The chainsaw is a unique power tool that can help you trim hedges, cut down trees, slice logs into smaller pieces, and otherwise manage your yard. There are three different kinds of chainsaws, based on the type of power that they use: corded electric, gas, and battery powered chainsaws. In this article, we feature the latter, the best cordless chainsaw reviews for 2022.
Type of Chainsaws to Consider | Are Cordless Chainsaws for You?
Gas Powered Chainsaws
The first type is what used to be the most common style, which is a gas-powered chainsaw.
Gas is a common and natural source of power for all kinds of power tools like lawnmowers and power shears. However, gas has a few key disadvantages.
You have to keep the gas around and make sure to have it in stock. You also need to mix it carefully with oil to make sure the motor stays in good shape.
On the plus side, gas motors tend to be the most powerful ones, so they cut fastest and can deal with the hardest wood.
Electric Chainsaw
The second type of chainsaw is the electric corded style. Corded chainsaws trade the problems of having and using gas for a tether in the form of an extension cord.
It is possible to make the extension cord less burdensome with outside outlets and a portable generator, but the cord can still get in the way and it will always constrain your movement at least in part.
Battery Powered Chainsaw
The last type of chainsaw is the battery-powered kind. Like the corded saws, these skip over the mess and bother of gas, but they don’t need a cord either.
The length of time they can cut without needing a charge varies based on how heavy they are, how efficient they are, and how good the battery power is, so it can change a lot from one saw to another. The charge times for different batteries also vary.
Which Chainsaw Power Source is Best?
None of these three types is the objectively best approach to power. They are best for different tasks and depend on personal preference. Those with small yards do best with corded models.
Those who need the most powerful engine and who already have experience working with gas power tools would prefer the gas models.
The cordless battery chainsaws have a lot of landing spots due to how much more convenient a battery is compared to gas. Plus, the power difference is shrinking steadily.
In this post, we will review 7 good examples of battery powered chainsaws and provide a buyer’s guide for what to look for in terms of value, characteristics, and ease of use.
There is no definite best cordless chainsaw, but you will learn about how to make your decision based on cordless chainsaw ratings if you plan to buy one.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Chainsaw?
If you want to read more about the factors to consider when buying a chainsaw, head over to our Ultimate Chainsaw Buying Guide. In this guide, we walk you through the main chainsaw types, the importance of the guide bar length, budget and maintenance considerations.
We also list the most important features that manufacturers usually list under different names and we explain them all.
If you are in a hurry, just jump to The 5 Minute Quick Guide for choosing the best cordless chainsaw or chainsaws with an alternative power sources for your needs.
Benefits of Cordless Chainsaws
Cordless chainsaws have built-in or replaceable batteries. Most brands have battery systems where the same battery can be used in the manufacturer’s other cordless machines of the same voltage, e.g. lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
This makes cordless systems very cost efficient as batteries themselves tend to be the most expensive parts of the machine – especially if you order replacement batteries.
Top 4 reasons to get a cordless chainsaw:
- Low Maintenance: Gas chainsaws are notorious to keep running, you need to service it just as you do with your car. A great advantage of cordless chainsaws is the lack of the gas engine itself – no more oil and gas mixing, no more spark plug replacements, and so on. Modern Li-Ion batteries last for many years and can be charged quickly.
- Portability: Cordless chainsaws are as portable as their gas versions, except they tend to be lighter, despite the batteries. Free roam battery machines also have the added benefit of not having a cord – a huge advantage when you want to work at the back of the yard or down the road – it would be impossible to do with a corded electric chainsaw while dragging the long cord and using multiple extensions.
- Clean operation: No more fumes, mixing of oil and gas. Better for the environment too.
- Noise: Your neighbors will love you for not kicking in the gas chainsaw in the morning. Naturally, chainsaws are not quiet, but the loud gas engine seems to be the way of the past.
What is It For?
Even though manufacturers make their best to improve their products and use the latest battery technology, there is a limited run time of cordless saws when compared to the ever-running corded or gas versions.
For this reason, you need to consider the tasks that the chainsaw will be used for.
- Any beginner task: as a novice, you do not want to fight with a heavy gas machine. It is best to start practicing with a small size chainsaw that is battery operated, therefore easy to maneuver.
- Light-duty tasks: the limited run time will certainly be enough for light duty tasks, such as cutting firewood, general garden maintenance, and cutting back and pruning small trees.
- Enthusiasts and eco-conscious (also neighbor-conscious): Easy to pick up and just start cutting, eco-friendly due to lack of toxic fumes, and saving relationships thanks to the low noise levels
Things to Consider Before Buying a Chainsaw
There are many factors to take into consideration before buying a chainsaw. Not just choosing the type of power, but also checking all the latest features that manufacturers come out with from year to year might be confusing. Check out all the most important features manufacturers offer in our ultimate guide for chainsaws
Here is a short list of factors to check:
- Price
- Engine Type
- Bar Size
- Chain Type
- Runtime
- Weight
- Noise
- Extra Features
- Warranty
How Will This Article Help?
