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A battery chainsaw makes light work of yard maintenance tasks, like cutting through fallen trees and trimming branches, without the loud noise level and upkeep of a gas-powered chainsaw. Since there are three categories of these handy tools, including light-duty, heavy-duty, and heaviest-duty, we performed hours of research and hands-on testing to find the best fit for various needs.
Our top pick is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit. We put it through its paces, and its power was on par with that of a gas-powered chainsaw. It also offered plenty of runtime for tackling tough jobs.
Other high-performing models also made our list of recommendations. Whether you’re doing light pruning or chopping fallen trees, this guide can help you determine the best battery chainsaw for your projects.
- BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx 20V Power Share 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR HOME USE: Ego Power+ 16-Inch Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MINI: Stihl GTA 26 Battery Garden Pruner Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE: Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Battery Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw Kit
↓ Jump to Review
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit | Worx 20V Power Share 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Ego Power+ 16-Inch Chainsaw | Stihl GTA 26 Battery Garden Pruner Kit | Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Battery Chainsaw | DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw Kit | |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts | 56 volts | 10.8 volts | 80 volts | 60 volts |
| Bar length | 16 inches | 10 inches | 16 inches | 4 inches | 18 inches | 16 inches |
| Weight | 17.3 pounds | 6.2 pounds | 16 pounds | 2.7 pounds | 13.8 pounds | 13.2 pounds |
Our Top Picks
In order to select the best battery chainsaws, we tested some of the most popular chainsaws from reputable power tool manufacturers. While some battery-powered chainsaws are created for DIY use and others for light professional use, we put all the saws through rigorous testing. The following are some of the best battery chainsaws by category.
Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
What We Like
- Commercial-grade tool capable of heavy-duty cutting tasks
- As powerful as a gas-powered chainsaw
- Innovative, high-performance battery technology
- High number of cuts per battery charge
What We Don’t Like
- Heavyweight construction may cause some fatigue
Product Specs
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Weight: 17.3 pounds
When maximum cutting power is required for taking on overgrowth in a yard, a heavy-duty battery-powered chainsaw is needed. This chainsaw can make up to 150 cuts on a single charge and won’t bog down when faced with a tough cut. Its 16-inch blade is capable of cutting through trees with trunks up to 14 inches in diameter. It also has a two-bolt blade housing and an included chainsaw wrench.
Designed with professional landscapers in mind, this top rated battery chainsaw features Milwaukee’s cutting-edge battery technology with its M18 Redlithium high-output battery. This formidable power source provides 50 percent more power and operates 50 percent cooler than a standard 18V battery pack, making this saw somewhat comparable to a 40-cubic-centimeter (cc) gas-powered chainsaw.
Unfortunately, the Milwaukee M18’s power does come at a cost. Weighing 17.3 pounds with the included battery (13.9 pounds without it), this is one of the heavier battery-powered chainsaws.
What our tester says: “During hands-on testing, this saw was just about as close to gas power as a battery chainsaw can get, with great chain speed, nice balance, and plenty of power and runtime.”–Mark Clement, Product Reviews tester and writer
Best Bang For The Buck
Worx 20V Power Share 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
What We Like
- Well-balanced, small battery chainsaw won’t cause fatigue
- Easy to use compared to other models
- Compact for storage or transport
What We Don’t Like
- Mainly suitable for small branches and firewood only
Product Specs
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Bar length: 10 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
This compact saw’s low chain speed and slim 20V battery combined with its light weight and nice balance make it suitable for someone who doesn’t need or has never run a heavier-duty chainsaw. It’s also affordable, making it a great entry-level option.
With its small bar, small battery, and low chain speed, the Worx struggled in tough material during our hands-on testing. However, like other light-duty saws on this list, this chainsaw is well suited for the occasional job of cutting a downed branch, kindling, or a small log. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to store between uses, taking up little shop, shed, or garage space.
Workx also produces a similarly priced battery chainsaw on a pole for those looking for extra reach.
Get the Worx battery chainsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart (tool only).
Best for Home Use
Ego Power+ 16-Inch Chainsaw
What We Like
- Suitable for downed trees, branches, and firewood
- Good cut capacity and runtime
- Suitable for small and large cutting
- Water-resistant construction with IPX4 rating
What We Don’t Like
- Soft start takes some getting used to
- Oil filter can slow adding oil into reservoir
Product Specs
- Voltage: 56 volts
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
With a 16-inch bar, high chain speed, and 5Ah 56V battery in a well-balanced saw, the Ego can make wood chips in downed branches, downed trees, and a stack of firewood. The battery exchange is user-friendly, and the battery gauge is bright and easy to read. The trigger and release switch both work well, too.
