If you’re taking on a new DIY project or want to fill out your collection of tools, a Jigsaw can be a great addition. Jigsaws are excellent tools for working with most materials, including wood and metal. They can cut irregular curves, making them useful for stenciled designs or unique projects.
However, with so many products on the market, you should know what to look for. In this article, we will review our top contenders and offer a helpful buyer’s guide to aid you in your search for the best jigsaw under $100.
Sub $100 Jigsaw Reviews
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY homeowner, you probably know that there is no substitute for quality equipment.
Sometimes you can get lucky and find a cheap tool that does a job for you, but it is pretty rare to find quality in the bargain bin. Cheap tools tend to end up in the garbage after only a couple of uses. But there are a lot of quality jigsaws that won’t break the bank.
Let’s take a look at our favorite jigsaws under $100.
Black & Decker BDEJS600C Jigsaw
The Black & Decker BDEJS600C Jigsaw packs a lot of punch for an inexpensive tool. It features a 5-amp motor with adjustable speeds up to 3,000 SPM. That means you’ll have enough power and speed to cut through thick material and the option to dial back for other less demanding cuts.
The saw is also capable of making bevel cuts of 45 and 90 degrees, adding versatility and capability. The saw is easy to handle and user-friendly, with a wire guard that retains visibility for your cuts, but also protects you from the fast-moving blade.
This jigsaw is one of the most affordable on the market. It enjoys a reputation as a solid performer available at an inexpensive price. But, it does suffer a bit from a lack of power, making it difficult to cut very hard materials. And, some users report that the blade wanders a bit from side to side, making it difficult to cut with precision.
For us, this is a bargain price for a handy and capable saw, but we wouldn’t want to rely on it for heavy-duty job-site work.
Black & Decker also offers a 4.5 amp jigsaw that’s even less expensive, but that jigsaw has less power, and some users reported that it didn’t last very long.
What We Like:
- Adjustable shoe for added stability
- Easy set-up to get you working quickly
- Comes with T-shank for wood cutting
- Can fit different blades from other brands
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for larger projects
- May not be as precise as some other models
- HIGH PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC JIG SAW - 5 amp electric jig saw with a 3⁄4” blade orbital action for...
- CURVE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY - Four curve settings for maximum control over rounded cuts
- BEVELED CUTS - Makes beveled cuts up to 45 degrees
BOSCH 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit JS365
The BOSCH 120 Volt JS365 Jigsaw has all of the features that you would want in a high-end saw, including a pretty slick toolless blade change system.
Not only are the blades easy to change, but the system has a lever that allows you to eject the blade without touching it, which is pretty useful when your blade is screaming hot after a long cut, and you don’t want to burn your fingers.
It is quite powerful for a relatively inexpensive saw with 6.5 amps. So, it should be very capable of cutting through most materials. It also has a very wide trigger that allows you to grip it with two fingers, a great feature for preventing fatigue. We know the pain of squeezing a small trigger all day and ending up with hand cramps and soreness later on. So we’re keen on anything that helps mitigate the wear and tear on the user.
You can control the speed via a two-step setup. There is a dial on the back of the saw for setting your maximum SPM. Depressing the trigger to varying degrees allows you to speed up or slow down under the limit you have dialed in. It features a low vibration design that yields comfortable and smooth operation.
What We Like:
- Adjustable speed, with two-finger speed control trigger
- Blade ejection lever for easy blade change
- 1-Year limited warranty
- Four orbital action settings for easy transition between materials
What We Don’t Like:
- No LED light making precision a little difficult
- Wide blade slot may not be suitable for different types of blades
- EFFICIENT: The Bosch JS365 features a tool-less blade-change system for fast insertion, while the...
- VERSATILE: The jigsaw supports four orbital-action settings allowing different blade strokes for...
- VARIABLE SPEED: Features a variable speed dial to set maximum speed while the accelerator trigger...
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw
The Milwaukee M12 12 Volt Cordless Jigsaw is a handy and capable battery-powered jigsaw. As configured, this tool doesn’t include the charger or battery. But, it’s part of Milwaukee’s extensive line of M12 Lithium-Ion battery-powered tools. So, if you have any of the other 100+ tools in that venerable series, you already have a battery that will work with this jigsaw.
