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Match the tool to the batteries you own
Full-size renovation starting point: DeWalt DCS384B
Start with the DeWalt DCS384B for a full-size cordless renovation saw if the 20V MAX system fits your kit. Its documented counterbalance mechanism and conventional two-hand layout make it our first DeWalt comparison. If you already own Makita LXT or Ryobi ONE+ batteries, check a compatible option below before paying to enter a second system.
The best cordless reciprocating saw is a combination of the tool, its battery and the blade suited to your material. Buying the bare tool with the highest speed figure can leave you with an expensive kit that is awkward in the opening where you need it.
This guide compares seven verified models for US buyers. Our separate general reciprocating saw guide also covers corded tools; here every recommendation uses a cordless platform.
These are manufacturer-researched recommendations rather than a hands-on performance test. We do not rank runtime, cutting speed or vibration by numbers that were not measured under the same conditions. Established models remain in the guide when their documented features solve a useful problem.
20V MAX renovation
DeWalt DCS384B
A full-size bare-tool recommendation for a compatible existing battery collection.
Stay with Makita LXT
Makita XRJ05Z
Compare this full-size alternative before buying another battery system.
Compact access
Makita XRJ08Z
Compare the format and capacity with the opening where you need to work.
Cordless reciprocating saw comparison: platform and format
Swipe the table sideways on a phone.
| Model and buying link | Choose it for | Key feature | Consider first | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS384B | Full-size DeWalt starting point | 1-1/8 in. stroke; 0–3,000 no-load SPM | Battery and charger cost; full-size layout | Check current offer |
| Makita XRJ05Z | Full-size Makita LXT alternative | 1-1/4 in. stroke; 0–2,300 / 0–3,000 no-load SPM | Working weight with battery; no orbital selection | Check current offer |
| Makita XRJ08Z | Compact Makita LXT access | 7/8 in. stroke; 0–3,100 no-load SPM | Shorter stroke than a full-size saw | Check current offer |
| DeWalt DCS367B | Compact four-position clamp | 1-1/8 in. stroke; 0–2,900 no-load SPM | No anti-vibration system; battery separate | Check current offer |
| DeWalt DCS369B | One-handed-format access | Compact brushless one-handed format | Compact format rather than sustained heavy demolition | Check current offer |
| Ryobi PBLRS01B | Cordless alternative for compatible battery systems | 1-1/4 in. stroke; 0–3,200 no-load SPM | Platform and seller checks; battery extra | Check current offer |
| DeWalt DCS382B | Alternative DeWalt package to price-check | 1-1/8-inch stroke, twist-style clamp and pivoting shoe | Compare complete offer with the DCS384B; battery and charger separate | Check current offer |
Compare the exact model, included accessories, condition and seller before ordering. Prices and availability change; a listing is not a guarantee of stock or manufacturer warranty coverage.
Cordless reciprocating saw reviews
Full-size cutting and existing battery platforms
1. DeWalt DCS384B — Full-size DeWalt starting point
The DCS384B is the full-size DeWalt model we would compare first for repeated rough cutting. It has a brushless motor, 1-1/8-inch stroke, variable-speed trigger, lever-action blade clamp and pivoting shoe. A documented counterbalance mechanism is a useful distinction from simply advertising a rubberized grip.
Choose it if a conventional two-hand layout suits your renovation work and you already own appropriate 20V MAX batteries. The B package is a bare tool with a wood blade; you still need an approved battery and charger. Compare their cost if you are starting a new system.
It is not our universal recommendation for confined access. A compact or one-handed design can fit some positions better. We have not reproduced DeWalt's cutting or runtime comparison tests, so this review makes no promise of a particular number of cuts or a percentage advantage.
Worth considering: 1-1/8 in. stroke; 0–3,000 no-load SPM.
Before you buy: Battery and charger cost; full-size layout.
2. Makita XRJ05Z — Full-size Makita LXT alternative
The XRJ05Z is the full-size LXT option in this comparison. Makita documents two trigger-controlled speed ranges, a 1-1/4-inch stroke, tool-free blade changes, LED and tool hook. The manufacturer lists 8.2 pounds with a battery, which is a more useful handling figure than comparing it with a rival's bare-tool weight.
