Top 12 Best Reciprocating Saws On The Market 2024

Thinking of purchasing a reciprocating saw? It’s a good idea. These saws which are also called Sawzalls are a handy tool to have if you are serious about DIY. They are also interestingly, a popular tool at job sites.

A reciprocating tool helps with tearing down buildings, pruning tree branches and more. Since almost every tool company produces these saws, it can become overwhelming choosing a good one from the numerous options.

In this guide, I’ll help you sift through tons of products by highlighting 12 of the best reciprocating saws on the market today.

I’ll talk about everything there is to know about these reciprocating saws from the motor to stroke-speed, blade action, and even weight. So, follow me as I help you pick out the best saw for your demolition project.

Just before I begin, here’s a video of how to use a reciprocating saw:

Which Are The Best Reciprocating Saws To Buy?

Not everyone has a long attention span, and as such, several readers are looking for a ‘quick read’ without missing out on vital points. In this section, I’ll put together an overview of top reciprocating saws on the market.

If you don’t have a long attention span and need to pick out a tool for your demolition work without proceeding to the review proper section, this is for you. I’ll take a look at the best budget, best cordless, best corded, best for pruning and more.

Follow me, as I help you pick out the best reciprocating saw you can purchase in 2023.

• Best Reciprocating Saw to Cut Tree Branches: BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw
  “Powerful motor, 2-year warranty, 3000 SPM, electric brake, variable speed trigger, pivoting shoe, a stroke length of 7/8-inch, comes with 5″ blade.”
• Best Cordless: DEWALT DCS367B XR Reciprocating Saw
  “Weighs 5 pounds, stroke length of 1-8 to 1-inch, LED light, pivoting shoe, brushless and compact, up to 2900 SPM.”
• Best Corded: DEWALT DWE305 Corded Reciprocating Saw
  “Heavy-duty with 12 amp motor, a stroke length of 1/8 to 1-inch, 4-position blade clamp, keyless lever-action clamp.”
• Best Budget: Skil 9206-02 Reciprocating Saw with Variable Speed (7.5Amp)
  “Lightweight 2.81 pounds, up to 3000 SPM, powerful 7.5 Amp motor, tool-less blade change, heavy-duty metal housing.”
• Best for Metal: Bosch GSA18V-083B Reciprocating Saw
  “Weighs 4.4 pounds, LED light for illuminating surfaces, tool-less blade change, 18V motor, 3050 SPM, 0.83-inch stroke length.”
• Best Versatile: WORX WX550L Variable Speed 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw with Orbital Mode
  “Made of sturdy steel, 2-in-1 tool – jigsaw and reciprocating saw, 20V power, built-in dust blower, good for cutting fiberglass, metal, wood, plastic, etc.”
• Best for Logs: PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw
  “Lightweight (weighs 4 pounds), works well in tight spaces, 3000 SPM, 1-inch stroke length, pivoting shoe, contoured and over-molded handle.”
• Best for Home Use: DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw 20V MAX
  “Trustworthy brand, 3000 SPM, Good for flush cutting, 1/8-1-inch stroke length, rubber-molded handle, variable speed trigger.”

Reciprocating Saw Comparison Chart 2023

Want to see how each reciprocating saw fares against others? I’ve put together this comparison chart of the top 12 reciprocating saws on the market today. You can check out the weight, variable speed and material build of each reciprocating saw.

Top 12 Reciprocating Saw Reviews in 2023

In this section, I’ll review in as much detail as possible in a few words the top 12 reciprocating saws on the market. I’ll discuss the reasons why they stand out from other products on the market.

Continue reading to see the best reciprocating saws you can buy today.

1. DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw 20V MAX

(Best for Home Use)

I’ll be starting the list with the DEWALT DC380B reciprocating saw. DEWALT is a notable name in the world of DIY, so it’s not strange that the DCS380B is on this list.

Feature-wise, this 20V Sawzall has a 4-position blade clamp perfect for flush cutting, enabling it to become more versatile. There’s an adjustable stroke length of between 1/8-inch to 1-inch that delivers faster-cutting speed.

You can make use of its variable speed trigger to control its cut speed, going as fast as 3000 strokes per minute (SPM). The DEWALT DCS380B has a rubber-molded ergonomic grip for maximum comfort while in use.

