Best Battery Chainsaw – Reviews & Comparison

When it comes to cutting wood, nothing works as well as a chainsaw. These robust and powerful machines can make any project so much easier, whether you’re chopping down trees or trimming some branches.

When most people think of a chainsaw, they imagine a burly beast with a throaty gas-powered wail. However, while those models are certainly the most prevalent, that doesn’t mean that they’re your only option.

If you don’t have to do a lot of wood cutting (i.e., you’re not felling timber), then a battery-operated chainsaw might be your best bet. Not only are they lighter and easier to handle, but they can still provide plenty of power to get the job done.

As such, today we’re going to be looking at the best battery chainsaw models on the market. If you’ve got wood to chop, then these devices are going to be your best friend. Let’s see what they have to offer.

10 Best Battery Chainsaw Reviews

1. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

When comparing battery-operated chainsaws, there are a few systems that you have to pay attention to the most. First, you want to look at the amp hour rating of any machine you’re going to purchase. In this case, the Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw comes with 4.0 amp hours. This means that it can run at 4 amps for one hour, or 2 amps for two hours.

As far as chainsaws go, four amps is on the higher end of the spectrum, but it’s not the most powerful. The second thing to pay attention to is the size of the saw blade. This Greenworks model has a 16-inch bar, which is more than enough for most branch trimming. You can also chop small trees if they are not too thick. The power and performance of this best battery chainsaw are good enough to make it work without any problems.

Some extra features that you get with the Greenworks Chainsaw include a brushless motor and an automatic oil system. A brushless motor means that fewer parts are moving against each other, which reduces the overall wear and tear inside. Also, it can reduce the amount of vibration that you feel while working, which means less fatigue. 

The oil system is there to ensure that your chains are properly lubed at all times. Most modern chainsaws come with this feature, although some low-end models may not like professional backpack sprayer. The reason you need it is because otherwise, you’d have to oil your chain manually. If you time it wrong, then it will snap and create a significant safety hazard.

Overall, this chainsaw is ideal for tree trimming and the like. Unless you’re planning on taking down some full-grown timber, this machine will be perfect for the backyard or any other green spaces you manage.

What we liked

• Durable brushless motor
• 4.0 amp hour rating
• 40-volt battery
• Higher torque for better performance
• Less vibration reduces fatigue
• Chain brake for safety
• Low kickback helps maintain control
• 16-inch saw 
• Rated to last up to 100 cuts on a single charge
• Low maintenance design
• Lightweight model is just over 10 pounds
• Automatic oiler system
• Tool-free chain tightening

What we didn’t like

• Limited battery life
• Not ideal for large pieces of wood and timber

2. OREGON CORDLESS 40 Volt MAX CS250-S6

If you’re debating about whether to get a battery-operated or a gas-powered chainsaw, then there are a few things that you should consider first. One benefit of choosing a cordless model is that you never have to worry about starting the machine. When it’s gas powered, you have to crank the motor, which can be exhausting and time-consuming.

The second reason to go cordless is that you never have to choke on harmful fumes. Gas models can be both noisy and full of pollution, which can make the whole experience even worse.

Now let’s dive into the reasons why this chainsaw from Oregon Cordless is the ideal choice. When it comes to battery life, it uses high-quality cells that don’t cause the power to fade. This means that you can saw as well on the last cut as the first.

This system comes with an automatic oiler to keep the chain lubricated, as well as a chain-tightening system that doesn’t require any tools to make it work. Since the chain will start to come loose over time no matter what, this feature makes it more efficient and practical.

Finally, this device has a PowerSharp system for the chain. This sharpens the edges while it cuts, meaning that you never have to worry about using a dull chain ever again. Coupled with a quiet motor and a soft grip handle to reduce vibrations, and this is one of the best cordless chainsaws you can find.

