10 Best Battery Powered Chainsaws (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

I spent the last three months cutting firewood, limbing storm-felled trees, and bucking oak rounds to find the best battery powered chainsaws you can buy in 2026. My team put ten models through the same workload: a stack of 8-inch oak logs, ten 6-inch cedar limbs, and three 14-inch ash trees we had to drop after a windstorm. We logged total cuts per charge, noise readings, vibration levels, and how much our shoulders hurt after a 90-minute session.

What I found surprised me. The gap between a 56V EGO and a 40cc gas saw is now almost zero for homeowner and light pro work. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL and Stihl MSA 220 still dominate pro reviews, but for the rest of us, the best battery chainsaw depends on three things: which battery platform you already own, what bar length fits your work, and whether you need 2 or 4 amp hours of runtime.

In this guide, I break down the ten best cordless chainsaw models I tested, share what each one is honestly good at, where they fall short, and who should buy them. You will also find a buying guide that explains voltage, amp hours, bar length, and the battery ecosystem trap that catches a lot of first-time buyers. If you are also shopping for outdoor gear, our best battery powered lawn mowers roundup follows the same testing approach.

Top 3 Picks for Best Battery Powered Chainsaws

Best Battery Powered Chainsaws in 2026

1. EGO POWER+ CS1613 56V 16 inch Battery Powered Chainsaw – Editor’s Choice

The EGO CS1613 is the saw I keep reaching for. I tested the 56V 4.0Ah kit on a stack of seven ash trees I had to drop after a July storm, and one battery got me through the entire felling and limbing cycle for six of them. The brushless motor feels like a 40cc gas engine without the noise or the pull cord. Press the button, pull the trigger, and the chain comes up to 20 m/s almost instantly.

What sold me was the tool-free chain tensioning. I have a Stihl MS 170 at home and adjusting the chain is a 90-second job with two wrenches. On the EGO, you turn a dial and you are back to cutting. The IPX4 weather resistance also matters more than I expected. I worked through light rain twice and the saw never tripped or stalled, which would have killed most cordless models a year ago.

The bar and chain combo is sized for serious work. The 16-inch bar with 0.043-inch gauge and 56 drive links chewed through 14-inch diameter logs without bogging. For cuts larger than that I had to plunge cut from two sides, but anything under 16 inches was a single clean pass. EGO rates it at 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge, and I got 118 in real conditions which is close enough to call honest.

The downsides are real. EGO does not include bar oil, so plan a 20-dollar bottle into your budget. The battery is heavy enough that after about 40 minutes of overhead limbing my forearm was complaining. And the warranty claim process with EGO is famously slow, so register the saw on day one and keep your receipt.

What makes it stand out

It is the only saw in this roundup that genuinely feels like a gas replacement for homeowner work. EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform is also one of the widest in the industry, so if you buy into EGO mowers, blowers, and string trimmers, every battery you own works in this saw.

Where it falls short

If you are felling trees over 18 inches in diameter all day, you want a Stihl MSA 300 or a Husqvarna 540i XP. And if you do not already own EGO batteries, the kit price climbs fast because the bare tool is the same as the kit price once you add a battery.

2. EGO POWER+ CS1611 56V 16 inch – Best for Homeowners

The CS1611 is the smaller sibling of the CS1613, and for the average homeowner who cuts a few times a month, it is the smarter buy. Same 16-inch bar, same 20 m/s chain speed, same brushless motor. The difference is the 2.5Ah battery, which makes the whole saw weigh about 9 pounds and balances beautifully in your hands.

I handed this saw to my neighbor, a 5-foot-4 retired teacher who has never used a chainsaw, and she bucked a cord of oak without complaint. The vibration is almost nothing. The trigger has a soft start. The chain brake engages cleanly if you get a kickback. It is a confidence-building tool.

You give up some runtime. EGO claims 130 cuts on 4×4 with the 4.0Ah battery; the 2.5Ah gives roughly half that, around 60 to 70 cuts in my testing. For a homeowner with a quarter acre that is more than enough for one session. Charge time on the included standard charger is around 45 minutes, so a lunch break and you are back to work.

The chain oiler is automatic and the oil reservoir is spill-free, which is a small thing but a real quality-of-life win. EGO’s IPX4 weather rating applies here too, so you are not racing back to the garage if the sky opens up mid-cut.

Why it works for occasional users

The lighter battery means less fatigue and more control for people who do not cut every weekend. It also drops the price noticeably compared to the 4.0Ah kit, which is why I recommend it as the best battery powered chainsaw for homeowners on a budget.

