7 Best Jigsaws of 2026
Jake Morrison, a licensed general contractor, reviews the 7 best jigsaws of 2026 — from cordless brushless models for jobsite plunge cuts to corded barrel-grip saws for precision countertop work.
Updated
As a licensed general contractor, I have leaned on a jigsaw for the cuts no other saw can make. A circular saw rips a straight line and a miter saw chops a clean crosscut, but neither can sweep a curve, notch a stair stringer, or plunge straight into the middle of a panel for an electrical rough-in. When a countertop needs a sink cutout, when curved trim has to fit a radius wall, or when I need to drop a register opening into finished plywood, the jigsaw is the tool that comes out of the bag. It is the most underrated saw in the kit and the one that separates a clean finish from a hack job.
I tested and evaluated more than 20 jigsaws to narrow this list down to the 7 best options available in 2026. Whether you need a cordless brushless saw for jobsite plunge cuts, a barrel-grip for dead-accurate countertop work, or a simple corded model for your first weekend project, there is a saw here matched to your work and your budget. I judged every one on the cuts that actually matter — curves, plunges, and bevels — not just how fast it rips a straight line.
| Product | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCS334B 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless JigsawBest Overall | $132.00 | View on Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Corded JigsawBudget Pick | $49.99 | View on Amazon |
| SKIL JS314901 6-Amp Corded Jigsaw with Halo Ring LEDRunner-Up | $54.00 | View on Amazon |
| Bosch JS470E 7-Amp Top-Handle Corded Jigsaw | $159.00 | View on Amazon |
| Bosch JS572EBK 7.2-Amp Barrel-Grip Corded JigsawPremium Pick | $319.00 | View on Amazon |
| DEWALT DCS331B 20V MAX Cordless JigsawRunner-Up | $120.18 | View on Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless JigsawPremium Pick | $168.90 | View on Amazon |
Quick Picks
Best Overall: The DEWALT DCS334B pairs a brushless 20V motor with the fastest tool-free blade change in the business, making it the cordless jigsaw I reach for on nearly every job.
Budget Pick: The BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C delivers four orbital settings and dual-shank flexibility at a price that makes owning a jigsaw a no-brainer for first-time DIYers.
Runner-Up: The DEWALT DCS331B gives you proven cordless curve cutting for less, the smart entry into the DEWALT 20V ecosystem if brushless is more than you need.
Upgrade Pick: The Bosch JS572EBK barrel-grip with its dual-roller blade guide is the precision instrument for anyone who lives in countertop cutouts and freehand curves.
How We Chose These Jigsaws
I evaluated jigsaws on the work that actually defines the tool: clean curves, accurate plunge cuts, square bevels, and blade control under load. Raw cutting speed matters, but a saw that deflects on a curve or shifts on a plunge cut is useless for finish work, so I weighted control and blade-change ease just as heavily as motor power. Every saw here was vetted against thousands of verified buyer reviews and cross-referenced with my own experience running these tools on framing, trim, and cabinet jobs.
I deliberately spread the picks across price points and use cases. A finish carpenter cutting sink openings in stone-look laminate all week needs a different saw than a homeowner cutting one curved tabletop, and both deserve a real recommendation. From a sub-fifty-dollar corded starter to a premium barrel-grip, the goal was the right saw for each kind of cut — not a single saw pretending to do everything.
DEWALT DCS334B 20V MAX XR Brushless — Best Overall
The DCS334B is the jigsaw that lives in my truck and comes out on nearly every job. The brushless 20V MAX motor is the heart of it — it holds 3,200 strokes per minute through oak and maple without the bog-down you feel from cheaper saws, and because there are no brushes generating friction, it runs cooler and stretches battery runtime noticeably longer than the brushed DEWALT it replaced. For a tool that spends its day plunge-cutting register openings and sweeping curves in cabinet panels, that consistency is what keeps the cuts clean.
