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Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw vs Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw is cheaper at $179. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw or Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw is the cheaper at $179.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw
US price $179 $199 Bare tool, battery not included
BrandBoschMakita
Released
Power source corded cordless
Amps or voltage 7.0 A 18 V
Strokes per min max 3100 2600
Stroke length (in) 1 in 1 in
Orbital settings 4 3
Bevel capacity (°) 45 45
Tool less blade change Yes Yes
Brushless No No

Sources — Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw: boschtools.com (verified 2026-06-20). Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw: makitatools.com (verified 2026-06-20).

What's the difference between the Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw and Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Power source: Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw corded vs Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw cordless
  • Amps or voltage: Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw 7.0 A vs Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw 18 V
  • Strokes per min max: Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw 3100 vs Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw 2600
  • Orbital settings: Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw 4 vs Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw 3

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Bosch JS470E Top-Handle Jig Saw

Only one whitelisted tester, Pro Tool Reviews, published hands-on prose for this exact model, naming the JS470E its Best for the Money jigsaw. It praises Pro-grade heritage, a 3100 SPM top speed on par with rivals, and comfortable ergonomics at a budget price. No lab-measured figures were reported for this unit; other coverage came from non-whitelisted blogs, excluded. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Pro-grade performance and Bosch's jigsaw heritage for the price; 3100 SPM top speed on par with rivals; Comfortable, well-balanced ergonomics.

Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Cordless Jig Saw

One whitelisted hands-on reviewer covers this exact model. Pro Tool Reviews used all three Makita 18V jigsaws, including the brushed XVJ03 (XVJ03Z bare tool), which the reviewer owns. Praised were Makita's usual excellent build, the comfortable D-handle, bright LED and strong dust blower, and the brushed motor's superior slow-speed control that yielded more accurate cuts than the brushless siblings. Downsides flagged: a splitter guard that pops out (the reviewer abandoned it) and shorter runtime than the brushless models. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Excellent Makita build quality across the lineup; Brushed motor delivers more control and accurate cuts at very slow speeds; Comfortable D-handle, bright LED light, and strong dust blower keep the cut line visible.

Flagged: Splitter guard pops out easily and gets abandoned; Shorter runtime than the brushless siblings because of the brushed motor.

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