The jigsaw is essential if you want, for example, to create a window in wood panels and its derivatives, thin metal such as aluminum or steel, plastic, or even ceramic.

However, models pile up in stores. This comparison will therefore help you quickly find the model that suits you.

Jigsaws	Power	Speed	Wood cut	Aluminum/Steel cut
Bosch Professional 060158G000	650W	3100 rpm	90 mm	20 mm
Makita 4351FCTJ	720W	2800 rpm	135 mm	10 mm
Bosch Professional GST 160	800W	3100 rpm	160 mm	20 mm
Bosch – PST 650	500W	N/A	65 mm	N/A
Makita DJV180Z	300W	N/A	135 mm	10 mm
Bosch – PST700E	500W	3000 rpm	70 mm	10 mm
BLACK+DECKER KS501-QS	400W	3000 rpm	65 mm	5 mm
Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE	18V	‎3000 rpm	101 mm	6 mm
Bosch Professional 0601512000	780W	3100 rpm	150 mm	20-10 mm

Comparison of the Best Jigsaws

Bosch Professional 060158G000

We go a little lower in the power range with this Bosch Professional 060158G000 jigsaw. With its 650 W, it cuts wood up to 9 cm thick.

In terms of maneuverability, it has all the features of a comfortable model with its small-diameter handle, speed variator, and other settings accessible to everyone. The device delivers a clean job thanks to the flexible adapter mounted on it.

The advantage of this model is that it belongs to energy class A. If you had to use it for hours every day, it would cost you less than other models.

Like its counterparts, the saw is delivered in a sturdy carrying case protecting it from all shocks and harsh weather conditions.

Regarding its price, it costs a little less than the most powerful versions. Despite its lower power, many customers testify to its cutting performance. They even qualify it as a professional device making clean cuts. It weighs about the same as its competitors: 2.3 kg and the same size 43.5 x 30 x 11 cm.

Makita 4351FCTJ

The Makita 4351FCTJ jigsaw ranks among the most powerful on the market with its 720 W power and 13.5 cm cutting depth. It is suitable for professional high-frequency work. The pendulum system speeds up its working pace.

The compact reference, 27.1 x 7.3 x 18.7 cm, demonstrates good stability during cutting. The model does not tilt and remains perfectly straight thanks to the square lifting rod.

You won’t tire your hands holding it for hours. It also vibrates very little and will not deafen you. During transport, it takes up very little space as well. Its weight of 2.5 kg aligns with that of other jigsaws in this comparison.

In addition to the dust extraction which provides better visibility of the cutting line, the LED lamp helps you see even more clearly.

Since blade replacement requires no tools and speed variation is electronic, using this Makita jigsaw is accessible to everyone.

Bosch Professional Corded Jigsaw GST 160  CE

This Bosch GST Professional 160 CE corded jigsaw is the most powerful in this group of products. With its 800 W, it easily cuts wood and rigid materials up to 16 cm thick.

Compared to its rivals, the Bosch GST Professional jigsaw is quite large with its 45.2 cm long, 35.9 cm wide, and 15.6 cm high, but it remains manageable.

The blade of this gst jigsaw remains perfectly straight throughout the cut thanks to the precise guidance of the model. By adjusting the speed up to 3800 rpm, you follow the cutting line without smudging on the sides and achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. Its light weight of 2.2 kg benefits you during long-duration work.

It is also a simple-to-use model, on which you do not need both hands to change the blade thanks to the Bosch SDS system.

The Bosch GST jigsaw costs about 50 euros more than other jigsaws of the same brand. That said, professionals and those who want quality cuts do not hesitate to spend on this Bosch gst professional.

Bosch – PST 650

Its price being half that of professional jigsaws of the same brand appeals to DIY enthusiasts with this Bosch PST PEL 650. It is somewhat outdated considering its large dimensions of 67 x 194 x 262 cm.

This affects maneuverability. But even though it is quite large, its weight of 1.6 kg largely compensates for this miscalculation by the manufacturer. Thus, you can guide and lift it effortlessly.

The Bosch PST PEL is equipped with Low Vibration technology. Combined with the Softgrip handle, your hand will be comfortable with each use.

