Cordless Reciprocating Saws Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws: 9 Top Picks Ranked
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By the Pickpedia Team
·9 picks compared
·Last verified November 2026
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Quick answer
The DEWALT 20V MAX DCS380B tops our list of the best cordless reciprocating saws, with a 1-1/8 inch stroke and 0-3,000 SPM. The Milwaukee M18 Hackzall suits one-handed work, and the Makita XRJ04Z offers a long 1-1/4 inch stroke for faster cuts.
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws: 9 Top Picks Ranked at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
A cordless reciprocating saw is the tool you reach for when a circular saw cannot get there: pruning limbs, cutting pipe, trimming studs or slicing through nail-embedded lumber. The category splits into full-size saws with long strokes and compact, one-handed models like the Hackzall.
We compared nine real models on stroke length, strokes per minute, blade change design, weight and battery platform. The right pick depends on whether you already own batteries in a system, how much power you need, and whether you will be working overhead in tight spots.
Our top picks
A four-position blade clamp lets you flush cut and change blades without tools, which matters on remodeling work. The 1-1/8 inch stroke and 0-3,000 SPM variable speed trigger give you speed when you want it and control when you need it. It is a bare tool, so it slots into an existing 20V MAX setup.
Stroke length1-1/8 in.
Speed0-3,000 SPM
Blade clamp4-position, tool-free
IncludedTool only
Pros
- Four-position tool-free blade clamp
- Variable speed trigger for material control
- Long 1-1/8 inch stroke for fast cutting
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Full-size body is bulky in tight spots
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The 1-1/4 inch stroke is the longest here, and the variable speed motor runs 0-2,800 SPM. Makita keeps the body to 19-1/8 inches long, so it handles overhead and confined work better than many full-size saws. It weighs 8.3 lbs with a battery, which is on the heavy side for one-hand use.
Stroke length1-1/4 in.
Speed0-2,800 SPM
Length19-1/8 in.
Weight8.3 lbs with battery
Pros
- Longest stroke in this lineup
- Compact 19-1/8 inch body
- Variable speed motor
Cons
- 8.3 lbs with battery is heavy for one hand
- Tool only, no battery included
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Ryobi claims this is its most powerful reciprocating saw, with 2X faster cutting speed and up to 470 cuts per charge. The brushless motor runs 0-3,200 SPM with a 1-1/4 inch stroke, matching the longest stroke in the group. It is a bare tool on the ONE+ 18V platform.
MotorBrushless
Speed0-3,200 SPM
Stroke length1-1/4 in.
IncludedTool only
Pros
- Highest stroke count in this lineup
- Up to 470 cuts per charge
- Long 1-1/4 inch stroke
Cons
- Tool only, battery not included
- Runtime claim depends on battery size
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A brushless motor delivers 0-3,100 SPM with a 1-1/8 inch stroke for aggressive material removal. Bosch ships it with a metal blade and an all-purpose blade, so you can start cutting out of the box. It works with all Bosch 18V batteries and is part of the AMPShare multi-brand system.
MotorBrushless
Speed0-3,100 SPM
Stroke length1-1/8 in.
IncludedMetal blade, all-purpose blade
Pros
- Two blades included
- AMPShare multi-brand battery compatibility
- High 3,100 SPM top speed
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Large body for overhead work
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The Hackzall shape is built for one-handed use, which is why it turns up on plumbing and electrical jobs. It runs on the M18 lithium-ion system and works with both compact and XC high capacity batteries. It is a bare tool, so existing M18 owners get the most from it.
PlatformM18 18V
Battery compatibilityM18 compact and XC
IncludedBare tool
Pros
- One-handed Hackzall format
- Works with compact and XC M18 batteries
- Fits an existing M18 collection
Cons
- Bare tool only
- Shorter stroke than full-size saws
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A pendulum cutting function boosts efficiency, paired with a 3,000 per minute no-load speed. The pivoting foot plate helps the shoe stay flat against the work, and the tool-free blade change saves time. It ships with a wood blade and a steel blade and shares batteries across Worx 20V, 40V and 80V tools.
Speed3,000 per minute no-load
Stroke actionPendulum
IncludedWood blade, steel blade
BatteryNot included
Pros
- Pendulum action for faster cuts
- Pivoting foot plate
- Power Share battery compatibility
Cons
- Battery not included
- 13/16 inch size suits lighter work
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At 14.5 inches, this is the shortest full-size body in the group, which helps in cabinets and between studs. The variable speed trigger runs from 0-3,000 RPM with a 1 inch stroke. Quick blade changes are built in, and it is part of the V20 cordless system.
Length14.5 in.