What sells most pros on this saw is the all-metal keyless lever blade change. Flip the lever, the old T-shank blade ejects, snap the new one in, and you are cutting again — no allen key, no fumbling, and it works with gloves on in cold weather. When you are switching between an aggressive wood blade for a rough notch and a fine down-cut blade for a finished edge, that speed adds up across a day. The built-in LED and dust blower keep the cut line visible, which genuinely matters when you are plunge-cutting blind into a panel for electrical rough-in and need to track a pencil line you can barely see.
The four orbital settings and tool-free bevel give it the full range. I run orbital high and aggressive when I am rough-notching a stair stringer where the edge is hidden, then drop it to zero for the clean finish cut on a countertop edge. The bevel locks square at the detents and tilts smoothly to 45 degrees for scribing trim to an out-of-plumb wall. It is a genuinely versatile saw that does not force a compromise.
The honest limitations are few. It is a bare tool, so it only makes sense if you already own DEWALT 20V batteries — though if you run a cordless drill on the same platform, you are already set. And at 4.2 pounds with a battery, it is heavier overhead than a featherweight corded saw. But for the combination of brushless power, the best blade change in the category, and true cordless freedom, the DCS334B earns its spot as the default recommendation for most buyers.
DEWALT DCS334B 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Jigsaw
by DEWALT
The DEWALT DCS334B is the cordless jigsaw I reach for on nearly every jobsite — brushless power, a flawless tool-free blade change, and the freedom to plunge-cut anywhere without dragging a cord.
Pros
- Brushless 20V MAX motor runs cooler and longer than brushed competitors, holding 3,200 SPM through hardwood without bogging
- All-metal keyless lever blade change swaps T-shank blades in seconds, even with gloves on, with zero tools required
- Bright LED work light plus a built-in dust blower keeps the cut line visible on plunge cuts and electrical rough-in
- Four orbital settings and a tool-free 0-45 degree bevel cover everything from clean trim cuts to fast aggressive rips
Cons
- Sold as a bare tool, so you need to already own DEWALT 20V batteries and a charger to run it
- At 4.2 pounds with a battery it is heavier overhead than a corded saw for extended ceiling or vertical work
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select — Budget Pick
The BDEJS600C is the saw I hand to anyone buying their first jigsaw, and it is the reason there is no excuse for a homeowner not to own one. For the price of a couple of good blades on a premium saw, you get a corded 5-amp motor, four orbital settings, and a dual-shank chuck — the core capabilities that let you cut curves, plunge into a panel, and bevel an edge. For a weekend DIYer building a curved-edge tabletop or cutting a speaker hole in a cabinet, that is everything you actually need.
The CurveControl orbital system is genuinely useful for beginners. The four settings let you start gentle on the first cut, see how the saw tracks, and dial up aggression as your confidence grows. The dual-shank chuck is a quiet but real advantage at this price: it accepts both modern T-shank and older U-shank blades, so you are never stuck at the store unable to find a blade that fits. A starter blade comes in the box, so you can cut the same day it arrives.
Being corded is a feature, not a flaw, at this level. There is no battery to buy, charge, or watch die mid-cut, which keeps the entry cost low and the saw always ready. At 4.6 pounds it is light enough for any beginner to control comfortably, and the simple top-handle layout is exactly what someone learning on a jigsaw should start with before considering anything fancier.
The compromises are the ones you would expect at this price. There is no LED work light, so you rely on good shop or room lighting to follow a tight line, and the shorter 3/4-inch stroke means it cuts a little slower through thick stock than the 1-inch-stroke pro saws here. But for first-time buyers, a backup saw, or anyone whose jigsaw work is occasional, the BDEJS600C delivers real capability at a price that makes it an easy yes. Pair it with a basic blade assortment and it will handle years of weekend projects.
BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C Smart Select Corded Jigsaw
by BLACK+DECKER
The BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C is the saw I hand to first-time DIYers — corded simplicity, four orbital settings, and dual-shank flexibility at a price that removes every excuse not to own a jigsaw.
