10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw Reviews 2023

It is important that you don’t rely on your stationary table saw for every project that you come across.

Sure, it’s fine for those large, long-term projects that you have a few months to work on, but what happens when a high-pay rush project comes along and you don’t have the time to get your stationary saw to the job site.

Having the best portable table saw can help you get rush projects and save you a whole lot of trouble as it will reduce the odds of you missing a deadline due to delays in transporting your equipment. We live by the mantra that it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

We hope that it helps you make an educated decision on which table saw to buy. Without further adieu, let’s get into it.

10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws Reviewed

Let’s kick-start our guide with our top 10 cordless reciprocating saw picks. In this section, we’ll talk about the key features, pros, and cons of the shortlisted reciprocating saws.

We’ve made sure to pick tools from various price ranges and with versatile feature sets. So no matter whether you are looking for a tool for a one-time project or high-volume, ongoing jobs, you should be able to find the right cordless recip saw for your needs below.

Image	Product
	Our Top Pick DEWALT DCS367B Reciprocating Saw Speed: 0-2,900 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 1-1/8 inches	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B Cordless Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable Stroke length: 7/8 inches	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Makita XRJ07ZB Compact Cordless Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 13/16 inches.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Milwaukee M18 SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 1-1/8 inches.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 1 inch.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Makita XRJ05Z Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable 2-speed. Stroke length: 1-1/4 inches.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	Blue Ridge BR2801U Cordless Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 1 inch.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	METABO HPT CR18DGLP4 Cordless Reciprocating Saw Speed: 3,300 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 1 inch.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	DEWALT DCS312G1 XTREME One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit Speed: 2,800 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 5/8 inch.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →
	GALAX PRO Reciprocating Saw Kit Speed: 3,000 SPM, variable. Stroke length: 7/8 inch.	VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS →

1. DEWALT DCS367B Reciprocating Saw

DEWALT’s DCS367B cordless reciprocating saw is a great tool for most DIY needs. This is a well-built, powerful, and convenient tool that is well worth the price tag.

The first upside of DCS367B is the variable-speed trigger – the SPM of the tool goes from 0 to 2900 based on trigger pressure. This allows you to save battery power and perhaps also extend tool life.

To ensure convenient operation, DEWALT DCS367B has an integrated LED light to illuminate the work area. Additionally, the shoe in this tool pivots to allow you to put the saw snugly against the workpiece. You also get a tool-free blade clamp mechanism for easy blade changes.

The stroke length in DCS367B is a generous 1-1/8 inches too, so this tool should be able to quickly deal with anything you throw at it. DEWALT DCS367B is additionally powered by a brushless motor that will deliver extended lifetime compared to its non-brushed counterparts.

Sized at 14.5 inches long, this reciprocating saw is pretty compact too, so it can do work in tight areas pretty well.

When it comes to batteries, DEWALT DCS367B works with 20V Max Li-Ion batteries. These are available in different sizes, so you can play around with the battery life a bit. Note that DEWALT includes no batteries with this tool, so you’ll have to get one on your own.

2. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B cordless reciprocating saw is a nice pick for occasional and light DIY needs. Far cheaper than the DEWALT tool we’ve just reviewed, BDCR20B can boast neither the same durability nor power. But for some people, this is going to be completely fine.

In terms of features, BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is rather impressive despite its cheap price. Its SPM goes up to 3,000 and is variable via trigger pressure.

BDCR20B additionally has a pivoting shoe for more secure tool placement, as well as a tool-free blade clamp for added convenience. But note that compared to the DEWALT tool, BDCR20B is about an inch longer, so it won’t be as good of a choice for tight spaces.

In terms of durability, obviously don’t expect anything spectacular from such a cheap tool. It appears to have a brushed motor (not as durable as brushless ones), and the build quality is relatively weak. But for the money, we wouldn’t expect otherwise.

