We compare four of the most popular sawzalls to determine which is the best cordless reciprocating saw for your workshop or jobsite. At the end, we narrow it down to a two-way tie; your budget and power requirements will be the final deciding factor.
Think of cordless reciprocating saws as the big brothers to jig saws. Like jig saws, they cut using reciprocating (forward-and-back) motions. Also commonly called ‘sawzalls’, reciprocating saws are mainly used for demolition (‘demo’) purposes.
If you’ve ever watched a home renovation reality show, you’ve seen a reciprocating saw. Commonly, they’re featured towards the beginning of the episode along with sledge hammers when people are smashing cabinets and cutting through studs.
Demolition is a popular use for reciprocating saws. Reciprocating saws make quick work of cutting through all sorts of materials thanks to their powerful motors and long blade strokes. With the right blade, these saws can quickly slice through wood, metal, PVC, or drywall.
Additionally, sawzalls are great for removing branches and limbs from trees.
If you’re renovating a room (or rooms) or need to quickly break down material, a reciprocating saw definitely has a spot in your space. When you’re doing demo work or just need a quick cut on a heavy piece of stock, a reciprocating saw will be your best bet.
They’re also really handy for certain yard work tasks like trimming trees. If you don’t need a chainsaw but want to cut branches up to several inches thick, a reciprocating saw will fit your bill nicely.
They can also be very portable. Reciprocating saws come in both corded and cordless flavors so there are plenty of options to choose from.
There are a number of features that are becoming more mainstream and any sawzall worth its salt should include most of them:
- LED light located on the front of the saw
- Quick and tool-less blade change mechanism
- Orbital settings for more aggressive cutting motion
- Variable speed settings
Keep these in mind when considering which would be the best cordless reciprocating saw for your workshop or jobsite. Some factors may be more important to you than others.
The Quick Answer
We recommend either the MILWAUKEE 2821 or the SKIL RS5884. However, the best cordless reciprocating saw for you will largely be a function of budget and power needs.
The MILWAUKEE 2821 represents the higher quality and more robust sawzall. It’s a very powerful saw that can cut through anything you throw at it.
The SKIL RS5884 is the value play here as it provides decent power and a few extra features for the lowest cost of the bunch.
DEWALT DCS386B
DEWALT’s DCS386B is a solid contender in this comparison. It’s a sturdy unit and can unlock massive amounts of power depending on the battery size attached. More on that later.
With more than 200 tools in the 20V MAX family, the tool line that is home to the DSC386B offers a bunch of woodworking- and metalworking-focused solutions. There are also a few unique offerings like lawn mowers and speakers.
With a 1-1/8″ stroke at 3,000 spm, the DEWALT keeps up with the competition as far as cutting capabilities. The saw is also on the heavy side, which can aid in cutting performance. However, it can also quicken the onset of arm fatigue so keep that in mind.
The quick-change blade lever is a cinch to operate. It felt secure and sure when we removed or installed blades. Note that the DCS386B doesn’t have a four-position blade clamp like its corded brother, the DWE304. That’s a very unique feature we rarely see so it’s not a deal-breaker that the DCS386B doesn’t include it. It’s just something to be aware of if you’re thinking of ditching the cord on your DWE304.
Like the competition, an LED is located at the front end of the saw just above the blade.
The power delivery options are a bit wider and more powerful for the DEWALT. This newest generation of cordless reciprocating saw uses standard 20V MAX batteries but can also accept the more powerful FLEXVOLT batteries that are used on more powerful commercial DEWALT tools.
The DCS386B is taken to the next level when equipped with one of these behemoth batteries. The saw aggressively powered through anything we threw at it.
The footplate pivots but is otherwise stationary. It doesn’t retract or extend.
With its expanded power options, the DEWALT DCS386B packs a big punch for a decent price. Check it out if you need a mix of mid-range and commercial sized tools and are considering the 20V MAX tool line.
SKIL RS5884
SKIL has historically represented a more affordable option in the world of power tools. The RS5884 continues that theme but keeps up with the rest of the competition. We’d consider this a value play although it does come with all the features and capabilities we’d want in a reciprocating saw.
The brushless motor cuts down on regular maintenance and maximizes motor life.
Unlike some of the other saws in this shootout, a comparably priced RS5884 package includes a battery whereas other do not.
Additionally, SKIL includes a PWRASSIST Mobile Charging attachment. This is a neat feature that turns any SKIL battery into a USB charger. If you still have some juice left in the saw’s battery but your phone or other device needs a boost, the PWRASSIST can get you through the day in a pinch.
