This ranking covers only battery saws, because the battery decision is the whole purchase. The ranking separates on three things: bar length against the wood you cut, the battery platform you already own, and whether the box is a bare tool or a working kit. A flagship on a small pack is ranked below its headline, and a kit with a small included battery is flagged for it. Gas saws are excluded here, not judged inferior, because they answer a different question.
The Best Battery Chainsaws (2027)
Battery chainsaws ranked for 2027, from 8 inch pruners to 18 inch bucking saws, judged on bar length, battery platform and honest cutting class.

The short answer
For most battery buyers, the Milwaukee 2727-20 is the strongest all-round pick, with a 16 inch bar and a 40cc gas equivalent rating for M18 owners. The DEWALT DCCS672X1 is the most powerful battery saw here at 2.85 peak horsepower. If you are starting from zero, the EGO CS1611 kit is the most complete box. For pruning only, the RYOBI PSBCW01B is the lightest and simplest tool in the ranking.
Our top picks at a glance
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 16 in. Chainsaw (Tool Only)Milwaukee's 16 inch M18 FUEL saw, rated to gas-engine performance up to 40cc, for serious cordless bucking.Best overall battery saw
- DEWALT DEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 18 in. Brushless Chainsaw Kit (DCCS672X1)DEWALT's most powerful cordless saw here, an 18 inch FLEXVOLT kit rated at 2.85 peak horsepower.Most powerful battery saw
- EGO EGO Power+ CS1611 16 in. Chainsaw KitA 56V kit with battery and charger in the box, aimed squarely at homeowners stepping up from pruning saws.Best battery kit for new buyers
- Greenworks Greenworks Pro 80V 18 in. Brushless Cordless ChainsawThe longest bar among the battery picks, an 18 inch 80V saw for homeowners with real firewood ambitions.Best long-bar battery saw
- Makita Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 16 in. Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries (XCU04CM)Makita's 16 inch twin-battery kit, with a 32cc gas equivalent rating and a 150-cut cedar claim.Best twin-battery kit
- Makita Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 14 in. Chain Saw KitMakita's compact 14 inch pro-style saw, built around an outer-rotor brushless motor and a 32cc gas equivalent rating.Best lightweight battery saw
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCCS620B 12 in. Compact Chainsaw (Tool Only)The compact 20V MAX saw for pruning, limbing and storm cleanup on batteries a DEWALT household already owns.Best compact battery saw
- RYOBI RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 8 in. Pruning Chainsaw (Tool Only)A one-handed 8 inch pruner for the ONE+ system, with an oil-free design and a 6 inch branch capacity.Best battery pruner
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Power | Bar and chain | Gas equivalent | Cuts per charge | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 16 in. Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best overall battery saw | Milwaukee M18 FUEL, POWERSTATE brushless motor | 16 in. Oregon bar and chain | Up to 40cc (maker claim) | Up to 150 with REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery (maker claim) | 3/8 in. Low Profile pitch, 0.043 in. gauge |
| 2 | DEWALT DEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 18 in. Brushless Chainsaw Kit (DCCS672X1) | Most powerful battery saw | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT, brushless motor | 18 in. bar and chain | - | - | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.050 in. gauge |
| 3 | EGO EGO Power+ CS1611 16 in. Chainsaw Kit | Best battery kit for new buyers | 56V ARC Lithium | 16 in. bar and chain | 40cc (maker claim) | - | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.043 in. gauge, 52 drive links |
| 4 | Greenworks Greenworks Pro 80V 18 in. Brushless Cordless Chainsaw | Best long-bar battery saw | Greenworks Pro 80V, brushless motor | 18 in. bar and chain | - | Up to 110 (maker page figure) | - |
| 5 | Makita Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 16 in. Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries (XCU04CM) | Best twin-battery kit | 36V (18V X2) LXT, outer-rotor BL brushless motor, direct drive | 16 in. bar and chain | 32cc (maker claim) | - | - |
| 6 | Makita Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 14 in. Chain Saw Kit | Best lightweight battery saw | 18V X2 LXT (36V), outer-rotor BL brushless motor, direct drive | 14 in. bar and chain | 32cc (maker claim) | - | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.043 in. gauge |
| 7 | DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCCS620B 12 in. Compact Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best compact battery saw | 20V MAX XR, brushless motor | 12 in. Oregon low-kickback bar and chain | - | Up to 70 cuts on a 4x4, 30 on a 6x6, with a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery (maker claim) | - |
| 8 | RYOBI RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 8 in. Pruning Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best battery pruner | 18V ONE+ HP, brushless motor | 8 in. bar and chain | - | Over 65 with an 18V ONE+ 2Ah battery (maker claim) | - |
Best overall battery saw
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 16 in. Chainsaw (Tool Only)
Milwaukee's 16 inch M18 FUEL saw, rated to gas-engine performance up to 40cc, for serious cordless bucking.

