Best Jigsaw Under £50
Finding a reliable jigsaw that doesn't break the bank is tough. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best budget-friendly jigsaws for DIYers.
Quick answer
The best jigsaw under £50 is the Bosch PST 650. It offers the smoothest cut and best build quality for the price. For a budget-friendly corded option with variable speed, the Einhell TC-JS 60 is the best value pick.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Bosch PST 650
The most reliable and smooth-cutting jigsaw in this price bracket.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch PST 650 | Overall Best | 500W, 19mm stroke | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon |
| Einhell TC-JS 60 | Best Value | 600W, 45° bevel | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon |
| Draper Storm Force | Budget Corded | 450W, 3-speed | 4.0/5 | Check Amazon |
| Ryobi RJS800 | Best Cordless (if owned) | 18V, 3000 spm | 4.2/5 | Check Amazon |
| Stanley STEL850 | Light Duty | 550W, 4-position | 3.9/5 | Check Amazon |
Bosch PST 650
Best OverallPros
- Smooth cutting action with low vibration
- Bosch build quality and reliability
- Tool-free blade change system
Cons
- No LED light for the cut line
- Dust blower is not very powerful
The Bosch PST 650 is the benchmark for budget jigsaws. Owner reviews consistently praise its smooth cutting action and low vibration levels, which make it comfortable to use for extended periods. The 500W motor provides enough power for cutting softwood, plywood, and plastic sheets up to 65mm thick.
While it lacks some modern features like an LED light, the tool-free blade change and variable speed trigger are well-implemented. The build quality is noticeably better than other options at this price, with a solid base plate that stays square. It is a straightforward, reliable tool that gets the job done without fuss.
Einhell TC-JS 60
Best ValuePros
- Powerful 600W motor for the price
- Includes a parallel guide and anti-splinter insert
- Good value for money
Cons
- Higher vibration than the Bosch
- Plastic base plate feels less durable
The Einhell TC-JS 60 is the best choice if you want the most power for your money. With a 600W motor and a 20mm stroke length, it cuts through thicker materials like hardwood and laminate flooring more easily than the Bosch. It also comes with useful accessories like a parallel guide and an anti-splinter insert.
Owner feedback indicates that while the cutting performance is strong, the vibration levels are higher than the premium Bosch model. The base plate is also made of plastic, which may wear faster over time. However, for the price, the feature set and cutting power are hard to beat for general DIY tasks.
Draper Storm Force 450W
Budget CordedPros
- Very low price point
- 3-position orbital action for different cuts
- Lightweight at 1.8kg
Cons
- Less powerful motor struggles with thick hardwood
- Build quality is basic with plastic components
The Draper Storm Force is the entry-level champion. It is the cheapest jigsaw on this list, making it accessible for the most occasional DIY user. It features a 3-position orbital action, which allows you to adjust the cutting aggressiveness for different materials, a feature not always found at this price.
Reviews note that the 450W motor is adequate for cutting plywood, MDF, and softwood up to 40mm thick, but it will struggle with thicker hardwood or metal. The build quality is basic, with a plastic housing and a less precise blade guide. For light, infrequent use, it is a functional tool that will not break the bank.
Ryobi RJS800
Best Cordless (if owned)Pros
- Excellent portability and convenience
- Part of the Ryobi ONE+ battery system
- Tool-free blade change
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Less power than corded models
The Ryobi RJS800 is the top cordless pick, but only if you already own Ryobi 18V batteries. Buying this as a bare tool is cost-effective, but buying the kit with a battery will push the price over £50. It offers the freedom to cut without a cord, which is useful for cutting plywood on a workbench or trimming fence posts.
Owner reviews highlight its convenience and decent cutting speed for a cordless tool. It handles most DIY tasks well, but the runtime on a standard 2Ah battery is limited for heavy use. The build quality is typical Ryobi: good for the price, with a comfortable grip and a clear dust blower.
Stanley STEL850
Light DutyPros
- 4-position orbital action for versatility
- Ergonomic soft-grip handle
- Includes a carrying case
Cons
- Blade change requires an Allen key
- Some reports of the base plate bending
The Stanley STEL850 is a solid entry-level jigsaw that is often found at a very competitive price. It features a 4-position orbital action, giving you more control over the cut aggressiveness than the Draper model. The soft-grip handle is comfortable, and the included plastic carrying case is a nice bonus for storage.
