Battery-powered chainsaws are the most convenient way to cut through trees, limbs, and branches. They give you all the benefits of electric chainsaws without handcuffing you to an outlet. Just pop in a charged battery and you’re ready to start cutting.
The market for battery-powered chainsaws is crowded, but we have researched dozens of battery-powered chainsaws, picked out the best, and compiled a list that will help you narrow down the field and choose the right model for you.
Top 10 Battery-Powered Chainsaws – Reviews
1. Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT
Our top-ranked battery-powered chainsaw is the Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT. This chainsaw is a beast, with 100 volts of power and an 18-inch saw bar that make it the biggest and most powerful unit on the list.
Cool features: The tool-less chain tensioning keeps the chain secure and the automatic oiling system keeps it lubricated while cutting. It also has a protective hand brake and built-in safety switch to prevent any accidents or mishaps. If that’s not enough, it also comes with a two-year Sun Joe warranty.
Specifications
- Power: 100 volts
- Weight: 11.5 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Powerful, 100-volt battery for cordless operation that can tackle most jobs
✓ Tool-less tensioning and onboard auto-oiler
✓ 2-year Sun Joe warranty
Cons
✗ Battery and charger sold separately
✗ Some reviewers report a leaking oil reservoir
Where to buy:
2. Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20312
The Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20312 has an efficient, lightweight design that makes it easy to use to trim and bring down trees in your yard. With a durable, brushless motor, this Greenworks battery-powered chainsaw gives off less vibration, has a reduced risk of overheating, and is far less likely to require engine maintenance. It’s also easy to wield at just 10.4 pounds.
Bonus points: The G-MAX 20312 comes with a 40-volt lithium-ion battery that has a 70-minute run time, and it is cross-compatible with at least 14 other Greenworks power tools.
Specifications
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Automatic oiling and chain tensioning
✓ Low-vibration brushless motor
✓ Cross-compatible battery
Cons
✗ Struggles with heavy-duty jobs
✗ Some reviewers complain that the chain falls off its track too often
Where to buy:
3. Greenworks Pro GCS80420 80V
The Greenworks Pro GCS80420 is a great but pricey battery-operated chainsaw. This powerful machine is better suited for heavy-duty work than the Greenworks 20312, but it is the most expensive wood cutter on our list.
Here are the details: The 80-volt battery powers a DigiPro brushless motor on an 18-inch saw bar. It has metal bucking spikes and a metal wrap-around handle for durability. The electronic chain brake system ensures safety. This model includes a 2.0 Ah battery and a 30-minute rapid charger.
Specifications
- Power: 80 volts
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Metal bucking spikes
✓ Electronic chain brake
✓ Chainsaw kit includes 30-minute rapid charger
Cons
✗ Expensive
✗ Included 2.0 Ah battery has below-average battery life
Where to buy:
4. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 has a compact, easy-to-use design that makes for fast, easy cuts. It has auto-tensioning and an automatic oiling system that keep this battery-powerd chaninsaw low-maintenance.
Other notable features: This chainsaw is light and maneuverable at just over 10 pounds, and it has a wrap-around bale handle. This chainsaw is the smallest on the list, so it’s best for light-duty work and works well as a trimmer. It’s also sold as a chainsaw kit with extra batteries.
Specifications
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 12 inches
Pros
✓ Lightweight and maneuverable
✓ Durable, low kickback saw bar by Oregon
✓ Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling system
Cons
✗ Small, not suitable for heavy-duty work
✗ Battery requires four to five hours to charge
Where to buy:
5. WORX WG384
The WORX WG384 comes with a machine of a chainsaw, two batteries, and a charger for less than $200, making it the best value on the list.
Here are the details: This chainsaw uses 40 volts to power a durable brushless motor for strong cutting performance. The quick-stop chain brake stops on a dime to prevent accidental cutting and keep you in control. This chainsaw even has battery level indicators so that you always know how much battery you have left.