Speed0-3,000 RPM
Stroke length1 in.
IncludedBare tool
Pros
- Short 14.5 inch body
- Quick, easy blade change
- Variable speed trigger
Cons
- 1 inch stroke is shorter than rivals
- Bare tool only
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At only 3.7 lbs, this saw is light enough for extended one-hand use overhead. The brushless motor and variable speed trigger run 0-3,000 SPM. It works with all Kobalt 24V max batteries, which are sold separately.
MotorBrushless
Speed0-3,000 SPM
Weight3.7 lbs
BatteryNot included
Pros
- Light 3.7 lb body
- Brushless motor
- Variable speed trigger
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Fewer details on blade change
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This kit arrives with two 21V 4.0Ah batteries, six blades, a fast charger, gloves, safety glasses and a storage box. The 200W brushless motor runs 0-3,500 RPM with a 15mm stroke, and the saw weighs just 2.0 lbs for one-handed work. It suits light trimming and pipe cutting rather than heavy demolition.
Motor200W brushless
Speed0-3,500 RPM
Stroke length15mm
Included2 batteries, 6 blades, charger, case
Pros
- Two batteries and six blades included
- Very light 2.0 lb body
- LED light and tool-free blade change
Cons
- 15mm stroke is short for thick lumber
- Aimed at light-duty cutting
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What to look for
What a cordless reciprocating saw does
A reciprocating saw moves a blade back and forth in a straight line, which lets it plunge into material and cut in places a circular saw cannot reach. Cordless versions run on a battery platform, so the saw you choose usually follows the batteries you already own. Common jobs include pruning, pipe cutting, stud trimming and demolition.
Stroke length and speed
Stroke length sets how much blade travels per pass, and the models here range from 15mm up to 1-1/4 inches. Longer strokes move more material per cycle, which speeds up cuts in thick lumber. Strokes per minute matter too: higher counts cut faster, while a variable speed trigger lets you slow down for metal and plastics.
Blade changes and cut control
Tool-free blade clamps save time when you switch between wood and metal blades. A multi-position clamp, like the four-position design on the DEWALT, lets the blade sit sideways for flush cuts. A pivoting or adjustable foot plate keeps the shoe flat on the work as the blade wears.
Battery platform and body size
If you already own tools on a platform, staying in that system is the simplest decision. Full-size saws give you longer strokes and more power, while compact one-handed models like the Hackzall reach into tight spaces. Check the included contents: some saws are bare tools, and others ship as complete kits with batteries and blades.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a cordless reciprocating saw?
Prioritize stroke length, strokes per minute and a tool-free blade clamp, then pick a saw that shares batteries with tools you already own. A variable speed trigger helps on metal and plastic. Weight matters if you will cut overhead.
How long a stroke do I need?
A 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inch stroke cuts thick lumber faster than a short stroke. Short strokes in the 15mm range suit light trimming, pipe and PVC work. Match the stroke to the material you cut most often.
Can a cordless reciprocating saw cut metal?
Yes, with the right blade. The BOSCH saw ships with a metal blade, and the Worx saw includes a steel blade. Run a lower speed on metal to keep the blade from overheating.
Do these saws come with batteries?
Most are bare tools, including the DEWALT, Makita, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Worx and Kobalt models. The SEESII kit includes two batteries and a charger. Check the contents before you buy if you do not own the platform.
Is a one-handed saw better than a full-size one?
A one-handed saw like the Milwaukee Hackzall reaches into cabinets and between studs. Full-size saws give you a longer stroke and more power for demolition. Many owners keep both.
What is a pendulum action on a reciprocating saw?
Pendulum action lifts the blade slightly on the return stroke, which improves cutting efficiency. The Worx WX500L.9 offers this function. It speeds up wood cuts but is usually switched off for metal.
How much does a cordless reciprocating saw weigh?
Weights vary widely. The SEESII saw is listed at 2.0 lbs and the Kobalt at 3.7 lbs, while the Makita is 8.3 lbs with a battery. Lighter saws are easier overhead but often have shorter strokes.
Which battery system should I choose?
Choose the platform you already own. DEWALT 20V MAX, Makita 18V LXT, Milwaukee M18, Ryobi ONE+ and Craftsman V20 all have large tool lineups. Bosch 18V tools also work with the AMPShare multi-brand system.
The verdict
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
9.2/10/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX DCS380B is our top pick for the best cordless reciprocating saws, pairing a 1-1/8 inch stroke and 0-3,000 SPM with a four-position tool-free blade clamp. If you want the longest stroke, look at the Makita XRJ04Z. For one-handed work, the Milwaukee M18 Hackzall is the practical choice.
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