Today, cordless chainsaws meet and even exceed the performance and features of traditional gas-powered chainsaws.
Nearly every category of chainsaws that use less than a 50cc engine has a battery-powered equivalent that is a reliable replacement.
Check out this best cordless chainsaw review!
Quick Overview
Winner
Ego Power+ CS1804
LED light
Metal bucking spikes
Fast cutting compared to electric chain saws
Runner-Up
Husqvarna 120i
Efficient bar and chain oil consumption
Fantastic run-time
Warranty: 2 years (Consumer), 90 days (Commercial)
Our Top 6 Choices For Best Cordless Chainsaws
| Best Cordless Chainsaws | Power | Bar Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ego Power+ CS1804 | 56V | 18″ | Check Price |
| 2. Husqvarna 120i | 40V | 14″ | Check Price |
| 3. Worx WG322 | 20V | 10″ | Check Price |
| 4. Echo CCS-58V4AH | 58V | 16″ | Check Price |
| 5. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16” 2727-21HD | 18V | 16″ | Check Price |
| 6. BLACK+DECKER LCS 1240 40V MAX | 40V | 12″ | Check Price |
6 Best Cordless Electric Chainsaw Reviews
#1 – Winner – Ego Power+ CS1804
Quick Facts
LED light
Metal bucking spikes
Fast cutting compared to electric chain saws
Power
Among cordless electric chain saws, the EGO Power+ CS1804 is hard to beat.
With its 56V and 5Ah battery, it provides enough power to rip through any logs and trees blocking your way. Once the 5.0Ah battery runs out, charging it is extremely fast. Compared to other electric saw models, the CS1804 is one of the fastest to make cuts through standard-sized lumber.
If the 5.0Ah battery that comes with the standard model is not enough for you, you have the option of purchasing a 10.0Ah battery for this model. That’s twice the power and battery life!
Cordless chainsaw reviews rave about the extremely efficient electronic components and the even better battery life capable of a total of 31 full depth cuts and a partial 4.25″ on the 32nd cut before running out of juice.
Design and Use
The Ego Power only weighs 12.25 lbs and has a size of 16″ x 9″ x 8″. Its maximum bar length is 18 inches and is covered by a 5-year limited warranty. For ease of use, it is equipped with an Automatic Tool-Free Chain Tensioning System.
The auto-tension system is easy to adjust. It is easy to access the internal components without having to use additional tools.
The bar length can be too much for users who only need a cordless chain saw for smaller projects.
However, if you want an easy-to-use electric chainsaw with a long bar length and long-lasting battery, this is the perfect saw for you.
Ego Power+ also has a model with a 16-inch bar length if you want something shorter. This model has similar features to the CS1804.
Others
It has extra features that improve overall performance and ease of use, such as metal spikes for mounting your tool, an LED light, and its 18-inch bar.
The LED is also there to help with post-storm clean-up when the power is out, and you cannot wait for the sun to rise.
Note, though, this does not have the fastest wind-up time. However, it is not a big deal unless you require a quick wind-up to get your work done quickly.
Is the Ego Power+ CS 1804 Chainsaw the One for You?
If long battery life is a primary consideration for you, there is no better electric saw model.
With high-speed cutting combined with efficient energy use, this cordless chainsaw model from Ego is the best among the best.
Here’s what you’ll love
Top-notch performance
Long Bar
LED Lights
Easy chain tensioning
Fast cutting
Incredible run time
Fast charging
Chain brake
Here’s what you might not like
Average wind-up time
Not the fastest wind-up time
#2 – Runner-Up – Husqvarna 120i
Quick Facts
Efficient bar and chain oil consumption
Fantastic run-time
Warranty: 2 years (Consumer), 90 days (Commercial)
Power
The Husqvarna 120i is well-known as a high-performing cordless chainsaw with incredible value. It is capable of superb cuts and is relatively simple to use.
