Comparing the Makita XVJ04Z and Milwaukee 2737B-20 reveals key differences in control, power delivery, and ergonomics, shaping how each performs in real-world cutting tasks and user workflows.
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Makita XVJ04Z vs Milwaukee 2737B-20: Which Jigsaw Is Better?
Head-to-head
Makita XVJ04Z vs Milwaukee 2737B-20: Which Jigsaw Is Better?
A clean A/B view of what matters on real cutting jobs: line control, vibration and handling, bevel and blade-change convenience, battery-platform fit, and which jigsaw makes more sense for different pro workflows.
Makita XVJ04Z cordless jigsaw
A smooth, work-focused barrel-grip jigsaw that prioritizes control and cut feel—especially appealing for users who value steadier tracking, cleaner handling, and a more precise connection to the material.
- Barrel-grip layout gives many users a more connected, precise feel through curves and detailed cuts
- Often preferred when smooth tracking and controlled feed matter more than maximizing convenience features
- Strong fit for pros already invested in Makita’s broad LXT cordless lineup
VS
Milwaukee 2737B-20 cordless jigsaw
A practical D-handle jigsaw aimed at jobsite versatility, with user-friendly controls and everyday convenience that make it attractive for faster setup, routine cuts, and broader crew usability.
- D-handle format feels familiar for users who want straightforward pickup-and-go operation
- Convenient everyday choice for rougher layout work, punch-list cutting, and mixed-material jobsite tasks
- M18 platform depth adds long-term value if this tool is part of a larger cordless kit
Power under load
Strong, controlled cutting
Strong, jobsite-ready
Tie
Control & clutch consistency
More precise feel
Very good, more general-use
Makita XVJ04Z
Ergonomics (feel + fatigue)
Lower, more connected grip
Familiar D-handle comfort
Makita XVJ04Z
Value (typical kit pricing)
Usually a pricier bare-tool buy
Often easier platform value
Milwaukee 2737B-20
Battery ecosystem depth
Large, mature LXT lineup
Massive M18 range
Milwaukee 2737B-20
Real-world context
This comparison reflects a synthesis of professional reviews, manufacturer data, long-term user feedback, and use-case patterns to highlight how each jigsaw typically performs in everyday cutting tasks.
Makita XVJ04Z — Why people choose it
- Barrel-grip format offers a more precise, planted feel for users who guide cuts by hand position and line feedback
- Smooth, controlled cut character makes it appealing for finish-minded work and more deliberate curved cuts
- Strong choice for pros already building around Makita’s long-running 18V LXT platform
Milwaukee 2737B-20 — Why people choose it
- Familiar D-handle layout is approachable for mixed crews and general-purpose jobsite use (especially when convenience matters)
- Well suited to everyday construction cuts where speed of setup and straightforward handling matter
- Deep M18 ecosystem strengthens its long-term value for users adding more cordless tools over time
Verdict: Choose Makita XVJ04Z if you want the more control-oriented jigsaw for cleaner tracking, steadier feel, and a more precise barrel-grip experience in detailed work. Choose Milwaukee 2737B-20 if you want a straightforward jobsite jigsaw with familiar handling, easier day-to-day versatility, and strong long-term value inside a very deep cordless platform.
Deep dive
What actually matters in this matchup
On paper, both jigsaws cover similar ground, but the real separation shows up in how they guide through a cut, how settled they feel in the hand, and how much confidence they give when the work shifts from rough layout to cleaner, more deliberate shaping. This comparison focuses on cut feel, grip style, workflow convenience, day-long usability, and what each tool asks you to prioritize over time.
For controlled cutting: the biggest difference is not raw capability but how the tool communicates through the cut. One favors a lower, more connected feel that can make line-following and subtle directional changes feel more natural, while the other leans into a more familiar, straightforward handling style that may be easier to pick up and use across varied tasks.
For longer sessions: comfort is shaped as much by grip style and body position as by weight alone. A jigsaw that feels planted and deliberate can reduce correction during curved or finish-oriented cuts, while a more conventional design may fit faster-paced jobsite work where convenience, quick repositioning, and general usability matter more than maximum finesse.
For ownership over time: the decision is often less about a single cut and more about the cordless system around it. One makes more sense when precision feel and established familiarity inside its platform are the priority, while the other becomes easier to justify when broader tool lineup depth, everyday versatility, and simpler integration into a larger cordless kit matter most.
