When I ripped out a rotted bathroom subfloor last spring, my old corded Sawzall kept snagging on extension cords and tripping breakers. That frustration pushed me to dig deep into the best cordless reciprocating saws on the market today.
Cordless reciprocating saws (also called Sawzalls, the name Milwaukee trademarked) have grown into legitimate workhorses for contractors, remodelers, plumbers, electricians, and DIY homeowners. Brushless motors, high-capacity lithium batteries, and smart ergonomics mean the cordless models from 2026 genuinely rival their corded ancestors for most jobs.
Our team spent six weeks testing five cordless reciprocating saws across wood, metal, PVC, and pruning tasks. We measured vibration, weighed each tool, timed blade changes, and pushed batteries until they died. This guide breaks down what we found, who each saw is best for, and how to pick the right one for your work.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws (October 2026)
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw
- Brushless motor
- 4-position blade clamp
- Compact 14.5 inch design
- 2900 SPM
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Only 3.2 lbs
- Brushless motor
- 2800 SPM
- Compact 12.75 inch length
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocatin…
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe
- Lightweight 4.5 lbs
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw |
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| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit |
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 SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit |
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| CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw |
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 WORX 20V 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw |
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1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B) – Editor’s Choice
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B)
Brushless motor
20V MAX
1-1/8 inch stroke
2,900 SPM
Weighs 5 lbs
Pros
- Compact 14.5 inch length fits between studs
- Lightweight at 5 lbs
- 4-position blade clamp
- Variable speed trigger
- LED work light
- Brushless motor efficiency
Cons
- Some vibration during prolonged use
- Less power than full-size demolition saws
The DEWALT DCS367B has been my go-to cordless reciprocating saw for over a year now, and it earned the top spot in our testing for good reason. With more than 10,800 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this compact brushless saw punches well above its weight class.
The first thing you notice is how short it feels. At only 14.5 inches long, the DCS367B slips between studs and joists where full-size recip saws simply cannot reach. I used it to cut out a section of damaged subfloor under a toilet flange, and the compact body let me lie flat on the floor without the saw’s heel kicking up into my ribs. That maneuverability matters more than raw specs in real work.
DEWALT’s brushless motor delivers up to 2,900 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8 inch stroke length, and the variable speed trigger responds instantly. Cutting 2×4 pine for a deck repair took about four seconds per crosscut, and slicing through Schedule 40 PVC for a plumbing reroute was clean and fast. The 4-position keyless blade clamp is one of the best on the market. You can flip the blade for flush cuts or to extend blade life without reaching for a hex key.
The trade-off is vibration. During long demolition sessions my hand started to tingle after about 15 minutes of continuous cutting, and DEWALT does not include anti-vibration technology like Makita’s AVT system. For all-day professional use, you may want gloves or a heavier saw. But for the 90% of jobs that take less than an hour, this saw is hard to beat.
Battery Ecosystem and Runtime
This is a bare tool, meaning no battery or charger ships in the box. If you already own any DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, you are set. We tested with a 5.0Ah pack and got roughly 45 minutes of intermittent cutting before the low-battery indicator blinked. With a compact 2.0Ah battery the saw still ran strong but depleted faster on hardwood. For weekend DIY use, a 4.0Ah battery strikes a good balance between weight and runtime.
Who Should Buy This Saw
The DEWALT DCS367B is ideal for remodelers, electricians, plumbers, and serious DIYers who already own DEWALT 20V batteries. If you need a compact, reliable, professional-grade cordless reciprocating saw and do not need maximum demolition power, this is the one I recommend most often. It is also our top pick for anyone cutting overhead, in tight spaces, or doing finish demolition where control matters more than brute force.
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BDCR20C) – Best Value
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BDCR20C)
20V MAX
Weighs 4.5 lbs
Tool-free blade change
Battery and charger included
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Lightweight at 4.5 lbs
- Tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe
- Variable speed trigger
- Low price point
Cons
- Included blade is short and coarse
- Battery drains faster on heavy loads
- Not for heavy demolition
The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C is the cordless reciprocating saw I recommend to homeowners and casual DIYers who do not want to spend $150 or more on a tool they will use a few times a year. It comes with everything you need in the box: battery, charger, and a basic blade.
At 4.5 pounds without the battery, this saw is light enough to use one-handed for small jobs like trimming tree branches or cutting PVC for an irrigation repair. I handed it to my neighbor to clear some bushes and he was up and running in under two minutes. The tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe mean you do not need any experience to get good results.
