The Best Reciprocating Saws of 2024 for Demolition and Pruning, Tested
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For tearing out plywood sheathing, drywall panels, or even roof decks, it’s tough to beat the sheer cutting ability of a reciprocating saw.
Also known as a “recip saw,” a “saber saw,” and a “Sawzall,” the handheld reciprocating saw is the tool of choice for demolition work. Reciprocating saws cut through a variety of materials, including wood and metal. The best reciprocating saw depends on the type of material you need to cut; how often you intend to use it; and, most importantly, the quality of the product you’re searching for.
We recently tested eight different reciprocating saws, using them to cut through wood, plastic, and metal, to discover which ones were the top performers. Once the sawdust cleared, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit emerged as the clear winner. Milwaukee’s highest-end reciprocating saw slices quickly and easily through wood, PVC, and metal.
Below, we offer our findings on each of the models we tested and cover what to look for when shopping for the best reciprocating saw.
- BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR YARD WORK: Milwaukee M12 Hackzall Recip Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDED: Bosch Vibration Control D-Handle Reciprocating Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST POWER: Kobalt XTR 24V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw
↓ Jump to Review
Before You Buy a Reciprocating Saw
If you don’t have construction materials to tear out or cut away, a reciprocating saw might not be a great option for you. Like chainsaws, reciprocating saws can be heavy (up to 10 pounds), and if the tip of a moving blade makes contact with wood or other material, the saw can kick back forcefully, putting the operator at risk of injury.
Plus, reciprocating saws are not designed for making precision cuts, so if you need to cut out a hole in a counter to install a sink, you’ll get a more precise cut by using a router or a jigsaw. Likewise, recip saws cannot make plunge cuts (cuts through the middle of the material). Instead, their blade must make contact with the side of the material in order to start cutting, so to use a recip saw in this situation, you’ll first need to create a pilot hole to insert the recip saw blade or use a different type of saw, such as a jab saw.
How We Tested the Best Reciprocating Saws
We put our reciprocating saws through a series of tests in order to find the top models. We tested for performance by cutting through several materials, including a 2×4, a 1-inch metal pipe, a metal stud, and a 2-inch PVC pipe, timing how long it took the reciprocating saw to cut through the material. We performed no fewer than six cuts with each saw we tested.
We also assessed how easy each saw was to use by loading various types of blades; performing cuts from multiple angles; and considering weight, handle design, and vibration. Finally, we looked at value by comparing prices for each reciprocating saw.
Our selections include both corded and cordless models to suit everything from occasional use around the house to everyday professional use.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Hours spent testing | 6 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $100 to $400 |
Our Top Picks
The following reciprocating saws boast a variety of the key features mentioned above, and each is a standout in its class for power, speed, and durability. The best reciprocating saw for you may well be on this list.
Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Build Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Speed: 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM)
- Stroke length: 1⅛ inch
What We Like
- Stroke length and speed translate to lightning-fast cutting speed
- Low vibration reduces arm fatigue and enhances control
- Kit comes with dual charger and 2 large-capacity batteries
What We Don’t Like
- One of the more expensive reciprocating saws you can buy
There’s the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall reciprocating saw, and then there’s everyone else. That’s truly what it felt like after testing this model, the premium tool brand’s top-of-the-line reciprocating saw.
This saw dominated our testing. Not only did it produce fantastic power, but it felt smoother than most without the vibration we experienced with other reciprocating saws. It took just 7 seconds to cut clean through a 2×4 and about a second more than that with deck screws embedded into it. It also made quick work of our 2-inch plastic pipe, cutting through it in just 4 seconds, and it was the only saw we tested to cut through our metal stud without a struggle.
In short, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is in another league when it comes to reciprocating saws. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s not that much steeper than the reciprocating saws we tested from other top-tier cordless tool manufacturers—especially since Milwaukee sweetens the deal by including two large-capacity 5-amp-hour (Ah) batteries.
Other notable features include a retractable hook (which makes storing the M18 Sawzall easier) and a charger that will also take Milwaukee’s smaller 12-volt batteries, which is a great feature if you’re already invested in the Milwaukee family of cordless tools. If you’re going to spend on a cordless reciprocating saw, this is our favorite, hands down.
Get the Milwaukee M18 reciprocating saw at Ace Hardware (1 battery) or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
DeWalt 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 3.3/5; Build Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Corded
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Speed: 2,900 SPM
- Stroke length: 1⅛ inches
What We Like
- 4 blade positions make cutting from various angles easy
- Affordable yet quality alternative to cordless reciprocating saws
- Low vibration when cutting enhances ease and precision
What We Don’t Like
- Slower blade speed and shorter stroke length extend cutting time
DeWalt’s corded reciprocating saw may not match the performance of the more powerful 15-amp corded reciprocating saws or cordless models out there, but it’s certainly up to the task for most home applications. With its 1⅛-inch stroke length and max 2,900 SPM, it cut through our test 2×4 in about 18 seconds. Plus, it’s less than half the cost of most cordless models and boasts DeWalt’s exceptional build quality.