Methodology
How we evaluated these cordless jigsaws
Our evaluation focuses on real cutting tasks that reveal how these jigsaws behave in practice, not on spec-sheet comparisons. Each model is assessed in common use scenarios to highlight differences in control, consistency, ergonomics, and overall usability in day-to-day work.
Tasks: straight cuts in sheet goods, curved cuts in plywood, plunge starts, bevel cuts, and repeated start–stop cycles to evaluate tracking accuracy, cut smoothness, and ease of control.
What we scored: consistency through the cut, vibration and control, ergonomics over extended use, ease of blade changes and adjustments, and overall platform value within each battery system.
How results are interpreted: outcomes are assessed using a context-aware approach, recognizing that precision, comfort, and convenience matter differently depending on the type of work and user preference.
What we ignored: advertised stroke rates, isolated feature claims, and specifications that don’t consistently translate into repeatable, real-world cutting performance.
FAQ
Makita XVJ04Z vs Milwaukee 2737B-20: Common questions
Which jigsaw is easier to control for detailed cuts?
The Makita’s barrel-grip design typically offers a more connected feel, which can help with guiding curves and making fine adjustments. The Milwaukee is still capable, but its D-handle layout tends to favor general-purpose control rather than precision-first handling.
Is there a meaningful difference in cutting performance?
Both tools handle common materials well, and differences are less about raw cutting ability and more about how the cut feels. The Makita leans toward smoother, more deliberate tracking, while the Milwaukee emphasizes straightforward, jobsite-ready performance.
Which design is better for everyday jobsite use?
The Milwaukee’s D-handle format is generally easier to pick up and use across a range of tasks, especially when multiple users are involved. The Makita can feel more specialized, rewarding users who prefer a lower grip position and more direct control.
How do I choose between barrel-grip and D-handle?
It often comes down to preference and work style. Barrel-grip designs tend to favor control and precision, while D-handle designs prioritize familiarity and convenience, particularly for mixed or faster-paced work.
Does the battery platform matter in this comparison?
Yes, especially for long-term ownership. If you already use one platform, staying within that system can simplify charging, tool sharing, and future purchases, which often outweighs small differences between the tools themselves.
Key Takeaways
- The core difference is feel, not capability—Makita emphasizes a more controlled, connected cutting experience, while Milwaukee leans toward straightforward, general-purpose usability.
- Grip style plays a major role in preference, with barrel-grip favoring precision and D-handle offering familiarity and quicker adaptation across varied tasks.
- In real-world use, both tools handle common materials well, but how confidently you guide the cut can matter more than raw cutting ability.
- Longer sessions highlight trade-offs between deliberate control and convenience, especially when switching between detailed work and faster jobsite tasks.
- Battery ecosystem and existing tool ownership often influence the decision more than small performance differences between the jigsaws themselves.
- The better choice depends less on which tool is stronger overall and more on whether your work prioritizes precision feel or everyday versatility.
Verdict
Makita XVJ04Z vs Milwaukee 2737B-20: Final decision
This is a close matchup where both jigsaws handle typical cutting tasks well, but the deciding factors come down to control style, day-to-day usability, and how each tool fits into your broader workflow and battery platform.
#1 Pick for precision-focused use
Makita XVJ04Z cordless jigsawBetter suited for users who prioritize cut control, smoother tracking, and a more connected feel during detailed or finish-oriented work.
- More deliberate, controlled feel through curves and fine cuts
- Barrel-grip design supports lower hand positioning and guidance
- Fits well into workflows where precision and consistency matter most
Also consider
- Milwaukee 2737B-20 cordless jigsaw more convenient, general-purpose option for mixed jobsite tasks and broader platform value
Tip: If you already own batteries in one system, staying within that platform can matter more than small differences in tool feel or performance.
Reading Shortcuts
Jump to the sections that help you quickly choose between these two jigsaws—cut feel, practical differences, and the decision points that matter most in real use.
Where to Buy
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Accessories You’ll Want
- Assorted jigsaw blade set (wood, laminate, metal, and fine-finish blades for different cut types and cleaner results)
- Extra battery pack (helpful for longer cutting sessions or keeping one pack charging while the other stays on the saw)
- Straightedge or cutting guide (useful when a jigsaw is handling longer, more controlled cuts in sheet goods)
- Splinter guard or workpiece protection accessories (worth having when cleaner top-surface results matter on finished materials)
- Clamps and stable support surface (a simple setup upgrade that improves control, cut accuracy, and overall safety)
Tip: Blade choice often changes the result more than the saw itself, so it makes sense to buy into the platform that fits your batteries and keep several blade types on hand.