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While gas chainsaws may be more effective for heavy-duty tasks, battery chainsaws are a capable option for standard yard work, landscaping, and similar tasks. Battery-powered chainsaws are quieter and easier to handle than their gas counterparts, but they vary in ability from model to model. To help you narrow down your choices and pick the best product for your needs, we researched the best battery-powered chainsaws on the market. Here are our top picks.
Best Battery Chainsaws: Our Top 5 Picks
- Best Design: Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit
- Fastest Charging: SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit
- Best for Yards: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
- Best Budget Model: BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
- Most Lightweight: Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless Compact Chainsaw
Compare Top Battery Chainsaws
| Product | Bar Length | Voltage | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XCU03PT1 CordlessChain Saw Kit | 14 inches | 36 volts | 21.8 pounds | 3-year limited |
| SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit | 14 inches | 40 volts | 11.5 pounds | 5-year limited |
| DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Chainsaw | 12 inches | 20 volts | 8.8 pounds | 3-year limited |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw | 10 inches | 20 volts | 7.6 pounds | 2-year limited |
| Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless Compact Chainsaw | 12 inches | 40 volts | 6 pounds | 3-year limited |
| Product | Bar Length | Voltage | Weight | Warranty |
Best Design
Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit
- $389
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: DIYers seeking an easy-to-use chainsaw that works well on branches or shrubs at all angles.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team finds that customers who like this chainsaw say it’s easily maneuverable and lightweight. Others are impressed with its capable power for its compact size, and many reviewers like that it’s durable and well-built. However, some customers feel this chainsaw runs out of battery quickly, and others feel that the on/off button is inconveniently placed.
Fastest Charging
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit
- $149
- $199
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those who will primarily be cutting small- or medium-size logs and who value fast recharging and a high-voltage motor.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who are impressed with this chainsaw like that it’s lightweight and easy to handle. Others like that it’s durable and long-lasting. On the other hand, some customers find this saw’s battery life to be lacking, and others say it has issues with leaking bar oil.
Best for Yards
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
- $169
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those who need a chainsaw for light yard work and not heavy-duty projects.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who give this battery-powered chainsaw a positive review like that it is compact and easy to maneuver. Others are impressed by how quickly it works and how long the battery lasts. However, several other customers feel this product leaks oil easily, and others are disappointed in its overall lack of speed and torque.
Best Budget Model
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
- $99.99
- $105.99
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Beginners who don’t have a lot of experience using a chainsaw and those who will only use it a few times per year for small tasks.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research shows that customers who are impressed with this chainsaw often comment on its long-lasting battery, light weight, and sturdy design. However, we also see some customers who feel that sharpening this saw is challenging, and others say they have issues with the automatic oiler not working properly.
Most Lightweight
Greenworks Cordless Compact Chainsaw
- $229
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those who value maneuverability but don’t want to sacrifice cutting performance.
What Customers Are Saying
We find that customers who like this chainsaw are impressed with its excellent value and lightweight design. Others say they’re pleased with its performance level, especially considering how small it is. Still, other customers feel this electric chainsaw lacks safety features, and others say they have issues with oil leaking out.
Buying Guide for Battery Chainsaws
With the vast number of battery-powered chainsaws on the market, it can be hard to differentiate between them. Below are the features you should consider most when deciding which model suits your needs.
Battery
Due to significant improvements in battery-powered outdoor equipment, battery chainsaws now provide a high voltage and can recharge in minutes. These chainsaws use lithium-ion batteries, which are typically 20 volts; however, some models use 18-volt batteries. Heavy-duty models use 40- or 80-volt batteries, but those are typically not necessary for DIY use. Some chainsaws use multiple batteries and combine their power, such as the Makita XCU03PT1 model.
A chainsaw battery’s run time determines how long the saw can operate before it needs to be charged. Most modern battery-powered chainsaws can last around 20–30 minutes before needing to be recharged, but some models may last longer.
Bar Length
A chainsaw’s “bar” refers to the metal piece that guides the chain while you work. Longer bars allow you to work on bigger logs or branches. You can figure out how long of a bar you’ll need by determining the length of the cuts you’ll be making. Look for a bar that has a diameter of 2 inches more than the cut you want to make. For example, a 14-inch bar works best for a 12-inch cut. Most small battery chainsaws have bars ranging from 10–12 inches, while larger models have bars ranging from 14–18 inches.
