Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Forget the gas can, the pull cord, and the ear-splitting roar. A battery chainsaw gives you real cutting power the second you squeeze the trigger, without the mess or maintenance of a two-stroke engine. This guide breaks down the best options on the market, matching each saw to the actual jobs you are likely tackling — from trimming a few branches to dropping a storm-damaged tree.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
So which saw is actually worth your money? Below, we cut through the noise to find you the very best battery chainsaw for your yard, your budget, and your weekend workload.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Battery Chainsaw
Picking the right cordless chainsaw depends on matching the saw’s specs to the wood you actually cut. Here is the short version of what to look for.
Bar Length and Battery Power
A 12-inch bar is perfect for pruning and small limbs; a 14-inch bar handles most storm cleanup and firewood; a 16-inch bar lets you fell medium trees. Match the bar length to a 40V or higher battery system — 20V saws are handy but lack the torque for heavy work. Battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines runtime: a 4.0Ah pack lasts roughly twice as long as a 2.0Ah pack under the same load.
Brushless Motor and Safety Features
A brushless motor delivers more torque and longer runtime than a brushed motor, so it is worth the upgrade. Always look for an inertia-activated chain brake that stops the chain in a fraction of a second if the saw kicks back. Tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiler are features that make the saw far easier to use day to day.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Voltage | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKIL PWR CORE 40 CS4555-10★ Best Overall | Fast charging & everyday use | 14 Inches | 40V | 11.5 lbs | Amazon |
| EGO POWER+ CS1611Also Great | Premium all-around performance | 16 Inches | 56V | 9 lbs | Amazon |
| Worx Nitro WG385Top Performer | Best value for heavy cutting | 16 Inches | 40V | — | Amazon |
| Greenworks CS40L2511 | Ultra-lightweight pruning | 14 Inches | 40V | 7.6 lbs | Amazon |
| DongCheng DCCS40161 | Budget-friendly felling power | 16 Inches | 40V | — | Amazon |
| Makita XCU11Z | Makita platform compatibility | 14 Inches | 18V | 10 lbs | Amazon |
| SKIL PWR CORE 20 CS4562B-10 | Compact trimming & limbing | 12 Inches | 20V | 9.9 lbs | Amazon |
| Greenworks CS40B210 | Occasional pruning & camping | 12 Inches | 40V | 10.89 lbs | Amazon |
| RYOBI RY405010BTL | Light homeowner maintenance | 14 Inches | 40V | 6 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. SKIL PWR CORE 40 14″ Chainsaw CS4555-10
Our pick — over 4★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A 15-minute quick-charge saw that keeps working while coffee brews.
SKIL’s PWR CORE 40 hits the balance between price, power, and convenience. It uses a 40V 2.5Ah lithium battery with a cooling technology that wraps each cell, which the company claims delivers 25% longer runtime and 2X the battery life of standard packs. The real standout is the Auto PWR JUMP charger: it pushes the battery from zero to 30% in just 15 minutes (based on the 2.5Ah battery), so you can recharge during a short break and keep cutting. The 14-inch bar and 3.5 horsepower handle most storm cleanup and firewood tasks without bogging down.
Buyers give it 4.4 stars across 859 ratings. One owner says the battery lasts about an hour and recommends buying a second battery for rotation, noting the quick 15-minute charge means you can run two batteries in a loop for hours. Another reviewer calls it “powerful and lightweight” and mentions the same battery works with a SKIL pole saw, which is handy if you are building out the SKIL 40V tool ecosystem. The saw includes tool-free chain tensioning and an anti-kickback brake that cuts power instantly during kickback.
At 11.5 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the Greenworks 40V saw at 7.6 pounds, so you will feel the difference on longer cuts. The bar is also 14 inches, two inches shorter than the Worx and EGO saws, so you lose a bit of reach. Buyers report it is perfect for light to moderate work but not for heavy logging.
