Gas chainsaws are loud, smelly, and require a whole ritual just to start them. Battery chainsaws in 2026 have caught up in a serious way — not just for light pruning, but for felling medium trees, processing firewood, and cleaning up after storms. If you’re a homeowner who touches a chainsaw more than twice a year, the case for cordless has never been stronger.
We looked at the top cordless chainsaws across every voltage tier — from the budget-friendly 40V entry points up to the serious 80V and 60V FLEXVOLT platforms — and ranked them by performance, runtime, and value. Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Picks: Best Cordless Chainsaws at a Glance
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | EGO CS1804 18″ | ~$319 | 4.5★ | Top-rated cordless chainsaw with 5.0Ah battery included. Matches gas performance for most homeowner tasks. | Buy Now |
| Most Powerful | Greenworks 80V 18″ | ~$299 | 4.3★ | 80V platform delivers the most torque in the class. Best for dense hardwoods and larger trees. | Buy Now on Amazon |
| Best Pro Grade | DeWalt DCCS670T1 60V | ~$299 | 4.3★ | 60V FLEXVOLT power with DeWalt’s reliability. Works with your 60V MAX battery ecosystem. | Buy Now at Home Depot |
| Best for M18 Users | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 | ~$249 | 4.7★ | Best-in-class M18 performance. Ideal if you already own Milwaukee batteries. ⚠️ See recall notice below. | Buy Now at Home Depot |
| Best Budget | Ryobi RY405100 40V HP | ~$199 | 4.5★ | Includes 4.0Ah battery + charger. Handles limbing, light pruning, and small tree removal well. | Buy Now at Home Depot |
Our Top Picks: Full Reviews
EGO POWER+ CS1804 18″ — Best Overall
Price: ~$319 (kit with 5.0Ah battery + charger) | Rating: 4.5★ (3,131 reviews)
EGO’s CS1804 is the chainsaw that made a lot of gas-chainsaw loyalists reconsider their stance. Running on EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform, it cuts at 67 feet per second — competitive with entry-level gas saws. The 5.0Ah battery included in this kit is the sweet spot for runtime: you can expect 150+ cuts through 4×4 lumber before needing a charge. For storm cleanup, firewood processing, or taking down a few small trees per season, this is enough power.
The brushless motor adapts to the load, running efficiently through soft wood and ramping up when you hit something dense. Chain tension adjustment without tools is a small feature that makes a real difference if you’re doing extended cutting sessions — chain stretch is real, and being able to retension without digging for a wrench matters in the field.
Pros
- 67 ft/sec chain speed rivals entry-level gas saws
- Kit includes high-capacity 5.0Ah battery and charger
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar clamping
- EGO 56V batteries work across 70+ outdoor power tools
- 4.5★ from 3,131+ reviews — consistently well-regarded
Cons
- Heavier than gas equivalents when battery is installed (~12 lbs)
- 18″ bar may be too large for tight residential spaces
- EGO batteries not cross-compatible with other brand ecosystems
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Length | 18 inches |
| Voltage | 56V ARC Lithium |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Chain Speed | 67 ft/sec |
| Battery Included | 5.0Ah (+ rapid charger) |
| Weight (with battery) | ~12.1 lbs |
| Chain Gauge | .050″ |
| Compatible Platform | EGO 56V ARC Lithium |
Bottom Line: The EGO CS1804 is the benchmark cordless chainsaw for homeowners. It’s powerful enough for most real tasks, comes with a solid battery included, and has the reviews to back it up. Start here if you’re building an EGO outdoor power setup or just want the most proven cordless chainsaw on the market.
Greenworks 80V 18″ (GCS80420) — Most Powerful
Price: ~$299 (kit with 2.0Ah battery + rapid charger) | Rating: 4.3★ (2,138 reviews)
Greenworks runs their chainsaw on an 80V platform, and that extra voltage shows up in the specs. The 1.8kW brushless motor is the most powerful in this roundup, making it the best choice if you’re regularly cutting through dense hardwoods — oak, maple, hickory — or handling logs that would bog down a lower-voltage saw.
The tradeoff: the included 2.0Ah battery runs shorter than EGO’s 5.0Ah. For light to moderate use (say, processing a cord of firewood in sessions), this works fine. For sustained heavy cutting, budget for a second 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery from Greenworks’ 80V line.
Greenworks’ 80V platform covers over 75 outdoor power tools — lawnmowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers — so if you’re building out a battery-powered yard tool ecosystem, the 80V platform gives you a clear upgrade path.
