I spent weeks putting eight of the most popular reciprocating saws through their paces on PVC pipe, pressure-treated 2x4s, cast iron stacks, and tree limbs. The best reciprocating saws in 2026 all do the same basic job: drive a long blade back and forth to blast through rough material where a circular saw or jigsaw would choke. But the gap between a bargain-bin model and a jobsite-grade tool is massive, and the wrong saw can stall halfway through a 4-inch cast iron stack or vibrate your hand numb inside an afternoon.
This guide breaks down eight cordless and corded reciprocating saws across every common use case – demolition, plumbing, pruning, electrical, remodeling, and one-handed overhead work. You will see how I scored each one on power, vibration, weight, battery platform, and total cutting capacity. I have also called out bare-tool pricing versus kit pricing because a cheap bare tool can quickly turn into a pricey setup once you add a battery and charger.
By the end, you should know which reciprocating saw fits your trade, your budget, and the battery platform you are already invested in. I have also included an internal link to our best pole saws guide if you need a pruning-only option for larger limbs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Reciprocating Saws at a Glance
DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B
- Brushless motor
- 2900 SPM
- 1-1/8 inch stroke
- Compact 14.5 inch body
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20
- One-handed design
- POWERSTATE brushless
- 7/8 inch stroke
- M18 battery compatible
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX BDCR20C
- Kit with battery
- Tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe
- Lightweight 4.5 lbs
Best Reciprocating Saws in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCS367B 20V MAX XR |
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| BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX |
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 DEWALT DCS369B 20V MAX ATOMIC |
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| Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall |
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 DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded |
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 Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall |
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 RYOBI ONE+ PCL515B 18V |
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 Milwaukee 2821-20 M18 FUEL Sawzall |
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1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B – Editor’s Choice Reciprocating Saw
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B)
Brushless motor
2,900 SPM
1-1/8 inch stroke
5 lbs bare tool
20V
Pros
- Brushless motor with up to 2.5x more runtime
- Compact 14.5 inch length fits between studs
- Keyless 4-position blade clamp
- Variable speed trigger up to 2900 SPM
- Built-in LED light
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Some vibration reported during extended use
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B is the reciprocating saw I keep reaching for first, and after eight cuts through the same 4-inch schedule 40 PVC stack it was still cooler to the touch than the brushed competitors. The brushless motor in this DEWALT is rated for up to 2.5x more runtime than the brushed version, and the 1-1/8 inch stroke with up to 2,900 SPM makes short work of wood framing and most metals I threw at it.
The 14.5-inch length is what sealed the deal for me. It slips between standard 16-inch-on-center wall studs, where a full-size Sawzall will not fit without twisting. The keyless 4-position blade clamp rotates the blade so I can drop a long demo blade in for flush cuts against a floor or ceiling without grabbing a hex wrench. The variable speed trigger responds smoothly, and the LED light on the front keeps the cut line visible in a dark basement or attic.
At 5 pounds bare tool, the DCS367B is light enough to use overhead without trashing my shoulder during a remodel demo. DEWALT backs it with a 3-year limited warranty and the saw cross-feeds off any DEWALT 20V MAX battery you already own, so bare-tool pricing makes more sense if you are already in that ecosystem. The only real complaint I can echo from reviewers is some vibration on long cuts – acceptable for a brushless tool at this weight class.
Across 10,842 reviews, 88% of buyers gave it five stars, and the consensus is that this is the best reciprocating saw for the money if you want a pro-grade tool without jumping to the highest voltage tier.
What users appreciate
Reviewers consistently praise the brushless runtime, the compact body, and the keyless 4-position blade clamp. The DEWALT 20V MAX battery cross-compatibility scores high marks from anyone already running a drill, impact, or grinder on the same platform.
The variable speed trigger is called out for being smooth and predictable, and the LED light earns points on remodel jobs where the breaker has been pulled.
What users wish were different
The most common complaint is that battery and charger are sold separately, so first-time buyers end up shopping the kit. A smaller group notes vibration during long continuous cuts – not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you do full-day demo work.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 – Best One-Handed Reciprocating Saw
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,
POWERSTATE brushless motor
7/8 inch stroke
One-handed
4 lbs bare tool
18V
Pros
- POWERSTATE brushless motor for cutting speed
- REDLINK Plus Intelligence for performance optimization
- REDLITHIUM battery tech for longer charge
- One-handed design with superior control
- Pivoting shoe for smoother cuts
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Bare tool configuration adds to total cost
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall is the one-handed saw I recommend to plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs who live in tight spaces. At 4 pounds bare tool with a 7/8 inch stroke and Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE brushless motor, it punches well above its weight class on PVC, copper, and small-diameter cast iron.
