best cordless
DeWalt DCS386B 20V MAX XR Sawzall
9.6
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Reciprocating saws are essential for demolition and cutting through wood, metal, and more. Our top pick is the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Fuel Sawzall, offering unmatched power and control.
| # | Product | Best for | Power (Amp/Volt) | Stroke Length | Weight (lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeWalt DCS386B 20V MAX XR Sawzall | best cordless | 20V Cordless | 1.25 in. | 7.8 | Check Price |
| 2 | Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw | best value cordless | 18V Cordless | 1.25 in. | 7.7 | Check Price |
| 3 | Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall | most powerful corded | 15 Amp Corded | 1.25 in. | 10.5 | Check Price |
| 4 | Bosch CSG15 15-Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw | low vibration | 15 Amp Corded | 1.25 in. | 9.0 | Check Price |
| 5 | Skil 9206-01 12-Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw | budget corded | 12 Amp Corded | 1.125 in. | 6.8 | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The DeWalt DCS386B offers a great balance of power and runtime. Its brushless motor delivers up to 2900 SPM. The keyless blade clamp allows for quick changes. An LED light illuminates dark work areas. It's a reliable cordless option for most cutting tasks.
Contractors and DIYers seeking a high-performance cordless saw.
Those needing orbital action for faster cuts.
Key specs: 20V Cordless - 2900 SPM - 1.25 in. stroke - 7.8 lbs - Brushless motor - LED light
Why we picked it: The Makita XRJ04Z is compact yet powerful, with a brushless motor for extended runtime. It features variable speed for control. The tool-less blade change is convenient. Star Protection computer controls protect against overload. It's an excellent value for cordless performance.
Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight saw without sacrificing power.
Those needing the highest cutting speed or orbital action.
Key specs: 18V Cordless - 3000 SPM - 1.25 in. stroke - 7.7 lbs - Brushless motor - Star Protection
Why we picked it: The Milwaukee 6538-21 is a corded beast with a 15-amp motor for the toughest cuts. Its gear-protected clutch reduces vibration. The Quik-Lok blade clamp is fast and secure. A counterbalance mechanism minimizes vibration. This saw is built for heavy-duty demolition.
Professional contractors doing heavy demolition work.
DIYers who need portability or occasional use.
Key specs: 15 Amp Corded - 3200 SPM - 1.25 in. stroke - 10.5 lbs - Gear-protected clutch - Counterbalance
Why we picked it: The Bosch CSG15 is engineered for low vibration, reducing user fatigue. Its 15-amp motor provides ample power. The SDS blade change system is quick. Constant Response circuitry maintains speed under load. It's a top pick for comfort during extended use.
Professionals who cut for long periods and value comfort.
Budget-conscious users or those needing a lighter tool.
Key specs: 15 Amp Corded - 3000 SPM - 1.25 in. stroke - 9.0 lbs - SDS blade change - Constant Response
Why we picked it: The Skil 9206-01 provides decent power at a low price. Its 12-amp motor handles basic cuts. The tool-free blade change is convenient. An adjustable shoe adds versatility. It's a good entry-level saw for light tasks.
DIYers on a tight budget for occasional light cutting.
Professionals or those needing heavy-duty performance.
Key specs: 12 Amp Corded - 2700 SPM - 1.125 in. stroke - 6.8 lbs - Tool-free blade change - Adjustable shoe
Reciprocating saws are versatile cutting tools used for demolition, pruning, and cutting through wood, metal, plastic, and drywall. They are ideal for rough cuts and remodeling projects.
Corded saws offer unlimited runtime and consistent power, making them suitable for heavy-duty use. Cordless saws provide portability and convenience but have limited battery life and typically less power.
Orbital action moves the blade in an elliptical path, increasing cutting speed in wood and softer materials. It can be adjusted or turned off for cleaner cuts in metal.
Longer stroke lengths (1.25 inches) provide faster cutting and are better for thicker materials. Shorter strokes (1.125 inches) offer more control and are suitable for lighter tasks.
Choose corded for consistent power and heavy-duty use. Choose cordless for portability and convenience, especially if you work in areas without power outlets.
Look for a stroke length of at least 1.25 inches for faster cutting. Variable speed control allows you to match the speed to the material for better results.
Low vibration features reduce fatigue during extended use. A comfortable grip and balanced design improve control and accuracy.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | Higher amp (corded) or voltage (cordless) ratings indicate more cutting power. For corded, 12-15 amps is ideal; for cordless, 18V or 20V is standard. |
| Blade Change System | Tool-free or keyless blade clamps allow quick and easy blade changes without additional tools, saving time and hassle. |
| Orbital Action | Orbital action increases cutting speed in wood and softer materials. It can be adjusted or turned off for cleaner cuts in metal. |
| LED Light | An LED light illuminates the cutting area, improving visibility in dimly lit spaces and enhancing accuracy. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.