This handheld battery chainsaw has a soft start, meaning there’s a slight pause before the chain reaches full speed. Compared to gas-powered chainsaws and some other battery chainsaws, this is a noticeable feature that takes some getting used to. It’s not a detriment for many users, but it is different. Once it’s going, it’s going, and this unit can process some smaller downed trees, branches, and firewood.
The oil filter screen is a generally good feature to help keep chips and debris out of the oil reservoir, but if the bar oil is viscous (as it can be in cold temps), it makes adding oil a slow process because the oil needs to pass through the small apertures of the filter screen. With its 56 volts of power, this tool has a big, heavy battery that’s hungry to make chips.
What our tester says: “In my field tests, the saw delivered good runtime cutting in hardwood.”–Mark Clement, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ego Power+ battery chainsaw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.
Best Mini
Stihl GTA 26 Battery Garden Pruner Kit
What We Like
- Small 4-inch bar cleanly removes small branches
- Lightweight; ergonomically designed for 1-handed operation
- LED display indicates tool status and charge level
- Retractable chain guard helps protect against flying debris
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price point for a pruner
- Runtime is limited to 20 to 30 minutes
Product Specs
- Voltage: 10.8 volts
- Bar length: 4 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Mini chainsaws, like the Stihl GTA 26, bridge the gap between bypass pruners and conventional small chainsaws. Built for one-handed precision cutting, this garden pruner weighs just 2.7 pounds. The 4-inch guide bar and chain easily remove branches up to 3 inches in diameter. Those searching for an alternative to loppers or a manual pruning saw will appreciate how quickly and easily this pruner gets the job done.
In addition to its lightweight, compact design, the Stihl GTA 26 mini chainsaw features ergonomics to minimize wrist torsion and hand fatigue. The ambidextrous pistol-grip handle is augmented with an upper hand grip on top of the saw for added stability. The bar and chain are removable, with tool-free tensioning for easy maintenance. Plus, this saw needs no bar oil. Just squirt a little of the included machine oil onto the chain before each use for smooth cutting action. The kit includes the saw and battery, charger, and multi oil, all packed in a handy bag.
This mini battery chainsaw definitely has the potential to make gardening and landscaping much easier. We preferred to use both hands when the cuts needed to be precise, but one-handed cutting worked just fine when we were just cleaning up debris.
What our tester says: “I used the Stihl GTA battery chainsaw to clean up fallen limbs after a storm, to remove low-hanging tree branches that get in the way while mowing, and to prune a few red twig dogwoods. The blade cuts quickly and cleanly, with very little vibration transferring through the handle.”–Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer.
Get the Stihl GTA battery chainsaw at Ace Hardware, Acme Tools, or Stihl.
Best Large
Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Battery Chainsaw
What We Like
- Suitable for large jobs
- Features bucking spikes and an electronic chain brake
- Charges quickly in 30 minutes
What We Don’t Like
- Only runs for 20 minutes of constant cutting
- No chainsaw wrench included
Product Specs
- Voltage: 80 volts
- Bar length: 18 inches
- Weight: 13.8 pounds
With its massive 80V battery and brushless motor, this cordless chainsaw is one of the most powerful chainsaws in the group of battery chainsaws tested. Even with its formidable size, it’s firewood ready. Well-balanced for bucking (cutting logs), it has a big cut capacity and can make serious chips. The battery exchange is easy, but it flew through its charge in just 20 minutes. It can cut a lot with its 18-inch bar, and it consumes a lot of power doing so.
As long as there are other charged batteries on hand or time to recharge, this quality brushless chainsaw can do the work. Its battery needs 30 minutes for a full recharge. It has a traditional two-bolt chain housing, but there is no chainsaw wrench included. With steel bucking spikes, an electronic chain brake for safety, and a weight of less than 11 pounds, this chainsaw is easy to handle. The Greenworks 80V is available with the battery and charger or as a tool only.
Get the Greenworks battery chainsaw at Amazon.
Also Consider
DeWalt Flexvolt 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw Kit
What We Like
- Excellent battery life; 30 minutes per charge
- Electronic brake for added safety when in use
- Auto-oiling feature prevents malfunction and keeps it running
- Tool-free chain-tension adjuster for user-friendliness
What We Don’t Like
- Chain-tension system may be hard to adjust
Product Specs
- Voltage: 60 volts
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
This capable cordless chainsaw from DeWalt is one of the most powerful battery chainsaws on the market. It’s suitable for felling trees up to 14 inches in diameter or cutting firewood. Coming in at 13.2 pounds with a chain brake for protection from kickbacks, this chainsaw is also easy to handle despite its long 16-inch bar.