Pros
- 1.8kW brushless motor — most powerful in this category
- Excellent for dense hardwoods and larger-diameter logs
- 80V platform covers 75+ outdoor tools
- Competitive price for 18″ bar at class-leading voltage
- Auto-chain oiler with transparent oil reservoir
Cons
- Included 2.0Ah battery limits runtime — invest in a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah for extended use
- Greenworks 80V batteries aren’t compatible with other brands
- Less widespread availability than EGO or DeWalt
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Length | 18 inches |
| Voltage | 80V |
| Motor | Brushless (1.8kW) |
| Battery Included | 2.0Ah (+ rapid charger) |
| Compatible Platform | Greenworks 80V (75+ tools) |
| Chain Gauge | .050″ |
| Bar Type | Oregon bar and chain |
Bottom Line: The Greenworks 80V GCS80420 is the right call if you need maximum cutting power and are comfortable investing in a second battery. The 1.8kW motor handles hardwoods better than anything in this voltage range. Just plan for a battery upgrade to get the most out of it.
DeWalt DCCS670T1 60V MAX FLEXVOLT — Best Pro Grade
Price: ~$299 (kit with 2.0Ah FLEXVOLT battery) | Rating: 4.3★ (275 reviews)
DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT system gives this chainsaw a unique advantage: the same battery powers both 20V MAX and 60V MAX tools. If you’re already running DeWalt 20V drills, impact drivers, or saws, the FLEXVOLT battery slides in and works — but when connected to the chainsaw, it steps up to deliver 60V performance.
The 16″ bar is slightly shorter than the EGO and Greenworks, but for most homeowner work (tree trimming, storm debris, small firewood rounds), 16″ is plenty. Where this saw earns its “pro grade” label is precision: the low-kickback chain and DeWalt’s tight quality control make it the choice if you want a chainsaw that behaves predictably during detailed cuts or working overhead.
Pros
- FLEXVOLT battery works with the entire 20V MAX tool ecosystem
- Professional-grade DeWalt build quality and chain consistency
- Tool-free chain tensioning system
- Lightweight at ~8.6 lbs (tool only)
- Low-kickback chain for safer operation
Cons
- Included 2.0Ah battery runs shorter than EGO’s 5.0Ah
- 16″ bar is shorter than competitors at this price
- Fewer reviews than EGO — less community feedback available
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Voltage | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Chain Speed | 25.2 m/sec |
| Battery Included | 2.0Ah FLEXVOLT (+ charger) |
| Weight (tool only) | ~8.6 lbs |
| Compatible Platform | DeWalt 60V MAX / 20V MAX |
Bottom Line: If you’re running a DeWalt power tool setup, the DCCS670T1 is the no-brainer addition. The FLEXVOLT battery bridges your 20V tools with 60V chainsaw performance. For users starting from scratch, the EGO offers more battery capacity for similar money.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 16″ — Best for M18 Users
Price: ~$249 (tool only) | Rating: 4.7★
⚠️ Safety Recall Notice: Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaws were subject to a CPSC safety recall related to chain brake performance. The product continues to be sold at Home Depot, indicating the recall remedy is available. Before purchasing or using this chainsaw, check the current recall status at CPSC.gov and register for the recall remedy. Read our full coverage: Milwaukee Recalls 91,000 M18 FUEL Chainsaws Over Chain Brake Failure.
Set the recall aside for a moment and look at the performance numbers: the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 earns a 4.7★ rating — the highest of any chainsaw in this roundup. Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE brushless motor is legendary among M18 platform users, and the chainsaw is no different. If you already own M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (a Milwaukee-standard 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah works great here), this saw delivers exceptional cutting performance on an 18V platform.
The 16″ bar suits most residential use. Milwaukee’s AutoStop oil flow system keeps the chain lubricated properly without wasting oil, which matters over the course of an afternoon’s cutting.
Buy this if: You’re already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, you can verify the recall remedy has been completed, and you want the highest user-rated chainsaw in this category.
Pros
- Highest user rating (4.7★) in this roundup
- POWERSTATE brushless motor — class-leading performance on M18
- Uses Milwaukee M18 batteries (no new platform needed)
- AutoStop chain oiler reduces waste
- Sold exclusively at Home Depot
Cons
- Active safety recall — verify remedy status before purchasing
- Tool only — requires Milwaukee M18 battery (sold separately)
- 18V platform vs 56V/60V/80V competitors is lower theoretical ceiling
- Home Depot exclusive — no Amazon availability
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Voltage | 18V (M18 FUEL) |
| Motor | Brushless (POWERSTATE) |
| Chain Speed | 67 ft/sec |
| Battery Included | No (tool only) |
| Compatible Platform | Milwaukee M18 |
| Oil System | AutoStop automatic oiler |
Bottom Line: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 is technically one of the best chainsaws in this roundup — the performance data backs that up. However, the active safety recall requires you to take an extra step: verify the recall remedy before you use it. For M18 users who do this due diligence, it’s an excellent saw.