Finally, when it comes to batteries, BDCR20B is designed to work with BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX batteries. Again, you’ll have to buy these separately. Note that BLACK+DECKER batteries have rather short battery life.

3. Makita XRJ07ZB Compact Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Makita’s XRJ07ZB is a wonderful purchase for tight spaces. Just about 12-1/2 inches long, XRJ07ZB will fit where most other tools won’t.

Of course, you need to make some sacrifices to get this kind of space-efficiency. The stroke length, for example, is a mere 13/16 inches – you can forget about quick demolition with this thing.

But that’s not really a problem since XRJ07ZB isn’t designed to replace a full-size recip saw – it’s designed to do work where a standard tool can’t.

Despite its small size, XRJ07ZB is made no less durably than Makita’s full-size reciprocating saws. You are getting a long-living brushless motor along with quality construction – good enough for years of use. Additionally, XRJ07ZB is shielded from dust and water, and its advanced computer controls protect the tool from overloading, overheating, and over-discharging.

Makita XRJ07ZB also borrows functionality from its full-size counterparts. You are getting features such as tool-less blade change, an integrated LED light, and variable speed (up to 3,000 SPM).

When it comes to batteries, XRJ07ZB works with Makita’s 18V LXT batteries. You may purchase the tool and battery separately if you want. Alternatively, via the provided product link, you may also get a kit that comes with the tool, battery, and charger.

4. Milwaukee M18 SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw

Milwaukee’s M18 is the complete opposite of the Makita compact reciprocating saw.

This 17-inch beast is larger than most recip saws on our list and is a great choice if you want full control over your tool. This is thanks to the extended gripping area in the front of the saw.

Another highlight of the M18 SAWZALL saw is the adjustable shoe. This neat feature allows you to adjust the stroke length, as well as lets you use different areas of the blade to hopefully extend its service life.

Speaking of the stroke length, it is a long 1-1/8 inches here – as much as in the DEWALT DCS367B. However, since the max SPM is 100 higher in M18, it can tear through material quicker. Besides, thanks to its easier handling, M18 is a better fit when space efficiency does not matter.

Notably, Milwaukee covers this tool with a 5-year warranty, which is one of the longest warranties on recip saws you’ll find!

Lastly, note that in terms of batteries, M18 SAWZALL is designed to work with Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM batteries. These are available in a few sizes with long runtimes.

Read more: Best Band Saw Reviews

5. PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw

PORTER-CABLE’s PCC670B is yet another inexpensive pick on our list. With that said, this tool is a little pricier than the BLACK+DECKER recip saw reviewed earlier, and it has a few differences.

Perhaps most importantly, the stroke length here is at 1 inch – 0.125 inches longer than in the BLACK+DECKER saw. This is a big enough difference to matter for most buyers.

Secondly, PCC670B is sized at 14.5 inches long – slightly shorter than the BLACK+DECKER tool. Again, the difference in length is significant enough to matter in practical use.

On the other hand, the warranty here is only 1-year, while BLACK+DECKER offers 2-year coverage. We wouldn’t say that the two tools differ much in durability, but at this price point, 1 year matters a lot. If you are going to use your tool often, then perhaps BLACK+DECKER’s tool is a better pick.

Other than these differences, PORTER-CABLE and BLACK+DECKER recip saws are pretty similar. Both have a variable speed up to 3,000 SPM, tool-free blade changes, a pivoting shoe for convenience, and a trigger safety lock.  With that, PORTER-CABLE PCC670B is a good choice for light use.

Again, keep in mind that PCC670B doesn’t come with batteries. It works with PORTER-CABLE 20V Max batteries that you’ll have to get separately.

Read more: 10 Best Spindle Sander Reviews

6. Makita XRJ05Z Reciprocating Saw

Makita XRJ05Z is the quickest reciprocating saw on this list. This is mainly thanks to its stroke length – at 1-1/4 inches, it is the longest on our top and allows for very quick demolition work. Paired with the 3,000SPM motor, the stroke length allows you to cut through material in no time.

