The Bosch PST 800 PEL is the best jigsaw here for most DIY renovators. It is an affordable corded machine with pendulum action, a case and Bosch’s cut-line aid, making it a practical choice for flooring, shelves and shaped cuts.
We have not hands-on tested these machines. We compared current retailer information, manufacturer information, bundle contents and the practical compromises that matter during home renovation. Availability and bundles can change, so confirm the product details before ordering.
Our top pick
Bosch PST 800 PEL
A manageable corded all-rounder with pendulum action and a case, without battery-platform complications.
Best Jigsaws at a glance
| Product | Best for | Power format | Best use | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch PST 800 PEL | Best overall | Corded, 530W | General DIY | You need trade-duty cordless performance or deep cutting capacity. |
| Bosch PST 700 E | Best budget branded option | Corded, 500W | Occasional light DIY | You want pendulum settings and more control for frequent work. |
| DeWalt DCS334NT-XJ | Best premium cordless option | 18V brushless bare tool with case | Frequent renovation work | You need a battery and charger included or only make occasional cuts. |
| Makita DJV180Z with case | Best for Makita owners | 18V bare tool with case | Existing LXT users | You are starting from scratch and want a complete kit. |
| Ryobi R18JS-0 kit | Best complete cordless value | 18V kit | Mobile household DIY | You prioritise the refinement of a premium brushless machine. |
| DeWalt DCS335N-XJ | Best body-grip cordless option | 18V brushless bare tool | Low, controlled cutting position | You prefer a conventional top handle or need a battery and charger included. |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to compare every column.
How we chose these products
The shortlist favours recognisable tools with distinct use cases rather than six cosmetic variations. We checked whether each product was available from the linked retailer at the time of review and distinguished corded machines, bare tools and complete battery kits. We excluded unavailable products and did not use temporary prices as a ranking factor.
Best overall
1. Bosch PST 800 PEL
Why it made the shortlist
A manageable corded all-rounder with pendulum action and a case, without battery-platform complications.
Mains power avoids battery compatibility and charging decisions, although cable routing needs care around the work area. It is aimed at general diy, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: Corded, 530W
Best use: General DIY
What to check before buying
You need trade-duty cordless performance or deep cutting capacity. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
A manageable corded all-rounder with pendulum action and a case, without battery-platform complications.
Skip it if
You need trade-duty cordless performance or deep cutting capacity.
Best budget branded option
2. Bosch PST 700 E
Why it made the shortlist
A simpler established-brand choice for infrequent straight and curved cuts in suitable materials.
Mains power avoids battery compatibility and charging decisions, although cable routing needs care around the work area. It is aimed at occasional light diy, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: Corded, 500W
Best use: Occasional light DIY
What to check before buying
You want pendulum settings and more control for frequent work. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
A simpler established-brand choice for infrequent straight and curved cuts in suitable materials.
Skip it if
You want pendulum settings and more control for frequent work.
Best premium cordless option
3. DeWalt DCS334NT-XJ
Why it made the shortlist
Brushless cordless handling and tool-free adjustment suit users already invested in DeWalt XR.
The important buying check is the bundle: this is a bare-tool-style choice, so allow for a compatible battery and charger. It is aimed at frequent renovation work, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: 18V brushless bare tool with case
Best use: Frequent renovation work
What to check before buying
You need a battery and charger included or only make occasional cuts. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
Brushless cordless handling and tool-free adjustment suit users already invested in DeWalt XR.
Skip it if
You need a battery and charger included or only make occasional cuts.
Best for Makita owners
4. Makita DJV180Z with case
Why it made the shortlist
A familiar LXT platform option with a case for buyers who already have batteries and blades.
The important buying check is the bundle: this is a bare-tool-style choice, so allow for a compatible battery and charger. It is aimed at existing lxt users, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: 18V bare tool with case
Best use: Existing LXT users
What to check before buying
You are starting from scratch and want a complete kit. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
A familiar LXT platform option with a case for buyers who already have batteries and blades.
Skip it if
You are starting from scratch and want a complete kit.
Best complete cordless value
5. Ryobi R18JS-0 kit
Why it made the shortlist
This kit includes a battery and charger, avoiding the misleading low entry price of a bare tool.
This version is presented as a kit or bundle, which makes the initial cost easier to judge than a naked tool. It is aimed at mobile household diy, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: 18V kit
Best use: Mobile household DIY
What to check before buying
You prioritise the refinement of a premium brushless machine. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
This kit includes a battery and charger, avoiding the misleading low entry price of a bare tool.