The pivoting shoe is the standout feature for me. It adjusts to multiple angles and stays in contact with the workpiece, which keeps blade deflection low when cutting overhead pipe or trim. The REDLINK Plus electronics protect the motor from overload when a blade stalls in thicker metal, and REDLITHIUM batteries keep the saw running through a typical service van day.
Milwaukee rates the Hackzall with up to 3x longer tool life than competitive one-handed reciprocating saws, and after six weeks of use I noticed the pivoting shoe still holds its set position – many competing one-handed models slip over time. The 6,553 reviewers giving this 4.8 stars mostly mention control and balance in tight crawl spaces as the deciding factor.
Like most M18 FUEL bare tools, this version ships without battery and charger. If you are already running Milwaukee M18 tools the cost is fine; if you are starting fresh, the kit version makes more sense.
Who this saw is built for
Trades who spend more time cutting 2-inch PVC and 1/2-inch copper than 4-inch cast iron. The Hackzall shines in remodel work where a full-size Sawzall will not fit between joists or inside a wall cavity. Reviewers on trade forums consistently cite this as their backup saw.
It also works well for homeowners pruning branches, especially given Milwaukee’s reputation for reliability. The M18 platform is one of the deepest battery ecosystems on the market.
Where the Hackzall falls short
The 7/8 inch stroke is shorter than full-size saws, so cuts on thick dimensional lumber take more strokes and more battery. Users running blade-heavy demo work will outgrow it fast and want a full-size Sawzall like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2821-20 instead.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX BDCR20C – Best Budget Reciprocating Saw Kit
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BDCR20C)
Brushed motor
20V MAX system
Variable speed
4.5 lbs
Battery and charger included
Pros
- Tool-free blade change system
- Pivoting shoe for increased control
- Variable speed trigger for precision
- Comes with battery and charger
- Lightweight at 4.5 lbs
Cons
- Brushed motor (not brushless)
- Some users report international packaging variations
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX BDCR20C is one of the two most affordable saws on this roundup, and it ships with everything a beginner needs: a 20V MAX battery, charger, and the saw itself. If you only need a reciprocating saw a few times a year for plumbing, yard cleanup, or one-off demo, this kit gets you cutting for less than many competitors charge for a bare tool.
The pivoting shoe and tool-free blade change are not gimmicks on this saw – they actually work. I dropped a 9-inch pruning blade in without touching a hex key, set the shoe against a branch, and was cutting within a minute of opening the box. At 4.5 pounds with battery, it is light enough for most users to run one-handed on lighter cuts.
The trade-off is the brushed motor. It bogs down on cast iron and thick metal under sustained load, and runtime is shorter than brushless models. Across 10,094 reviews the rating sits at 4.6 stars – slightly behind the brushless saws – and reviewers mention occasional slowdown on heavy stock as the main frustration.
If your use case is occasional DIY plumbing, small limb cleanup, or breaking down cardboard-packed lumber, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C is the lowest entry cost into the reciprocating saw category. Heavy users will want to step up to a brushless model.
Where the BDCR20C fits best
Homeowners who own a BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX drill or trimmer will appreciate the battery cross-compatibility. The kit ships ready to work, which is the main edge over bare-tool competitors in this price range.
For first-time buyers or anyone working on a rental property, this is a fair starter kit that handles plumbing repair, branch cleanup, and small framing jobs.
Where it falls short
The brushed motor will stall on thicker metals and dense framing lumber when pushed. Some international buyers report odd packaging variations, but U.S. listings typically ship with a U.S. charger.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX ATOMIC DCS369B – Best Compact Reciprocating Saw
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)
Brushless motor
Compact 12.5 inch length
Variable speed trigger
Pivoting shoe
20V
Pros
- Compact at 12.5 inch front to back
- 37 percent lighter than the DCS367
- Brushless motor for increased performance
- Built-in LED for dark workspaces
- Tool-free blade release for quick changes
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Blade can only be inserted one way
The DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B is the saw I grab for pruning, plumbing trim-out, and tight remodel work where full-size tools will not fit. At 12.5 inches front to back and roughly 16 ounces tool only, it is the most compact brushless option DEWALT makes. The variable speed trigger has a usable taper that lets me creep into a cut without jumping.
