Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saw: Which to Buy?
Corded vs cordless reciprocating saw: 3 saws compared on power, speed, stroke length and warranty for garage and demolition work.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
DEWALT Die Grinder9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
Makita JR3051T-R 115V 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating SawView on Amazon - 5
SKIL 13 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw with Buzzkill TechnologyView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose a corded saw if you cut for long sessions near an outlet and want the highest stated amperage. Choose a cordless saw if you work away from outlets and want the stated 3-year warranty.
Both sides cut wood; the corded examples also state metal, PVC and cast iron. They differ in where the power comes from, and that decides runtime and where each works best. This comparison covers both sides, then three examples from the listings we reviewed.
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| # | Product | Shop Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw, 7.5 Amp, 3,200 RPM | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  GALAX PRO 120V Reciprocating Saw | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
For cordless freedom: a 20V saw with a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- 20V battery powered with 3,000 SPM
- 1-1/8 in stroke length for fast cutting
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting
- Listing states a 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Battery and charger details are not stated
- 2.41 kg is heavier than it looks
- No stated runtime or charge time
- Brushless is stated as a feature with no detail
CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw, 7.5 Amp, 3,200 RPM
For corded power: a 7.5 Amp saw with a 3,200 RPM top speed.
Pros
- 7.5 Amp motor with 900 watts stated
- 3,200 RPM top speed with variable trigger
- 1-1/8 in stroke length
- Tool-free blade release and contoured over-molded handle
Cons
- Warranty type is Limited Warranty with no term stated
- 7 lbs needs two hands for long cuts
- Needs a 120V outlet nearby
- Wood blade included; other blades not stated
GALAX PRO 120V Reciprocating Saw
For multi-material corded cutting: a 6.0 Amp saw with heat protection.
Pros
- 6.0 Amp pure copper motor, up to 3,000 SPM
- Self-protection heat dissipation stated
- Stated for hardwood, softwood, metal, PVC and cast iron
- 120V corded, no batteries to manage
Cons
- Warranty type is Limited Warranty with no term stated
- No stroke length is stated
- 6 in blade is shorter than the 8 in blades
- No weight is stated
More options to compare
Makita JR3051T-R 115V 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating SawCheck price on Amazon
SKIL 13 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw with Buzzkill TechnologyCheck price on Amazon
Corded vs cordless reciprocating saw: side by side
| Corded | Cordless | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | 120V corded electric | 20V battery powered |
| Example speed | 3,200 RPM (CRAFTSMAN) | 3,000 SPM (DEWALT) |
| Stroke length | 1-1/8 in (CRAFTSMAN) | 1-1/8 in (DEWALT) |
| Example weight | 7 lbs (CRAFTSMAN) | 2.41 kg (DEWALT) |
| Warranty stated | Limited, no term | 3 Year Limited |
Example figures are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 20 October 2026.
Power and runtime
The corded examples state 7.5 Amp and 900 watts on the CRAFTSMAN and 120V with a 6.0 Amp motor on the GALAX PRO, with runtime from the wall rather than a battery. The cordless DEWALT states 20V battery power with no runtime or charge time stated. The listings state amps and volts in different units, so neither side wins on stated power alone.
Speed and stroke
The CRAFTSMAN states 3,200 RPM, the DEWALT states 3,000 SPM and the GALAX PRO states up to 3,000 SPM. Both the CRAFTSMAN and the DEWALT state a 1-1/8 in stroke length; the GALAX PRO states no stroke length. Stroke is the one spec stated clearly on both sides, and it is a tie.
Weight and handling
The CRAFTSMAN states 7 lbs and the DEWALT states 2.41 kg; the GALAX PRO states no weight. The DEWALT adds a rubber overmolded grip and the CRAFTSMAN a contoured over-molded handle. Blade changes are tool-free on the CRAFTSMAN, and the DEWALT pairs tool-free changes with a 4-position clamp.
Warranty
Only the DEWALT states a concrete term: a 3 Year Limited Warranty. Both corded listings state a Limited Warranty type with no term. On stated warranty, the cordless side wins.