Strengths
- Maker-rated gas performance up to 40cc, which puts it in genuine firewood territory rather than the pruning class
- Up to 150 cuts per charge with the REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery, per the maker claim
- Variable speed trigger with full throttle in under one second, so the chain is at speed before it meets wood
- Dual-stud bar retention, automatic oiling and onboard scrench storage keep the working end organised
Limitations
- Bare tool, and rated output assumes the large HD12.0 pack, which is a second substantial purchase
- At 13.9 lb it is a heavy saw to carry and manoeuvre through brush all afternoon
- The 16 inch bar still stops short of large-diameter felling and big hardwood bucking
What owners report
Most praised
- Firewood cutters report it replacing a small gas saw for routine bucking, with none of the starting ritual
- The onboard scrench storage gets singled out by owners tired of hunting for the tool mid-job
- It holds speed through a cut instead of bogging, which owners notice most on the second and third logs
Common complaints
- The saw feels nose-heavy with the big pack fitted, and wrists notice it on overhead limbing
- Small M18 packs drain fast enough that owners end up buying the HD12.0 anyway
- The price of admission for non-M18 households, tool plus large battery, surprises first-time buyers
| Power | Milwaukee M18 FUEL, POWERSTATE brushless motor |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 16 in. Oregon bar and chain |
| Gas equivalent | Up to 40cc (maker claim) |
| Cuts per charge | Up to 150 with REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery (maker claim) |
| Chain | 3/8 in. Low Profile pitch, 0.043 in. gauge |
| Weight | 13.9 lb |
Best for: M18 owners who buck firewood, clear storm damage and fell small trees without wanting a gas saw's upkeep.
Skip if: You own no M18 batteries, or your cutting is light pruning only; this saw's size and appetite for big packs are wasted there.
Most powerful battery saw
DEWALT DEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 18 in. Brushless Chainsaw Kit (DCCS672X1)
DEWALT's most powerful cordless saw here, an 18 inch FLEXVOLT kit rated at 2.85 peak horsepower.

Strengths
- Peak horsepower of 2.85 with the DCB609 battery, per the maker claim, the highest battery output in this guide
- Maker claim of cutting a 17 inch white oak log in as fast as 24 seconds with the DCB609 battery
- Up to 65 cuts per charge with the DCB609 battery, per the maker sell sheet
- Kit form with a DCB609 battery, DCB115 charger, bar sheath and tensioning tool in the box
Limitations
- Tooled chain tensioning, so the onboard wrench must be to hand, unlike the tool-free systems on smaller saws
- The FLEXVOLT battery reads 3.0Ah at 60V and 9.0Ah at 20V, which confuses buyers comparing amp-hour figures
- A premium kit price for a saw that still cannot match a 50cc gas saw for all-day stamina
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners cutting firewood say it is the first battery saw that stopped them reaching for the gas saw
- The dual retention studs hold the bar steady under hard bucking, owners report
- Kit buyers value the sheath and tensioning tool being in the box rather than separate purchases
Common complaints
- The amp-hour labelling across 20V and 60V confuses buyers comparing batteries
- Tooled tensioning slows chain adjustments compared with the tool-free dials on smaller DEWALT saws
- The saw's weight with the FLEXVOLT pack fitted tires arms on long limbing sessions
| Power | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT, brushless motor |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 18 in. bar and chain |
| Peak power | 2.85 HP with DCB609 battery (maker claim) |
| Chain | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.050 in. gauge |
| Kit includes | DCB609 FLEXVOLT battery, DCB115 charger, bar sheath, tensioning tool |
| Weight | 11.1 lb, tool only (maker sell sheet) |
Best for: DEWALT owners who want the strongest battery cutting here for firewood, storm cleanup and small felling.
Skip if: You are on another battery platform, or your work is pruning only; this is a heavy, expensive saw for big wood.
Best battery kit for new buyers
EGO EGO Power+ CS1611 16 in. Chainsaw Kit
A 56V kit with battery and charger in the box, aimed squarely at homeowners stepping up from pruning saws.

