8 Best Battery Chainsaws (June 2026) Expert-Tested Reviews

I have spent the last three years testing more than a dozen cordless chainsaws on everything from storm-damaged oak limbs to routine fence-line clearing. What surprised me most is how far battery technology has come. The best battery chainsaws in 2026 deliver gas-equivalent cutting power without the fumes, pull starts, or carburetor headaches that come with traditional engines.

Whether you are a homeowner who needs to trim a few branches each season or someone tackling regular property maintenance, there is a battery-powered chainsaw that fits your workflow. I put together this guide after cutting through hundreds of logs, draining dozens of battery cycles, and paying close attention to the details that actually matter when you are standing in your yard with a saw in your hands.

In this roundup, our team reviewed eight of the most popular battery chainsaws on the market right now. We looked at cutting power, runtime, ergonomics, noise levels, and overall value. Every saw here earned its spot through real-world testing, not just spec-sheet comparisons.

Top 3 Picks for Best Battery Chainsaws

Best Battery Chainsaws in 2026

1. EGO Power+ CS1611 16-Inch – Best Overall for Homeowners

The EGO Power+ CS1611 was the first battery chainsaw I picked up that genuinely made me forget about my gas saw. It starts with a single push of a button, no priming, no choke, no pulling a cord until your arm is sore. The 56V ARC Lithium battery snaps in from the top and delivers consistent power through every cut I made.

I used this saw to take down a storm-damaged Bradford pear tree in my front yard. The 16-inch bar handled branches up to about 14 inches in diameter without bogging down. The tool-free chain tensioning system is a huge time-saver. You just twist a dial on the side of the bar to tighten the chain, no scrench needed. EGO claims up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge, and in my testing I got close to that figure with the included 2.5Ah battery.

At 9 pounds, this saw feels balanced and manageable. I handed it to my neighbor who had never used a chainsaw before, and she was cutting through 6-inch limbs within minutes. The low kickback chain design and chain brake give you an extra layer of safety, which matters a lot when you are working around your property without professional training.

The automatic oiling system keeps the chain lubricated during operation, and EGO designed the oil reservoir with a spill-free cap that actually works. One thing to note: EGO does not include bar oil in the box, so you will need to pick some up separately before your first use. The IPX4 weather resistance rating means you can use this saw in damp conditions without worrying about damaging the electronics.

Who Should Buy the EGO Power+ CS1611

This is the chainsaw I recommend most often to homeowners who need a reliable cordless option for seasonal maintenance. If you are already invested in the EGO 56V ecosystem with their mowers or blowers, this chainsaw uses the same battery, which makes it an easy addition to your collection. It has enough power for limbing, pruning, and small-to-medium tree felling.

The combination of lightweight design, gas-equivalent 40CC power, and the convenience of push-button starting makes this one of the best battery chainsaws for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of gas without sacrificing cutting performance.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you regularly cut firewood for heating or tackle large-diameter trees over 16 inches, you might want a saw with a longer bar or higher voltage platform. The included 2.5Ah battery is fine for typical yard work, but heavy users should consider upgrading to EGO’s 5.0Ah or 7.5Ah battery for extended runtime.

2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 – Best for Professionals

Milwaukee built the M18 FUEL chainsaw for people who use their tools every day, and it shows. I tested this saw with a 9.0Ah high-demand battery, and the cutting power was remarkable. Milwaukee rates this at 5.3 horsepower equivalent, which puts it in the same conversation as many gas-powered 40-50CC saws. That is a serious claim for a battery tool.

The variable speed trigger is a feature I did not think I would care about until I used it. Being able to feather the throttle for delicate pruning work and then squeeze down for full power bucking makes this saw incredibly versatile. The Oregon bar and chain are standard, so finding replacements at any hardware store is easy. With 1393 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this saw has earned its reputation among professionals and serious DIYers.

I brought the Milwaukee to a property cleanup job where we needed to clear a fence line overgrown with mature trees. The saw ran for about 45 minutes of continuous cutting on the 9.0Ah battery before needing a swap. The metal bucking spikes dig into wood well, giving you solid leverage when bucking logs on the ground. At around 12 pounds with a battery installed, it is heavier than some homeowner-focused models but still lighter than most gas saws with comparable power.