Blades and blade changes
All three listings state tool-free blade changes, but the details differ. The CRAFTSMAN states a tool-free blade release and includes one 8-inch wood blade in high speed steel. The GALAX PRO states a tool-less quick-release chuck and includes five blades: 2 wood cutting blades and 3 metal cutting blades, with a 6-inch blade length stated and compatibility with all standard reciprocating saw blades. The DEWALT pairs tool-free blade changes with a 4-position blade clamp, which the listing says allows flush cutting and more positional versatility, plus a pivoting adjustable shoe that extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut control. The GALAX PRO also states a pivoting shoe that adjusts plus or minus 15 degrees to irregular surfaces. For a buyer, the GALAX PRO box is the most blade-complete, while the DEWALT clamp offers the most positions.
What comes in the box
The box contents tell you what else to buy. The CRAFTSMAN includes the CMES300 saw and one wood blade. The GALAX PRO includes the saw, an Allen key, 2 wood saw blades, 3 metal saw blades, a user manual and a warranty card. The DEWALT is tool only: the listing states the included components as Tool, with no battery, so a 20V MAX battery from the same platform is a separate purchase. If you already own cordless batteries, tool-only is the cheaper entry; if you do not, the corded boxes are complete as stated.
Handles, triggers and shoes
Control features are stated on all three. The CRAFTSMAN states a contoured over-molded handle with a rubber or rubber-like handle material and a variable speed trigger ranging from 0 to 3,200 RPM. The GALAX PRO states a soft-grip ergonomic silicone handle that works for left and right-handed users, plus a lock-on button that frees the finger from constant trigger pressure. The DEWALT states a rubber overmolded comfort grip and a variable speed trigger with 0 to 3,000 SPM. The GALAX PRO and DEWALT both state a pivoting shoe; the DEWALT shoe is adjustable for depth of cut, the GALAX PRO shoe pivots plus or minus 15 degrees.
Cooling and long sessions
Only the GALAX PRO talks about heat. Its listing states self-protection heat dissipation and a built-in cooldown mechanism that extends motor life under heavy use, and recommends a pause only for ultimate longevity. The CRAFTSMAN states a 7.5 Amp motor at 900 watts with no cooling statement. The DEWALT spec table states a brushless motor and bullets state a double oil sealed shaft that resists contamination and increases durability. The GALAX PRO states a 6.0 Amp pure copper motor at 720 watts. On stated cooling features alone, the GALAX PRO says the most; the others leave it unstated.
Size on the shelf
The CRAFTSMAN states 23.12 by 4.5 by 7.25 in and 7 pounds. The GALAX PRO states 17.32 by 7.48 by 3.27 in with no weight stated. The DEWALT states a weight of 2.41 kg, while its spec table lists dimensions of 1 in by 1 in by 1 in, which plainly do not describe a reciprocating saw; the weight figure is the usable one. By the stated figures, the CRAFTSMAN is the longest and heaviest of the three, which suits a bench but not a tool belt.
Materials each listing names
The corded examples name more materials. The GALAX PRO lists hardwood, softwood, metal, PVC and cast iron, and its uses include firewood, pallets, sheet metal, PVC pipes, plastic and cast iron pipes. The CRAFTSMAN names wood as its surface recommendation with high speed steel blades. The DEWALT names wood as its surface recommendation. If the job list includes metal and PVC, the corded listings say more about it; if it is wood only, all three listings cover it.
Certifications stated
The CRAFTSMAN is the only one of the three with a stated certification: UL in its spec table. The GALAX PRO states no certification. The DEWALT spec table lists its specification as unset. A stated UL listing is a checkable safety mark; its absence elsewhere is not a failure, just an unstated line.
Example saws
For more choices, see the best corded reciprocating saw and the best cordless reciprocating saw.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more powerful, corded or cordless?
The listings state different units: 7.5 Amp and 900 watts on the CRAFTSMAN, 20V on the DEWALT. Neither side wins on stated power alone.
Do the corded saws need batteries?
No. Both corded examples are 120V electric and run from a wall outlet.
Which has the longest stroke?
Both the CRAFTSMAN and the DEWALT state a 1-1/8 in stroke length. The GALAX PRO states no stroke length.
Does any of these state a warranty term?
The DEWALT states a 3 Year Limited Warranty. Both corded listings state a Limited Warranty type with no term.
What do the listings state for weight?
The CRAFTSMAN states 7 lbs and the DEWALT states 2.41 kg. The GALAX PRO states no weight.
Related: the best corded reciprocating saw, the best cordless reciprocating saw and our cordless tools hub.