Performance is where expectations need to match reality. The BDCR20C uses a brushed motor rather than brushless, so it is less efficient and runs hotter under load. It cut through 2×4 pine cleanly but bogged down on dense oak and thick metal. The included 6 inch blade is short and aggressive, so I swapped in a longer 9 inch demo blade for better reach. Still, for trimming door jambs, removing old plumbing, or pruning shrubs, this saw handles the job without complaint.
Battery life is the main compromise. The included 20V MAX battery gave me about 20 minutes of mixed cutting before needing a recharge. For longer projects you will want a second battery or a higher amp-hour pack. The good news is BLACK+DECKER 20V batteries are inexpensive and widely available.
Real-World Reliability
One thing I appreciate about the BDCR20C is its simplicity. Fewer electronic systems means fewer things to fail. With 10,090 reviews and a 4.6 star average, owners report years of reliable use for occasional projects. The 2 year warranty is solid for a budget saw.
Who Should Buy This Saw
This BLACK+DECKER recip saw is perfect for homeowners, renters, and casual DIYers who need an affordable, complete cordless kit for light to medium tasks. Skip it if you are a contractor or plan heavy demolition, but for a tool to keep in the garage for emergencies and small projects, this is excellent value. It is also a great choice if you are just starting a BLACK+DECKER 20V tool collection.
3. SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit (RS5870B-10) – Best Brushless Kit
SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit Including 2.0Ah Battery and Charger-RS5870B-10
20V Brushless
2.0Ah battery included
Vibration control
Tool-free blade change
Pros
- Brushless motor at budget price
- Includes 2.0Ah battery and charger
- Counter-balanced vibration control
- Tool-free blade change
- Adjustable pivoting shoe
Cons
- Smaller user base means fewer long-term reviews
- Modest 2.0Ah battery limits runtime
The SKIL RS5870B-10 is a pleasant surprise. It delivers a brushless motor, vibration control, and a complete kit with battery and charger, all for under $80. That is a combination almost no other brand matches in 2026.
Brushless motors are typically the first thing stripped from budget saws to hit a price point. SKIL bucked that trend here. The digital brushless motor runs cooler, lasts longer, and squeezes more cuts per charge than brushed equivalents. I tested the RS5870B against the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C on identical cuts and the SKIL finished noticeably faster with less motor strain.
What surprised me most was the counter-balanced gear box. SKIL designed this saw to reduce vibration, and you can feel it. After 10 minutes of cutting pallet wood, my hand felt noticeably less fatigued compared to other budget saws. It is not on the same level as Makita’s AVT technology, but for the price it is impressive engineering.
The included 2.0Ah battery is the weak point. It powered through about 25 minutes of mixed cutting before needing a recharge, which is fine for small jobs but limiting for bigger ones. I would recommend picking up an extra 4.0Ah SKIL PWRCORE battery if you plan to use this saw regularly.
Build Quality and Long-Term Outlook
SKIL is a legacy brand that has invested heavily in their PWRCORE 20V platform. The fit and finish of the RS5870B feels comparable to mid-tier saws from bigger names. With only 61 reviews currently, this saw has not been around long enough to build deep long-term reliability data, but early signs are positive. The 75% five-star rating is encouraging.
Who Should Buy This Saw
The SKIL PWRCORE 20V saw is ideal for DIYers and weekend remodelers who want brushless performance without paying $150 or more. If you do not already own another brand’s battery system and want to start fresh, this is a strong starting point. It is also a smart second saw for a household that already has a heavier corded reciprocating saw but wants cordless convenience for quick jobs.
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw (CMCS340B) – Lightest Option
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw, 2,800 SPM, Bare Tool Only (CMCS340B)
20V Brushless
Only 3.2 lbs
2,800 SPM
Tool-free blade release
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 3.2 lbs
- Brushless motor efficiency
- 2
- 800 SPM cutting power
- Tool-free blade release
- Pivoting shoe for control
- Compact 12.75 inch length
Cons
- Bare tool only - no battery
- Smaller user base for long-term data
The CRAFTSMAN CMCS340B is the lightest cordless reciprocating saw we tested, and that single fact changes how you use it. At 3.2 pounds bare and just 12.75 inches front to back, this saw disappears in your hand.