Note that the PWRASSIST Mobile Charging attachment isn’t unique to SKIL; most if not all of the other manufacturers offer a comparable accessory. It’s just included with the SKIL unlike the others.
The variable speed motor is controlled with the trigger. Specifically, lighter touches keep the blade at a slower pace while cranking on the trigger sends it flying.
The orbital setting on the RS5884 is nice. When cutting through soft materials like wood, the aggressive orbital setting significantly increased the speed at which we could break down the workpiece.
The blade chuck is the twist design. Installing a blade is as easy as pushing in the blade until you hear it lock. The reverse operation only involves twisting the chuck to release the blade.
An LED worklight and a pivoting shoe come standard.
If you’re looking to get into the cordless tool game but are budget-constrained, check out SKIL and the wide variety of circular saws, drills, jig saws, and other woodworking tools.
MAKITA XRJ05Z
The XRJ05Z from MAKITA is the brand’s largest 18V brushless reciprocating saw. It expands the LXT tool line, which is one of the more diverse tool families with its commercial tools, woodworking tools, yard implements, and specialty accessories. It’s a stocky unit with a few unique features.
The motor is not only brushless but also includes two variable speed settings. Speed is controlled in two ways.
First, a speed change button sets the ceiling for blade speed. LOW sets the maximum speed at 2,300 spm and HIGH sets the maximum speed to 3,000 spm.
Then, a variable speed trigger allows the user to fine-tune the blade speed within the range set by the speed change button.
The 1-1/4″ stroke is on the higher end and, when paired with a sufficiently long blade, can cut wood up to a foot thick.
Note that there is no orbital setting on the XRJ05Z.
The blade chuck is also of the twist flavor. Just push a blade in to install and rotate the chuck’s sleeve to release the blade.
The front of the tool features an LED worklight as well as a rafter hook for quick stowing of the tool between cuts.
The fixed shoe has five extension settings. This is helpful by specifically prolonging blade life. Sometimes, the blade only engages along a fraction of the teeth, especially when cutting thin materials. If the shoe wasn’t adjustable, some teeth would wear down while others remained in mint condition. The telescoping shoe allows the blade to be engaged along it’s entire cutting edge. This saves money by not having to prematurely buy new blades.
The MAKITA XRJ05Z keeps up with competition when outfitted with the appropriate blade and battery. It’ll get the job done, which is no suprise since the MAKITA brand is a regular presence in workshops and jobsites for tradesmen that rely on their tools for a living.
MILWAUKEE 2821
Last but certainly not least is the MILWAUKEE 2821. It saw a refresh in late 2020 that trimmed some weight and optimized some other features. In short, it’s a powerful unit that’s worth every penny.
It’s a part of the M18 tool family, which includes an impressive array of woodworking, metalworking, commercial, yard, and specialty cordless tools.
3,000 spm paired with a 1-1/4″ stroke is as good as they come. You won’t run into anything you can’t cut with the cutting capacity that comes with the 2821.
A variable speed trigger ensures that blade speed will be most appropriate for a variety of materials. The motor is brushless so you won’t have to worry about maintenance schedules or waning performance.
We liked the QUIK-LOK mechanism on the 2821. It’s been upgraded from the prior version and holds blade firmly and surely. Note that blades can be clamped either tooth-up or tooth-down on this saw.
Wear and tear from accidental drops and dings is less of a worry with some beefed up bones in the MILWAUKEE. Additional metal reinforcements in the battery connection housing ensures that the more aggressive working environments won’t be an issue.
A bright LED light on the business end of the 2821 keeps everything lit, which is especially useful in dim areas like attics. Because it’s trigger-actuated, it turns on when the trigger is depressed and automatically turns off when the trigger is released.
The pivoting shoe helps navigate around curves and corners and keeps the shoe engaged with the workpiece at all times. It’s also adjustable and be extended or retracted to ensure the whole blade is being used.
MILWAUKEE lives up to its reputation with the 2821. It’s a very capable reciprocating saw that works as hard as is necessary for any job, no matter how tough.
So Which Cordless Reciprocating Saw Is Best?
We’ve summarized the strengths and weaknesses of each sawzall above. We’ll continue to pit them against each other below to determine which is the best cordless reciprocating saw for your workshop. Beyond these summaries, full reviews for each tool can be found here:
- DEWALT DCS386B (Full Review)
- SKIL RS5884 (Full Review)
- MAKITA XRJ05Z (Full Review)
- MILWAUKEE 2821 (Full Review)
Scoring will be based on each saw’s performance in four categories. Also, units can score equally if deserved in a particular category (e.g. a first, second, third, etc isn’t forced). For this comparison, the max score possible is set at 100 and the minimum score is 20.
