Best Professional Reciprocating Saw: DEWALT Leads

The best professional reciprocating saw is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B, a brushless 5.4 lb tool with a 1-1/8 in stroke and a 3 year limited warranty. If you want a lighter body from the same battery family, the DEWALT DCS387B drops to 4.96 lb and still runs a 1-1/8 in stroke. Pick the wrong saw and you feel it in a wrist that quits before the workday does, or a battery that dies mid-cut on a joist.

How the cuts were made in this list

I screened these six by lining up the published specifications side by side: stroke length, weight, dimensions, warranty, and how the blade clamp works. Three things got picks cut or downranked.

First, missing stroke data. A saw that never lists its stroke length can't be compared on the one figure that governs cutting speed, so I leaned on the DEWALT pair, which both publish 1-1/8 in.

Second, category mismatch. One entry here is a blade pack, not a saw. It earns a place because a good blade changes a cheap saw's whole character, but it can't win a saw ranking.

Third, weight above 7 lb. The Skil 9206-02 at 7.05 lb and the SEESII at 7.67 lb are the heavy end of this set. Both stay in for buyers they suit, but neither leads.

That left the DEWALT DCS367B on top. Here's what survived and why:

• DEWALT DCS367B: brushless, 5.4 lb, 4-position clamp, 3 year warranty.
• DEWALT DCS387B: 4.96 lb, same 1-1/8 in stroke, 3 year warranty.
• SEESII SRW02-SD: ships with two 4.0Ah batteries and six blades.
• BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C: lightest saw here at 4.5 lb, 2 year warranty.
• Skil 9206-02: corded, 7.5 amp motor, no battery to charge.
• EZARC blades: 15 in, 6TPI, a 3-pack that fits most brands.

Best professional reciprocating saw at a glance

What actually decides a reciprocating saw?

Most guides for the best professional reciprocating saw compare amps or voltage. That isn't what decides it. Two numbers matter more day to day: stroke length and weight.

Stroke length is how far the blade travels each pass. A longer stroke clears more material per cycle, so it cuts faster and clogs less. Both DEWALT saws list a 1-1/8 in stroke. None of the others publish this figure, which is a real gap when you're comparing cutting speed.

Weight decides whether your wrist survives the job. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C is the lightest saw here at 4.5 lb. The DEWALT DCS387B follows at 4.96 lb, then the DCS367B at 5.4 lb. At the heavy end sit the Skil 9206-02 at 7.05 lb and the SEESII at 7.67 lb.

Here's the trick most shoppers miss: the lightest saw and the fastest-cutting saw aren't always the same tool. The BLACK+DECKER wins on weight but publishes no stroke. The DEWALT pair publish stroke but weigh more. That trade-off is the whole decision.

• Fastest published cut: DEWALT DCS367B and DCS387B, 1-1/8 in stroke.
• Lightest in hand: BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C, 4.5 lb.
• Longest warranty: the DEWALT pair, 3 years each.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless — Best overall

The DCS367B wins because it pairs a fast 1-1/8 in stroke with a brushless motor and the longest warranty in this set.

Best for: pros cutting between studs all day Skip it if: you have no DEWALT batteries and don't want to buy in

This is the only saw here that combines a published 1-1/8 in stroke, a brushless motor, and a 3 year limited warranty. That's a strong three-way case. The brushless motor is what separates it from the older DEWALT runner-up, and DEWALT says it delivers up to 2.5x more runtime than the brushed version.

The body measures 7 x 14.5 x 6 in and weighs 5.4 lb. DEWALT says the 14.5 in length slots between studs, which is exactly where a reciprocating saw earns its keep on a job site. The keyless 4-position blade clamp lets you index the blade for flush cuts, and it swaps blades without a wrench.

At 5.4 lb it's heavier than the lighter cordless picks here, and it's the most expensive of the six. It also ships as a bare tool, so you're on the hook for a battery. If you already run DEWALT 20V, none of that stings. If you don't, the entry cost climbs fast.

