The reciprocating saw — better known as the Sawzall — is one of the most versatile tools on a construction site. From demolition to plumbing to remodeling, we tested the best models.
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Our Top 7 Picks
- 1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL 9.7/10
- 2. BOSCH RS428 14 Amp Reciprocating Saw 9.2/10
- 3. DeWalt DCS367B Brushless Compact 8.9/10
- 4. Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw 8.5/10
- 5. Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw 8.2/10
- 6. Skil Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw (9206-02) – Best Affordable Sawzall 7.8/10
- 7. Porter-Cable Reciprocating Saw 7.2/10
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL
$199–$229The fastest, most powerful cordless reciprocating saw on the market. REDLINK intelligence protects against overload. QUIK-LOK blade clamp for one-handed changes.
What We Like
- + Fastest cordless reciprocating saw
- + QUIK-LOK blade clamp
- + REDLINK overload protection
Watch Out For
- − Battery sold separately
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Stroke Length | 1-1/8" |
| SPM | 0–3,000 |
| Battery | M18 REDLITHIUM |
| Blade Change | QUIK-LOK (one-handed) |
| Cut Capacity | Wood: 12", Metal: 3/8" |
| Weight | 7.0 lbs (with battery) |
| Warranty | 5 Year |
In-Depth Review
The Milwaukee 2720-20 is the fastest, most aggressive cordless Sawzall we've ever tested. REDLINK PLUS intelligence monitors the tool and battery to prevent overheating, and the POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers performance that matches 15-amp corded saws.
QUIK-LOK blade clamp allows truly one-handed blade changes — no tools needed. The variable-speed trigger is smooth and predictable. In our demo test, it cut through 2x4s, steel pipe, cast iron, and nail-embedded wood without bogging down once.
Best for: Demolition, remodeling, plumbing rough-in, and any tradesperson who values cordless freedom.
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BOSCH RS428 14 Amp Reciprocating Saw
$112.79The Bosch RS428 is a 14-amp corded reciprocating saw built for heavy demolition. Orbital action setting for aggressive cuts through wood and metal. Low-vibration design reduces fatigue during extended demo sessions.
What We Like
- + Compact and lightweight
- + Excellent vibration control
Watch Out For
- − Corded — limits mobility on the jobsite
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Amps | 7.5A |
| SPM | 0–2,700 |
| Stroke Length | 1-1/8" |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Cord Length | 8 ft |
| Vibration Control | Low-vibration design |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
In-Depth Review
The Bosch RS7 7.5-Amp delivers aggressive cutting performance in a well-balanced package. The orbital action chews through dimensional lumber quickly, and dialing it back gives you the control needed for metal cutting. Blade changes are truly tool-free and one-handed.
We used it for demo work (cutting through nail-embedded lumber), plumbing rough-in (cast iron and PVC), and general remodeling tasks. It handled everything without hesitation. The variable-speed trigger is smooth and predictable, giving you good control at any speed.
Best for: Demolition crews, plumbers, remodelers, and any tradesperson who reaches for a recip saw regularly.
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DeWalt DCS367B Brushless Compact
$159–$179Compact design fits into tight spaces. Brushless motor for extended runtime. 20V MAX platform compatible.
What We Like
- + Compact design fits tight spaces
- + Brushless motor for longer runtime
- + 20V MAX platform compatible
- + 3-LED work light built in
Watch Out For
- − Battery sold separately
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| SPM | 0–2,900 |
| Battery | 20V MAX |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Weight | 5.0 lbs (bare) |
| Blade Change | Keyless lever-action |
| LED Light | 3-LED work light |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
In-Depth Review
The DeWalt DCS367B Brushless Compact delivers aggressive cutting performance in a well-balanced package. The orbital action chews through dimensional lumber quickly, and dialing it back gives you the control needed for metal cutting. Blade changes are truly tool-free and one-handed.
We used it for demo work (cutting through nail-embedded lumber), plumbing rough-in (cast iron and PVC), and general remodeling tasks. It handled everything without hesitation. The variable-speed trigger is smooth and predictable, giving you good control at any speed.
Best for: Demolition crews, plumbers, remodelers, and any tradesperson who reaches for a recip saw regularly.
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Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw
$199–$399The Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw hits the mark for working professionals — durability, practical features, and the kind of quality that holds up over time.
What We Like
- + 11-amp motor powers through nail-embedded lumber
- + Tool-less blade change for fast swaps
- + Rubberized front grip reduces vibration
Watch Out For
- − Corded design limits mobility on open jobsites
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Power Source | Corded / Cordless |
| Warranty | 1-3 Year Limited |
| Weight | 3 lbs |
In-Depth Review
ProsShips with four bladesGood batteryLightweightEasy to useConsShort stroke lengthBest Sawzall Feature: Ships with Four Types of Blades With an upgraded battery and an arsenal of blades, this Kimo sawzall is ready to go to work right out of the box. It’s pretty much a straightforward tool, lacking the fancy extras that the more glamorous models come with.
If fancy extras aren’t your thing, then this might be the tool for you. They’ve recently upgraded the battery to a 20-volt 4.0 Ah, which should give you around 40 minutes of steady usage.