Pros
- Corded 5-amp motor never needs charging, making it the most affordable way to get into curved and plunge cutting
- CurveControl technology offers four orbital settings so beginners can dial in aggression to match the material
- Accepts both U-shank and T-shank blades, so you can run inexpensive legacy blades or modern T-shank profiles
- Includes a starter blade in the box and weighs just 4.6 pounds, keeping it manageable for first-time users
Cons
- No LED work light means you rely on shop lighting to follow tight cut lines
- Shorter 3/4-inch stroke cuts slower through thick stock than the 1-inch-stroke pro saws on this list
SKIL JS314901 6-Amp with Halo Ring LED — Best Corded Value
The SKIL JS314901 solves the single most annoying problem with budget jigsaws: you cannot see the cut line. Its Halo ring LED encircles the entire blade and is roughly ten times brighter than the single bulb most saws use, casting even, shadow-free light right where the blade meets the wood. The first time you follow a tight curve under that ring of light, you understand why I rate this saw so highly for the money — accuracy on curves is almost entirely about seeing the line, and the SKIL lights it up better than saws costing three times as much.
Under the lighting, the fundamentals are strong. The 6-amp corded motor reaches 3,200 strokes per minute, matching the speed of the premium saws on this list, and it powers through pine, poplar, and three-quarter plywood without complaint. The tool-free 0-45 degree bevel and four orbital settings give it the same range as the pro saws, so you can run aggressive for rough rips and dial to zero for clean trim cuts. Like the BLACK+DECKER, it accepts both U-shank and T-shank blades, so blade availability is never an issue.
For a homeowner stepping up from a true entry-level saw, or a DIYer who wants pro-level visibility without a pro-level price, this is the sweet spot. It tracks a line well, the bevel locks square at the detents, and the 4.9-pound weight is steady without being tiring. I have watched first-timers cut noticeably cleaner curves with this saw simply because they could finally see where the blade was headed.
The two honest knocks are minor. No blades come in the box, so add a starter pack to your first order, and the 6-amp motor lacks the last bit of through-cut grunt the 7-amp Bosch delivers in dense hardwood. Neither matters for the work most buyers do. As a corded value pick, the SKIL is hard to beat — pair it with a table saw for straight rips and you have a curve-and-line cutting combo that covers almost any shop project.
SKIL JS314901 6-Amp Corded Jigsaw with Halo Ring LED
by SKIL
The SKIL JS314901 is the best corded value on this list — its Halo ring LED actually lets you see the cut line, and the dual-shank chuck means you are never hunting for a special blade.
Pros
- Halo ring LED encircles the blade and is roughly ten times brighter than a single bulb, lighting the cut line evenly
- Strong 6-amp corded motor reaches 3,200 SPM, matching the speed of saws costing far more
- Tool-free 0-45 degree bevel and four orbital settings make it surprisingly capable for the price
- Accepts both U-shank and T-shank blades, giving you the widest selection of replacement blades available
Cons
- No blades are included in the box, so budget for a starter pack on your first order
- Corded 6-amp motor lacks the through-cut grunt of the 7-amp Bosch in dense hardwood
Bosch JS470E 7-Amp Top-Handle — Best Lightweight Corded
The Bosch JS470E is the saw the cut-all-day pros keep coming back to, and it earns that loyalty two ways: power and weight. The 7-amp motor is the strongest corded unit on this list, and Bosch’s Constant Response circuitry holds blade speed steady when you lean into oak or thick laminate — most saws drop RPM under load and start chattering, but the Bosch just keeps pulling. At the same time, it is the lightest saw here at a remarkable 3.0 pounds, which is what makes it the one to grab for overhead and vertical work where every ounce in your hand turns into fatigue by the end of the day.
That power-to-weight combination is exactly what finish carpenters want. The variable speed dial runs from 500 to 3,100 strokes per minute, so you can crawl through laminate and sheet metal without burning the edge, then open it up for fast cuts in framing lumber. Four orbital settings cover the aggression range, and the lock-on button is a small but appreciated touch on long straight cuts — your trigger finger stops aching halfway through a sheet of plywood. It ships in a carrying case, which keeps it protected in a crowded truck box.
