As you know, several woodworking projects require the best jigsaw models with reliable speed settings, capable of both straight lines and angled cuts.
However, this power tool doesn’t always come at affordable prices. And most cheap units out there don’t last long, breaking after just a few uses. To help you out, I’ll share all the important features of a budget jigsaw so you won’t have to waste your time and money!
Reviews of the Top Budget Jigsaws
1. BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw
Amid my search for the best budget jigsaws, the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C immediately caught my eye with its vibrant orange, robust design. Like its appearance, the power of this saw is as equally impressive. I’m able to achieve curved cuts easier than most jigsaws due to its consistent 4.5 amp motor and variable speed control settings.
Even at a maximum of 3,000 SPM, this corded jigsaw can perform stable and accurate cuts thanks to its adjustable shoe. It also has a quick-clamp feature that allows tool-free blade changing from T to U shank blades.
You’ll also have no problem maintaining accurate blade strokes because this coded jigsaw is integrated with a dust blower that keeps your cutting line clear.
What I Like
- The tool-free blade clamp for U and T shank blades is extremely convenient
- It's a budget-friendly and reliable corded jigsaw
- The 4.5 amp motor with variable speed control offers versatility for various cutting tasks
- The wire guard feature is great for ensuring straight cuts
- It is capable of bevel cuts up to 45 degrees
- The maximum speed of 3,000 SPM is impressive
- The dust blower keeps cut line clear
What I Don’t Like
- It needs proper maintenance for lasting usage
- It requires an electric source to operate
2. TECCPO Variable Speed Jigsaw
Although TECCPO Variable Speed Jigsaw has a higher price tag among the best budget jigsaws on this list, I assure you that it’s worth adding to your workshop. If you’re a beginner, its laser guide feature will surely help you cut metal or wood pieces accurately.
Besides its laser guide, its multiple orbital settings is very capable of executing smooth bevel cuts. There’s no denying that this tool is truly versatile as it offers six jigsaw blade options, four for woodworking and two for metalworking, which is useful even for cutting rebars.
Another aspect that enhances its utility is the allocated stroke lengths for different cutting styles, catering to a variety of projects.
What I Like
- The dust blower feature is excellent for ensuring accurate blade cuts by keeping the line of sight clear
- It is the best corded jigsaw for heavy-duty cutting
- It features four orbital action settings
- The integrated LED light allows better precision
- It is engineered with a powerful 6.5 Amp engine
- The wood stroke length of 4 inches is ideal for deep cuts
- It has speed dial settings for diverse cuts
What I Don’t Like
- It costs more than other corded jigsaw brands on the list
- The tool blade storage is sold separately
3. HYCHIKA 6.7A 800W Jigsaw
Finding the best jigsaws for professional cutting doesn’t have to be expensive. This was evident after my experience with the HYCHIKA 6.7A 800W Jigsaw. With its integrated LED light, I found utmost ease during the cutting operations.
Adding to this delightful feature was its 800W copper motor that operates at a max speed of 3000 SPM. Along with its stroke length of 22mm and cutting depth of 110mm, rest assured that you can perform different cuts accurately.
And did I mention that it has adjustable blade angles from -45 to 45 degrees? That’s right. This power equipment is specially designed to cut both hard and soft materials.
What I Like
- It is suitable cutting for soft and hard materials
- The high-speed and accuracy of its cutting operations are consistent
- It's one of the best jigsaws with affordable pricing
- The keyless blade ejection function simplifies blade changes
- It operates with a powerful copper engine
- It includes blades for both wood and metal
- The lock-on settings are useful for long cutting durations
What I Don’t Like
- You'll need to regularly maintain the machine for its longevity
- The refund policy may vary depending on T&C
4. BLACK+DECKER Smart Select Jigsaw
Another one of the best budget jigsaws that hail from the same trusted brand is the BLACK+DECKER Smart Select Jigsaw. Designed with a tool-less blade brace, users of this jigsaw wouldn’t need to use extra tools when changing its blades.
On top of that, it operates with a reliable 5 Amp engine motor that will provide enough power to aid your cutting operation. It’s also engineered with CurveControl Technology and customized orbit configurations that gives me more control of the blade.
Wood and metal works require stability, especially during the cutting procedures. Lucky for you, this tool has a highly adjustable shoe and wire guard to ensure precision.
What I Like
- The wire guard and adjustable tool shoe enhance stability for making precise cuts
- It has customized orbit configurations
- The design includes a keyless clamp, which simplifies and speeds up the process of switching blades.
- It is manufactured by a trusted brand in the industry
- It has high-power and versatile capacities making it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks
What I Don’t Like
- The blade set is sold separately
- Its refund terms may vary
5. PORTER-CABLE PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw
If you’re not so tight on the budget, Porter-Cable has some premium cutting tools appropriate for you. The PORTER-CABLE PCE345 Orbital Jig Saw is one impressive tool with seven-speed dial settings that allow a smooth and optimum cutting experience.
For heavy-duty projects, you can rely on its 6 Amp engine to deliver reliable performance even in its highest speed settings. Given that this is a powerful machine, it’s not surprising that it has lock-on configurations and ergonomic handles for better control.
Besides all that, this Porter-Cable PCE345 model features a keyless clamp that allows users to switch to other blades without any hassle.
