Quick Summary: Our pick for the best band saw (overall) is the JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit because of its 2-speed poly v-belt drive system, its large, industrial blade, and its cast-iron frame. This option needs no riser block and boasts 1.25 horsepower, so it’s sure to make the cut.
You may be on the quest to find the perfect new tool for your workshop, or perhaps you have a special project in mind and aren’t sure where to start. Look no further than this buyer’s guide- you’ll come out of this an expert about bandsaw buying.
Here’s the deal: when you are preparing to buy one of these heavy-duty power tools, the buying process can be a bit grizzly. You have to factor in things like horsepower, blade size, and price.
You may be scratching your head as you wander the aisles of your local hardware store. Consider this your own personal shopping guide!
Think about your needs- like whether or not you need one with a smaller make, or perhaps a floor model. Or maybe you need one with adjustable height. There is no point in picking a random option at the store- you may as well just slice right through a stack of cash!
You know yourself- we know bandsaws. We’re going to round up all the features, and check the latest prices. Whether you are looking for the best bandsaw for fine detail work, or something powerful enough to cut metal, you’ll find it here in our comprehensive list.
Quick Navigation:
- 10 Best Band Saws Comparison
- Reviews of Top 10 Band Saws
- How To Choose A Good Band Saws
- Our Recommendation
10 Best Band Saws Comparison
 | 1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit (Best overall) The best overall bandsaw option for any job you have. Made with heavy-duty castiron and a large blade, there’s no need for riser blocks. It has mega horsepower and friction reduction. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3nr99T3"]Read Our Review |
 | 2. WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw (Best Budget) The best budget band saw. You won’t overspend with this one, but you’ll need a worktable. Also, it has a light for guidance and a dust port to maintain. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3BggsC3"]Read Our Review |
 | 3. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw If you’re new to woodworking, this bandsaw is a great option. It includes a handy rip fence for ease of use and won’t break the bank. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3mgFyMU"]Read Our Review |
 | 4. DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Band Saw For people who are always on the go, this one is a great option. It is light and portable but isn’t as heavy-duty as some other options. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3mcN7E4"]Read Our Review |
 | 5. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Bandsaw Kit This portable option is ultra-light, and it also comes with the necessary battery. It also has a variable speed trigger and can be used with just one hand. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3EdQBwk"]Read Our Review |
 | 6. WEN 3970 Metal-Cutting Band Saw with Stand This bandsaw makes deep cuts and doesn’t require you to have your own work table. It’s very powerful, but definitely not a portable option. Great price and cuts sturdy materials. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3EeqV2D"]Read Our Review |
 | 7. Makita XBP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Band Saw This is another portable option, but it has the power to cut metal along with wood, and it has faster speeds. It’s also built tough to last and has an ergonomic make. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3GoFxOU"]Read Our Review |
 | 8. RIKON 10 In. Deluxe Bandsaw 1/2 HP If you’re looking for a great bandsaw option with a large blade, this is great. Its horsepower isn’t the highest, but there’s lots of room for large projects. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3BgiHF6"]Read Our Review |
 | This option has a high price tag, but that is due to the sturdy cast iron wheels and base. It’s got a six-inch cutting height, so not ideal for deep cuts. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3jD8U6i"]Read Our Review |
 | 10. Laguna Tools MBA14/12 Wheels System Bandsaw This is a great kit for taking a larger bandsaw on-the-go. Attach it to the top and wheel it where you need to go without fear of tilting or tipping. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3pEi9Xt"]Read Our Review |
Reviews of Top 10 Band Saws
If you’re still unsure of what to buy after getting a basic rundown in our comparison table, keep reading. Here, we’re going to take you through the nitty-gritty of each tool and why you’ll love it.
Best Overall
1. JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro Band Saw Kit
You will be a huge fan of the utter quality of this option! It is built to last and delivers incredible power and deep, effective cuts.