Build quality is vintage Bosch: tight tolerances, a base that stays square, and a blade guide that keeps deflection in check. This is a saw you buy once and use for fifteen years. There is no battery to manage, no runtime anxiety, and the constant corded power means it never fades on the hundredth cut the way a tired battery does.
The omissions keep it from a top pick for some buyers. It is T-shank only, so legacy U-shank blades will not fit, and there is no LED work light — a real miss in 2026 at this price, especially next to the SKIL’s brilliant Halo ring. But if your priority is a light, powerful, no-nonsense corded saw that holds speed under load and lasts for years, the JS470E is the connoisseur’s choice and a favorite among working carpenters.
Bosch JS470E 7-Amp Top-Handle Corded Jigsaw
by Bosch
The Bosch JS470E is the lightweight corded workhorse for pros who cut all day — featherlight in the hand, dead-steady under load, and built to the bombproof Bosch standard that has earned it a cult following.
Pros
- Powerful 7-amp motor with Constant Response circuitry holds blade speed steady even when you push hard into oak
- Lightest saw on this list at 3.0 pounds, reducing fatigue on long overhead and vertical cuts
- Variable speed dial from 500 to 3,100 SPM lets you slow down for laminate and metal without burning
- Includes a carrying case and a lock-on button for extended straight cuts that would otherwise tire your trigger finger
Cons
- Accepts T-shank blades only, so legacy U-shank blades will not fit
- No LED work light, which is a real omission at this price in 2026
Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip — Upgrade Pick
The Bosch JS572EBK is the saw I reach for when the cut absolutely has to be clean and the line is freehand — a sink cutout in a laminate countertop, a curved apron on a piece of furniture, a radius scribe on finished trim. The barrel-grip design is the whole point: instead of a handle above the saw, you wrap your hand around the body directly over the blade. That low hand position gives you control and feedback you simply cannot get from a top-handle saw, letting you steer a tight curve with your fingertips and feel exactly how the blade is tracking through the material. Bob Vila’s hands-on testing named it their best overall jigsaw, and after running one on countertop work, I understand the call.
The feature that makes the cuts square is the Precision Control II dual-roller blade guide. Standard jigsaws let the blade flex and lean on curves, which produces a beveled, splintered edge that needs cleanup — the dual rollers grip the blade close to the work and nearly eliminate that deflection. On a laminate countertop where the cut edge is visible and a wandering blade ruins an expensive piece, that guide is the difference between a finished job and a callback. The 7.2-amp motor with variable speed from 800 to 3,000 SPM has the grunt to push through thick stone-look laminate and hardwood without bogging.
It comes ready to work: three blades, an integrated LED to light the cut line, and a rugged case. The three orbital settings are plenty for a saw built around precision, where you rarely want the blade running wide-open and aggressive anyway. Everything about it is engineered for the carpenter who values a square, clean edge over raw speed.
The two honest caveats keep it out of most first-time hands. Barrel-grip ergonomics take real practice — the speed control is not where a top-handle user expects it, and the body-wrap grip feels alien at first — so this is not the saw to learn on. And it is T-shank only at a premium price that puts it well beyond casual budgets. But for finish carpenters, countertop installers, and serious woodworkers who cut curves for a living, the JS572EBK is the precision instrument worth every dollar.
Bosch JS572EBK 7.2-Amp Barrel-Grip Corded Jigsaw
by Bosch
The Bosch JS572EBK is the precision instrument of jigsaws — a barrel-grip with a dual-roller guide that lets me track a freehand line on a countertop sink cutout cleaner than any top-handle saw can.