Key Features:

• 4 position blade clamp
• 1-1/8-inch stroke length
• Pivoting adjustable shoe

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1/8- 1inch
Material build	Plastic
Brand model	DCS380B
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	1 pound
Brand	DEWALT

Here’s a video review of the DEWALT DCS380B:

2. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B Reciprocating Saw

Another 20V reciprocating saw with a trigger that controls the speed. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B saw is capable of going up to 3000 strokes per minute. This reciprocating saw resembles the DEWALT DCS380B in features, even coming as a bare-tool.

This plastic body reciprocating saw is pretty solid. Also, it has a pivoting shoe, a keyless blade clamp and an ergonomic handle for comfortable and efficient use. The BDCR20B saw’s stroke length is 7/8 inches. There’s a switch-lock that keeps it from turning on unintentionally.

Key Features:

• Pivoting shoe
• Variable speed trigger
• 7/8 inch stroke length

Product Specifications:

Material build	Plastic
Clamp	Keyless blade clamp
Brand model	BDCR20B
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	3.9 pounds
Brand	BLACK+DECKER

3. DEWALT DWE305 Corded Reciprocating Saw

(Best Corded)

The DWE305 is a heavy-duty reciprocating saw with a 12-amp motor. There’s a trigger to control the variable speed and it’s able to go up to 2900 strokes per minute. The DWE305 has a stroke length of 1/8 to 1 inch.

Thanks to its keyless lever-action clamp, you can make blade changes fast and without hassle. Noticeably present in the DEWALT DWE305 is the 4-position blade clamp that gives you more versatility while allowing flush cutting.

Key Features:

• Variable speed trigger
• 4-position blade clamp
• Keyless lever-action blade clamp

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1/8 to 1 inch
Material build	ABS
Brand model	DWE305
Variable speed	Up to 2900 SPM
Weight	8 pounds
Brand	DEWALT

4. DEWALT DCS367B XR Reciprocating Saw

(Best Cordless)

Yet another DEWALT reciprocating saw on the list is the DCS367B XR, it’s a brushless, compact and lightweight reciprocating design. There’s a variable speed trigger that sees it go up to 2900 strokes per minute.

The DCS367B has a stroke length of 1/8 to 1-inch, there’s also a pivoting shoe that stabilizes it while you do your cutting. The handle is anti-slip and comfortable. This DCS367B XR reciprocating saw also features an LED light to illuminate surfaces you’re working on.

Key Features:

• Variable speed trigger
• Pivoting shoe
• Bright LED light

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1/8 to 1 inch
Material build	Plastic
Clamp	keyless 4-position clamp
Brand model	DCS367B
Variable speed	Up to 2900
Weight	5 pounds
Brand	DEWALT

5. Skil 9206-02 Reciprocating Saw with Variable Speed (7.5Amp)

(Best Budget)

The Skil 9206-02 reciprocating saw was built to be a fast and efficient cutting tool. It has a powerful 7.5 Amp motor which is enough to assist in whatever cutting job you have to handle.

You can easily change blades thanks to the tool-less blade change support. There’s a pivoting foot that gives it more stability which comes in handy when you need to cut tough materials.

The heavy-duty housing made of metal provides additional ruggedness to the Skil 9206-02, offering more durability.

Key Features:

• Pivoting foot
• Tool-less blade change
• Counter balance

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1-inch
Material build	Metal gear housing
Clamp	Easy clamp
Brand model	9206-02
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	2.81 pounds
Brand	Skil

6. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw

(Best Reciprocating Saw to Cut Tree Branches)

This BLACK+DECKER reciprocating saw is lightweight, versatile, easy to use and sturdy. Its powerful motor can get it up to 3000 strokes per minute, and it has a variable speed trigger to control how fast it goes, while an electric brake enhances its control.

The BDCR20C has a stroke length of 7/8-inch. It offers convenient and easy blade changes as it doesn’t require the use of tools to swap blades. There’s also an adjustable pivoting shoe that helps it maintain its ease of use and control.

This reciprocating saw comes with a battery and charger and has a 2-year warranty.

