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Best Cordless Jigsaws 2026: 20V, Orbital & Variable Speed
By MyAwesomeBuy Research Team · Updated April 9, 2026 · Our Methodology
185,156+ reviews analyzed
No manufacturer paid for placement. Rankings based on verified buyer review data.
Quick Answer
The Milwaukee 2645-20 M18 is the performance winner -- the M18 platform's power delivery and the tool's variable speed control handle a full range of materials from light plywood to thick hardwood. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX is the right choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who need a jigsaw occasionally rather than regularly -- adequate for most DIY projects at a third of the Milwaukee's price.
Best for: Milwaukee M18 ecosystem users who need a budget jigsaw entry point without switching battery platforms
“The Milwaukee 2645-20 is the budget entry into M18 cordless jigsaws — $99 tool-only with orbital action, variable speed, and full M18 battery compatibility. The 2,500 SPM max is adequate for most cuts”
The Milwaukee 2645-20 M18 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw runs on the M18 battery platform -- compatible with 250+ M18 tools, making battery sharing practical across a full cordless tool collection. Orbital action settings (0-3) improve cutting speed in wood by up to 50% over non-orbital cutting. The tool-less T-shank blade change swaps blades in under 10 seconds without tools. Electronic speed control maintains consistent speed under load. Sold as bare tool -- requires an M18 battery. For Milwaukee M18 owners, this is a natural addition to the collection. For new buyers, factor in one M18 battery and charger kit cost.
Full Specs & Measurements
Upc
718472211632 045242158836
Asin
B001U3I24M
Color
Multicolor
Voltage
18 Volts
Brand Name
Milwaukee
Unit Count
1.0 Count
Blade Shape
Rectangular
Manufacturer
Milwaukee
Model Number
2645-20
Power Source
Battery Powered
Cutting Angle
45 Degrees
Blade Material
High Speed Steel
Item Type Name
Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2645-20 18-Volt M18 Jig Saw
Handle Material
Plastic or Rubber
Best Sellers Rank
#1,271,438 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #263 in Power Jig Saws
Included Components
Bare Tool
Surface Recommendation
Wood and Metal
Manufacturer Part Number
2645-20
Manufacturer Warranty Description
5 Years
Global Trade Identification Number
00045242158836
Other Special Features Of The Product
Tool-free shoe bevel with positive stops, 5-position orbital cutting, non-marring shoe, cordless-electric power source
Best Budget
BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20B 20V MAX Cordless Jig Saw
$47
at Amazon
Best for: DIYers who need a cordless jigsaw for occasional home projects
“The BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20B makes cordless cutting accessible at the lowest price. For occasional use — cutting vinyl flooring, thin plywood, or sheet goods — it handles the job without breaking the bud”
The BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20B 20V MAX Cordless Jig Saw covers the fundamental jigsaw function -- variable speed trigger, T-shank blade compatibility for wide blade selection, and the 20V MAX platform shared across BLACK+DECKER's cordless tool line. Sold as a bare tool; pairs with any BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX battery. Without orbital action or the electronic speed control of premium jigsaws, it cuts slightly slower in wood and bogs more under heavy load, but for occasional cuts in plywood, trim, and drywall it is entirely adequate. The 20V MAX platform also includes circular saws, drills, and sanders for users building out a cordless tool kit.
Full Specs & Measurements
Upc
885911432931
Asin
B019OF6T38
Color
Black
Speed
2500 RPM
Voltage
20 Volts
Brand Name
BLACK+DECKER
Unit Count
1.0 Count
Blade Shape
Rectangular
Item Weight
4.7 Pounds
Manufacturer
Black & Decker
Model Number
BDCJS20B
Power Source
Battery Powered
Cutting Angle
45 Degrees
Warranty Type
limited warranty
Blade Material
Metal
Item Type Name
20V MAX LITHIUM JIG SAW BARE
Handle Material
Plastic
Number Of Teeth
10
Best Sellers Rank
#99,918 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #32 in Power Jig Saws
Included Components
(1) BDCJS20 Cordless Jigsaw, (1) Jigsaw Blade
Number Of Batteries
1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
Surface Recommendation
Metal, Wood
Manufacturer Part Number
BDCJS20B
Item Dimensions L X W X H
11.38"L x 3.81"W x 10"H
Manufacturer Warranty Description
2 year limited warranty
Global Trade Identification Number
00885911432931
Other Special Features Of The Product
Brushless
Worth Considering
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle CPK-17
$79
at Amazon
Best for: Tea and coffee drinkers who want precise temperature control
“Cuisinart's PerfecTemp is the go-to variable temperature kettle — six presets cover every brewing need, the keep-warm function saves re-boiling, and the build quality has proven reliable across thousa”
#109 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #1 in Electric Pressure Cookers #7 in Slow Cookers
Included Components
1
Warranty Description
1 year manufacturer warranty
Item Dimensions D X W X H
12.2"D x 13.38"W x 12.48"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?