Powered by DeWalt’s 60V MAX battery system, this saw easily spit out some wood chips during our field tests. It is well-balanced for working in the crown of a downed tree or processing firewood. It has a good battery life of about 30 minutes and an electric brake that stops that chain upon releasing the trigger.
Tool-free chain adjustment makes this chainsaw a low-maintenance model, enabling you to work without interruption. Like other cordless chainsaws, it comes with a rigid bar scabbard to protect the chain when not in use. It includes a charger and a 3Ah battery (a 2Ah is also available). Overall, it’s a good firewood-ready saw.
Get the DeWalt brushless battery chainsaw at The Home Depot or DeWalt.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Battery Chainsaws
This test of cordless chainsaws included DIY and professionally branded tools of varying voltages, bar lengths, and applications. Rather than having each tool compete directly against one another, we picked applications where the tools were best suited. The three categories were: 1) heaviest duty for firewood, logs, and downed trees; 2) heavy-duty for downed trees, branches, and logs; and 3) light-duty for very occasional use.
In the field, we cut hardwood trees downed from a recent storm. We tested each battery-powered chainsaw for balance (cutting branches in the crowns of the trees), power, trigger response, switches, chain removal, and particularities and unique features that made certain tools stand out.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 6 |
| Hours/Weeks/Time spent testing | Choose the time format that fits the category and add the time here, e.g. 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $100 to $500 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Chainsaw
Most DIYers base their purchase of a cordless power tool on the size and brand of the battery. While battery power is important, there are other factors to consider when shopping for the best cordless chainsaw, including guide bar and chain length, motor type, and weight.
Battery
Cordless tool technology has made quantum leaps into outdoor power equipment territory that has been, until recently, totally dominated by gasoline-powered tools.
Battery chainsaws use lithium-ion batteries as a power source. Unlike their predecessors, which required up to 12 hours to recharge, lithium-ion batteries produce more power, can recharge in as little as 1 hour, and they’re lighter to boot. With multiple lithium-ion batteries, it’s easy to keep the woodcutting going by simply rotating batteries.
When shopping for a battery operated chainsaw, there are a few things to look out for that can help you determine how often it needs a recharge. To rate how powerful they are, batteries use voltage. Some cordless chainsaws use multiple 18V batteries, while others use single 20V batteries. High-end battery chainsaws use 40V and even 80V batteries.
The higher-voltage saws with bigger bars and batteries can process more timber and have chain speeds (which refers to how quickly the chain moves around the bar) nearing that of gas-powered saws. Plus, they can—with multiple batteries—handle bigger jobs like downed trees whose diameters don’t exceed their bar lengths. However, if there is a need to dismantle a downed 80-foot oak or black walnut tree, it isn’t the place for a battery-operated saw. While many of the saws in this test delivered near-gas power, they didn’t deliver it for long—and some didn’t even come close.
Although runtimes vary depending on use and the chainsaw’s size, expect to get about 20 to 30 minutes of intermittent use out of a cordless chainsaw before it needs a charge. For those who already have an arsenal of cordless power tools, consider buying a chainsaw of the same brand to use the batteries interchangeably among cordless tools.
Motor Power
Battery chainsaws use standard motors or brushless motors. As is the case with the motors in other cordless power tools, brushless motors are more efficient because they create less friction. This equates to a longer runtime before the battery needs recharging; less friction also means better motor power. A brushless chainsaw is typically about 85 to 90 percent efficient, whereas one with a brushed motor is around 75 to 80 percent efficient.
Matching the uses to power needs can help ensure that using the saw is productive and enjoyable. Choosing an underpowered saw for cutting up dense hardwood logs will surely frustrate you as it will bog down and overheat. Conversely, using a heavy-duty saw for limbing a fruit tree might be hard on your back due to its increased weight.
With battery-powered cordless chainsaws, much of the power rating is based on the voltage of the battery used, not its Ah rating. A battery’s Ah rating has more to do with how long the battery will run. For prolonged uses (felling trees or cutting logs into firewood rounds), a DIYer benefits from a battery with higher Ah ratings in the 6Ah or 8Ah range. For quick jobs, a 4Ah battery can provide plenty of runtime.