Oiling Method
Oiling a chainsaw’s bar is critical to ensure it doesn’t overheat or cause the chain to wear out and break prematurely. Most chainsaws have an automatic oiling method that keeps the bar lubricated during use. However, some chainsaws have a manual oiling system, meaning you need to press a button to dispense oil between cuts.
Tensioning
Over time, your chainsaw’s chain may loosen, which can make it more difficult to use and less efficient. Chains that come completely off the bar during operation can also be a safety issue. To prevent this, many modern chainsaws have a toolless tensioning system that allows you to adjust the tension by twisting a knob on the side of the machine. However, some older models may require tightening the tension with a hand tool, such as a wrench.
Extra Features
Battery chainsaws may come with a variety of additional features that make them easier to use and help them stand out from competitors. Some of the most common features include variable speed control, anti-vibration technology, low noise levels (measured in dBA), additional batteries, metal bucking spikes, and rubberized grip handles.
How To Stay Safe While Using a Chainsaw
Using any type of chainsaw can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. Take note of the following tips to ensure you stay safe while using these power tools.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
When using a chainsaw, it’s essential to wear safety glasses or a helmet to protect your eyes and face, plus hearing protection to guard your ears. Additionally, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect your skin.
Look for Safety Features
Most modern chainsaws offer a variety of safety features that offer peace of mind regardless of your experience level. Some of the most important features to look for include a blade guard for when the chainsaw isn’t in use, manual chain brakes, a low-kickback chain, and an adjustment knob to manage chain tightness.
Inspect the Tool Before Turning It On
Before using a chainsaw, examine it thoroughly to ensure it’s not damaged and doesn’t have any loose parts that could become safety hazards.
Use the Tool Properly
If you’ve never used a chainsaw before, watch videos such as the one below to see how to use it properly.
Additionally, never use a chainsaw for anything other than its intended purpose. Keep the tool away from children and pets even when it’s not turned on.
Be Prepared for Kickback
When kickback occurs, ensure that the chainsaw’s nose is kept away from your body. Additionally, ensure the chain is properly sharpened and tensioned before use. This will help reduce kickbacks and minimize accident risk.
FAQ About Battery Chainsaws
What are the differences between gas chainsaws and battery chainsaws?
In addition to the charging method, the biggest differences between gas and battery chainsaws are power level and bar size. Gas-powered chainsaws have the edge when it comes to power, durability, and size, making them a good choice for arborists. However, battery models are lightweight, don’t rely on a cord for operation, and are typically less expensive, making them a better choice for daily use.
What are the best battery chainsaw brands?
There are dozens of brands that make battery chainsaws, but purchasing one from a well-recognized company can help ensure you’re getting a quality product. Some of the most trusted brands for chainsaws include the following:
- BLACK+DECKER
- DEWALT
- Makita
- Echo
- EGO POWER
- Greenworks Pro
- Husqvarna
- Milwaukee
- Oregon
- Ryobi
- Worx
- SKIL
- Stihl
What size battery chainsaw should I use?
You can accomplish most standard DIY jobs, such as eliminating branches or cutting down small trees, with a 10- or 12-inch chainsaw. For larger, more intensive tasks, you may want to seek out a chainsaw that’s at least 16 inches.
How long does the average battery chainsaw last?
The average time a battery chainsaw lasts before needing a charge is 20–30 minutes. However, that time will change based on the unit’s make and model, the hardness of the wood being cut, whether you run the machine continuously, and the chainsaw’s battery size.
Do you have to sharpen a battery chainsaw?
Keeping a battery chainsaw sharp will help it last longer and ensure it runs safely. For step-by-step instructions on how to sharpen a chainsaw, check out the video below.
Who This Battery Chainsaw Guide Is For
Battery chainsaws are handy devices for any homeowner, regardless of experience level, as they can assist with basic landscaping and lawn maintenance tasks. Because of their light weight and cordless design, they can be used for nearly any outdoor project. We created this guide to help homeowners narrow down their options and find the best battery chainsaw for each specific need. Our Team looked at chainsaws with various bar lengths, battery sizes, and designs to determine our list of the best products available.
How We Selected the Best Battery Chainsaws
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of battery chainsaws with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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