Pros:

• 1-1/8 in stroke for fast cutting
• Brushless motor, up to 2.5x runtime claim
• 3 year limited warranty, longest here
• Keyless 4-position blade clamp
• Compact 14.5 in length for tight spots

Cons:

• Most expensive pick in this set
• Bare tool, no battery included
• Heavier than the two lightest picks

2. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw — Runner-up

The DCS387B keeps the fast 1-1/8 in stroke and 3 year warranty while shaving weight to 4.96 lb.

Best for: someone wanting the lightest DEWALT body on the platform Skip it if: you specifically need the 4-position clamp for flush indexing

This is the DCS367B's older sibling, and the case for it is simple: same 1-1/8 in stroke, same 3 year manufacturer warranty, but 4.96 lb instead of 5.4 lb. That half-pound matters over a long day of overhead cuts.

DEWALT lists a variable-speed trigger running 0-2,900 spm, which gives you blade control for precise starts. The 4-position blade clamp is here too, with tool-free changes, and a bright LED lights dark cavities. The total length is around 14 in, so it fits the same tight spaces as the winner.

Why isn't it number one? It's a brushed motor, not brushless, so it gives up the runtime advantage DEWALT claims for the XR line. It's also a bare tool at a premium price position, second only to the winner. The listed body dimensions are unusually compact, so double-check clearance against your own space before you commit.

Pros:

• Lighter at 4.96 lb than the winner
• 1-1/8 in stroke matches the top pick
• 3 year manufacturer warranty
• Variable-speed trigger, 0-2,900 spm claim
• LED light for dark cavities

Cons:

• Brushed motor, less runtime than XR
• Bare tool, battery not included
• Premium price for older design

3. SEESII Reciprocating Saw Cordless with 2 x 4.0Ah Batteries — Best upgrade

The SEESII is the only pick that arrives ready to cut, with two 4.0Ah batteries and six blades in the box.

Best for: buyers with no battery platform yet who want everything in one box Skip it if: you already own DEWALT, Milwaukee or Makita batteries

If you don't already have a cordless system, this is the pick that saves you a second purchase. SEESII includes two 4.0Ah batteries and six saw blades, so there's nothing else to buy before your first cut. It's mid-range in price for this set, which is fair given what's in the box.

SEESII says the fast-charging batteries minimize downtime, and the tool-free clamp swaps blades in seconds. A built-in LED lights cabinets and basements. The listing markets it as one-handed and light, though the packaged tool weighs 7.67 lb, the heaviest here. That figure likely includes a battery, so read it in context.

The trade-offs are real. There's no published stroke length, so you can't compare its cutting speed against the DEWALT pair. There's no stated warranty in the listing either, and only one seller stocks it. You're trading platform lock-in for an unknown on the two specs that decide cutting performance.

Pros:

• Two 4.0Ah batteries included
• Six saw blades in the box
• Tool-free blade changes
• Built-in LED work light
• No separate battery purchase needed

Cons:

• No published stroke length
• No stated warranty in the listing
• Heaviest tool here at 7.67 lb
• Only one seller lists it

4. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit — Best for pros

The BDCR20C is the lightest saw in this set at 4.5 lb, built for control on lighter cutting tasks.

Best for: light demo, trimming and occasional cutting Skip it if: you cut hardwood or heavy metal all day

The number that sells this saw is 4.5 lb, the lightest here. For overhead work, reaching into cabinets, or trimming where fatigue creeps in, a lighter tool wins. It's a kit, so it's a friendlier entry than the bare DEWALT tools, and it sits mid-range on price.

BLACK+DECKER lists tool-free blade changes, a pivoting shoe for steadier contact, and a variable-speed trigger for control. The body measures 7 x 15 x 3 in and carries a 2 year limited warranty. That's a shorter warranty than the DEWALT pair's 3 years, and it's the gap that keeps this off the top spot.

There's no published stroke length, so you're buying on weight and features rather than cutting speed. Note too that the listing flags international product terms, meaning fit and labeling may differ. For a pro cutting demanding material all day, the heavier DEWALT saws with their published stroke are the safer call.

Pros:

• Lightest saw here at 4.5 lb
• Sold as a kit, not bare
• Pivoting shoe for steadier cuts
• Variable-speed trigger for control
• Mid-range price position

Cons:

• No published stroke length
• 2 year warranty, shorter than DEWALT
• Listing flags international product terms

5. Skil 9206-02 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw — Best minimal setup

The Skil 9206-02 is the corded pick, so there's no battery to charge, buy or replace.

