5 Best Budget Jigsaws [2024 Review]

When it comes to home improvement projects and DIYs, jigsaws are indispensable. They’re a must-have for any woodworker who wants to get the job done in the fastest and cleanest way possible.

When fitted with the right blade, jigsaws can cut almost anything under the sun, regardless of thickness and density. Apart from wood, they can slice into drywall, fiberglass, and even steel.

If you’re in the market for a jigsaw, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ve listed five of the best budget jigsaws that cover all the required essentials without breaking the bank. Whether you’re searching for a corded or cordless unit, this guide has the right product for you.

Top 5 Budget Jigsaw Reviews

Jigsaws come in a variety of functions and features. With such a large selection, choosing the right one can be challenging, but I’m here to help. Here are some of the best jigsaws you can purchase today regardless of your project or budget:

DeWalt DW317K Jigsaw

DeWalt is one of the better-known manufacturers of carpentry tools, and their jigsaws never cease to impress. The DeWalt DW317K isn’t the company’s most powerful tool, but for the price it comes at, it’s undeniably among the best.

With the right blade, this jigsaw can cut anything and everything. It comes with a 5.5-amp motor and a variable speed of up to 3,100 SPM. As it’s encased in all-metal gear, it’s durable enough to survive the toughest of jobs. This also contributes to the jigsaw’s overall longevity.

Features

• Power type: Corded-electric
• Strokes/Min (SPM): 3100 SPM
• Stroke length: 1 inch
• Orbital action: 4-position
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Amperage: 5.5 amps
• Dimensions: 13.4 x 14.5 x 4.6 inches
• Weight: 6.2 pounds

Weighing at approximately 6.2 pounds, the DeWalt DW317K isn’t the lightest jigsaw in the market. To compensate for the weight, DeWalt made sure to make the tool as ergonomic as possible.

Although heavy, it’s exceptionally well-balanced and fits snuggly in the palm of your hand. And since it’s easy to control and handle, it works brilliantly with high-precision jobs.

Like most of the products on this list, the DeWalt DW317K is designed with a tool-less blade clamp, allowing you to change the blade without the use of Phillip keys or Allen wrenches.

For extra flexibility, this jigsaw comes with a beveling shoe for angled cuts of up to 45 degrees.

Pros

• Excellent cutting power
• Supreme stability
• Solid construction
• Comes with a good selection of bevel detents (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°)

Cons

• Heavier than most jigsaws of the same price range
• Doesn’t come with a guide roller

Bosch JS260 Top-Handle Jigsaw

The Bosch JS260 is a corded electric jigsaw that has it all. Variable speed controls? Check. Multi-directional blade clamp? Absolutely. Tool-less blade-change system? Yup. Powerful motor? You can bet on it.

It’s no wonder it’s one of the most best-selling jigsaws in the market; it has everything you need and more. Plus, it doesn’t cost an insane amount.

Equipped with a powerful 6-amp motor, the Bosch JS260 reaches speeds of 3,100 SPM with ease. From wood to steel pipes, there’s little this jigsaw can’t cut.

Features

• Power type: Corded-electric
• Strokes/Min (SPM): 3100 SPM
• Stroke length: 0.75 inch
• Orbital action: 4-position
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Amperage: 6 amps
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 3.7 x 9.6 inches
• Weight: 5.3 pounds

To guarantee cutting precision, this jigsaw is designed with variable speed controls and accelerators. Slow velocities work better with hardwood, steel, and fiberglass, while fast velocities are ideal for pine, plywood, plastic, and particleboard.

If that’s not enough, the Bosch JS260 is designed with a heavy gauge steel footplate that doesn’t warp or bend no matter how many times you use it. This not only ensures the jigsaw’s overall longevity but also allows you to smoothly and accurately cut the material of choice. Plus, it stabilizes the tool as it vibrates.

For your convenience, the Bosch JS260 comes with a built-in dust blower. It blows sawdust and other contaminants as you cut, giving you a clear view of the cut line and therefore improving accuracy. But that’s not all; it also prevents pollutants from entering and clogging your trigger or motor.