What’s also notable about XRJ05Z is the 2 motor speeds. The low speed goes up to 2,300 SPM, while the high speed goes up to 3,000. In both modes, the speed is trigger-variable.

The low-speed mode will be particularly helpful if you need to stay at low SPM while working. In standard reciprocating saws with one speed, to get 2,300 SPM, you would need to pull the trigger with just the right amount of force, which is difficult. But when the max speed is limited, this becomes much easier.

XRJ05Z notably also has a vibration-reducing crank design. For the sawing speed of this tool, this is a welcome feature because vibrations can become a big problem both for your health and the tool’s longevity.

In terms of convenience features, XRJ05Z is similar to previous high-end reciprocating saws. It lacks a LED light, unfortunately, but this isn’t that big of an issue.

7. Blue Ridge BR2801U Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The BR2801U reciprocating saw from Blue Ridge appears to be a good option for buyers on a budget.

This model is manufactured by a brand we don’t recognize – Blue Ridge. Now, the brand and the tool all in all seem fine for the money. However, we can’t tell how good long-term tool support or how replacement part (e.g. batteries) availability will be. This is an important thing to consider going forward, especially if your use cases will be heavy.

Nonetheless, when it comes to specs and features, the Blue Ridge BR2801U recip saw is a nice product. It features all the basics you’d want from this kind of tool, including variable speed, a pivoting shoe, and tool-free blade swapping.

The stroke length here seems to be 1 inch as well, but we can’t say for sure since Blue Ridge doesn’t list this spec.

What’s also very nice about this reciprocating saw is that it comes with a battery and charger. Additionally, Blue Ridge includes a wood-cutting blade. The blade is nice, but it won’t be suitable for anything except, well, wood. But you should be able to find blades for other materials too.

8. METABO HPT CR18DGLP4 Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The CR18DGLP4 from METABO HPT is a solid reciprocating saw with great functionality. It costs not too much too, so it offers great value for the money!

The feature set in the CR18DGLP4 recip saw is similar to that in high-end models, which is amazing for the price. More specifically, you are getting things like a LED light and an adjustable shoe – rare features in inexpensive reciprocating saws!

Thanks to its large gripping area in the front, CR18DGLP4 is rather easy to operate as well.

When it comes to sawing performance, the CR18DGLP4 reciprocating saw is solid – with its 1-inch stroke and high SPM, it should cut through pretty much anything.

Now, in terms of durability, we wouldn’t expect much from this tool. It’s not the toughest out there, and it’s also an old tool model – currently, it seems to be discontinued by METABO HPT. If you are looking to put your reciprocating saw to heavy use, this particular model might not be the best pick.

9. DEWALT DCS312G1 XTREME One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit

Remember Makita’s XRJ07ZB compact tool reviewed earlier? DEWALT DCS312G1 XTREME is similar in that it’s very compact. In fact, just 12.12 inches long, DCS312G1 is even more compact than the Makita tool! It may be operated with one hand as well, which can be very beneficial in some situations.

Another notable advantage of the DCS312G1 recip saw is that it comes with a battery, charger, two blades, and a tool bag out of the box! Best of all, it’s not that expensive for what you are getting!

DCS312G1 boasts a durable brushless motor too, so it’s going to be a fine choice for heavy use cases. The SPM here is rather high as well, but it’s a little lower than in the Makita compact reciprocating saw.

What’s also lower in this tool is the stroke length – nearly 0.2 inches shorter than in the Makita tool, the stroke in DCS312G1 won’t be able to do as much work. Well, we wouldn’t expect otherwise from such a compact tool.

All in all, if you are looking for a very space-effective reciprocating saw, DEWALT DCS312G1 is very hard to beat. It may well be the best cordless reciprocating saw in its class as well!

10. GALAX PRO Reciprocating Saw Kit

Lastly, we have this power toolset from GALAX PRO. This kit includes a reciprocating saw, an impact drill, a single battery pack with charger, as well as a number of drill bits and saw blades.

