Reciprocating saws are one of the most versatile demo tools on the jobsite, tackling everything from plumbing and electrical work to framing, demolition, and even occasional landscape cleanup. While premium models continue to push the limits, not everyone needs—or wants to pay for—a flagship saw.
That’s where the Greenworks Pro 24V Reciprocating Saw comes in. As part of the new Greenworks Pro lineup, it’s designed to deliver cutting performance and durability on par with Pro models while keeping the price lower.
On paper, the specs certainly make a strong first impression, but of course, they don’t paint a complete picture. We spent some time in the shop putting the RS532 through our standard cutting tests to see how it performs when the rubber meets the road.
READ
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw Head-to-Head Review
Pros
- Confident cutting power
- Fast stroke rate
- 5 speed modes
- Adjustable shoe
- Very affordable
Cons
- More vibration than elite models
- No orbital action mode
Greenworks Pro 24V Reciprocating Saw Performance
Performance Basics
At the heart of this saw you’ll find a brushless motor that churns out up to 3,200 SPM with a 1.25-inch stroke length. On top of that, there are five speed modes so you can tailor the speed to match the material you’re cutting. This is a significant improvement over Greenworks’ 24V DIY-focused model’s single-speed design that topped out at 2,700 SPM. What this means for you is faster cutting and more control.
Compared to the top professional brands, it’s solid as well. Most of those models run 3000 or 3100 SPM with a 1.25-inch stroke length, so Greenworks is clearly entering new territory that their previous models weren’t designed to compete in.
One of the big differences you’ll notice between the Greenworks Pro and flagship models is the lack of a selectable orbital action. This isn’t a dealbreaker issue, though. Many Pro brands leave orbital off their mid-range saws and only include it at the top tier. However, by missing that feature, you won’t be able to cut as fast in wood.
Hands-On Impressions
To see what this saw is capable of, I put it through a few of our standard reciprocating saw tests, ranging from light-duty applications to more serious demo work.
Our tests include cutting 4-inch schedule 40 PVC, a clean 2 x 12 pressure treated board, and our mock wall, which includes an assortment of common building materials. As you can see, these tasks vary significantly in overall difficulty, giving us a clear sense of how this saw compares to others we’ve tested. You can read the full details of how these tests run in our head-to-head review.
In all three tests, I made three cuts, timed them, and then averaged the results to compare Greenworks Pro to other saws we’ve tested. Here’s a look at the results:
| Greenworks Pro RS532 | Ridgid R8647 | Makita GRJ02 (2025 Overall Winner) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Inch PVC | 5.14 seconds | 5.60 seconds | 2.79 seconds |
| 2 x 12 Clean Wood | 13.03 seconds | 10.71 seconds | 8.29 seconds |
| Wall Cutting | 21.26 seconds | 29.28 seconds | 18.58 seconds |
As you can see, Greenworks Pro is competitive against Ridgid and even stayed within sight of Makita on the hardest test. That’s impressive for a saw that costs about a third as much as Makita, and is roughly $50 cheaper than the Ridgid.
As we analyze the results, context is important. Greenwork isn’t claiming their Pro 24V reciprocating saw is going to knock Makita off as the number one high-performance option for Pros. But is it really that much better than brushless DIY models? Let’s take a look at that scenario as well.
| Greenworks Pro RS532 | Skil PWRCore 20 RS5884 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Inch PVC | 5.14 seconds | 4.32 seconds |
| 2 x 12 Clean Wood | 13.03 seconds | 14.02 seconds |
| Wall Cutting | 21.26 seconds | 41.7 seconds |
Skil had a slight advantage in the lightest test, but the tougher the job got, the more of a gap Greenworks Pro opened up. When you consider a wall demo that’s common on remodeling jobs, Greenworks Pro was nearly twice as fast, and those are very real productivity gains when you’re pushing to get the job done.
Vibration
Controlling vibration is a big deal for a reciprocating saw. While no model is truly comfortable due to the nature of its reciprocating action, it can mean the difference between delaying fatigue and walking around with the dreaded jelly arms for the rest of the day.
Compared to other Pro models we’ve tested, Greenworks struggled in this department. The overall vibration level was noticeably higher than what I experienced with the Makita GRJ02 or Metabo HPT CR36DA. Those are the best of the best, but even against mid-range Pro models, like Bosch’s GSA 18V-110, I felt more vibration.
That said, technique is your friend. Keep the shoe firmly engaged against the material you’re cutting, and it will absorb a lot of the vibration.
Greenworks Pro 24V Reciprocating Saw Design Notes
Size and Weight
The Greenworks 24V Pro Reciprocating Saw weighs 7.1 pounds as a bare tool, 8.8 pounds with the recommended 4.0Ah battery, and measures 17.5 inches from end to end. This is slightly heavier than Greenworks’ previous 24V model, but it’s also a little shorter.
The overall weight of this saw is fairly well balanced, making it easy to maneuver through cuts. Compared to Pro models, it’s light, even compared to some of our favorite mid-range saws.
Blade Changes
Greenworks made a smart choice by carrying over the blade-change lever design from the previous model. When it’s time for a fresh blade, simply lift the lever to release the blade lock. It’s far more convenient and easier that blade locks positioned on the shaft.
It doesn’t have an auto-eject feature, so be mindful of hot blades if you’re making a swap immediately following a tough cut.
Adjustable Shoe
Another nice feature on this saw is the adjustable shoe. This lets you shift the shoe’s position to expose fresh teeth, and is most helpful when you’re cutting pipe, rebar, or other round stock.
It also pivots so you can always keep the saw in contact with your workpiece.
Additional Features
- Folding Rafter Hook: Quickly stow your saw on a 2x or sawhorse between uses
- LED Light: Illuminate dark workspaces
- Trigger Lock: Prevent accidental trigger pulls when not in use
Greenworks Pro 24V Reciprocating Saw Price
As I mentioned earlier, the Greenworks Pro line focuses on delivering high-quality power tools at an affordable price. The RS532 retails for $119 as a bare tool and comes with a 5-year warranty. That’s a very approachable price, especially given its overall performance level.
Greenworks Pro power tools work with existing Greenworks 24V batteries, so if you’re already on that platform, you’re good to go. However, consider upgrading to 24V High Power batteries if you want to get the most out of this saw.
The other convenient factor is that they’re currently on the shelves of your local Walmart. What’s even better is that because they’re in Walmart, you can have tools delivered right to your jobsite or home within 4 hours. That’s something other power tool brands don’t offer.
Should You Buy It?
The Greenworks Pro 24V Reciprocating Saw proves you don’t have to spend premium-brand money to get a capable demo saw.
Don’t mistake it for another DIY reciprocating saw, though – it’s clearly much higher up the food chain. Greenworks didn’t just stick “Pro” on the name for marketing purposes. They designed this saw for professional use, and we’ve spoken with the product team, who confirmed the internals are beefed up to meet higher professional durability expectations than their standard 24V tools.
In terms of overall placement, it fits in the mid-range class that balances performance and weight. It’s a solid bet for general remodeling demo, including plumbing and HVAC. It also excels in overhead applications where lower weight and better control are a higher priority than the highest possible performance.
All that said, we’d be blind to think it’s not attractive to serious DIYers as well. The price is simply too good to ignore.
Specs
- Model: Greenworks Pro RS532
- Power Source: Greenworks 24V battery
- No-Load Speed: 3,200 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1.25 in.
- Speed Modes: 5
- Weight: 7.1 lbs (bare tool), 8.8 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 17.5 in.
- Adjustable Shoe: Yes
- Pivoting Shoe: Yes
- Rafter Hook: Yes