RYOBI RY405100 40V HP 14″ — Best Budget
Price: ~$199 (kit with 4.0Ah battery + charger) | Rating: 4.5★
For casual use — clearing brush, cutting firewood rounds from smaller logs, limbing after a storm — the Ryobi RY405100 gives you everything you need at a price that won’t hurt. At $199 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger included, it’s the most complete package value in this group.
The 40V HP brushless motor punches above its voltage class. The 14″ bar is right-sized for suburban work — tight enough to maneuver between branches, long enough to cut through logs up to about 10″ in diameter. If your chainsaw use is measured in hours per year, not hours per week, this is the right call.
Ryobi’s 40V ONE+ HP platform covers an extensive range of outdoor power equipment — mowers, leaf blowers, pressure washers — so this saw fits into a growing battery ecosystem.
Pros
- Best value kit: $199 with 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- 14″ bar ideal for suburban residential use
- 40V HP brushless motor delivers solid performance for the price
- Ryobi 40V platform covers extensive outdoor tool lineup
- Tool-free chain tensioning included
Cons
- 14″ bar limits maximum log diameter to ~10″
- 40V performance trails 56V/60V/80V competitors for heavy cutting
- Home Depot exclusive — limited retail availability
- Not ideal for regular firewood processing or large tree felling
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Length | 14 inches |
| Voltage | 40V HP |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Battery Included | 4.0Ah (+ charger) |
| Compatible Platform | Ryobi 40V ONE+ HP |
| Chain Type | Low-kickback Oregon chain |
Bottom Line: The Ryobi RY405100 is the correct entry point for homeowners who need occasional chainsaw capability without investing $300+. The included 4.0Ah battery and competitive 40V HP motor make it a genuine performer for light to moderate work.
Cordless Chainsaw Buying Guide
Bar Length Guide: Match the Saw to the Job
Bar length determines what diameter logs you can cut in a single pass. The rule of thumb: your bar needs to be at least 2 inches longer than the log diameter you’re cutting.
- 10–12″ bar: Limbing small branches, cutting firewood from logs under 8″ in diameter. Best for light pruning and cleanup.
- 14″ bar: Good for suburban residential work — small to medium trees (under 10″ diameter), storm cleanup, firewood processing from medium logs. Easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- 16″ bar: Handles most homeowner tasks comfortably. Good for trees up to 12″ diameter and regular firewood processing. The sweet spot for most users.
- 18″ bar: Serious capacity for homeowners who regularly fell small to medium trees (8–14″ diameter), process firewood in quantity, or deal with storm damage from larger trees. Heavy for extended overhead work.
For most suburban homeowners, a 14–16″ cordless chainsaw handles everything short of large tree felling. If you’re regularly working on trees over 12″ in diameter, step up to an 18″ bar and a higher-voltage platform (56V+).
Voltage and Runtime: What the Numbers Mean
Voltage determines the power ceiling. Runtime is battery capacity (amp-hours) and the efficiency of the brushless motor working together. Here’s how the platforms compare:
- 40V: Handles light to moderate cutting. Fine for 14″ bars and occasional use. Budget-friendly.
- 56V/60V: The sweet spot for homeowners doing real work. Handles 16–18″ bars with authority. EGO’s 56V and DeWalt’s 60V FLEXVOLT are the benchmark platforms.
- 80V: Maximum cordless power. For dense hardwoods and extended cutting sessions, 80V delivers noticeable torque advantage over 56V. Greenworks is the main player here.
For deeper reading on how voltage and amp-hours interact, see our guide on Power Tool Batteries Decoded: Volts, Amp Hours, and the Numbers That Actually Matter.
Battery vs. Gas: An Honest Comparison
Gas chainsaws still hold advantages for professional loggers and anyone cutting continuously for hours. But for the homeowner who needs a chainsaw a few times a year, battery wins on almost every metric:
- Startup: Battery chainsaws start instantly. Gas requires priming, choke adjustments, and pull-starting — often several times.
- Maintenance: Battery saws need chain sharpening and bar oil. Gas adds carburetor tuning, spark plugs, air filters, and fresh fuel every season.