Specifications
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 14 inches
Pros
✓ Includes two batteries and a charger for less than $200
✓ Quick-stop chain brake for safety
✓ Battery-level indicator
Cons
✗ Reviewers report issues with reduced battery life over time
✗ Some reviewers say that the chain falls off frequently
Where to buy:
6. Greenworks PRO CS80L211
The Greenworks PRO CS80L211 is a mid-sized saw designed for power. It has a 16-inch saw bar, an 80-volt battery, and a brushless motor. This machine can handle almost any job you throw at it.
Specifications
- Power: 80 volts
- Weight: 12.8 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Powerful 80-volt battery and brushless motor
✓ Auto-oiling system
✓ Fast charging time at just 30 minutes
Cons
✗ Doesn’t have variable chain speed
✗ Chain tensioning is not tool-less, tool can be lost
Where to buy:
7. Ryobi 40V Brushless 14″
Ryobi’s 40-volt brushless chainsaw brings strength and longevity to a sleek and well-designed cutting machine. It has an ergonomic handle, a low kickback bar and chain, and a hand guard to maximize safety and comfort.
Other notable features: The chain tensioning system has easy, side access, and the onboard tool compartment keeps your tensioning tool safe and secure. This chainsaw even comes with a five-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 11.5 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 14 inches
Pros
✓ Five-year warranty
✓ Maintains cutting speed throughout battery life
✓ Variable speed trigger
Cons
✗ Tensioning requires a tool
✗ Bar and chain oil not included
Where to buy:
8. CRAFTSMAN V60 CMCCS660E1
CRAFTSMAN’s 60-volt CMCCS660E1 delivers strong all-around performance and gets high marks for versatility.
Here are the details: The brushless motor gives extended run time to the 60-volt battery. The tool-less tensioning and auto-oiler make it low maintenance. The low kickback bar and chain by Oregon make it safe.
Bonus points: This chainsaw also is compatible with the CRAFTSMAN VERSATRACK system, and the battery is cross-compatible with other CRAFTSMAN cordless tools.
Specifications
- Power: 60 volts
- Weight: 18.7 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Automatic oiling and chain tensioning
✓ Low-vibration brushless motor
✓ Cross-compatible battery
Cons
✗ Heaviest battery-powered chainsaw on the list
✗ Some reviewers complain of reduced battery life over time
Where to buy:
9. Toro PowerPlex 51880
The Toro PowerPlex 51880 is perfect for making quick work of light-duty cutting. The brushless motor and 40V battery are designed with efficiency in mind. This battery-operated Toro chainsaw also has a low kickback bar and chain, as well as metal teeth for bucking and a chain brake.
Bonus points: Tool-less tensioning and automatic oiling come standard in this model.
Specifications
- Power: 40 amps
- Weight: 10.8 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 14 inches
Pros
✓ Tool-less tensioning and automatic oiling
✓ Low kickback bar and chain and metal bucking spikes
✓ 60-minute quick charge
Cons
✗ Not suitable for large jobs
✗ Some reviewers complain that the oil reservoir leaks
Where to buy:
10. Husqvarna 120i
The lightweight Husqvarna 120i is a great option for pruning branches or felling small trees. It has variable speeds and allows you to easily switch from maximum power to maximum run time with an intuitive control pad. The inertia-activated chain brake system keeps you safe from accidents.
Specifications
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 10.8 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 14 inches
Pros
✓ Easily switch from maximum power to maximum run time
✓ Cross-compatible battery
✓ Inertia-activated chain brake for safety
Cons
✗ Some reviewers complain about reduced battery life over time
✗ Does not include chain oil
Where to buy:
Buyers Guide
The right chainsaw for you will depend on how you intend to use the machine. What kind of yard work are you doing, and what do you want out of your chainsaw experience? This buyer’s guide will help you make the best decision for your specific chainsaw needs.
