Best Portable Band Saw – Cordless & Corded Handheld Models 2024

The ergonomic, compact design makes the Makita XBP012 makes it the ideal tool to take to any job. Though it’s designed to cut metal, there’s no reason you can’t use the appropriate blade and use it to cut wood or any other material.

What’s great about this Makita band saw is how usable it is. The built in LED light helps you see your cutting area really well and the high torque motor gets jobs done fast. Plus, the rubber bumpers protect both the saw and materials from any damage.

This tool is a part of Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion series, a collection of tools that run on an 18V Lithium-Ion battery. While this tool does not include the battery, if you have any of the other Makita 18V tools, the battery should be easily transferable from tool to tool. The battery has a fast charging time so you can get back to work faster.

For contractors, plumbers, or anyone who needs to cut heavy materials, this is a great choice and the best cordless band saw we found. If you’re looking for something to use on lighter jobs, this might be a bit on the expensive side when you can get others for a bit cheaper. We don’t think the price is quite high enough to be considered outrageous if you’re looking to invest in something that will last.

The DEWALT DWM120K portable band saw has a 10 amp motor that’s powerful enough for nearly any job. The variable speed and 5-inch cutting capacity make this a really versatile tool. The steel shroud and rubber bumpers help make sure this saw can last a long time and stand up to a lot of abuse.

There are plenty of little things that make this saw stand out. The LED light is always a nice addition because it helps you see where you’re working in low light conditions. There’s an integrated hanging hook so it’s easy to store when you’re not using it. Plus, you get an ergonomically designed handle for comfort and control.

The blade tracking adjustment is a nice feature, too. It will help your blades last longer and improve alignment making the whole system more reliable. When you do find you need to change the blade, they’re easy and efficient.

This one also includes a carrying case for easy portability, a standard blade, and a hex wrench. Though it should be noted that the standard blade that comes won’t be too useful to you depending on what kind of job you had in mind. Still, with the comfortable, ergonomic grip and adjustable speed, this is a versatile, dependable option.

The Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 is the most compact and lightweight of all portable band saws. It’s also cordless so it’s really easy to use this tool just about anywhere. You can easily use this overhead or even one handed because it weighs only 6.75 pounds and is only 12 inches long.

Because it’s approved for one handed use, there are some requirements it has to meet. One is that the blade has a lower guard that covers the blade outside of the active cutting area. It’s the only saw on the market that has this feature. This is a great budget buy because it’s one of the least expensive portable band saws out there.

Of course, with a saw this lightweight, compact, and budget friendly, there has to be a catch. The only one we could find was the cutting capacity – it can only cut up to 1 ⅝ inches. Now, this only matters insofar as what you’re planning to cut with it. It’s ideal for small pipes, rods, etc at weird angles but just doesn’t have the capacity to handle anything too think. That’s not really what it’s designed to do.

If you’re looking for an easy to use powerhouse for a lot of smaller jobs, this is the one. The variable speed trigger will let you cut a lot of materials and the LED light is a great addition that will help you see better in low lighting.

The DEWALT DCS374B is durable, versatile, and adjustable. The DEWALT battery is really effective and works a long time between charges, though it’s important to mention that this is a bare tool and the battery must be bought separately. There’s even a hook for easy storage for when you’re not using it which gets the saw out of the way while protecting the base and handle from damage.

A great thing about this saw is the variable speed dial gives you complete control which allows you to use it on a wide range of materials. The blade changing is nice and simple and even has a nice system for blade alignment and adjustments.

Something that’s not quite as simple is the work stop adjustment. While you make the proper adjustment so you’ll be able to make safe cuts on any material, but it’s not especially easy to use as you have to use an Allen wrench to make the changes. The wrench is included and kept on the tool, though, making it a little easier to get the job done.

The DEWALT DCS374B is able to perform well and is capable of doing a lot of various jobs in the field. One downside is that it’s pretty big and might not be able to get into all the spaces you’ll need to use it. Whether or not that is an issue for you depends on the job you need to do. Overall, this is a solid choice.

This is an exceptionally durable portable band saw, built to last for long jobs and to withstand a lot of abuse. There are even reports that this saw can tolerate being dropped a time or two with no damage. The downside to that durability is that it’s a little heavy at around 21.9 pounds which might affect how easy it is to use in certain situations.

The trigger on this portable band saw is particularly responsive and easy to use. It helps make controlling the variable speed while working seamless and effective. With the 11 amp motor, you have a lot of power and can cut through almost anything. But to do this accurately, you’ll find you’re going to rely on the variable speed.

One great thing about this portable bandsaw is the 5-year warranty. If the user didn’t cause the damage, they’ll repair it for free. That really shows you how much Milwaukee stands by their product and tells you that it’s a high-quality tool.

There are some nice extras with this best portable band saw, too. The built in LED helps visibility of the cutting area. It also comes with a case that makes it easy to transport and gives you a handy place to keep spare blades.

The handle position on this DEWALT portable band saw allows you to have excellent control thanks to the balance and the ergonomic design. Your hand won’t get fatigued as quickly and you’ll be able to get much more accurate cuts.

A great feature of this portable band saw is the blade tracking adjustment, which allows for better tracking and increased blade life. Add to that the dual bearing blade guide and you’ll really get a lot of use out of your blades. Changing the blade is easy, too, with the tool less system that loosens blade tension.

The LED light helps with accuracy, too, especially in low light situations. For easy storage, the hook allows the tool to be hung in such a way that the base and handle won’t bump into the wall and get damaged.

This tool comes with a blade and a blade tracking wrench, but it does not include the battery or charger. Another downside? There’s no adjustable speed option which makes this saw less versatile. Because of the speed of this saw – 570 ft/min – it can cut through difficult material efficiently. Where it doesn’t have the versatility is with thinner, finer material. You couldn’t use this saw with wood but it will easily cut 2-inch conduit.

This might not be a well-rounded tool, but if you need to cut through tough material and are looking for a cordless, reliable portable band saw, this one is worth checking out.