Don’t sweat it- it will definitely cut whatever material you’re working with, and will leave you with a detailed project you can be proud of.
This is the best band saw you can find and there are a lot of reasons for that. It is the perfect addition to any workshop, and it is elegant and powerful.
Because of the castiron and super-fast blade speeds, this band saw makes any job easy and precise. It has a poly-v belt drive system that lends a clean-cut, as well as blade tension controls.
It also reduces friction with a unique system that increases the lifespan of your blade.
Your safety is a priority, so this bandsaw sports a clear tracking window, as well as an adjustable blade guidepost.
Pros:
- Castiron fittings and sturdy, immovable base with storage shelf
- No need for a riser block and also reduces friction for longer life of your blade
- Adjustable and with safety features
- Powerful and fast
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not portable
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Read Our Full Review Here
Best Budget
2. WEN 3939T 2.8-Amp 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw
When cash flow is an issue, you’ve got to make sure you’re finding the absolute best band saw for the amount of money you have available.
This bandsaw will be perfect for your needs because it works extremely well while staying within the average budget.
This saw can be attached to your worktable and used a little more easily wherever you are. It’s sturdy and powerful and has a large, adjustable workspace, which will allow you to bevel.
And if you’re trying to keep your space tidy, this is a great option because it has a handy dust port to keep the mess at bay.
Sometimes when you’re sticking to a certain price-point, powerful bandsaws can be hard to come by. But this one certainly gets the job done and has a fairly powerful blade, even with a lower price point.
Pros:
- The best overall budget band saw
- Large, adjustable workspace for beveling
- Dust port for a clean space
- Large blade for the price
Cons:
- Limited power capacity
- Not portable
[button url=”https://amzn.to/3BggsC3″]
Related article: WEN 3962 10-Inch Band Saw Review
Best 9 Inch Band Saw
3. SKIL 3386-01 120-Volt 9-Inch Band Saw With Light
This is a band saw that will be perfect for woodworkers who are new to the skill, or for people who need a bit more help with precision.
It has all the guides and helpful tools you need if you’re not totally sure how to work an expert bandsaw or if you just like a little bit of extra ease.
There’s a very handy light included so you can see and follow your cut line without losing visibility.
It also sports a handy fence to guide whatever you’re cutting, and the fence is sturdy and adjustable. Not only that, but it has a miter guide for crosscuts.
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale bandsaw that’s still reasonably priced, this is the one for you. Just consider the size of your job, because it doesn’t have as deep of a cut as some.
Pros:
- Not too pricey
- Handy guides for precision cuts
- Dust port
- Easy to use for unique shapes
Cons:
- Shallow cut capacity
- 1-speed motor (not the fastest)
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Best Portable Band Saw
4. DEWALT DCS374B 20V MAX Portable Band Saw
If you do a lot of cutting outside of the workshop, or simply don’t have the room for a full-sized bandsaw with a stand, this portable bandsaw is a great choice.
You’re going to fall in love with it and take it to every job possible!
This band saw has a cutting capacity of a whopping five inches, so if you’re doing a lot of big cuts, you’ll be very pleased. It also has a stronger amperage than many portable ones, as well as a sizable TPI (threads per inch).
That basically means you’re going to get a whole lot of power and smoothness in a small saw.
You’ll be saving a good bit of money compared to some larger models, but keep in mind that the battery is sold separately. But on the plus side, you’ll have the ability to cut a wide variety of materials, as well as have a handy hanging hook for convenience.
Pros:
- Light and portable
- Deep, 5-inch cuts
- Powerful motor for the size
- Convenient to store
Cons:
- Battery sold separately
- Heavier than some portable bandsaws
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Related reading: DEWALT DCS371B Band Saw Review
Best Cordless BandSaw
5. Milwaukee 2429-21XC M12 Cordless Bandsaw Kit
Here’s another portable option you’re going to love. It is ergonomic and small, and not too heavy for carrying around. Not only that, but it’s got a strong motor and a good bit of power for you.
