Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws 2026: Demo Day Just Got Easier

TL;DR: You don’t need to spend $300+ to get a recip saw that’ll tear through anything. The Makita XRJ05Z wins for keeping your hands from going numb, the Milwaukee HACKZALL dominates one-handed work, and Metabo HPT’s CR36DA is the value pick nobody’s talking about.

Best Overall	Makita XRJ05Z	Best vibration control + 1-1/4″ stroke	~$173
Best Value	Metabo HPT CR36DA	Orbital action + lifetime warranty for $199	~$199
Best Compact/One-Handed	Milwaukee HACKZALL 2719-20	4x lower vibration, 3500 SPM monster	~$179
Best for DIY/Budget	DeWalt DCS369B	Under $150, does 90% of what you need	~$149

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Full-Size vs Compact: Which Do You Actually Need?

Here’s where most people screw up: they buy the wrong tool for the job.

Full-size recip saws (Milwaukee 2821, Makita XRJ05Z, Metabo CR36DA) are demolition beasts. They’ve got 1-1/4″ strokes, weigh 7-9 lbs, and will eat through studs, nails, and cast iron like it’s their job—because it is. You need two hands, you need the power, and honestly? You need the weight to counteract the vibration.

Compact/one-handed saws (Milwaukee HACKZALL, DeWalt DCS369B, Makita XRJ07ZB) are a different animal entirely. They’re for plumbers cutting PVC overhead, electricians notching studs in tight spots, and homeowners pruning branches without climbing a ladder with a chainsaw. They’re lighter, shorter (around 12-13″), and way more maneuverable.

My take? If you’re demoing a bathroom or cutting out old deck boards, go full-size. If you’re doing trim work, plumbing, or light pruning, the compact saws are genuinely better tools for the job. Don’t let your ego buy the bigger saw “just in case.”

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Buyer’s Guide: What Actually Matters

Stroke Length: The “Aggression” Factor

Longer strokes = faster cutting. A 1-1/4″ stroke (Milwaukee 2821, Makita XRJ05Z, Bosch GSA18V) tears through material quicker than a 5/8″ stroke (DeWalt DCS369B). For heavy demo, you want that 1-1/4″. For detail work, shorter strokes give you more control.

SPM (Strokes Per Minute): Speed Kills

Most saws top out around 3000 SPM. The Milwaukee HACKZALL hits 3500 SPM—which is why it cuts faster than anything in the one-handed category despite a shorter stroke. Variable speed triggers let you dial it back for precise cuts.

Orbital Action: The Wood-Cutting Cheat Code

Here’s the secret: only two saws on this list have orbital action—the Bosch GSA18V-125N and the Metabo HPT CR36DA. Orbital action adds a slight elliptical motion to the blade stroke, and it makes cutting wood stupid fast. Like, 2-3x faster in some cases. If you’re cutting a lot of lumber, this feature is non-negotiable.

Weight & Vibration Control

A recip saw at full tilt will shake your fillings loose if you let it. The Makita XRJ05Z and Metabo CR36DA both use dual counterbalance systems that actually work. Your hands will thank you after a day of demo work.

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The Reviews: 8 Saws, Ranked and Rated

Makita XRJ05Z: Best Overall

The Good: This is the recip saw I grab when I don’t know what I’m cutting. The two-speed motor (2300/3000 SPM) lets you finesse delicate cuts or blast through nail-embedded studs. At 1-1/4″ stroke length, it matches Milwaukee’s legendary SAWZALL for raw cutting aggression. But where it really wins is vibration control—Makita’s dual counterbalance system keeps the shakes to a minimum. After a day of demo work, your hands won’t feel like you stuck them in a paint shaker.

The Not-So-Good: No orbital action means wood cuts take longer than the Bosch or Metabo. The shoe doesn’t adjust, which is annoying when you’re trying to maximize blade life. And yeah, at 8.2 lbs with a battery, it’s not the lightest option.

Bottom Line: The most versatile recip saw in this roundup. It won’t beat the orbital-action saws on raw wood-cutting speed, but for everything else—including all-day comfort—it’s the one to beat.

Ratings: Amazon 4.7/5 (1,876 reviews) | Home Depot 4.8/5 (1,243 reviews)

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL 2821-20: The Legend

The Good: This is the recip saw every other tool is measured against. The 3000 SPM motor with a 1-1/4″ stroke absolutely shreds material. Milwaukee’s QUIK-LOK blade clamp is the fastest in the business—no tools, no fiddling. The metal-reinforced battery rails and anti-corrosion blade clamp are built for job site abuse. And let’s be real: the M18 ecosystem has 200+ tools. If you’re already on the red train, this is the obvious choice.

The Not-So-Good: Higher vibration than the Makita or Metabo. No orbital action (seriously, Milwaukee, what gives?). And while the 7.5 lb weight is reasonable for a full-size saw, you’ll feel it after a few hours.