Its average power of 500 W limits this jigsaw product to occasional uses, thin wood materials, and not too hard materials. Indeed, it cuts up to 6.5 cm. However, it is capable of making miter cuts, as the metal plate can tilt up to 45°.

And if you no longer have enough space to store the Bosch PST, you can always hang it using the dedicated ring.

Makita JV102DZ

Compact and easy to handle, the Makita JV102DZ jigsaw runs on a 12 V CXT Li-Ion battery and features a brushless motor for better performance and optimized autonomy. It offers a variable speed from 800 to 3000 spm, a 3-position + right pendulum action, and tool-free blade change to quickly adapt to different materials. Its LED lighting, electric brake, and lightweight design improve precision during curved or straight cuts.

In terms of performance, this jigsaw offers a 23 mm stroke, a cutting capacity of 90 mm in wood, 20 mm in aluminum, and 10 mm in steel. Its compact size with a weight of about 1.9 kg, a soleplate tiltable up to 45°, and compatibility with the CXT 12 V range make it ideal for precise and mobile tasks.

Bosch – PST700E

The Bosch jigsaw – PST700E features a softgrip handle and a shape that fits well in the palm of your hand. You therefore have no trouble following the cutting line. The start is controlled by a switch and the trigger on the handle. With its 500 W power, the model makes deep cuts up to 7 cm.

You have everything you need to work upon delivery: a blade for wood and a carrying case for under 70 euros. It is therefore an excellent value for money. The item weighs less than 2 kg, which gives it a significant advantage over its competitors. You make cuts lightly and comfortably.

Thanks to the speed controller, you can work on different materials and make curved and straight cuts with great finesse. The blade is replaced in the blink of an eye with the brand’s SDS system. Depending on your preferences, you can activate or deactivate the dust extraction.

You can also make miter cuts by tilting the plate to 45°.

BLACK+DECKER KS501-QS

The Black Decker corded jigsaw with a power of 400 W allows cutting small thicknesses of wood panels up to 6.5 cm maximum. It is well suited for cutting countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.

It is one of the smallest models on the market with its dimensions of 19 x 7.8 x 29.2 cm. It can be easily handled by a woman. The item was designed to provide comfort to its user. The user never loses sight of the cutting line thanks to the blower. It is also possible to make angle cuts between 22.5 and 45° on the machine.

To avoid having to keep your hand on the trigger, you can lock the switch. You will not get tired. However, for blade changes, you will need a key, as the operation is quite tedious. Customers say the tool neither vibrates nor generates much noise.

Ryobi ONE+ R18JS-0

The cordless jigsaw RYOBI R18JS-0 operates on the 18 V ONE+ platform and offers good versatility for straight or curved cuts. It features a variable speed up to 3000 strokes/min, a 25 mm blade stroke, and a 4-position orbital action allowing adjustment of speed and precision according to the material. Its LED lighting, integrated blower, and tool-free blade change improve comfort and visibility during use.

In terms of performance, this jigsaw offers a cutting capacity up to 101 mm in wood, about 6 mm in steel, and an adjustable base plate from 0 to 45° for bevel cuts. Powered by an 18 V Li-Ion battery (not included), it remains easy to handle with a weight around 2 kg, while benefiting from ProStroke anti-vibration technology for better control.

Bosch Professional 0601512000

The ergonomics and comfort provided by the handle of this Bosch Professional 0601512000 corded jigsaw are immediately noticeable. This small-sized part fits small to medium-sized hands.
The solidity is evident when seeing the base plate that does not deform with the slightest friction. This model reassures many users who do not like to wear safety glasses with the protective cover.

This Bosch corded jigsaw can cut pieces up to 15 cm thick with its 780 W power. The model adapts to various tasks of varying difficulty and hard materials. You get clean and precise results by tightening the jigsaw blade optimally.

You can easily travel with the case included with the product. The 20 x 30 x 10 cm tool fits well in the hand and does not tire the user with its 2.6 kg. Although it costs a bit more than average, its performance is worth it. It is directly connected to a vacuum cleaner via the provided hose. You no longer have to worry about cleaning up after cutting.

What is the best jigsaw brand?

Several brands compete in the jigsaw market, but so far, none have managed to dethrone Bosch and we will tell you why. This brand stands out thanks to the quality of its products. They are especially robust and durable. Some consumers even claim theirs lasted 30 years.