The main drawback is the tooled blade change, which requires an Allen key (included). This is less convenient than the tool-free systems on the Bosch or Einhell. Owner reviews also mention that the stamped steel base plate can bend if excessive force is applied. It is best suited for light, straight cuts in softwood and plywood.
What to check before buying a jigsaw under £50
When shopping on a tight budget, you need to focus on the features that matter most for cutting performance and ease of use. The motor power, measured in watts (W), is the first thing to check. A 500W motor is the sweet spot for this price range. Anything below 400W will struggle with thicker materials like 2x4 lumber or hardwood.
Next, look at the stroke length. A longer stroke (19mm or 20mm) means the blade moves further with each cycle, which cuts faster and clears sawdust more effectively. A shorter 18mm stroke is fine for thinner materials. Also, check for a variable speed trigger or dial. This allows you to slow the blade down for cutting metal or plastic, preventing the blade from overheating.
Finally, consider the blade change system. A tool-free blade change is a huge convenience and is the standard on the best models like the Bosch PST 650. Models that require an Allen key or screwdriver are slower to use and more frustrating.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a budget jigsaw
The most common mistake is buying a cordless jigsaw without already owning the battery system. The bare tool price might be under £50, but you will need to spend another £40-60 on a battery and charger, blowing your budget. Stick to corded models unless you are already invested in a platform like Ryobi ONE+.
Another mistake is ignoring the orbital action feature. A jigsaw without orbital action (or with only one setting) will cut slower and less aggressively. Look for models with at least 3 or 4 settings. This allows you to switch from a straight, clean cut for plywood to an aggressive, fast cut for rough lumber.
Lastly, do not buy a jigsaw solely based on the highest wattage. A 600W motor with a poor blade guide and high vibration will produce a worse cut than a 500W motor with a smooth action and good blade support. The Bosch PST 650 is a perfect example of this.
FAQs
Can a jigsaw under £50 cut hardwood?
Yes, but it will be slower than more expensive models. A 500W jigsaw with a sharp blade can cut hardwood up to 40mm thick.
What is the difference between orbital action and straight cut?
Orbital action moves the blade in a slight oval motion for faster, more aggressive cuts. Straight cut is for clean, precise cuts in thin materials.
Is a cordless jigsaw under £50 worth buying?
Only if you already own the battery system. Buying a bare tool is cheap, but the battery and charger will push the total cost well over £50.
What is the best jigsaw blade for cutting metal?
Use a T-shank blade with a fine tooth count (24 TPI or higher) and set the jigsaw to the lowest speed setting to prevent overheating.
How do I change the blade on a Bosch PST 650?
The Bosch PST 650 has a tool-free blade change. You simply push the lever on the side, insert the blade, and release the lever to lock it.
Can I cut a 45-degree bevel with a budget jigsaw?
Yes, all the jigsaws on this list have a tilting base plate that allows you to cut bevels up to 45 degrees in both directions.
Why is my jigsaw blade bending?
This usually happens when you are pushing the jigsaw too hard, or the blade is dull. Let the tool do the work and use a sharp blade.
What is the maximum cutting depth for a 500W jigsaw?
In softwood, a 500W jigsaw can typically cut up to 65mm. In hardwood, the maximum is around 40mm, and in steel, it is about 5mm.
Is the Einhell TC-JS 60 better than the Bosch PST 650?
The Einhell has more power, but the Bosch has better build quality and lower vibration. For most DIYers, the Bosch is the better overall tool.
Do I need a dust blower on my jigsaw?
A dust blower helps keep the cut line clear of sawdust, which improves accuracy. It is a useful feature, but not essential for basic cuts.
Our verdict
For most DIYers, the Bosch PST 650 is the best jigsaw under £50. It offers the best balance of smooth cutting, build quality, and reliability. If you need more power for thicker materials and want to save money, the Einhell TC-JS 60 is the best value pick. Avoid cordless models unless you already own the batteries.