Bottom Line: The benchmark. If you want the “safe” choice that every contractor recognizes, this is it. Just know you’re paying a bit of red tax and missing out on orbital action.

Ratings: Amazon 4.8/5 (1,064 reviews) | Home Depot 4.8/5 (892 reviews)

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Metabo HPT CR36DA: Best Value (The Sleeper Pick)

The Good: Nobody talks about this saw, and that’s criminal. It’s got orbital action (take notes, Milwaukee). It’s got a 4-stage speed selector (1700-3000 SPM). The dual counterbalance system ties Makita for best vibration control. The AC adapter compatibility means you can run it corded when your batteries die. And the lifetime warranty? That’s confidence. At $199 bare, it’s $100+ less than comparable saws with fewer features.

The Not-So-Good: 8.7 lbs makes it the heaviest saw here. The shaft-mounted blade release is… fine, but not as slick as lever-action clamps. And yeah, the MultiVolt ecosystem is smaller than Milwaukee or DeWalt.

Bottom Line: The best value in cordless recip saws, full stop. Runner-up in Pro Tool Reviews testing, and honestly should’ve won. If you’re not married to a battery platform, start here.

Ratings: Amazon 4.6/5 (743 reviews) | Lowe’s 4.5/5 (412 reviews)

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Bosch GSA18V-125N: The Wood-Cutting Specialist

The Good: The only 18V cordless recip saw with orbital action besides the Metabo. That elliptical blade motion makes wood cutting genuinely fast—noticeably quicker than Milwaukee or Makita in lumber. The multi-grip design lets you hold it different ways depending on the cut. Adjustable shoe, rafter hook, the works. German engineering shows in the build quality.

The Not-So-Good: Only 2500 SPM—the slowest in this group. That shaft-mounted blade release is annoying. And at ~$299 bare, it’s the most expensive 18V saw here.

Bottom Line: If you cut a ton of wood and don’t want to step up to the 36V Metabo, this is your saw. For everything else? The lower SPM holds it back.

Ratings: Amazon 4.6/5 (892 reviews) | Home Depot 4.5/5 (456 reviews)

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL HACKZALL 2719-20: Best One-Handed

The Good: Remember when one-handed recip saws were weak toys? The HACKZALL said “hold my beer.” 3500 SPM makes it the fastest-cutting compact saw by a mile. The dual gear counter-balance claims 4x lower vibration, and honestly? It feels like it. The compact body fits places full-size saws won’t dream of. If you’re a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech, this is your daily driver.

The Not-So-Good: 7/8″ stroke length limits aggressive cuts. Not for heavy demolition—you’ll stall it on thick material. No adjustable shoe.

Bottom Line: The gold standard for one-handed recip saws. Nothing else comes close to this combination of speed, control, and compactness.

Ratings: Amazon 4.8/5 (2,847 reviews) | Home Depot 4.8/5 (1,523 reviews)

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Makita XRJ07ZB: The 18V Compact Contender

The Good: Makita’s Sub-Compact line delivers 18V performance in a 12V-sized package. At 5.7 lbs with battery and 12.5″ long, it’s genuinely compact. The 13/16″ stroke splits the difference between full-size aggression and compact control. Part of the world’s largest 18V cordless system (300+ tools).

The Not-So-Good: Shorter stroke means slower cuts than full-size saws. No orbital action. At ~$139, it’s only slightly cheaper than the Milwaukee HACKZALL, which outperforms it.

Bottom Line: Great if you’re already deep in Makita’s LXT ecosystem. Otherwise, the HACKZALL is worth the extra $40.

Ratings: Amazon 4.6/5 (1,532 reviews) | Home Depot 4.7/5 (987 reviews)

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DeWalt DCS369B: Best DIY/Budget Pick

The Good: The ATOMIC series is DeWalt’s answer to “I want good tools but my wallet is crying.” At $149 bare and 3.13 lbs, it’s the lightest and cheapest saw here that doesn’t suck. The pivoting shoe actually helps with control. 12.5″ overall length fits tight spots. Works with every 20V MAX battery you already own.

The Not-So-Good: 5/8″ stroke is the shortest here—cuts take longer. 2800 SPM is lower than competitors. Not for heavy demo work.

Bottom Line: Perfect for homeowners who need a recip saw twice a year. Does 90% of what the expensive saws do at half the price. Just know its limits.

Ratings: Amazon 4.6/5 (2,156 reviews) | Home Depot 4.7/5 (1,834 reviews)

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DeWalt DCS386B: The FLEXVOLT Flex

The Good: FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE means this saw recognizes when you slap a FLEXVOLT battery on it and cranks out up to 50% more power. Tool Connect ready if you’re the type to track your tools digitally. Standard 20V MAX compatibility means it works with your existing batteries. 3000 SPM with a 1-1/8″ stroke is solid.