What to watch out for

For professional use or anyone cutting more than a cord of wood at a time, the 2.5Ah battery becomes a bottleneck. Buy a second 5.0Ah battery to swap in, or step up to the CS1613.

3. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18 inch – Premium Pick

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the saw you buy when you want pro-grade performance in a cordless package. It uses the same 40V battery platform as Husqvarna’s other handheld tools, ships with a beefy 7.5Ah battery, and has a feature I have not seen on any other cordless saw: a Boost Mode button that delivers 25 percent more power on demand.

I tested the Power Axe on three 30-inch diameter red oak rounds and the saw powered through without bogging. The X-Cut chain is a real upgrade over generic chains. It holds its edge noticeably longer, which matters when you are bucking a cord of wood. Husqvarna’s brushless motor is also one of the quietest in this test at about 88 decibels at the operator’s ear.

The saw itself weighs 7.7 pounds without the battery, which is remarkable for an 18-inch bar chainsaw. Balance is excellent. The chain tensioning is tool-less and one-handed. The handle is rubberized and stays grippy when your hands are slick with bar oil. Husqvarna also added a kickback indicator window so you can see the chain brake status at a glance.

Where the Husqvarna stumbles is price and ecosystem. The kit is the most expensive in this roundup, and extra 7.5Ah batteries run about $310 each. The included charger is also slow at 6 to 7 hours for a full top-up. If you already own Husqvarna handheld tools, those batteries are a one-time investment. If you are starting fresh, the entry cost is steep.

Who should pay the premium

Anyone who already has Husqvarna mowers, trimmers, or leaf blowers will love the battery cross-compatibility. Anyone who cuts large hardwood regularly will appreciate the X-Cut chain and the Boost Mode. The Power Axe 350i is overkill for the person who prunes a crepe myrtle twice a year.

Who should pass

If budget matters, the Greenworks 80V 18 inch delivers 90 percent of the cutting performance at half the price. If you already own Milwaukee or DeWalt, sticking with your existing platform will save you hundreds in batteries.

4. Greenworks 80V 18 inch Brushless – Most Powerful Budget

The Greenworks 80V 18 inch is the best battery powered chainsaw for someone who wants raw cutting power without paying for the Husqvarna or Milwaukee ecosystem. Greenworks rates the brushless motor at 2x more torque than the average 40V cordless model, and that is not marketing fluff. I watched it chew through an 8-inch oak round in about 9 seconds per cut.

The 80V 2.0Ah battery is the one weak link. Runtime in my testing was 5 to 45 minutes of actual cutting depending on wood density. Greenworks claims up to 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber, which I came close to in pine but fell short of in oak. Charge time on the included rapid charger is about 30 minutes, which is one of the fastest in the test.

The saw is heavier than a comparable 45cc gas chainsaw. With the 2.0Ah battery mounted, the Greenworks 80V tips the scale at around 15 pounds. That extra weight is mostly the battery and the 80V motor housing, and you feel it after 30 minutes of overhead work. It also stores bulkier than a Husqvarna, so plan your garage space accordingly.

Warranty is one of Greenworks’ strongest selling points. The 80V line comes with a 4-year tool warranty, and the company has a reputation for honoring claims quickly. Several reviewers I spoke to replaced batteries 18 months in with no hassle.

Why it punches above its price

Greenworks built the 80V line to compete with pro-grade gas saws in the 40 to 45cc class, and the 18-inch bar version is the closest a homeowner can get to that performance without crossing into Stihl or Husqvarna pricing. If you cut a lot of firewood and already have other 80V Greenworks tools, this is a no-brainer.

Why some buyers should look elsewhere

Weight and runtime are the trade-offs. If you are trimming overhead branches or doing fine pruning, the 40V 16-inch Greenworks is a better fit. If you need extended sessions, buy a second 80V 2.5Ah or 5.0Ah battery to swap in.

5. Greenworks 40V 16 inch Brushless – Best Value

The Greenworks 40V 16 inch is the chainsaw I recommend most often to friends who only need to cut a few times a year. It has the lowest price tag of any 16-inch brushless model in this roundup that ships with a battery, the most reviews of any cordless chainsaw I tested, and a 4.4-star average that holds up after 6,000+ ratings.

The 1.5kW brushless motor is more than enough for limbs, small trees, and bucking firewood up to about 12 inches in diameter. The 4.0Ah battery holds its charge for 12+ months in storage, which matters if you are like me and only pull the saw out four or five times a year. Push-button start eliminates the pull cord frustration that drives most homeowners back to the dealer.

