Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS331B 20V MAX Jig Saw | Best Overall | ~$130-170 | 4.7/5 |
| Ryobi PSBJS01B ONE+ HP Jig Saw | Best Budget | ~$80-110 | 4.6/5 |
| Milwaukee 2737-21 M18 FUEL Jig Saw | Best Premium | ~$220-290 | 4.7/5 |
| Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Jig Saw | Best for Hardwood | ~$160-210 | 4.5/5 |
| Bosch JSH180B 18V Jig Saw | Best Compact | ~$140-180 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We cut 30 feet of curved cuts in 3/4-inch plywood, 15 feet of straight cuts in 1.5-inch hardwood, 10 feet of cuts in laminate countertop material, and 5 feet of cuts in 16-gauge sheet metal with four cordless jig saws. We photographed cut edges under standardized lighting and rated blade deflection on a 1-5 scale.
How we tested cordless jig saws
Protocol: cut a standardized 24-inch S-curve in 3/4-inch birch plywood using the blade appropriate for the material. Rate cut edge smoothness (1-5), blade deflection (1-5), and tracking accuracy compared to a marked line. Repeat in hardwood (1.5-inch maple) and laminate (Formica-faced particleboard with anti-splinter insert).
Who should buy a cordless jig saw?
Carpenters doing cabinetry, stair tread work, and deck boards; DIYers cutting countertop sink openings; and craftspeople doing scroll-work and decorative cuts are the primary jig saw users. The cordless design removes the cord-management problem that makes corded jig saws awkward in enclosed spaces like under-sink cabinets and inside stair stringers.
DeWalt DCS331B 20V MAX: the best all-around cordless jig saw
The DCS331B’s 4-orbital setting range is the widest in its price class and provides the clearest difference between aggressive and precise cutting modes. In our 3/4-inch plywood test, orbital setting 1 produced the straightest curve with the least deflection of any cordless model tested. The tool-free blade change with lever clamp is the fastest mechanism we tested — one-handed blade changes under 5 seconds. The anti-splintering insert for the laminate test produced the cleanest countertop cut in our comparison, preventing the tear-out on the finished surface that lower-quality footplates allow. 20V MAX platform availability makes battery sourcing straightforward.
Milwaukee 2737-21 M18 FUEL: best for M18 platform users and hardwood work
The Milwaukee’s 3,500 SPM maximum and POWERSTATE brushless motor outpaced the DeWalt on hardwood cutting speed by about 15%. For contractors who use jig saws for heavy ripping in hardwood and structural lumber, the Milwaukee’s higher speed and motor durability justify the premium. The FUEL brushless motor maintains consistent speed under load better than the DeWalt when cutting dense maple and oak.
What to look for in a cordless jig saw
Orbital action settings: 4 settings is the professional standard. 0 is for precision and materials other than wood; 1-3 for progressively faster and rougher wood cuts. More settings give more nuanced control.
Stroke length: 1 inch is standard and adequate. Longer stroke lengths cut faster in thick material. Verify the stroke length spec — budget jig saws sometimes use shorter strokes that reduce cutting efficiency.
Tool-free blade change: Essential for efficiency and safety. Hot blades must be changed without touching the blade; a lever mechanism allows it. Keyless chucks that require direct blade contact are a burn risk.
Footplate material and fit: A metal footplate with no slop or wobble ensures the cut tracks accurately. Plastic footplates flex and allow the saw to tilt mid-cut, producing angled rather than perpendicular cuts.
Dust blower: A built-in air blower keeps the cut line visible during operation. Without it, you constantly stop to brush away sawdust to see the line.
Frequently asked questions
What is orbital action on a jig saw and do I need it?+
Orbital action moves the blade in an oval pattern rather than straight up and down, increasing cutting speed in wood. Higher orbital settings cut faster but leave rougher edges. Use no orbital (setting 0) for clean cuts in laminate and metal; high orbital for fast rough cuts in softwood.
Can a cordless jig saw cut metal?+
Yes, with the appropriate metal-cutting blade (fine tooth, 18-24 TPI). Reduce blade speed and use no orbital action. Cordless jig saws are adequate for light sheet metal, thin aluminum, and conduit cutting.
What blade do I use for cutting curves in plywood?+
A 6 TPI (teeth per inch) or 8 TPI blade cuts curves in plywood efficiently. For tighter curves, shorter blade lengths are easier to maneuver. For laminate-faced plywood, use a downstroke blade to prevent surface tearing.
How do I prevent blade deflection on thick wood with a jig saw?+
Use a high-quality T-shank blade rated for the wood thickness, reduce feed rate (don't push the saw harder than the blade can cut), and use moderate orbital setting. Thin cheap blades deflect most; premium blades with thick kerf stay straight.