A reciprocating saw, often called a “sawzall” after Milwaukee’s original trademarked model, is the tool demolition crews, plumbers, and remodelers reach for when a job calls for fast, rough cutting rather than precision. With a blade that moves in a rapid back-and-forth motion, a reciprocating saw powers through wood, nail-embedded lumber, PVC, and even metal pipe, making it indispensable for demolition work, plumbing rough-ins, tree branch removal, and emergency cutting where a clean edge doesn’t matter as much as speed.
The right reciprocating saw for you depends on whether you need corded power for sustained heavy cutting or cordless freedom for jobsite mobility, along with how much weight and compactness matters for one-handed or overhead work. Corded saws deliver unlimited runtime and consistently strong power for demolition, while cordless models trade some sustained power for the ability to cut anywhere without hunting for an outlet. Below we’ve researched five of the best reciprocating saws on Amazon right now, based on the manufacturer’s listed specifications, verified customer ratings, and real buyer feedback, so you can match the right one to your projects and budget.
| Image | Product | Price | Rating | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw | $129.15 | 4.8★ (3,907) | Best Overall | Check Price |
 |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall | $175.00 | 4.8★ (1,363) | Best Premium | Check Price |
 |
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Cordless Saw Kit | $89.99 | 4.6★ (10,097) | Best Value | Check Price |
 |
DEWALT DCS369B ATOMIC Compact Saw | $144.99 | 4.8★ (8,374) | Best Compact | Check Price |
 |
CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B V20 Cordless Saw | $72.88 | 4.7★ (1,522) | Best Budget | Check Price |
1. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw, 12 Amp, Corded (DWE305) – Best Overall Pick
The DEWALT DWE305 runs a powerful 12-amp motor designed for heavy-duty applications, delivering 0 to 2,900 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8-inch stroke length for fast, efficient cutting. A 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased versatility, a keyless lever-action blade clamp makes blade changes quick and tool-free, and a variable speed trigger lets you instantly control cutting speed for different materials.
At $129.15, it holds an outstanding 4.8-star rating from 3,907 buyers, the highest rating on this list. Reviewers consistently praise its raw cutting power and durability for demanding demolition and remodeling work. If you want unlimited runtime and dependable power for heavy daily use, this is the pick to start with.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – Best Premium Cordless Pick
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall pairs a brushless motor with a wear-resistant, lever-actuated blade clamp for fast and easy blade changes, built for professionals who demand cordless power without sacrificing performance. A metal-reinforced battery connection improves durability and battery retention over the tool’s life, and a built-in LED light illuminates the work surface for cutting in dark spaces or tight crawl areas.
At $175.00, the most expensive tool on this list, it holds an outstanding 4.8-star rating from 1,363 buyers, matching the top rating here. Reviewers consistently highlight its brushless power and battery efficiency as standout advantages over older Sawzall generations. If you’re already invested in the M18 battery platform and want premium cordless cutting power, this is the pick to reach for.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BDCR20C) – Best Value Pick
The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C comes as a complete kit with battery and charger included, featuring tool-free blade changes for quick swaps between jobs. A pivoting shoe increases control and stability against the workpiece, and a variable speed trigger lets you dial in cutting speed for different materials and cutting situations.
At $89.99, it holds a 4.6-star rating from 10,097 buyers, by far the largest review base on this entire list. Reviewers consistently describe it as a dependable, ready-to-use cordless saw that delivers far more value than its price suggests. If you want a complete cordless kit without buying batteries separately, this is the value pick to grab.
4. DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX One-Handed Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B) – Best Compact Pick
The DEWALT DCS369B is compact at just 12.5 inches front to back and 37% lighter than DEWALT’s older DCS367 reciprocating saw, making it ideal for one-handed use and overhead cutting. A brushless motor delivers increased performance and runtime, an LED helps illuminate dark work spaces, and a pivoting shoe provides more points of contact against the material than a fixed shoe for improved control.
At $144.99, it holds an outstanding 4.8-star rating from 8,374 buyers. Reviewers consistently praise its light weight and one-handed maneuverability for overhead and tight-space cutting. If you need a compact, lightweight saw for extended one-handed use, this is the pick to reach for.
