Ryobi Jigsaw Review

The P523 is Ryobi’s brushless flagship jigsaw. It features a tool-free blade clamp that accepts T-shank blades, a four-position orbital action selector, and a variable speed trigger that ranges from 0 to 3,200 strokes per minute. The brushless motor delivers more runtime and power than the brushed P522, making it better suited for cutting thicker hardwoods and metals.

Owner reviews on retailer sites consistently praise its smooth operation and lack of vibration. The pivoting shoe adjusts for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees without tools. The main drawbacks are the lack of an integrated work light and a dust blower that cannot be turned off. For the price, it offers strong value for homeowners who already own Ryobi batteries.

The P522 is Ryobi’s entry-level cordless jigsaw. It uses a brushed motor that delivers up to 3,000 strokes per minute and includes a four-position orbital action selector. The tool-free blade clamp accepts T-shank blades, and the shoe adjusts for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees using an Allen key.

Owner reviews note that it cuts well for light-duty tasks like plywood and softwood, but struggles with thicker hardwoods and metals compared to the brushless P523. The lack of a trigger lock-on can be tiring during longer cuts. It is a solid choice for occasional use or for users on a tight budget who already own Ryobi batteries.

The PBLJS01B is part of Ryobi’s HP (High Performance) lineup, which uses advanced brushless motors for increased power and efficiency. It shares the same stroke rate as the P523 but delivers more torque, making it better for cutting thicker materials and dense hardwoods. It also includes an integrated LED work light, a feature missing on the P523.

Owner reviews highlight its smooth cutting action and improved dust blower performance. The tool-free bevel adjustment and blade clamp are convenient. The added weight and higher price are the main trade-offs. It is best suited for users who need extra power for demanding cuts and already use Ryobi HP batteries.

The P519 is an older brushed Ryobi jigsaw that has been largely replaced by the P522 and P523. It offers similar specifications to the P522, with a 3,000 SPM brushed motor and four orbital settings. It uses a tool-free blade clamp but requires an Allen key for bevel adjustments.

Owner reviews from when it was current note decent cut quality for light work but more vibration than newer models. It is no longer widely available new, but can be found on clearance or used markets. It is a viable budget option for users who find it at a very low price, but the P522 is a better choice for similar money.

The DeWalt DCS331B is a popular alternative from a professional-grade brand. It features a brushless motor, keyless bevel adjustment, and a superior dust collection port that connects to a vacuum. It is built to a higher standard than Ryobi models, with a more robust construction and better vibration dampening.

Owner reviews consistently rate it highly for cut accuracy and durability. The main downside is the higher price and the need to own DeWalt batteries. For users who want professional performance and already have DeWalt tools, it is a strong choice. For those in the Ryobi ecosystem, the P523 or PBLJS01B offer similar performance at a lower cost.