Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You need to cut a 4×4 post, a fallen limb, or a metal outlet box without dragging an extension cord. A cordless reciprocating saw does that. The one worth your money is the DEWALT DCS387P1. It is compact enough to fit between wall studs, and its 5.0Ah battery runs long enough that most owners forget they ever worried about runtime. It holds 4.8 stars from verified buyers.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The picks below sort by what you actually do with the tool: pruning limbs, cutting pipe, ripping through demo lumber, or working overhead where a heavy saw wears you out. The right pick depends on stroke length, battery amp-hours, and one-handed balance. Those three specs decide whether a battery powered reciprocating saw earns its price.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Battery Powered Reciprocating Saw
A cordless reciprocating saw earns its place in your garage by cutting things no other power tool will touch: tree roots underground, pipe in a wall cavity, nails buried in old lumber. The trick is matching the saw to the jobs you actually do instead of the one that looks toughest on the shelf.
Stroke Length Sets The Cutting Speed
Stroke length is how far the blade travels on each push, and it is the single number that decides how quickly the saw eats through material. A 1-1/8-inch stroke, like the one on the DEWALT DCS387P1 and the DCS367P1, clears material faster than a shorter stroke. A saw with a shorter travel will still cut, but you feel it in how long each cut takes.
Battery Amp-Hours Decide Your Runtime
Amp-hours (Ah) measure how much energy a battery holds, so a 5.0Ah pack runs roughly longer between charges than a 2.0Ah pack in the same tool. If you plan to prune a whole hedge or demo a room in one session, a larger battery spares you the mid-job recharge. If you only cut a few limbs at a time, a smaller pack keeps the saw lighter in your hand.
One-Handed Or Two-Handed Design
A compact one-handed saw like the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall slips into spaces a full-size saw cannot reach, and it lets you hold the work with your free hand. A traditional two-handed saw gives you more leverage for heavy demo. Think about whether you mostly cut overhead, in tight corners, or on the ground — that answer picks the shape for you.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Stroke / Speed | Battery Included | Tool Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCS387P1★ Best Overall | All-round homeowner and pro use | 1-1/8 in stroke, 0-2900 spm | 5.0Ah battery + charger | 7 pounds | Amazon |
| SKIL RS5870B-10Budget Champion | Budget cordless kit | Variable speed trigger | 2.0Ah battery + charger | — | Amazon |
| RYOBI PSBRS01BOne-Handed Pick | One-handed pruning and tight spaces | Up to 3,000 spm | Tool only | 3.8 pounds | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN CMCS351B | Bare tool for existing V20 owners | 0-2300 / 0-3200 SPM | Tool only | 5.9 pounds | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2719-20 | Serious one-handed cutting power | Pivoting shoe, M18 FUEL | Tool only | — | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2520-20 | Compact one-handed finesse work | 8 in blade, M12 FUEL | Tool only | 1.4 kg | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN CMCS300M1 | Value kit with battery and charger | 1 in stroke, up to 3,000 RPM | Battery + charger | 7.1 pounds | Amazon |
| FLEX FX2271-1C | Pro-grade demo and pruning | Orbital action | 5.0Ah battery + 160W charger | — | Amazon |
| DEWALT DCS367P1 | Heavy duty in a compact frame | 1-1/8 in stroke, up to 2,900 SPM | 5.0Ah battery + charger | 5 pounds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 800+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The 14.5-inch compact frame that slips between studs and still cuts like a corded saw.
For homeowners and small contractors who want one saw that handles pruning, demo, and everything between, this is the safest pick on the list. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length — the distance the blade travels each push — is what gives it real cutting speed. A 4-position blade clamp lets you orient the blade four different ways for flush cutting, so you can work up against a floor or inside a cabinet without the body of the saw getting in the way.
What wins people over is the sheer cutting performance. Owners describe it slicing through wood “like a knife through butter,” and it runs so efficiently that many are surprised how little they need to recharge. The 5.0Ah battery packs about two and a half times the energy of the 2.0Ah pack in the SKIL RS5870B-10 kit, which is the difference between finishing a job and stopping to swap batteries. As the reviews sum it up: “This Dewalt is light years ahead… Battery really lasts a long time.”