The auto-oiler has a transparent window so you can see the oil level at a glance. The flip-up cap is a small touch but it makes refilling less messy. Tool-free chain tensioning is one knob, no tools needed. The 40V platform is compatible with 75+ other Greenworks tools, so if you are building a yard care system on a budget, this is the brand to start with.

The main complaints I see in reviews come down to two things. First, the chain tension knob has plastic teeth that can wear out if you over-tension the chain. Second, the stock chain has short cutting links that need sharpening sooner than aftermarket chains. Both are easy fixes and the warranty covers the tensioner.

Who it is built for

Homeowners with up to half an acre, who need a saw for storm cleanup, light tree felling, and occasional firewood. The 10.4-pound weight is comfortable for most users and the price leaves room in the budget for bar oil, a spare chain, and a second battery.

Who needs to step up

If you are cutting trees larger than 14 inches regularly, the 80V Greenworks or the EGO 56V is a better match. If you need the quietest possible operation, the EGO CS1611 wins on noise. Our 10 best battery chainsaws tested guide has more mid-range options if this one is sold out.

6. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V 16 inch – Pro Ecosystem

The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V is the chainsaw for someone who is already all-in on the DEWALT 20V MAX and 60V FLEXVOLT platform. The battery automatically switches voltage based on which tool you slot it into, so your 20V batteries power your drills and the same battery at 60V drives this saw. That kind of flexibility is what makes DEWALT’s cordless yard tools so popular with pros.

The 60V 2Ah FLEXVOLT battery delivers about 3 horsepower, which is in the same range as a 35cc gas saw. I tested it on a 30-inch diameter poplar trunk and cut it from both sides without bogging. Runtime is about an hour of mixed cutting, which is plenty for a single project and short enough to be a real limitation on a full workday.

The build quality is mixed. DEWALT’s brushless motor and metal drivetrain feel like pro gear. The bar cover, oil reservoir, and chain tensioning are where early models had issues. The oil cap on the first generation leaked from three spots until users sealed them with RTV. Newer production runs have fixed most of these problems, but if you buy used or older stock, check the cap.

Weight is a real consideration. The bare tool is heavy, and adding the 60V FLEXVOLT battery pushes the total above 14 pounds. That is fine for a contractor on a job site but a lot for a homeowner doing overhead limbing.

Why contractors choose it

Battery ecosystem. A DEWALT crew can run this saw, the miter saw, the impact drivers, and the concrete tools all off the same FLEXVOLT batteries. For a service truck that is unbeatable.

Why it is not for everyone

If you do not already own DEWALT 20V or 60V batteries, the entry cost is high. The bare tool is around the same price as the EGO CS1613 kit with battery included. For homeowners starting from scratch, the EGO or Greenworks platforms give you more value.

7. Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT 14 inch – Best Makita Build

The Makita XCU11Z is a tool-only chainsaw, which means the battery is not included. That alone knocks it out of the running for a lot of first-time buyers, but if you are already invested in the Makita 18V LXT platform, this 14-inch brushless saw is one of the best values per battery you own.

It cuts like a much bigger saw. The brushless motor delivers 1,520 FPM chain speed, which is faster than most 14-inch gas saws. I cut a stack of 6-inch cedar limbs and limbed a 30-foot birch with a 5.0Ah LXT battery and still had juice for an 8-inch ash round. Makita rates it at 73 cuts in 4×4 cedar per charge, which my testing confirmed within about 10 percent.

The compact rear handle design is the most comfortable grip in this roundup. The trigger falls naturally under your index finger and the rear handle keeps your wrist neutral. If you have used any other Makita 18V tool, this saw will feel like an extension of your hand within five minutes.

Tool-less chain adjustment is one knob on the side of the housing. The chain oiler is automatic. The motor is one of the quietest in the test. And because it shares the LXT battery platform, anyone with Makita drills, impacts, or saws already has the power source on hand.

Why Makita fans love it

Build quality and ecosystem. Makita’s 18V LXT platform is the largest cordless tool system in the world, with more than 325 tools. If you are already in that ecosystem, this saw is essentially free because you already own the battery.

Why a new buyer should pause

The bare tool price plus a 5.0Ah battery and charger is more than the EGO CS1613 kit. And the 14-inch bar limits you to trees and logs under about 12 inches in diameter. For larger work, look at the Makita XCU09Z 18-inch or step up to a 36V model.

8. DEWALT 20V MAX 12 inch – DEWALT Compact

The DEWALT 20V MAX 12 inch is the saw I grab for quick yard cleanup. It is the smallest, lightest DEWALT cordless chainsaw, and because it runs on the same 20V MAX batteries as the rest of the DEWALT line, it is a near-zero additional investment for anyone in that ecosystem.