Our favorite is its fantastic run time. Its 36.5V battery powers an extremely long battery life. It also has an efficient “save” mode that further increases battery life by slowing the chain speed when performing light tasks.
Note this model does not make the fastest cuts, though it does perform sufficiently enough to gain approval from numerous reviewers.
Design and Use
This saw is efficient in consuming bar and chain oil, unlike other models.
Combined with its effective cutting, pleasant design, excellent run time, and affordable price, it is hard to pass up the 120i.
Weighing only 10 lbs and 11 oz with a size of 19″ x 7″ x 7″ and a bar length of 14 inches, this battery-powered chainsaw is an excellent option for you. Its tool-free chain tensioning is a terrific addition.
Others
Note that the main drawback of this model is that the electronic system can slow down your workflow.
The chain tensioning and changing system can also add a few extra minutes to your project, despite being tool-free.
If speed is not your most important consideration and you do not mind taking a little extra time with your projects, then this model’s pros outweigh the cons.
Is the Husqvarna 120i Chainsaw the One for You?
If you need a cordless chainsaw that performs well, has incredible battery life, and you don’t mind having the most efficient workflow, then the 120i is perfect for you and offers anyone excellent value.
Here’s what you’ll love
Unrivaled battery life
Two chain speed settings
Barely consumes bar oil
Light
Here’s what you might not like
Controls can slow down workflow
Not the greatest chain tensioning system
Not the quickest at cutting
#3 – Worx WG322
Quick Facts
Cheapest on this list
Extremely quiet operation
Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty upon request
Power
Most users don’t need a massive, heavy-duty cordless chain saw with a colossal battery. The 20V battery in this Worx WG322 is much higher and smaller than most saws, ranging from 36V up to 80V.
The most significant part is this Worx WG322 is highly affordable at less than $100! If you have been shopping around for electric chainsaws, you know that they can get costly.
But if you don’t need extra features, extra bar length, super long battery life, and massive amounts of power, there’s no need to waste extra cash on high-performance models.
The drawbacks of these features are still there, though. The 20V battery life is noticeably shorter than most higher voltage models.
Also, don’t expect the WG322 to keep up with the best in overall cutting performance.
It cuts slower and has less power than top-tier saws. The shorter bar length limits the diameter of the cuts it can make, too.
Despite the flaws, we still love the Worx. It is a straightforward way to go when it comes to 20V cordless saws.
Design and Use
Despite its low price, it uses an automatic oiler, screw cap oil reservoir, and tool-free chain tensioning system, making this an excellent value purchase.
Its significantly reduced weight and the 10-inch length and smaller body size allow anyone to bring, lift, and operate this saw with ease.
Others
It is also surprisingly quiet, making it ideal for residential or workshop settings.
You wouldn’t want to wake up your entire house early in the morning or keep them up late into the night while engrossed deeply in your project.
Is the Worx WG322 Chainsaw the One for You?
If you only need an electric saw for home use or your workshop, we doubt you will need a high-end model. The Worx WG322 offers superior performance, especially considering that it is much cheaper than most other models.
Here’s what you’ll love
Light
Very quiet
Compact
Affordable
Here’s what you might not like
Short battery life
Average performance
#4 – Echo CCS-58V4AH
Quick Facts
Safety switch and view window
Ergonomic rubber handle
Warranty: 5 Year Consumer / 2 Year Professional
Power
The ECHO CCS-58V4AH is easy to use and has a simple battery to change with one hand. As for cutting performances, the Echo cuts like a hot knife through butter. It is unmatched when it comes to dimensional woodcutting tests. You can expect a high execution level from this tool.
Design and Use
Its oil tank gives you a clear window so you can quickly check the oil levels inside. The cap has tabs for better leverage while you are wearing gloves.
This cordless saw also has an ergonomic rubber handle to give you a better, more comfortable grip.
Others
Its safety switch ensures that you can never accidentally start this tool unless you are ready.
