The 10 Best Reciprocating Saws
Updated by · How we research
Cordless, one-handed and corded recip saws compared on stroke, vibration and battery platform. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall leads for demolition. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Most cordless reciprocating saws are sold as bare tools, with no battery or charger, so the battery brand you already own matters more than any spec sheet. This list covers full-size saws for tearing out walls, one-handed saws for plumbing and overhead cuts, and corded saws that never wait on a charge. The blade matters nearly as much.
Editor's Notes
November 1, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall now heads this list, which suits it: Milwaukee's first Sawzall, from 1951, is why so many people call any reciprocating saw by that name. Most of the earlier list had aged out. The DeWalt DC380L, Bosch PS60, Makita JR307CT, Black & Decker RS600K, Porter Cable PCC670B, Ryobi P514 and VonHaus Variable no longer turn up as current models, and the older Milwaukee Sawzall gave way to the brushless version. The Skilsaw SPT44A-00, still known as the Buzzkill, and the Skil 9216-01 stay.
The new picks follow the way people buy these saws now: by battery brand. Each of the big four platforms gets a choice, and one-handed saws such as the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall join for plumbers and electricians. We checked stroke, speed and warranty on each maker's spec page, drew on one independent one-handed comparison, and looked for complaints that repeat. That pattern sank the Craftsman CMCS300B and a Black+Decker 20V kit, both with recurring reports of motors that quit. The DeWalt DCS380B was dropped because DeWalt has discontinued it. No recall in the CPSC database covers any saw here.
Earlier notes
November 24, 2020, by Sam Kraft:
Adjusted the listing of the Porter Cable PCC670B to reflect that it’s best suited as a tool for casual home jobs, since it probably isn’t powerful enough to take on intense demolition projects, like gutting a kitchen or bathroom for a full remodel. We also noted that some users are disappointed with the power capabilities of the Ryobi P514.
We found that a new version of the Makita JR3050T is now available, though its performance doesn’t seem to be on par with the previous version. We therefore pulled it from the list entirely. We replaced it with a superior model from the same manufacturer — the Makita JR307CT — which runs smoothly, vibrating very little despite its considerable cutting speed. You can order it with or without the extra blades.
We removed the Greenworks Cordless from the Special Honors section, since the tool no longer appears to be part of the company’s portfolio. We added two new models in its place, both of which are relatively low-cost and ideal for home use.
May 30, 2019, by Sam Kraft:
The lone new addition to this list is the Ryobi P514, a lightweight cordless option that costs a fraction of some of the higher end models. Several users swear by it as their go-to tool for chores like cutting tree limbs and trimming overgrown bushes, but it provides enough power and precision for tackling quick do-it-yourself carpentry projects as well. Reports suggest that you may want to purchase blades separately.
We decided to elevate the Skil 9216 in the list, primarily due to its value and simplicity. It’s a corded model, so it delivers plenty of force, and users appreciate its well-balanced body and easy-to-use blade change lever. It’s also suitable for accessing tight spaces, indicated by reports of successful attic jobs.
The Porter Cable PCC670B is certainly a nice option for general handymen and basic work around the house; it runs smoothly, and it has a lot of helpful features. Several users are disappointed with its battery life, however, so we dropped it a bit in the rankings.
Special Honors
Hart 20V Reciprocating Saw Hart is Walmart's own tool brand, and its 20V cordless line includes a reciprocating saw sold as a bare tool. It's a budget option for anyone already using Hart batteries, sold in Walmart stores and online rather than through the usual tool dealers. harttools.com
Stroke, Speed And The Battery You Already Own
If you own none, price a kit with two batteries, or look at a corded saw.
Two numbers describe how fast a saw cuts. Stroke length is how far the blade travels each pass, and strokes per minute is how often it does it. Full-size saws use a long stroke: the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall moves the blade 1-1/4 inches at up to 3,000 strokes a minute, and the DeWalt DCS367B 1-1/8 inches at up to 2,900. One-handed saws shorten the stroke to about 7/8 inch, as on the Makita XRJ08Z, which trades cutting speed in thick wood for control in tight spots.
Before you compare any of that, check what's in the box. Most cordless saws are sold as a bare tool, without a battery or charger, and a battery from one brand won't fit another. If you already own Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V Max, Makita 18V LXT or Ryobi One+ packs, stay with that brand and the saw costs far less than a kit. If you own none, price a kit with two batteries, or look at a corded saw.