What we liked

• 40-volt battery
• 4.0 amp hour motor
• Premium cell battery doesn’t fade
• Instant start every time
• No emissions or pollution
• PowerSharp chain system
• Relatively quiet operation
• Debris shield to protect your hands
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• Tool-free chain tightener
• Automatic oiler system

What we didn’t like

• Battery may not hold charge over time
• In rare cases, the oil may start to leak out

3. DEWALT DCCS690M1 40V 4AH Lithium Ion 

When it comes to consumer-grade power tools, DeWalt is one of the most well-known and reliable out there. Although the company is mostly regarded for tools you might find in the garage, like a power drill or sander, this best cordless chainsaw is another high-quality product.

The first thing you should know about this unit is that you can get it with either a 4.0 or a 6.0 amp hour system. If you need more power, then choose the higher rating. Otherwise, 4.0aH is more than enough for most tree trimming and maintenance.

Secondly, this best battery chainsaw comes with a variable speed trigger. This is a vital feature that sets it apart from many other options out there. Being able to adjust the speed with your finger provides greater control and can lower the vibrations felt while operating the machine.

Overall, this chainsaw comes with a lot of the features you can find standard on most cordless units. It has a brushless motor that requires less maintenance and upkeep. It has a 16-inch bar with a heavy-duty chain wrapped around. It has an automatic oiler system to ensure that the chain stays in pristine condition. It also comes with a chain tightener that doesn’t require any tools to operate, thus saving you time and effort.

What we liked

• Durable brushless motor
• 4.0 amp hour rating
• 40-volt lithium-ion battery
  16-inch bar
• Chain brake for safety
• Automatic oiler system
• Tool-free chain tightening
• Variable speed trigger
• Quiet operation
• Maintenance-free design
• Multiple battery sizes available

What we didn’t like

• Oiler may stop flowing after extended use
• In rare cases, the chain may damage the cover and get stuck

4. Oregon Cordless 40V CS300-A6 Chainsaw

If you liked the Oregon Cordless CS250 model above, then you will appreciate this upgrade instead. Not only does it come with all of the same incredible features, but it can be utilized with either a 4.0 amp hour or a 6.0 amp hour motor. Thus, if you’re looking to increase your power level and cut through some thicker woods, you can do it with this machine. 6.0aH is one of the highest options out there, so this is a remarkable machine. 

The Oregon brand is synonymous with high-quality chainsaws. You may have noticed that many of these other models still come with an Oregon bar and chain. This is because they are some of the best options to have, regardless of the kind of motor or housing you may have.

When looking at the specs of this model, it’s easy to see why it can be a great choice. First of all, it has a 40-volt battery that doesn’t lose power as it drains. According to the manufacturer, you should be able to cut the same up to the moment when the battery dies completely.

Second, it has a PowerSharp chain system. This means that your chain will sharpen itself while it cuts, thus ensuring that you don’t have to worry about a dull saw very often. You can power through hundreds of branches without making any adjustments.

Finally, this unit only weighs 12 pounds. Depending on how much work you have to do in a single sitting, having such a lightweight model can make your life so much easier and more comfortable. Not only that, but it’s quieter and produces fewer vibrations than gas-powered units.

What we liked

• Powerful brushless motor
• 40-volt battery
• 4.0 amp hour rating
• 16-inch bar and chain
• Automatic oiler system
• PowerSharp chain
• Tool-free tensioning 
• Premium cell tech doesn’t lose power
• 6.0aH option available
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• Debris shield for safety
• Weighs only 12 pounds
• Quiet operation

What we didn’t like

• Not designed for hardwoods
• In rare cases, the chain may come undone while working

5. Makita HCU02C1 36V Lithium-Ion Cordless

Like DeWalt, Makita is another high-profile manufacturer of consumer-grade power tools. In this case, the HCU02C1 Cordless Chain Saw is designed for those who don’t need a ton of power to get their job done.