Even if you do not buy a chainsaw from this list, you should learn about how to get a fair price for various features and what kind of characteristics meet your needs the best.
We’ll talk about power, motor and battery efficiency, and ease of use among other things to shed light on how the best cordless chainsaw can stand out from the pack.
Best Cordless Chainsaw Reviews
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 10-Inch 20V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
10
Bar Length (inches)
20
Battery (Volt)
7
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
The LCS1020 by Black and Decker is fairly small for a chainsaw at 10 inches. It weighs about 7 pounds, so it is small enough to mount on a pole if you want extra reach. The battery is 20 Volts and 2 Ah.
It will cut 150 times on a branch 1.5 inches thick on a full charge, and it is capable of holding that charge for a full year.
Features
The LCS1020 uses an Oregon low kickback bar and chain. Oregon is a standard brand for chainsaws that is popular across many different makes and models because it provides baseline accessories and parts.
The LCS1020 also has a toolless tensioning system that involves turning a dial to keep the tension at the correct level during use.
The oiling system is automatic with a window into the oil reservoir so you know when you have to refill it. The handles are rubberized for extra grip and protected to shield your hands from any debris.
The battery is lithium-ion and part of the interchangeable 20V MAX outdoor battery system.
The LCS1020 comes with a 2-year warranty.
Feedback
The LCS1020 is one of the most popular battery-powered small chainsaws online. The combination of power, weight, and length is enough to handle a large variety of tasks.
Elderly users appreciated how the light weight makes it easy to carry and move without compromising cutting ability or battery life. The oiling and tension systems are easy to work with.
The saw is not limited to logs that are 10 inches or less in diameter because you can go down both sides of the wood and meet in the middle. The motor is powerful enough to handle that.
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 12-Inch 40V MAX Lithium Ion Battery Chainsaw
12
Bar Length (inches)
40
Battery (Volt)
10.4
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
The LCS1240 is just a slightly larger spin on the previous saw on this list, the Black and Decker LCS1020. There are two key differences between the two models.
Firstly, the LCS1240 has a longer bar and chain, so it is more suited to bigger tasks. Note that 12 inches is still considered small for a chainsaw.
The other big difference is that the battery voltage has doubled to 40V while retaining the 2.0 Ah.
This is to support the greater power draw of the bigger bar and chain. Part of the interchangeable 40V MAX outdoor battery system.
Features
Like the other Black and Decker small chainsaw, the LCS1240 has an automatic oiler and a tool-free tension management system.
The battery can hold a charge for a longer period of time – 18 months instead of a year. Moreover, the battery usage is rated to make cuts in 60 four by four pine logs made on a single full charge. The battery comes with a display indicating how much charge is left for convenient use.
Ultimately, this chainsaw features a lightweight design for ease of use and to eliminate user fatigue, with a full wrap around handle for comfortable cutting in different orientations.
Interested in reading more? Check out our full review of the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240!
Feedback
The LCS1240 is just as popular as the LCS1020 and with outstanding ratings. The bigger size does add a little to the weight of the chainsaw, but a bit over 10 pounds is still fairly accessible.
The battery is large enough to manage full tasks and can work all day depending on the cuts.
The extra reach means log thicknesses of 2 feet or less are all within reach. Using an Oregon bar and chain design also means you can mount the smaller 10-inch bar and chain and get more out of the battery.
Overall the LCS1240 is excellent value for a small chainsaw according to online reviewers who have used it and rated it highly. A strong contender for the best cordless chainsaw title!
Greenworks 20262 12-Inch 40V 2.0 AH Cordless Chainsaw
12
Bar Length (inches)
40
Battery (Volt)
9.27
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
Like the previous Black and Decker model, the Greenworks 20292 uses a 40-volt 2 amp-hour battery to power a 12-inch bar and chain.
It uses G-MAX technology in the battery. It weighs just 9.27 pounds with battery, which is rather light for a 12-inch saw.
Like other modern power chainsaws, it has automatic oiling and a dial for tension control. The chain pitch is 3/8 inches.
With the base 2 Ah battery it charges in one hour and with the optional 4 Ah battery it charges in two hours.
Features
The standard features aside, the most unique aspects of the Greenworks 20262 are a low weight and the G-Max battery system.
G-Max is a proprietary battery technology that Greenworks owns. The importance of G-Max is that you can swap batteries between any supported Greenworks tool across the G-Max range, such as the 24252 leaf blower. This makes purchasing additional batteries very cost-effective, as you can use them with all your tools over four seasons.
