18V Best by platform
18V jigsaws
For home use, look at the depth in timber and make sure it has pendulum action. My pick: the Makita DJV185, brushless with a 135 mm cut.
Reviewed on 5 November 2026 · Data from the official spec sheets, linked on each model · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A jigsaw makes curved cuts and cut-outs: worktops, holes in boards, shapes.
Pendulum action pushes the blade forward on each stroke: it cuts faster in timber and switches off for fine cuts.
What to look for before you buy
- Depth in timber: 100 mm or more for general work.
- Blade stroke: 20-26 mm; a longer stroke cuts faster.
- Several pendulum settings.
- Top handle (the most common) or barrel grip, depending on how you like to guide it.
| Stroke | 23 mm |
|---|---|
| Strokes per minute | 800-3,000 |
| Cut in timber | 135 mm |
| Cut in steel | 10 mm |
| Pendulum | 3 settings + straight cut |
| Weight | 2.0-2.3 kg with battery |
Official spec sheet for the Makita DJV185Z · Sold without battery or charger
| Strokes per minute | Up to 3,200 |
|---|---|
| Pendulum | 4 settings |
| Bevel | 0-45° with stops at 0/15/30/45° |
| Weight | 2.81 kg |
| Motor | Brushless |
Official spec sheet for the DeWalt DCS334N · Sold without battery or charger
Bosch Professional GST 18V-95 B
Very light. A 95 mm cut in timber: enough for sheet material and most boards.
| Stroke | 20 mm |
|---|---|
| Strokes per minute | 0-3,300 |
| Cut in timber | 95 mm |
| Cut in aluminium | 15 mm |
| Pendulum | 4 settings |
| Weight | 1.6 kg without battery |
Official spec sheet for the Bosch Professional GST 18V-95 B · Sold without battery or charger
Einhell TP-JST 18/135 Li BL
The longest stroke and 135 mm in timber for a lot less money.
| Stroke | 26 mm |
|---|---|
| Strokes per minute | Up to 3,500 |
| Cut in timber | 135 mm |
| Cut in steel | 10 mm |
| Weight | 1.96 kg |
| Motor | Brushless |
Official spec sheet for the Einhell TP-JST 18/135 Li BL · Sold without battery or charger
| Stroke | 25 mm |
|---|---|
| Strokes per minute | 1,100-3,000 |
| Cut in timber | 101 mm |
| Cut in steel | 6 mm |
| Pendulum | 4 settings |
| Weight | 2.1 kg without battery |
Official spec sheet for the Ryobi R18JS · Sold without battery or charger
The pros and cons summarise opinions that come up again and again in the reviews and forums linked in the sources. I haven’t tested these tools in person.
What about Milwaukee?
I don’t include it with an Amazon link: its extended guarantee only covers purchases from an authorised distributor. If you already have M18 batteries, look for this model with the official dealer locator.
My pick
Makita DJV185 if you’re on Makita. The Einhell TP-JST 18/135 gives you almost the same for less if your battery is Power X-Change.
Sources
- Makita DJV185Z: official spec sheet
- DeWalt DCS334N: official spec sheet
- Bosch Professional GST 18V-95 B: official spec sheet
- Einhell TP-JST 18/135 Li BL: official spec sheet
- Ryobi R18JS: official spec sheet
Specs checked on the manufacturers’ websites on 5 November 2026. I don’t publish prices because they change every day.
More tools
- Combo kits
- Combi drills
- Impact drivers
- Mitre saws
- Circular saws
- Multi-tools
- Angle grinders
- Workshop vacuums
- 18V batteries
No platform yet? How to choose a platform in five questions.