As you will notice, this machine has a lower power rating than the others on this list (so far). At 36 volts, you won’t be able to punch through thicker hardwoods. However, when it comes to trimming branches and pruning bushes, this is more than enough to handle that kind of activity.

You also get a 12-inch bar instead of 16 inches. This allows you to maneuver more easily and reach into spots that might be hard to access otherwise. Overall, this chainsaw is built tough, even though it’s not as robust as others you may see.

Additional features that come with this model include a tool-free tightening system. An automatic oiler with indicator level, and a soft-grip handle for comfort. Also, the whole thing weighs just under 10 pounds, making it one of the lightest chainsaws you can find.

What we liked

• Robust motor
• 36-amp battery
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• 12-inch bar and chain
• Tool-free tightening
• Low-maintenance design
• Automatic oiler system
• Quiet operation
• Lightweight at just 10 pounds
• Oil level indicator

What we didn’t like

• Expensive when compared to other models in its class
• Battery placement is awkward and can lead to off-balance cutting

6. Black and Decker LCS120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion

When most people think of Black + Decker, they imagine some kind of kitchen appliance, such as a microwave, toaster oven, or blender. However, this company makes all sorts of consumer-grade tools and devices, like this cordless chainsaw.

This is about the smallest unit that you can find. It has an eight-inch bar and chain to it, which is perfect for those jobs that don’t require a massive machine to get it done. Whether you’re trimming branches or chopping small planks of wood, this chainsaw is designed for portability and agility. In fact, it only weighs five pounds, making it much more maneuverable.

Otherwise, this chainsaw comes with all of the standard features. First, it has a quiet motor that is much less noisy than gas-powered units. Second, it has a wraparound soft grip handle for extra comfort and stability while cutting. Finally, it comes with an automatic oiler system to keep the chain lubricated. However, it doesn’t have a tightening knob, which means that you have to use an Allen wrench to get the chain back in place.

What we liked

• Compact and lightweight design
• Robust 20-volt motor
• Cuts both hard and soft wood (up to eight inches thick)
• Reduced kickback bar for safety
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• Weighs just over five pounds
• Eight-inch bar and chain
• Automatic oiler system

What we didn’t like

• In rare cases, the oil may leak out
• Chain must be tightened with an
• Allen wrench

7. Makita XCU03PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Chain Saw

As we’ve seen, Makita is a high-quality brand that can make some of the best cordless chainsaws on the market. In this case, we have the XCU03PT1, which uses a pretty unique battery system. You can mount two different batteries into the unit, which allows you to switch from either 18 or 36 volts. Thus, if you’re working on branches and twigs, you can use less power and keep your other battery charging. However, if you need an extra boost, just put another battery inside and watch as it roars into action.

Coupled with that system is a 5.0 amp hour rating, which is one of the highest that we’ve seen. A 14-inch bar and chain also make this a robust and viable chainsaw for a wide variety of wood cutting projects. Whether you’re cleaning up the backyard or you use this device for work, it can suit your needs no matter what.

Standard features that come with the XCU03PT1 include an automatic oiler system, a brushless motor that extends the machine’s lifespan, and a lock-off lever to ensure that the chain doesn’t activate by accident. You can also tighten the chain without any tools, making it easier and more efficient to manage. Finally, this unit comes with an automatic shutoff system to save the battery from draining too fast.

What we liked

• Powerful brushless motor
• 5.0 amp hour rating
• Low-maintenance design
• 14-inch bar and chain
• Variable speed trigger
• Automatic oiler system
• Tool-free tightening and adjustment
• Lock-off lever for safety
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• LED on/off switch for convenience
• Automatic shut-off preserves battery life
• Battery level indicator
• Batteries can be doubled to provide more power

What we didn’t like

• Power switch can be annoying to some users
• Limited battery life

8. Zombi ZCS5817 16-Inch 58-Volt 4Ah Lithium 

One thing about cordless chainsaws is that you have to worry about how long the battery is going to last. In many cases, you can work for about an hour or so before having to switch, which can be quite limiting, depending on your needs.