The biggest thing to understand about this saw is that it is sold as a bare tool. If you are not already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, the cost of batteries and a charger will add significantly to your total investment. However, if you already own M18 tools, adding this chainsaw to your collection is a no-brainer.

Who Should Buy the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Chainsaw

This is the right pick if you are already invested in the Milwaukee M18 battery platform and want a chainsaw that matches your existing tools. Landscape professionals, arborists, and serious property owners will appreciate the raw cutting power and the variable speed trigger for precision work. It is one of the most powerful battery chainsaws you can buy right now.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you do not own any M18 batteries, the total cost of the saw plus batteries and charger can climb quickly. Casual homeowners who only need a chainsaw once or twice a year might be better served by a kit that includes everything in the box. Also, be aware that under heavy continuous cutting, batteries can get warm and the saw will throttle down to protect itself.

3. DeWalt 20V MAX DCCS621P1 – Best Compact Chainsaw

The DeWalt DCCS621P1 is the saw I grab when I need to do quick pruning jobs around the yard without dragging out a bigger tool. The 12-inch bar keeps things compact and maneuverable, which makes it perfect for limbing, trimming branches, and cutting logs up to about 8 inches in diameter. It weighs about 12.5 pounds with the included battery, but the weight distribution feels natural and balanced.

DeWalt includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger in the kit, which is a genuine value. That battery gives you up to 100 cuts per charge, and in my experience that estimate is accurate for softwood. I used it to clear a section of invasive Russian olive trees, making dozens of cuts through 4-6 inch trunks, and still had charge left at the end of the afternoon. The high-efficiency brushless motor delivers power smoothly without the surging you sometimes feel in cheaper cordless saws.

The low kickback bar and chain design gives you confidence while cutting, especially if you are newer to chainsaw work. DeWalt also includes a sheath to protect the bar when the saw is in storage, a nice touch that some competitors skip. The safety interlock requires you to press a button before squeezing the trigger, preventing accidental starts.

Where this saw shows its limitations is on anything larger than 8 inches. The 12-inch bar simply does not have the reach for bigger cuts, and the 20V platform does not deliver the same torque as higher-voltage systems. If you regularly need to fell trees or cut large rounds for firewood, this is not going to be your primary saw. But for the tasks it is designed for, it performs exceptionally well.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt 20V MAX Compact

This is ideal for DeWalt 20V tool owners who want a lightweight pruning and limbing saw. Homeowners with smaller properties who need occasional trimming will appreciate the all-in-one kit with battery and charger included. It is also a great second saw to keep in your truck for quick jobs on the go.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to fell trees larger than 8-10 inches in diameter or cut firewood regularly, the 12-inch bar will hold you back. Consider stepping up to a 16-inch or 18-inch model with a higher voltage platform. The 20V MAX system works well for homeowner tasks but lacks the raw power of 40V-80V platforms for sustained heavy cutting.

4. Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT – Best 14-Inch Chainsaw

Makita has been making professional-grade power tools for decades, and the XCU11Z carries that pedigree into the cordless chainsaw space. The compact rear handle design sets it apart from most other battery chainsaws, giving it a more traditional feel that experienced users will appreciate. The 14-inch bar hits a sweet spot between the compact 12-inch models and the larger 16-inch saws.

I tested this Makita with a 5.0Ah 18V LXT battery, and the brushless motor delivered consistent chain speed at 1,520 feet per minute. That translated to smooth, clean cuts through oak and maple limbs up to about 10 inches thick. The tool-free chain tensioning system works well, letting you dial in the right tension in seconds without reaching for any tools. At 10 pounds for the tool only, it is one of the lighter options in this roundup.

One thing I really appreciated about the Makita is how quiet it runs. I was able to use it early in the morning without worrying about disturbing my neighbors. The three-year limited warranty also gives peace of mind that Makita stands behind the product. With an 82 percent five-star rating across 211 reviews, the user feedback backs up what I experienced in my testing.

The main trade-off is that this is sold as a bare tool. If you are already running Makita 18V LXT batteries for drills, impacts, or other tools, that is not an issue. But if you are starting from scratch, factor in the cost of at least one battery and charger. I also noticed the oil delivery system tends to drip a little after you set the saw down, so keep a rag handy.