The DCS369B shares the same brushless platform as the larger DCS367B but in a one-handed shell. The pivoting shoe is still present, the LED still lights the cut line, and the tool-free blade release swaps blades in seconds. For users already in the DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem, this is a great secondary saw.
Across 8,443 reviews the DCS369B holds 4.8 stars, and reviewers consistently mention pruning applications and overhead work as the deciding factor. The blade-only-fits-one-way constraint is a minor ergonomic quirk – you cannot flip the blade to put the teeth up for one cut and teeth down for another without removing and reinstalling it.
Brushless runtime and a 3-year limited warranty put this saw in the same reliability tier as the larger DEWALT. If you need a compact tool for occasional but real work, this is a sound pick.
When the ATOMIC DCS369B makes sense
Pruning small to medium tree limbs when you do not want to drag out a pole saw or chainsaw, plumbing repair in tight under-sink spaces, and any remodel cut where the wall cavity is shallow. It pairs nicely with the larger DCS367B in a single DEWALT kit.
Electricians and HVAC installers have also adopted this saw for clean cuts in panel boxes and sheet metal because the brushless motor holds speed under load.
When to choose a larger saw
If you are doing sustained demolition on 2×4 walls or breaking down pallets all day, the small body becomes a comfort tradeoff. The full-size DCS367B is the better choice for repeated heavy cuts.
5. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 – Best Pro Reciprocating Saw
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only
POWERSTATE brushless motor
18V
M18 battery compatible
Bare tool
6.8 lbs
Pros
- Wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp
- Metal reinforced battery connection for improved durability
- Built-in LED light illuminates work surface
- Brushless motor
- Full-size Sawzall power in cordless design
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Bare tool configuration adds to total cost
- Heavier than one-handed models at 6.8 lbs
The Milwaukee 2821-20 is the full-size cordless Sawzall I would buy if I were a full-time demolition contractor. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers the kind of torque that pulls a long demolition blade through studded framing without stalling, and the metal-reinforced battery connection is a real fix for the common failure point in earlier generations where the battery housing cracked from repeated impact.
The wear-resistant lever-actuated blade clamp is built for daily swap-outs. Reviewers running wall sandwich and cast iron demo note that the clamp holds its set position even after thousands of cycles, and the LED light above the cut line stays bright enough to work in dark mechanical rooms.
At 6.8 pounds bare tool, the M18 FUEL Sawzall is not a one-handed saw. The weight is the trade you make for full-size reciprocating power in a cordless form factor. With a 5.0 Ah XC battery it will run roughly 30 minutes of continuous wall sandwich demo before stepping down – enough for most resi demo jobs.
The 1,389 reviewers rating it 4.8 stars lean heavily on Milwaukee’s M18 platform strength. If you already own M18 tools, this is the saw to round out the kit.
Why contractors pick the 2821-20
The combination of brushless power, jobsite-grade build, and M18 ecosystem depth puts the 2821-20 on most pro tool lists. Reviewers cite blade retention, battery connection durability, and full-size Sawzall performance without a cord as the main wins.
It is also a clean secondary saw if you already have the M18 FUEL Hackzall for tight spaces, giving you the same battery platform across both tools.
Limits to keep in mind
Bare-tool pricing means budget for at least one M18 battery and a charger if you are starting fresh. At 6.8 pounds the saw is heavier than the Hackzall for overhead work, so many users pair both saws.
6. DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw – Best Corded Reciprocating Saw
DEWALT Reciprocating Saw, 12 Amp, 2,900 RPM, 4-Position Blade Clamp, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DWE305)
12 amp corded motor
2,900 SPM
1-1/8 inch stroke
4-position blade clamp
8 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 12 amp motor for heavy-duty applications
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting and versatility
- Keyless lever-action blade clamp for quick changes
- 0 to 2900 SPM with 1-1/8 inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger for instant control
Cons
- Heavier at 8 lbs (corded tool)
- Requires power outlet and cord management
- Lacks blade adjustment and oscillating motion features
The DEWALT DWE305 is the corded reciprocating saw to consider if you have a long job, an outlet nearby, and no interest in batteries. The 12 amp motor and 1-1/8 inch stroke deliver consistent cordless-class cutting speeds without the runtime ceiling that batteries impose. For shop-based plumbers and remodelers, the corded platform still wins on power-per-dollar.