At first, I didn’t care much for the dust blower. As time progressed, though, its value started to shine through. It’s certainly a smart addition to a jigsaw.

Pros

• Dust blower for precise cuts
• Ambidextrous lock-on button
• Multi-directional orbital settings
• Ergonomic handle
• Heavy-gauge footplate for extra sturdiness

Cons

• Quick-release mechanism made with plastic
• Doesn’t accept U-Shank blades
• Dust blower doesn’t come with a collection bag

Ryobi One+ P5235 Cordless Jigsaw

The Ryobi One+ P5235 is one of the best cordless jigsaws in its price range. It comes with a host of impressive features and functions, including, but not limited to, a built-in dust blower, LED lighting, trigger lock system, and blade saving base. 

If you often find yourself working outdoors or on elevated areas, cordless jigsaws are your answer. This is where the Ryobi One+ P5231 comes into play.

Features:

• Power type: Cordless
• Strokes/Min (SPM): 3000 SPM
• Stroke length: 0.85 inch
• Orbital Action: 4-position
• Voltage: 18 volts
• Amperage: n/a
• Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 4.9 pounds

Design-wise, the One+ P5235 not only looks good but also feels good. Its light and compact nature make it easy to use. Additionally, its rubber and plastic-coated body can withstand the tough nature of the job and brushes off the odd drop or two without much of a scratch.

Unlike most jigsaws of this price range, the One+ P5235 is equipped with six variable speed positions. Most only have four, so the extra two is a welcome addition. On top of that, it comes with an LED light that helps illuminate dingy surfaces and dark, hard-to-see corners.

The One+ P5235 is a lithium-ion battery-powered device. Unfortunately, the battery isn’t included in the kit, so you’ll have to buy one separately from the manufacturers before using the tool. If you already own a cordless Ryobi tool, you can use the same battery.

Pros:

• Equipped with an LED light for illuminating dark spaces
• Lightweight at only 4.9 pounds
• Great speed control
• Quick and easy blade change with t-shank blade holder

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a battery
• Vibrates a fair bit
• Battery drains quickly

Black+Decker BDEJS600C Corded Jigsaw

In terms of versatility, the Black+Decker BDEJS600C ticks all the right boxes. It covers all the right features you could possibly expect from a jigsaw, from customizable multi-directional settings to adjustable wire guard shoes.

Moreover, it has a total variable speed of 3,000 SPM; something you don’t often see on a jigsaw for the same price.

The Black+Decker BDEJS600C is ideal for home DIYers, especially if you’re still not too used to using jigsaws in your projects.

Although it isn’t the most robust saw in the market, it’s very smooth and easy to use. Plus, it brings an astonishing amount of value for the price at which it’s listed. It’s almost unfathomable that it costs under $50!

Features

• Power type: Corded-Electric
• Strokes/Min (SPM): 3000 SPM
• Stroke length: 0.75 inch
• Orbital action: 4-position
• Voltage: 120 Volt
• Amperage: 5 amps
• Dimensions: 11.75 x 4.38 x 9.25 inches
• Weight: 4.6 pounds

In terms of power,  Black+Decker BDEJS600C doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with a 5-amp motor, this saw has enough power to cut through most types of wood found in a typical workshop. Since it comes with a number of speed and power settings, you’ll be able to make a variety of cuts and designs into the wood.

Unfortunately, the Black+Decker BDEJS600C has a cutting depth of three inches, limiting you from cutting thicker wood. If cutting depth makes or breaks the product for you, you might want to consider another jigsaw. If you’re not too bothered about depth, you’ll find three inches quite sufficient for most projects.

The Black+Decker BDEJS600C also comes with beveling options, allowing you to cut in both directions. It also makes it easier to sand away areas that don’t quite match the contour of the wood you’ve cut.