Yes
Cordless Jigsaws Buying Guide
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist / Pexels
What Jigsaws Do Best: Understanding the Tool's Strengths
Jigsaws excel at four applications where no other tool competes: curved cuts in any direction, interior cutouts (sink cutouts in countertops, electrical box holes in drywall, plunge-cut access holes), irregular pattern cutting (following a template or drawn line), and angled bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. They are not the optimal tool for: long straight rips (circular saws do this better), very thick materials over 2 inches (reciprocating saws handle thick timber), or fine finish cuts where splintering matters (specialty blades minimize this but jigsaws inherently produce some tearout).
The 6 Best Cordless Jigsaws 2026 🔥 Top Picks for Woodworking & DIY
Jigsaw variable speed is critical because different materials require different blade speeds. Wood: 1,200-3,000 SPM (strokes per minute) for fast cutting. Plastic: 500-1,000 SPM -- higher speeds melt the material and gum the blade. Thin metal: 500-1,500 SPM with metal-cutting blades. Tile and ceramics: low speed with diamond-coated blades and water cooling. A jigsaw with only a single speed or limited range forces you to overspeed delicate materials or underspeed wood. Quality jigsaws also offer orbital action -- the blade moves in an elliptical pattern (forward on the up-stroke) that clears chips faster for aggressive wood cutting, with the orbital setting switched off for precise cuts.
Blade System: The Key to Versatility
Jigsaws use a standardized blade shank system -- T-shank blades are the universal standard accepted by nearly all modern jigsaws from all brands. U-shank blades are an older standard found in some lower-cost tools. Always verify your jigsaw accepts T-shank blades and buy accordingly. T-shank blade compatibility means you can buy any major brand's blade selection (Bosch, Diablo, Milwaukee, Lenox) regardless of your jigsaw brand. Blade choices for different materials: standard wood blades (6-10 TPI), fine-tooth wood blades (10-14 TPI, less splintering), metal-cutting blades (18-24 TPI), and plastic-cutting blades.
✅ 9 Best Jigsaws for Woodworking & Home Use [2026]🪚 Don’t Buy Before W
The Milwaukee's premium over budget jigsaws buys: better electronic speed control that maintains consistent speed under load (budget tools bog down), an orbital action feature that improves cutting speed in wood by 30-50%, a tool-less blade change system that swaps blades in under 10 seconds without tools, a bright integrated LED work light, and M18 battery compatibility shared with Milwaukee's full tool catalog. For professionals who use a jigsaw regularly, the efficiency gains pay for the price difference. For occasional DIY users, the BLACK+DECKER delivers the fundamental jigsaw function at a lower initial cost.
What blade should I use for cutting wood without splintering?
Use a fine-tooth blade (10-14 TPI) with reversed teeth (downcut blade) that cuts on the downstroke rather than upstroke. The standard jigsaw cuts on the upstroke, which pulls wood fibers up and causes splintering on the top face. A downcut blade pulls fibers down, keeping the top face clean. Apply masking tape on the cut line before cutting for additional splintering prevention.
Can a jigsaw cut curves in 2x4 lumber?
Yes -- a jigsaw cuts curves in any direction in 2x4 lumber (1.5 inch actual thickness), but it is not the ideal tool for thick lumber. At 1.5 inches, expect moderate blade deflection on tight curves, especially with narrower blades. For sharp curves in thick material, make relief cuts perpendicular to the cut line every few inches to reduce the blade's turning resistance.
How do I cut a circle with a jigsaw?
Three methods: freehand (draw the circle, cut freehand -- challenging to maintain perfect roundness), trammel guide (a rod connected to the jigsaw's base plate that rotates around a fixed center point -- produces a perfect circle), or follow a circular template. For speaker cutouts and sink holes, a trammel guide (available as a jigsaw accessory) produces the most accurate results.
What is orbital action on a jigsaw?
Orbital action adds an elliptical forward movement to the blade's up-down motion -- the blade swings slightly forward on the upstroke (cutting stroke) and back on the downstroke. This aggressively clears chips for faster cutting in wood (orbital setting 1-3 provides progressively more aggressive action). For metal, tile, and materials where chip clearance matters less than precision, turn orbital action off (setting 0).
Can the same jigsaw blade cut both wood and metal?
No -- wood-cutting blades have widely spaced teeth (6-10 TPI) that will strip in metal. Metal-cutting blades have fine teeth (18-24 TPI) that cut too slowly in wood and can clog. Bi-metal blades are somewhat more versatile than carbide blades but still optimized for specific material ranges. Always match the blade to your material for effective and safe cutting.
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