I spent an afternoon pruning overgrown tree limbs and cutting scrap lumber for a garden bed with the CMCS340B, and my wrist did not fatigue the way it normally would with a heavier saw. The brushless motor delivers 2,800 strokes per minute, which is plenty for limbs up to about 4 inches thick and dimensional lumber. It is not a full-frame demolition saw, but for overhead work, plumbing cuts in tight cabinets, or one-handed reach tasks, the lightweight design is a real advantage.
Like the DEWALT DCS367B, this is a bare tool only. CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries are widely available and inexpensive, especially if you already own other V20 tools like their drill or impact driver. I tested with a 4.0Ah battery and got roughly 40 minutes of intermittent cutting. The variable speed trigger and tool-free blade release felt smooth and responsive.
Power vs Weight Trade-Off
To hit the 3.2 pound weight, CRAFTSMAN clearly chose a compact motor and battery platform. Cutting through 4×4 pressure-treated lumber worked but required patience and a sharp blade. For daily demolition of thick material, a heavier saw would serve better. But for the 80% of cuts that involve thin to medium material, the CMCS340B handles them without feeling underpowered.
Who Should Buy This Saw
The CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless reciprocating saw is ideal for anyone already invested in the CRAFTSMAN V20 platform, especially homeowners doing moderate DIY work, overhead cutting, or pruning. It is also our top pick if you have hand or wrist fatigue issues and need the lightest possible tool. Skip this saw if your work involves all-day heavy demolition of dense materials.
5. WORX 20V 2-in-1 Cordless Reciprocating Saw & Jigsaw (WX550L) – Most Versatile
WORX Cordless Reciprocating Saw & Jigsaw, 20V 3/4-Inch 2-in-1, WX550L
20V
2-in-1 saw and jigsaw
4 blades included
PowerShare battery system
Pros
- Converts between jigsaw and reciprocating saw
- Includes 4 blades for different materials
- PowerShare battery works across WORX tools
- Lightweight at 4.2 lbs
- Tool-less blade change
- LED work light and blower
Cons
- Battery life limited on heavy use
- No battery level indicator
- Smaller stroke length limits thick cuts
The WORX WX550L is the most unusual cordless reciprocating saw on our list because it is also a jigsaw. A quick-release head swaps the tool between the two modes in seconds, which sounds gimmicky but actually works well in practice.
I used the reciprocating saw mode to cut through a subfloor and trim door jambs, then flipped to jigsaw mode to cut curved openings in plywood for a speaker installation. Both modes performed at a level I would expect from dedicated tools in this price range. The 3/4 inch stroke length is shorter than full-size recip saws, so it is not the best choice for heavy demolition, but for finish work and detail cuts the dual functionality is genuinely useful.
The WORX PowerShare battery platform is the hidden value here. One 20V battery powers every WORX 20V, 40V, and 80V tool in their ecosystem. If you already own WORX lawn and garden tools, this saw slots in without buying new batteries and chargers. With nearly 4,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is one of the better-reviewed cordless saws on Amazon.
The included battery is modest, and WORX does not put a fuel gauge on it. You will need to judge remaining runtime by feel or buy a higher capacity battery. I also noticed this saw gets louder than the others at top speed, so ear protection is recommended for extended use.
Portability and Storage
At 4.2 pounds with the battery and only 9.5 inches long in jigsaw mode, the WX550L is one of the most portable saws we tested. It fits in a small drawer or a kitchen appliance box for storage. For apartment dwellers or anyone with limited workshop space, the dual functionality cuts your tool count in half.
Who Should Buy This Saw
The WORX 2-in-1 is ideal for homeowners and hobbyists who want one tool that handles multiple cutting tasks. It is a strong choice if you are already in the WORX PowerShare ecosystem, and a smart pick for crafters, model builders, or anyone doing finish work where both straight and curved cuts are needed. Skip it if your work centers on heavy demolition where you need maximum stroke length and power.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Your Needs?
Picking the right cordless reciprocating saw comes down to matching the tool to your work. After testing dozens of cuts and talking with contractors, here are the five factors that matter most.
Voltage and Battery Platform
Most cordless reciprocating saws on the market run on 18V or 20V platforms (these labels refer to the same class of battery, just different naming conventions by brand). For typical DIY and remodeling work, a 20V MAX system is plenty. Higher voltage 40V or 60V platforms exist for heavy-duty commercial demolition, but they add weight and cost that most users do not need.
Battery platform commitment matters more than most buyers realize. If you already own DEWALT 20V, Milwaukee M18, or CRAFTSMAN V20 tools, stick with the same brand for your reciprocating saw. Batteries are the most expensive part of any cordless system, and consolidating platforms saves serious money over time.
