In 1951, Milwaukee Electric Tool Company invented the first reciprocating saw and gave the tool industry a name it would never forget—Sawzall. Technology sure has come a long way in 70+ years, and many brands are vying for the title of best reciprocating saw (or best Sawzall if you prefer). Whether you’re after corded or cordless, full-size, or compact, our team of experts pulled together their favorites to help you sort through the field and find the best one for your needs.
Best Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) — Our Top Picks
- Best Cordless Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall 2722 – Buy from Acme Tools
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓ - Best Corded Overall: Skilsaw 15-Amp Buzzkill SPT44-10 – Buy from Acme Tools
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓ - Best Compact Lightweight: Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact XRJ07 – Buy from Acme Tools
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓ - Best One-Hand: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall 2719 – Buy from Acme Tools
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓ - Best for the Money: Flex 24V FX2271 – Buy from Acme Tools
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓ - Best for DIY and Home Use Ryobi 12-Amp RJ186V – Buy from Home Depot
Jump to this Reciprocating Saw ↓
Also in this Article
- Best Reciprocating Saw Blades
- Best-Selling Reciprocating Saws
- More Cordless Recommendations
- More Corded Recommendations
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
Related Content
- What is a Reciprocating Saw Used For?
- What is Orbital Action on a Reciprocating Saw?
- When to Use Orbital Action on a Reciprocating Saw
- How to Use a Reciprocating Saw Like a Pro
- Reducing Vibration in Reciprocating Saws
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) Overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall 2722
When all the sawdust settled, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall was our choice for the best cordless reciprocating saw. Without a doubt, it’s the performance that makes this saw so impressive. Not only is it a quality replacement for your corded 15-amp saw, but it also outperforms the majority of them.
The trade-off is weight. Using a 12.0Ah High Output battery to get the longest runtime, the 2722 weighs a hefty 12.3 pounds. However, pairing this model with the M18 Fuel 2721 for your overhead and lighter cuts, you have a cordless 1-2 punch that lets you kiss cords goodbye.
- Speed: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 1/4-inch
- Orbital Action: Yes
- Bare Weight: 8.8 lbs (12.3 lbs with a 12.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 18.9 inches
Price: $449
Best Corded Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) Overall
Skilsaw 15-Amp Reciprocating Saw with Buzzkill SPT44-10
The competition to earn the best corded reciprocating saw title was tight. Milwaukee’s 15-amp Super Sawzall showed off excellent cutting speed, and Makita’s AVT-enabled 15-amp Recipro Saw put on a vibration control clinic. However, it’s the Skilsaw 15-Amp Buzkill reciprocating saw that put together the most complete package.
Its cutting speed under load was the best we’ve tested, and the Buzzkill vibration control is effective. It wraps in an excellent feature set with a variable speed dial and orbital action, and the price is less than its primary competitors. The tradeoff is that this is a heavier saw with a longer profile than most.
- Speed: 0 – 2900 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 1/4-inch
- Orbital Action: Yes
- Weight: 11.3 lbs
- Tool Length: 21.7 inches
Price: $169
Best Compact Lightweight Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Reciprocating Saw XRJ07
The best compact reciprocating saw has to get into tighter spaces while exceeding the performance of one-hand models. From our testing, that’s exactly what we found in Makita’s XRJ07 Recipro Saw. Its brushless motor can cut at faster rates than the one-hand models, and at 12.7 inches long, it gets in between studs and around plumbing better than standard designs. As a bonus, Makita dialed in the vibration control so you have a less fatiguing experience.
- Speed: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 13/16-inch
- Orbital Action: No
- Bare Weight: 4.9 lbs (5.7 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 12.5 inches
Price: $259
Best One-Hand Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall 2719
Milwauee’s M18 Fuel Hackzall earns our pick as the best one-hand reciprocating saw thanks to its class-leading cutting performance. While other models which may be lighter or offer less vibration are tempting, Milwaukee’s 2719 was able to finish cuts in less than half the time in some cases. Productivity is a high priority for us, and that’s what seals the deal for Milwaukee.