However, it has flaws. It’s one of the biggest among other electric chain saws. It also has a problematic wrench to remove from the body if you don’t have the specific tool to help pry it out with.
But these flaws are minor compared to its fantastic overall operation and comfortable use.
Is the Echo CCS-58V4AH Chainsaw the One for You?
If you want excellent value for your money and do not mind a few minor inconveniences, the ECHO CCS-58V4AH is an easy choice.
While it is significant and can be noisy, its performance more than makes up for these drawbacks.
Here’s what you’ll love
Great saw performance
Good battery life
Affordable
Here’s what you might not like
Heavy
Noisy
#5 – Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16” 2727-21HD
Quick Facts
Battery compatible with other Milwaukee tools
Amazingly fast start-up time
Warranty: 5 Year Limited
Power
If you want a beast among your power tools, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL will undoubtedly meet your requirements. It is one of the most outstanding cordless chainsaw models for executing cuts and has a long-lasting battery.
One of its most outstanding features is that it instantly goes from a complete stop to full, roaring speed. This can be particularly useful for you when time and workflow efficiency are critical.
Design and Use
The main drawback of the M18 FUEL is that it can be astonishingly loud and annoying.
One of the main advantages of electric tools over traditional gas-powered ones is that they are usually quieter, but that does not apply to this battery-powered chainsaw.
Others
With their M18 battery platform, Milwaukee uses the same battery for a massive line-up of tools and many applications.
Milwaukee is a well-known and long-trusted brand that boasts over 175 unique tools using the same battery connection.
If you own any Milwaukee cordless tools, you will likely already have a battery or charger that will work with this cordless chainsaw.
If not, you can buy other members of the Milwaukee line of tools if you are interested in interchangeable batteries.
Is the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Chainsaw the One for You?
If you are already a Milwaukee owner or have a particular need for chainsaws with a quick wind-up, the M18 FUEL is an ideal choice for you.
This can be an excellent addition to your Milwaukee set or the start of your own set if you want to invest in this system.
Here’s what you’ll love
Instantaneous wind-up
Metal bucking spikes
Other tools use the same battery
Here’s what you might not like
Expensive
Bulky
It uses a lot of bar and chain oil
#6 – BLACK+DECKER LCS 1240 40V MAX
Quick Facts
Tool-free chain tension system
Efficient at cutting 8-inch wood or smaller
Warranty: 2 Year Limited
Power
To activate this model from Black+Decker, you just have to insert the battery and pull back on the lock-off button with your thumb, then pull the trigger.
There is a slight delay upon activation of the saw, but this only lasts for almost a second.
This model still has drawbacks, though. The supplied charger takes 2 hours to charge the battery, so we recommend having a spare to prevent interruptions in your workflow.
You will need to be extra patient when cutting thicker wood, such as a log with a diameter of 10 inches. Pay attention to the motor’s sound, as it has little power to stall more quickly than other models.
If you cut too fast or apply any significant pressure beyond what the blade is ready to cut, this tool will stall. When it does, you just have to start it up again. This is most efficient with 8-inch logs or smaller.
Design and Use
The top handle is constructed from plastic and gives you a comfortable, ergonomic grip. Combined with its low kickback and lightweight at just over 8 lbs., this cordless chainsaw is easy to handle.
The optimum way to cut with this is to engage the plastic bucking spikes, then gently angle the saw downward, making sure not to apply too much force, so it does not stall the motor prematurely.
Others
There is only a plastic front handguard and no chain brake. It is also easy to add chain oil.
You simply remove the fill cap and pour the oil until you see it fill the translucent plastic window visible on both sides of this tool. An integrated filter catches any large debris, too.
The bucking spikes are made of plastic, which means you won’t get a lot of leverage with this model if you are cutting into more massive diameter logs.
However, Black+Decker offers extra accessories to help stabilize this model when cutting.
Is the BLACK+DECKER LCS 1240 Chainsaw the One for You?
