Best Battery Powered Chainsaws: How to Choose Perfect One?

Published on: March 12, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

A chainsaw is the most versatile tool that a contractor loves to have in his toolshed. They perform amazingly for cutting through tree limbs and branches in a short time. A gas-powered or electric chainsaw can help you to complete your job smoothly in no time.

But if you need to work away from electric outlets or in a place where you can hardly find gas for your gas-powered chainsaw, a battery-powered chainsaw is the only substitute that can help you.

You’ll find thousands of options while buying a battery-powered chainsaw which may make you confused to choose from. But if you know the basic things about a cordless chainsaw you can easily pick one.

It is always better to go through a few reviews before buying any tools and equipment. This will help you to know the basics as well as the best products in the market.

If you’re planning to buy one, you can also read this guideline. Hope this will also add some value to your research.

Also, powerful battery chainsaws for professional or homeowners use. Here we have discussed the advantages, disadvantages, and how to get a decent chainsaw

How to Select a Cordless Chainsaw

If you’re thinking of buying a cordless chainsaw you should know well about the features and its advantages and disadvantages. The first thing you should consider while buying is the type of job you’re going to do. And the other considerations are-

Power

Cordless chainsaws are not as powerful as gas chainsaws, but they have enough power to cut down a tree. For getting a powerful one you need to check the voltage and amp hours of its battery. If those numbers are high that means the tool is powerful and it will also last for a long time.

Noise & Vibration

By using this type of chainsaw you will experience less vibration and noise than other chainsaws. Users of battery-powered chainsaws love them as they are an almost silent tool and produce no fumes or noise or any other problems like gas-powered saws.

Cutting Performance

Though the cordless chainsaws are smaller than others, their cutting power is really impressive. For example, a 40V battery-powered saw can easily cut tree limbs & branches in 4”- 6”. As we’ve mentioned earlier, a saw with high voltage allows you to cut more efficiently, if you get a 60V chainsaw, it can cut pressure-treated pine wood into 6”x6” pieces.

Safety

Usually, cordless chainsaws come with a lot of safety features installed by default. But it is better if you check the available safety features of that particular chainsaw. Especially look for the chain brakes that help the machine to stop the kickback and the EPS or Electronic Protection System that shut down the saw automatically to protect it from overheating and overloading.

Ease of Use

Though battery-powered chainsaws are really easy to use and maintain, still you need to check the user manual to be sure about the operating system and maintenance.

Battery Run Time

The most important feature you should check while buying a battery-powered chainsaw is the battery run time. Battery run time mainly depends on amperage and voltage. Watt time is another factor that affects the runtime of lithium-ion batteries. If you get the top-rated battery chainsaw from the list I’ve mentioned, you’ll be able to make at least 40 cuts per watt/hr.

Motor

In recent days, cordless chainsaws come with computer chip-controlled brushless motors. This type of motor can easily convert volts to amperes according to the required levels. These motors can also control heat management and help to increase battery life.

Charging Time

Battery charging time is another important feature you should check before buying. Because you don’t want to sit for a long time in the middle of cutting to recharge the battery. This charging time may vary depending on the model but try to get the one that takes minimum time to get recharged.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cordless Chainsaws

Cordless chainsaws are popular for their mobility and ease of use. But you may definitely want to know more about the pros and cons of a battery-powered chainsaw before buying it.

Advantages

The main advantage that you’ll get from a cordless chainsaw is it is more portable than corded chainsaws. With a corded chainsaw, you’ve to stay by the power source to operate the saw without any interruption. But with a cordless chainsaw, you can move wherever you need without worrying about the power source.

Another interesting advantage of battery-powered chainsaws is, they can be used even if the power grid is down as they are powered by batteries.

The most important benefit you can get by using a cordless chainsaw is it doesn’t produce noise like other chainsaws. So you can work without disturbing your neighbors.

Disadvantages

The main drawback of a cordless chainsaw is its runtime, they have limited runtime than corded chainsaws. And they’re less powerful than other chainsaws.

Cordless chainsaws tend to be heavier than gas-powered or other chainsaws as they have a large battery inside them. Which may ruin their portability.

View Top 10 Battery Powered Chainsaws Reviews, Below

1. EGO Power Cordless Chain Saw Kit, 14-Inches

• 6300 RPM Speed;
• 14 inches long bar & chain;
• Weights 13.4 pounds;
• 56V Lithium-Ion battery and charger included;
• Model no CS1403.