Its strongest buying case is an existing LXT kit and room for a conventional long saw. Select the operating range for the material and blade, then use the trigger as directed. The maximum speed is a no-load specification, not a measured cutting result.
Choose it for mixed larger rough cuts where the full-size layout fits. Compare the XRJ08Z when access is the main problem. This model has no selectable orbital setting, and the Z package excludes the battery and charger.
Worth considering: 1-1/4 in. stroke; 0–2,300 / 0–3,000 no-load SPM.
Before you buy: Working weight with battery; no orbital selection.
Access-focused alternatives
3. Makita XRJ08Z — Compact Makita LXT access
The XRJ08Z offers a compact LXT body with a loop-shaped handle, 7/8-inch stroke, LED and pivoting shoe. Makita lists a 14-3/8-inch length, four-pound bare-tool weight and 5.5 pounds with a battery. Its documented counterweight mechanism and spring-assisted blade ejection are reasons to compare the design closely.
We would choose this format when carrying and positioning a larger saw is the recurring frustration. Think about the battery, blade and both hands in the actual opening, rather than checking the body length alone. A short body still needs clearance for the blade's complete travel.
The shorter stroke does not establish that every cut will be slower, just as a high no-load speed does not prove superiority. This is a handling-focused alternative to the XRJ05Z; we have not measured comparative speed or vibration.
Worth considering: 7/8 in. stroke; 0–3,100 no-load SPM.
Before you buy: Shorter stroke than a full-size saw.
Access-focused alternatives
4. DeWalt DCS367B — Compact four-position clamp
The DCS367B remains useful for its compact two-hand layout and four-position blade clamp. DeWalt specifies a 14.5-inch length, five-pound bare-tool weight, 1-1/8-inch stroke and variable speed up to 2,900 strokes per minute. It also has a brushless motor and LED.
The clamp is the main reason to consider it alongside a newer full-size model. Different permitted blade orientations can help solve access problems, provided the manual allows the intended arrangement and the blade clears the work throughout its stroke.
Do not assume it has the DCS384's counterbalance system. DeWalt's support clarification says the DCS367 does not have an anti-vibration system. Choose it for access and clamp versatility rather than an unverified vibration benefit. Battery and charger are separate in this B package.
Worth considering: 1-1/8 in. stroke; 0–2,900 no-load SPM.
Before you buy: No anti-vibration system; battery separate.
Access-focused alternatives
5. DeWalt DCS369B — One-handed-format access
The DCS369B is the one-handed-format option here. DeWalt documents a compact 12.5-inch body, 3.13-pound bare-tool weight, brushless motor, LED and tool-free blade release. It is useful to compare when the cutting position makes a conventional long body awkward.
One-handed format describes the tool, not permission to hold loose material with your free hand near the blade. Support and secure the work before cutting. Follow the manual's grip instructions and consider where the blade will travel beyond the visible surface.
Choose it for scattered smaller rough cuts and access problems within a compatible 20V MAX setup. For sustained larger demolition work, compare the full-size DCS384B first. Add the correct battery and charger to the purchase plan, and judge loaded balance rather than bare weight alone.
Worth considering: Compact brushless one-handed format.
Before you buy: Compact format rather than sustained heavy demolition.
6. Ryobi PBLRS01B — Cordless alternative for compatible battery systems
Manufacturer information lists a 1-1/4-inch stroke, variable speed up to 3,200 strokes per minute, pivoting shoe and easy blade-change arrangement.
Its appeal is the complete-system cost when you already have suitable ONE+ packs and a charger. That can be more meaningful than a small difference between no-load speed figures. Compare the battery requirements and actual job before assuming the pack used in a drill is ideal for repeated demanding cuts.
Choose it for a compatible renovation kit and suitable rough-cutting work. We have not tested its speed, runtime or durability against the DeWalt and Makita models. The B listing is a tool-only purchase; marketplace kits and bundles should be checked separately.
Worth considering: 1-1/4 in. stroke; 0–3,200 no-load SPM.
Before you buy: Platform and seller checks; battery extra.