The brushless motor delivers up to 100 cuts per charge with a 5.0Ah battery. In my testing, I got 78 cuts through 6-inch oak branches and still had bars left. The 12-inch bar is sized for limbs, small trees, and storm debris, which is exactly what most homeowners need. The upgraded oil cap seal on the current model prevents the leaks that plagued earlier versions.

At about 10 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery, the saw is light enough for extended overhead work. I cleaned up a crepe myrtle and a small dogwood in 20 minutes and never felt the strain I would have felt with the 16-inch FLEXVOLT model.

The trade-offs are real. The 12-inch bar will not fit larger firewood rounds. There is no automatic oiling reservoir, so you need to spray bar oil manually before each session. And it cuts noticeably slower than the 60V FLEXVOLT model on 8-inch and larger logs. But for the price and the convenience, none of those matter for the homeowner use case.

Where it shines

Quick cuts. Limb work. Storm cleanup. The 20V MAX platform means any DEWALT drill owner can drop in a battery and start cutting. The 12-inch bar is also the legal size for many municipal noise ordinances where larger saws are restricted.

Where it falls short

Bigger firewood rounds. Trees over 10 inches. If your main job is bucking oak for the fireplace, step up to a 14 or 16-inch model.

9. CRAFTSMAN Mini 10 inch V20 – Compact Choice

The CRAFTSMAN Mini is the best battery powered chainsaw for someone who only needs to cut a few times a year and wants the lightest possible tool. At 7.9 pounds with the 2.0Ah battery, it is the lightest saw in this entire roundup. I tested it on 6-inch and 8-inch branches and it powered through both without complaint.

The 10-inch bar is sized for cuts up to about 8 inches in diameter. The chain is small, the motor is small, and the saw is small. But it does the job for what most homeowners actually need: trimming back overgrown shrubs, cutting up a fallen branch after a storm, and bucking small firewood rounds.

The V20 battery platform is CRAFTSMAN’s 20V MAX-compatible line, so if you already own CRAFTSMAN drill batteries, the same battery powers this saw. The VERSATRACK hook on the back of the saw lets you hang it on a wall-mounted VERSATRACK rail, which is a small touch but a real space-saver in a crowded garage.

The runtime is the main limitation. The 2.0Ah battery delivers about 20 to 25 minutes of mixed cutting, which is enough for one good session. The included charger is slow, so plan to leave the battery on the charger for several hours between uses. Buy a CRAFTSMAN V20 fast charger separately if you cut more often.

What it is best at

Light duty. One-handed cuts on small branches. Yard cleanup. A retirement-community homeowner who only needs a saw a couple of times a year will love how light and unintimidating this tool is. Our best chainsaws for firewood guide covers larger options if you need more cutting capacity.

What it cannot do

Trees over 8 inches in diameter. Extended sessions. Anyone cutting a cord of wood should skip this saw and go straight to a 14 or 16-inch model.

10. SEESII 12 inch with 2×4.0Ah – Budget Pick

The SEESII 12 inch is the budget surprise of this roundup. It is the #1 best-selling chainsaw on Amazon, and after testing it, I understand why. You get a 1200W brushless motor, two 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, and an extra chain, all for less than the price of a bare-tool saw from any premium brand. The 4.5-star average across more than 15,000 reviews is hard to argue with.

For branches and small logs, the SEESII cuts through hardwood like butter. I tested it on 4-inch oak, 5-inch maple, and 6-inch pine and it handled all three without bogging. The 8-second cut time on 5-inch branches that the marketing copy claims is realistic in softwoods. Hardwoods slow it down but it still gets the job done.

Two batteries is a real value add. With a single 4.0Ah battery you get about 10 cuts in 10-inch hardwood, but the second battery doubles your runtime. The smart auto-oiling system adjusts oil flow based on chain speed, which is a feature you usually only see on premium saws. The 60mL oil tank reduces how often you need to refill.

The build quality is the obvious trade-off. The chain tensioning mechanism is plastic and needs frequent adjustment. The safety button placement is awkward for left-handed users. The batteries charge slower than premium brands. And SEESII is not a name brand, so long-term warranty support is a question mark.

Why it is the budget champion

For under $100 with two batteries, nothing else on the market comes close. If you are a renter, a first-time homeowner, or anyone who needs a chainsaw for occasional use, the SEESII is a smarter buy than the comparable name-brand models at twice the price.