Investing in a Bosch electric jigsaw is a lifetime investment, which explains the public enthusiasm for the brand. Compared to other brands, Bosch jigsaws are more efficient, even at equal power levels.

Besides, other big names also serve as references for buyers.

Other brands

Bosch jigsaw

Bosch offers a wide range of jigsaws for both amateurs and professionals. Power ratings include 780 W, 650 W, 620 W with variable speed, effective dust extraction, a pair of jigsaw blades supplied per item, and a case. Prices range from 70 euros to 236 euros.

Makita jigsaw

Makita manufactures corded and cordless jigsaws, available either as the tool body only or with the battery, classic models performing pendulum movements. Prices range between 75 euros and 584 euros. Power varies from 650 to 720 W for corded models.

xxx cordless jigsaw

Many brands such as Vonroc, Teccpo, Bosch, Wesco, Popoman, Tacklife, Makita, Black+Decker, Einhell, Ryobi produce cordless jigsaws. The Dewalt jigsaw also appears here, and prices vary widely from one brand to another. More than one electric jigsaw is sold with a set of 10 blades, others without blades, some with parallel guides, others with storage cases. For the cheapest, you pay about 35 euros. The average price is around 70 to 150 euros for a model with battery, bag, and charger. The most expensive products reach up to 419 euros.

Ryobi jigsaw

At Ryobi, you find a large number of corded and cordless jigsaws, available with or without blades, with batteries and chargers or without. Their machines feature power ratings of 500 W, 600 W at competitive prices. You spend between 90 euros and 247 euros for a pendulum jigsaw.

Black and Decker jigsaw

The orange and black brand offers unbeatable prices on the jigsaw market. Only with this brand can you find one for just 30 euros, delivered with a wood blade. Of course, for this price, you shouldn’t expect great power, but to compensate, the manufacturer includes various blade tilt settings, carrying bags, and a good number of saw blades for different materials. Their most expensive model costs 144 euros.

Lidl jigsaw

When buying at Lidl, you notice that most of the jigsaws sold in its stores are branded Parkside. Prepare a budget between 35 to 65 euros for a pendulum model capable of cutting between 7 to 13.5 cm in wood, and 0.3 to 1.2 cm in metal.

Leroy Merlin Jigsaw

At Leroy Merlin, the king of DIY throughout France, there is more choice. Bosch, Einhell, Dexter, Makita, AEG, and Ryobi. The Black & Decker jigsaw is also available there. You can order an electric or battery-powered jigsaw for 34 to 632 euros depending on your budget.

Castorama Jigsaw

There is roughly the same variety of models at Castorama when it comes to jigsaws. Fans of Mac Allister, Bosch, Skil, Stanley Fatmax, Black & Decker, Erbauer, or Ryobi will find what they need without breaking the bank. The price of most of these products ranges around 50 to 100 euros. Even the Dewalt jigsaw, which usually costs an arm and a leg, is sold at a low price there. At worst, expect to pay 209 euros for Bosch’s cordless models.

What is the price of a jigsaw?

It is entirely possible to get a jigsaw capable of making cuts on different materials and significant thicknesses for less than 50 euros. However, if you bet on durability and brand reputation, you will have to spend more than 130 euros. Often you benefit from free delivery from distributors like Amazon with free shipping. So you don’t have to count that in the price.

For your projects requiring even finer and artistic cuts, using a scroll saw will be an ideal complement in the workshop. If you hesitate about which model to prioritize for your cutting work, consult my comparison reciprocating saw or jigsaw to make the best choice. Finally, for repetitive straight cuts on thick materials, a circular saw remains the most efficient equipment to have on hand.

What is the difference between a jigsaw and a pendulum jigsaw?

The pendulum jigsaw is a variant of the jigsaw. On classic models, sometimes the jigsaw blade that moves up and down directly shreds the board and causes a burr at the start of the cut. By performing a pendulum motion, you protect yourself against this type of incident. Thus, the blade moves backward relative to the piece of wood or metal to be cut, and therefore descends faster. This has the effect of minimizing friction and providing clean cuts from start to finish while preserving the sharpness of your blade.

