10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws (October 2026)

Pick the wrong reciprocating saw and the job tells you quickly. A full-size saw with a long stroke is tiring to hold overhead and awkward between studs. A compact one-handed saw can stall in thick framing lumber or cast pipe. Then there is the battery: a tool-only saw saves money if you already own the right pack, but it is dead weight if you do not. The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws depend on three things: the cutting you do most, how long you hold the tool, and which battery platform is already in your garage.

The short answer: the DEWALT DCS367B XR is the best all-round choice for framing, remodeling and general demolition, the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed suits overhead and tight-space work, and the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall suits metal, conduit and plumbing cuts. The rest of the list covers full-size DEWALT and Milwaukee saws, a Makita option, and two BLACK+DECKER saws for occasional yard and household cutting.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the DEWALT DCS367B XR, a 14.5-inch brushless saw with a 1-1/8 inch stroke and up to 2,900 SPM at about 5 lbs without a battery.
• Best for one-handed work: DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed, only 12.5 inches long and positioned as 37% lighter than the DCS367B.
• Best for metal and plumbing: Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall, a brushless one-handed saw with a 7/8 inch stroke and pivoting shoe on the M18 platform.
• Best for full-size demolition: Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall, a brushless 18V saw built for thick timber and posts.

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Weight	Voltage	Kit contents
1	DEWALT DCS367B XR	All-round framing	About 5 lbs (tool only)	20V	Tool only
2	DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed	Overhead, tight spaces	37% lighter than DCS367B	20V	Tool, 2 blades, belt hook
3	Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall	Metal and plumbing	About 4 lbs	18V	Bare tool
4	DEWALT DCS380B	Fast wood cutting	About 5.3 lbs	20V	Tool only
5	BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit	Yard pruning kit	4.5 lbs	20V	Battery, charger, 1 blade
6	Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall	Light overhead cuts	About 4 lbs	18V	Bare tool
7	Makita XRJ04Z LXT	Makita 18V owners	8.3 lbs	18V	Bare tool, 1 blade
8	BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B PowerConnect	Occasional home use	4 lbs	20V	Tool, 1 blade
9	DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit	Ready-to-run kit	11 lbs (as listed)	20V	5.0 Ah battery
10	Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall	Heavy demolition	6.8 lbs	18V	Bare tool

1. DEWALT DCS367B XR: Best Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Framing Cuts

• Voltage: 20V MAX, brushless motor
• Stroke length: 1-1/8 inch, variable speed trigger up to 2,900 SPM
• Length and weight: 14.5 inches, about 5 lbs tool only
• Blade clamp: Keyless, 4-position
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros:

• The 14.5-inch body fits between studs and joists where full-size saws will not turn.
• The 1-1/8 inch stroke removes material faster per pass than the 7/8 inch stroke on the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall.
• The keyless 4-position clamp allows flush cuts and quick blade swaps without tools.
• A built-in LED and a pivoting head help in dark crawl spaces and on angled cuts.

Cons:

• It is sold as a tool only, so a 20V MAX battery and charger must be bought separately.
• At about 5 lbs it is noticeably heavier than the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed for overhead work.
• Runtime feedback is mixed: some owners get long sessions, others drain packs quickly on dense material.

Best for: A remodeler or serious DIYer who already owns DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and wants one saw for framing, demolition and pruning.

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What sets the DEWALT DCS367B XR apart is its balance. It pairs a brushless motor with a 1-1/8 inch stroke and a 2,900 SPM top speed, yet stays at 14.5 inches long. DEWALT cites up to 2.5x more runtime from the brushless design, and owners generally describe it as having plenty of power for nails, studs and branches, with a weight heavy enough to do much of the work for you.

Against the DEWALT DCS380B, the DCS367B adds the brushless efficiency, LED light and a more compact body, while the DCS380B offers a slightly higher 3,000 SPM ceiling. For most jobs, the compact body and light make the XR the more useful of the two.

It is the wrong choice if you spend long stretches cutting overhead or one-handed. The DCS369B One-Handed is shorter and lighter and will cause less fatigue. If you work mainly in metal pipe and conduit, the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is a better fit. It is also not suited to buyers with no 20V DEWALT battery, since the kit options elsewhere on the list, such as the DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit, include power.

2. DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed: Best Compact One-Handed Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Overhead Work

• Voltage: 20V MAX, brushless motor
• Length: 12.5 inches front to back
• Weight: Positioned as 37% lighter than the DCS367B
• Included: 2 blades and a belt hook
• Features: LED light, tool-free blade release, pivoting shoe

Pros:

• At 12.5 inches it is the shortest saw on this list and fits in spaces that the 14.5-inch DCS367B XR cannot reach.
• Positioned as 37% lighter than the DCS367B, it is far easier to hold above head height.
• Two blades and a belt hook are included, so it is usable out of the box once a battery is added.
• The pivoting shoe offers more points of contact than a fixed shoe, which steadies the cut.

Cons:

• It is tool only, so a 20V MAX battery and charger are separate.
• The listed motor wattage is 40 watts against 100 watts for the DCS367B, so thick lumber is slower.
• The stroke length is not listed, so cutting speed cannot be compared directly with other DEWALT saws.

Best for: An electrician, plumber or installer who cuts overhead or inside walls and wants a lighter tool than a full-size saw.

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The DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed is a different tool from the DCS367B XR despite the shared brand. It trades some raw cutting capacity for size and weight. Pruning, cutting pipe, trimming plywood or opening drywall are all comfortable one-handed, and the belt hook means it stays within reach on a ladder.

Its closest rival is the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall. Both are brushless one-handed saws with pivoting shoes and LEDs. The Milwaukee is recommended for metal and carries a specified 7/8 inch stroke, while the DEWALT is aimed at wood and is the shorter of the two. Choose by battery platform first.

Skip it if you regularly cut 4×4 posts, thick beams or demolition debris. The wattage gap suggests it is built for light and medium work, and the DCS367B XR or the Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall will finish those cuts faster.

3. Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall: Best One-Handed Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Metal and Plumbing

• Voltage: 18V M18, POWERSTATE brushless motor
• Stroke length: 7/8 inch
• Weight: About 4 lbs, roughly 14 inches long
• Electronics: REDLINK Plus intelligence with overload protection
• Surface focus: Metal

Pros:

• The POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK Plus electronics protect the tool and battery from overload during hard cuts.
• A pivoting shoe keeps contact with the workpiece, which reduces bucking and vibration.
• The one-handed design is well controlled on pipe, conduit and threaded rod.
• Milwaukee claims up to 3x longer tool life than competing one-handed recips, a useful sign of the build intent.

Cons:

• It is a bare tool, so M18 batteries and a charger are separate.
• The 7/8 inch stroke is shorter than the 1-1/8 inch stroke on the DEWALT DCS367B XR, so wood cuts are less aggressive.
• At about 4 lbs it is heavier than the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed, which is positioned as the lighter saw.

Best for: A plumber, HVAC installer or electrician on the Milwaukee M18 platform who cuts pipe, conduit and strut all day.

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The Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is built around durability and control rather than maximum wood-cutting speed. The electronics communicate between tool, battery and charger to manage heat and overload, which matters when a metal blade binds in a pipe. It is listed at 4,500 rpm, and the pivoting shoe is the feature that makes bimetal cuts feel steady.

Compared with the Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall, it adds the REDLINK Plus electronics and a stated 7/8 inch stroke, while the older model counters with a longer 5-year tool warranty and an anti-vibration handle. For a working tradesperson who wants the more protected motor, the 2719-20 is the stronger option.

It is the wrong tool for framing or demolition in thick timber. The DEWALT DCS367B XR or Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall suit those jobs better. And buyers who are not on the M18 platform lose its main advantage, so the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed makes more sense for 20V owners.

4. DEWALT DCS380B: Best 3,000 SPM Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Fast Wood Cutting

• Voltage: 20V MAX, listed as brushless
• Stroke length: 1-1/8 inch
• Speed: 0-3,000 SPM variable trigger
• Weight: About 5.3 lbs tool only
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros:

• The 1-1/8 inch stroke and 3,000 SPM ceiling deliver fast cuts in wood and branches.
• The 4-position blade clamp allows flush cuts with tool-free blade changes.
• A pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and sets depth of cut.
• A double oil-sealed shaft resists contamination and supports long-term durability.

Cons:

• The tool is sold without a battery or charger.
• It lacks the LED light and compact 14.5-inch body that the DEWALT DCS367B XR offers.
• At about 5.3 lbs it is not suited to extended one-handed overhead use.