The variable speed trigger tops out at 0-2900 spm (strokes per minute), so you can feather the speed for precision work or hold it wide open for fast rips. A bright LED light stands in for a flashlight when you are cutting under a sink or inside a wall cavity. At 7 pounds it is the heaviest saw in this lineup, so if you plan to hold it overhead for long stretches, the RYOBI PSBRS01B at 3.8 pounds is far easier on your arms. The honest catch: this saw has no vibration damping, and a few owners find the piston-grip fatiguing during extended cuts.
What Earns It Top Spot
- 1-1/8-inch stroke and 0-2900 spm cut fast through wood and metal
- 14.5-inch body fits between wall studs and in tight corners
- Ships as a full kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger
- 4-position blade clamp allows flush cuts in four directions
- LED light illuminates dark work areas
Where It Falls Short
- At 7 pounds it is the heaviest saw here — tiring overhead
- No vibration damping, so long cuts buzz the hands
- The pistol grip feels awkward to some users
Go-to pick: For anyone who wants one complete saw from the start for pruning, demo, and general cutting, this is it.
Think twice if: Your jobs are mostly overhead or one-handed, where the 7-pound weight starts to fight you.
2. SKIL PWRCORE 20V Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit Including 2.0Ah Battery and Charger-RS5870B-10
The entry-level kit that gets a brushless motor and a full battery setup into your hands.
If you are stepping up from a hand saw and want a cordless recip without spending much, this SKIL kit is built for the occasional exhaust pipe, a few limbs, or a weekend repair. It comes as a complete set: the saw, a 2.0Ah battery, a charger, a wood blade, and a hex key. You are ready to cut the moment it arrives. The digital brushless motor runs smoother and cooler than a brushed design, which matters for tool life.
The 2.0Ah battery is deliberately light, and that helps keep the saw maneuverable for trim work and one-off cuts. The trade-off is runtime — this pack holds roughly a fifth of the energy of the DEWALT DCS387P1’s 5.0Ah battery, so on a big job expect to stop for a charge. Owners cutting car exhaust found it “clean and fast,” and buyers rate it as doing the job of higher-priced saws for a budget-friendly price.
SKIL added a counter-balanced gearbox for vibration control and an adjustable pivoting shoe so the saw sits flatter against the work. That keeps the body steadier while you guide the blade. The kit measures 16 inches long — a full inch and a quarter longer than the DEWALT’s 14.75-inch body — so it needs a little more room in a tight space. Still, if your jobs run light and your budget runs tighter, the value here is real.
Best for starter jobs: Homeowners who cut a few branches or one pipe now and then and want a complete kit without a big commitment.
Smart budget buy: A complete brushless kit that covers light cutting and pruning without a premium price.
Look elsewhere if: You cut all afternoon in one stretch — the modest battery asks for a recharge well before a big job is done.
3. RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) PSBRS01B
At 3.8 pounds, it is the lightest way to make a clean cut with one hand.
Owners rave about the handling here, and it is easy to see why. At 3.8 pounds, this RYOBI is less than two-thirds the weight of the DEWALT DCS387P1 — the difference shows the moment you raise it over your head. It also stands upright on its own battery without tipping, which makes it easy to set down mid-job. The one-handed grip means your free hand can hold a branch, steady a pipe, or brace a cabinet while the saw does the work.
The brushless motor spins up to 3,000 strokes per minute, quick enough for fast pruning and framing cuts. It is part of the RYOBI ONE+ 18V system, so if you already own RYOBI batteries, the saw simply slots in. A rapid blade-change system swaps blades without tools, which keeps you moving between wood and metal. For cutting fallen limbs and clearing brush, buyers describe it as making quick work of the job.
Here is the fair warning: this is a tool-only listing, so the battery and charger are sold separately. And cutting power is genuinely mixed — it excels at branches and PVC pipe but some buyers find it works hard on thicker or denser material. If you need to rip through lumber all day, a two-handed design is the better fit. For everything else, the control you get from one hand is worth the trade.