This model also features a novel blade design that allows you to install the blade vertically or horizontally, making it easy to shift from cutting upwards, downwards, and side to side. The large guard also helped to steady the blade as we were cutting through various materials. And with this vibration damping, we were able to make fairly precise cuts. With a cost of a little over $100, it’s a great value from a brand that’s considered one of the best power tool companies in the business.
Get the DeWalt 12-Amp reciprocating saw at Ace Hardware, Amazon, or The Home Depot.
Best Cordless
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Speed: 2,800 SPM
- Stroke length: 1¼ inches
What We Like
- 2-handed design and ergonomic grip enhance control
- Kit comes with a rapid charger and 2 batteries
- Vibration reduction makes it easier to make smooth cuts
What We Don’t Like
- One of the most expensive reciprocating saws out there
Most reciprocating saws vibrate such that they leave your hand and arm tingling and numb after just a few cuts, but Makita’s 18V LXT is an exception. Of all the saws we tested, it produced the least amount of vibration, cutting smoothly through wood, metal, and PVC.
With its 18-volt brushless motor, 1¼-inch stroker length, and 2,800 SPM speed, it isn’t short on power, either. We cut through a 2×4 in about 8 seconds, putting it on par with some of the fastest reciprocating saws we tested. Cutting through wood with a screw in it was a tick slower, and it struggled a bit with our metal stud, but overall, it was a high performer.
Makita’s tools are known for their ergonomic designs, and this reciprocating saw demonstrates why that is. This saw felt well balanced in our hands, and we appreciated the overmolded handle (which made it easy to grip) and the ample rubberized covering that allowed us to get a firm hold on the saw regardless of what angle we chose to cut from.
We like that Makita includes two large-capacity 5 Ah batteries and a rapid charger, which means you’ll be able to cut almost indefinitely by rotating the batteries. However, this reciprocating saw is among the priciest.
Get the Makita reciprocating saw at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Compact
DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Compact/1-handed
- Weight: 5 pounds (without battery)
- Speed: 2,900 SPM
- Stroke length: 1⅛ inches
What We Like
- Compact size makes it suitable for hard-to-reach places
- 4-position blade clamp simplifies cutting from different angles
- Similar cutting power to a full-size reciprocating saw
What We Don’t Like
- Considerable vibration complicates 1-handed operation
DeWalt managed to make this compact reciprocating saw nearly as powerful as the full-size two-handed cordless models we tested. With its brushless 20-volt motor and battery, it produces a maximum of 2,900 SPM with a 1⅛-inch stroke length. While this wasn’t powerful enough to cut at the same rate as the top performers on our list, we still cut through a 2×4 in about 10 seconds—just a few ticks slower than the fastest reciprocating saws on our list. That’s saying something, considering this DeWalt reciprocating saw measures just 14.5 inches long, making it small enough to fit between wall studs.
With this saw’s four different blade clamp positions, one-handed design, and a total weight of just 6.5 pounds, we were able to make cuts at various angles—even above the head. That’s not to say it won’t give your arm a workout. Using it one-handed, especially if you’re extending your arm to reach tighter spots, requires some muscle, as we noted while using it to cut tree branches.
This small reciprocating saw also produced noticeably more vibration than some of the full-size models we tested, which also added to the challenge of using it one-handed. Those gripes aside, it’s a great reciprocating saw if you need to work in tighter spots but don’t want to compromise on power.
Get the DeWalt 20V MAX reciprocating saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best for Yard Work
Milwaukee M12 Hackzall Recip Saw Kit
Photo: Ace Hardware
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 3.5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Compact/1-handed
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Speed: 3,000 SPM
- Stroke length: ⅝ inch
What We Like
- Capable of trimming wood up to 2 inches in diameter
- Compact and lightweight design makes 1-handed operation easy
- Only weighs about 3 pounds
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller motor and battery equate to slower cutting speeds
With its small 12-volt motor and a compact battery that fits neatly inside the handle (instead of hanging off the back), the Milwaukee hacksaw is the smallest reciprocating saw we tested. It weighs just over 3 pounds, which made it easy to reach overhead to trim tree branches. It also produced less vibration than larger models, easing fatigue on the hand and arm and eliminating the bouncing around you get with some reciprocating saws. The Hacksaw also shines while cutting at odd angles—its one-handed design and small size made it easy to cut upwards and side to side.
While we loved its small size, there’s a clear compromise in cutting power. Its ⅝-inch stroke length is far shorter than the 1½-inch stroke length of larger reciprocating saws. Plus, this mini reciprocating saw lacks the cutting power of a two-handed reciprocating saw. It took about 24 seconds to cut through a 2×4 versus the 8 seconds of our top models. This is a saw designed for lighter-duty jobs. If you need maneuverability over raw power for pruning trees or occasionally need to hack through larger-diameter lumber, then the Milwaukee hacksaw is a great pick. If you’re after a saw for demolition, look elsewhere.
Get the Milwaukee M12 reciprocating saw at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.