This tool by Black+Decker is useful for those who do need heavy-duty tools. Its price is affordable, and it is amazingly comfortable to use. Moreover, it is easy enough to use right out of the box.
Here’s what you’ll love
Low Kickback
Comfortable and ergonomic handle
Lightweight
Easy to fill with oil
Here’s what you might not like
Plastic spikes
Not a lot of power
Can stall quickly
What Should You Consider When Buying a Cordless Saw?
Cordless chainsaws offer excellent performance and portability. But finding the perfect one for you will require you to consider several factors.
Budget and Value
There is a wide price range among electric chainsaws. A higher price does not necessarily mean better performance. Find the perfect balance between performance and price.
Saw Performance
By itself, a battery’s voltage is not the primary determinant of wireless tools’ power output.
Lithium-ion electric tools have historically used electronics to regulate the battery’s output. Still, with brushless motor tools, more remarkable adjustments can be made between the power pack and motor.
Now, computer chip controls within brushless motors can easily convert the voltage to prioritize the current levels of power needed for balancing high power output with the heat management critical to maintaining the battery’s cells.
Plus, with the trend of tool companies becoming increasingly unclear about their voltage naming conventions, voltage numbers now have less meaning than ever.
Your priority should be how well your tool gets the job done and how quickly it can finish its task.
Run time
Run time refers to how much work your tool can perform with a single power pack charge.
The longer it can work, the less hassle it is to use because you do not have to keep switching out the power pack or place your work/project on hold to charge it again.
This is especially important because most chainsaws only come with one pack of batteries, and their chargers can take hours to charge that single pack fully.
If this is important to you, look for a tool with a rapid charger in the kit, or at least one available as a separate purchase. This will allow you to work without waiting for your tool to charge.
The best electric saws should balance superior performance, cutting speed, efficient use of power, and run time.
Details to Watch Out for When Choosing the Perfect Cordless Chainsaw for You
Triggers
Most chainsaws are similar in form and have the same basic operational features.
The only exceptions are pole saws and pruning saws due to their particular use. The best electric chainsaws, however, differ in form with their switches and triggers.
While they all have some test lab certification, they are tested to different variations of the acceptable safety trigger standard.
The current standard requires an electric saw to trigger two separate and dissimilar actions required to start the chain moving.
This means you should not trigger or turn a saw on with a simple grabbing motion of the handle and trigger. The trigger lockout mechanism and the trigger itself should require separate and deliberate actions.
When it comes to using some of the saws in this review, they have more defined two-step triggers, while others can easily be activated with a single grasp around their lockout button and trigger.
What matters is that your saw will keep you from accidentally activating the motor, a vital safety feature when such a powerful tool is concerned.
Electronic Safety
The real two-step lockouts are not challenging to use in normal conditions. In unusual positions, such as when reaching around a tree while limbing, mechanical lockouts can sometimes be tricky to slide.
The first two to three stages of starting specific cordless chainsaws use an electric on and off button. Some electric switch saws can be operated with a single grab once turned on.
Just be mindful of the auto timeout feature. It can get frustrating to pull the trigger on your saw to no effect when you thought your saw was ready.
Alerts and Feedback
Electronic switches usually have a feature that warns you will get alerts.
A small LED “ready” light glows on these saws’ dash, along with auditory feedback through a few chirps. This alert comes on when you turn your saw on.
Separate warning lights that indicate trouble or malfunctioning conditions can also be a feature, along with alerts when your chain brake is in the “on” position.
Ease of Adjustment
Your saw bars need to be adjusted almost every time you use them. A new chain stretches out reasonably quickly. You need to snug it up at least a few times as you go through the process of breaking it in.
If your chain gets tight suddenly, this usually means the bar is not getting oil. Do no loosen it until you make sure the oil is lubricating properly.
A saw bar will be designed for either a tool-free adjustment or a model that requires a screwdriver-wrench combination called a “scrench.”
