aren’t on the positive stops.
Craftsman CMCS600D1 V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit
With up to 2,500 SPM on its variable speed trigger, the Craftsman CMCS600D1 V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit is a powerful unit with a beveling shoe of up to 45 degrees. This is good news for those who want a simple angle-cutting jigsaw. Like my top pick, it also has three orbital settings for convenient setup.
When it comes to blade installation, the CMCS600D1 is compatible with both T and U-type blades. Releasing the blade from the jigsaw requires no tools to use, making it convenient so you’ll be more productive. Because of its lightweight design and comfortable handle grip (which has contouring), it will decrease fatigue on your hands and arms.
To maintain the cut line’s visibility, this cordless jigsaw has a dust blower, which will save you time from having to constantly clean up your work area. The unit also already comes with a blade, a lithium battery and a charger, so you can use it right out of the box.
Bearing a 3/4-inch stroke length, the jigsaw also has a keyless blade clamp for added convenience. This tool weighs 4.35 pounds, so it’s on the lighter side of most cordless jigsaws out there. Among that, the unit is UL and CSA-listed and it is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: The jigsaw is lightweight and has a dust blower.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The SPM is not that high when compared to similar jigsaws.
Festool 575682 PSBC 420 Plus Cordless Jigsaw
If you’re looking for a professional tool, why not try the Festool 575682 PSBC 420 Plus Cordless Jigsaw? This unit has an automatic blade guidance system, which simplifies the work for you and maintains accuracy without wasting material. Moreover, it has stroboscopic lights which are useful in dim work areas.
Additionally, this jigsaw has a feature that helps maintain a straight cut, even for inexperienced users, while the Splinter Guards have zero clearance. Also, it has a variable speed motor that adapts to different cutting styles, making it flexible for various kinds of materials and jobs. What’s more, to maintain convenience in your work area, it has a tool-less multi-base platform and inserts.
Aside from that, it has a brushless motor, which not only reduces noise, but also improves durability and power at the same time. Brushless motors also tend to be nearly maintenance-free.
As with many units today, this jigsaw uses a lithium-ion battery (which is included for your convenience). Lithium-ion batteries typically last longer due to having no memory effect, unlike with traditional batteries. Because this unit already comes with two saw blades, it is usable right out of the box.
Things I Like About This Product: The automatic blade guidance is worth investing in to save time and avoid or lessen mistakes with materials.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: At 5.1 pounds, it is a little on the heavier side.
Makita XVJ01Z 18V LXT Brushless Barrel Grip Jig Saw
The Makita XVJ01Z 18V LXT Brushless Barrel Grip Jig Saw is a choice for you if you prefer an ergonomic tool. This unit has 800 to 3,500 SPM on its 6-speed control dial. And as the name implies, the barrel grip design will help lessen user fatigue due to its form, making it ideal for awkward areas or just to add precision to your work.
Like most jigsaws I mentioned above, this unit also has three orbital settings and a straight cutting mode. What I like is the brushless motor, which not only decreases noise but also improves the tool’s lifespan. What’s more, it has a tool-less blade changing system that will get you back to work faster.
Are you working in a dim area? That’s not a problem with the built-in dual-LED lights, which help minimize cutting mistakes. And speaking of the cutting line, it has a dust blower to clear out the work area for easily spotting the right line to cut.
Like with many jigsaws out there, it has up to 45 degrees of bevel capacity. For durability, it has a steel plate and a heavy-gauge aluminum base. Because the on/off button is positioned ambidextrously, it is comfortable even for left-handed users.
Things I Like About This Product: The barrel grip is ergonomic and it has an ambidextrous on/off switch.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: There are some buttons that are not in the most convenient of spots.
Makita VJ06R1J 12V max CXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw Kit
When it comes to small outdoor jobs, the Makita VJ06R1J 12V max CXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw Kit is a good starter if you need a simple 12-volt tool. With three orbital settings, a straight cutting mode, and a total of five speeds ranging from 800 to 3,000 SPM to choose from, you’ll find it easy to adapt to nearly any kind of project you have in mind.
Because the unit has a soft start feature, it will help prolong the motor’s lifespan. It also has a no-load speed reduction to maintain a constant SPM. What’s more, the jigsaw’s brushless motor makes it practically maintenance-free and quieter than non-brushless models.
As part of Makita’s CXT lithium-ion brushless cordless tools, this unit has anti-overheating features and battery protection, while maintaining a compact design for small spaces. This makes it ideal for making, repairing, or remodeling cabinets at home or on a job site.