What I Like
- The jigsaw motor is both powerful and high-performing
- The tool-less clamps make blade replacement quick and hassle-free
- The handles are comfortable and the lock-on settings reduce user fatigue during prolonged use
- It is designed with 7-speed configurations
- The maximum blade speed can reach up to 3200 RPM
What I Don’t Like
- It costs higher than other jigsaws on this list
- You'll need to regularly maintain it
6. WEN 33606 Orbital Jig Saw
When looking for budget-friendly tool options, I always lean towards certain brands for their reliability and value. One such standout is the WEN 33606 Orbital Jig Saw.
Integrated with a 6.6 Amp engine, WEN 33606 Orbital Jig Saw can run up to 3300 strokes per minute! The built-in laser and LED lights are great additions in executing cuts with ease and precision.
You don’t need to worry about scuffs in your material, as this tool has non-marring shoes that stabilize its body despite high-speed operations. It also features a hex wrench storage with a 6.5 ft power cord that will allow users to work more flexibly and comfortably.
What I Like
- The dual bevel footplate and non-marring shoe are great for stability
- The package includes a long power cord and hex key storage
- The jigsaw's four-blade orbital options provide flexibility for different types of cuts
- It also has front-mounted work lights
- It is capable of high-speed cutting operations up to 3300 SPM
What I Don’t Like
- The blades are sold separately
- The refund policy can vary
7. Goplus Jigsaw with Laser Guide
If you’re working on a wide range of cutting involving beveling, then the Goplus Jigsaw with Laser Guide should have the features you’re looking for. Owing to its 800W powerful motor operating at 3000 SPM, I didn’t have much problem cutting PVC, Metal, Hardwood, or Plywood materials.
Its precision cutting capabilities include a built-in laser and guide ruler that helps for better cutting output. I’m also impressed at how easy it is to adjust its speed according to the hardness of the material at hand.
Above all else, it also has ergonomic handles. Even with long cutting operations, rest assured that your grip will be comfy enough with no fatigue.
What I Like
- It is a great jigsaw for different types of materials and application
- The guide ruler and laser greatly enhances cutting accuracy
- It is integrated with orbital bevel cutting capabilities
- The dust extraction feature helps with visibility
- The variable speeds are easy to adjust and accurate
What I Don’t Like
- It is moderately higher in price compared to others on the list
- It needs constant maintenance for long-lasting use
Budget Jigsaw Buyer’s Guide
Size and Design
Typical jigsaws manufactured by popular brands are designed with a compact construction that makes them easy to maneuver. And because it’s a handheld tool, you’d want it to be as handy as possible so that you can freely move around while working on your workpiece. The lighter and smaller it is, the more mobility it offers for you.
I also recommend getting a jigsaw designed with a multi-directional blade clamp. Having this design gives your saw stable gripping strength even during the tedious cutting operations.
It’s also safe to assume that a cutting tool running with a motor will cause vibration that may damage the quality of your material. To avoid that scenario, I suggest choosing a jigsaw brand with an aluminum or mild steel shoe bevel. The curved shoe at the bottom of your tool will enable your saw to adjust to different angles in a stable manner.
Power
When choosing jigsaws, always remember that more power means versatility. It implies that your saw can handle hard materials easily during a long period of operation. If you’re working on a small project or looking for tools to make holes in wood, using a jigsaw under 5 amp engine power is okay.
However, if you’re considering professional tasks, I’d highly recommend saws that can power up to 6 Amp. The power rating of your jigsaw will also depend on how often you plan to use it. Homeowners could consider buying less powered models, but it’s not a great idea it if you’re considering taking on multiple cutting projects in the long run.
Speed
While speed can be affected by many factors, keep in mind that it always has a relation with your motor power [1]. As you can see in the list, every jigsaw brand has speed settings.
These configurations are highly useful if you’re working on different materials. For example, cutting metal requires a slower speed. These functions are mainly used by professionals, but they can also be an advantageous feature for beginners as they get themselves familiar with cutting various materials.
Blade
The blade is a critical component of your jigsaw and deserves careful consideration. Many brands on the market offer thin blades that provide unrestricted movement, enabling precise cutting performance.
It’ll be helpful for you to check the stroke length measurement of your chosen jigsaw to see if it aligns with the materials you’ll be cutting. Thin blades also enable users to make intricate cuts easily.
Blade options for jigsaw:
Laser Guide
It’s no secret that some workpieces require utmost accuracy. And if you’re a beginner, this can be hard to achieve. Lucky for you, many low-cost jigsaws are designed with laser guides to help users visualize their cutting line better.
Some brands may not have this feature, but it doesn’t mean that they function less than those models that come along with it.
Corded vs. Cordless Jigsaw
As you may already know, these cutting tools vary in two different types: corded and cordless jigsaws. The major perk of working with a cordless model is that you’ll never be hindered in terms of mobility. You can move around without worrying about getting the tool unplugged from its power source.
However, there’s a crucial detail you should know. Cordless saws have lesser power than corded ones. On top of that, they often designed heavier with that extra battery adding to their current weight.
Although cordless models may appear more convenient, corded saws will get you through more tedious cutting operations than its alternative.
More product recommendations:
Dust Control
Cutting materials will produce debris and dust that will hinder your line of sight. When that occurs, it can damage your workpiece or, worst, lead to an undesirable accident. Jigsaw manufacturers know about this, so you’ll notice that most tools nowadays have dust blowers to keep your cut lines clear. I advise getting a unit with this feature, especially if you’re a beginner.
My Top Pick For a Budget Jigsaw: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C
After testing and evaluating the best budget jigsaws in the market, I can confidently name the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS300C Jigsaw as my top product pick. Although all modern jigsaws in this list are reliable, this saw’s flexible base plate and versatile speed settings make it an invaluable tool in my workshop.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