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw, Cordless (CMCS300B) – Best Budget Pick
The CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B runs on the V20 cordless system with a full variable speed trigger ranging from 0 to 3,000 RPM for added control across a variety of materials. A tool-free blade release makes blade changes quick and easy, its compact 14.5-inch size fits into tight cutting spaces, and a contoured overmolded handle adds comfort during extended use, backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
At just $72.88, it’s the most affordable reciprocating saw on this list, and it holds a 4.7-star rating from 1,522 buyers. Reviewers consistently describe it as a capable, no-frills cordless saw that handles everyday cutting tasks without a premium price tag. If you want an affordable entry into cordless cutting and already own V20 batteries, this is the budget pick to grab.
Reciprocating Saws Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One
Picking the right reciprocating saw comes down to matching power source, weight, and stroke performance to the cutting work you actually do. Here’s what to weigh before you buy.
Corded vs. Cordless Power
Corded saws, like the DEWALT DWE305, deliver unlimited runtime and consistently strong power, a good fit for sustained demolition or workshop use near an outlet. Cordless saws, like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL, BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C, DEWALT DCS369B, and CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B, trade some sustained power for the freedom to cut anywhere on a jobsite, with modern brushless motors closing much of the performance gap.
Bare Tool vs. Complete Kit
Bare tools, like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL, DEWALT DCS369B, and CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B, are sold without a battery or charger, a smart choice if you already own batteries in that platform. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C comes as a complete kit with battery and charger included, making it the simpler choice if you’re starting from scratch with no existing cordless tools.
Weight and One-Handed Use
Compact, lightweight saws like the DEWALT DCS369B, 37% lighter than its predecessor, reduce fatigue during overhead cutting, demolition, or extended one-handed use. Standard-size saws like the DEWALT DWE305 and Milwaukee M18 FUEL prioritize raw power and stroke length over minimal weight, better suited to two-handed heavy-duty cutting.
Stroke Length and Speed
Stroke length determines how much material a saw removes per cycle; the DEWALT DWE305’s 1-1/8-inch stroke supports fast, efficient cuts through thick lumber. Variable speed triggers, found on all five saws on this list, let you slow down for control in tight spots or speed up for aggressive demolition cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a corded or cordless reciprocating saw?
If you do sustained, heavy-duty cutting near an outlet, the corded DEWALT DWE305 delivers unlimited power without worrying about battery charge. For jobsite mobility or occasional use, a cordless option like the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C or CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B gives you the freedom to cut anywhere.
Is a bare tool a good deal if I don’t own batteries yet?
Only if you plan to buy into that battery platform for other tools too. If this is your only cordless tool, a complete kit like the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C, which includes a battery and charger, is simpler and often cheaper than buying a bare tool plus batteries separately.
Why does the DEWALT DCS369B cost more than some larger reciprocating saws?
Its price reflects its compact, lightweight ATOMIC design and brushless motor, built specifically for one-handed and overhead cutting comfort rather than maximum raw power. If weight and maneuverability matter more than sheer cutting force, that premium is worth it.
What stroke speed do I need for demolition work?
Higher SPM (strokes per minute) ratings, like the CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B’s 3,000 RPM or DEWALT DWE305’s 2,900 RPM, cut faster through wood and other common demolition materials. Variable speed triggers on all the saws here let you slow down when cutting metal or working in tight, controlled spaces.
Conclusion
The right reciprocating saw depends on how much raw power you need and whether cordless freedom matters more than sustained runtime. For dependable, full-power performance, the DEWALT DWE305 is a safe corded choice, while the Milwaukee M18 FUEL delivers premium brushless cordless power for professionals. If you’re starting from scratch, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C’s complete kit offers exceptional value, and the DEWALT DCS369B is the pick for lightweight, one-handed cutting. Step down to the CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B if you want an affordable entry into cordless cutting. Whichever you choose, match the power source, weight, and stroke performance to the cutting work you actually do, that’s what determines whether a reciprocating saw becomes a go-to tool or one that sits in a drawer.
Leave a Reply