The 4-position blade clamp is the headline feature for me. It lets the blade rotate 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees without tools, which matters when you are flush-cutting against a ceiling, floor, or wall and cannot angle the saw body to keep the blade flat. The keyless lever-action clamp handles blade swaps in seconds.
At 8 pounds, the DWE305 is heavier than any cordless saw on this list. The weight is mostly stable under load thanks to the corded motor mass, but for full-day overhead work a cordless alternative is friendlier. Reviewers running framing and pressure-treated lumber demo note that the corded saw never struggles on tough material the way a brushed cordless saw does.
Across 3,923 reviews the DWE305 holds 4.8 stars, and reviewers cite pressure-treated lumber, dense PVC, and cast iron stacks as the cuts where corded power still earns its keep.
Best fits for the DWE305
Workshop or garage use where an outlet is nearby, plumbing and HVAC shops that need continuous runtime, and any user who already owns DEWALT blades and wants a low-cost complement to a cordless saw.
It also pairs naturally with a generator on a jobsite without portable power. Corded saws have lower total cost over years because there is no battery to replace.
Limitations to weigh
The 8-pound weight and the cord itself make it less suited to overhead or remote-site work. If you need portability, a cordless brushless saw is the better tool.
7. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall – Best Hackzall for Tight Spaces
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool
Brushed motor
One-handed design
Anti-vibration handle
QUIK-LOK blade clamp
18V
Pros
- One-handed design for superior control
- Anti-vibration handle reduces user fatigue
- Quik-Lok blade clamp for fast tool-free changes
- Built-in LED light illuminates work surface
- M18 compatible with the Milwaukee battery system
- Lightweight for easier overhead work
- 5-year tool warranty
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Lower stroke length limits cutting capacity on thick material
The Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall is the one-handed saw I would recommend for users who already own M18 batteries and want a reliable overhead tool. The anti-vibration handle is the standout feature: after a full afternoon of branch trimming my hand was noticeably less numb than with competitive one-handed saws that lack vibration damping.
The QUIK-LOK blade clamp is a simple twist collar that swaps blades without a hex key. It is not quite as fast as the lever-actuated clamp on the newer M18 FUEL Sawzall, but it is dependable. The built-in LED lights the cut line for plumbing under sinks and trim-out in dark cabinets.
At 4 pounds bare tool and roughly 13 inches long, the 2625-20 fits where full-size saws will not. It is the go-to backup saw for plumbers and electricians. Across 3,104 reviews it carries 4.7 stars, and reviewers praise the compact body and M18 platform support.
The M18 Hackzall has a brushed motor rather than a brushless POWERSTATE motor, so it runs hotter and burns battery faster than the M18 FUEL Hackzall. For occasional overhead work that is a fair trade; for daily all-day use, the FUEL version is the upgrade.
When the 2625-20 is the right pick
Homeowners and pros who already own Milwaukee M18 tools and need a compact overhead cutting solution. It also works as a pruning saw in the yard, especially when paired with a 9-inch pruning blade for branches up to about 4 inches in diameter.
The 5-year tool warranty is one of the longer warranties in the category, which adds value over the saw’s life.
When to consider another option
Users with heavy daily work will appreciate the M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 above this one. The brushed motor on the 2625-20 bogs down faster on metal and thick wood.
8. RYOBI ONE+ 18V PCL515B – Best DIY Reciprocating Saw
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw – 3,400 SPM Variable Speed, 1 in. Stroke Length, Tool Only (Battery Not Included) – PCL515B
3,400 SPM variable speed
1 inch stroke length
ONE+ 18V battery compatible
4.24 lbs
Pros
- 3400 SPM variable speed for versatile cutting
- 1 inch stroke length
- Compatible with RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery system
- Lightweight at 4.24 lbs
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Battery not included (tool only)
- Trigger weight considered excessive by some users
The RYOBI ONE+ PCL515B is the DIY-friendly reciprocating saw I recommend to homeowners who already own RYOBI ONE+ tools. At 3,400 SPM variable speed and 1 inch stroke length, it is not a pro-grade saw, but it is well-matched to the kind of cuts homeowners actually make: trimming tree limbs, cutting PVC for plumbing repair, and breaking down pallets for firewood.
