Best of
The Best Chainsaws (2027)
The best chainsaws for 2027, from an 8 inch one-handed pruner to 20 inch gas saws, ranked on bar length, power source and the work each saw honestly covers.
The short answer
For most buyers the right chainsaw is a battery saw in the platform they already own. The Milwaukee 2727-20 is the strongest all-round cordless pick here, with a 16 inch bar and a maker-rated 40cc gas equivalent. The DEWALT DCCS672X1 is the most powerful battery saw in the guide at 2.85 peak horsepower. For all-day firewood and felling, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the gas answer, and the Poulan Pro PR5020 is the budget gas route to the same 20 inch bar. For pruning only, the RYOBI PSBCW01B is the lightest and simplest tool here.
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 cordless
- 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
- Husqvarna Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 in. Gas ChainsawThe classic 50cc homeowner gas saw, a 20 inch Rancher for felling, bucking and firewood seasons.Best gas all-rounder
- Poulan Pro Poulan Pro PR5020 20 in. Gas Chainsaw (50cc)The budget gas route to a 20 inch bar, a 50cc OxyPower saw with a case and oil in the box.Best budget gas 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 cordless for DEWALT owners
The picks, ranked
| # | 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 cordless | 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 | Husqvarna Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 in. Gas Chainsaw | Best gas all-rounder | 3.2 HP | - | - | - | - |
| 4 | Poulan Pro Poulan Pro PR5020 20 in. Gas Chainsaw (50cc) | Best budget gas saw | - | 20 in. bar and chain | - | - | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.050 in. gauge |
| 5 | DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCCS620B 12 in. Compact Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best compact cordless for DEWALT owners | 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) | - |
| 6 | EGO EGO Power+ CS1611 16 in. Chainsaw Kit | Best complete battery kit | 56V ARC Lithium | 16 in. bar and chain | 40cc (maker claim) | - | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.043 in. gauge, 52 drive links |
| 7 | 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) | - |
| 8 | Makita Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 16 in. Chain Saw Kit, Two Batteries (XCU04CM) | Best twin-battery Makita kit | 36V (18V X2) LXT, outer-rotor BL brushless motor, direct drive | 16 in. bar and chain | 32cc (maker claim) | - | - |
| 9 | Makita Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 14 in. Chain Saw Kit | Best lightweight pro-style 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 |
| 10 | WORX WORX 20V PowerShare WG322.9 10 in. Cordless Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best budget tool-only saw | 20V PowerShare | 10 in. bar and chain | - | - | - |
| 11 | BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LCS1020 10 in. Cordless Chainsaw Kit | Best beginner kit | 20V MAX | 10 in. Oregon low-kickback bar and chain | - | - | - |
| 12 | RYOBI RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 8 in. Pruning Chainsaw (Tool Only) | Best pruning mini saw | 18V ONE+ HP, brushless motor | 8 in. bar and chain | - | Over 65 with an 18V ONE+ 2Ah battery (maker claim) | - |
Best overall cordless
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 gas all-rounder
Husqvarna Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 in. Gas Chainsaw
The classic 50cc homeowner gas saw, a 20 inch Rancher for felling, bucking and firewood seasons.
Strengths
- A 50.2cc X-Torq engine rated at 3.2 HP, comfortably the strongest cutting power in this guide
- A 20 inch bar with a recommended range of 13 to 20 inches, so the saw can be shortened for limbing work
- Smart Start, Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning and LowVib, the trio that makes a gas saw liveable
- An inertia-activated chain brake and felling marks for controlled, safer cutting direction
Limitations
- Two-stroke ownership: fuel mixing at 50:1, pull starts, spark plugs and winter storage rituals
- At a guaranteed sound power level of 115 dB(A), hearing protection is not optional and neighbours will notice
- The current Husqvarna lineup brands the successor as the 450S Rancher, so confirm parts fit the 970613120 model before ordering spares
What owners report
Most praised
- Firewood sellers report it bucking all day on refills while battery saws sit on chargers
- Smart Start earns praise from owners who dreaded the pull-start ritual of older gas saws
- The 20 inch bar handles the occasional large oak that smaller homeowner saws must cut around
Common complaints
- First-time gas owners find the starting sequence and choke positions take a few sessions to learn
- The saw's noise and exhaust make it a poor fit for early-morning work near neighbours
- Seasonal storage, stale fuel and carburettor care surprise buyers coming from battery tools
| Engine | 50.2cc 2-cycle X-Torq |
|---|---|
| Power | 3.2 HP |
| Bar | 20 in., recommended range 13 to 20 in. |
| Weight | 11.33 lb excluding cutting equipment |
| Fuel mix | 50:1, Husqvarna 2-stroke oil or equivalent |
| Starting and safety | Smart Start, inertia-activated chain brake, side chain tensioning |
Best for: Property owners who heat with wood or clear land and want a gas saw that runs all day on refills, not chargers.