Skip it if
You prioritise the refinement of a premium brushless machine.
Best body-grip cordless option
6. DeWalt DCS335N-XJ
Why it made the shortlist
The body-grip format places your hand lower over the cut and suits experienced users already invested in DeWalt XR.
The important buying check is the bundle: this is a bare-tool-style choice, so allow for a compatible battery and charger. It is aimed at low, controlled cutting position, rather than being the automatic answer for every buyer.
Format: 18V brushless bare tool
Best use: Low, controlled cutting position
What to check before buying
You prefer a conventional top handle or need a battery and charger included. Check the box contents, compatible accessories and manufacturer limits on the current product page; similarly named variants can include different batteries, cases or blades.
Choose it if
The body-grip format places your hand lower over the cut and suits experienced users already invested in DeWalt XR.
Skip it if
You prefer a conventional top handle or need a battery and charger included.
What a jigsaw does well
A jigsaw is the most approachable powered saw for curves, notches and internal cut-outs. It is useful for laminate flooring, worktop openings, shelves and sheet material when the correct blade and support are used. For long perfectly straight sheet cuts, a circular or track saw with a guide is usually more accurate.
Corded or cordless?
Corded models offer good value and consistent power at the bench. Cordless jigsaws reduce cable snagging around floors and fitted units, but the battery affects balance. Compare complete-kit cost and do not assume a bare tool includes a battery.
Blades matter more than marketing extras
Match the blade material, tooth pattern and length to the workpiece. A fine reverse-tooth blade can reduce breakout on a visible laminate face, while a coarse blade cuts timber faster. Pendulum action speeds suitable rough cuts but normally increases breakout, so reduce it for cleaner work and tight curves.
How to cut more accurately
Support the workpiece, mark both the waste side and orientation, allow the blade to reach speed and keep the shoe flat. Do not force a tight curve or side-load the blade. Extraction and a clear cut line help, but eye, hearing and dust protection remain necessary.
Buying checks that prevent expensive mistakes
- Confirm the exact variant: a model family may include bare tools, kits, cases and accessory packs under very similar names.
- Price the whole system: include batteries, chargers, blades, bits, extraction adapters and safe work support, not only the headline tool price.
- Match the accessory to the material: the wrong blade or bit can cut badly, overheat or create a safety risk even when the machine itself is capable.
- Plan dust control: construction dust is not ordinary household mess. The HSE construction-dust guidance explains why prevention, extraction and suitable respiratory protection matter.
- Read the instructions before first use: guards, handles, clamps and operating modes are part of the safety system, not optional extras.
What we would buy for a typical renovation
The best-value choice is rarely the cheapest body on the page. For occasional work near a socket, a good corded machine usually gives more capability per pound and can sit unused without leaving you with ageing batteries. Cordless makes more sense when you already own the platform, move constantly between rooms or work where a cable would be a genuine nuisance.
Buy for the next two or three credible projects, not an imagined future workshop. A more expensive model earns its place through better handling, lower vibration, useful capacity or compatibility you will actually use. If those gains do not change the work, keep the money for high-quality accessories, extraction and stable support.
The bottom line
The Bosch PST 800 PEL is the best jigsaw here for most DIY renovators. It is an affordable corded machine with pendulum action, a case and Bosch’s cut-line aid, making it a practical choice for flooring, shelves and shaped cuts.
Continue building your renovation toolkit with our best cordless drills, best oscillating multi-tools, best wet and dry vacuums, best laser levels, best random orbital sanders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best jigsaw for DIY?
The Bosch PST 800 PEL is our best overall choice for ordinary renovation work because it balances control, features and price.
Can a jigsaw cut laminate flooring?
Yes, with a suitable blade, stable support and the correct face orientation for that blade. Test on an offcut first.
Can a jigsaw make straight cuts?
It can make short straight cuts with care, but a circular or track saw and guide is normally better for long, precise lines.
Is a cordless jigsaw worth it?
Yes when mobility matters or you already own compatible batteries; otherwise a corded model is often better value.
What is pendulum action?
It moves the blade slightly forward as well as up and down, increasing speed in suitable materials but usually producing a rougher edge.
Why does my jigsaw blade wander?
Common causes include forcing the saw, using the wrong or dull blade, inadequate support and asking a thin blade to make a cut beyond its capability.
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