Surprise! Some battery-powered saws perform just like gas models. Find out how the latest models compare and which are the best cordless chain saws available today.
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These days, almost any tool you can think of comes in a cordless version, including chainsaws. Batteries eliminate the need for messy fuels (although you still need oil for the chain), and a cordless chain saw runs more cleanly and is easier to handle than its gas-powered counterpart.
But can it handle the job? Probably not if you’re out in the woods felling trees, but it’ll be up to the task if you need it for routine yard work, tree pruning or even some small construction projects. If that sounds good to you, we did some research to help you find the model that fits your budget and your job requirements.
If you have a penchant for nice things, then the DeWalt 60V MAX DCCS674X2 is right up your alley. This saw, along with the Greenworks, has the highest amp-hour battery of the group. The brand claims that this saw’s powerful motor allows you to cut through logs up to 35% faster than gas-powered saws. Talk about impressive! We also like the bright LED dashboard that allows for better user control. DeWalt also uses a tool tracking system called Tool Connect. This system uses Bluetooth technology to help you keep track of where your tools are. In other words, you won’t have to worry about someone taking off with your powerful new chainsaw.
We’ve tested our fair share of Stihl products, including their cordless pruning saw, and this is one brand that never disappoints. We’ve found the products are well made, easy to use and typically exceed our expectations when it comes to performance. That’s why we wouldn’t hesitate to buy this battery-powered chain saw. It features tool-free tensioning, an automatic oiling system and a translucent bar and chain oil tank.
Not only that, but it has a variable speed trigger that gives you precise control for each task. It clocks in at just 5.6 pounds (without the battery) and has a rubberized, soft-touch handle for comfort. During use, the noise level on this chain saw reaches 83 dB(A) which is the equivalent of city traffic. The only thing to consider is the fact that at 36 Volts, this is the least powerful saw on our list. That said, this makes it ideal for beginners and small jobs.
When it comes to measuring a chain saw bar and chain, you’ll find the most common chainsaw bar sizes are 12 to 20 inches. When choosing the right chainsaw size for your needs, we recommend selecting a chainsaw bar at least two inches longer than the thickness of the item that you will be cutting. The bars on electric chainsaws are typically 14 to 16 inches. We recommend a 14-inch saw for felling small trees, and a 16-inch bar for medium trees.
To select the best cordless chain saw, we originally tested 10 models that ranged in power and price. During that testing, there was a noticeable improvement in performance from the two lower-priced battery-powered chainsaw models to the more expensive models, but after that the differences were more subtle. The DeWalt, Echo and EGO saws were at the top of the class for cutting speed and endurance. The saws with higher amp-hour batteries tended to cut more logs before running out of juice.
Though many of the saws we tested are no longer available, we researched their new and improved models. Along with our prior experience with each brand, we paid close attention to the capabilities, features and price points of the newer models. We also combed through dozens of user reviews in order to select the five best cordless chain saws.
Most of these saws are powerful enough to cut through even big logs. And the best performers cut almost as fast as a small gas-powered chain saw. But if you cut cords of wood every year to heat your house, a gas-powered saw is a better choice. For everyone else, a battery-powered saw is an option worth considering. Battery-powered chain saws are convenient, quieter than gas-powered saws and lower maintenance.
Also, if you own or purchase other outdoor power equipment that can use the same battery, it makes even more sense to own a battery-powered chain saw. We were surprised at how closely their performance matched that of gas-powered saws. But there are a few downsides.
Run-time is limited, so if you have a lot of cutting to do, you’ll have to either take a break while the battery charges or splurge on a second battery. And extra batteries are expensive ($150 to $250 each). Also, as with any rechargeable battery, the lithium-ion batteries on these saws won’t last forever, so factor the battery replacement cost into your decision. Plus: Click here to check out our chain saw race!
Batteries can range from 36 to 80 volts, and from 1.5 to 6 amp-hours. If you’re curious what these numbers mean, think of voltage as horsepower and amp-hours as the amount of fuel in the tank. Using this analogy, you would expect the 80-volt, 2-amp-hour battery on the Greenworks saws to provide tons of power but run out of juice sooner than the 36-volt, 6-amp-hour battery on the Stihl saw.
All of the saws include smart chargers that sense when the battery is too hot or too cold to charge properly and delay charging until the battery is at the ideal temperature. Listed charging times range from 30 minutes to 3-1/2 hours, but these can fluctuate a lot depending on the temperature and battery condition. Even though the chargers are designed to prevent battery damage, be sure to read the use and care instructions for your saw’s battery and follow them carefully to make sure your battery lasts as long as possible.
Filling your saw with bar oil isn’t a maintenance task—it’s something essential just to keep cutting, just like adding gas to your car. So it’s important that adding oil be as simple and convenient as possible. We liked the caps on the DeWalt and Stihl saws with flip-up handles and quarter-turn action. We especially liked the oil reservoir on the Greenworks saw. Since you fill it with the saw upright, you can see the oil level through the translucent window as you’re filling.
Keeping the chain on your saw tensioned correctly is crucial for safety and preventing damage to your bar and chain. The tool-free feature found on many of these saws allows you to easily adjust the chain tension without a wrench or screwdriver. The mechanism varies somewhat from saw to saw, but in general, the bar nuts have been replaced with a large knob that you turn to loosen or tighten the bar. There’s another knob to adjust the chain tension. We think it’s worthwhile to look for this handy feature.
A cordless chainsaw doesn’t need gas, and you never have to worry about cleaning the carburetor or changing the plug, but it does require some simple maintenance:
A cordless chain saw can cut through some hefty logs, but it will quickly run out of power if you try to cut a lot of them. In general, it’s best used for the following:
At Family Handyman, we take pride in helping you find the best products for your home and yard projects. Our team of writers, editors and testers have combined decades of experience in all things house, yard and DIY. For this article, we built upon our knowledge and experience with cordless chain saws by thoroughly researching the latest innovations and verified user reviews. We will never recommend an un-tested product that we wouldn’t consider purchasing ourselves, regardless of things like brand recognition or popularity.
