Best Reciprocating Saw Under £100
Finding a capable reciprocating saw on a budget doesn't mean you have to settle for poor performance. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best reciprocating saw under £100 for demolition, pruning, and general DIY.
Quick answer
The best reciprocating saw under £100 is the Bosch Professional GSA 120 for its superior build quality and consistent power. For occasional use, the Ryobi RRS1801-M18 cordless kit offers excellent value and battery ecosystem flexibility.
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 Professional GSA 120
Best corded power and durability for under £100.
| Product | Best for | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GSA 120 | Overall / Demolition | 1200 W, 28 mm stroke | 4.7/5 | Check |
| Ryobi RRS1801-M18 | Cordless / DIY | 18 V, 1 x 4.0 Ah battery | 4.5/5 | Check |
| Einhell TC-RS 22 | Budget / Light use | 800 W, variable speed | 4.3/5 | Check |
| Draper 44318 | Pruning / Wood | 900 W, 20 mm stroke | 4.2/5 | Check |
| Sealey 2000W | Heavy duty / Metal | 2000 W, 32 mm stroke | 4.4/5 | Check |
Bosch Professional GSA 120
Best OverallPros
- Excellent build quality from Bosch Professional
- Strong 1200 W motor for tough cuts
- Low vibration for better control
Cons
- Only corded, limits mobility
- Heavier than some cordless models
The Bosch GSA 120 is a corded reciprocating saw that delivers consistent power for demolition and heavy-duty cutting. Owner reviews highlight its robust construction and ability to cut through timber, metal pipes, and even masonry with the correct blade. The 28 mm stroke length provides fast cutting, while the variable speed trigger gives you control.
It is heavier than cordless alternatives, but the lack of battery concerns makes it ideal for prolonged use. The SDS blade change system is tool-free and secure. For under £100, this is the most reliable performer you can buy.
Ryobi RRS1801-M18
Best CordlessPros
- Part of the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem
- Lightweight and portable
- Tool-free blade change
Cons
- Less power than corded models
- Battery life limited for heavy use
The Ryobi RRS1801-M18 is a cordless reciprocating saw that offers great convenience for DIYers who already own Ryobi tools. It comes with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, making it ready to use out of the box. The variable speed trigger and LED work light are practical additions.
Owner reviews note it handles pruning, PVC, and light demolition well. It is not as powerful as corded saws, but the freedom of movement is a major advantage. The 22 mm stroke is shorter, so cuts take slightly longer.
Einhell TC-RS 22
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price point
- Variable speed trigger
- Includes a carrying case
Cons
- Less powerful for tough materials
- Higher vibration levels
The Einhell TC-RS 22 is a budget-friendly corded reciprocating saw that works well for occasional DIY tasks. It has an 800 W motor and a 20 mm stroke, which is enough for cutting wood, plastic, and thin metal. The included carrying case is a nice bonus.
Owner reviews say it is a good value saw for light use, but it struggles with thick timber or heavy demolition. The vibration is noticeable, so it is not ideal for extended use. For the price, it is a capable entry-level tool.
Draper 44318
Best for PruningPros
- Good for cutting tree branches
- Tool-free blade change
- Durable build
Cons
- Short stroke length
- Not ideal for metal cutting
The Draper 44318 is a corded reciprocating saw designed with pruning in mind. It has a 900 W motor and a 20 mm stroke, which is sufficient for cutting branches up to 150 mm in diameter. The tool-free blade change system is convenient for swapping between pruning and wood blades.
Owner reviews praise its performance on green wood and general garden maintenance. It is less effective on metal or thick timber due to the shorter stroke. It is a solid choice for gardeners who need a saw for occasional tree work.
Sealey 2000W
Best for Heavy DutyPros
- Extremely powerful motor
- Long 32 mm stroke for fast cuts
- Good for metal and thick wood
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- High vibration and noise
The Sealey 2000W is a corded reciprocating saw built for heavy demolition work. Its 2000 W motor and 32 mm stroke make it one of the most powerful options under £100. It cuts through thick timber, metal pipes, and even masonry with ease.
Owner reviews note that it is very heavy at 4.5 kg, making it tiring for overhead work. The vibration is significant, so good gloves are recommended. It is not a daily driver for most DIYers, but for serious demolition projects, it offers exceptional power for the price.
What to check before buying a reciprocating saw under £100
When shopping on a budget, focus on key specs that affect performance. Stroke length is important: a longer stroke (28-32 mm) cuts faster and is better for demolition. A shorter stroke (20-22 mm) is fine for pruning and light work. Power is measured in watts for corded saws (800-2000 W) or volts for cordless (18 V is standard). For under £100, corded models offer more power per pound.
Weight and vibration matter for comfort. Heavier saws with more power can be tiring. Look for saws with a variable speed trigger for better control. Tool-free blade change is a must for convenience. Check the brand reliability: Bosch and Ryobi have strong ecosystems, while Einhell and Draper offer good value for occasional use.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not buy a cordless saw without checking the battery ecosystem. If you already own Ryobi or Einhell tools, a bare tool might be cheaper. Avoid saws with a very short stroke (under 20 mm) for general use. They are only suitable for pruning. Do not ignore vibration ratings: higher vibration leads to fatigue and less accuracy. Finally, do not assume a higher wattage always means better performance. Build quality and blade compatibility also matter.
FAQs
Can I cut metal with a reciprocating saw under £100?
Yes, most models can cut thin metal with a suitable bi-metal blade. For thicker metal, a higher wattage saw like the Sealey 2000W is recommended.
Is corded or cordless better for under £100?
Corded saws offer more power and run time for the same price. Cordless saws are more portable but have less power and limited battery life.
What is the best reciprocating saw for pruning under £100?
The Draper 44318 is the best for pruning due to its 900 W motor and tool-free blade change. It handles branches up to 150 mm well.
How long do batteries last on a cordless reciprocating saw?
With a 4.0 Ah battery, you can expect 20-30 minutes of continuous cutting. For heavy use, a larger battery or corded model is better.
Do I need a variable speed trigger?
Yes, variable speed gives you better control for different materials. It helps prevent blade breakage and improves accuracy.
What is the difference between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw?
A reciprocating saw has a longer stroke and is used for demolition and rough cuts. A jigsaw has a shorter stroke for precise curved cuts.
Can I use pruning blades on a reciprocating saw?
Yes, pruning blades are standard and fit all reciprocating saws. They have larger teeth for cutting green wood.
Is the Bosch GSA 120 worth the extra cost?
Yes, the Bosch GSA 120 offers superior build quality and low vibration. It is the best overall option for under £100.
What safety gear do I need?
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection. A reciprocating saw can kick back, so a firm grip is essential.
Can I use a reciprocating saw for demolition?
Yes, it is ideal for demolition. The Sealey 2000W or Bosch GSA 120 are good choices for cutting through walls, pipes, and timber.
Our verdict
The best reciprocating saw under £100 is the Bosch Professional GSA 120 for its powerful 1200 W motor, low vibration, and professional build quality. For cordless convenience, the Ryobi RRS1801-M18 is the best budget-friendly option. If you need maximum power for heavy demolition, the Sealey 2000W offers exceptional value.