Best for: a fixed bench or workshop with power nearby Skip it if: you work far from an outlet or move around a lot

Corded changes the whole calculation. The Skil runs a 7.5 amp motor straight off the wall, so it never fades mid-cut and never needs a charged pack waiting. It's the second-cheapest pick here, and there's no battery cost hiding behind that number.

Skil lists a heavy-duty metal gear housing for durability, a counterbalance to tame vibration, and a pivoting foot for stability on tough material. Tool-less blade changes keep swaps quick. The body is long at 3.38 x 18 x 5.5 in and weighs 7.05 lb, so it's not the tool you want overhead for hours.

The cord is the catch. It tethers you to an outlet, which rules it out for roofs, remote sites and anywhere power isn't handy. There's no published stroke length and no stated warranty in the listing either. For a stationary cutting station, though, constant power and no charging routine are genuine advantages.

Pros:

• Corded, never runs out of charge
• 7.5 amp motor, no battery cost
• Metal gear housing for durability
• Counterbalance for vibration control
• Second-cheapest pick here

Cons:

• Cord limits where you can work
• Heavy at 7.05 lb, long body
• No published stroke length or warranty

6. EZARC Arc Edge Reciprocating Saw Blades — Best budget pick

These 15 in pruning blades are the cheapest way to change how any saw you own cuts green wood.

Best for: pruning thick branches and green timber Skip it if: you actually need the saw itself, not blades

Not a saw, and that's why it's placed last, but it's the smartest cheap add-on in this roundup. This is a 3-pack of 15 in blades at 6TPI, weighing just 0.51 lb, and it's the cheapest item here by a wide margin. It also sells faster than any saw in this set.

EZARC says the arc edge and triple-ground offset teeth give three cutting angles to cut friction, and the fleam-ground teeth with deep gullets are built for wet and green wood. The listing claims a cut capacity up to 300mm diameter and a universal shank that fits DEWALT, Bosch, Makita, BLACK+DECKER and Milwaukee.

Because it's a consumable, not a tool, it can't be the answer to "which saw." It's also long and coarse, tuned for pruning rather than fine or metal cutting, so it won't replace a general-purpose blade. Pair it with any pick above and you've upgraded your pruning for very little.

Pros:

• Cheapest item in this roundup
• 15 in reach for thick branches
• 6TPI aggressive tooth for green wood
• Universal shank fits most brands
• 3-pack, spares included

Cons:

• Blades only, not a saw
• Coarse 6TPI, poor for fine cuts
• Tuned for pruning, not metal

Cordless or corded for professional work?

Cordless or corded is the first fork, and it splits this set cleanly. Five picks run on batteries; the Skil 9206-02 alone plugs into the wall with its 7.5 amp motor.

Cordless wins on mobility. You climb, crawl and reach without a cord chasing you, which is why the DEWALT pair, the SEESII and the BLACK+DECKER all suit a working site. The cost is charging discipline and, for bare tools, buying batteries.

Corded wins on constancy. The Skil never fades and never waits for a charger, and at 7.05 lb it's built to sit at a bench. The tether is the whole limitation.

1. Working on roofs or remote sites: go cordless.
2. Cutting all day at one bench near power: corded saves the charging routine.
3. No battery platform yet: the SEESII bundles two 4.0Ah packs so you skip the extra purchase.

How much does blade choice matter?

A great saw with a dull blade cuts worse than a cheap saw with a sharp one. Blade choice is the cheapest performance upgrade you can make, which is why the EZARC 3-pack earned a spot here.

Tooth count decides the surface you get. Low TPI, like the EZARC's 6TPI, clears material fast for green wood and pruning. Higher TPI leaves a cleaner edge and suits metal or finish work. Match the blade to the material, not to the saw.

Length matters too. The EZARC blades run 15 in, long enough to reach through branches up to 300mm across, per the listing. That's far more reach than a standard demolition blade.

• Pruning and green wood: long, low-TPI blades like the EZARC 6TPI.
• Metal and finish cuts: shorter, high-TPI blades.
• General demolition: a mid-count all-purpose blade.