Full-Size, One-Handed Or Corded
A full-size cordless saw is the demolition tool: it cuts studs full of nails, cast iron and roots, but it weighs around 5 to 8 pounds without a battery and gets tiring overhead. A one-handed saw weighs 3 to 4 pounds and is the plumber's and electrician's choice for pipe, conduit and cutouts inside cabinets, where a long saw won't fit. A corded saw, usually a 12- or 13-amp model like the DeWalt DWE305, runs as long as you need, costs less than a cordless saw plus batteries and never sits dead in a closet, but the cord gets in the way on ladders and roofs.
Vibration is the complaint that comes up for every type. Makers fight it in different ways: Makita puts a counterweight inside some models, Milwaukee and DeWalt use pivoting shoes on their one-handed saws, and Skil builds damping into the gear housing of the Skilsaw SPT44A-00. Features worth paying for are a tool-free blade clamp, a variable-speed trigger for starting cuts in metal, and an adjustable shoe that lets you use more of the blade. The Makita XRJ05Z adds a two-speed switch and a brake that stops the blade when you let go. Some saws add an orbital setting, which swings the blade in a small arc for faster rough cuts in wood (Wikipedia).
Blades And Safe Cutting
The blade decides as much as the saw does. Demolition blades are thick, with about 5 or 6 teeth per inch, and they're made to survive hidden nails. Metal blades have about 14 to 18 teeth per inch: the finer the tooth count, the thinner the metal. Pruning blades are long and coarse for green wood. Change a blade as soon as it starts to drift or burn, take the battery out or unplug the saw first, and keep the shoe pressed against the work so the saw doesn't buck.
A reciprocating saw is loud and throws chips, so wear safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves, and clamp small pieces instead of holding them. Before cutting into a wall or floor, shut off power to the area and check for wires, water lines and gas pipes. Older buildings need extra care: homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and the EPA's lead-safe renovation rules apply to paid contractors working in them, while many older materials can hold asbestos, which should be tested before you cut. On saws without a brake, the blade keeps moving for a moment after you let go, so wait before setting the saw down.
How we researched this
We compared 17 current reciprocating saws, read the maker spec pages for the finalists from Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita, looked at the few independent comparisons we could find, analyzed patterns in owner feedback on vibration, weight and early failures, and checked every brand against the CPSC recall database. Prices were checked on November 1, 2026.
Sources (12)
- Milwaukee: M18 Fuel Sawzall 2821-20
- Milwaukee: M18 Fuel Hackzall 2719-20
- DeWalt: DCS367B
- DeWalt: Atomic DCS369B
- DeWalt: DWE305
- Makita: XRJ05Z
- Makita: XRJ08Z
- Pro Tool Reviews: best compact one-handed cordless reciprocating saws
- Wikipedia: Reciprocating saw
- EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
- EPA: Asbestos
- CPSC SaferProducts recall database
Frequently asked questions
Is a Sawzall the same as a reciprocating saw?
Yes. Sawzall is Milwaukee's trademark for its reciprocating saws, first sold in 1951, and the name stuck for the whole tool type. Milwaukee's one-handed model is called the Hackzall.
Should I buy a cordless or corded reciprocating saw?
Buy cordless if you already own batteries from one brand or work where there's no outlet. Buy corded for long demolition days, for occasional use, or when you don't want to buy batteries. A 12- or 13-amp corded saw is the cheapest way to get full power.
What is a one-handed reciprocating saw for?
It's a short, light saw for pipe, conduit, drywall cutouts and branches, especially overhead or inside cabinets. Its shorter stroke cuts thick lumber more slowly than a full-size saw.
What does tool only or bare tool mean?
The box holds the saw alone, with no battery or charger. Most cordless saws are sold that way, so budget for a battery and charger unless you already own the same brand's packs.
Which reciprocating saw is best for demolition?
A full-size saw with a long stroke, ideally 1-1/8 inches or more, paired with thick demolition blades. Cordless models like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall or a 12- or 13-amp corded saw handle studs with nails and pipe.
Can a reciprocating saw cut tree branches?
Yes. With a coarse pruning blade it cuts branches and roots quickly. A one-handed saw is easier to hold up in a tree, and a brake or a dust-sealed saw helps on outdoor jobs.