Which Reciprocating Saw is the Most Powerful?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
Power is going to be a function of battery charge for cordless tools like these. As a result, we’ll evaluate the potential power that is offered by each tool manufacturers’ battery lineup.
Note that we are heavily emphasizing power capabilities to determine the best cordless reciprocating saw. These tools are designed for heavy use and anything that egregiously skimps on power is in danger of identifying as a jigsaw.
SKIL and MAKITA have the largest limitation on battery size since the most powerful batteries they offer are 5.0Ah and 6.0Ah, respectively. This will work fine for most scenarios but all-day work sessions that involve cutting tough materials will be an issue.
We wish these manufacturers at least offered something as large as 8.0Ah.
MILWAUKEE and DEWALT both offer massive 12.0Ah batteries that won’t back down to anything. Both of these monstrous battery sizes will keep going for a large part of the day if not all day.
SKIL and MAKITA earn 5 points. MILWAUKEE and DEWALT earn 25 points.
Which Saw is the Most Comfortable to Use?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
Aside from any special vibration-reducing technology (which is absent in all of these saws), comfort is going to be determined by tool weight. While beefier tools can help with cutting performance, they can get tiresome quickly especially when cutting things overhead like rafters or tree branches.
Perceived comfort and ease of use go a long way in which saw just feels ‘right’ so we’re particularly emphasizing ergonomics to determine which of these sawzalls is the best cordless reciprocating saw.
At 6.3 lbs, the SKIL is the lightest. Following close behind is the 6.8 lb MILWAUKEE.
Weights start to increase a bit with the DEWALT and MAKITA, which come in around 7.7 to 7.8 lbs each.
Note that battery weight needs to be considered as well. Since some of the more powerful batteries can weigh over 3 lbs, consider the impact that heavier duty power sources will add to the total weight of a sawzall.
DEWALT and MAKITA earn 5 points, MILWAUKEE earns 15 points, and SKIL earns 25 points.
Which Reciprocating Saw has the Best Price?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
Most of these sawzalls fall in the $150 – $200 range for the saw only (i.e. no charger or batteries).
However, the SKIL is the notable exception. While it falls in that same price range as the competition, it does include a battery, charger, and USB-charging attachment.
Battery and charger packages can add hundreds of dollars to any of these tools. Be prepared for the extra expense if you’re just starting out with any of these tool families.
DEWALT, MAKITA, and DEWALT earn 15 points. SKIL earns 25 points.
Which Saw has the Best Features?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
There are a wide variety of features represented among these four sawzalls and we’ll summarize all of them.
- Tool-less blade change: All four saws feature some sort of key-less and tool-less blade change. Some use levers and others use twist chucks but they’re all easy enough to use.
- Variable speed: All four saws have variable speed triggers. However, the MAKITA incorporates an additional speed setting (LOW and HIGH) that sets the saw’s speed ceiling.
- Orbital setting: Commonly found on jig saws, this amps up the aggressiveness of a cut when cleanliness isn’t a priority. The SKIL is the only saw that includes this feature.
- Adjustable footplate: Extending and retracting the footplate saves money on saw blades. The MILWAUKEE and MAKITA incorporate this functionality.
- Rafter hooks: They’re one of those things you don’t realize how convenient they are until you don’t have it. The MILWAUKEE and MAKITA saws include rafter hooks while the others do not.
MAKITA does well in this category. The only thing it lacks is an orbital setting.
MILWAUKEE and SKIL also perform well in this category.
DEWALT has solidly staked its claim as the no-frills entry in this comparison.
DEWALT earns 5 points, SKIL and MILWAUKEE earn 15 points, and MAKITA earns 25 points.
Final Results
We have a two-way tie between two very different saws! These two tools share our recommendation as the best cordless reciprocating saw because they’ll serve two different prospective users.
The MILWAUKEE 2821 is your best bet if you’re looking for performance, power, and lasting quality along with a few convenient features.
The SKIL RS5884 is a fantastic choice for the weekend warrior that needs the occasional cut around the house or in the yard. It provides a lot of bang for your buck.
The other two saws are both capable tools as well, so give them a close consideration if you’ve already started amassing tools and batteries in those respective ecosystems. Do you need power but don’t care for bells and whistles? The DEWALT DCS386B might be the best choice for you. Is average power adequate as long as some of the extra convenience items are included? Take a good look at the MAKITA RS5884.