- Speed: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 7/8-inch
- Orbital Action: No
- Bare Weight: 4.1 lbs (5.7 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length:14 inches
Price: $299
Best Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) for the Money
Flex 24V Reciprocating Saw FX2271
As you shop around, there’s not a lot to choose from between less expensive Prosumer reciprocating saws and Pro-grade premium models. Flex is a bright spot in the gap, though, and is our choice as the best reciprocating saw for the money.
The performance is without question at the professional level, and it has a quality build to go with it. The feature set includes most of the things we look for, and you have a wide range of batteries to match the job at hand. Best of all is the price—under $250 for the kit. That’s a nice discount over what you’ll pay from the usual suspects and gets low enough to tempt Pros who might have thought they’d have to settle for a corded model.
- Speed: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 1/4-inch
- Orbital Action: Yes
- Bare Weight: 7.4 lbs (9.5 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length:
Price: $199 bare tool, $249 kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger
Best Budget Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) for DIY and Home Use
Ryobi 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw RJ186V
If you’re looking for the best reciprocating saw for DIY projects, Ryobi’s RJ186V is what we’d go with. Even though it’s not the cheapest option, its 12-amp motor offers stronger and faster cutting than less expensive competitors. When you’re working on your home renovations or demoing that old playset your kids have outgrown, it’s worth spending a little more to make the job go faster.
- Motor: 12-amp
- Speed: 0 – 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 1/8-inch
- Orbital Action: No
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
- Tool Length: 18.5 inches
Price: $89
Best Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) Blades
You have a lot of options when it comes to reciprocating saw blades. Even though they’re more expensive, the best reciprocating saw blades are carbide. When you break down the cost per cut, they’re a far better value than bi-metal blades.
Of the choices you have, here’s what we rely on most frequently:
CMT Orange Tools Reciprocating Saw Blades
Deep line with highly developed designs covering nearly every scenario, including specialty applications.
Milwaukee Sawzall Blades
Excellent across the board with a broad range, the Nitrus Carbide blades are our go-to for the absolute toughest scenarios.
Diablo Reciprocating Saw Blades
Wide-ranging with excellent performance, Diablo is widely considered the standard everyone compares themselves to.
Best-Selling Reciprocating Saws and Sawzalls
Acme Tools
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Max One-Hand Bare Tool DCS369B – $169
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Bare Tool 2821-20 – $199
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall Bare Tool 2719-20 – $169
Amazon
- DeWalt 20V Max Bare Tool DCS380B – $99
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Max One-Hand Bare Tool DCS369B – $169
- Black and Decker 20V Max Kit BDCR20C – $69.99
Home Depot
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall Bare Tool 2719-20 – $169
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Max One-Hand Bare Tool DCS369B – $129
- Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless One-Hand Bare Tool PSBRS01B – $119
Lowe’s
- DeWalt 20V Max XR Bare Tool DCS382B – $199
- Craftsman V20 Bare Tool CMCS300B – $79
- Craftsman 7.5-Amp Corded CMES300 – $69
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) – More Recommendations
Bosch 18V “Hawkbill” Reciprocating Saw GSA18V-125
A unique design combines excellent performance with vibration control in a top-tier professional model.
Price: $299 bare tool
DeWalt 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage Reciprocating Saw DCS386
Capable of operating on a DeWalt 20V battery but steps up big time in performance when using a FlexVolt battery.
Price: $249 bare tool, $498 kit with a 6.0Ah battery and charger
Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw FX2241
Pro-level performance with an excellent build at a price that’s lower than its competition.
Price: $159 bare tool, $199 kit with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Hilti Nuron 22V Reciprocating Saw SR 6-22
Pro-grade model designed to replace the 12-amp corded models. It’s great for overhead work and backed by a 20-year warranty.
Price: $289 bare tool
Kobalt 24V XTR Reciprocating Saw
High-value Pro-level saw that offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and price.
Price: $149 bare tool
Makita 40V max XGT Recipcating Saw GRJ02
Premium professional model with highly refined design, advanced internal technology, and excellent performance.
Price: $309 bare tool, $529 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Metabo HPT 36V Reciprocating Saw CR36DA
Pro model with crazy-good vibration control and solid cutting performance with a lifetime warranty.
Price: $179 bare tool
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Reciprocating Saw PBLRS01
Prosumer brushless model with upgraded technology that offers higher performance than previous cordless models.