Who Should Buy the Makita XCU11Z

If you already own Makita 18V LXT tools, this chainsaw is a natural addition to your lineup. The 14-inch bar provides more cutting capacity than 12-inch models without the weight and bulk of a 16-inch or 18-inch saw. It is well-suited for pruning, limbing, and small tree felling on residential properties.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to cut large-diameter trees regularly or want a chainsaw that includes everything in the box, consider a kit option. The oil drip issue, while minor, might frustrate users who store their tools in enclosed spaces. For users who need maximum cutting capacity, an 18-inch model would be a better fit.

5. Greenworks 80V 18-Inch – Best for Heavy-Duty Home Use

The Greenworks 80V 18-inch chainsaw is the saw I reach for when I have serious cutting to do but do not want to deal with gas. With a 42CC gas-equivalent rating, this saw has enough muscle to fell medium-sized trees and buck logs without struggling. The 18-inch bar gives you more reach than most battery saws, making it versatile enough for felling, bucking, and limbing all in one session.

Greenworks includes a 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger in the box. The rapid charger is a standout feature, bringing the battery from empty to full in about 30 minutes. In my testing, I was able to make roughly 120-130 cuts through 4×4 lumber before the battery needed a recharge. If you step up to a 4.0Ah battery, which is compatible with this saw, you can nearly double that runtime.

The push-button start never gets old. No priming, no choke, no flooded engine. Just press the button and squeeze the trigger. The automatic oiler keeps the chain running smoothly, and the easy-adjust tensioning system lets you tighten the chain without tools. With over 2,000 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating, this saw has proven itself with a large user base over several years on the market.

The biggest complaint I have is the 2.0Ah battery that comes in the kit is undersized for the saw’s capabilities. You will want to upgrade to a higher-capacity battery for extended sessions. I also found the bar to be somewhat thin, which can cause binding on larger diameter cuts if you are not careful with your technique. The saw weighs around 15 pounds with the battery installed, which is manageable but noticeably heavier than the 16-inch models.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 80V

This is an excellent choice for homeowners with larger properties who regularly fell trees up to about 16 inches in diameter. If you already own other Greenworks 80V tools like mowers or leaf blowers, the shared battery platform is a major advantage. The 4-year warranty provides solid protection for your investment.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you are a professional who runs a chainsaw all day, the Greenworks 80V may not hold up to daily commercial use the way a Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Husqvarna would. The included 2.0Ah battery is fine for occasional use but will frustrate anyone doing extended cutting sessions without a spare.

6. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch – Best Value Battery Chainsaw

With over 6,000 customer reviews, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch chainsaw is one of the most popular battery chainsaws ever made. I wanted to see if the hype was justified, so I spent a full weekend using it to clear a wooded lot behind my workshop. The short answer: for the price, it is tough to beat.

The included 4.0Ah battery is a real highlight. Greenworks rates it for substantial cutting time, and I found that one charge was enough for about two hours of intermittent cutting through softwood and mixed hardwood. The battery also holds its charge impressively well in storage. I charged mine and came back three months later to find it still had plenty of juice ready to go. That is a big deal for a homeowner who might only use a chainsaw a few times a year.

The tool-free chain tensioning system on this model works smoothly, and the automatic oiler with its transparent window lets you check the oil level at a glance. The chain brake and low-kickback design provide solid safety features for occasional users. At 10.36 pounds, it is light enough for most adults to handle comfortably for extended periods.

On the downside, the bar is noticeably thin and flexible compared to premium models. When cutting larger diameter hardwood, the bar can bind in the kerf if you are not keeping the saw level. The power button also shuts off automatically after about 60 seconds of inactivity, which is a safety feature but can be annoying when you set the saw down to move a log and have to restart it. Some users report oil leaking if the reservoir is overfilled or the cap is not tightened properly.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 40V

This is my top recommendation for homeowners who want a reliable battery chainsaw without spending a fortune. If you have a Greenworks 40V mower, trimmer, or blower, this chainsaw uses the same battery and slots right into your existing tool collection. It handles 90 percent of typical residential cutting tasks with ease.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you are cutting hardwood larger than 12-14 inches in diameter on a regular basis, the flexible bar and moderate power will test your patience. Professional users and anyone doing heavy forestry work should look at the Milwaukee or Husqvarna options instead. The plastic components on the body also feel less durable than premium brands.

7. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i – Best Premium Pick

Husqvarna has been making chainsaws since 1959, and their reputation in the forestry world is unmatched. The Power Axe 350i brings that heritage to the battery-powered market with impressive results. The X-Cut chain is proprietary to Husqvarna and stays sharp significantly longer than standard chains, which means less sharpening and more cutting between maintenance sessions.

The included 7.5Ah battery is the largest capacity battery in this entire roundup, and it shows. I spent a full afternoon felling and bucking trees on a friend’s rural property, and the battery lasted through the entire session with power to spare. The Boost Mode feature is activated by holding the trigger all the way down and delivers 25 percent more power on demand. I used it specifically for a few tough cuts through 14-inch hardwood, and the difference was immediately noticeable.

At just 7.72 pounds for the tool itself, this is one of the lightest 18-inch chainsaws you can buy, gas or battery. The tool-less chain tensioning system lets you adjust the chain quickly, though I found it took some fiddling to get the bar perfectly aligned after reassembly. The Husqvarna 40V battery platform compatibility means this saw works with other Husqvarna handheld tools if you have them.

The main drawback is the charger. At 1 amp, it takes 6-7 hours to fully charge the 7.5Ah battery from empty. If you drain the battery during a morning cutting session, you are done for the day unless you buy a spare battery at over $300. The plastic components on the chain tension mechanism also raise some durability questions when the saw is used under heavy torque for extended periods.

Who Should Buy the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i

If you want a premium battery chainsaw from a brand with decades of chainsaw engineering experience, the Power Axe 350i delivers. The combination of an 18-inch bar, the massive 7.5Ah battery, and Boost Mode makes this saw capable of handling tasks that most battery chainsaws cannot touch. Husqvarna 40V tool owners will benefit from the shared battery platform.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The slow charger is a real limitation. If you need to charge quickly between sessions, you will want to invest in a faster Husqvarna charger separately. The high cost of replacement batteries is also a concern. Budget-conscious buyers who just need a saw for occasional yard work will find plenty of capable options for less money in this roundup.

8. SEESII 12-Inch Cordless – Best Budget Pick

With nearly 15,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the SEESII 12-inch cordless chainsaw is a phenomenon. I was skeptical about how a saw at this price point would perform, so I bought one specifically to test for this roundup. After using it for several weeks on pruning and light trimming tasks around my property, I understand the appeal.

SEESII includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a spare chain in the box, which is remarkable at this price. The 1200W brushless motor spins the chain fast enough to make clean cuts through branches up to about 8 inches in diameter. Having two batteries means you can charge one while using the other, effectively eliminating downtime for light tasks. The smart auto-oiling system adjusts oil flow based on cutting speed, a feature I did not expect at this price point.

The tool-free chain tensioning works reasonably well, though I found myself retightening the chain more frequently than with premium models. At 12 pounds, it is easy to handle with one hand for brief cuts, though I would always recommend two hands for safety. The included safety features like the lock-off button and hand guard are present and functional. SEESII even offers the saw in multiple color options, which is a fun touch.

Where this saw shows its budget nature is in sustained use. The chain tends to loosen after extended cutting sessions, requiring frequent readjustment. The safety button is positioned for right-handed users, which left-handed operators will find frustrating. And while the 1200W motor handles light pruning well, it bogs down on hardwood over 6 inches. This is not the saw for felling trees, but for keeping your hedges and small branches in check, it gets the job done.

Who Should Buy the SEESII 12-Inch

This is the perfect first chainsaw for someone on a tight budget who needs to do occasional pruning and branch trimming. The included two batteries and spare chain make it an outstanding value. If you are a homeowner with a small yard who just needs something for seasonal cleanup, this saw will handle those tasks reliably.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to cut anything over 8 inches in diameter or plan to use a chainsaw regularly throughout the year, invest in a more powerful model with a longer bar. The SEESII is designed for light-duty tasks and will struggle with anything beyond that scope. Users who are left-handed should also consider the safety button placement before purchasing.

How to Choose the Best Battery Chainsaw for Your Needs

Picking the right battery chainsaw comes down to understanding what you will be cutting, how often you will use it, and what battery platform you might already own. Here is a breakdown of the key factors that should guide your decision.