For beginners, a cheap power tool with well-responsive customer service is way better than a high-quality tool with nonexistent customer service. Our EGO chainsaw is not flawless, to be honest, but the service one gets from the customer service upon any unforeseen circumstances is priceless. I have heard stories of getting a replacement after complaining to the customer service section about the nonfunctional oil tank or a loose sagging chain of the saw.

When it comes to quality, it is the best for the medium-range price. The saw is lightweight, and useful for cutting medium-sized trees or large branches and twigs. The battery included in the package is long-lasting and stays up to 100 cuts at once.  

A little caution needs to be taken before using this saw seriously. Take it to a professional and be sure that all the parts are well attached and functional; have a close look at the oil tank, chain, bar and chain guards, etc. any defect in these areas can be injurious. Overall, this saw is well-built and weather protected for long life. There is less chance of overheating of the battery due to overcharging because the charger has a self-cooling fan for prevention. As I said earlier, it is the best bet for beginners.

Pros

• Budget-friendly;
• Good customer service;
• Weatherproof;
• Long battery life;
• Long warranty offered.

Cons

• May arrive with disoriented parts.

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2. Makita 36V Cordless Chain Saw Kit (XCU09PT), 16 inches

• 3,940 FPM Speed;
• 16 inches long bar & chain;
• Weight 17.96 pounds;
• Power Source: Battery Powered;
• 36V Lithium-Ion battery and charger included;
• Model no XCU09PT.

Makita cordless chainsaw has launched in the market to amaze you with its superior quality and almost ‘no maintenance’ feature. Most of the time while operating a chainsaw, we waste our time adjusting the chain, lubricating the bar, changing the oil and the list is endless.

Often, it hampers our productivity. This Makita cordless saw will ensure that, while working with it, the center of your attention will be the workpiece, not the saw itself. It triggers variable speed and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) for improved cutting performance.

Its oil tank is large and automated, self-lubricating the chain and bar. There is a window on top of it to peek at it and eliminate the need for checking the oil level repeatedly. When you are done, there is no need to clean up the air filter or the muffler or empty the oil tank. Just clean the chain and put the saw in the toolbox, that’s all you need to do.

Please make sure you use the Makita batteries that come with the saw. Otherwise, there is a risk of ruining the saw if you use inappropriate ones. This is a professional-grade cordless saw to maximize your productivity. The price they fixed for it, is really worth every penny.

Pros

• Requires minimal maintenance;
• It is an alternative to gas-powered outdoor electrical equipment.
• Heavy duty;
• Lightweight;
• Reasonable price;
• Toolless adjustment for the chain.

Cons

• No cons.

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3. Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Chainsaw (GCS80420), 18-Inches

• 18-inch long bar & chain;
• Weight 10.8 pounds;
• 80V battery included;
• Model no GCS80420.

People who are used to gas-powered chain saws will admire how perfectly this Greenworks Pro cordless saw imitates the capacity of a gas-operated chain saw. The power its 80V batteries offer equals 1.5 liters of gasoline you use in conventional chainsaws. However, its bar and chains are longer 18 inches in length; so, chopping up large hardwood trees will be a breeze with it. But for smaller jobs, it may seem too large and bulky.

It’s surprising how noise-free this beast is. You will never need an earmuff while working with it. When you are done with it and ready to pack up, never forget to empty and clean the oil tank. It seeps when the machine is off. Not cleaning it on time will make a mess.

This high-capacity cordless saw is as cheap as low-capacity ones. If you often need to chop down large wood, then this saw with a longer chain will be more convenient for you rather than the short chain ones.

Pros

• Longer chain for larger capacity;
• Produces less noise;
• Long battery life;

Cons

• Heavy and bulky for small jobs.

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4. OREGON 40V Max Chainsaw Kit, 16 inches

• 16-inch long bar & chain;
• 40V battery included;
• Power Source: Battery Powered.
• Weighs 12 pounds.

People who are used to gas-powered chain saws will admire how perfectly this OREGON 40V Max cordless saw imitates the capacity of a gas-operated chain saw. The power its 40V batteries offer equals 1.5 liters of gasoline you use in conventional chainsaws. However, its bar and chains are longer than 18 inches in length; so, chopping up large hardwood trees will be a breeze with it. But for smaller jobs, it may seem too large and bulky.

It’s surprising how noise-free this beast is. You will never need an earmuff while working with it. When you are done with it and ready to pack up, never forget to empty and clean the oil tank. It seeps when the machine is off. Not cleaning it on time will make a mess.

This high-capacity cordless saw is as cheap as low-capacity ones. If you often need to chop down large wood, then this saw with a longer chain will be more convenient for you rather than the short chain ones.

