Current recommendations are research-backed. Each article identifies its evidence, sources, update date, and limitations. No current guide is presented as hands-on tested. As an Amazon Associate, ToolShed Tested earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Product links and article details last reviewed October 5, 2026. Full disclosure.
A jigsaw under $100 is one of the most useful tools a homeowner or woodworker can own. No other saw cuts curves, makes plunge cuts through countertops, trims door jambs, or handles sheet goods as flexibly in tight spaces. The cheap ones vibrate badly, cut crooked lines, and require a screwdriver to change blades. We compared five models under $100 to find the ones worth the space in your shop.
Our top pick: Bosch JS470E. Bosch makes the best sub-$100 jigsaw by a notable margin -- the 7.0-amp motor, four orbital settings, and tool-free blade change system deliver professional-grade cut quality that most cordless jigsaws at twice the price struggle to match.
Our Top 5 Jigsaws Under $100
1. Bosch JS470E -- Best Overall Under $100
The Bosch JS470E is a 7.0-amp top-handle corded jigsaw that sets the standard for cut quality in the sub-$100 category. The four orbital settings let you match the blade path to the material: orbital 0 for clean scroll cuts in thin material, up to orbital 4 for aggressive fast cuts through thick softwood. The tool-free blade change system accepts all T-shank blades without a wrench or hex key -- blade changes take under five seconds.
What separates the JS470E from budget alternatives is cut-line accuracy. The cast aluminum baseplate is flat to tight tolerances, the bevel adjustment locks firmly at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees, and the dust blower keeps chips off the cut line. The variable speed trigger ranges from 500 to 3,100 SPM, giving you enough low-end control for tile and laminate without pushing so hard you chip the surface. If you do regular trim work, countertop cutouts, or curved furniture cuts, this is the jigsaw to own under $100.
- 7.0 amps -- most powerful corded jigsaw on this list
- Four orbital settings for matching cut aggressiveness to material
- Tool-free T-shank blade change in under 5 seconds
- 500-3,100 SPM variable speed for delicate and aggressive cuts
- Cast aluminum baseplate -- flat and accurate bevel settings
- Integrated dust blower keeps cut line visible throughout the cut
Specs: 7.0A corded | 500-3,100 SPM | 4 orbital settings | Bevel to 45 degrees | 5.5 lbs
2. DeWalt DCS331B -- Best Cordless Under $100
The DCS331B is DeWalt's 20V MAX cordless jigsaw in bare tool format. For users who need to cut on a job site, in an outbuilding without convenient outlets, or anywhere cord management is a problem, the DCS331B delivers competitive performance without the tether. The keyless blade change system and four orbital settings match the Bosch JS470E feature for feature -- the only meaningful difference is power delivery: the DeWalt on a 2Ah battery produces slightly less sustained cutting speed through hardwood than the corded Bosch under load.
On a 5Ah battery, the difference is negligible for most users. The DCS331B handles plywood sheet cuts, curved trim work, and countertop plunge cuts without issue. The variable speed trigger runs 0-3,000 SPM, and the DeWalt 20V MAX platform means the battery pulling duty here works in your circular saw, drill, and any other DeWalt 20V tool. If you are already in the DeWalt ecosystem, this is the jigsaw to add as a bare tool.
- Cordless 20V MAX -- cuts anywhere without extension cord management
- 0-3,000 SPM variable speed
- Four orbital settings
- Keyless blade change system -- no wrench required
- Bevel adjustment to 45 degrees with detents at 15, 30, 45
- Compatible with the full DeWalt 20V MAX battery ecosystem
Specs: 20V MAX | 0-3,000 SPM | 4 orbital settings | Bevel to 45 degrees | 5.3 lbs bare
3. Ryobi PBLJS01B ONE+ HP -- Best Battery Ecosystem
The PBLJS01B is Ryobi's ONE+ HP brushless cordless jigsaw, sold as a bare tool. The brushless motor is the headline feature at this price -- where the DeWalt DCS331B uses a brushed motor, the Ryobi HP line steps up to brushless, delivering better runtime per charge and lower operating temperature over long cutting sessions. For users who already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries, the PBLJS01B adds a capable brushless jigsaw to the lineup with no additional battery purchase needed.
Cut quality is competitive with the DeWalt on wood and plywood. The four orbital settings, variable speed trigger (0-3,200 SPM), and tool-free T-shank blade change make it a fully featured tool at its price. The ONE+ platform covering 280+ tools is the strongest argument for Ryobi buyers: the battery ecosystem is the widest in the budget cordless category, and the PBLJS01B brushless motor makes better use of higher-capacity batteries than brushed alternatives.
- Brushless motor -- better runtime and cooler operation than comparable brushed jigsaws
- 0-3,200 SPM variable speed -- highest top speed on this list
- Four orbital settings
- Tool-free T-shank blade change
- Compatible with all 280+ Ryobi ONE+ 18V tools
- LED work light for low-light cutting
Specs: 18V ONE+ HP | Brushless | 0-3,200 SPM | 4 orbital settings | Bevel to 45 degrees | 5.5 lbs bare
4. Skil JS314801-RT -- Best Budget Kit
The Skil JS314801-RT is a 7.0-amp corded jigsaw that includes three blades -- a wood blade, a metal blade, and a flush-cut blade -- and a carrying case while still fitting this under-$100 guide. Compared with the Bosch, it gives up some orbital refinement (three settings instead of four) and has a plastic baseplate rather than cast aluminum, but the core cutting performance on wood and thin metal is solid. The tool-free blade change and 3,000 SPM top speed are matched to the competition.