This bandsaw is designed to be used with only one hand, so you’re not going to struggle with a lot of bulky extras!
It’s lightweight enough to bring with you and has good battery life. A cordless solution like this is practical, especially when the battery recharges quickly.
If you’re looking for a nice, smooth cut, this band saw has a high TPI, which means you’ll be cutting more slowly but with total precision. But the speed is adjustable, as it has a trigger to change your pace.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- One-hand use and trigger for speed adjustment
- Battery included
- High TPI
Cons:
- Slower cutting speeds
- Shallower cuts
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Related article: Milwaukee 6232-21 Deep Cut Band Saw Review
Best Metal Cutting Band Saw
6. WEN 3970 Metal-Cutting Band Saw with Stand
If you do a lot of metal-cutting as opposed to wood, this is definitely a great option to consider. You’ll really enjoy its power, and you’ll also love the depth of your cuts and the convenient wheel stand. It’s not too big for the average workspace, either.
This particular bandsaw has an adjustable table, so you have the option of cutting horizontally or vertically. It also has strong amperage, so power shouldn’t be an issue.
Flexible cutting capacity at it’s finest, whether working with wood or metal!If you’re looking for an industrial-strength saw for everyday use, this is probably not going to be the one for you.
But if you’re looking for power and speed and practicality in your garage or hobby space, this is great. Just keep in mind that the stand is short, so if you’re tall you may have to hunch a good bit to use.
Pros:
- Powerful motor, fast speeds
- Cuts wood and metal easily
- Deep cuts
- Horizontal and vertical cutting option
Cons:
- Short base
- Not meant for everyday use
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First Runner Up
7. Makita XBP03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Band Saw
This portable band saw is extremely lightweight and balanced, and it also works very easily with one hand when you’re up on a ladder or in a tight spot. You’re going to love the easy use and how portable this option is.
It has a mid-range thread per inch, so you can make quick cuts while still maintaining speed and accuracy.
This one is powerful and fast, but it does have a shallower cutting capacity than some of the others. However, you’ll be able to cut into metal as well as wood.
This is a great option if you need to take your bandsaw with you, and it has the durability to withstand everyday use by a contractor. It’s ergonomic and lighter than other portable models, so you’re bound to use it for any number of repair or contracting jobs on any given day.
Pros:
- Portable and very light
- Powerful motor, decent speeds
- Good for one-handed use
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Shallow cuts
- Lower amperage than other portables
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Second Runner Up
8. RIKON 10 In. Deluxe Bandsaw 1/2 HP
If you’re in the market for a heavier-duty band saw but don’t have a lot of space, this is a great option for you to check out.
It’s lower than some bandsaws that have a base built-in, but it’s also narrow and fits well in even the smallest of workshops. You’ll be thrilled with the cutting capacity and with all the space you save.
There are a lot of reasons to get a bigger bandsaw, but one of the big reasons is power. This one has a 5-inch cutting depth, as well as high amperage and a tough motor.
You won’t struggle to cut much with this, however, you may not be able to fit super large pieces of lumber. This particular band saw has an adjustable table that’s made of sturdy cast iron, and plenty of features to help you guide and precisely place your cuts.
It also boasts 2 blade speeds and easily adjustable band tension. There’s very little that this one can’t do, but it is on the smaller side compared to some standing bandsaws.
Pros:
- Slim shape for small spaces
- Deep cuts
- 2 blade speeds and adjustable tension
- Affordable
Cons:
- Won’t work to cut super large pieces
- Not easily portable
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If you are not convinced check out RIKON 10-324 Bandsaw, RIKON 10-305 Bandsaw, RIKON 10-326 14″ Bandsaw reviews.
Best Bandsaw With Aluminum Fence
9. Shop Fox W1706 14″ Bandsaw with Cast Iron Wheels & Deluxe Aluminum Fence
If you’re not too worried about the expense and you’re ready to drop some cash on a highly functional, elegant bandsaw, this is certainly one to look into. It’s nice to look at and has some excellent features.
