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The best jigsaw for general use should handle curves, cutouts, notches, short straight cuts, bevels, and mixed materials without being optimized for only one narrow job. For an all-purpose cordless platform, the DEWALT DCS334B is the strongest overall pick here. For a corded workshop, the Bosch JS470E remains the better continuous-runtime option. Existing battery-platform owners should strongly consider Milwaukee, Makita, or CRAFTSMAN models that match batteries they already own.
We did not perform original hands-on cutting tests for this roundup. No blade-deflection, vibration, cut-speed, noise, dust-capture, or durability scores are invented. Recommendations are based on current manufacturer specifications, platform fit, control range, blade system, ergonomics, and realistic mixed-use workflow.
Quick Picks
- Best overall cordless: DEWALT DCS334B.
- Best overall corded: Bosch JS470E.
- Best M18 option: Milwaukee 2737-20.
- Best Makita top handle: XVJ04Z.
- Best Makita barrel grip: XVJ05Z.
- Best premium barrel-grip corded: Bosch JS470EB.
- Best mid-tier Bosch corded: JS365.
- Best value corded: SKIL JS314901.
- Best V20 cordless: CRAFTSMAN CMCS600B.
- Best feature-rich budget corded: WEN 33606.
How We Chose the Best Jigsaws
- Speed control: useful range for clean cuts, curves, dense wood, plastic, and compatible metals.
- Orbital control: multiple settings let users trade speed for finish and curve control.
- Blade guidance: stable plunging mechanism, guide roller, and secure T-shank retention matter more than headline SPM.
- Shoe stability: a rigid base helps keep bevels and straight cuts consistent.
- Visibility: LED, blower, dust port, and open nose improve line tracking.
- Grip and ergonomics: top-handle and barrel-grip users have different preferences.
- Power-system fit: corded runtime versus cordless mobility and battery ownership.
- Service/value: warranty, blade availability, accessories, and replacement parts.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Power | Key Strength | Exact ASIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCS334B | — | 20V MAX XR | Balanced brushless cordless platform | B07JPFHQKG |
| Bosch JS470E | — | 7A corded | Premium corded control | B004323NPK |
| Milwaukee 2737-20 | — | M18 FUEL | High-output cordless + dust tube | B07H7DQ3DK |
| Makita XVJ04Z | — | 18V LXT | Compact brushless top handle | B0BDGQKRLS |
| Makita XVJ05Z | — | 18V LXT | Low barrel-grip control | B0CHKZNVZ3 |
| Bosch JS470EB | — | 7A corded | Barrel-grip corded precision | B004323NQ4 |
| Bosch JS365 | — | 6.5A corded | 1 in. stroke + die-cast shoe | B004323NQO |
| SKIL JS314901 | — | 6A corded | Strong feature/value balance | B07FD341YS |
| CRAFTSMAN CMCS600B | — | V20 cordless | Simple existing-platform value | B07KKB4M9F |
| WEN 33606 | — | 6.6A corded | Laser + LED + blower/dust port | B07D9YFFPZ |
1. DEWALT DCS334B — Best Overall Cordless Jigsaw
DEWALT’s DCS334B uses a brushless 20V MAX XR platform with variable-speed trigger and dial, four orbital positions, keyless T-shank blade clamp, keyless shoe bevel, LED light, integrated dust blower, and a no-mar shoe cover.
Performance fit: this is the best all-purpose cordless choice when one tool needs to cover wood, laminate, plastic, and compatible metal work with the correct blade. The trigger plus dial gives both quick modulation and repeatable speed limiting.
- Best for: Best Overall Cordless Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: DEWALT DCS334B represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Brushless motor • Variable trigger + dial • Four orbital positions • LED + blower • No-mar shoe cover • Broad 20V MAX ecosystem | • Battery and charger sold separately • Top-handle format sits higher than barrel-grip tools |
Buy if: you already own 20V MAX batteries or need a versatile cordless jigsaw. Skip if: the saw will live at a bench near power and you want maximum corded runtime.
DEWALT specifications | Amazon — DCS334B
2. Bosch JS470E — Best Overall Corded Jigsaw
Bosch specifies a 7A motor, 500–3,100 SPM, 1 in. stroke, four orbital settings, Constant Response circuitry, T-shank clamp, die-cast aluminum footplate, and low-vibration plunging action.
Performance fit: the JS470E is a strong workshop choice where long runtime, shoe rigidity, and controlled feeding matter more than cordless mobility.
- Best for: Best Overall Corded Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Bosch JS470E represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • 7A corded power • 1 in. stroke • Constant Response • Rigid die-cast shoe • Low-vibration mechanism | • Cord management • Premium price compared with entry corded saws |
Buy if: you want one corded shop jigsaw for years. Skip if: mobility around large workpieces or jobsites is the main priority.