Best for: A homeowner or carpenter on the DEWALT 20V MAX platform who wants a straightforward wood-cutting saw.

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The DEWALT DCS380B is the plain, capable version of the DEWALT full-size saw. The rubber overmolded grip, oil-sealed shaft and 3,000 SPM top speed give it a workmanlike feel, and it is rated for wood rather than metal.

It shares its platform and core cutting spec with the DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit, so the decision between them is simply whether you already own a battery. If you do, the bare DCS380B avoids duplicating it. If not, the DCS367B XR is the better value of capability in the tool-only DEWALT range.

5. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit: Best Battery-Included Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Yard Pruning

• Voltage: 20V MAX lithium-ion
• Weight: 4.5 lbs
• Included: Saw, 1 blade, battery and charger
• Blade clamp: Tool-free change with pivoting shoe
• Warranty: 2-year limited

Pros:

• The kit includes the battery and charger, so it works as soon as it is unboxed.
• A 4.5 lb body is light enough to prune branches overhead without strain.
• A variable speed trigger and pivoting shoe provide basic control.
• Buyers generally find it capable on branches and palm fronds for occasional use.

Cons:

• Only one blade is included, so extra blades are needed straight away.
• Battery life and durability feedback is mixed, with some units reported to fade under sustained cutting.
• It is not built for daily trade use or heavy framing.

Best for: A homeowner who wants a cordless saw for occasional pruning and storm cleanup without buying a separate battery.

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The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit is the budget-minded answer for casual jobs. Its appeal is that everything arrives in one box, which the bare-tool DEWALT and Milwaukee saws cannot match. Light and medium tree work is the sweet spot.

It is not the pick for sustained use. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B PowerConnect is the same family without the battery, and the DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit is a sturdier kit if you expect heavier work. A tradesperson should skip both and start at the DCS367B XR.

6. Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall: Best Anti-Vibration One-Handed Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Light Overhead Cuts

• Voltage: 18V M18
• Length: About 13.4 inches
• Weight: About 4 lbs
• Features: Anti-vibration handle, LED light, Quik-Lok blade clamp
• Warranty: 5-year tool warranty

Pros:

• The anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue when cutting heavier lumber.
• The Quik-Lok clamp accepts both Sawzall and Hackzall blades and changes them without tools.
• A built-in LED lights the cut line in shadowed areas.
• The 5-year tool warranty is the longest warranty listed in this roundup.

Cons:

• It is a bare tool, so M18 batteries and a charger are separate.
• Stroke length is not listed, so it is harder to compare with the 2719-20.
• Durability feedback is mixed, with a few owners reporting early failures.

Best for: A Milwaukee M18 owner who wants a light one-handed saw for plumbing, PVC and tight-space cuts.

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The Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall is the more traditional take on the one-handed format. Owners praise its versatility on wood, PVC and metal, and the compact body suits tight spots. It also comes in a Red, Black version.

The Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is the better saw for sustained metal work thanks to its electronics, but the 2625-20 is the one to consider when the warranty length and handle comfort matter. It is not the right saw for heavy timber, where the Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall is a better match.

7. Makita XRJ04Z LXT: Best 1-1/4 Inch Stroke Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Makita 18V Owners

• Voltage: 18V LXT
• Stroke length: 1-1/4 inch, 0-2,800 SPM
• Length: 19-1/8 inches
• Weight: Listed at 8.3 lbs
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros:

• The 1-1/4 inch stroke is the longest on this list, which helps with fast, aggressive cuts.
• A Makita-built variable speed motor reaches 2,800 SPM.
• The tool-less blade change is easy to use, according to owners.
• It includes a recipro saw blade with the bare tool.

Cons:

• At 19-1/8 inches it is the longest saw here and does not suit tight spaces.
• The listed weight of 8.3 lbs is the heaviest of the bare-tool options.
• A battery and charger are not included, and battery drain is a mixed point in owner feedback.

Best for: A Makita LXT owner who wants a full-size saw for studs, nails and demolition.

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The Makita XRJ04Z LXT is a full-size saw with a long stroke. Owners describe it as cutting like a corded tool, passing through studs and nails with ease. It also comes in Teal.