Bar Length
The chainsaw’s bar, the long metal piece that guides the chain, determines its cutting capacity. A chainsaw can cut trees with a trunk 2 inches less in diameter than the guide bar’s length. Due to power limitations, battery chainsaws have bars 18 inches and shorter; for general DIY use, the sweet spot for cordless chainsaws is 14 or 16 inches.
Smaller chainsaws, which have a 10-inch or 12-inch bar, are suitable for pruning. Small saws are lightweight and easy to use all day, and they’re useful for trimming limbs and small trees. They’re also handy at a campsite for cutting firewood to length (where allowed, of course).
Large chainsaw jobs, such as cutting down a mature tree, require a long 16-inch, 18-inch, or longer bar to handle the trunk’s large girth. Larger bars are most helpful for felling trees and cutting firewood. However, they’re heavier and less convenient for limbing trees than a smaller saw.
Oiling System
Bar oil helps the chain run smoothly in the bar’s grooves without overheating. Oiling prevents the chain from wearing out prematurely and the bar from burning from the speed of the chain. It also allows the saw to run at optimal speeds for the fastest cutting. Topping off the bar oil with each battery charge is an easy way to remember this task.
The most convenient way to go is with an automatic oiler, which will continuously lubricate the bar during use, as long as the onboard reservoir is kept full. Older options include a manual oiler (a thumb-operated plunger that releases oil onto the bar) and, most rudimentary, pouring oil over the bar by hand, but these outdated systems are not likely to be found nowadays.
Chain Tensioning
Chainsaw chains are known to stretch with use due to a combination of temperature changes and centrifugal force. New chains stretch quite a bit due to the same factors as well as simply “breaking in,” and that’s totally acceptable. However, when a chain stretches, it can fit loosely on the bar or even skip off of the bar altogether—annoying, if not dangerous.
To account for stretching, chainsaw bars have a back-and-forward adjustment that takes the slack out of the chain. The most easily adjusted models come with toolless tensioning systems. These systems only require you to simply loosen a knob on the side of the bar by hand, twist the adjustment knob until the slack is gone, and tighten the bar up again—all without pulling out a single hand tool or having to tighten a chainsaw chain manually.
Handles
As with a standard chainsaw, capable cordless chainsaws have two handles: one in the rear that includes the trigger and a larger wraparound handle in the front for the guiding hand. On most chainsaws, the rear grip is almost in-line, behind the motor, where the operator can lever downward on the bar for more cutting power. Top-handle chainsaws have the rear handle above the motor for a more compact, more maneuverable design that is more compatible with working among dense branches. Given the danger inherent in using a chainsaw, the grip is crucial.
Chainsaw handles use rubberized grips that allow you to get a good hold of the chainsaw. The rear handle also incorporates the trigger that activates the saw and a safety switch that engages to shut off the saw should the user lose the grip on the rear handle. The front handle curves around the chainsaw, allowing you to hold the chainsaw in various positions for different cuts.
Safety
Tools are not toys—and any chainsaw can be dangerous if it’s not operated correctly. In addition to these features, proper use can help keep you safe when operating a chainsaw. Look out for the following safety features that make using a chainsaw safer:
- A blade guard is crucial for protecting the chain and preventing accidents when the chainsaw is not in use. This protective sleeve fits over the blade like a scabbard, protecting the blade and preventing accidental cuts when transporting or storing the chainsaw.
- Manual chain brakes mounted in front of the grip keep your top hand protected and allow you to quickly engage the chain brake by rotating your wrist forward. Their main function is to arrest the chain if the saw kicks back. This happens when the uppermost portion of the bar’s tip makes contact with a log, causing the saw to “kick” back toward the user, potentially making contact between the user and the spinning chain.
- Low-kickback chains are also available; they are specially designed to prevent the chain from digging too deeply into the wood. If the cutter of the chains gets too deep into wood, it can stop abruptly and cause kickback. To help avoid kickback, never use the tip of the saw for making cuts. Instead, cut using only the top and bottom sections of the bar until you become very experienced with a chainsaw.
- Clutches are found on gas chainsaws, not battery chainsaws. In gas saws, the clutch is an important safety feature that isolates the motor from the chain and prevents the chain from spinning at engine idle speed. Since electric motors only operate when the operator pulls the trigger, a clutch is unnecessary.
Additional Features
Other miscellaneous features may be found in the chainsaw market. Some may be irrelevant depending on a user’s needs, but others may provide a compelling reason to select one tool over another.