Key Features:

• Tool-less blade change
• Pivoting shoe
• Variable speed trigger

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	7/8-inch
Material build	Plastic
Clamp	Easy clamp
Brand model	BDCR20C
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	4.5 Pounds
Brand	BLACK+DECKER

7. Makita 11 Amp JR3050T Reciprocating Saw

This 11-amp reciprocating saw from Makita has a powerful motor to accommodate everyday usage. It’s able to deliver up to 2,800 strokes per minute and has 1/8 to 1-inch blade stroke length that delivers clean, efficient cuts.

The JR3050T 11-amp reciprocating saw is powerful enough to handle metal cutting, plastics, wood and any type of demolition and remodeling application you have. Its tool-less blade change system makes swapping or removing blades very easy.

This JR3050T Reciprocating Saw also clears debris while working with its dust blower system. This Makita reciprocating saw has a one year warranty.

Key Features:

• Plastic storage case
• Ball and needle bearings
• Tool-less shoe and blade changes

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1/8 to 1inch
Material build	Plastic
Voltage	240
Brand model	JR3050T
Variable speed	Up to 2800 SPM
Weight	10 Pounds
Brand	Makita

8. WORX WX550L Variable Speed 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw with Orbital Mode

(Best Versatile)

The WORX WX550L is a 2-in-1 tool that switches from jigsaw to reciprocating saw without hassles, using a pushbutton. It’s an ideal tool for cutting lots of materials like plastic, PVC pipe, wood, ceramic, metal, thin steel, fiberglass and more.

Unlike several of the other reciprocating saws above, this WX550L comes with a battery that is compatible with other WORX 20V power or garden tools.

There’s a dust blower built-in on this WORX reciprocating saw that helps you maintain better visibility while you cut by removing debris and dust from your working surface. This WORX reciprocating saw goes about cutting in orbital motion which is more efficient and reduces hand strains.

Key Features:

• Can use any company’s blade
• Dust blower
• Push to turn reciprocating saw to jigsaw and vice-versa

Product Specifications:

Power source	Battery
Material build	Steel
Voltage	20 V
Brand model	WX550L
Warranty	30 days
Weight	4.2 Pounds
Brand	WORX

9. PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw

(Best for Logs)

This PORTER-CABLE PCC670B reciprocating saw is a 20V Max tiger saw with a high-performance drive-train. It’s able to deliver a 1-inch stroke length at up to 3000 strokes per minute.

The PCC670B is compact and measures 14.5” in length, and can work well in tight spaces. It has a variable speed trigger that gives you control while cutting and its pivoting shoe provides the needed contact.

The handle of the PCC670B is contoured and over-molded that provides comfort when in use.

Key Features:

• Compact design
• Tool free blade release
• Variable speed trigger

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	1inch
Material build	Plastic
Voltage	20
Brand model	PCC670B
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	4 Pounds
Brand	PORTER-CABLE

10. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Reciprocating Saw

This Sawzall from Milwaukee is cordless and delivers faster cuts than many corded reciprocating saws. It features a power state brushless motor that helps it achieve the cutting power of corded tools.

Unlike many cordless saws, you won’t experience the problem of heating after using it for a long time. REDLINK PLUS intelligence helps optimize its performance while enabling overload protection.

There’s an onboard LED that keeps your cutting space lit-up. The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 also has a variable speed trigger and can cut through your projects at up to 3,000 strokes per minute.

Key Features:

• On-board LED lights
• REDLINK plus intelligence
• POWERSTATE brushless motor

Product Specifications:

Material build	High-carbon Steel
Voltage	18 volts
Brand model	2720-20
Variable speed	Up to 3000 SPM
Weight	7.35 pounds
Brand	Milwaukee

11. Ryobi P514 Reciprocating Saw

The Ryobi P514 is another cordless reciprocating saw on the list that delivers intense cutting action. Its rubber grip ensures you don’t lose your grip even in poor conditions like rain.

Like many other reciprocating saws on this list, the P514 offers tool-less blade changing. It also has an anti-vibration handle that lets you make the most precise cuts without bothering about vibration from its powerful motor.

This Ryobi reciprocating saw which is made of high-carbon steel uses 18v battery to power up, weighs just 4 pounds and delivers up to 3100 strokes per minute.

Key Features:

• Backward compatible batteries
• Rubber grip ‘on-slip’ handling
• Anti-vibration handle

Product Specifications:

Material build	High-carbon Steel
Voltage	18v
Brand model	P514
Variable speed	Up to 3100 SPM
Weight	4 pounds
Brand	Ryobi

12. Bosch GSA18V-083B Reciprocating Saw

(Best for Metal)

The Bosch GSA18V-083B is an 18V reciprocating saw that’s compact and lightweight, weighing only 4.4 pounds. It’s able to deliver 3050 strokes per minute at 0.83-inch a stroke.