Now, these aren’t the kind of tools we’d recommend for heavy DIY or workshop needs, but if you are looking for tools for a quick project (and potentially light future jobs), it should be fine.

In terms of specs, the reciprocating saw is a typical budget model – it has a 3,000SPM motor, variable speed, 7/8-inch stroke (not too long, but not short either), and a pivoting shoe. All in all, this reciprocating saw should be fine for light jobs.

As for the drill, it’s a single-speed impact drill with 600RPM motor, clutch with 19+1 positions, and a key-less chuck. The drill is compact and easy to handle, but again, we wouldn’t expect miracles from it.

Cordless VS Corded Reciprocating Saws – Which Is Better?

Cordless and corded reciprocating saws both have their advantages and disadvantages. To make sure that you invest your money right, you should know what to expect from each reciprocator saw type.

With that, the benefits of cordless reciprocating saws are as follows:

• Portability. Cordless reciprocating saws may be used anywhere as long as you have battery power. This benefit will be especially useful for jobs carried out in remote sites with no access to electricity.

• No cords, no messes. Cordless reciprocating saws are convenient and mess-free when in use.

On the other hand, here are the pros of corded reciprocating saws:

• More power. Corded tools are typically much more powerful than cordless ones. This is true for reciprocating saws as well. To some extent, this is probably because to achieve the same level of power, cordless tools would need to have impractically large and heavy batteries.

With that said, modern reciprocating saws are pretty powerful, and they will probably get better as time goes on.

• Lighter weight. Because corded tools have no batteries, they are much lighter and easier to handle.

• Cheaper price tag. Corded reciprocating saws are often cheaper than cordless tools.

There is no clear winner tool, as you could have seen. Each tool type has unique advantages and can satisfy distinct needs. If your job’s demands match the benefits of cordless reciprocating saws, then they are the right type of tool for you.

Things To Consider When Shopping For The Best Cordless Recip Saw

And here’s our buyer guide section where you will find all the info you need to make the right purchase!

Below, we will cover the key specs & features of cordless reciprocating saws and how you should approach each when shopping for this tool.

Battery

The first thing to pay attention to in a cordless reciprocating saw is the battery. Note that many reciprocating saws do not come with a battery – you have to purchase one separately.

Typically, reciprocating saw manufacturers make battery kits specifically for their saw models. These are the batteries that you should use – avoid third-party batteries, unless you find a reliable brand.

When shopping for a battery, pay attention to the specs required by the tool – most importantly, voltage. Manufacturers usually specify which battery models are intended to work with the reciprocating saw, so picking the right battery should be easy.

Apart from that, pay attention to battery capacity. The best spec for battery capacity is watt-hours – however, watt-hours are rarely specified in battery spec sheets. You can easily calculate watt-hours yourself though by multiplying ampere-hours by voltage.

Stroke speed & length

Stroke speed and stroke length both determine how fast a reciprocating saw can cut through material.

Stroke speed is measured in strokes per minute or SPM. The fastest reciprocating saws reach stroke speeds of 3,000-3,500 SPM. The higher the SPM, the quicker you will be able to do your work.

Stroke length also impacts the speed of cutting, so it should not be ignored. This spec indicates how far the blade is pushed back and forth while the tool is in operation. Typically, stroke length ranges from 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches.

All else being equal, a reciprocating saw with a longer stroke length will do the job faster. Besides, a tool with longer stroke length will be able to cut through thicker materials. So in most cases, longer stroke lengths are ideal.

With that said, for tight spaces, you may want to opt for a compact reciprocating saw with short stroke length.

For a more objective comparison between reciprocating saws, some pros recommend multiplying the stroke length by stroke speed. This will give you the number of inches that a reciprocating saw can cut through in a minute.