- Variable speed: While some chainsaws offer only a single speed, which simply allows the chainsaw to be turned on or off, higher-end chainsaws offer variable-speed controls. These chainsaws regulate the chain’s speed via a pressure-sensitive trigger, allowing you to optimize the chain’s speed for different types of cuts.
- Anti-vibration: A certain amount of vibration is inevitable, but better chainsaws use special engine mounts to reduce it. Spring-mounted handles further insulate the user from vibration.
- Spring-assist starting: Some chainsaws have spring-assist starting, which reduces the pulling force needed to get the tool going.
- Extra batteries: Certain chainsaws come with an extended-life battery and/or extras to extend runtime. Batteries can be replaced during long sessions.
The Advantages of Owning a Battery Chainsaw
For the right user, cordless chainsaws—and the tech behind them—deliver. If it’s cutting firewood or a downed branch or even a small tree there’s no rush to remove, there’s a lot to like in this cordless chainsaw category.
Among the numerous advantages of owning a cordless chainsaw are the convenience and lower maintenance than with standard gas chainsaws or corded chainsaws.
There is no need to go through the tedious process of mixing gas for a two-cycle engine to power a cordless chainsaw, nor do you have the inconvenience of running a long power cord for an electric chainsaw. Simply keep the battery on the charger, pop it into the chainsaw, and you’re ready to go. Plus, if you have other battery-powered tools from the same manufacturer, you can use the same batteries for your other tools.
There also isn’t the need to maintain a battery-powered engine. If you only use a chainsaw on occasion, a gas-powered engine requires regular maintenance, or it can be difficult to start when you need it.
Gas chainsaws can be difficult to operate. They use pull starters to get the engine running, requiring significant effort, especially if the engine is cold. They also tend to stall if the throttle is engaged too quickly. Battery chainsaws won’t stall, and they start with the push of a button.
- They do not require long extension cords or special fuels.
- They are easier to maintain than gas-powered chainsaws.
- They can use the same batteries as other cordless tools of the same brand.
- They are easier to start and don’t have the stalling issues that plague some gas-powered chainsaws.
FAQs
If you’re still wondering about the best chainsaws powered by batteries, read on for answers to the most cutting questions.If you’re still wondering about battery-powered chainsaws, read on for answers to the most cutting questions about chainsaws.
When it comes to chainsaws, a general rule of thumb is that they should be at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of the tree or limb you are trying to cut. With that in mind, when shopping for a chainsaw, consider the types of jobs for which you’ll be using the chainsaw.
If you’re planning on using the chainsaw primarily for pruning and removing young trees, a 10-inch or 12-inch chainsaw should suffice. For larger jobs, consider purchasing a 16-inch or 18-inch chainsaw.
More than just the capabilities of the saw, the battery platform that you already own may be a big factor in choosing a chainsaw.
A good battery chainsaw typically runs about 30 to 40 minutes with intermittent use depending on the battery’s size.
There are several measures you should follow to maintain a chainsaw:
1.Check the bar oil with each battery change. Lubricant is necessary to keep the chain smoothly rotating around the bar and through the wood. Nothing will thwart your chainsaw job more than a dry blade, which will immediately dull the chain.
2.Keep the chain sharp. A sharp chain not only improves the cutting power of the chainsaw but also prevents dangerous kickbacks. Backup chains are useful, too.
3.Clean the saw blade after each use. Make sure to remove any debris or sawdust. Built-up debris can easily clog the oil hole, preventing lubricant from reaching the blade.
4.Tighten loose nuts, bolts, and screws. Chainsaws vibrate a lot, and all of that vibration can shake fasteners loose, negatively impacting the chainsaw’s operation.
Battery powered chainsaws can cut through saplings and large trees, depending on the chainsaw size. Larger models with 16 to 18-inch bars and sufficient power are capable of cutting through tree trunks from 14 to 16 inches in diameter. In general, your chainsaw bar should be about two inches longer than the thickness of the tree you’re cutting.
Battery chainsaws require bar and chain oil to prevent grinding and overheating. Add the recommended bar oil to your chainsaw’s reservoir as a part of general maintenance and upkeep.
To sharpen your battery-powered chainsaw, begin by removing the battery. Then, lay the chainsaw on a flat surface and use a vice or clamp to hold the bar in place. Tighten the chain so that it’s taut but still able to move smoothly. Then, use a filer to sharpen every other tooth at the angle recommended by the manufacturer. After one side is complete, flip the chainsaw over, use a vice to clamp it, and repeat, sharpening every other tooth.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor living goods.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick and Mark Clement.