The Not-So-Good: No orbital action. No rafter hook. Shorter stroke than Milwaukee (1-1/8″ vs 1-1/4″). Requires FLEXVOLT batteries to see the full benefit.

Bottom Line: Good if you’re already invested in DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT ecosystem. For everyone else, the Makita or Milwaukee are better standalone picks.

Ratings: Amazon 4.7/5 (1,243 reviews) | Home Depot 4.7/5 (876 reviews)

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Specs Comparison Table

Model	Stroke	SPM Max	Weight	Orbital	Platform	Price
Milwaukee 2821-20	1.25″	3000	7.5 lbs	No	M18 18V	~$199
Milwaukee 2719-20 HACKZALL	0.875″	3500	4.4 lbs	No	M18 18V	~$179
Makita XRJ05Z	1.25″	3000	8.2 lbs*	No	LXT 18V	~$173
Makita XRJ07ZB	0.8125″	3000	5.7 lbs*	No	LXT 18V	~$139
DeWalt DCS386B	1.125″	3000	7.3 lbs	No	20V MAX	~$261
DeWalt DCS369B	0.625″	2800	3.13 lbs	No	20V MAX	~$149
Bosch GSA18V-125N	1.25″	2500	7.7 lbs	Yes	CORE18V	~$299
Metabo HPT CR36DA	1.25″	3000	8.7 lbs	Yes	MultiVolt 36V	~$199

*Weight with battery

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Real-World DIY Projects: Which Saw for What?

Pruning Trees and Brush

Best picks: Milwaukee HACKZALL, DeWalt DCS369B, Makita XRJ07ZB

One-handed saws win here. You’re on a ladder, reaching awkwardly, probably one-handing it anyway. The HACKZALL’s speed makes quick work of branches up to 4-5″. For bigger limbs, any full-size saw with a pruning blade works, but honestly? A chainsaw is the right tool there.

Bathroom/Kitchen Demo

Best picks: Makita XRJ05Z, Milwaukee 2821-20, Metabo CR36DA

You’re cutting studs, nails, cast iron pipe, and maybe some tile. You want 1-1/4″ stroke, vibration control, and the ability to swap blades fast. The orbital action on the Metabo shines when you hit those wooden studs behind the plaster.

Cutting PVC and Metal Pipe

Best picks: Milwaukee HACKZALL, Makita XRJ07ZB

Plumbers and electricians already know: you need one-handed control in tight spaces. The HACKZALL’s compact body fits between joists and inside walls. Use a fine-tooth metal blade and let the speed do the work. For more recommendations, check out our best cordless circular saws guide.

Removing Old Nails and Fasteners

Best picks: Makita XRJ05Z, Milwaukee 2821-20

This is where stroke length matters. A longer stroke with a nail-embedded wood blade will pop through fasteners that stall shorter-stroke saws. The adjustable shoe on these models lets you extend blade life by using the full length.

Deck Removal

Best picks: Metabo CR36DA, Bosch GSA18V-125N, Milwaukee 2821-20

So. Much. Wood. The orbital action on the Metabo and Bosch absolutely dominates here. You’ll cut through deck boards 2-3x faster than non-orbital saws. The Metabo’s vibration control keeps you from hating your life after hour three.

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Blade Recommendations: Don’t Cheap Out Here

A $200 saw with garbage blades cuts like a $50 saw. Here’s what to buy:

For Wood with Nails

Milwaukee AX Carbide Teeth — Lasts 10x longer than bi-metal in nail-embedded wood. Worth every penny.

For Clean Wood Cuts

Diablo Demo Demon — Aggressive tooth geometry, stays sharp. Great for demo work.

For Metal Pipe

Milwaukee Torch with Nitrus Carbide — Specifically for cast iron and stainless. Cuts like butter.

For General Purpose

Bosch Progressor — Variable tooth pitch handles mixed materials. Good all-rounder.

Pro tip: Buy a variety pack with 5-6, 9, and 12-inch blades. Different jobs need different reach.

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Where to Buy

Prices verified as of February 2026. Affiliate links—we may earn a commission.

Model	Amazon	Home Depot	Notes
Makita XRJ05Z	View Deal →	View Deal →	Best Overall
Metabo HPT CR36DA	View Deal →	View Deal →	Best Value
Milwaukee 2821-20	View Deal →	View Deal →	Full-Size Legend
Milwaukee 2719-20 HACKZALL	View Deal →	View Deal →	Best One-Handed
DeWalt DCS369B	View Deal →	View Deal →	Best Budget
Bosch GSA18V-125N	View Deal →	View Deal →	Wood Specialist
Makita XRJ07ZB	View Deal →	View Deal →	Compact 18V
DeWalt DCS386B	View Deal →	View Deal →	FLEXVOLT Option

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Last updated: February 2026 | Tool specifications and prices subject to change