Price: $99 bare tool, $168 kit with a 2.0Ah High-Performance battery and charger
Greenworks 24V Reciprocating Saw
Lightweight brushless option for DIY projects
Price: $129.99 bare tool
HART 20V Reciprocating Saw HPRS25
Brushless model perfect for weekend projects and DIY renovations found conveniently at Walmart.
Price: $128 bare tool, $129 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Corded Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) – More Recommendations
Makita AVT Recipro Saw JR3070CTZ
Premium full-featured corded model with outstanding vibration control for professional jobs.
Price: $249
Metabo HPT 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw CR13VSTM
The best value in a Pro-level reciprocating saw.
Price: $99
Milwaukee 15-Amp Super Sawzall 6538-21
From the brand that invented the reciprocating saw, it’s the highest-performing, most full-featured corded Sawzall.
Price: $199
Skilsaw 13-Amp Buzzkill Reciprocating Saw SPT44A-00
All the vibration-killing benefits of Buzzkill in a smaller, lighter package than its 15-amp brother.
Price: $119
What is a Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) Used For?
A reciprocating saw uses an in-and-out reciprocating motion to saw through material. They make quick work of sawing through wood, metal, PVC, masonry, and more. Features such as orbital action and advanced vibration control can make the user experience more efficient and easier. They’re not fine finish-cutting tools, though—they’re primarily a demolition tool used to cut material out that you’re removing from a work area.
What to Look for When Buying and Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
Performance
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line or the best budget cordless reciprocating saw, performance is king. We run a wide range of tests from light-duty PVC and EMT cutting through heavier nail-embedded wood, roofing, rebar, and even cast iron.
At the end of the day, this part of our evaluation is a race. May the fastest cutter win!
Orbital Action
Orbital action introduces an elliptical motion to the blade that is more aggressive and makes wood cutting much faster. Having a selectable orbital mode on your cordless reciprocating saw is a feature you should seriously consider. It’s not an absolute deal-breaker, but try to get one with it if it’s within your budget.
Vibration Control
Speed is a big part of what we’re looking for, but so is vibration control. Reciprocating saws are rough tools so the more they reduce vibration, the less fatigue you experience. It makes a huge difference and most of our guys are willing to give up a little speed for better vibration control.
Some brands have developed advanced vibration control using counterbalance systems and other technology. While it can add some weight to the tool, it reduces fatigue enough to make the trade-off worth it.
Feature Set
Many features make using a cordless reciprocating saw easier, including the orbital action mode we already talked about.
- Brushless Motor: Better performance and runtime, but with a higher price
- Orbital Action: Significantly faster cutting in wood
- Variable Speed Selection: Easier way to manage your speed than feathering the trigger, especially when you’re cutting harder metals
- Smart Controls: App-based customizable controls with the potential for inventory management and tracking
- Blade Clamp Release: Lever-action and slide releases on the housing are much easier than twist releases on the shaft
- Blade Ejection: A spring actively ejects the blade when you release it so you don’t have to grab a hot blade
- Pivoting Shoe: Helps maintain contact with the material on longer cuts or on round material
- Adjustable Shoe: Moves the shoe to engage unused teeth on the blade
- Rafter Hook: Lets you hang the saw on a joist, sawhorse, or ladder when you need to set it down
- LED Light: Lets you see what you’re cutting when there’s not a lot of light
- Unique Features
Size and Weight
In addition to vibration, weight plays a big part in the fatigue equation. While there’s some correlation between size and weight, it’s not universal. Some full-size saws are pounds lighter than others that have a similar design.
Sometimes the extra weight is due to more metal in the construction and advanced vibration control systems. Other times it’s the need for an advanced or larger battery pack.
While most of the saws in this review are full-size, there are a couple of other classes to consider if you need to get into tight spaces.
Compact cordless reciprocating saws such as Makita’s 18V Sub-Compact are essentially squashed versions of full-size models.
There’s also a group of one-handed reciprocating saws that assume an entirely different take on it. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall is a good example.
Value
At Pro Tool Reviews, value is more than just a list of prices. We take a comprehensive look at what you get for your money such as performance, features, warranty, and the number of compatible tools on the same platform.
Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
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