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10 Best Reciprocating Saws 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,495
Power Source
Motor Power
Blade Change Mechanism

Most important from
107 reviews

Power Source
Compatible with a wide range of DEWALT 20V batteries, allowing convenient battery sharing across tools.
Motor Power
Delivers powerful cutting performance capable of handling tough tasks like cutting rusty metal bolts with ease.
Blade Change Mechanism
Quick and tool-free blade changes enhance usability for frequent blade swaps.
Weight and Ergonomics
Compact design and good mobility make it easy to reach tight spaces and work comfortably.

The DEWALT DCS382B is a cordless reciprocating saw powered by a 20V brushless motor, delivering strong cutting power and enhanced efficiency. Its 1-1/8 inch stroke length enables fast and effective cutting through wood and other materials. The saw features a keyless, twist-style blade clamp, allowing for quick and tool-free blade changes, which is convenient for users frequently switching blades.

This model is compact and designed for good mobility, helping you reach tight spaces and work comfortably for extended periods. It includes a two-finger variable trigger, providing good speed control and ease of use. The tool is sold as 'tool only,' meaning the battery and charger are not included, so you’ll need to own compatible DEWALT batteries or purchase them separately. The weight is typical for a cordless saw, making it manageable for most users, though it might feel heavy during very long projects or for those new to power tools.

With a 90-day limited warranty, which is shorter compared to some other models, consider your durability needs when choosing this saw. For those seeking a reliable and efficient cordless saw primarily for wood and general use, this DEWALT provides solid performance combined with user-friendly features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,495
Power Source
Motor Power
Blade Change Mechanism

Most important from
107 reviews

Power Source
Compatible with a wide range of DEWALT 20V batteries, allowing convenient battery sharing across tools.
Motor Power
Delivers powerful cutting performance capable of handling tough tasks like cutting rusty metal bolts with ease.
Blade Change Mechanism
Quick and tool-free blade changes enhance usability for frequent blade swaps.
Weight and Ergonomics
Compact design and good mobility make it easy to reach tight spaces and work comfortably.
#2

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B)

Rating
8.5
Power Source
Motor Power
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
12963 reviews

Power Source
Battery life drains faster than other cordless tools due to the high power and RPMs, so having extra batteries is essential for extended use.
Motor Power
This saw delivers powerful performance that can handle tough cutting jobs like old pipes and tree limbs with ease.
Weight and Ergonomics
It’s a robust and well-built saw that feels heavy but durable—built like a tank to last for years even under frequent use.
Orbital Action
The pivoting shoe offers control and flexibility, allowing the saw to rock during cuts rather than locking in place, which enhances safety and handling.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a strong choice if you need a reliable tool for cutting wood and working in tight spaces. Its compact size, just 14 inches long, makes it easy to handle and perfect for jobs between studs or confined areas. It runs on a 20-volt battery, giving you cordless freedom, though the battery itself is not included.

The saw has a good stroke length of 1-1/8 inches and can reach up to 2,900 strokes per minute, which means it can cut quickly and efficiently. You also get a variable speed trigger, so you can control the blade speed for more precise cuts. Changing blades is easy thanks to a tool-free, 4-position blade clamp, letting you switch blades or adjust the cutting angle without extra tools. The saw’s lightweight design, around 5 pounds, helps reduce fatigue during longer jobs, and the pivoting shoe adds versatility when cutting different materials or angles.

A handy LED light brightens up dark work areas, which is great if you’re working indoors or in dim spots. This model does not include orbital action, which some saws have to help speed up rough cuts on wood. Also, since it’s a bare tool, batteries and a charger must be purchased separately if you do not already own compatible DEWALT 20V gear. This saw is well suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who want a compact, powerful, and easy-to-control cordless reciprocating saw for general cutting tasks.

Rating
8.5
Power Source
Motor Power
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
12963 reviews

Power Source
Battery life drains faster than other cordless tools due to the high power and RPMs, so having extra batteries is essential for extended use.
Motor Power
This saw delivers powerful performance that can handle tough cutting jobs like old pipes and tree limbs with ease.
Weight and Ergonomics
It’s a robust and well-built saw that feels heavy but durable—built like a tank to last for years even under frequent use.
Orbital Action
The pivoting shoe offers control and flexibility, allowing the saw to rock during cuts rather than locking in place, which enhances safety and handling.
#3

Makita XRJ01Z-R 18V Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)

Rating
8.2
Weight and Ergonomics
Motor Power
Stroke Length

Most important from
86 reviews

Weight and Ergonomics
This saw is the lightest and most compact on the market, weighing about half as much as other bulky models, making it incredibly easy to maneuver.
Motor Power
It delivers strong power and longer-lasting performance that outperforms other cordless reciprocating saws, providing excellent cutting efficiency.
Stroke Length
The lightweight and shorter 1/2 inch stroke length require applying a bit more pressure during cutting, especially in tougher materials.
Blade Change Mechanism
The tool-less blade change system and compatibility with all 18V Makita batteries enhance convenience and versatility on the job.