The control factor: What sets this apart is balance — the saw stays planted and steady whether you are pruning at ground level or reaching overhead.
Reach for this if: You prune trees, cut pipe, and work in spots where two hands just do not fit.
Pass if: You want a saw that arrives ready to run — batteries and charger are not included here.
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Reciprocating Saw, 3,200 RPM, 8 inch, Bare Tool Only (CMCS351B)
A two-speed brushless saw with a low gear for control and a high gear for raw speed.
If you already own CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries, this bare tool drops straight into your kit and adds a saw that runs on the packs you have. The two-speed control is the standout: a slower low range of 0-2300 strokes per minute for measured cuts, and a high range of 0-3200 SPM when you want to tear through material. Craftsman claims the brushless motor delivers up to 75% more power, and owners cutting thick branches with pruning blades confirm the muscle.
What owners value most is the build quality — this saw feels sturdy in the hand and holds up for home and small-contractor use. The blade release is tool-free, so swapping a dull blade takes seconds, and an LED light brightens the work area in dim corners. It climbs the wall too: it is VERSATRACK compatible, so with the sold-separately clips you can hang it on the VERSATRACK organization system and keep it off your bench.
The weight is the split here — at 5.9 pounds it sits between the light one-handed saws and the heavier two-handed models, so it is stable without being a burden. One thing to plan for: with a small 2.0Ah battery, owners find it drains after a run of cutting into thick posts, so a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack keeps you working. Since it is a bare tool, you are supplying both the battery and the blade.
Strengths That Stand Out
- Two-speed control: 0-2300 SPM for finesse, 0-3200 SPM for speed
- Brushless motor with a claimed power boost
- Tool-free blade release for fast swaps
- VERSATRACK compatible for wall storage
- LED light for dark work areas
Keep In Mind
- Bare tool — no battery or charger in the box
- A small battery pack runs down fast on thick material
- At 5.9 pounds it is not the lightest to hold overhead
Best for V20 owners: If CRAFTSMAN batteries already fill your toolbox, this adds two-speed cutting without a new platform.
Add a bigger battery: Pair it with a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack so a session does not end early.
5. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL HACKZALL (Bare tool)
A compact one-hander that hits as hard as a full-size Sawzall.
For tradespeople who cut hard and cut often, this M18 FUEL Hackzall is built to take punishment. The POWERSTATE brushless motor keeps cutting speed high through tough material, and REDLINK Plus electronics monitor the tool, battery, and charger together to protect against overload. That coordination is what lets the saw push hard without cooking itself. The pivoting shoe keeps constant contact with the workpiece, which smooths out the cut and reduces the bucking you feel with a rigid shoe.
What reviewers keep returning to is the raw performance — it cuts through 2-inch trees and limbs, and it does not quit on the hard stuff. Seasoned saw users who also own a full-size Sawzall report that this compact model handles tight spaces without giving up control. There are dedicated pruning and root-cutting blades for it, so clearing a stump or cleaning up a fallen tree is a two-blade job.
Two things to weigh before you buy. It is a bare tool, so your existing M18 REDLITHIUM batteries are required. And it is a focused specialty tool — Milwaukee rates the full-size Sawzall as the better call for heavy framing work, so this is the one you grab for tight, controlled cuts rather than all-out demolition. If your work is mostly occasional home projects, the value is harder to justify.
Where it wins: Cutting control in cramped spots — the pivoting shoe and one-handed grip let you steer the blade precisely around pipes, roots, and framing.
For the serious user: Tradespeople and heavy DIYers already on the M18 platform who want pro-grade one-handed cutting.
Not for everyone: Bare tool with no battery, and it is priced like the professional tool it is.
6. Milwaukee 2520-20 M12 Fuel Hackzall Bare Tool
The little Hackzall that has earned a permanent spot in more tool collections than any other saw here.
Compact enough to tuck into a bag and light enough to run all day, the M12 Fuel Hackzall is the saw people reach for when a full-size recip is overkill. Its short body slides into cabinets, under sinks, and between joists where a longer saw will not fit. Owners use it for plywood, small firewood, steel rods, piping, and pruning — one review even compares its versatility to a jigsaw. That range is why it holds the top functionality marks in its class.