Pros
- Barrel-grip design puts your hand directly over the blade for unmatched control on freehand curves and countertop cutouts
- Precision Control II dual-roller blade guide nearly eliminates blade deflection for square, splinter-free edges
- Strong 7.2-amp motor with variable speed from 800 to 3,000 SPM handles thick hardwood and laminate countertops with ease
- Ships with three blades, an integrated LED, and a rugged carrying case ready for the jobsite
Cons
- Barrel-grip ergonomics take practice and are less intuitive for occasional users than a top-handle saw
- T-shank blades only, and the premium price puts it well beyond casual DIY budgets
DEWALT DCS331B 20V MAX Cordless — Runner-Up
The DCS331B is the smart-money cordless pick, and it exists for a specific buyer: someone already in the DEWALT 20V ecosystem who wants cord-free curve cutting without paying the brushless premium of the DCS334B. The proven brushed 20V MAX motor delivers a reliable 3,000 strokes per minute, which is more than enough to cut curves in plywood, plunge into panels, and bevel trim. It is the saw that gets the job done for less, and for a lot of weekend warriors and remodelers, that tradeoff is exactly right.
It keeps the features that matter. The all-metal keyless blade clamp swaps T-shank blades fast with no tools, four orbital settings let you match aggression to the material, and the 0-45 degree bevel handles scribed and angled cuts. DEWALT even includes two blades in the box, which is a nice touch on a bare tool — you can cut the day your battery shows up. If you already run DEWALT batteries from a drill or impact driver, adding this saw to the kit is close to a no-brainer.
In real-world use it cuts confidently and tracks well. It is not as refined as the brushless flagship, but the difference shows up mainly in runtime and heat over a long session, not in the quality of any individual cut. For the homeowner cutting curved shelving or the remodeler dropping in a few register openings, the DCS331B feels every bit as capable as its pricier sibling.
The compromises are the flip side of the lower price. It is heavier at 5.6 pounds, which you notice on overhead work, and the brushed motor runs warmer with less runtime than brushless — plus there is no LED work light to light the cut line. None of that is a dealbreaker for occasional use. As an affordable entry into cordless jigsaw work on a battery platform millions of people already own, the DCS331B earns its runner-up spot.
DEWALT DCS331B 20V MAX Cordless Jigsaw
by DEWALT
The DEWALT DCS331B is the smart budget cordless pick — if you are already in the DEWALT 20V system, it gives you cord-free curve cutting for less without giving up the proven motor and tool-free blade change.
Pros
- Proven brushed 20V MAX motor delivers reliable 3,000 SPM cordless cutting at a friendlier price than the brushless DCS334B
- All-metal keyless blade clamp swaps T-shank blades fast without any tools
- Four orbital settings and a 0-45 degree bevel cover the full range from clean curves to aggressive rips
- Includes two blades in the box and serves as an affordable entry into the huge DEWALT 20V battery ecosystem
Cons
- Heavier than the brushless DCS334B at 5.6 pounds, which adds up on overhead cuts
- Brushed motor and missing LED work light put it a step behind the flagship DCS334B
Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL — Best for Jobsite Speed
The Milwaukee 2737-20 is the saw for crews who measure a day in cuts and want the fastest tool in the box. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor hits 3,500 strokes per minute — the highest top speed on this entire list — and you feel it the moment you drop the blade into plywood or dimensional lumber. For production work where you are cutting the same notch or opening dozens of times, that extra speed translates directly into shorter days, and it is the reason this saw lives on so many professional M18 trucks.
Beyond raw speed, Milwaukee’s electronics make it a smart tool. REDLINK overload protection guards the motor when you push hard into dense material, and Auto-Start gives you instant trigger response without the lag some cordless saws have. The bright LED and dust blower keep the cut line clear, which matters as much for the plunge cuts of electrical and HVAC rough-in as it does for finish work. Four orbital settings and a tool-free bevel round it out into a saw that is as versatile as it is fast.
In the hand it is well-balanced at 4.9 pounds and tracks a line confidently even at full speed. The build is jobsite-tough in the way Milwaukee M18 tools tend to be — it shrugs off the drops and dust that kill lesser saws. For a contractor whose crew already runs M18 drills, drivers, and saws, standardizing the jigsaw onto the same battery platform is the obvious move, and this is the saw to do it with.