Skip if: You cut occasionally near neighbours, or you dislike mixing fuel and pull starts; a battery saw suits that life better.
Best budget gas saw
Poulan Pro Poulan Pro PR5020 20 in. Gas Chainsaw (50cc)
The budget gas route to a 20 inch bar, a 50cc OxyPower saw with a case and oil in the box.
Strengths
- A 50cc 2-cycle OxyPower engine with a 20 inch bar, gas-class cutting at a budget price
- Effortless pull-start system the maker and retailers rate as reducing pull force by 30 percent
- Super Clean air filter system and a side-mounted chain tensioner for easier field maintenance
- A moulded plastic carrying case and a bottle of 2-cycle oil are included, rare extras at this price
Limitations
- At 15.4 lb it is a heavy saw to carry through brush, and the weight shows on long days
- Budget gas fit and finish, with more vibration and a rougher idle than premium gas saws
- Two-stroke upkeep applies in full: 50:1 mixing, fuel storage care and seasonal starting rituals
What owners report
Most praised
- Budget buyers say it cuts far above its price on the first tank, especially on softwood
- The included case gets unexpected praise from owners who expected to buy storage separately
- The easier pull start helps owners who struggled with older budget gas saws
Common complaints
- Some owners report a rough idle and a saw that needs carburettor attention sooner than premium rivals
- The weight and vibration tire arms faster than the lighter battery saws owners also own
- Cold starts after storage test patience, particularly with fuel left in the tank over winter
| Engine | 50cc 2-cycle OxyPower |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 20 in. bar and chain |
| Chain | 3/8 in. pitch, 0.050 in. gauge |
| Weight | 15.4 lb |
| Fuel | 15 oz capacity, 50:1 fuel-to-oil mix |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Best for: Budget buyers who need genuine gas cutting power for felling and bucking without paying the premium gas price.
Skip if: You want dealer support and a long parts history, or you cut rarely enough that fuel upkeep outweighs the savings.
Best compact cordless for DEWALT owners
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 complete battery kit
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 Makita 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 pro-style 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 budget tool-only saw
WORX WORX 20V PowerShare WG322.9 10 in. Cordless Chainsaw (Tool Only)
The lightest full-size-handled saw here, a 10 inch PowerShare tool with patented auto tensioning and an optional pole.
Strengths
- Patented auto chain tensioning that guards against over-tightening, a genuine help for first-time saw owners
- Automatic lubrication with an oil level window, so bar oil checks take a glance rather than a guess
- At 6.2 lb with a battery fitted, per the maker, it is the lightest handled saw in this guide
- The optional WA0167 extension pole attachment stretches reach to 10 feet for high limbs, pole sold separately
Limitations
- Tool only, so battery and charger are separate purchases for buyers outside the PowerShare system
- Chain speed of 12.5 ft/s is the slowest here, and dense wood shows it
- Owners report the auto tension system occasionally lets the chain loosen mid-session, needing a manual check
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners with WORX batteries already in the garage call it the cheapest useful saw they own
- The pole attachment option turns a pruning saw into a high-limb tool without buying a second machine
- Its light weight makes it the saw older owners and smaller users reach for first
Common complaints
- Chain tension sometimes loosens during a session despite the auto system, owners report
- Oil weeping in storage leaves a mark on shelves and truck beds if the saw is not parked on a rag
- Battery runtime on small PowerShare packs ends pruning sessions sooner than buyers hoped
| Power | 20V PowerShare |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 10 in. bar and chain |
| Chain speed | 12.5 ft/s |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in. |
| Weight | 6.2 lb with battery (maker figure) |
| Extension option | WA0167 pole attachment for up to 10 ft reach, not included |
Best for: WORX 20V owners who want a cheap, light pruning and cleanup saw, optionally extended to a pole saw.
Skip if: You own no WORX 20V batteries, or you need to buck logs; the 10 inch bar and 20V motor are pruning class.
Best beginner kit
BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LCS1020 10 in. Cordless Chainsaw Kit
The simplest complete kit here, a 10 inch 20V MAX saw with battery and charger for first-time saw owners.