The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers constant power for faster cuts and runs cooler for longer life, and the one-handed design gives you far more control than a standard two-handed recip. Milwaukee backs the tool with a 5-year warranty, the longest coverage of any saw here. At 1.4 kg it is light enough that overhead work does not wear you out the way a 7-pound saw does.
The recurrimg reality to plan around: this runs best on a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah M12 pack, and a small battery leaves power on the table. It is also a bare tool with no battery or charger included. A few owners have had units arrive repackaged rather than in the factory box, so if you care about original packaging, order with that in mind.
Why owners keep it close: It does the job of a much larger saw in a package small enough to keep handy, which is the whole point of a one-handed design.
A natural fit for: DIYers and pros on the M12 line who want a compact, versatile saw for tight work and quick cuts.
Consider the trade-off: It needs a higher-capacity M12 battery to hit full power, and none is included.
7. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 3,000 RPM, 14.5 inch, Battery and Charger Included (CMCS300M1)
A ready-to-run kit that powers through tree trunks and household tasks.
This one suits the homeowner who wants a cordless reciprocating saw they can use on arrival. It ships complete: the saw, a battery, a charger, and a 6-inch reciprocating blade. The full variable speed trigger spans up to 3,000 RPM, and the 1-inch stroke gives it the speed to work through a 10-inch tree trunk, which owners confirm it handles without complaint. A contoured over-molded handle keeps the grip comfortable through longer cuts.
The convenience factor is big for anyone already in the CRAFTSMAN system: this saw shares batteries and chargers with Craftsman drills, blowers, and the rest of the V20 line, so you can swap a charged pack between tools. Owners cutting stumps and limbs note that the battery charges quickly and holds a decent charge for a job. Quality and performance are the two things people praise most here, and the tool feels solid in the hand — “durable” comes up again and again in how owners describe the fit and finish.
Because it is a full kit, you are not hunting for a separate battery, which keeps the all-in cost reasonable for what you get. The trade-off is weight and bulk: at 7.1 pounds and 15.25 inches long, it is heavier than the compact one-handed models and less nimble in a tight corner. Owners recommend keeping a spare battery and a few quality blades on hand so a bigger job does not stall.
Reasons It Works
- Complete kit with battery, charger, and a blade in the box
- Full variable speed trigger up to 3,000 RPM
- Shares the CRAFTSMAN V20 battery platform
- Comfortable over-molded handle grip
Trade-offs To Weigh
- Heavier and longer than the compact one-handers
- Bulk makes tight-space cutting harder
- Best performance needs a spare battery on hand
The easy first saw: A complete starter kit for home DIY and lawn work, with everything needed to begin cutting.
If space is tight: The long 15.25-inch body is harder to steer in a cramped corner than the compact picks.
8. FLEX 24V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit with 5.0Ah Lithium Battery and 160W Fast Charger – FX2271-1C
A pro-grade 24V saw that trades jitters for smooth, fast cutting.
When cutting smoothness and control matter more than anything else, this FLEX kit delivers. Orbital action drives the blade in a slight orbit for faster cutting speed, and vibration suppression cuts felt shake dramatically compared with a standard reciprocating saw. Owners who switched over from other pro brands report that this saw runs with no rattle and no power loss from battery movement, and that the battery stays firmly seated. That steadiness is what separates it from the pack.
Runtime is the headline strength. FLEX claims up to 50 4x4s cut per charge on the 5.0Ah battery, and owners confirm long runtime on demo and pruning jobs. The powerful brushless motor works through nearly any material without bogging down. It ships as a full kit with the 5.0Ah battery and a 160W fast charger, so you are up and running straight from the start.
The cost of entry and the quirks are worth naming. It is one of the pricier saws here, and as a newer platform the battery lineup is smaller than the deep ecosystems from the big names. It is also heavier through the cut than a one-handed saw, so it rewards planned, two-handed work rather than one-handed reach-in. For heavy demo and repeated cutting, the smooth operation is worth the premium.
what separates it: The vibration suppression (a system that reduces shaking) and orbital action (a setting that moves the blade in a small circle for faster cuts) together make it one of the smoothest, fastest-cutting saws on this list.