Bosch specifications | Amazon — JS470E
3. Milwaukee 2737-20 — Best M18 Jigsaw
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL D-handle model uses a POWERSTATE brushless motor, 0–3,500 SPM, 1 in. stroke, four orbital settings, tool-free blade/bevel changes, LED light, switchable blower, and dust-extraction tube.
- Best for: Best M18 Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Milwaukee 2737-20 represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • 0–3,500 SPM • 1 in. stroke • Brushless M18 platform • LED + switchable blower • Dust tube included | • Premium bare-tool cost • Battery adds weight |
Buy if: you already own M18 batteries and want pro-level cordless capability. Skip if: this would be your only M18 tool.
Milwaukee specifications | Amazon — 2737-20
4. Makita XVJ04Z — Best Makita Top-Handle Jigsaw
Makita specifies an 18V LXT brushless motor, 0–3,000 SPM, 7/8 in. stroke, three orbital settings plus straight cutting, tool-less blade change, LED lighting, dust blower, and soft no-load mode.
- Best for: Best Makita Top-Handle Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Makita XVJ04Z represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Compact brushless design • 0–3,000 SPM • Straight + orbital modes • LED + blower • Tool-less blade change | • Battery/charger separate • Shorter stroke than some 1 in. competitors |
Buy if: you already use Makita LXT and prefer a conventional handle. Skip if: you want a barrel grip or do not own LXT batteries.
Makita specifications | Amazon — XVJ04Z
5. Makita XVJ05Z — Best Makita Barrel-Grip Jigsaw
The XVJ05Z uses a low barrel grip, 18V LXT brushless drive, 800–3,000 SPM, three orbital settings plus straight cutting, soft no-load mode, LED lighting, blower, and tool-less blade change.
- Best for: Best Makita Barrel-Grip Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Makita XVJ05Z represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Low hand position • Brushless LXT platform • Soft no-load mode • LED + blower | • Barrel grip is preference-sensitive • Battery/charger separate |
Buy if: you prefer steering with a lower hand position. Skip if: you prefer trigger-style top-handle control.
Makita specifications | Amazon — XVJ05Z
6. Bosch JS470EB — Best Premium Corded Barrel Grip
The JS470EB uses Bosch’s 7A platform with 500–3,100 SPM, 1 in. stroke, four orbital settings, Constant Response, die-cast shoe, T-shank clamp, and a low barrel grip.
- Best for: Best Premium Corded Barrel Grip across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Bosch JS470EB represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Barrel-grip control • 7A motor • 1 in. stroke • Constant Response • Low vibration | • Slide switch instead of trigger • Corded |
Buy if: you want corded barrel-grip control for curves and shop work. Skip if: you strongly prefer a trigger handle.
Bosch specifications | Amazon — JS470EB
7. Bosch JS365 — Best Mid-Tier Bosch Corded Jigsaw
Bosch’s JS365 uses a 6.5A motor, 500–3,100 SPM, 1 in. stroke, four orbital settings, die-cast aluminum footplate, T-shank clamp, and switchable blower.
- Best for: Best Mid-Tier Bosch Corded Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: Bosch JS365 represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • 1 in. stroke • Die-cast shoe • Four orbital settings • Switchable blower | • No Constant Response feature • Corded only |
Buy if: you want a sturdy Bosch without paying for the JS470 series. Skip if: you want cordless mobility or premium control electronics.
Bosch specifications | Amazon — JS365
8. SKIL JS314901 — Best Value Corded Jigsaw
SKIL combines a 6A motor, 800–3,200 SPM, four orbital settings, tool-free blade clamp, tool-free bevel adjustment, dust blower, and Halo Light.
- Best for: Best Value Corded Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: SKIL JS314901 represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Wide speed range • Four orbital settings • Halo Light • Tool-free controls • No battery-system cost | • Corded • Less refined guidance than premium Bosch/Makita platforms |
Buy if: you want high feature value for DIY/general work. Skip if: daily professional use or cordless mobility matters more.
SKIL specifications | Amazon — JS314901
9. CRAFTSMAN CMCS600B — Best V20 Jigsaw
The CMCS600B offers 0–2,500 SPM, three orbital settings, 45° bevel capability, dust blower, contoured handle, and T/U-shank support.
- Best for: Best V20 Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: CRAFTSMAN CMCS600B represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • Simple cordless controls • V20 compatibility • T/U-shank support • Dust blower | • More basic platform than premium brushless tools • Battery/charger separate |
Buy if: you already own V20 batteries. Skip if: you are starting a new cordless platform and want pro-level refinement.
CRAFTSMAN specifications | Amazon — CMCS600B
10. WEN 33606 — Best Feature-Rich Budget Corded Jigsaw
WEN specifies a 6.6A motor, 0–3,300 SPM, four-position orbital selector, onboard laser, LED, front blower, 1-1/2 in. dust port, non-marring shoe, and tool-free blade change.
- Best for: Best Feature-Rich Budget Corded Jigsaw across curves, cutouts, notches, bevels, and short straight cuts with the correct blade.