Strengths
- A complete kit: saw, LBXR2020 battery and LCS1620 charger in the box, ready to cut on arrival
- An 8 inch cut capacity on a 10 inch Oregon low-kickback bar and chain, a forgiving setup for new users
- Tool-free chain tensioning and a built-in oiling system keep maintenance to two simple habits
- A wraparound bale handle gives a secure second grip point for awkward branch angles
Limitations
- The 20V platform and 10 inch bar cap the saw at light duty, and hardwood near the bar's limit slows it
- The slow charger in the kit takes hours, so a second battery matters for bigger cleanup days
- The Amazon listing's spec table carries a 5 HP figure that is plainly wrong for a 20V saw, so ignore it when comparing power
What owners report
Most praised
- First-time owners say it is the least intimidating chainsaw they have used, which matters more than power
- The bale handle gets credit for steady control on branches at odd angles
- It earns its keep on storm cleanup, where its size lets it work between fence lines and shrubs
Common complaints
- The charger speed frustrates owners who expected a quick turnaround between sessions
- Bar oil weeping in storage is a recurring note, solved by most owners with a rag underneath
- Hardwood near the top of its capacity makes the motor work audibly hard, owners say
| Power | 20V MAX |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain | 10 in. Oregon low-kickback bar and chain |
| Cut capacity | 8 in. |
| Kit includes | LBXR2020 battery, LCS1620 charger |
| Weight | 9.1 lb (maker kit page) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
Best for: First-time buyers and small-yard owners who want one box, one saw and no platform decisions.
Skip if: You need to cut hardwood over about 8 inches regularly, or you already own a stronger battery platform.
Best pruning mini 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.
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.
How we chose
Bar length is the capability ceiling
A saw cannot cut deeper than its bar allows, and it cuts badly near that limit. Eight and 10 inch bars belong to pruning and storm cleanup. Fourteen and 16 inch bars cover limbing and firewood bucking for most homeowners. Twenty inch bars belong to felling and large rounds. Buying a longer bar than your wood needs costs weight and control; buying shorter costs the job itself. Match the bar to the thickest wood you cut monthly, not yearly.
The battery platform is the second purchase
Most battery saws here are bare tools or kits, and the platform decides both price and performance. Milwaukee M18, DEWALT 20V MAX and 60V FLEXVOLT, EGO 56V, Greenworks 80V, Makita LXT and RYOBI ONE+ packs do not interchange, and rated output assumes large packs. A flagship saw on a compact battery is a lesser tool. Buy the saw that matches the batteries on your shelf, or budget for the platform, not just the saw.
Gas still owns the long day
Battery saws have taken over pruning, limbing and moderate bucking, but gas keeps two advantages no battery matches: refuel-and-go stamina and the highest power per pound at the 20 inch bar. The two gas saws here exist for owners who cut for hours, fell trees or heat with wood. The price is real: fuel mixing, pull starts, noise and maintenance. If your cutting fits in a battery session, gas is a worse saw. If it does not, gas is the only saw.
Safety features are not optional extras
Chain brakes, kickback-reduced bars and chains, lock-off triggers and hand guards are the difference between a close call and an injury, and they vary across this guide. Low-kickback bars and chains matter most for new owners. A chain brake that works by inertia or by hand guard should be tested, not assumed. Whatever saw you buy, chaps, eye and hearing protection and a sharp chain are part of the purchase, not accessories to consider later.
Questions, answered
What size chainsaw do I need?
Match the bar to the thickest wood you cut regularly. Pruning and storm cleanup: 8 to 12 inches. Limbing and firewood bucking: 14 to 16 inches. Felling and large rounds: 18 to 20 inches, preferably gas. A bar roughly 2 inches longer than the thickest log you cut gives clean, safe cuts without burying the tip.
Battery or gas chainsaw?
Battery for pruning, limbing, storm cleanup and moderate bucking, especially if you already own the platform's batteries. Gas for all-day cutting, felling and firewood heating, where refuelling beats recharging. Battery saws are quieter, start instantly and need less maintenance. Gas saws cut longer and harder per session.
How do I maintain a chainsaw chain?
Check tension before every session and after the first few cuts on a new chain: it should pull snugly around the bar by hand without sagging. Keep bar oil topped up, since a dry bar destroys chains quickly. Sharpen when the saw starts producing dust instead of chips or needs pushing through a cut. A sharp chain is both faster and safer than a dull one.
What safety gear do I need with a chainsaw?
At minimum: chainsaw chaps, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves and sturdy boots. A helmet matters for felling and overhead work. Never cut above shoulder height, keep both hands on the saw, and stand to the side of the cutting plane, never behind the bar. Take a basic chainsaw safety course before felling anything larger than a small tree.
Every guide on Chainsaws15 pages
- Topic hubChainsaws
- 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)
- 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)
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