Pros

• Longer chain for larger capacity;
• Powersharp sharpening system;
• Long battery life;

Cons

• Heavy and bulky for small jobs.

Read more: Analysis of the Best Chainsaw Chains

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5. MAXLANDER Cordless Battery & Charger Chainsaw Kit

• 12 inches long bar & chain;
• Weights 12.2 pounds;
• 20V, 2,0AH battery, and charger included.

Cordless chainsaws are as powerful as gas-operated ones, that’s obvious. But with the 2.0 AH batteries of the MAXLANDE chainsaw, it surely overpowers any other cordless chainsaws currently on the market.

The batteries are so efficient that they take only an hour to charge fully, yet go over a couple of hours without a hitch. The variable speed feature in a chainsaw is super unique, something I haven’t found in other models. With the low-speed setting, this saw will last even longer with one charge.

This machine is larger and heavier; hence perfect to take down large branches or slice up big trees in a more time-saving way. It is a commercial-grade battery-operated chainsaw. If you can afford it, don’t miss the chance to own this monster.

Pros

• Lightweight battery-powered and versatility chainsaw;
• Variable speed;
• Be smooth, fast, and agile, straight cuts;
• Comfortable and safe to use.

Cons

• None.

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6. Oregon Cordless Chainsaw Kit (CS300-A6), 16 inches

• 2796 FPM speed;
• 16 inches long bar & chain;
• Weights 12 pounds;
• 40V, 4 AH battery and charger included;
• Model no CS300-A6.

It is the larger version of the Oregon 14 inches saw of the CS250S6 model. This one has all the advancements that Oregon saw with a longer chain. A longer chain is great for cutting thicker logs. To match the requirement, the batteries that arrive with this saw are of higher quality. 2 40V batteries of 4 AH capacity takes less time to get charged yet runs longer to serve the purpose.

While cutting thicker logs, the chain may get dull more frequently. The Powersharp System sharpens the chain within seconds during the job. This feature will work with particularly Oregon chains. These chains are a bit pricier, but the continuous sharpness you get from it totally worth it.

Even if the saw is large and weighs a pound heavier than smaller saws, you won’t feel the difference. Of its ergonomic design and well-balanced construction, the weight doesn’t matter.

Pros

• Cheap price;
• Sharpens chain within the saw;
• Produces less noise and vibration;
• Well balanced.

Cons

• No cons.

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7. Zombi 120-V, Electric Chainsaw (ZCS12017), 16-Inches

• 16 inches long bar & chain;
• Weights 2.2 pounds;
• 120-Volt 13-Amp corded electric chainsaw;
• Model no ZCS12017.

No matter how much I praise this unit, it will never be enough. The manufacturer Zombi carefully picked the parts of this electric saw to make it a high-quality power tool. The chain they picked is the best quality one from Oregon, and so is the bar. To make wood chopping more convenient, they have made a secret compartment at the lower part. 

Here, you can keep all the accessories that arrive with the saw. I find having such a compartment is very handy for keeping extra oil or batteries so that you don’t have to take a break in the middle of the job.

The warranty offered for this amazing saw and the price it costs is unbelievable. There is less chance that you will ever have to claim the warranty to get free servicing. If you ever do need that, then you will know how friendly their customer service is. With 2.2 pounds, this machine is slightly heavy. It can be difficult to handle for people with smaller hands.

Pros

• Low kickback chain included;
• Built-in compartment for accessories;
• Long warranty offered;
• Pro-quality.

Cons

• No cons.

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8. Greenworks CS48L4410 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw USB Batteries

• 14 inches long bar & chain;
• 48V, 4.0 Ah battery and charger included;
• Model no CS48L4410;
• Includes 2 x 24V (48V) 14-Inch chainsaw, scabbard, 2 x 4.0Ah batteries, dual-port charger, and operator’s manual.

In a word, this model of chain saw from Makita is the ‘safest’ to use. There are three safety switches you need to push to get the best on. For beginners, DIYers, and others who use saw less often or are not used to these, this edition will be perfect. Other than the power switch, there is a lock-off switch then activates when you remove your hand from the handle. So that the chain never turns on unexpectedly which may cause severe injury.

Even these measures can be frustrating for some. Every time you release the handle, the saw takes 3 seconds to turn off. In the meantime, the ‘auto shut down’ turns on to prevent draining out the batteries. For small jobs, repeated on and off will take time to complete. These safety locks are convenient for continuous jobs.

However, needless to say, this machine is well-built. The batteries arrive with it to save you time. Work with a pair and charge the other pair in the meantime. This way, you will never run out of battery. I recommend thinking twice before putting your hands on it. Some have left negative reviews out of disappointment with the safety locks.