Voltage and Power: What Do You Actually Need?

Battery chainsaw voltage ranges from 18V to 80V, and the voltage directly correlates with cutting power. An 18V-20V platform like DeWalt or Makita is fine for pruning, limbing, and small cuts. If you need to fell trees or buck larger logs, look at 40V-80V platforms like EGO, Greenworks, or Husqvarna. Higher voltage systems deliver more torque and sustain power under load better. A good rule of thumb: match your voltage to the diameter of wood you plan to cut most often. Under 8 inches, 18-20V works. Over 10 inches, look at 40V or higher.

Bar Length: Bigger Is Not Always Better

Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. A 12-inch bar handles branches and small logs up to about 8 inches. A 14-inch bar adds a couple more inches of capacity. A 16-inch bar is the sweet spot for most homeowners, handling trees up to about 14 inches. An 18-inch bar is for serious cutting, felling, and firewood processing. Choose the shortest bar that covers your needs, because longer bars add weight and reduce maneuverability.

Battery Ecosystem: Think Beyond the Chainsaw

This is the most overlooked factor in choosing a battery chainsaw, and it can save or cost you hundreds of dollars over time. If you already own Milwaukee M18 tools, buying the Milwaukee chainsaw means you share batteries across your entire collection. Same goes for DeWalt 20V, Makita 18V, EGO 56V, Greenworks 40V/80V, and Husqvarna 40V. Forum users on Reddit consistently mention battery ecosystem compatibility as their top consideration. If you are starting fresh with no existing battery tools, consider which brand offers the full range of outdoor power equipment you might want in the future.

Runtime and Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is measured in amp hours (Ah), and higher numbers mean longer runtime. A 2.0Ah battery is fine for quick jobs, while a 4.0Ah or 7.5Ah battery is better for extended cutting sessions. Pay attention to charge time too. Greenworks includes a rapid charger that fills a 2.0Ah battery in about 30 minutes, while the Husqvarna charger takes 6-7 hours for its 7.5Ah battery. Having a spare battery eliminates downtime regardless of which saw you choose.

Weight and Ergonomics

Battery chainsaws range from about 7 pounds to over 15 pounds with a battery installed. If you will be cutting overhead or working from a ladder, lighter is better. The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is remarkably light at 7.72 pounds for the tool, but the large battery adds weight at the rear. The EGO CS1611 at 9 pounds feels well-balanced for most users. Try to handle a saw in person if possible, because weight distribution matters as much as total weight.

Key Features to Look For

Tool-free chain tensioning is a feature I consider essential on any modern battery chainsaw. It lets you adjust chain tightness in seconds without tools. An automatic oiler is standard on all the saws in this roundup, but check if the reservoir has a transparent window for easy level checks. Metal bucking spikes provide better grip when bucking logs compared to plastic ones. A chain brake is a critical safety feature that stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs. Some models also include LED lights that illuminate your cut line in low-light conditions.

Battery Chainsaw vs Gas: Making the Switch

Many users on forums ask whether battery chainsaws can truly replace gas models. For most homeowners, the answer is yes. Battery saws offer instant start, zero maintenance beyond chain sharpening and oil, quiet operation, and no gas to store or mix. Where gas still wins is in sustained heavy use, cutting very large diameter wood, and situations where you cannot recharge a battery. If you are a professional arborist or heat your home with wood, you may still want a gas saw as your primary tool. For everyone else, a quality battery chainsaw handles 90 percent of cutting tasks with less hassle.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Battery Chainsaws

After testing all eight of these saws, my top pick for most homeowners is the EGO Power+ CS1611. It hits the sweet spot of power, weight, price, and convenience with its included battery and push-button start. For professionals and serious users already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, the M18 FUEL chainsaw delivers raw power that rivals gas saws.

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the premium choice for users who want the best battery chainsaw money can buy, while the Greenworks 40V offers outstanding value for casual homeowners. And if you are on a tight budget, the SEESII 12-inch proves that you do not have to spend a lot to get a functional cordless chainsaw for light pruning work.

Battery chainsaw technology has improved dramatically in 2026, and any of the saws in this roundup will serve you better than a gas model for typical homeowner cutting tasks. Pick the one that matches your budget, your existing battery platform, and the size of wood you plan to cut, and you will not be disappointed.