There’s an LED light to help with illuminating your cutting surface/zone. It uses an easy to operate system for tool-less blade changing.

This Bosch reciprocating saw is a bare-tool, so you’d have to purchase the battery separately, but it comes with two reciprocating saw blades.

Key Features:

• Compact and lightweight
• Variable speed trigger
• Tool-less blade change

Product Specifications:

Stroke length	0.83 inch
Voltage	18V
Brand model	GSA18V-083B
Variable speed	Up to 3050 SPM
Weight	4.4 Pounds
Brand	Bosch

Buying Guide

Now that you’ve decided to invest in a reciprocating saw – which unarguably is one of the best demolition tools you’ll need. There are a few things you should know about this power/garden tool.

A reciprocating saw is a saw that ‘reciprocates’, that is, move forward and backward in a straight line. You may be curious, how does this moving motion help in demolition. The thing is that it uses a powerful motor to send the attached blade cutting at up to 3,000 strokes in a minute!

That said, when you need to purchase one of these reciprocating saws, you should first decide on the type you need, either a corded reciprocating saw or a cordless reciprocating saw. You should also consider pricing as well as features.

With this buying guide, you should be able to connect the dots regarding your choice of a reciprocating saw. Let’s begin, as I show you important features to look out for before investing in a reciprocating saw for your demolition or next DIY project.

Here’s a video of how to choose a reciprocating saw:

Corded Vs. Cordless

Reciprocating saws come as either corded tools or cordless tools. While the battery-powered variants weren’t as powerful as the corded reciprocating saws, there have been improvements that see both on the same performance scale. The major difference between both tools now is their power source.

If you’d be considering opting for either a corded or cordless reciprocating saw, here are key things to note about each.

Corded Reciprocating Saws	Cordless Reciprocating Saws
They deliver power consistently, just plug into a power source and it will keep going	You will need to switch batteries or wait till your worn-out battery recharges
They are cheaper than their cordless variants	They are more expensive than corded saws
You are limited in where you can use a corded saw	You can use a cordless saw just about anywhere as long as your battery is charged
You don’t have to worry about batteries, it’s plug and use	Batteries are quite expensive

Motor

Motors in reciprocating saws are either brushless or brush. Corded tools usually have brush motors and cost less. Since brushes wear, you should factor in maintenance with such reciprocating saws.

Brushless motors, on the other hand, are longer lasting and don’t need maintenance. They are more power-efficient. A brushless motor is good although expensive choice in a reciprocating saw.

Speed

You can control the speed of your reciprocating saw with its trigger. Their maximum speed is usually between 2,500 to 3,100 Strokes per minute (SPM). The higher the speed, the faster the reciprocating saw can cut.

Also, consider a variable-speed reciprocating saw as you can choose the right speed for a specific material. For instance, steel requires more cutting speed than wood, so selecting a faster SPM will help it cut steel.

Blade Action

The blade action of a typical reciprocating saw is ‘back and forth’, but there are a few others that use orbital blade action.

Orbital saws will come in handy during aggressive cutting and demolition. But, some tasks like pruning will not need that aggressiveness. If you can turn an orbital saw action off and on will make such a saw great.

Amps

If you’re going to be choosing a corded tool, you’ll notice the rating is in amps. A rating of between 7 and 8 amps should handle most DIY tasks you’ll need a reciprocating saw to do. For professionals, however, a higher rating like 11 or 12 should help them tackle day to day activities.

Shoe

‘Shoe’ in a reciprocating saw acts as its guide. You can adjust it for more angle and depth. You can also maximize blade life by extending the shoe, this way you can use different teeth section, without wearing out a particular area.

FAQs

My Top Pick

I picked 12 of the best reciprocating saws to review, including corded and cordless options. Of all the Sawzalls I have reviewed, my top choice is the Ryobi P514 Reciprocating Saw.

It has a sturdy build and can handle heavy-duty tasks. It’s also able to deliver up to 3100 strokes per minute. The handle is ergonomic and non-slip while also anti-vibration for precise cutting.