Worth it for: Pros who want minimal vibration and maximum runtime on demo and pruning work.
Hold off if: You are just starting out — a smaller one-handed saw or a complete budget kit makes more sense first.
9. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Compact Reciprocating Saw, 5.0-Amp Hour, Cordless (DCS367P1)
The 5-pound XR recip that punches well above its compact size.
If you want top-tier cutting in a body you can still handle overhead, this DCS367P1 is the premium answer for serious home and pro jobs. Both share the same 1-1/8-inch stroke, so they cut at a similar pace — the difference is that this XR model trims the weight while keeping heavy-duty output.
A 5.0Ah battery is included along with a charger and a kit bag, and the runtime is a strong point: with the 5.0Ah pack, owners say it outlasts them on dead trees and fallen limbs. The keyless 4-position blade clamp lets you turn the blade four ways for flush and varied cuts, and a bright LED lights the work area. The variable speed trigger runs up to 2,900 SPM for controlled, precise cutting.
The one honest gripe is vibration. Several owners note that this saw shakes more than expected because it has no anti-vibration system, and a few mention it takes some getting used to on long cuts. It is still a top-performer overall, but if smoothness is your priority the FLEX FX2271-1C handles that part better.
What Makes It Premium
- 1-1/8-inch stroke cuts fast through wood and metal
- 5-pound compact body reduces fatigue overhead
- 5.0Ah battery, charger, and kit bag included
- 4-position keyless blade clamp for flush cuts
- LED light and up-to-2,900 SPM variable speed
The Fine Print
- Noticeable vibration with no damping system
- Sappy branches can grab the blade mid-cut
- Heavier than the one-handed compact saws
The pro-grade pick: For demanding users who want heavy-duty cutting in a compact, lighter-than-average body.
Heads up: If vibration bothers your hands on long cuts, the smoother FLEX is the better match.
Understanding the Specs
Stroke Length and Speed (SPM)
Stroke length is how far the blade travels on each push, and strokes per minute (SPM) is how many of those pushes happen in a minute. Together they decide how fast the saw removes material. A 1-1/8-inch stroke paired with a high stroke count, like on the DEWALT DCS387P1 at 0-2900 spm or the RYOBI at 3,000 spm, cuts aggressively. A shorter stroke or lower speed gives you more control on delicate cuts.
Battery Amp-Hours (Ah)
Amp-hours measure how much energy a battery holds, so they predict how long you can cut before recharging. A 5.0Ah pack stores more than twice the energy of a 2.0Ah pack, which is why a kit saw with a larger battery keeps going on a big job while a small pack asks for a charge sooner. Match the battery size to your workload: bigger for all-day cutting, smaller for a few quick cuts.
FAQ
What does a reciprocating saw do that other saws cannot?
Is a one-handed reciprocating saw strong enough for real work?
How long does a reciprocating saw battery last on a charge?
What is a brushless motor and does it matter on a recip saw?
Can I use reciprocating saw blades from one brand on another brand’s saw?
Do I need to buy a kit with a battery, or is a bare tool enough?
Why does my reciprocating saw vibrate so much?
What kind of battery do I need for a Milwaukee Hackzall?
Can a battery powered reciprocating saw cut through metal?
Should I choose a 20V or 24V cordless reciprocating saw?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The winner here, and still the smartest first buy, is the DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (DCS387P1). Its 1-1/8-inch stroke (the distance the blade travels each cycle) and 0-2900 spm speed (strokes per minute) cut fast. Its 14.5-inch body reaches between studs. It arrives as a complete kit with a 5.0Ah battery and a 4-position blade clamp (a mount that holds the blade in four angles). It holds 4.8 stars from 800+ owners. If you want a lighter saw you can control with one hand, grab the RYOBI PSBRS01B at 3.8 pounds. And when smooth, low-vibration cutting matters most, the FLEX FX2271-1C is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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