Pros

• Automatic oiler ensures chain stays lubricated for longer chain life;
• Both batteries completely recharge in 120 minutes with a dual-port charger;
• Pro-style side-mounted chain tensioning for easy bar and chain maintenance;
• Highly powerful.

Cons

• No cons.

Related Post: How to Choose the Best Chainsaw Boots

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9. Earthwise 12-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw (CS33016), 16-Inch

• 16 inches long bar & chain;
• Weight 9.9 pounds;
• 120V, 16-Inch, 12-Amp green corded;
• Model no  CS33016.

For light and occasional use, this saw will be enough and money-saving. It is the cheapest among all the saws we reviewed here. For the price, it will not be right to expect a commercial-grade chainsaw that will last for prolonged use.

 In the meantime, you can do small pruning and trim or cut firewood. There is a detailed instruction manual in the package. It not only directs how to operate it but also instructs how to saw to get the desired cut and so on. For beginners, only this manual will be enough to initiate sawing on their own.

It may seem underpowered but does the job as advertised. So, nothing can be blamed. Some have complained about a leavy auto oiler. You can face that too; in those cases, you can claim a replacement, but you can’t get a saw of better quality.

Pros

• Comfortable cushioned handle;
• Automatic oiling system;
• Budget-friendly;
• High-quality chain included;
• Long-lasting brushless motor.

Cons

• No cons.

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10. WORX 20V Cordless Pole Chain Saw (WG323)

• 14 inches long bar & chain;
• Weight 10.4 pounds;
• 20V battery, extension pole, and charger included;
• Model no  WG323.

Neither a ladder nor a stool will be needed for trimming or pruning large trees with Works saw. It has a detachable extension pole that lets you go sawing when your feet are still on the ground. No need to carry around a ladder to do that again. In other words, you will never need a pole saw. Invest in it and save on a pole saw because it does both jobs.

To make this saw functional with a pole, it is made extremely lightweight. With only 10 pounds, using this saw will be a breeze. Just like other models we have reviewed, it has an auto oiler, comes with a battery and charger, and has a variable speed function.

The included battery is 20v. Most of the cordless power tools we use frequently run on 20v batteries. So, this battery can be used on any cordless tool literally. If you are intending to use your cordless saw to dice up large logs, then this model is worth a try.

Pros

• Comes with an extension pole;
• Battery compatible with other 20v tools;
• Well built.

Cons

• I Need to practice using the pole.

Learn more: Finding the Best Chainsaw Chaps

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What is the Best Way to Cut Roots with a Battery Powered Chainsaw?

When dealing with stubborn roots, the easiest way to cut roots is to use a battery-powered chainsaw. It provides convenience and mobility without the hassle of cords or fuel. With the right technique and safety precautions, a battery-powered chainsaw can efficiently and effectively cut through roots with ease.

FAQs

What Type of Battery Powered Chainsaw is Suitable for a Novice?

If you’re new in the industry, you should go for the smallest one which can meet your cutting needs. As a beginner, Makita, Ego can be the best choice for you.

How Can I Store My Chainsaw After Completing the Job?

The first thing you should do after finishing your sawing is clean the chainsaw. Then put it in a place where it doesn’t come in contact with the ground or any other tools.

How to Maintain a Cordless Chainsaw?

The most crucial part of maintaining your cordless chainsaw is to keep the chain sharp and replace it before it breaks.

The need to be oiled and tensioned before every use and for sharpening, you can do it on your own or take it to a professional.

You also need to oil the motor from time to time and keep the motor clean from sawdust and debris.

Are Battery-powered Chainsaws Safer?

Safer Cutting When Up High

With a battery-powered chainsaw, 100% of the noise output stops once you are abandoning the trigger.

Are Battery Chainsaws Nearly as Good as Gas?

Cordless chainsaws are lighter and easier to handle than gas chainsaws and most corded electric chainsaws. They’re also very quiet to work, which makes them the simplest chainsaws for home use: Cordless and excellent mobility.

Conclusion

So there are so many options to choose from when buying a cordless chainsaw. But if you know well about your requirements, consider your job type, and the most important features of a good quality chainsaw, you’ll be able to choose the right one for you.

If you’ve preferences but are a little bit confused about choosing one from them, just match them with the mentioned features.

You can also have a look at the list I’ve provided, they all are popular models in the market.

But no matter which one you get, the most important thing you need to remember while using a chainsaw is to be safe. So always wear safety gear before starting to work with your chainsaw.

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