Tool-free adjustment is the easiest and quickest with plastic knobs and/or dials built into the saw. They loosen the bar, move the bar forward or backward to tension the chain correctly, and lock the bar tightly down again.
PRO TIP
Loosen your chain regularly at the end of the day. This habit is useful to develop because chilly weather can cause your chain to tighten as it cools, which will damage the parts.
Dual Studs vs. Tool-Free Adjusters
The biggest and strongest chainsaws have dual stud bar mounts, but they are not pre-requisites to having a good saw.
If your saw has dual stud bar mounts, snug the nuts evenly because torquing down on a nut can loosen the other.
The choice between a tool-free adjuster or dual studs is down to preference. You may feel more secure with dual studs for more giant saws and tool-free adjusters for smaller ones. Either way, it is not a deal-breaker.
PRO TIP
Be careful not to lose your nuts. Look for a saw with a built-in storage slot, and keep an extra nut with you whenever you use your saw.
Bars and Chains
Most chainsaws do not revolutionize their design by making their bars and chains. Instead, they use standard Oregon components, though Stihl manufactures their bars and chains.
Most cordless chainsaws use 3/8″ pitch and 0.043″ gauge chains, while a handful uses a 0.050″ gauge.
Built-In Chain Sharpener
Some models have their own built-in semi-automatic chain sharpener. By pulling a lever on top of the saw, you push a curved sharpening stone against the particular chain for easy sharpening on the go.
Note special instructions on using this feature and what chains they can be used on, as it is not an all-around sharpener.
Oiling Systems
A saw’s lifeblood is the bar and chain oil because a saw cannot run without it for long. Look for chainsaws that are oiled readily.
Most electric saws have translucent windows that allow you to check if there’s enough oil in the tank and reasonably well estimate oil levels. However, watch out for those with windows too dark or small to see inside accurately.
One thing you should consider is the ease of filling as it dramatically affects your convenience. We are sure you wouldn’t want oily fingers, so the ability to fill the tank while leaving your work gloves on is better.
Look for oil caps with lugs that are easy to turn with gloves on and /or flip-up tabs that give you an even better grip.
Watch Out For:
It is also not advisable to get a saw with an oil tank with a narrow filler neck or sit at an angle that makes the target even smaller.
Bar and chain oil is thick and tacky, so it can pour like molasses in the colt. This can quickly pile up and overflow in a narrow neck.
Plastic fillers at the inlet of its tank can also constrict the diameter of the tank. Caps that cross-thread easily can also make the oil-fill process annoying.
PRO TIP
Be careful when filling your saw. Some have a significant section of the cap inside the tank and displaces a shocking amount of oil when you fill it anywhere close to the top.
You would not want to waste your time wiping that gooey oil off your saw.
Bucking Spikes
Bucking spikes are fitted to chainsaws to push the saw through wood more efficiently. These are also called bumper spikes, felling spikes, or dogs.
These spikes sit against the body of the saw along the bar. They anchor the saw in place while the bar pivots through the cut. It allows you to apply a lifting motion of the rear end instead of pushing downward.
As you hold the saw tight to the wood, the motor can exert maximum pulling power.
This saves you from some of the cutting vibrations, especially the jerking motion familiar with holding a saw away from what you are working on.
Note that most battery chainsaws have spikes that are not as large as those on traditional gas-powered saws.
However, it is becoming more common to see actual steel spikes on these saws, not just the simple plastic ridges on other models.
Variable Speeds and Chain Coast-Down
The smoothest cutting is performed when your saw is at its highest chain speed, even when cutting small limbs. This is why variable speed is not the most useful feature for a battery saw.
A feature that all chainsaws can take advantage of is a coast-down break. It helps improve the safety of your machine so you can avoid any nasty accidents.
Ergonomic Factors
The comfort and feel of a particular tool are highly subjective. However, some designs work better for the majority of users than others.