That figure isn’t etched in stone, however. If you’re cutting through 2x4s, you might expect a little less battery life; tree branches, a little more.
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Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw
$249–$449The Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw tears through demolition work — wood, metal, pipe, nails — without hesitation. Variable speed control lets you dial in the aggression for different materials and applications.
What We Like
- + Brushless motor extends battery life and runtime
- + Cordless convenience for demolition and remodeling
- + Variable speed trigger with lock-on for long cuts
Watch Out For
- − Battery life drops fast in heavy demolition cutting
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Power Source | Corded / Cordless |
| Warranty | 1-3 Year Limited |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
In-Depth Review
ProsBrushless motorShips with eight bladesTool-less blade changeStays cool while cuttingUp to 3300 SPMsOne-inch strokeGood valueConsNoneBest Sawzall Feature: Self-Adjusting Brushless Motor KIMO places high on our list with one the best reciprocating saws. The main highlight on this sawzall by KIMO is that it comes with a brushless motor.
A brushless motor differs from a conventional motor in that it has no brushes – no kidding, huh? What it does have are windings on the stator – the permanently seated part of a motor – instead of the rotor.
This eliminates the need for brushes. The advantage here is that the brushless motor, once energized, fights back against drag.
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Skil Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw (9206-02) – Best Affordable Sawzall
$36.66The Skil Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw (9206-02) – Best Affordable Sawzall is a solid pick for professionals who need dependable performance without the guesswork. Well-built and purpose-designed for real jobsite conditions.
What We Like
- + Budget-friendly — under $50 for a capable reciprocating saw
- + 7.5-amp motor handles basic demo and remodeling
- + Pivoting shoe adjusts cutting angle to workpiece
Watch Out For
- − Lower power than professional-grade saws
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Standard |
| Weight | See Manufacturer Specs |
In-Depth Review
ProsWell-balancedPowerfulDurableChange blades without toolsExtremely affordableConsShips with a cheap bladeBest Sawzall Feature: Metal Gear Housing for Durability Sawzalls aren’t built to make pretty cuts or precise cuts. You don’t create a dovetail joint with a sawzall.
They’re the rough, tough, rude brutes that can cut through just about any material you put in front of it. If you want pretty, get a miter saw.
Skil has been making power tools for decades, and they know how to make the best sawzalls. It’s not a glamour tool, it’s a power tool, and Skil has blessed it with a ton of power.
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Porter-Cable Reciprocating Saw
$35.98The Porter-Cable Reciprocating Saw is a solid pick for professionals who need dependable performance without the guesswork. Well-built and purpose-designed for real jobsite conditions.
What We Like
- + Lightweight at 7 lbs for overhead and awkward-angle cuts
- + Variable speed from 0 to 3,200 SPM
- + Quick-change blade clamp — no tools needed
Watch Out For
- − Vibration is noticeable during extended use
View Full Specs & Details
Key Specifications
| Type | Professional Grade |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Standard |
| Weight | See Manufacturer Specs |
In-Depth Review
ProsShips with four bladesGood batteryLightweightEasy to useConsShort stroke lengthBest Sawzall Feature: Ships with Four Types of Blades With an upgraded battery and an arsenal of blades, this Kimo sawzall is ready to go to work right out of the box. It’s pretty much a straightforward tool, lacking the fancy extras that the more glamorous models come with.
If fancy extras aren’t your thing, then this might be the tool for you. They’ve recently upgraded the battery to a 20-volt 4.0 Ah, which should give you around 40 minutes of steady usage.
That figure isn’t etched in stone, however. If you’re cutting through 2x4s, you might expect a little less battery life; tree branches, a little more.
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Buying Guide
What to look for before you buy
Stroke Length & SPM
A 1-1/8 inch stroke length is standard for full-size reciprocating saws. Higher strokes per minute (SPM) cut faster in wood. Variable speed lets you slow down for metal cutting. Look for 0-3,000 SPM range for versatility.
Orbital Action
Orbital action moves the blade in a slight elliptical pattern for faster cuts in wood — up to 50% faster. Turn orbital action off for metal and clean cuts. Most quality reciprocating saws offer adjustable orbital settings.
Our Verdict
The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL is the best cordless Sawzall on the market. The Bosch RS7 is the best corded option.
Final Summary
How our top picks compare at a glance
Swipe to see full table
| Rank | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL | 9.7 | $199–$229 | Check Price |
| #2 | BOSCH RS428 14 Amp Reciprocating Saw | 9.2 | $112.79 | Check Price |
| #3 | DeWalt DCS367B Brushless Compact | 8.9 | $159–$179 | Check Price |
| #4 | Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw | 8.5 | $199–$399 | Check Price |
| #5 | Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw | 8.2 | $249–$449 | Check Price |
| #6 | Skil Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw (9206-02) – Best Affordable Sawzall | 7.8 | $36.66 | Check Price |
| #7 | Porter-Cable Reciprocating Saw | 7.2 | $35.98 | Check Price |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about power tools
Corded vs cordless reciprocating saw — which is better?
What blades should I use for demolition work?
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