- Noise: Battery chainsaws run at about 95–100 dB. Gas runs 106–113 dB. The difference matters for residential neighborhoods and ear protection requirements.
- Fumes: No exhaust. Battery chainsaws are usable indoors (for carving, for example) and in enclosed spaces without venting concerns.
- Power: High-voltage battery chainsaws (60V+) now match entry-level gas for most residential tasks. Professional gas saws at 50cc+ still outperform battery for sustained cutting, but that’s not most homeowners’ use case.
For a broader comparison of cordless vs. traditional power tools, see our guide on Milwaukee vs. DeWalt vs. Makita vs. Bosch vs. Ryobi: Battery Platforms Compared.
Chain Types: Full Chisel vs. Semi-Chisel
The chain matters as much as the bar. Most consumer cordless chainsaws ship with a semi-chisel chain: slightly rounded cutting corners that stay sharper longer and tolerate dirty or abrasive wood. Full chisel chains (sharp square corners) cut faster but dull quicker — they’re for pros who sharpen chains constantly.
For homeowners: stick with semi-chisel Oregon chains. They come standard on most of the saws in this review and are widely available as replacements.
Chainsaw Safety Essentials
This isn’t a section to skip. Chainsaws cause around 36,000 emergency room visits annually in the U.S. Every saw in this roundup includes a chain brake, but the chain brake only protects against kickback — it doesn’t protect your legs, eyes, or ears.
Minimum safety gear for any chainsaw use:
- Chainsaw chaps or pants (cut-resistant Kevlar protection for your legs)
- Gloves with cut-resistant material
- Eye protection — debris flies constantly
- Hearing protection — even battery saws exceed safe noise exposure levels during extended use
- Steel-toed boots
- Helmet with face shield for any overhead cutting
See our guides on Best Safety Glasses for Woodworking and DIY 2026 and Best Hearing Protection for Power Tools 2026 for recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cordless chainsaw replace a gas chainsaw for homeowners?
Yes, for most homeowner tasks. Modern 56V and 60V+ cordless chainsaws match entry-level gas saws on cutting speed and power for tasks like storm cleanup, limbing, small tree felling, and firewood processing. They start instantly, require less maintenance, and produce no exhaust. Where gas still wins: sustained cutting for hours at a time (processing large amounts of firewood), and very large-diameter trees (18″+ where a 20″+ gas bar shines).
How long does a cordless chainsaw battery last?
Runtime depends on the battery capacity (amp-hours) and cutting conditions. As a rough guide: a 5.0Ah battery like the one included with the EGO CS1804 delivers approximately 150+ cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge. Cutting dense hardwood (oak, hickory) drains faster than softwood (pine, cedar). For extended sessions, keep a second battery charged. Most 56V/60V batteries recharge in 30–60 minutes with a rapid charger.
What bar length do I need for cutting firewood?
For processing firewood from logs under 12″ in diameter, a 14″ or 16″ bar handles the job well. A 16″ bar is the most versatile choice — it handles the majority of residential firewood work while remaining manageable for most users. If you’re regularly cutting logs over 12″ in diameter (or felling trees), step up to an 18″ bar on a 56V or higher platform.
What’s the difference between chainsaw bar lengths?
Bar length determines the maximum log diameter you can cut in a single pass. A 14″ bar cuts logs up to about 10″ in diameter; a 16″ bar handles logs up to about 12″; an 18″ bar handles logs up to about 14″. For felling a standing tree, the bar length needs to exceed the trunk diameter. Most homeowners find 14–16″ sufficient for residential use, while 18″ suits occasional small tree felling.
Are cordless chainsaws safe for beginners?
Cordless chainsaws are mechanically similar to gas chainsaws — they require the same safe handling, personal protective equipment (chaps, gloves, eye and ear protection), and technique. The advantages for beginners: instant start/stop (no choke management), lighter weight, and lower noise make them easier to handle. However, all chainsaws carry serious injury risk. Take a chainsaw safety course before your first use, wear full PPE, and never cut above shoulder height without proper training.
What cordless chainsaw should I buy if I already own Milwaukee M18 tools?
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 is the natural choice — it uses your existing M18 batteries and delivers class-leading performance (4.7★). However, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw line was subject to a safety recall involving chain brake failure. Before purchasing or using any Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw, check the recall status at CPSC.gov and ensure the recall remedy has been completed. Read our recall coverage: Milwaukee Recalls 91,000 M18 FUEL Chainsaws.
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