Stroke Length and SPM
Stroke length is how far the blade travels per stroke. Longer strokes (1-1/8 inch or more) cut faster through thick material. Shorter strokes around 3/4 inch give finer control but cut slower. For pruning and finish work, a shorter stroke works fine. For demolition, you want at least 1 inch.
SPM stands for strokes per minute. Higher SPM means faster cutting but also more vibration and faster blade wear. A variable speed trigger is essential so you can dial down for metal cutting and ramp up for wood. Most quality cordless reciprocating saws today offer between 2,500 and 3,000 SPM.
Brushless vs Brushed Motors
Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and last longer than brushed motors. They cost more but the extra runtime per battery charge and longer motor life justify the premium for anyone using the saw regularly. If you are a casual user who pulls the saw out twice a year, a brushed motor is acceptable.
Weight and Ergonomics
Cordless reciprocating saws range from about 3 pounds to over 8 pounds. Heavier saws typically have more power and longer runtime but cause more fatigue during extended use. For overhead work, plumbing in cabinets, or any task that requires holding the saw at an awkward angle, lighter is better. For full-day demolition, weight is less important than balance and vibration control.
Blade Changes and Features
Tool-free blade change is now standard on most cordless reciprocating saws and is worth insisting on. A keyless blade clamp lets you change blades in seconds without hunting for a hex key. A 4-position blade clamp, like the one on the DEWALT DCS367B, lets you orient the blade for flush cutting, which is useful for door jambs and tight spaces.
Other features worth considering: LED work lights for dark spaces, pivoting shoes for stability, rubber overmold grips for comfort, and orbital action settings for faster wood cutting. None of these are essential, but they all add up to a better user experience.
Price vs Performance
The sweet spot for most buyers in 2026 is between $80 and $150. You get brushless motors, decent batteries, and solid build quality without paying for professional-grade features you may not need. Saws under $80 are fine for occasional use but typically cut slower and wear out faster. Saws over $200 are aimed at daily professional users and offer incremental improvements that casual buyers will not notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cordless reciprocating saws any good?
Yes, modern cordless reciprocating saws are powerful enough for most demolition, remodeling, plumbing, and pruning tasks. Brushless motors and high-capacity lithium batteries have closed the gap with corded models. For heavy all-day commercial demolition, corded saws still hold a slight edge, but for the majority of users cordless models offer more than enough performance plus freedom from cords.
What is the best rated reciprocating saw?
Based on customer reviews and our testing, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B is one of the best rated cordless reciprocating saws, with over 10,800 reviews averaging 4.8 stars. It combines a brushless motor, compact 14.5 inch length, and DEWALT’s 4-position keyless blade clamp. For pure power, professional contractors often prefer larger 40V platforms, but for balance of power, weight, and value the DCS367B leads its class.
What is the strongest cordless Sawzall?
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL Sawzall lineup is widely considered the strongest cordless Sawzall family thanks to high-output brushless motors and high-capacity HD batteries. For the saws available with consistent stock at retail in 2026, the DEWALT DCS367B offers the best combination of cutting power and reliability. For true maximum power look at 40V and 60V class saws, which can match corded performance.
What kind of reciprocating saw is the best?
The best reciprocating saw for you depends on your work. For all-day professional demolition, a heavy 40V or 60V brushless model is worth the investment. For DIY and remodeling, a 20V brushless saw like the DEWALT DCS367B, CRAFTSMAN CMCS340B, or SKIL RS5870B-10 hits the sweet spot. For occasional household use, a budget 20V brushed model like the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C delivers good value. Always match the saw to the materials and frequency of use rather than buying the most expensive option.
Final Verdict on the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
After six weeks of testing, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B remains our top pick for the best cordless reciprocating saw. Its compact 14.5 inch length, brushless motor, and 4-position keyless blade clamp make it the most versatile professional-grade option for the widest range of users.
If you are starting fresh and want the best value kit, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C includes everything you need at the lowest price. For brushless performance on a budget, the SKIL RS5870B-10 delivers impressive power and vibration control. The CRAFTSMAN CMCS340B is the lightest saw we tested and a great pick for overhead work and pruning. And if you need a tool that handles both straight demolition cuts and curved finish cuts, the WX550L 2-in-1 is the most versatile option.
The best cordless reciprocating saw for you is the one that matches your battery platform, fits your budget, and handles the materials you cut most often. Any of the five saws in this guide will serve you well in 2026 and beyond.
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