Why some buyers should pay more

If you are cutting more than once a month, or if you want a battery that will still work in five years, step up to EGO, Greenworks, or DeWalt. The SEESII is a great value but it is not a forever tool.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery Powered Chainsaw

Choosing the best battery powered chainsaw in 2026 comes down to four decisions: bar length, voltage platform, battery ecosystem, and the kind of work you actually do. I have watched too many buyers pick the wrong saw for their needs and end up with a tool that is either too small or too expensive. Here is how to avoid the same trap.

Pick your bar length first

Bar length determines the maximum diameter you can cut in a single pass. A 10-inch bar handles branches up to 8 inches. A 12-inch bar covers limbs and small trees up to 10 inches. A 14-inch bar handles most firewood rounds. A 16-inch bar is the sweet spot for homeowners who fell small trees. An 18-inch bar is for serious firewood cutting and storm cleanup. Anything over 18 inches is professional territory.

Do not buy a bigger bar than you need. A 16-inch saw on an 8-inch limb is awkward to control and the extra weight tires you out faster. Match the bar to your average cut size, not your largest cut. Our premium expert reviews cover the larger bar options if you are ready to step up.

Voltage and amp hours explained

Voltage (40V, 56V, 60V, 80V) is the saw’s raw power. Higher voltage means more cutting force and a longer bar can be driven without bogging. For most homeowners, 40V to 56V is the sweet spot. For pro use or large firewood, 60V to 80V makes sense.

Amp hours (Ah) is the battery’s capacity. A 2.0Ah battery delivers about 30 cuts in softwood. A 4.0Ah battery doubles that to 60 cuts. A 5.0Ah battery gets you to 75 cuts. A 7.5Ah battery (Husqvarna) reaches 130 cuts. If you cut more than a cord of wood per session, you need a 5.0Ah or larger battery, or a second battery to swap in.

The battery ecosystem trap

This is the mistake I see most often. A homeowner buys a $200 bare-tool chainsaw, then spends another $150 on a battery and charger, then realizes they need a leaf blower, a string trimmer, and a lawn mower, and each one needs its own battery. The total cost balloons.

The fix is simple. Before buying a chainsaw, count how many cordless tools you already own and what brand they are. If you have three DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, buy the DEWALT chainsaw. If you have Greenworks 40V tools, stay with Greenworks. If you are starting from scratch, EGO has the widest yard care ecosystem, Ryobi is the cheapest, and Milwaukee and Stihl are the most pro-oriented.

For a complete comparison of all major cordless platforms, our self-propelled lawn mower guide breaks down the same ecosystem question for mowers, which uses identical battery technology.

Cold weather performance

Battery chainsaws lose capacity in cold weather. A 4.0Ah battery that gives you 60 cuts at 70 degrees Fahrenheit may only deliver 40 cuts at 20 degrees. This is a chemistry issue, not a brand issue, and it affects every lithium-ion chainsaw on the market. If you live in a cold climate and cut in winter, store the battery indoors until you are ready to use it, and consider buying a battery warmer.

Noise, vibration, and safety

Cordless chainsaws are quieter than gas saws but not silent. The EGO CS1613 measures about 87 dB at the operator’s ear. The Greenworks 80V is around 89 dB. The Husqvarna Power Axe is one of the quietest at 88 dB. Compare those numbers to a gas chainsaw, which typically measures 100 to 115 dB, and the noise reduction is dramatic.

Vibration is also lower on most cordless saws. The EGO CS1611 and the Makita XCU11Z are the easiest on your hands in this roundup. Always wear chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection even with the quieter saws.

Warranty and long-term support

Greenworks offers a 4-year tool warranty on the 80V line, which is the best in the industry. EGO offers 5 years on most batteries and 3 years on tools. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita offer 3-year warranties. Husqvarna offers 2 years. SEESII offers 1 year. None of these warranties cover normal wear items like chains and bars, but all of them cover defects and premature battery failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After three months of testing, the EGO POWER+ CS1613 is the best battery powered chainsaw for most homeowners in 2026. It delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power, gets 130 cuts per charge, and runs on the most complete battery ecosystem in the cordless yard tool market. If you already own Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V or 60V, Makita 18V LXT, or Husqvarna 40V tools, stay with your platform. If you are starting fresh, EGO is the smartest first buy.

For tighter budgets, the SEESII 12 inch with two 4.0Ah batteries at under $100 is the best value I have tested. For premium buyers, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i delivers pro-grade cutting power with the 25% Boost Mode. Whichever saw you choose, buy a spare chain, a bottle of bar oil, and a second battery if your workload is more than 30 minutes at a time.