If you want a backup or a bigger battery, you can get one without worrying about compatibility issues.
The handles are also ergonomically designed, making the maneuvering and positioning of the cutting edge easier. This is good for trimming and other precision work.
Feedback
This Greenworks chainsaw has a lot of positive reviews. The G-Max battery system is a big draw, especially if you already own other tools by Greenworks.
The light weight is probably the most popular aspect of the chainsaw because of how it enhances the ease of use. It is light enough to mount on a pole.
Some reviewers preferred to get the bigger G-Max battery with a 4 Ah rating in order to enjoy a larger capacity and longer operation time, although this does add a little more to the weight.
Makita XCU03PT1 14-Inch Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Chain Saw Kit
14
Bar Length (inches)
36
Battery (Volt)
11.5
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
The next entry on our list comes from Makita, and it is an interesting one. It has a 14-inch bar and weighs a good 11.5 pounds.
The reason for the high weight is that it runs on dual batteries. The XCU uses two 18-volt batteries that are rated for 5 amp-hours each. This allows for a total of 36 volts of power, which is more than enough for deep cuts on a 14-inch bar.
This great design allows you to get the benefits of a fast-charging smaller battery without sacrificing power.
Features
The innovative double battery system gives the Makita an unmatched combination of power and battery life in this size range. There are larger chainsaws that also use multiple batteries, but usually, they are professional-grade.
The Makita also has another innovation: a trigger with variable speed for better control over the power output, which further extends the battery life.
The tool-less tension system, chain brake, and automatic oiling are all present.
Feedback
The Makita earns a lot of praise for the innovation behind its battery system and variable speed control. These add significantly to the user experience through better battery life and a more durable engine.
The weight is a little high, but still usable. Some people report that the safety feature kicks in to turn off the chainsaw after just a few seconds of inactivity, which can be a little annoying if you stop frequently. However, it starts up again quickly so there is no time lost.
The Makita has good power for a 14-inch saw and can handle fairly large logs without a problem. Overall, it is considered a long-lasting, safe, and efficient saw.
Greenworks 20312 16-Inch 40V 4.0 AH Cordless Chainsaw
16
Bar Length (inches)
40
Battery (Volt)
10
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
As with the Black and Decker models, this is one step up in size from the previous Greenworks chainsaw. 16 inches is just about where chainsaws are considered medium size. It is larger at 10 pounds in weight, although once again this is a little lighter than some other 16-inch models.
The 20312 uses the exact same G-Max batteries as all other Greenworks chainsaws and power tools in general.
It has a modern and quiet brushless motor that has significantly lower sound than a gas chainsaw and zero emissions.
This is in keeping with the Greenworks mission of environmental friendliness that does not come at the expense of power or usability.
Features
The G-Max system is on full display with the 20312. You can choose your battery by size and it will work with this chainsaw or any other Greenworks tool that uses a G-Max 40V battery.
On top of that, at this size of chainsaw Greenworks added on a powerful brushless motor that approaches a gas motor in terms of power output with much lower noise and no fumes.
This makes it easier to use this Greenworks 16-inch chainsaw as the main tool and not just a backup or sidekick.
The Oregon bar and low kickback chain system lets you swap out a different size of the bar if necessary.
Feedback
This chainsaw is very popular and well-reviewed. The most common element was the fact that the better and more high tech motor allows it to compete with gas chainsaws.
Usually, gas chainsaws have the edge because their motors are far more powerful than cordless competitors, but the 20312 comes much closer. It still isn’t equal in power but it will do enough to make it just as good for home use.
The good weight to length ratio is also a plus.
Husqvarna 120i 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
14
Bar Length (inches)
36
Battery (Volt)
10.8
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
Husqvarna is one of the oldest and most well-respected names when it comes to chainsaws. They have a long-running competition with their rival brand, Stihl, especially in the area of gas chainsaws.
The 120i is part of Husqvarna’s venture into the world of best cordless chainsaws.
It weighs about 10 pounds and has a 14-inch length.
The battery is 36.5 volts. Husqvarna also produces backpack batteries that you can carry with you and connect for longer uptime, providing up to 10 hours of run-time between charges when the Husqvarna cordless chainsaw is used with these backpack batteries.
Unlike most of the competition, Husqvarna has added on several extra features to make the 120i more appealing.
Features
The first such feature saves mode, called savE™, a low-power mode that preserves battery life.
Next is the low-vibration motor and housing which reduces the stress on your hands and arms. This, combined with the low weight, makes it easier to use the 120i for extended sessions.
There are also several safety features. The saw turns off if it has been left alone for one minute. It will not turn on if the brake is engaged, if you are pressing down too hard on wood, or if the chain is tangled up or blocked.