The included blade set is the strongest differentiator at this price tier: the flush-cut blade alone adds real value and covers tasks like trimming door casings flush to the floor -- a job that would otherwise require an oscillating multi-tool. For a first jigsaw buyer who wants to start cutting immediately without additional purchases, the Skil kit is the best entry point on this list.
- Includes wood blade, metal blade, and flush-cut blade -- no additional purchases needed
- 7.0A motor at 3,000 SPM
- Three orbital settings
- Tool-free T-shank blade change
- Bevel adjustment to 45 degrees
- Carrying case included
Specs: 7.0A corded | 800-3,000 SPM | 3 orbital settings | Bevel to 45 degrees | 5.8 lbs
5. Black+Decker BDEJS600C -- Best for Beginners
The Black+Decker BDEJS600C is a 6.0-amp corded jigsaw -- the entry-level option for buyers who need a jigsaw for occasional cuts and want to spend as little as possible. The variable speed trigger runs 0-3,000 SPM, the tool-free blade change accepts T-shank blades, and the wire guard keeps fingers clear of the blade during cuts. For light use -- cutting sink holes in countertops, trimming door jambs, cutting curves in thin plywood -- it handles the task without issue.
The limitations show up on sustained heavy cutting: the 6.0-amp motor runs hotter than the 7.0-amp Bosch or Skil under load, and the baseplate flex on thick hardwood is noticeable when making precision cuts. For a homeowner who makes 10 cuts a year, the BDEJS600C is a completely adequate tool. For anyone cutting regularly, the step up to the Skil or the Bosch is worth it.
- Typically the lowest price on this list with no additional accessories needed
- 6.0A motor with variable speed 0-3,000 SPM
- Tool-free T-shank blade change
- Wire blade guard for hand protection
- Lightweight at 4.9 lbs -- easiest to maneuver on this list
- Best for occasional light cuts in wood and thin material
Specs: 6.0A corded | 0-3,000 SPM | No orbital settings | Bevel to 45 degrees | 4.9 lbs
How to Choose the Right Jigsaw Under $100
If you want the best cut quality for the money: The Bosch JS470E is the right call. The cast aluminum baseplate and four orbital settings produce cleaner cuts than anything else at this price. It is the jigsaw that woodworkers and experienced DIYers use when they do not want to spend $150+ on a Bosch barrel-grip model.
If you are already in the DeWalt or Ryobi ecosystem: The DCS331B or PBLJS01B runs on your existing batteries. For the Ryobi, the brushless motor in the HP line is a genuine upgrade over the brushed DeWalt at the same price -- if you already own a 4Ah or 5Ah ONE+ battery, the Ryobi is the better value buy.
If you want to start cutting immediately with no additional purchases: The Skil JS314801-RT includes three blades and a case. No blade-hunting required.
Orbital settings explained: The orbital setting controls how elliptical the blade path is. Orbital 0 (straight up-and-down) makes the cleanest, slowest cuts. Higher orbital settings cut faster but leave rougher edges -- right for rough construction cuts in thick softwood, wrong for finished furniture work. A jigsaw without orbital settings (like the Black+Decker) is limited to straight-path cutting, which is slower and produces more blade heat in thick material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a jigsaw cut that other saws cannot?
A jigsaw is the only handheld saw that cuts curves, circles, and irregular shapes in sheet material. It also makes plunge cuts -- cutting a hole in the middle of a panel without starting from an edge -- which no circular saw can do. Common exclusive jigsaw applications: sink cutouts in countertops, curved cabinet doors, rounded table corners, scroll patterns in plywood, and fitting flooring around door jambs.
What jigsaw blades do I need?
T-shank blades are the universal standard and accepted by every jigsaw on this list. For most users, three blade types cover the majority of tasks: a general-purpose wood blade (T101B), a clean-cut wood blade for finish work (T101AO), and a metal-cutting blade (T118A). For tile and fiber cement, you need a specialized carbide blade. All common T-shank blades cost $5-15 for a multipack and are available at any hardware store.
How thick can a jigsaw cut?
The stroke length and blade determine maximum cutting depth. Most jigsaws on this list cut up to 5-6 inches in softwood with the right blade length. Practically, you will most often be cutting 3/4-inch plywood, 1.5-inch framing lumber, or countertop material -- all well within the capability of any tool on this list. The Bosch JS470E and DeWalt DCS331B have the most stroke length for cutting thick material cleanly.
Should I buy corded or cordless?
For shop use or any work near an outlet: corded jigsaws (Bosch JS470E, Skil JS314801-RT, Black+Decker BDEJS600C) deliver unlimited runtime and consistent power. For job site work, outdoor projects, or when running an extension cord is inconvenient: cordless (DeWalt DCS331B, Ryobi PBLJS01B) removes the cord management problem. For occasional home use, either works -- the Bosch corded is better value for the performance than any cordless at a similar price.
Can a jigsaw replace a circular saw?
No. A circular saw cuts straight lines through sheet material and lumber dramatically faster than a jigsaw. The jigsaw is a complement to a circular saw, not a replacement. If you only own one saw: a circular saw handles 80% of cutting tasks in home improvement and construction. A jigsaw handles 80% of the cutting tasks a circular saw cannot. Most shops end up with both.
For higher-performance jigsaws with barrel-grip designs and 12-amp motors, see our best jigsaws 2026 roundup. For other sub-$100 cutting tools, see the best circular saws under $100. If you need to cut metal specifically, see our best angle grinders under $100 for a more efficient metalwork option.
Correction, October 5, 2026: Removed unsupported editorial scores from this research-backed guide. Product specifications and selection order are not measured test results.