Multiplying makes a lot of sense because if a reciprocating saw has a long stroke but low SPM, then it may cut slower than a saw with a short stroke but high SPM. So apart from raw SPM and stroke length, consider their product as well.

Variable speed

One important thing to realize is that when manufacturers list their tools’ SPM, they give you the peak speed.

Simpler and cheaper reciprocating saws typically have a single speed and always operate at max SPM. In some jobs, this is completely fine. However, always running at max SPM, a reciprocating saw will not be energy-efficient and may not live very long.

Here’s when reciprocating saws with variable SPM come into play. Typically, reciprocating saws with variable speed have pressure-sensitive triggers – as you push harder, the SPM increases. Some models have speed dials instead, but the purpose is the same.

Preferably, get a reciprocating saw with variable speed. But if you aren’t going to use the tool that often, then the energy savings may not be worth the added price tag.

Blade motion – straight vs orbital

In traditional reciprocating saws, the blade is moving straight back and forth. Orbital reciprocating saws, in contrast, add a circular motion to the standard straight stroke. This simple upgrade allows for a dramatic increase in sawing speed.

Note that you cannot compare the stroke length & speed of standard and orbital reciprocating saws. Orbital reciprocating saws cut faster even at lower SPM and stroke length. So if you want a quick-cutting reciprocating saw, an orbital saw would be your best bet.

Some orbital saws also allow you to adjust the intensity of the orbital action or just turn it off. This is pretty useful in situations where orbital cutting is unnecessary.

Blade selection

Check out what kind of replacement blades are available for the desired tool as well. Though manufacturers typically include blades with their reciprocating saws, replacement blades should also be considered since they can dramatically change your effectiveness and allow you to work with a wider range of materials.

Just pay a visit to the web store of your tool’s manufacturer and find out what kind of blades you can get. Note that some blades may be made for specific reciprocating saw models. So make sure to check the supported tool list of each blade.

Vibration reduction

If your jobs are tough or long, then we suggest that you get a reciprocating saw with vibration-reducing features.

No reciprocating saw design will be able to completely eliminate vibrations. However, manufacturers make use of a number of tricks to reduce the vibration and, along with it, operator fatigue and injury risk.

Simpler vibration-dampening designs use dampeners or separate the handle from the tool body. The most sophisticated saws use internal counter-balances to rather effectively reduce vibrations.

For occasional or light use, vibration dampening isn’t a must. But if your jobs are long-lasting, then a reciprocating saw with vibration dampening will make your job easier and safer.

Tool-less blade changing

Nowadays, reciprocating saws typically have tool-less blades that can be swapped out without any screwdrivers or Allen wrenches. This feature is simple to implement and is present in most reciprocating saws, even the cheapest one.

With that said, you should still check whether the desired tool indeed has tool-less blade changing. This is a nice feature to have, especially if your job requires frequent blade replacement.

Adjustable shoe

Ideally, your reciprocating saw should have a pivoting, adjustable shoe.

To ensure safe and quick cutting, the reciprocating saw shoe should be held firmly against the workpiece. A shoe that pivots slightly back and forth would make this much easier.

As for adjustment, an adjustable shoe would allow you to utilize different parts of the blade, thus extending its service life.

Weight

Finally, consider the weight of your cordless reciprocating saw as well, both with and without a battery.

As mentioned above, cordless reciprocating saws tend to be heavier than corded tools because of the battery. And the larger the battery, the heavier the tool will get.

Needless to say, if you want power, then you will have to get a heavier reciprocating saw. But all else being equal, you should probably opt for a lighter reciprocating saw for added convenience.

Final Words

A reciprocating saw is a serious tool, and your approach needs to be serious as well if you want to get the best bang for the buck.

In our guide, we covered the most important points to help you identify the best cordless reciprocating saw for your needs. Additionally, our reviews should be more than enough to help you get started.

No matter which of our picks you go with, you should be pretty safe. But we strongly suggest that you not rush your decision and ponder over available options well.