Here are some key terms explained, in case you are shopping for your first chainsaw:
Brushless vs. brushed motor
Traditional, brushed motors use wire coils and a fixed electromagnet to create a repelling electromagnetic field that powers the machine. The brushes create a point of contact that causes friction and inhibits speed. Brushless motors eliminate the contact point by using multiple fixed magnets and electronics to generate power.
What this means: With brushless motors, there is less friction, and that results in more power, less vibration, reduced risk of overheating, and longer life of the tool. While brushless motors are much more powerful than brushed motors and are less likely to require any serious maintenance, they’re more expensive.
This video shows a comparison of a brushed versus a brushless power tool:
Battery life
Depending on the work you’re doing, battery life might be one of the most important factors.
For example, if you just need a saw that can prune a few trees or occasionally cut debris, you’ll most likely be able to finish your work on a single charge. But what if you need a tool for extended use? You’ll want to take into account the number of cuts you need to perform and decide if you need to have extra batteries with a full battery charge handy.
You may even decide that a battery-powered saw just won’t cut it.
Chain oil
Chainsaws require bar oil to keep things running smoothly and avoid overheating.
Many modern chainsaws have an automatic oiling system that continuously releases oil onto the saw bar to keep things lubricated. Just keep the onboard oil reservoir full and the saw will do the oiling work for you.
If you decide to go with an older model chainsaw without an automatic oiler, you’ll need to manually oil your chainsaw to avoid damaging it.
Chain tensioning
Temperature and force can cause the saw’s chain to stretch during use. What this means: You need to monitor the chain tension to keep it from over-expanding and jumping off the guide bar.
Some chainsaws have automatic chain adjustments or a “tool-less” chain tensioning system that makes tensioning easy. Other models will require you to keep a specific tool or a screwdriver handy so you can tighten the chain when needed.
Safety features
Chainsaws can be dangerous. They can cause serious injury if used improperly. Unless you are a seasoned professional with years of experience and training, safety features should be an important consideration when shopping for a chainsaw.
One important safety feature is a chain brake that allows you to quickly stop the chain from spinning if it breaks or jumps off the bar. Some models do this automatically and stop in an instant, others include a manual lever or have a chain brake feature built into a trigger.
Kickback is when the tip of the saw catches on something and causes the machine to “kick” back at the user. This can cause serious injury. Low kickback chains and bars are specifically designed to reduce kickback or “bucking” to protect chainsaw users.
Check out this video for tips on how to safely operate a chainsaw:
FAQs About Electric Chainsaws
This depends on the type of work you want to do with your chainsaw. Many modern battery models have as much power as some gas-engine models and can handle most light-duty or moderate chainsaw work.
Battery-powered chainsaws are also much quieter, require far less maintenance, and don’t have the toxic emissions of gas models. If you need a tool for felling large trees or other heavy-duty work, a battery-powered motor might not be enough.
A gas chainsaw will give you more power and be better suited for extended periods of difficult cutting.
Consider the type of work you will be doing.
Is the job quick enough that battery life isn’t a concern or do you need a chainsaw with extended life? Do you have all the tools necessary to tighten and maintain your saw’s chain or would a tool-less chain tensioner and automatic oiling system make life easier? How experienced are you with chainsaws?
For those with less experience trimming and felling trees, you should pay close attention to chainsaw safety features.
The length of the chainsaw bar should be at least 2-3 inches longer than the width of the object you’re cutting.
For example, if you’re cutting trees or limbs that are 12 inches wide, you will need a chainsaw that is at least 14 inches long.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reviewed our list of the 10 best battery-powered chainsaws and read the buyers guide above, you are ready to get the chainsaw that’s right for you. With your battery-powered chainsaw in hand, you will be able to conquer trees anywhere without gas or cords.
Or if you’d rather not risk a limb cutting a limb, you can always leave the tree work to the professionals. We make it easy to find tree care professionals near you who can do the work so you can relax over the weekend. After all, maybe you’d rather saw logs in your sleep than in your yard.
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