The Makita XRJ01Z-R is a cordless 18V reciprocating saw designed for users needing a versatile and portable cutting tool. It delivers a strong motor power of 350 watts with variable speeds up to 3,000 strokes per minute and a 1/2 inch stroke length, which helps make cuts faster and smoother across materials like wood, metal, and plastic.

Its brushless motor improves efficiency and durability, while the compact size (just over 15 inches long) and light weight (3.9 lbs including battery) make it comfortable to hold and reduce fatigue during extended use. The saw features a tool-less blade change system, which is great for swapping blades quickly without extra tools. Also, the dual-position on/off switch offers flexibility for different grip styles, and the built-in LED light helps illuminate dark work areas.

The battery is sold separately, so purchasing compatible Makita batteries is necessary if you don’t already have them. The renewed model includes a 90-day warranty, which some users might consider when evaluating long-term reliability. This saw is well suited for DIYers and professionals who need a lightweight, easy-to-handle cordless saw for a variety of cutting tasks, especially where mobility and quick blade changes are important.

Rating
8.2
Weight and Ergonomics
Motor Power
Stroke Length

Most important from
86 reviews

Weight and Ergonomics
This saw is the lightest and most compact on the market, weighing about half as much as other bulky models, making it incredibly easy to maneuver.
Motor Power
It delivers strong power and longer-lasting performance that outperforms other cordless reciprocating saws, providing excellent cutting efficiency.
Stroke Length
The lightweight and shorter 1/2 inch stroke length require applying a bit more pressure during cutting, especially in tougher materials.
Blade Change Mechanism
The tool-less blade change system and compatibility with all 18V Makita batteries enhance convenience and versatility on the job.

Buying Guide for the Best Reciprocating Saws

Reciprocating saws are versatile power tools used for a variety of cutting tasks, from demolition work to pruning trees. When choosing a reciprocating saw, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the right tool for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and get the best performance out of your saw.
Power SourceReciprocating saws can be either corded or cordless. Corded saws are powered by electricity and offer consistent power, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks and prolonged use. Cordless saws, on the other hand, are battery-powered and provide greater mobility and convenience, especially for outdoor or remote work. When choosing between the two, consider whether you need the unlimited runtime of a corded saw or the portability of a cordless model.
Motor PowerMotor power is measured in amps for corded saws and volts for cordless saws. Higher amp or volt ratings generally indicate a more powerful saw capable of handling tougher materials and more demanding tasks. For light to medium-duty work, a saw with 7-10 amps (corded) or 18-20 volts (cordless) should suffice. For heavy-duty demolition or construction work, look for saws with 11-15 amps or 20-60 volts. Choose a motor power that matches the intensity and frequency of your cutting tasks.
Stroke LengthStroke length refers to the distance the blade travels in one complete cycle. Longer stroke lengths (typically 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inches) allow for faster cutting and are better suited for heavy-duty applications. Shorter stroke lengths (around 3/4 to 1 inch) provide more control and precision, making them ideal for detailed or delicate work. Consider the type of materials you'll be cutting and the level of precision required when selecting the stroke length.
Strokes Per Minute (SPM)Strokes per minute (SPM) measures how many times the blade moves back and forth in a minute. Higher SPM rates (up to 3,000 SPM) allow for faster cutting, which is beneficial for quick, rough cuts. Lower SPM rates provide more control and are better for precision cutting. Some saws offer variable speed settings, allowing you to adjust the SPM based on the task at hand. Choose a saw with an SPM range that matches your typical cutting needs.
Blade Change MechanismThe blade change mechanism determines how easily you can swap out blades. Tool-free blade change systems are the most convenient, allowing you to quickly and easily change blades without the need for additional tools. This is especially useful if you frequently switch between different types of blades for various tasks. If you plan to use your saw for a variety of applications, look for a model with a tool-free blade change mechanism.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a reciprocating saw affect its ease of use and comfort during extended periods of operation. Lighter saws (around 5-7 pounds) are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, making them suitable for overhead or one-handed use. Heavier saws (8-10 pounds or more) may offer more stability and power but can be tiring to use for long periods. Additionally, look for features like a comfortable grip, vibration reduction, and balanced design to enhance usability.
Orbital ActionOrbital action refers to the elliptical motion of the blade, which can make cutting through wood and other soft materials faster and more efficient. Saws with orbital action settings allow you to switch between straight and orbital cutting modes. This feature is particularly useful if you need to cut through a variety of materials. If you plan to use your saw for both rough and precise cuts, consider a model with adjustable orbital action.

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