The majority of the tool is made of cast iron and steel, which makes it resilient and largely immovable. With this one, though, you have the option of a rolling base.
It has a very wide table size that has a nice adjustable tilt, and it also has a deep six-inch cutting depth. This bandsaw is not for the novice woodworker, but it has great speed and very high amperage.
Slim It doesn’t have quite as much horsepower as some in its price range, but it’s still powerful. For this one, make sure you have plenty of room in your workspace!
Pros:
- Elegant and sturdy
- Six-inch cutting depth
- 2 adjustable, high speeds, and 1 horsepower
- Large, adjustable table
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not at all portable
- Lower horsepower than some in the same price bracket
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Best Bandsaw With Wheels
10. Laguna Tools MBA14/12 Wheels System Bandsaw
This final option on our list is a bonus- it’s a wheel kit for a bandsaw. This is extremely helpful for making the band saw you have more portable and is something you’ll really want to have in a busy woodworking shop or workspace.
This wheel system comes equipped with an adjustable front wheel and is entirely foot operated.
You’ll be able to adjust it and move it without dropping the ball on all of your tasks. The wheels are rubber-coated for a nice glide.
Pros:
- Sleek, slim design
- Sturdy base for holding heavy bandsaws
- Effortless foot-controlled adjustments
Cons:
- Can get a little wobbly because of the three-wheel system
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If you are not convinced check out Laguna 18BX Bandsaw, Laguna 14BX BandSaw, Laguna 1412 BandSaw reviews.
How To Pick the Best Bandsaw for Your Needs
Don’t let all of the options and features make your head spin on your shoulders! Take a deep breath and dive into our handy buying guide. We’ve got all the bits and pieces you need to think about to make the most informed decision possible.
Brands Matter
When deciding where to spend your hard-earned money, the brand you choose matters. If you just pick a random bandsaw based on price alone, you’re sure to run into trouble.
Check out trusted brands like Jet, DeWalt, and Makita first so you can know what’s popular and tried and true.
Cash Counts
Whether you’re tight on cash or looking to blow a hole in your wallet, you’ve got options. But you will likely spend anywhere between $300 and $1200 dollars when all is said and done.
If you can, we recommend saving up for our top bandsaw pick! But if not, there are plenty of great options available for the slimmer budget.
Portable vs. Base
This is an area where you have to know yourself. Are you the type of person who stays cooped up in their workshop most days and works with larger materials?
Or are you the type to be away from your space at a job? That will narrow down your purchasing options by a lot.
Related reading: Powermatic PWBS-14CS 14″ Band Saw
Cutting Depth and Power
What sorts of things are you typically cutting? Are you resawing large lumber, or are you slicing thinner metal tubing for an electrician job?
Consider what you typically need a band saw for, and don’t buy one that cuts too shallowly for you. Also, don’t buy one that has a lot of fancy features if you don’t need it!
Durability Of A Band Saw
Some band saws are more expensive because they are made of heavy-duty materials, and some are more flimsy just by nature. If you are more of a rough and tumble type, get one (like the Jet or the Shop Fox) that won’t break or topple.
Grab a smaller, narrower one like the RIKON or portable DeWalt if you aren’t too worried about damage.
Our Recommendation: The Best Band Saw
At the end of the day, choosing one of the best bandsaws can be a bit overwhelming. But we’ve done our level best to give you a guide that is comprehensive and helpful. It’s difficult to pick if you don’t know what’s out there, but we’ve gathered all the top band saws on the market and compared them for you.
Our overall pick for the best is definitely the JET JWBS-14DXPRO 14-Inch Deluxe Pro band saw kit, as you get a lot of torque, speed, and durability- and no friction problems or riser blocks with this one!
But you know yourself and your needs, so take the time to look over this buyer’s guide and find the one that makes the most sense for you in your next power tool purchasing endeavor.
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