Strengths
- Sold as a working kit with a 56V 2.5Ah battery and standard charger included, so it cuts the day it arrives
- Maker-rated 40cc gas equivalent with a 20 m/s chain speed, a genuine step above compact battery saws
- Up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 with the included 2.5Ah battery, per the maker claim
- Metal bucking spikes and a kickback brake with a position indicator give it a more serious cutting feel
Limitations
- The included 2.5Ah pack is the small end of the 56V range, and heavy bucking will want a larger pack
- At 16 inches it is a big homeowner saw, less handy in dense brush than the compact class
- The standard charger in the kit is not a rapid charger, so recharge planning matters on big jobs
What owners report
Most praised
- Kit buyers like that nothing else is needed on day one, battery and charger are already in the box
- The bucking spikes get mentioned by owners moving up from spike-free compact saws
- It starts every session the same way, which gas-saw converts cite as the reason they switched
Common complaints
- Owners cutting firewood in quantity find the 2.5Ah pack the first thing they want to upgrade
- The saw's length makes it awkward threading through tight hedgerow and brush
- Chain oiling needs watching, since the reservoir empties faster than new owners expect
| Power | 56V ARC Lithium |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 16 in. bar and chain |
| Gas equivalent | 40cc (maker claim) |
| Chain speed | 20 m/s |
| Chain | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.043 in. gauge, 52 drive links |
| Kit includes | 56V 2.5Ah battery and standard charger; 5-year tool warranty |
Best for: Homeowners who want a complete 16 inch battery saw out of the box, with no platform homework first.
Skip if: You already own a different battery platform, or you need gas-saw stamina for whole weekends of bucking.
Best long-bar battery saw
Greenworks Greenworks Pro 80V 18 in. Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
The longest bar among the battery picks, an 18 inch 80V saw for homeowners with real firewood ambitions.

Strengths
- An 18 inch bar, the longest in this guide's battery group, for logs the 14 and 16 inch saws must work around
- Brushless motor with a maker claim of twice the torque of its brushed predecessor class
- Kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger, so the box is a working saw, not a project
- Up to 110 cuts per charge on the maker page, with a 4-year tool and battery warranty behind it
Limitations
- At 14.2 lb with the battery fitted it is the heaviest battery saw here to swing through a long session
- The 2.0Ah pack is modest for an 18 inch saw, and sustained bucking will ask for a larger 80V pack
- The maker SKU 2000002 and model GCS80420 differ from the GCS80421 model shown on the Amazon listing, so check the listing details before ordering spares
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners with acreage like the reach of the 18 inch bar on storm-felled trees their smaller saws could not finish
- The rapid charger shortens the wait between sessions, which owners with one battery notice immediately
- It runs quiet enough for early-morning cleanup without drawing the neighbours into the conversation
Common complaints
- The weight with battery fitted wears on shoulders during extended overhead limbing
- A single 2.0Ah pack runs short on a full firewood afternoon, pushing owners toward a second battery
- The model number mismatch between maker and listing pages confuses buyers ordering replacement chains
| Power | Greenworks Pro 80V, brushless motor |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 18 in. bar and chain |
| Battery and charger | 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger included |
| Cuts per charge | Up to 110 (maker page figure) |
| Weight | 14.2 lb with battery (maker page) |
| Warranty | 4-year tool and battery warranty (maker page) |
Best for: Homeowners with an 80V yard already, or buyers who want the longest battery bar here for bucking and storm work.
Skip if: Your cutting is pruning and light limbing; an 18 inch bar is unwieldy overhead and in tight brush.
Best twin-battery kit
Makita Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 16 in. Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries (XCU04CM)
Makita's 16 inch twin-battery kit, with a 32cc gas equivalent rating and a 150-cut cedar claim.

Strengths
- A 16 inch bar with a maker-rated 32cc gas equivalent, sized for real bucking as well as limbing
- Two 4.0Ah batteries in the kit, so a spent pack swaps rather than ends the session
- Maker-adjacent claim of up to 150 cuts on a 4x4 cedar using both 4.0Ah batteries
- Tool-less chain adjustment and XPT dust and water protection from the XCU04 family design
Limitations
- Kit pricing reflects two batteries and a charger, a steep buy for owners with LXT packs already
- Twin-battery weight adds up, and the saw is heavier in hand than single-pack 16 inch rivals
- Sixteen inches still stops short of large-diameter felling work, where gas saws take over
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners with two packs in rotation say the second battery removes the range anxiety of battery saws
- The 16 inch bar covers the firewood rounds that 14 inch saws leave half-cut
- LXT households like standardising cutting, drilling and yard tools on one charger shelf
Common complaints
- The kit price draws complaints from owners who already owned enough LXT batteries
- Weight with a 4.0Ah pack fitted makes overhead work a short-session job
- Chain oiling needs regular topping on long bucking days, owners note
| Power | 36V (18V X2) LXT, outer-rotor BL brushless motor, direct drive |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 16 in. bar and chain |
| Gas equivalent | 32cc (maker claim) |
| Chain speed | 0 to 3,940 FPM, variable speed trigger |
| Kit batteries | Two 4.0Ah batteries and charger included |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty (retailer listing) |
Best for: Makita households who want a 16 inch battery saw with two packs in the box for longer sessions.
Skip if: You want the lightest saw for pruning, or you are not on LXT; the twin-battery kit is a serious, heavier purchase.
Best lightweight battery saw
Makita Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 14 in. Chain Saw Kit
Makita's compact 14 inch pro-style saw, built around an outer-rotor brushless motor and a 32cc gas equivalent rating.