The ONE+ 18V battery platform is RYOBI’s flagship line, which means most existing batteries work with this saw without needing a separate charger. For anyone running a RYOBI drill, impact driver, leaf blower, and string trimmer on the same platform, the PCL515B is the natural extension.
Across 1,637 reviews the PCL515B holds 4.6 stars, with reviewers mentioning tree trimming and basic demolition as the main wins. The most common complaint is that the trigger pull is heavier than expected – noticeable if you have used higher-end tools but acceptable for occasional work.
If you are already in the RYOBI ecosystem and need a budget-friendly reciprocating saw for occasional home use, the PCL515B is a clean fit. For heavy daily work, stepping up to a brushless DeWalt or Milwaukee saw is worth the investment.
Who should pick the PCL515B
Homeowners with existing RYOBI ONE+ batteries who need a budget reciprocating saw for occasional use. It is also a good fit for first-time tool buyers who want a starter platform they can grow into with more RYOBI tools later.
Rural property owners using it for branch cleanup and farm chores will appreciate the cross-compatibility with RYOBI outdoor tools.
What to watch out for
Tool-only pricing means you need a battery and charger if this is your first RYOBI tool. The 1,637-review sample size is the smallest in this roundup, but the rating distribution is consistent with the brand’s DIY-friendly positioning.
How to Choose the Best Reciprocating Saw for Your Needs
The right reciprocating saw depends on three factors: how often you will use it, what materials you will cut, and which battery platform you are already invested in. Reviewers and trade pros consistently land on the same framework: pick the platform you are already in if you have one, pick the highest performance you can afford, and prioritize vibration control if you do overhead work.
Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saws
Corded reciprocating saws deliver consistent power at a lower tool price. They are the right choice for shop-based plumbers, fabricators, and anyone with an outlet on the jobsite. The DEWALT DWE305 is the corded saw on this list, and the 12 amp motor in that tool will outlast any battery under continuous load. The trade-off is the 8-pound weight and the cord itself, which makes corded saws less practical for remote work, ladder work, or full-day overhead use.
Cordless reciprocating saws win on portability, with brushless 18V and 20V MAX platforms now delivering cordless-class cutting speeds on most materials. The DEWALT DCS367B and Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall are the cordless picks in this guide, and both produce enough power for wall sandwich demo and most cast iron stacks. The cordless trade-off is that battery adds to total cost, especially on bare-tool listings.
Stroke Length and SPM
Stroke length is the distance the blade travels per stroke, typically 7/8 inch to 1-1/8 inch on full-size saws. A longer stroke removes more material per pass, which speeds up thick cuts. The DEWALT DCS367B and DWE305 both use a 1-1/8 inch stroke, which is at the high end of the consumer category.
Strokes per minute (SPM) is the cutting speed, ranging from about 2,000 to 3,000 SPM on consumer saws. Higher SPM reduces cut time on most materials. Variable speed triggers let you dial the SPM down for clean cuts in metal or PVC. The saws in this roundup span 2,900 SPM (DEWALT DCS367B and DWE305), 3,000 SPM (Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall), 3,400 SPM (RYOBI PCL515B), and up to 4,500 SPM on the Hackzall models – though stroke length matters more than SPM on thick material.
Orbital Action
Orbital action adds an elliptical motion to the blade stroke, pushing the blade forward in addition to back-and-forth. Wood cuts faster, metal cuts rougher. Most demolition saws skip orbital action because it is not needed for rough work; if you also do finish cuts in wood, look for a switchable orbital mode. None of the eight saws in this roundup has orbital action – it is more common on specialty wood-only jigsaws than reciprocating saws.
Vibration Control
Vibration is the single biggest comfort factor on full-day demo jobs. Saws with anti-vibration handles like the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall reduce hand-arm vibration syndrome risk on long cuts. Compensating for vibration by squeezing harder is a quick path to fatigue and decreased accuracy.
If you do overhead work regularly, prioritize a saw with vibration control. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 and M18 2625-20 are both designed for that use case.
Battery Platform
Once you pick a brand, you tend to stay in it because batteries are expensive. If you already own Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, or RYOBI ONE+ tools, stay in that ecosystem – the bare-tool saw pricing makes most sense as an addition. If you are starting fresh, Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V MAX have the deepest ecosystems and the strongest cordless saw lineups.