These features help your motor last longer. It turns on and off instantly and has a small keypad to activate or deactivate the chainsaw and its various features.
All in all, the Husqvarna 120i is a lightweight, easy to use battery chainsaw ideal for felling small trees and pruning or cutting small branches.
Feedback
The 120i is very well-respected among reviewers. The Husqvarna name carries a lot of weight, and the 120i in particular does a good job at expanding the definition of what the best cordless chainsaw can be by adding on all of those bonus features.
The basic characteristics like power, battery life, and ease of use are all in good condition even before getting into the extras.
Some people found the buttons a little tricky, especially with gloves on, but not enough to get in the way of operating the 120i.
DEWALT DCCS670X1 16-Inch FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw
16
Bar Length (inches)
60
Battery (Volt)
12.2
Weight (lbs)
Key Facts
The DCCS670X1 from DEWALT is a bigger chainsaw with a 16-inch bar. The large 60V and 3.0 Ah battery mean it will be able to maintain good power output despite the increase in size.
It weighs 12 pounds, which is reasonable for a 16-inch saw.
This DEWALT chainsaw uses Oregon bar and chain sets, so you can mount another standard Oregon set of a different size if necessary.
The modern brushless motor can cut through 60 slices of 6 by 6-inch pine on one charge. It comes with a 3 year warranty, which is generally more than most other brands offer.
Features
Like just about every other cordless chainsaw, the DeWalt model has automatic oiling via an onboard tank and tool-less tension adjustment through a dial near the base of the bar. The oil tank has a small window that lets you see how much oil is left with an easy twist-off cap for fast refills.
The chainsaw also has kickback protection in the form of a chain brake.
The rubberized handles are large and comfortable to fit different hand sizes and work angles. There is also a vertical guard to provide additional hand protection.
We have reviewed the DeWalt DCCS670X1 in more detail here. Check it out!
Feedback
The DEWALT 16-inch chainsaw has very high ratings online and has the best cordless chainsaw reviews among competitors. Although it doesn’t quite have the expansive feature set of the Husqvarna model, it is very powerful, efficient, durable, and still light.
You can even change out the 16-inch bar for a bigger 18-inch one without straining the motor, allowing you to take on just about any task at the consumer scale.
Reviewers praised how easy it was to start using the DeWalt with instant start and no gas and oil mixing to worry about.
It is also easy to turn it off, plan out a cut, and start it up again, something that is a challenge for gas chainsaws.
Alternative: Black & Decker LLP120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Alligator Lopper
For another type of tool, consider the alligator lopper that we have reviewed earlier extensively.
It’s similar to a chainsaw but uses two opposing blades like a set of scissors to hold a log in place and cut it. Small odd jobs around the home that do not need a full blown chainsaw could potentially be better suited to your needs.
Still in doubt? Read our Ultimate Chainsaw Buying Guide!
Conclusion – Which one is the best cordless chainsaw on the market?
All of the chainsaws mind that if you do not want a gas chainsaw but are still interested in an electric model, one of the best corded chainsaws from our extensive roundup review might be a good fit.
Best Performance Cordless Chainsaw
From this list of the best battery chainsaw models, a few do stand out. The best performance comes from the Husqvarna 120i. It is big enough to handle pretty much anything, but small enough to be easy to use, and its power is excellent. It can easily contend for the best cordless chainsaw title.
Best Cordless Chainsaw on a Budget
For a budget option, the 12-inch Black and Decker LCS1240 has everything you need in a package that will not break the bank.
Cordless chainsaws are rapidly catching up to gas saws in terms of power. This post should demonstrate that it is now very possible to get all of the cutting ability you need without a loud, heavy gas engine that needs frequent refills of mixed oil and gas.
The advances in battery technology and electric motors mean that the amount of work you get out of a single charge increases while charge time decreases.
Just about every good battery for a chainsaw under 20 inches should be fully charged in 2 hours or less, and you can get a full day of work out of a single charge depending on what you are cutting.
Now is an excellent time to consider a cordless chainsaw. They are efficient, powerful, easy to use, and increasingly inexpensive.
Ongoing upkeep costs are minimal compared to gas and there’s none of the inconvenience of having a cord, as with a corded electric option. The result is a happy medium of features and characteristics that is ideal for consumer use.
Even though these chainsaws are mostly for light-duty tasks and beginner / intermediate levels, safety needs to be kept in mind. It is pretty much mandatory to have some safety chaps and gloves at hand, as well as to keep the chainsaw chain sharp.
Accessories
We have recently reviewed the best chainsaw cases and without a doubt, it is a good practice to keep your chainsaw safe and protected. Go and check it out!