It is a platform play. Buyers with no Makita batteries have better options in the DEWALT DCS367B XR or Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall, both shorter and lighter. If you need to work in confined walls, choose the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed.

8. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B PowerConnect: Best 7/8 Inch Stroke Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Occasional Home Use

• Voltage: 20V MAX PowerConnect
• Stroke length: 7/8 inch
• Speed: Up to 3,000 SPM
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Safety: Electric brake

Pros:

• The electric brake stops the blade quickly after the trigger is released.
• At 4 lbs it is easy to hold for light overhead cuts.
• The PowerConnect battery system works across BLACK+DECKER 20V tools.
• It is rated for wood, drywall, plastic and fiberglass.

Cons:

• The battery is not included.
• A single blade comes in the box.
• The 7/8 inch stroke limits speed on thick material compared with the DEWALT DCS380B.

Best for: A homeowner already using BLACK+DECKER 20V tools who needs a saw for drywall, plastic and light wood.

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The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B PowerConnect is the entry point for the PowerConnect system. The electric brake and light weight make it a sensible option for people who use a saw a few times a year.

For buyers without BLACK+DECKER batteries, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit is easier, since it adds the pack and charger. Anyone cutting regularly should step up to the DEWALT DCS367B XR.

9. DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit: Best Battery-Included 3,000 SPM Cordless Reciprocating Saw for New DEWALT Buyers

• Voltage: 20V MAX
• Stroke length: 1-1/8 inch, 0-3,000 SPM
• Battery: DCB205 5.0 Ah Premium XR
• Weight: Listed at 11 lbs
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros:

• The 5.0 Ah battery included in the kit gives a long runtime from the first use.
• The 4-position clamp supports flush cuts and tool-free blade changes.
• The pivoting shoe extends blade life and controls cutting depth.
• Owners describe it cutting light brush and bamboo with ease.

Cons:

• The 11 lb listed weight is far higher than the bare DEWALT DCS380B, so it likely reflects the full kit.
• Weight impressions are split: some find it light, others fairly heavy.
• It lacks the LED and compact length of the DEWALT DCS367B XR.

Best for: A new DEWALT 20V MAX buyer who needs the battery and charger with the saw.

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The DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit is the DCS380B with a battery. That makes it a practical way into the platform, and the 5.0 Ah pack will also run other 20V MAX tools. It is also listed in an 18V version.

If you already own DEWALT batteries, buy the bare DCS380B. If you expect to cut every week, the brushless DCS367B XR gives better efficiency and the LED for dark work.

10. Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall: Best Brushless Full-Size Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Heavy Demolition

• Voltage: 18V M18 Fuel, brushless
• Weight: 6.8 lbs
• Length: About 10 inches as listed
• Blade clamp: Wear-resistant lever actuated
• Extras: Built-in LED, metal reinforced battery connection

Pros:

• The brushless motor handles thick material, and owners report cuts through 4×4 posts and small logs.
• The lever blade clamp changes blades quickly and resists wear.
• The metal reinforced battery connection improves durability and battery retention.
• A built-in LED lights the cut line.

Cons:

• It is a bare tool, so M18 batteries and a charger are separate.
• At 6.8 lbs it is heavier than the one-handed Milwaukee Hackzall saws.
• Battery consumption is a mixed point, particularly on long demolition cuts.

Best for: A Milwaukee M18 owner who cuts thick timber, posts and metal during demolition.

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The Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall is the heavy hitter of the Milwaukee range here. Owners describe it as a very powerful tool for the money, and the reinforced battery connection points to a build meant for rough jobs. Its stroke length is not listed.

It is overkill for pipe and conduit, where the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is lighter and easier. For lighter-weight overhead work, the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed is the better pick.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The core trade-off is power against handling. A longer stroke and a bigger motor cut faster, but they add weight and length, which punishes you overhead and in tight cavities. Compact one-handed saws reverse that trade.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Battery platform: Match the saw to the batteries you already own, because a bare tool is only useful with the right pack.
• Material: Wood, metal and demolition debris each favor different blades and saw sizes.
• Position: Overhead and in-wall cuts favor lighter, shorter saws.
• Kit contents: Decide whether you need a battery, charger and spare blades included.
• Frequency of use: Daily trade use needs brushless motors and longer warranties.