Not only does this unit have a two-finger variable speed trigger for easy access, but it also has a lock-on button to prevent accidents. With a 45-degree bevel cut capacity and a tilting base for convenience, it also has a durable aluminum base and two LED lights for work area guidance.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a high SPM for a 12-volt unit plus convenient features for easy access to the controls.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The safety guard metal front may sometimes obstruct the light (it can be removed).
Kobalt KJS 324B-03 24-Volt Max Keyless Cordless Jigsaw
When it comes to convenience, the Kobalt KJS 324B-03 24-Volt Max Keyless Cordless Jigsaw looks very promising due to its keyless system. This tool-less blade change mechanism will help you to get the job done faster and with fewer breaks between. It has a 1-inch stroke length, and a top speed of 3,000 SPM.
Unlike typical cordless jigsaws, this unit has a 4-position orbital action that makes it flexible for a variety of cutting tasks. As a jigsaw with up to 45 degrees of bevel capacity (left and right), it also has shoe adjustments that don’t require tools for added convenience.
Maintaining your line of cut is also easier thanks to the dust blower and the built-in LED light, especially if your garage is dim. Moreover, the jigsaw allows for flush and plunge cuts, making it a versatile cordless unit to consider.
Weighing 5.2 pounds, this tool comes with a blade to get started (uses a T-shank blade). This blade type makes it easy to look for a replacement blade since it is one of the most common types in jigsaws. It also uses a brushless motor that’s low on noise and on maintenance.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a 4-position orbital action and a 45-degree bevel for both left and right. Moreover, it has tool-free adjustments for the shoe and blade change.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Unfortunately, the tool is on the heavier side at 5 pounds.
Ryobi One+ P523 18V Jigsaw
If you’re looking for a decent mix of power and weight, the Ryobi One+ P523 18V Jigsaw is a 4.9-pound unit to consider. It has up to 3,000 SPM of variable speed and four orbital settings for various wood types and materials. The lower settings allow for special cuts, such as curves, or working with delicates like metal.
With its LED lighting, finding your way in a dim area won’t be a problem anymore, especially if you’re in either a garage or job site and you need to spend the night finishing a task. Aside from that, the built-in dust blower will keep the cut line as visible as possible to prevent errors (and wasted material).
In addition to that, there’s a trigger lock system that allows you to precisely control your cuts depending on your needs – the button on the side locks the jigsaw for safety. With this mechanism, locking into your preferred speed won’t be interrupted by accidental budges.
What’s more, dropping the foot is possible thanks to the blade-saving base. This allows the jigsaw to dig deeper without dulling the blade, ultimately lengthening your blade’s lifespan.
Things I Like About This Product: With a high SPM, the jigsaw has a balanced weight, has LED lighting and a dust blower for convenience and accuracy, and has a locking system.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The blower is not that strong when compared with other jigsaw units.
Worx WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw
Do you want a multi-use tool for absolute flexibility? Why not try the Worx WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw? This dual-purpose tool weighs only 4.2 pounds and allows you to cut your materials faster and in two different ways.
Like most jigsaws (and reciprocating saws), it works not just on wood but also for certain ceramics, metal, and other materials like plastic, PVC, aluminum, fiberglass, and tree roots/branches. Due to the orbital cutting, it reduces fatigue while also hastening your production time due to its unique stroke style. If you have other Worx Power Share tools, interchanging the batteries is possible for convenience.
As with most of the jigsaws I reviewed above, this unit also has a dust blower that will keep the line of cut visible (and your area free of debris). Because it accepts any T-shank saw blades (and standard reciprocating saw blades), it will be easy to buy a replacement pair for this jigsaw combo.
The conversion between the jigsaw mode and reciprocating saw mode is easy to do with one push of the big red button. This will save you the trouble of having to bring two tools to the job site.
Things I Like About This Product: It combines the power of a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw in just one tool, making it convenient to use for a variety of projects.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The unit doesn’t come with a guiding LED light.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Cordless Jigsaws Featured Above
If you want to know how I chose the cordless jigsaws mentioned above, here are some criteria that I based my decision on (and so should you):
Variable Speed
The speed of a cordless jigsaw is measured on strokes per minute (SPM). A good speed should be around 800 to 3,000 SPM, which should be sufficient for any job ahead. If your jigsaw has more speed settings on its trigger, this will allow you to work on various materials, such as metal and ceramic tile.
What’s more, having a slower speed at times will help in creating special cuts such as curves and the like. If you want to consider a jigsaw that’s meant for different materials, do find one with at least five or six speeds settings. A plus point would be a unit with a locking feature in case you bump the trigger or dial, you don’t need to worry about accidentally changing the speed setting.
