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Oct 08, 2023

The 10 Best Reciprocating Saws for 2023

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? Easy to use, durable, and efficient, these saws will have you tackling household

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Easy to use, durable, and efficient, these saws will have you tackling household projects like a pro.

Also referred to as “sawzalls,” reciprocating saws are handheld power saws that feature a straight, serrated blade that rapidly moves back and forth, a.k.a. reciprocates.

This function, combined with the ergonomic handle, makes reciprocating saws not only comfortable to use for all-day demo projects, but also convenient for maneuvering into awkward angles and positions. The blades are designed to quickly and easily chew through a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and metal.

Smaller, compact versions are also perfect for on-site PVC pipe cutting, and they're much more convenient than trying to use a manual saw.

Looking for more great additions to your tool arsenal? Check out our picks for the best circular saws, table saws, and scroll saws.

The first thing to consider when choosing a reciprocating saw is the type of project you plan on using it for. If you’re tackling large-scale demolition projects, you probably want to prioritize power and size over mobility. If you have small-scale tasks like plumbing or working with conduit pipe, you’d probably benefit from a more compact, maneuverable saw that can fit into tight areas. In this case, a one-handed model like the Milwaukee Hackzall is an excellent choice.

The power source of your saw is another factor to consider. While corded options tend to be more powerful and have unlimited running time, they limit your mobility to the length of the extension cord, which also introduces an inconvenient tripping hazard to your workspace.

Battery-powered saws are perfect for those tasks that require maximum portability, but make sure to keep an eye on your battery levels while you work. If you decide to go with a battery-powered option, consider purchasing one that's the same brand as your existing power tools—that way you have a supply of extra batteries ready.

Regardless of power source, keep overall weight in mind as well. A larger, heavier saw might be able to work faster, but if it's too heavy for you to carry comfortably, it can be more trouble than its worth. If you’re not sure, go with a lighter saw that allows you to work effectively and, more importantly, safely.

I’ve been using reciprocating saws for years as a residential and commercial carpenter, and kept this hands-on experience in mind when assembling this list. Included, you'll find a wide variety of models from brands I've come to trust over the years.

For those who are primarily interested in lumber demolition, I also included two options—one corded and one battery-powered model—that feature an orbital action setting. This feature adds a slight circular motion to the stroke of the blade, which allows it to move considerably faster when chewing through soft material like wood. Read on to discover the best reciprocating saws on the market today.

The orbital setting on this Bosch saw makes it well-suited for easily cutting through lumber, and the variable speed trigger is perfect for those who want maximum control while cutting.

At just seven pounds, it’s also the lightest full-size option on our list, and combined with the cushioned rubber grip, it's more comfortable to use for extended periods of time than its competitors.

The corded power supply makes it less mobile than a cordless saw, but if you’re using it primarily for demolition, like in a house renovation, you may be okay with the mobility an extension cord affords you.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, cordless tool that has the power to chew through nearly any project, you won’t find a better option than this Milwaukee model.

Its thick rubber handle encases nearly half the length of the tool, making it easy to get a solid grip regardless of how you’re holding it. Its 11.4-pound weight is relatively light for a cordless model this size, and the integrated rafter hook makes it easy to hang up whenever you need a break between cuts.

The main drawback to this reciprocating saw is its somewhat bulky 21-inch length, which may be frustrating when trying to make precision cuts.

Considerably cheaper than the other models on our list, this reciprocating saw is a great option for the casual hobbyist who doesn’t have the budget for a high-end model.

Its 20-volt motor delivers just as much power as larger tools, though its 1.5-Ah battery means it won’t last nearly as long as the 3.0- or 5.0-Ah options.

The locking trigger switch also makes this an especially safe option, preventing the trigger from activating when pressed by accident. Its pivoting shoe also allows you to rock the blade as you saw without losing contact with the material you’re cutting.

We love the size of this tool. It’s more compact and maneuverable than full-size models, but packs more power and control than one-handed options. Its variable speed trigger allows you to cut up to 2,900 strokes per minute, and though the included 5.0-Ah battery isn’t the largest offered by DeWalt, it’s still big enough to last a decent amount of time between charges.

Its light, 9.3-pound weight—including the battery—makes this saw great for all-day projects, cutting down on hand and shoulder fatigue.

If you already have a Metabo tool collection—and the necessary batteries—this one-handed saw is a cost-saving option. It conveniently accepts both 18- and 36-volt batteries and the variable trigger makes it easy to control the precise cutting speed while you work. Its blade versatility is another useful feature, allowing it to accept both standard reciprocating saw blades as well as t-shank jigsaw blades.

I've personally used this tool during a complicated ceiling replacement project, and found the light weight and short body perfect for reaching into and accessing tight and awkward areas. Plus, the Metabo warranty covers the body of the tool for life.

Designed for one-handed use, this compact saw is invaluable when it comes to making quick, short cuts. But don’t let its size fool you: Its 18-volt motor is still powerful enough to handle heavy-duty material like Unistrut or sheet metal.

At just 11 inches long—not including the blade—it’s also short enough to fit into a backpack or toolbox, so you can keep it on hand when you need it. This saw’s small size also makes it useful for accessing those hard-to-reach areas that are common in plumbing or irrigation.

A one-handed option that won’t break the bank, this 12-volt tool is a versatile choice for those who don’t really have a specific job in mind, but frequently need a saw for a variety of quick cutting jobs. Even if you’re not remodeling or demoing anything, it's a great landscaping tool to have on hand for pruning and cutting oversized branches.

Its bright LED work light is perfect for working underneath sinks or in crawl spaces, and the extensive rubber casing surrounding the tool gives you a good grip and adds to its overall durability.

If you’re a beginner looking to buy your first reciprocating saw, this midsized option is a great fit. By including two different blades—one for wood and one for metal—you’ll have everything you need to tackle a wide variety of projects.

Plus, its bargain price makes it much less of an investment than models that can cost hundreds more. However, this low price is most likely due to its lack of a carrying case, which is considerably inconvenient if you plan on transporting your saw a lot, or just want to stow it away neatly.

We love the unique and flexible design of this Makita saw: It's light enough to operate with one hand, but is also long enough to use two-handed if you need that extra leverage.

Its dual triggers also allow you to use the pistol-style trigger or paddle option, depending on how you’re holding it. The most valuable part of this kit is the two included batteries, which let you to keep an extra one charging while you work. Its hard-sided carrying case is also a great perk, especially since it has a space for that extra battery, too.

Bosch is one of our favorite brands when it comes to compact, DIY-friendly tools, and this saw is a great example why. Bosch’s small batteries give this tool a compact silhouette, and its handy level gauge lets you know how much juice is left as you work.

At just 2.7 pounds—with the battery attached—and only 10 inches long, this is one of the lightest options you’ll find on the market. The biggest drawback to this kit is the charger's flimsy power cord, which makes it less durable than many of its competitors.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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