Battery Platform and Voltage

The platform decision usually outweighs small differences between saws. DEWALT 20V MAX covers the DCS367B XR, DCS369B One-Handed, DCS380B and DCS380P1 Kit. Milwaukee M18 covers the 2719-20 Hackzall, 2625-20 Hackzall and 2821-20 Sawzall. Makita 18V LXT covers the XRJ04Z, and BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX covers the BDCR20C and BDCR20B.

Platform also determines what else you can power. A shared battery can run a hammer drill and other tools, so a bare-tool saw becomes cheap to add to a system you already own.

Stroke Length and Cutting Speed

Stroke length is how far the blade travels per cycle. The Makita XRJ04Z has a 1-1/4 inch stroke, the DEWALT DCS367B XR, DCS380B and DCS380P1 have 1-1/8 inch, and the Milwaukee 2719-20 and BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B have 7/8 inch. Longer strokes remove more material per pass in wood.

Strokes per minute matter as well. The DCS380B reaches 3,000 SPM, the DCS367B 2,900 and the Makita 2,800. Variable speed triggers let you start slow on metal and speed up in wood.

One-Handed Versus Full-Size Designs

One-handed saws such as the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed and the Milwaukee Hackzall models suit overhead work, pipes and cabinets. They are shorter and lighter but cut more slowly in thick lumber.

Full-size saws such as the DEWALT DCS367B XR, Makita XRJ04Z and Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall give you two-handed leverage. The same battery sometimes runs outdoor gear too, and a cordless platform is often chosen to retire a gas string trimmer along with the corded tools.

Kit Contents and Warranty

Most saws on this list are bare tools. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit and DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit include power, while the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed includes two blades and a belt hook.

Warranty varies. DEWALT lists 3 years on the DCS367B XR and DCS380B, Makita lists 3 years, BLACK+DECKER lists 2 years, and the Milwaukee 2625-20 carries a 5-year tool warranty. For daily use, the longer warranty is a practical benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Reciprocating Saws

What Is the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw for Most People?

The DEWALT DCS367B XR is the best fit for most buyers. It combines a brushless motor, a 1-1/8 inch stroke and a 14.5-inch body. It needs a 20V MAX battery, which is sold separately.

Is a One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Powerful Enough?

For pipe, conduit, drywall and branches, yes. The DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed and Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall are made for these cuts. For framing and thick posts, a full-size saw such as the Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall is better.

Which Cordless Reciprocating Saw Is Best for Metal?

The Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is recommended for metal and has overload protection through REDLINK Plus. The Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall handles heavier metal cuts. Use a metal-rated blade either way.

Do Cordless Reciprocating Saws Come With a Battery?

Most here do not. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit and DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit include a battery and charger. The rest are tool-only or bare-tool saws.

Can a Cordless Reciprocating Saw Replace a Corded One?

For most jobs, yes, provided you carry spare batteries. The Makita XRJ04Z is often described as performing like a wired saw. Very long demolition sessions still favor extra packs or a corded model.

Which Cordless Reciprocating Saw Is Best for Pruning?

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit is a simple choice, since it includes the battery. For thicker limbs, the DEWALT DCS380B or DCS367B XR cut faster. Use a pruning blade for green wood.

Final Verdict: Which Cordless Reciprocating Saw Should You Buy?

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws for most buyers start with DEWALT DCS367B XR: a brushless 20V MAX saw with a 1-1/8 inch stroke, up to 2,900 SPM, a 14.5-inch body and about 5 lbs of weight. Its main weakness is that it is sold without a battery or charger, and it is heavier than the one-handed options for overhead work.

For alternatives by use, the DEWALT DCS369B One-Handed suits overhead and tight cuts, while the DEWALT DCS380B gives fast 3,000 SPM wood cutting. The DEWALT DCS380P1 Kit adds a 5.0 Ah battery for new DEWALT buyers. Milwaukee owners can pick the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall for metal or the Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall for its 5-year tool warranty.

For specialist picks, the Milwaukee 2821-20 Sawzall is the demolition saw, and the Makita XRJ04Z LXT is the choice for Makita 18V users who want a 1-1/4 inch stroke. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Kit and BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B PowerConnect cover occasional household jobs. If you are still undecided, choose the saw that matches the battery platform you already own, then decide between one-handed and full-size by how often you cut overhead.