Every DEWALT and BLACK+DECKER pick here uses a tool-free clamp, so switching blades to match the job takes seconds.

When a different pick wins

The DEWALT DCS367B is the default, but three concrete situations flip it.

• You want the lightest possible tool. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C at 4.5 lb undercuts the winner's 5.4 lb. For overhead trimming and light demo, that weight difference beats a longer warranty.
• You own no batteries and want to start cutting today. The SEESII SRW02-SD includes two 4.0Ah packs and six blades, so there's nothing else to buy. The DEWALT saws are bare tools, so a battery-free buyer pays more before the first cut.
• You cut at a fixed bench near an outlet. The corded Skil 9206-02 never needs a charge and costs less up front, with a 7.5 amp motor that holds steady power indefinitely.

One more: if you already own a capable saw, skip the tools entirely and buy the EZARC blades to sharpen its pruning performance for very little.

The verdict

Entry, middle and premium each have a clear answer here. At the entry end, the corded Skil 9206-02 gives you a 7.5 amp motor and no battery to manage, and the EZARC blade 3-pack upgrades whatever saw you already own for the least money in this roundup.

In the middle, the SEESII SRW02-SD is the complete-kit choice, arriving with two 4.0Ah batteries and six blades so a first-time cordless buyer needs nothing else. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C sits here too and is the lightest saw at 4.5 lb, ideal for lighter cutting.

At the premium end, the best professional reciprocating saw is the DEWALT DCS367B. Its brushless motor, published 1-1/8 in stroke and 3 year warranty form a case none of the others match on all three counts. The DEWALT DCS387B is the runner-up, giving up the brushless motor and its runtime claim but trimming weight to 4.96 lb while keeping the same stroke and warranty. If price is the constraint, drop a band. If cutting speed and durability lead, the DCS367B is worth the premium.

FAQ

Is a professional reciprocating saw worth the premium price?

A professional reciprocating saw is worth the premium when you cut regularly and need speed and durability. The DEWALT DCS367B justifies its price with a brushless motor, a published 1-1/8 in stroke and a 3 year warranty. For occasional cuts near an outlet, the corded Skil 9206-02 costs far less and does the job.

What is the best professional reciprocating saw for tight spaces?

The best professional reciprocating saw for tight spaces is the DEWALT DCS367B, whose compact 14.5 in length slots between studs. DEWALT designs it for confined cavities. The DCS387B is similarly compact at roughly 14 in total length and weighs less at 4.96 lb, making it a strong second choice when reach and low weight both matter.

How does the DCS367B compare to the DCS387B?

Comparing the DCS367B to the DCS387B, both share a 1-1/8 in stroke and a 3 year warranty. The DCS367B uses a brushless motor for more runtime, per DEWALT, and adds a 4-position clamp. The DCS387B is lighter at 4.96 lb versus 5.4 lb but runs a brushed motor. Choose runtime or weight.

Does stroke length matter on a reciprocating saw?

Stroke length matters because it sets how much material the blade clears per pass. A longer stroke cuts faster and clogs less. The DEWALT pair both publish a 1-1/8 in stroke, the only saws here to state it. The SEESII, BLACK+DECKER and Skil list no stroke figure, so their cutting speed can't be directly compared.

What is the biggest mistake buying a reciprocating saw?

The biggest mistake is buying on voltage or amps while ignoring stroke length and weight. A high-voltage saw with a short stroke cuts slowly, and a heavy tool wears out your wrist. Also, buying a bare tool without checking battery cost catches many buyers. The DEWALT saws ship as bare tools, so budget for a pack.

Start by deciding whether you cut on the move or at a bench. If you move around a job site and already run DEWALT batteries, the DCS367B is the clean default: brushless, a 1-1/8 in stroke, and a 3 year warranty put it ahead of everything else here on the specs that decide cutting. If you're building a kit from nothing, the SEESII bundles the batteries and blades you'd otherwise buy separately. Whichever saw you pick, drop a set of the right EZARC blades in the case, because the sharpest blade beats the biggest motor.

Last updated: September 29, 2026. Product availability re-checked.

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