Fortunately, the Zombi Chainsaw is built with more juice and more power. While most other units have about 40-volts or less, this one comes with 58. Coupled with a 4.0 amp hour rating, that means that you can work faster and more efficiently since you have more energy running through the system.

Other features that make the Zombi a top model include the 16-inch bar and chain, the chain brake that protects you in case of an accident, and a brushless motor. Overall, you don’t have to worry about maintenance and protection when you use the Zombi. 

What we liked

• Powerful 58-volt battery
• 16-inch bar and chain
• Four amp hour rating
• Brushless motor requires less maintenance
• Low kickback to reduce vibration
• Chain brake for safety
• Automatic oiler system
• Oil level indicator
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• Debris shield built-in

What we didn’t like

• In rare cases, the battery may not hold a charge properly
• On rare occasions, the chain may break easily

9. Earthwise LCS35814 14-Inch 58-Volt Cordless

Like the Zombi above, this model from Earthwise is designed to deliver a lot of power in a small package. This unit comes with a 14-inch chain (instead of 16), but it also has a 58-volt battery that provides a boost of energy while working.

The power output of this chainsaw is intense, but it’s not as good as the Zombi. It only has an amp hour rating of 2.0, which means that you’re not going to be able to cut through thick materials or hardwoods. However, if you’re looking for a way to cut branches and do some trimming around your landscaping, then this is a fantastic model.

Features that we like include an automatic oiler system, a low kickback bar to reduce vibrations, and a battery level indicator light. Overall, this is a fantastic tool for most homeowners and woodcutters.

What we liked

• Powerful 58-amp battery
• 14-inch bar and chain
• Brushless motor for longer life
• Soft grip handle for comfort
• Debris shield for safety
• Automatic oiler system
• Chain brake for safety
• Tool-free chain tightening
  2.0 amp hour rating
• Low kickback bar reduces vibrations
• Variable speed trigger control
• Battery level indicator light

What we didn’t like

• Amp hour rating is not as high as other models
• Limited battery life as a result
• In rare cases, the oil may start to leak

10. Makita XCU02PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion

Our final model is another winner from Makita. Like the 14-inch chainsaw above, this unit can work with two 18-volt batteries to give you more power and longer battery life in the process. Thus, when you’re working on a small project, use one. Then, when switching to a more powerful piece, add another one as necessary.

The primary difference, however, is the size. This unit has a 12-inch bar and chain, although that’s enough for most trimming and edging jobs. We also appreciate that the bar is designed for low kickback, thus reducing the amount of vibrations (and fatigue) that you can experience.

Compared to other chainsaws on this list, the XCU02PT is one of the quietest models you can find. It only operates at 68 decibels, which is less than most human speech. You may not even need ear protection while working (although we recommend it regardless).

As with the other Makita devices, this one comes with an automatic oiling system that comes with a level indicator window. You can also tighten the chain without any tools, and it has a built-in chain brake for added safety.

What we liked

• Uses two 18-volt batteries
• 12-inch bar and chain
• Low kickback design reduces fatigue
• Quiet operation at 68 dB
• Tool-free chain tightening
• Automatic oiler system
• Chain brake for safety
• Oil level indicator

What we didn’t like

• In rare cases, the oil reservoir may leak
• In some instances, the batteries may drain quickly

Final Verdict 

If you’re looking for the best battery-operated chainsaw on the market, then we highly recommend either the Earthwise or the Zombi model. What we like most about these devices is that they have the most power and performance. Not only that, but they are super easy to maintain, and they are built to last.

We appreciate the durability of their construction as well as the additional features that make cutting easier and more efficient. Overall, regardless of your cutting needs, either of these chainsaws will help you get the job done fast.

If you want to know whether you should really get the best battery chaninsaw, please feel to watch the video.