Pros

• Tool-less blade change system
• Decent cutting speed
• Wire guard for a clear line of sight
• Easy to use

Cons

• Base angle is too rigid
• Cuts don’t always come out precise

Teccpo Jigsaw

The Teccpo Jigsaw costs half the price of high-end brands without compromising quality. It’s robust and surprisingly powerful, with an outstanding cutting ability that’s rarely seen in jigsaws of the same price.

Equipped with a 6.5-amp copper motor that delivers 3,000 SPM, the Teccpo Jigsaw can carry out medium- to heavy-duty tasks without a hitch.

In terms of cutting ability, it’s among the best I’ve seen. It features a 6-stage alternative speed dial and a four-stage pendulum control, allowing you to smoothly cut and carve in almost any direction you want.

Features:

• Power Type: Corded-Electric
• Strokes/Min (SPM): 3000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 0.75 inch
• Orbital Action: 4-position
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Amperage: 6.5 amps
• Dimensions: 10.24 x 3.15 x 8.27 inches
• Weight: 8.18 pounds

To increase the machine’s life span, the Teccpo Jigsaw is designed with an aluminum gearbox and a bend-resistant baseplate.

Its dedicated dust blower comes with a dust extraction function, a feature that the Bosch JS260 doesn’t. Simply connect the tool to a vacuum cleaner and let it suck in residual dust and dirt without contaminating the air.

For extra-precise cuts, the Teccpo Jigsaw is designed with a laser guide function and metal scale ruler. On top of that, it’s equipped with bevel level adjustment that supports cuts of up to 45 degrees in both angles.

Pros

• Powerful motor
• Dual-mode dust extraction technology
• Built-in laser guide for cutting precision
• Smooth and easy maneuverability

Cons

• Laser works intermittently
• Blade clamp is a little flimsy

Budget Jigsaw Considerations

Thanks to technological advancements, budget jigsaws are better than ever before. To help you choose the right tool, consider the following factors and features:

Power 

Power and variable speed are usually measured in amps or watts. The higher the amps/watts, the more powerful the tool and the more expensive it is.  

For most home improvement projects, a jigsaw with four to five amps (approximately 500 watts) is more than sufficient.

If you’re planning to use the jigsaw to cut hard materials, like hardwood or steel, settle for no less than five amps (approximately 600 watts).

If you’re planning to use your jigsaw for heavy-duty construction and/or remodeling, search for an amp with at least seven amps (approximately 700 watts).

Variable Speed

Power and variable speed come hand in hand, as both determine the type of material the jigsaw can cut.

Jigsaws with a cutting speed of 500 to 1,000 SPM are ideal for cutting glass, ceramics, wall tiles, and other easy-to-cut materials.

Jigsaws with a medium cutting speed of 1,500 to 2,000 SPM are best suited for plastics and non-ferrous materials.

For cutting steel and wood, get yourself a jigsaw with a variable speed of over 2,000 SPM. Again, the higher, the better.

Corded vs Cordless

Jigsaws come in corded and cordless varieties. Corded jigsaws receive their power from an electrical outlet, granting them a continuous supply of energy. For this reason, corded jigsaws are usually more powerful than cordless jigsaws. They effectively cut through tough materials without interruption.

Corded jigsaws are ideal heavy-duty tasks. However, cordless jigsaws don’t come without their perks. Since they’re battery-powered, they’re way more flexible than corded jigsaws. They allow you to cut and craft even without access to electricity. They’re also perfect for ceiling or drywall work.

Unfortunately, their limited power supply is their biggest disadvantage. Cordless jigsaws don’t function on empty batteries, so you’ll have to make sure you either have a replacement on hand or fully charge the jigsaw before using it.

Tool-Less Blade Change

For your convenience, search for a jigsaw with a tool-less blade change design. This allows you to stay focused on the job without having to worry about tedious blade changes. The convenience it brings is more than worth the complexity and cost it adds to the tool.

Wrapping Up

In terms of power, convenience, and ease of use, my top choice for the best jigsaw is the DeWalt DW317K, followed closely by the Bosch JS260.

Both products feature top-quality performance and outstanding functions. Plus, they’re both quite powerful, allowing you easily cut into the toughest of materials.