The 10 Best Electric Jigsaws
Updated by · How we research
Ten corded and cordless jigsaws compared on power, blade changes, vibration and warranty, budget to pro. The Bosch JS470E leads for steady, precise cuts. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
A jigsaw's blade decides the cut as much as the motor does: a fine-tooth blade with the orbital action turned off leaves clean plywood edges, while a coarse blade on full orbit cuts fast and rough. This list covers corded and battery saws for home shops, remodelers and crafters who need curves, cutouts and the odd straight rip.
Editor's Notes
November 1, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Bosch JS470E takes the top spot. It pairs a strong motor and a long stroke with a clamp that ejects hot blades, and it's the corded saw that spec roundups and the one side-by-side comparison we found keep coming back to. The Makita JV0600K follows for its smooth, counterweighted motor.
Several older entries had to go. The Bosch JS572EK, Milwaukee 6268-21 and Porter-Cable PCE345 have no current offers, Makita's key-free JV0600K replaces the Makita 4329K, and the SKIL JS314901 replaces the Skil 4495-02. The Proxxon 38530 is a small hobby saw for model work, so it no longer fits here. The DeWalt DW331K, Ryobi P5231 and Black+Decker saws stay, and WEN's entry is now the WEN 33606.
New are a barrel-grip Bosch for countertop work, a mid-price Bosch, and the DeWalt DCS334B for anyone who wants to cut without a cord.
The evidence for jigsaws is thinner than we'd like: one blogger's five-saw comparison, a few roundups built on spec sheets, and maker spec pages, three of which wouldn't load for us.
Earlier notes
June 14, 2019, by Sam Kraft:
We identified that a new version of the Black + Decker Smart Select is now available. Although it has shed a couple features, it appears to deliver the same dependable performance at less than half the price — a win-win in our book. We updated the listing to include the new version of this model.
We noted during our assessment of the Black + Decker Max that multiple users have reported the tool overheating to the point where it begins smoking, which is clearly a safety hazard. We removed this item from the list. We replaced it with the Ryobi P5231, which, by contrast, operates smoothly and efficiently with a reliable battery that appears to hold up over time. It’s pretty affordable, and users who picked it up for home use seem to be highly satisfied with the results.
The Porter-Cable PCE345 was moved to a higher slot in the list. Its versatility (with four orbital settings and an easy-to-access dial with seven speeds) is readily apparent, and users rave about the value they’re getting. It’s quite useful for cutting smooth loops and arcs, particularly when the speed is set on low.
Special Honors
Festool Trion And Carvex Jigsaws Festool's Trion and Carvex jigsaws are premium saws built around blade guides that keep cuts square in thick stock, plus dust extraction designed for a shop vacuum. They cost several times more than most corded saws and are sold mainly through Festool's dealer network, which is why they sit here rather than in the main list. festoolusa.com
Power, Stroke And Orbital Action
Use the high settings for fast, rough cuts in softwood, and switch orbit off for plywood, laminate, plastic and metal, where it would splinter the edge or grab.
Amps tell you how hard a corded saw can push. Five or six amps handle plywood, pine and trim. For thick oak or two-by lumber, a 6.5- to 7-amp motor holds its speed better. The DeWalt DW331K and the Makita JV0600K both run 6.5 amps and top out at 3,100 strokes a minute.
Stroke length is how far the blade travels up and down. A longer stroke, such as an inch, clears sawdust faster and cuts thick stock quicker than a 7/8-inch or 3/4-inch stroke.
Orbital action tips the blade forward on the upstroke so it bites harder. Most saws offer three or four settings plus off. Use the high settings for fast, rough cuts in softwood, and switch orbit off for plywood, laminate, plastic and metal, where it would splinter the edge or grab. Tool Engineers' jigsaw guide lays out these specs side by side for many models.
Blades, Shanks And Clean Cuts
Nearly every current saw, including every pick here, takes T-shank blades, the kind with a tab at the top that locks into a tool-free clamp. Older U-shank blades need a screw clamp, and some saws, such as the Bosch JS260, won't take them at all. Most saws ship with one to three blades, so budget for a mixed pack.
Teeth per inch decide the finish. A coarse blade, about 6 to 10 teeth per inch, cuts fast and leaves a rough edge. A fine blade, around 18 to 24, is slower and cleaner, and it's the choice for metal. Narrow blades turn tighter curves; wide ones track straighter.
Jigsaw blades cut on the upstroke, so the top face splinters. Cut with the good side down, put painter's tape over the line, or use the clear shoe cover and splinter guard that kits such as Bosch's include. On thick stock, slow down and let the blade clear chips, or it will lean and leave a beveled edge. Blade makers such as Bosch publish charts that match blades to materials.
Corded Or Cordless, And Cutting Safely
Corded saws cost less and never run out of charge. Cordless saws, like the DeWalt DCS334B, make sense if you already own the maker's batteries, since bare tools are sold without them. Brushless cordless motors now handle most home work, but long cuts in hardwood drain small packs fast.
Top-handle saws are the common type and let you steer with one hand. Barrel-grip saws put your hand lower on the body, which many cabinet and countertop installers prefer for control on curves.
Clamp the work so both hands stay on the saw, keep fingers out from under the foot, and unplug the saw or pull the battery before changing blades. Blades get hot, so let them cool or use an ejection lever. Wear eye and hearing protection, and a dust mask for MDF. OSHA's Hand and Power Tools booklet covers the basics. We found no jigsaw recalls for any brand on this list in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's SaferProducts.gov database.
How we researched this
We compared 20 jigsaws and studied 10 finalists in depth. We read DeWalt's, Makita's and Black+Decker's spec pages (Bosch, SKIL and WEN specs come from the sellers' pages because the makers' pages wouldn't load), Mama Needs a Project's five-saw comparison, a specs-based roundup by Tool Engineers and Pro Tool Reviews' published picks, and checked every brand for jigsaw recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Frequently asked questions
Is a corded or cordless jigsaw better?
Corded saws cost less and suit long cuts in thick wood. Cordless saws are handier on a job site or in a yard, and they're the better buy if you already own batteries from the same maker.
What blade should I use for plywood?
Use a fine-tooth T-shank blade, around 18 or more teeth per inch, with orbital action off. Cut with the good face down or tape the line to limit splintering.
Why does my jigsaw cut lean on thick boards?
The blade flexes when it's pushed too hard or when it's dull. Slow down, switch orbit lower, use a thicker straight-cut blade, and check that the foot is set square.
Can a jigsaw cut metal?
Yes, with a metal-cutting blade of about 21 to 24 teeth per inch, orbital action off and a slow speed. Clamp the sheet and use cutting oil on thicker steel.
Top handle or barrel grip?
Most people prefer a top handle, which is easy to steer with one hand. A barrel grip keeps your hand low for close control on curves, which suits countertop and cabinet work.