The catch is the same as every premium cordless tool: it is a bare tool, so the value depends on already owning Milwaukee M18 batteries. For a buyer not already on the platform, the battery and charger cost pushes the total above the DEWALT cordless options. But for M18 crews who want the fastest cutting jigsaw they can buy, the 2737-20 is the speed king and an easy recommendation.
Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Jigsaw
by Milwaukee
The Milwaukee 2737-20 is the speed king — for crews already on the M18 platform, its 3,500 SPM brushless motor chews through plywood and dimensional lumber faster than anything else here.
Pros
- POWERSTATE brushless motor hits 3,500 SPM, the fastest cutting speed on this list for blazing jobsite production
- REDLINK electronics and Auto-Start protect the saw from overload while delivering instant trigger response
- Bright LED work light and a dust blower keep the cut line clear on plunge cuts and electrical rough-in
- Four orbital settings and a tool-free bevel make it as versatile as it is fast for the M18 platform
Cons
- Bare tool only, so it makes financial sense mainly if you already run Milwaukee M18 batteries
- Premium pricing puts it above the DEWALT cordless saws for buyers not already in the M18 ecosystem
How to Choose the Right Jigsaw
Picking the right jigsaw starts with an honest look at the cuts you actually make, not the ones you imagine making someday. Here is the framework I use when sizing up a saw for a client or a crew member.
Start with corded or cordless. If the saw lives on a bench near an outlet, a corded model gives you more power per dollar and never dies mid-cut. If you work on jobsites, plunge-cut in awkward spots, or hate dragging a cord, go cordless — and buy the saw that matches a battery platform you already own.
Match the motor to your hardest material. A 5-amp corded saw or basic cordless model handles soft trim and plywood. For dense hardwood, laminate, and all-day use, step up to a 7-amp corded saw or a brushless cordless motor that holds speed under load.
Insist on orbital action. Four orbital settings let one saw do rough fast rips and clean finish cuts. This single feature does more for cut quality than anything else, so I treat it as a baseline requirement.
Pick the handle for your work. Top-handle saws are intuitive and right for most buyers and general cutting. Reach for a barrel grip only if your work is dominated by freehand curves and precision, and you are willing to climb the learning curve.
Decide if brushless is worth it. If you cut often or want maximum cordless runtime, brushless pays for itself in heat, longevity, and battery life. If you cut occasionally, a quality brushed saw saves money with little downside.
Stock the right blades. The blade matters more than the saw for cut quality. Keep a small assortment — aggressive wood blades around 6 TPI for fast cuts, fine blades at 10-plus TPI for clean edges, down-cut blades for splinter-free tops, and metal blades when needed.
Buyer's Guide
I have run jigsaws on jobsites and in finish-carpentry work for more than 15 years — cutting sink openings in countertops, notching stair stringers, plunge-cutting for electrical rough-in, and fitting curved trim. Here are the six factors I weigh before recommending a jigsaw to a client or a crew member.
Corded vs Cordless
Corded jigsaws deliver constant power with no battery to charge or die, weigh less, and usually cost less up front — ideal for benchtop and shop work where an outlet is always nearby. Cordless saws give you freedom to plunge-cut in awkward spots, work where a cord cannot reach, and eliminate trip hazards on a busy jobsite. Modern brushless cordless saws cut just as hard as corded models, so the real question is your battery platform. If you already own DEWALT or Milwaukee batteries, the matching bare-tool cordless saw is the obvious buy. If you are starting from scratch on a budget, a corded saw gives you more cutting power per dollar.
Motor Power (Amps and Voltage)
For corded saws, amperage tells you how much grunt the motor has — 5 amps handles light DIY work, 6 amps is a solid all-rounder, and 7 amps and up powers through thick hardwood and laminate without bogging. For cordless saws, an 18V/20V brushless motor delivers cutting power comparable to a 6 to 7-amp corded saw while running cooler and longer. Do not chase raw amps alone; a 7-amp saw with Constant Response circuitry like the Bosch JS470E holds speed under load better than a higher-rated saw without electronics. Match the motor to your hardest, thickest material, not your easiest.