This is probably best described as a light-duty and nimble saw, perfect for a DIYer at home, but maybe not up to heavy contractor uses like the Bosch JS365. It is very easy to handle, as it has a radically designed hybrid grip, featuring the best of top handle control and a lower center of gravity for comfort and confidence.
The LED light is perfect for low light conditions and for keeping your work illuminated. But, the saw lacks a dust blower, so you may have to stop fairly often to brush or blow away accumulating sawdust and debris. However, this saw is designed for quick cuts without the hassle of dragging out a power cord, not for heavy use.
As a 12V tool, it only has 1.5 amps, so it’s not going to run through heavy or dense materials without some patience, but it will cut through ¾ plywood like it’s butter. And with its built-in battery life indicator, you’ll know when it’s time for a recharge, so you won’t get stuck in the middle of a cut. Milwaukee also has a range of 18V tools that are more heavy-duty but also more expensive.
What We Like:
- Lightweight at only 3.8 lbs
- Non-Marring shoe is great for protecting working surfaces
- 5-Year limited warranty
- Battery fuel gauge shows remaining run-time
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t include the charger or Lithium-Ion battery
- May be uncomfortable to use for long periods of time
- Compact and Lightweight - Only 3.8 lbs and 8.75" long
- Maximum Control - Innovative Hybrid Grip design delivers greater control by bringing the grip closer...
- Powerful Cutting - 3/4" Stroke length & 0-2,800 SPM for fast and controlled cutting through various...
Makita 4329K
The Makita 4329K Jigsaw is a great light-duty saw for easy use around the house. It is missing a quick-change blade system but is nimble and nearly effortless to handle. It’s relatively light, which may be advantageous for light-duty or quick-cut applications. And, some users simply prefer a lightweight tool.
For simple uses and basic applications, you probably won’t need to change the blade very often, so you probably won’t miss a fancy quick-change blade system too much. And the Allen-Key you need to swap a blade is stored in the body of the saw, so you won’t have to go looking for it.
What this saw lacks is power. With a 3.9 amp motor, it is likely to struggle to make cuts in hardwoods and other hard materials, though it does have adjustable speed. If you’re looking for more power, consider the Black & Decker BDEJS600C.
Makita enjoys a solid reputation, as they are known for making high-quality and reliable tools that are usually a bit less expensive than top premium brands. Their signature teal color makes Makita tools easy to find as well, unlike our silver drywall T-Square that we can never seem to locate when we need it.
What We Like:
- Counterweight balancing system reduces vibrations while working
- Lock-on button for longer sessions
- Built-in dust blower makes it easier to view your work surface
- Comes with a case for safe storage
What We Don’t Like:
- May be difficult to get an accurate cut with the loose foot
- Doesn’t include a working light
- Variable speed control dial (500-3,100 SPM) enables user to match the speed to the application for...
- Ergonomically designed rubberized grip for increased comfort and control
- Sliding dust cover for use during vertical cutting helps prevent chips from flying
Sub $100 Jigsaw Features and Considerations
When it comes to purchasing a jigsaw, you need to keep one eye on the price and another eye on the features that make for a solid tool. Even jigsaws that cost less than $100 often come with a bunch of features that make them easier to use and more versatile.
Common Features
A dust blower is one of the most common features you’ll find on a jigsaw. As you work, a fan blows the dust away, making it easier to keep working. This is one of our favorite features on a jigsaw.
Without it, you will have a little trouble seeing your cut as the dust and debris accumulate. And, your blade may get gummed up if you don’t stop to blow or brush the dust away from your cut as you go.
Another feature that can be pretty useful on a saw is a laser that precisely shows where you’re aiming, as it lets you know exactly where your blade will be doing its work. On a jigsaw, where cutting in a straight line is not easy, it may be a very useful feature for keeping you on track.
But, since most jigsaw work isn’t necessarily supposed to be straight anyway, it may not be of the same value as compared to a laser on a circular saw that you’re using to make long and straight cuts. We think a laser is a nice feature, but the lack of one is in no way a deal-breaker.
Corded vs Battery
To decide if you need a battery-operated saw or one that relies on an electrical cord for power, you have to determine whether the power cord will get in the way of your work.
