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Pole saws help homeowners with overgrown trees reach tall branches without a ladder. From quiet and energy-efficient electric pole saws to loud but powerful gas pole saws, there is a model for you, regardless of your needs.
To help you make an informed decision, our team researched the best pole saws available today. You can also find more information about shopping for tools in our tools buying guide.
Top 5 Pole Saws
*Links open to product retail page.
- Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw
- Best Corded: Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw
- Most Versatile: Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw
- Best Battery-Powered: DEWALT Pole Saw
- Best Gas-Powered: MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw
Compare Top Pole Saws
| Product | Power Source | Blade Length | Total Reach | Weight | Number of Teeth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw | Cordless battery | 8 inches | 14 feet | 10 pounds | 11 |
| Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw | Corded electric | 10 inches | 10 feet | 10 pounds | 30 |
| Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw | Corded electric | 8 inches | 15 feet | 8 pounds | 60 |
| DEWALT Pole Saw | Cordless battery | 8 inches | 15 feet | 8 pounds | 6 |
| MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw | Gas | 10 inches | 16 feet | 21 pounds | Not listed |
| Product | Power Source | Blade Length | Total Reach | Weight | Number of Teeth |
Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw
- $102.92
- $159
- 35% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Doesn’t have a cord to limit its reach
✔ Comes with a pre-assembled chain and bar
✔ Has a built-in safety lock switch
✘ Doesn’t have an automatic oiler
✘ Has a flimsy handle, according to some customers
What Customers Are Saying
Most users were happy with this electric pole saw, highlighting its light build and cordless operation. Several users also said that its cutting capacity was sufficient for their needs. However, multiple users thought that the pole saw’s handle and shaft were too weak and flimsy. One user also wished that there was a tension adjustment feature.
Best Corded
Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw
- $99.99
- $119.99
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a corded design for nonstop power
✔ Features a rotating handle to make angled cuts
✔ Has an automatic oiler for the chain
✘ Offers eight amps of power, which isn’t as powerful as gas models
✘ Uses a head that feels heavy on the pole
What Customers Are Saying
We noted that several satisfied customers said that this corded electric model felt surprisingly powerful. Given its power, they also liked that it was relatively quiet. Conversely, multiple users found the pole saw to be overly heavy despite its advertised 10-pound frame. A few users also had issues with the chain oil leaking.
Most Versatile
Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw
- $126.23
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a telescoping pole that provides up to 15 feet of overhead reach
✔ Converts into a handheld chainsaw for additional versatility
✔ Weighs only eight pounds
✘ Requires access to a nearby outlet for power
✘ Has some customer complaints about leaking oil
What Customers Are Saying
Customers we noted who were satisfied with this pole saw liked that it delivered powerful performance at a reasonable price. Many specifically mentioned using it to cut thick tree branches. On the other hand, some users thought that the pole saw was unbalanced, which made it difficult to maneuver. A few users also mentioned the awkward placement of the release button.
Best Battery-Powered
DEWALT Pole Saw
- $181
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a long reach of up to 15 feet
✔ Features an automatic oiling system for lubrication
✔ Has user reports about a long runtime
✘ Doesn’t come with the required battery nor charger
✘ Doesn’t offer as much power as corded and gas pruners
What Customers Are Saying
Happy users reported that this pole saw was easy to assemble, maintain, and utilize. However, some customers wished that this cordless electric pole saw produced more torque. Our team noted that some others had slight oil leakage during operation.
Best Gas-Powered
MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw
- $215.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a powerful two-stroke gas engine
✔ Has a long 10-inch blade
✔ Provides up to 16 feet of extended reach
✘ Can be expensive compared to electrical pole saws
✘ Emits fumes from its gas engine
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that the reviews for this gas-powered model were largely positive, with several customers praising its power, chain tensioning, and durability. However, some reviewers found the pole to be uncomfortably heavy to handle during operation.
Pole Saw Buying Guide
To purchase the right pole saw, we think it’s important to understand how each model’s specifications impact its performance. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you search for the best pole saw for your landscaping needs.
Power Source
Pole saws are either gas- and electric-powered. Gas-powered pole saws are heavy-duty enough to cut through thick branches. While their gas fuel source makes them more mobile than corded models, they require additional maintenance.
Electric-powered pole saws are split into two types: corded and cordless. Corded pole saws can run for as long as they can access electricity. Although they’re reliable and lightweight, they’re limited to the length of their cord.
To give DIYers more flexibility, cordless pole saws run on batteries that can deliver around 100 cuts per charge. However, battery-powered pole saws are typically less powerful than their corded and gas-powered counterparts.
Height
Most pole saws are adjustable, allowing homeowners to tailor the tool to the height of their project. Some models adjust using extension rods that increase the length of the pole. Other models have a telescoping pole. Either way, these saws reach around 10 to 15 feet tall.
Bar
A pole saw’s bar length impacts how thick of a branch it can cut. Cutting bars range from six to 12 inches, with eight-inch bars being the most common. With an eight-inch bar, a pole saw can cut through seven-inch branches.
How To Safely Use a Pole Saw
A pole saw saves you time and effort when you’re pruning trees in your yard. However, pole saws—much like chainsaws—can be dangerous if you mishandle them. Below, we’ve outlined some safety tips to help you avoid injury.
Clear the Area
Any tree branches you cut will naturally fall onto the ground beneath them. Make sure your outdoor furniture or other possessions are out of the way.
Don’t Cut Overhead
Never cut tree limbs that are directly above your head. Using the extended pole saw, cut at an angle away from you.
Plant Your Feet
Firm footing on a level, stable surface is key to safely maneuvering your pole saw. Plant your feet about shoulder width apart to maintain your balance.
Use It Only as a Pruner
A pole saw is not a suitable replacement for a string trimmer. These powerful yard tools are designed for tree trimming, not foliage trimming.
Wear Protective Gear
Wear safety gear in case any falling debris hits you. At the very least, consider safety glasses, work gloves, and work boots. You can also add a mask and helmet.
Follow the Instructions
As with any household product or yard tool, read the owner’s manual. Note any model-specific safety and operation information.
Pole Saw FAQs
How far can a pole saw reach?
A pole saw’s reach is expressed as its overhead reach, which combines the pole’s reach and the user’s arm. Most pole saws have an overhead reach between 12 and 15 feet.
Is a pole saw worth it?
If you have a lot of large, tall trees in your yard, an extending pole saw may be worth the investment. That’s especially true if you consider the alternative, which is climbing up an unstable ladder to use a traditional hedge trimmer.
How thick of a branch can a pole saw cut?
Most pole saws can cut branches around seven inches in diameter but check your individual model’s manual for an exact thickness.
Is a gas pole saw better than an electric pole saw?
Gas pole saws are not necessarily better than electric pole saws. While gas-powered saws produce more power to cut thicker tree branches, electric-powered saws are quieter, lighter, easier to maintain, and better for the environment. Think about your personal preferences and yard care needs to choose the best design for you.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers 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, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
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 products 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: 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 compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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.
Questions or Comments?
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