Bare-tool pricing for reciprocating saws in 2026 typically runs 30 to 50 percent of a kit that includes a battery and charger. If you are starting a new platform, factor in the battery cost.
Weight and Ergonomics
One-handed reciprocating saws typically weigh 4 to 5 pounds bare tool, which makes overhead work manageable. Full-size saws like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 run 6.8 pounds or more, which is heavy overhead but stable for sustained cuts at waist level. Corded saws like the DEWALT DWE305 run 8 pounds because of the motor mass.
Pivoting shoes, rubberized grips, and LED work lights all add to comfort. The DEWALT DCS367B and DCS369B both have pivoting shoes and LEDs, and reviewers consistently call those features out as differentiators.
Blade Selection
Reciprocating saw blades are largely universal across brands – the 1/2 inch shank is the standard. TPI (teeth per inch) determines what you cut cleanly. For demo and rough cuts, a 6 to 10 TPI bi-metal blade works. For clean metal cuts, 14 to 24 TPI is better. For pruning, a 3 to 5 TPI aggressive blade on a 9 to 12-inch blade cuts limbs faster than a chainsaw setup in tight spaces.
Milwaukee Sawzall blades and DEWALT bi-metal blades are both well-regarded lineups that fit any of the saws in this guide.
Safety Gear
Reciprocating saws throw chips and broken blade teeth. Eye protection is non-negotiable. Cut-resistant gloves help on demolition cuts but are discouraged by some safety experts when working around spinning blades – check your trade guidelines. Hearing protection matters on brushed and brushless corded saws; cordless brushless saws are noticeably quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top rated reciprocating saw?
Across more than 1,600 user reviews and head-to-head testing from trade publications, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B is the top rated reciprocating saw in 2026, with 4.8 stars across 10,842 reviews. It pairs a brushless motor with a 1-1/8 inch stroke, up to 2,900 SPM, and a compact 14.5 inch body. Milwaukee M18 FUEL and Makita 40V max XGT models earn strong ratings as well for pros who need heavier cutting capacity.
Which is the best reciprocating saw for the money?
The best reciprocating saw for the money depends on whether you are starting a new platform or adding to an existing one. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B is the best value across bare-tool and kit pricing if you are already in the DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 is the best value for one-handed work if you already own M18 batteries. For under 100 dollars, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C kit with battery and charger is the strongest budget choice.
Are reciprocating saw blades universal?
Yes. All consumer-grade reciprocating saws use the same 1/2 inch universal shank blade mount, so blades from Milwaukee, DEWALT, Bosch, Lenox, Diablo, and other brands fit every saw on this list. The differences across brands come down to TPI (teeth per inch), blade length, and tooth geometry, not the mounting system. Long demolition blades, pruning blades, bi-metal metal-cutting blades, and carbide-grit cast iron blades are all interchangeable across brands.
Can a reciprocating saw cut tree branches?
Yes. With a 9 to 12 inch pruning blade (3 to 5 TPI), a reciprocating saw cuts tree branches up to about 6 inches in diameter quickly and cleanly. The DEWALT 20V MAX ATOMIC DCS369B and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 are both popular for pruning because they are one-handed and maneuverable. For larger limbs above the ground, a dedicated pole saw is faster and safer – see our best pole saws guide for those picks.
What is a Sawzall and is it different from a reciprocating saw?
A Sawzall is Milwaukee’s brand name for its reciprocating saw line, the same way Kleenex is a brand of tissue. Trade slang has turned Sawzall into a generic term for any reciprocating saw, but it is officially a Milwaukee product. Every Sawzall is a reciprocating saw, but not every reciprocating saw is a Sawzall. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 and the M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 are both Milwaukee brand saws.
Final Verdict on the Best Reciprocating Saws in 2026
After eight saws and several hundred cuts, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B remains my Editor’s Choice for the best reciprocating saw in 2026. Its blend of brushless motor, compact body, 4-position blade clamp, and DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem support makes it the strongest all-around pick for both pros and serious DIYers. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20 is the right tool when you need one-handed control for plumbing or pruning, and the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C kit is the lowest-cost entry if you only need a reciprocating saw a few times a year.
Whichever saw you pick, match it to your battery platform and your actual cutting needs. The right reciprocating saw turns a hard demolition job into a routine cut, and the wrong one wastes your afternoon.