7. DeWalt DCS382B — Alternative DeWalt package to price-check
The DCS382B is worth comparing when a favorable offer changes the cost of building a DeWalt kit. Its documented features include a brushless motor, two-finger variable trigger, 1-1/8-inch stroke, twist-style keyless clamp, LED and pivoting shoe.
The meaningful question is what the complete setup costs beside the DCS384B, not whether an older model is automatically obsolete. Choose it when its controls suit the work and the exact seller package represents better value for you. Do not attribute the DCS384's counterbalance feature to this model.
The manufacturer identifies this as tool only, with battery and charger sold separately. Verify that the Amazon offer is new if that is what you want; renewed listings can appear alongside it and have different condition and support terms.
Worth considering: 1-1/8-inch stroke, twist-style clamp and pivoting shoe.
Before you buy: Compare complete offer with the DCS384B; battery and charger separate.
How to choose a cordless reciprocating saw
Start with batteries you already own
List the exact platform names on your existing tools and chargers. A brand name alone is not enough: different systems from the same manufacturer can have different interfaces. Confirm compatibility with the intended saw and battery before placing an order.
If you are starting from zero, compare a legitimate kit with the cost of the bare tool, approved pack and charger bought separately. A second compatible battery can matter for repeated work, while occasional users may place more value on the initial total cost. Add blades, tax and delivery when comparing US offers.
Choose the format around the working position
A full-size saw offers a familiar two-hand layout for conventional rough cutting. Compact bodies change the relationship between the handle, motor and blade. A one-handed-format tool can be useful for access, but it does not remove the need to secure the material.
Measure the opening and consider the loaded battery, blade length and grip position together. Also check what lies beyond the work throughout the entire stroke. A short body can fit while an unnecessarily long blade still hits something hidden behind it.
Do not rank power by volts or SPM alone
Nominal voltage labels and maximum voltage labels are not a fair cross-brand performance test. No-load strokes per minute show blade movement without the resistance of your material. Stroke length, blade suitability, feed pressure and the complete battery setup also affect the cutting experience.
A longer stroke can be useful, but it is not an automatic reason to reject a compact saw. Buy for the actual task. Treat manufacturer percentage claims as conditional results from their stated tests, not predictions for every blade, battery and material.
Understand blade clamps and shoe adjustment
Tool-free clamps reduce the need for a separate wrench, but their release motions differ. Lever-action, twist-style and multiple-position systems should be compared by the procedure and access they offer. Do not assume every orientation shown for one saw is allowed on another.
A shoe helps support the tool against the work as directed by its manual. Pivoting and adjustable shoes are different descriptions; check which feature the exact model provides. Keep the shoe in the instructed contact position rather than letting the saw hammer against unsupported material.
Compare working weight and battery balance
A bare-tool weight excludes the battery. A manufacturer figure with a specified battery includes it. Do not put these figures into a simple lightest-to-heaviest ranking without matching what was weighed. The battery shape can also affect clearance.
For overhead or repeated awkward cuts, consider how the complete tool sits in your hand and whether another tool can make the cut in a better position. The smallest pack may improve handling but is not necessarily the right pack for a demanding workload. Follow the manufacturer recommendations.
Buy the blade for the material
Clean wood, nail-embedded wood and metal need appropriate blade selections. Confirm material rating, tooth pattern, length and thickness with the blade maker. Choose enough length for the work and the entire stroke without creating needless flexibility or hidden contact.
A large bargain assortment is not automatically a useful starter kit. A few suitable blades can be a better purchase. Keep the tool shank requirements in mind and replace a damaged blade rather than using extra pressure to compensate for it.
Know when a different tool is a better purchase
A reciprocating saw is primarily a rough-cutting tool. It does not replace a circular saw for guided straight cuts or a jigsaw for controlled finish curves. For repeated pipe work, pruning or sheet cutting, a more specialized tool may fit the task better.
Before cutting into a wall or assembly, identify wiring, pipes and structural components. A cordless format changes mobility, not what can safely be removed. Choose the job and setup first, then the saw.
Blade setup, battery care and maintenance
Inspect before installing a battery
With power disconnected, inspect the blade, clamp, shoe and battery interface. Check for damage, contamination and unreliable controls. Fit the blade following the exact clamp procedure and verify that it is secure before installing the battery.
