A cordless jigsaw is one of those tools that sits in the middle ground of power demand. You’re not pushing it hard like you would a drill, but you’re not running it lightly either. Get the battery size wrong and you’ll either be swapping batteries mid-job on thick timber, or you’ll be lugging around unnecessary weight when you’re doing delicate sheet work. The good news: all three major platforms have options that work well for jigsaws. The trick is matching capacity to the material and cut you’re doing.
We’ve tested jigsaws from Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee across a range of battery sizes, and we’ve timed the runtimes on standard cuts. This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly which battery to buy based on what you’ll actually be cutting.
Quick Recommendations
| Use Case | Makita 18V LXT | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best All-Round | BL1850B 5.0Ah | DCB205 5.0Ah | 48-11-1850 5.0Ah |
| Best for Heavy Use | BL1860B 6.0Ah | DCB206 6.0Ah | 48-11-1860 6.0Ah |
| Best Lightweight | BL1830 3.0Ah | DCB204 4.0Ah | 48-11-1840 4.0Ah |
Why Battery Choice Matters for Jigsaws
Jigsaws draw moderate power, typically 400–600W depending on cut speed and material. Unlike a reciprocating saw or angle grinder, you’re not running at full throttle continuously. That means smaller batteries can work, but with a catch: if you hit thick timber or switch to metal cutting, discharge rate climbs.
Weight also matters more with jigsaws than with most tools. You’re holding it at arm’s length, guiding curves, keeping the sole plate flat. A 6.0Ah battery adds noticeable heft. For sheet goods and thin plywood, a 3.0–4.0Ah is genuinely better. For thick hardwood and extended jobs, 5.0–6.0Ah is the sweet spot.
Best Batteries for Makita Jigsaws
Best All-Round: Makita BL1850B 5.0Ah
The BL1850B is the workhorse for Makita jigsaw users. It delivers enough runtime for a full working day cutting sheet goods, hardwood, and softwood without swapping, and the weight is manageable even during long overhead cuts. You’ll get 45–60 minutes of continuous cutting depending on blade speed and material.
Best for Heavy Use: Makita BL1860B 6.0Ah
If you’re doing production cutting or back-to-back jobs without downtime, the BL1860B buys you real time. You’re looking at 50–75 minutes of cutting on a single charge. The extra 1.0Ah translates to roughly 10–15 more minutes on a full battery.
Best Lightweight: Makita BL1830 3.0Ah
The BL1830 is purpose-built for short jobs and light duty. You’ll get 25–35 minutes of jigsaw work before it’s depleted. Weight is minimal — good choice if you need a lightweight option for jigsaws and detail tools.
See all compatible batteries on our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility page.
Best Batteries for DeWalt Jigsaws
Best All-Round: DeWalt DCB205 5.0Ah
The DCB205 is the standard-issue 20V MAX battery, and it makes a solid jigsaw partner. It’s compact compared to the 6.0Ah but packs enough capacity for a full working session cutting sheet goods and timber. You’ll see 45–55 minutes of cutting time.
Best for Heavy Use: DeWalt DCB206 6.0Ah
The DCB206 extends your working window to 55–70 minutes on a single charge. It’s the choice for production environments or when you need to minimise downtime. Heavier than the 5.0Ah but still manageable for most users.
Best Lightweight: DeWalt DCB204 4.0Ah
The DCB204 is DeWalt’s mid-range option and works well for jigsaw tasks where weight matters. You’ll get 30–40 minutes of runtime and the battery is noticeably lighter than the 5.0Ah.
See all compatible batteries on our DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility page.
Best Batteries for Milwaukee Jigsaws
Best All-Round: Milwaukee 48-11-1850 5.0Ah
The 48-11-1850 is Milwaukee’s standard 5.0Ah and delivers 45–60 minutes of jigsaw runtime per charge. Grip is comfortable and the battery doesn’t feel oversized for the jigsaw application.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1850 on Amazon
Best for Heavy Use: Milwaukee 48-11-1860 6.0Ah
The 48-11-1860 extends runtime to 55–75 minutes and is the go-to for production-level work. If you’re running back-to-back cuts on thick timber or hardwoods, the extra runtime saves you from mid-job battery swaps.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1860 on Amazon
Best Lightweight: Milwaukee 48-11-1840 4.0Ah
The 48-11-1840 is a sensible middle ground — lighter than the 5.0Ah, but with more capacity than the 3.0Ah. You’ll see 30–45 minutes of cutting time.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1840 on Amazon
See all compatible batteries on our Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility page.
Full Comparison Table
| Battery | Platform | Capacity | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita BL1850B | 18V LXT | 5.0Ah | All-round jigsaw work | Amazon |
| Makita BL1860B | 18V LXT | 6.0Ah | Heavy cutting / production | Amazon |
| Makita BL1830 | 18V LXT | 3.0Ah | Lightweight / detail work | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB205 | 20V MAX | 5.0Ah | All-round jigsaw work | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB206 | 20V MAX | 6.0Ah | Heavy cutting / production | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB204 | 20V MAX | 4.0Ah | Lightweight / overhead | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1850 | M18 | 5.0Ah | All-round jigsaw work | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1860 | M18 | 6.0Ah | Heavy cutting / production | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1840 | M18 | 4.0Ah | Lightweight / detail work | Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery is best for a cordless jigsaw?
For most users, a 5.0Ah battery is the best all-round choice. It offers good runtime without excessive weight. For light sheet work, a 3.0–4.0Ah saves weight. For thick timber or production cutting, step up to 6.0Ah.
Does orbital action drain the battery faster?
Yes, slightly. Orbital action demands more power than straight-line cutting. Expect runtime to drop 10–15% compared to straight cuts on the same battery.
Can I use a bigger battery in my jigsaw?
Yes. Within the same platform, any battery capacity fits any tool. A 6.0Ah battery works in the same jigsaw as a 2.0Ah — it’s just heavier and lasts longer.
Can I use DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries in a 20V MAX jigsaw?
Yes. FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible with all 20V MAX tools. They will run at 20V in a 20V MAX jigsaw and provide excellent runtime. See our DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT compatibility guide.
Are Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee batteries interchangeable?
No. Each brand uses a different physical connector and voltage. You cannot use a Makita battery in a DeWalt tool or vice versa. Stick within your platform.