Orbital Action Settings
Orbital action swings the blade forward into the cut on the upstroke for faster, more aggressive cutting at the cost of edge smoothness. Saws with four selectable orbital settings let you turn aggression up for fast rough rips in framing lumber and plywood, then dial it to zero for clean finish cuts, laminate, metal, and tight curves. This single feature does more for cut quality than almost anything else, so I consider four orbital settings a minimum for any saw I recommend. The barrel-grip Bosch on this list uses three settings, which is plenty for precision work where you rarely run wide-open anyway.
Handle Type (D-Handle vs Barrel Grip)
Top-handle, or D-handle, jigsaws put the grip and trigger above the saw — intuitive, comfortable, and ideal for general cutting and overhead work. Barrel-grip jigsaws place your hand around the body directly over the blade, giving superior control and feedback on freehand curves and precision cuts, which is why countertop installers and finish carpenters favor them. The barrel grip has a learning curve and typically a thumb or remote speed control, so it is not the best first jigsaw. For most buyers, a D-handle saw is the right choice; reach for a barrel grip when your work is dominated by curves and precision.
Brushless vs Brushed Motor
Brushless motors, found on the DEWALT DCS334B and Milwaukee 2737-20, run cooler, last longer, and squeeze more cutting power and runtime out of every battery charge because there are no carbon brushes creating friction. They cost more but are worth it for anyone using the saw regularly, especially on cordless platforms where runtime matters. Brushed motors, on the corded saws and the budget DEWALT DCS331B, are proven, reliable, and cheaper — perfectly adequate for occasional and light-duty use. If you cut often or want maximum cordless runtime, pay up for brushless; if you cut occasionally, a quality brushed saw saves money without much downside.
Blade Type and TPI
Jigsaw blades come in two shank styles: T-shank, which clicks into tool-free clamps and is the modern standard, and U-shank, the older style that some budget saws still accept. Saws like the BLACK+DECKER and SKIL accept both, giving you the widest blade selection; the Bosch and Milwaukee models are T-shank only. Beyond shank, teeth per inch (TPI) drives cut quality — low TPI around 6 cuts fast and rough through thick wood, while high TPI of 10 or more leaves clean edges in plywood, trim, and laminate. Keep a small assortment of wood, metal, and down-cut blades on hand, because the right blade matters more than the saw itself for cut quality.
Final Verdict
For most buyers and most workshops, the DEWALT DCS334B is the jigsaw to buy. Its brushless motor, flawless tool-free blade change, and true cordless freedom make it the saw I reach for on nearly every job, and it handles everything from rough stringer notches to clean countertop edges without compromise. If you already run a DEWALT cordless drill or driver, it drops straight onto a battery platform you own.
If you are buying your first jigsaw or want a no-excuses budget option, the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C delivers four orbital settings and dual-shank flexibility at a price that makes ownership a no-brainer. For finish carpenters who live in freehand curves and countertop cutouts, the Bosch JS572EBK barrel-grip and its dual-roller guide are worth every dollar, and for M18 crews chasing production speed, the Milwaukee 2737-20 is the fastest saw here.
Whatever saw you choose, the jigsaw is what lets you make the cuts a circular saw and miter saw never can. Stock a few good blades, learn to match orbital action to the material, and take the time to see your line — do that, and the jigsaw will quickly become the most-reached-for saw in your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best jigsaw for woodworking and cutting curves?
What does orbital action do on a jigsaw?
Should I buy a corded or cordless jigsaw?
What is the difference between a top-handle and barrel-grip jigsaw?
Can a jigsaw cut a 2x4, and what blade gives the cleanest cuts?
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About the Reviewer
Jake Morrison, Licensed General Contractor
B.S. Construction Management, Purdue University
Jake Morrison has spent 14 years in residential construction and home renovation before founding DIYRated in 2026. After helping hundreds of homeowners choose the right tools and materials for their projects, he started writing the product guides he wished existed when he was starting out. Jake tests every major product recommendation in his workshop in Indianapolis and focuses on real-world performance over spec-sheet marketing.