Unlike a screw gun or an impact driver, your jigsaw isn’t likely to come up a ladder with you. You’re much more likely to be making a cut with a jigsaw on a sawhorse or workbench at ground level. So you probably don’t need the portability of a cordless tool.
That said, if you just hate dragging around extension cords, you may want to consider a battery-operated saw. But be mindful that not all batteries are created equal. Each brand has a unique battery system, and they are not interchangeable across brands.
Sometimes, even within a brand, there are multiple battery systems. So, consumers have to be careful to double-check everything for interchangeability before spending their money.
It may seem like there’s always a new and improved battery on the market that’s lighter and more powerful, making all of our current tools seem heavier and slower. So it’s also a good idea to do some research into what’s new on the market and due for release.
If you already have an extensive set of battery-operated tools, and you can find a jigsaw that works with your existing batteries, it might be a good option for you to add a cordless jigsaw to your arsenal. But, if you’re buying a standalone tool, it’s probably better to stick with a corded tool. They’re usually less expensive, more powerful, and you never have to wait for a battery to recharge.
Adjustable Speeds
A jigsaw with an adjustable speed or variable speed can move your blade faster or slower depending on the sort of material you’re cutting and how your saw reacts to it. The frequency at which your blade moves is measured in strokes per minute, or SPM.
Typically, you would utilize a low-speed setting for ceramics or metals, average speed for soft materials like plastics, and maximum speed for wood. If you buy a saw that doesn’t feature adjustable speeds, it won’t work for some applications, even if you have the right type of blade.
Quick-change blades are a feature that is nearly ubiquitous on jigsaws in this price range. Blades are relatively inexpensive, but when you’re making fine cuts, you will often need a fresh one. So changing them out quickly and easily is pretty important. If you’ve ever struggled to remove a rusty blade from an old saw, you’ll know how much of a time saver this feature can be.
And, if you’re a novice or need a reminder of how these systems work, we can help.
Ergonomics
Even the best features can become useless if the tool lacks the basics or is difficult to work with. So aside from bells and whistles, you should also consider the saw’s basic ergonomics.
Will it feel good in your hand after an hour of hard use, or will you have a cramp because it’s heavy and the handle is at an awkward angle? Does the trigger mechanism work smoothly and consistently, or will you struggle with holding it down for long cuts that take a lot of time and patience to get right?
It’s a good idea to compare options and prices from online and brick-and-mortar vendors. But, we recommend always laying hands on a tool before you buy it. If you buy something without taking the time to hold it, the great deal you found online can quickly turn into a headache.
When Should You Use a Jigsaw?
Jigsaws are versatile tools that are great for beginners and experts alike. Because they are easy to use, provide quick blade changes, and are portable, they come in handy for a variety of projects. This also makes them beginner-friendly for those just venturing into the world of power tools.
Jigsaws excel in making curved, angled, or straight cuts, enabling users to craft intricate design work. People commonly use them on wooden projects due to the fact that they can cut through nearly any size of wood. They are not only able to cut through wood, though. You can also use them on materials such as:
- Metal
- Plastic
- Laminate
- Ceramic Tile
- Particle Board
Your jigsaw may require a specific blade depending on the material, so always be sure to check this before beginning a project.
If you are working on a project that requires you to cut angles or curves, a jigsaw is the tool to use. They can be great for cutting stenciled projects, as their foot allows you to easily glide the blade around lines and curves for an accurate cut. Because jigsaws are portable, they are also useful for working on larger projects that require you to easily move around the space.
A jigsaw is a fantastic tool to add to any collection, and because they are typically affordable, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have one handy for future projects!
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The Winner
We’ve reviewed some great options, but overall, we think the BOSCH 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit JS365 is the best jigsaw under $100.
It is powerful, precise, and packed with useful features. It is near the higher end of this price point, but its user-friendly ergonomics, versatility, and relatively low price make this jigsaw a tool that we would add to our toolbox.
And, since we’re probably going to put it to use right away, we’d take advantage of this exceptional package deal and add a 10-Pack of assorted blades—still coming in at less than $100.
Out of the box, you will be ready to get to work.