- Why we picked it: WEN 33606 represents a distinct jigsaw workflow based on speed/orbit control, blade guidance, grip style, shoe stability, visibility, and corded/cordless platform fit.
- Key strengths: useful speed range, multiple orbital settings, secure blade retention, stable shoe, and controls that support mixed-material cutting.
- Important limitations: blade deflection can still occur in thick stock; higher orbit can reduce finish quality; premium tools cannot compensate for the wrong blade.
- What to check before buying: T-shank compatibility, stroke/SPM, orbital modes, shoe squareness, dust/blower features, top-handle vs barrel-grip preference, and battery platform.
- Who should buy it: users needing one versatile jigsaw for curves, cutouts, and portable freeform work.
- Who should skip it: users whose main task is long precision rips or repeated perfectly straight production cuts.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| • 0–3,300 SPM • Laser + LED • Blower + dust port • Non-marring shoe | • Laser is only a visual aid • Hobby-oriented build compared with premium pro platforms |
Buy if: you want a low-cost corded saw with many visibility features. Skip if: premium guidance/durability is the priority.
WEN specifications | Amazon — WEN 33606
Included Equipment and Ownership Cost
Check whether the exact SKU includes a blade, dust adapter, no-mar shoe, case, battery, and charger. Cordless bare tools can cost significantly more once batteries and charging are added. Jigsaw blades are consumables, so budget for wood, clean-cut, scrolling, laminate, and metal blades as needed.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded: continuous runtime, lower total cost when starting from zero, and strong fixed-shop value. Cordless: easier movement around sheet goods, counters, and jobsite work, but battery weight/runtime become part of the decision.
Top Handle vs. Barrel Grip
Top handles provide familiar trigger control. Barrel grips place the hand closer to the work and may feel more direct for curves. Neither design automatically cuts more accurately; blade choice, shoe stability, guidance, and technique matter more.
Blade Choice Matters More Than Brand
Use a blade designed for the material, thickness, desired finish, and curve radius. Narrow blades turn tighter curves; broader blades generally track straighter. A premium jigsaw with the wrong blade can cut worse than a modest tool with the right blade.
Performance Expectations
A jigsaw is excellent for curves, interior cutouts, notches, and portable freeform work. It is not the ideal tool for long glue-ready rips or repeated precision straight cuts. For those, consider a table saw, track saw, circular saw with guide, bandsaw, or router/template process.
Who Should Buy Which Jigsaw?
- Best general cordless: DEWALT DCS334B.
- Best general corded: Bosch JS470E.
- Existing M18: Milwaukee 2737-20.
- Existing LXT: Makita XVJ04Z or XVJ05Z.
- Value corded: SKIL JS314901.
- Budget feature set: WEN 33606.
Warranty, Value, and Availability
Compare the current manufacturer warranty, service access, battery replacement cost, blade availability, and included accessories. Platform ownership can change the value equation more than a temporary sale price.
Related Tool Engineers Guides
For narrow intents, use the dedicated guides rather than this umbrella roundup: barrel grip vs. top handle, how to cut a circle with a jigsaw, and Tool Engineers’ beginner, woodworking, hardwood, plywood, curve, and value jigsaw roundups.
Alternatives We Considered
Bosch JS260: a strong lower-cost corded alternative with a 6A motor and 500–3,100 SPM range, but the JS365/JS470E provide a more complete long-term woodworking platform. RYOBI PBLJS01B: a sensible cordless alternative for ONE+ HP users, but the main top-10 list already covers the larger DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, and CRAFTSMAN battery ecosystems. Choose the alternative that best matches your existing batteries, grip preference, and cut type rather than changing platforms only for a jigsaw.
Manufacturer References
- DEWALT, Bosch Tools, and Milwaukee Tool — jigsaw speed, stroke, orbital control, shoe, and blade-system specifications.
- Makita, SKIL, CRAFTSMAN, and WEN — current jigsaw specifications and platform information.
FAQ
What is the best jigsaw for most people?
The DEWALT DCS334B is the strongest broad cordless pick here; the Bosch JS470E is the strongest corded alternative.
Do I need orbital action?
It is useful, especially in wood, but more orbital action is not always better. Lower or zero orbital action generally improves control for tight curves and cleaner edges.
Is brushless necessary?
No. Brushless can improve efficiency and reduce motor maintenance, but blade guidance, shoe stability, controls, and platform fit remain critical.
Can a jigsaw cut metal?
Yes when the tool and blade are rated for the material. Use an appropriate metal-cutting blade, suitable speed, secure workholding, and lubrication/cooling where required.
Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS334B is the best overall jigsaw in this broad comparison because it balances cordless mobility, speed/orbital control, visibility, blade changes, and platform depth. The Bosch JS470E is the better corded shop choice, while Milwaukee and Makita are excellent choices for users already committed to those battery systems.