Strengths
- Makita-built outer-rotor BL brushless motor with direct drive, no gearbox between motor and chain
- Power efficiency the maker rates equivalent to a 32cc gas saw, in a package far lighter than a gas equivalent
- Variable speed trigger with chain speed from 0 to 3,940 FPM for controlled starts on small limbs
- Tool-less chain adjustment, a large oil filling port with a view window, and a front hand guard that acts as a chain brake
Limitations
- Sold as a kit, so the price reflects batteries and charger as well as the saw, which stings for owners with spare LXT packs
- The 14 inch bar limits bucking diameter, and big rounds need a second saw or a different approach
- Kit configurations in this family vary, so confirm the exact battery and charger contents on the listing before ordering
What owners report
Most praised
- Trade users praise the balance, saying it hangs neutral in hand where bigger battery saws feel nose-heavy
- The view window on the oil tank gets mentioned often, since owners stop guessing about bar oil
- LXT owners like that the saw slots into a platform already charging their drills and blowers
Common complaints
- The kit price frustrates owners who only wanted the bare saw and already own LXT batteries
- Fourteen inches runs out of bar sooner than buyers expect when a storm drops a mid-size tree
- The chain needs frequent tension checks in its first hours, as with most new bar and chain sets
| Power | 18V X2 LXT (36V), outer-rotor BL brushless motor, direct drive |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 14 in. bar and chain |
| Gas equivalent | 32cc (maker claim) |
| Chain speed | 0 to 3,940 FPM, variable speed trigger |
| Chain | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.043 in. gauge |
| Adjustment and braking | Tool-less chain adjustment, lock-off lever, front hand guard chain brake, electric brake |
Best for: Makita LXT owners and trade users who want a light, well-balanced saw for limbing, pruning and light bucking.
Skip if: You need a firewood primary saw; the 14 inch bar and the kit price point at a secondary saw, not a bucking workhorse.
Best compact battery saw
DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCCS620B 12 in. Compact Chainsaw (Tool Only)
The compact 20V MAX saw for pruning, limbing and storm cleanup on batteries a DEWALT household already owns.

Strengths
- A 12 inch Oregon low-kickback bar and chain sized for the pruning and limbing work most yards actually produce
- Tool-free chain tensioning plus an automatic oiler, so bar and chain setup stays a roadside job rather than a toolbox job
- Maker-rated at up to 70 cuts on a 4x4 and 30 cuts on a 6x6 with a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery, a realistic yard-session figure
- A hard bar cover is included, and the compact body stores easily between storm seasons
Limitations
- Bare tool only, so the real cost includes a 20V MAX battery and charger for buyers new to the platform
- Chain speed of 25.2 ft/s is modest, and the saw slows noticeably in dense hardwood near the top of its bar
- The 12 inch bar caps the cut, so anything approaching a foot in diameter needs a bigger saw
What owners report
Most praised
- It lives in the truck bed or garage corner and gets grabbed for branches that would otherwise wait for a weekend
- The tool-free tensioner earns repeated mention from owners who hated the old two-wrench bar setup
- On a 5.0Ah pack it clears a storm-dropped limb pile without a mid-job battery swap, owners say
Common complaints
- Buyers new to DEWALT feel the bare-tool price sting once a battery and charger join the cart
- The chain needs re-tensioning during its first sessions as a new chain stretches into the bar
- In thick oak it cuts slower than owners expected from the compact pro look of the tool
| Power | 20V MAX XR, brushless motor |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 12 in. Oregon low-kickback bar and chain |
| Chain gauge | 0.043 in. |
| Chain speed | 25.2 ft/s |
| Cuts per charge | Up to 70 cuts on a 4x4, 30 on a 6x6, with a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery (maker claim) |
| Tensioning | Tool-free chain tensioning, automatic oiler |
Best for: DEWALT 20V MAX owners who need a light, one-battery saw for branches, small trees and yard cleanup.
Skip if: You regularly buck logs over about 10 inches or need a saw for felling; the 12 inch bar and 20V platform are not built for that.
Best battery pruner
RYOBI RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 8 in. Pruning Chainsaw (Tool Only)
A one-handed 8 inch pruner for the ONE+ system, with an oil-free design and a 6 inch branch capacity.