Most pros and experienced homeowners can instantly tell when a particular tool has good ergonomics. This requires thoughtful design intention from the manufacturers.
Balance
You need to look for a balanced feel in your hands. The saw has to have the ability to cut straight without introducing a twisting motion you have to overcome.
Hold a saw with your left hand on the front handle in front of you. It should balance relatively flat in your hand. If it is front-heavy, that is still okay.
However, a rear-heavy saw lifts the cutting end of the saw up towards you, requiring more effort and vigilance to use and carry safely.
Considering how dangerous chainsaws can be, you do not want one pointing or rearing towards you.
Cutting Sideways
To determine whether there is a good feel for felling cuts while holding the saw sideways, you need to consider the comfort of applying force to the front and rear handles of the saw while you grab it from the side.
Also, check the ease of operating the trigger sideways.
Handles
Generally, chainsaws with thicker handles are more comfortable to grasp when in use. This Is because their broader radius edges often help the contact with your hand.
Rubber handle surfaces also make it more comfortable to grasp, not only because of the extra padding but also because of the increased grittiness it provides.
This decreases the strain your hand experiences when grasping your saw.
Trigger Comfort
Many battery-powered chainsaws have triggers that are large enough for two fingers to fit on them. Some have extra long triggers with more room to vary your grip stance for added comfort.
The triggers that feel most comfortable retract flush with the handle instead of having a protruding or raised bump your fingers have to push against.
Weight
A cordless chainsaw can have a dry weight as low as 12 pounds to over 15 pounds.
Experts say that a saw’s weight is less important than proper overall balance, as you only feel the full weight of the saw when you are not cutting.
However, carrying around and positioning a heavy saw can become taxing over a long workday. With these saws, their batteries are a significant part of what makes up that weight.
The more robust saws that last longer with high-capacity energy packs and longer bars you likely prefer will end up being the heaviest.
PRO TIP
When choosing between a heavy saw with good energy efficiency and balance, versus a lighter one with worse battery life or off-balance, choose the former.
The Verdict: Our Top Picks
While the models we featured on this list are good enough for you, there are a handful of chainsaws out of the competition that carries a little more edge.
Their combination of price, features, and specifications come out better than other models.
Winner
Ego Power+ CS1804
We chose the Ego CS1804 as our overall pick because it has the most incredible combination of excellent performance, ease of use, durability, price, and efficient energy use.
While it may not be the fastest tool to start up, it is by no means slow. Once you start this, you will be ripping through log after log with complete ease.
This chainsaw features efficient electronic components and cutting speed that reviews have raved about everywhere.
Plus, we love how quickly this charges. You can also choose between an 18 and 16-inch bar. And if the long energy life is not enough for you, you can opt to buy a 10ah pack!
Gas-powered chainsaws have nothing to match this electric chainsaw. With a tool-free chain system that is effortless to use, chain brake, and incredible sawing performance, this one is the best cordless chainsaw you can buy.
If money and price are not a huge concern for you or need a more powerful chainsaw, the Ego Power+ CS1804 is a perfect choice.
Runner-Up
Husqvarna 120i
If speed is not the most important thing for you, the Husqvarna 120i will give you unbeatable value. It may not be the fastest, but the 120i will give you superb cuts.
With efficient batteries and even a “save” mode to slow down energy consumption, this is the best return for your money among other battery-powered saws.
Say goodbye to that old gas-powered tool because with the Husqvarna 120i, you no longer have an excuse to say no.
If you want the greatest bang for your buck and the most significant return for the price you paid, the Husqvarna 120i is the model for you.
Conclusion
Shopping for cordless chainsaws can be difficult.
The available models on the market can range from highly affordable to expensive. If you know little about chainsaws, it’s easy to get confused with all the features and specifications.
However, this guide has laid everything out for you. You are now equipped with all the information and details you need to pay attention to when choosing the perfect tool for you and your use.
With this, you will be hacking through log after log quickly.