Secure the work and arrange the cutting path before starting. Keep hands out of the blade path and follow the manual for grip, shoe contact and starting technique. Stop when the material moves or the blade begins to bind.
Control the cut rather than forcing the tool
Use the permitted speed and a suitable blade for the application. Let the saw work without excessive feed pressure. If progress changes, pause to check the blade and support rather than assuming the battery needs to be larger.
Disconnect the battery before repositioning or changing a blade. Allow a used blade to cool before handling. Do not pull a running saw sideways to enlarge a kerf or use its blade as a lever.
Keep the power system in good condition
Follow the battery maker's charging and storage instructions, including the approved charger and permitted temperature conditions. Keep the battery contacts and tool interface clean as directed. Inspect the pack for damage before use.
Do not treat a saw that tolerates jobsite dust as waterproof. Keep the tool and power system away from conditions outside their rating. Arrange charging in an appropriate place where the charger has the clearance specified in its instructions.
Clean and service by the manual
Remove the battery before cleaning. Clear debris using methods allowed by the manufacturer and keep vents and gripping surfaces clean. Do not spray a universal lubricant into the clamp or electronics without a specified procedure.
Check the shoe and blade release for normal operation. Seek appropriate service for damaged mechanisms, unexpected behavior or overheating. A brushless motor does not make the entire saw maintenance-free.
Cordless reciprocating saw FAQs
Which cordless reciprocating saw is our first pick?
The DCS384B is our full-size starting pick within a suitable DeWalt 20V MAX kit. The recommendation depends on platform and task; it is not a measured cross-brand performance award.
Does tool only mean the saw is ready to use?
Usually it means the battery and charger are excluded. Read the exact package contents; an included blade does not change that requirement. Compare the cost of a complete working kit before judging the bare-tool price.
Is a newer saw always better than an established model?
No. New controls or mechanisms can be useful, but an established model may still suit your grip, task and budget. The DCS382B and DCS367B remain distinct comparisons here. Age alone does not establish that a product is discontinued.
Can I use a one-handed saw while holding the work?
The format is not permission to hold loose work close to the blade. Secure the material and follow the saw's operating instructions. Consider both the visible blade path and its travel behind the work.
Does a brushless motor guarantee low vibration?
No. A brushless motor and a counterbalance system are different features. Look for the documented mechanism and avoid transferring a claim from another model. We have not measured vibration for these seven tools.
How much runtime will I get?
We cannot give a reliable universal number. Runtime varies with battery, material, blade and operation. Use manufacturer test results only with their conditions, and plan a compatible spare battery when interruptions matter.
Should I buy a compact model for demolition?
Buy compact when access and positioning are the key needs. For repeated conventional larger cuts, compare the full-size layout. Maximum capacity and no-load speed alone do not establish the most comfortable choice for sustained work.
What should I check on Amazon before ordering?
Check model suffix, new or renewed condition, seller, battery and charger inclusion, blade contents, returns and applicable US warranty. Accessories and cases can appear in search results beside the complete saw; match the item carefully.
Which cordless reciprocating saw should you buy?
Start with the DCS384B for a full-size DeWalt purchase, or the XRJ05Z for an existing LXT workshop. Choose the XRJ08Z or DCS367B when compact access is the actual need, and compare the DCS369B for its one-handed format. The Ryobi and DCS382B deserve a complete-cost comparison when their offers fit your existing kit.
Before buying, confirm the exact model, condition, seller and included power accessories. Allocate part of the budget to the right blades and a secure work setup.
Research and selection notes
Manufacturer documentation establishes the selected model specifications. Recommendations reflect original editorial analysis of project fit, controls and complete setup requirements. Recommendations are research-based and do not claim hands-on comparative testing. Confirm the exact model, package, seller and applicable instructions before ordering.
I agree that Cordless Reciprocating saw is the best choice for the handyman because cordless tools reduced the amount of time that craftsmen would have had to spend on a job. With the reduced about of time on jobs means that the builder can move onto the next job and might be able to do more work in a year than before.