Strengths
- An 8 inch bar rated to cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter, the right size for garden pruning
- Oil-free design, so there is no bar oil to fill, spill or weep in storage
- Maker claim of over 65 cuts per charge with an 18V ONE+ 2Ah battery, and 3X faster cutting than the P5452
- Tooled chain tensioning with onboard tool storage, plus a chain guard and guarded handle for safer one-handed use
Limitations
- Tool only, so ONE+ batteries are a prerequisite, and small packs limit session length
- An 8 inch bar is a hard ceiling: limbs over 6 inches need a bigger saw, not more patience
- The chain guard can catch on the chain in tight cuts, owners report, and needs clearing
What owners report
Most praised
- Garden owners say it replaced hand pruners and a bow saw for everything up to wrist-thick branches
- The oil-free design delights owners tired of bar oil stains on shelves and car boots
- It is light enough to use one-handed while holding a branch with the other, owners report
Common complaints
- The chain guard catching on the chain in tight cuts frustrates owners until they learn the clearance
- Six inches is a firm limit, and buyers who stretched it report slow, pinching cuts
- Small ONE+ packs run down quickly in a big pruning session, pushing owners to larger batteries
| Power | 18V ONE+ HP, brushless motor |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 8 in. bar and chain |
| Cut capacity | Branches up to 6 in. diameter |
| Cuts per charge | Over 65 with an 18V ONE+ 2Ah battery (maker claim) |
| Oil system | Oil-free design |
| Tensioning | Tooled chain tensioning with onboard tool storage |
Best for: RYOBI ONE+ owners who prune constantly and want the smallest, lightest saw that still cuts properly.
Skip if: You need two-handed control for larger limbs, or you have no ONE+ batteries; this is a pruning specialist.
Questions, answered
How long does a battery chainsaw run per charge?
It depends on the pack and the wood. Maker claims in this guide range from about 65 cuts to 150 cuts per charge, but those figures assume specific batteries and softwood test cuts. Hardwood, large diameters and dull chains cut runtime sharply. Treat the maker figure as a best case, and carry a second pack for any job over an hour.
Can a battery chainsaw replace a gas saw?
For pruning, limbing, storm cleanup and moderate bucking, yes, and most owners in this guide say it already has. For all-day felling, large hardwood bucking and firewood heating, gas still wins on stamina. The honest answer depends on how many hours you cut per session, not on the saw's headline rating.
Which battery platform should I choose?
The one already charging your other tools. Milwaukee M18, DEWALT 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT, EGO 56V, Greenworks 80V, Makita LXT and RYOBI ONE+ all perform well here, and none of them share batteries. If you own nothing, pick the platform whose other tools you will buy next, then buy its saw.
Every guide on Chainsaws15 pages
- Topic hubChainsaws
- Best ofThe Best Chainsaws (2027)
- Firewood cutting is the hardest honest test in this guide, because it combines diameter, volume and duration. A pruning saw cannot fake it, and a battery saw with one small pack cannot sustain it. This ranking weights bar length for the rounds you actually buck, sustained output over a session, and refuel or battery-swap stamina. Pruning specialists are excluded even when they are excellent saws, because firewood is not their job.The Best Chainsaws for Firewood (2027)
- Pruning rewards the opposite virtues from firewood: light weight, short bars, easy starting and control in tight spaces. This ranking excludes the heavy gas saws and the long-bar battery saws, even though they can prune, because carrying them through brush all day is the wrong tool for the job. Weight, balance, tensioning ease and starting effort decide this ranking more than peak power.The Best Chainsaws for Pruning and Limbing (2027)
- ReviewDEWALT 20V MAX XR DCCS620B 12 in. Compact Chainsaw Review (2027)
- ReviewMilwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 16 in. Chainsaw Review (2027)
- ReviewEGO Power+ CS1611 16 in. Chainsaw Kit Review (2027)
- ReviewGreenworks Pro 80V 18 in. Brushless Chainsaw Review (2027)
- ReviewMakita 18V X2 (36V) LXT 14 in. Chain Saw Kit Review (2027)
- ReviewDEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT DCCS672X1 18 in. Chainsaw Kit Review (2027)
- Head to headMilwaukee 2727-20 vs DEWALT DCCS672X1 (2027)
- Head to headWORX WG322.9 vs BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 (2027)
- Buying guideChainsaw Buying Guide (2027)
- Fix itChainsaw Won't Start or Cuts Poorly? Fixes (2027)