This is not useful for all materials. On ceramic, it does not work. If you often do DIY, even daily, to save your blades, it would be better to opt for a pendulum model. However, if you need it rarely, a classic model is sufficient.

What is the difference between a jigsaw and a circular saw?

The circular saw only allows cutting along a straight or beveled line. You cannot cut shapes such as a flower or a rectangular tray with rounded corners, for example. This tool remains practical to save time if you need to cut a beam or a 4 m board in half lengthwise, but for cuts requiring precision, it is better to rely on the jigsaw.

The latter is suitable for curved cuts in different materials. You want to make wooden trays, decorative clocks, and other large and medium-sized woodworking arts. However, for small models, the scroll saw is more suitable.

How to choose a jigsaw properly?

Your jigsaw must have the right features for the result to satisfy you. Depending on the frequency of use, the materials you usually work with, your location, consider the following aspects before adding the jigsaw product to your cart.

Essential technical criteria for buying a jigsaw

Power

The power of a jigsaw varies from 400 W to about 800 W generally. The most powerful machines cut through and handle thick material sheets like wood, steel, not to mention plastic. The minimum cutting depths are 1 cm and can go up to about fifteen centimeters depending on the type of material.

You will notice your tool struggling despite a good blade length and that you need more power when it has difficulty advancing or when it overheats too often or also when the jigsaw blade breaks quickly.

Battery type

More than two types of batteries dominate the cordless power tool market nowadays: NiMH or nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion. The former are known to be heavy. That is why they have been gradually replaced by the latter category, which is much lighter and lasts just as long.

Battery autonomy and lifespan and charging time are essential criteria in selecting cordless jigsaws. Focus on models that last as long as possible, around one to two hours, and that take half an hour to recharge if you have a lot of work to do.

You will see this in the battery capacity. The higher it is (5 to 6 Ah), the longer your machine will run. The minimum value is 2 Ah.

Safety

Regarding safety, we can talk about the soft start of the jigsaw. In this case, the machine speed gradually increases, also preventing the material from splintering. Most tools of this type are equipped with an on/off switch. They therefore do not start accidentally if you accidentally press the trigger. The splinter guard provides additional protection to avoid debris that may be ejected from the cut hitting your face.

Speed

The speed of a jigsaw varies depending on the cut line. For more or less straight lines, a device that performs up to 3100 strokes per minute will let you work quickly. However, for curves and sharp angles, reduce the speed to about 1200, even 500 strokes per minute. A speed adjustment will always be useful for this purpose. It is preferable to have 4 levels instead of two for more options, but it is not mandatory.

Budget

On sales sites like Amazon where prices are heavily discounted, you can easily get a powerful corded jigsaw of 750 to 800 W for about 160 to 180 euros depending on the brands. The price decreases along with the power. This explains why 400 W models cost around sixty euros and a bit more.

However, for battery versions, it’s a whole different story. Check carefully if the battery is included in the offer or not. A bare tool usually costs around 40 euros. Brands like Tacklige, Teccpo, Milwaukee, or Festool for 70 to 102 euros accompany their kits with one to two batteries and many other essential accessories.

With manufacturers like Ryobi or Bosch, the battery compatible with multiple devices such as trimmers, screwdrivers, or circular saws makes users’ lives more convenient. So you only really need the casing and spend much less.

Jigsaw with battery or cordless?

The battery-powered jigsaw is suitable for jobs that don’t require extended work and on a site without electricity or with difficult access to a power outlet. In this case, pay attention to the battery life and charging time. The weight of the whole unit also affects your working comfort.

A corded jigsaw is better suited if you have a large number of cuts to make and do not want to be interrupted. The issue of clutter from the power cord is not really a concern, as the suction hose weighs just as much on the machine and the user.

Blade and setting selection guide

Material to cut	Type of blade (tooth design)	Orbital movement	Suggested speed
Softwood (fir)	Coarse (spaced)	Position 2 or 3	Maximum
Laminate panels	Fine (reversed)	Position 0 or 1	Medium
Non-ferrous metals	Very fine (HSS steel)	Position 0	Low
Plastics / PVC	Medium	Position 1	Low to medium
Tile / Ceramic	Toothless (carbide)	Position 0	Low

Mastering the jigsaw: the guide for your precision cuts