Usability
The usability of a tool allows the owner to enjoy working with it. If you’re looking for a good cordless jigsaw, consider a unit that has easy-to-reach buttons and other conveniences. Many of my picks mentioned above have strategic placements of their buttons and dials so as not to disturb you too much during use.
When aiming your cut, it is important to keep your eyes on the prize and not on the tool itself. Therefore, by having a set of controls that allow you to “blindly” control the unit, you will get the job done faster with minimal room for errors and wasted material.
LED Lights
Nothing makes matters worse when working at night (or in a poorly-lit area) than having to deal with accuracy problems. Even if you can see the line of cut, sometimes, having extra lighting would be helpful for extra clarity, especially if this is the first time you’ll be using a jigsaw.
Many of the units I mentioned above have LED lights – some even have two – to help you see your line of cut better. This avoids making too many mistakes, especially with delicate materials. A power tool that’s meant for night jobs needs an LED light for added guidance so you won’t need a flashlight to hold separately in your other hand.
Dust Blower
Aside from keeping your work area nice and clean (free of allergy-inducing dust), a blower will be helpful as well for keeping your line of cut in clear sight. If you find that you have excessive sawdust on your material after cutting, that’s going to interfere with your cut line, in which case you’ll need a blower for the job.
Fortunately, the cordless jigsaws I mentioned above have built-in blowers so you don’t have to hold two tools at the same time. If the jigsaw allows it, some dust blowers are even compatible with a Shop-Vac for keeping dust to a minimum level in your work area.
Weight
As a cordless tool, handheld and battery-operated jigsaws need to have just the right way to avoid causing fatigue to the user. When choosing a jigsaw, consider a unit that weighs somewhere between 4 and 5 pounds (without the battery).
The whole point of a cordless jigsaw is to have portable power anywhere, so it needs to be easy to carry. However, it is also true that due to the added battery on the unit, cordless jigsaws will still be heavier than most of their corded counterparts. With that said, there are considerable cordless jigsaws on the market that are lighter to carry around.
Blade Compatibility
A jigsaw will use either a T-shank or U-shank type of blade. This depends on what you’ll need to be working on and which of them you frequently use. I included units that take both types of blades, such as the Craftsman CMCS600D1 V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit.
However, if you are new to cordless jigsaws (or jigsaws in general), it’s best to go for a unit that accepts T-shank blades because they are easier to find. Just go to your local hardware store and they’ll offer you various blades of this shape at a cheaper price.
Motor Type
Ideally, brushless motors are better than those with carbon brushes. That’s because they are quieter due to the absence of these brushes, resulting in a less stressful work environment. The brushless mechanism also reduces the strain on the motor, which will eventually lengthen the tool’s lifespan when used properly.
Battery
As cordless jigsaws use batteries, it’s important to get one that has good quality and fewer risks of overcharging and battery problems. For instance, nearly all of my picks above use lithium-ion batteries, which is the standard nowadays thanks to their safer charging mechanism and “no-memory” effect.
The memory effect is present in Ni-Cad batteries in the past, which causes excessive drainage even when you’re not using the tool in question. The lithium-ion change became a solution to almost every power tool (and gadget) in the world, enabling you to store the battery and tool without worrying about unnecessary battery drain.
Summary
Overall, my top pick is the Makita XVJ03 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw Kit due to its convenient orbital settings and cutting options. My second choice is the DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Jigsaw, which has a slightly higher SPM and lighter weight. If you’re on a tight budget, do consider the Craftsman CMCS600D1 V20 Cordless Jig Saw Kit, which accepts both T-shaped and U-shaped blades.
For those into professional jobs, the Festool 575682 PSBC 420 Plus Cordless Jigsaw is a great choice due to its automatic blade guidance, which will save time and effort. If you’re uncomfortable with standard designs, the Makita XVJ01Z 18V LXT Brushless Barrel Grip Jig Saw will lessen your fatigue due to its ergonomic handle.
If you’re looking for an outdoor tool, the Makita VJ06R1J 12V max CXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw Kit is a good choice with easy-access features. On the other hand, for flush and plunge cutting, the Kobalt KJS 324B-03 24-Volt Max Keyless Cordless Jigsaw is a tool worth looking into.
Setting the SPM into place and locking it there is the main feature of the Ryobi One+ P523 18V Jigsaw, which will reduce accidental bumps to keep you task-focused. If you prefer two tools in one, the Worx WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw is a convenient combo to have.