Bottom line: The saw delivers impressive power for the price, and the fast charging system is a genuine time-saver. Snag a spare battery, and you have a powerful weekend setup.
Who it fits: the weekend warrior who hates waiting for batteries to charge and wants a reliable 40V saw for storm damage and firewood.
Not for: anyone needing a 16-inch bar or a sub-10-pound saw for overhead pruning.
2. EGO POWER+ 16″ Chainsaw CS1611
The 56V beast that starts every time and cuts like a 40cc gas saw.
The EGO CS1611 is as close as you get to a gas replacement without the fumes. It packs a 56V ARC Lithium battery that pushes a 16-inch bar and chain at 20 m/s (meters per second, meaning the chain speed that lets it rip through wood fast). The maker claims it delivers the equivalent of a 40cc gas engine, and buyers agree — one owner reported felling a 13-inch black cherry log, noting the saw is slower than a pro gas saw but works fine for that job. You get up to 130 cuts on a single 4×4 with the included 2.5Ah battery.
Setup is fast with the tool-free chain tensioning system, and you do not worry about rain thanks to the IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction (protection against splashing water). The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubed, and the spill-free oil reservoir means you won’t dump bar oil all over the truck bed. Buyers give it a stellar 4.6 out of 5 stars across 574 ratings, with many saying they will never go back to gas.
Unlike the SKIL 40V saw that weighs 11.5 pounds, the EGO comes in at a more manageable 9 pounds, making it lighter for overhead cuts. The included 2.5Ah battery keeps the weight down, though reviewers suggest picking up a second battery if you plan on cutting for more than an hour.
Real-world verdict: If you want a premium battery chainsaw with genuine gas-like power and a bar long enough for real tree work, this is the one to buy. The trade-off is that the small 2.5Ah battery limits runtime — plan for a spare if you are clearing an acre.
Reach for this if: you own other EGO tools, want the longest bar in this roundup, or need weather-resistant gear for post-storm cleanup.
Look elsewhere if: you are on a tight budget or only prune a few branches once a month — a smaller 40V saw will save you money.
3. Worx Nitro 40V 16″ Chainsaw WG385
A 59 ft/s chain that chews through hardwood without pulling a cord.
The Worx Nitro WG385 is built for homeowners who need real cutting speed without stepping up to a premium 56V platform. Its brushless motor drives a 16-inch bar at a chain speed of 59 ft/s (feet per second, a measure of how fast the chain circles the bar — faster means smoother cuts in dense wood). The maker claims this saw outperforms a 45cc gas saw, and it comes with two 4.0Ah batteries in the box, which means you get up to 150 cuts on a 4×4 piece of hardwood per charge. That is a big number for a saw at this tier.
Buyers on Amazon rate it 4.4 stars out of 528 reviews, and many mention the tool-free tensioning and the distinct click the chain brake makes when it engages. One reviewer notes the saw is “surprisingly powerful, long battery life, light weight” and calls it a “joy to use” because there are no pull cords, gas fumes, or oil mixing. A common complaint is that the bar oil cap leaks when stored upright — owners recommend storing the saw on its side to prevent a mess.
Compared to the DongCheng 40V saw (which eats batteries fast on large cuts, per buyers), the Worx holds an edge with its higher chain speed and a stated 150 cuts per charge versus the DongCheng’s 120 cuts.
Why it stands out
- Comes with two 4.0Ah batteries for extended runtime
- 59 ft/s chain speed makes fast work of softwood and hardwood
- Tool-free tensioning and automatic oiler reduce maintenance
One real flaw
- Bar oil cap leaks unless stored on its side — a messy design quirk
- Requires larger 40V batteries than other Worx tools, limiting swapability
Ideal for: the homeowner who cuts firewood, fells small trees, and wants a 16-inch bar without paying premium-battery prices.
skip it if: you need a saw for the lightest tasks — a compact 12-inch saw is lighter and cheaper for pruning alone.
4. Greenworks 40V 14″ Chainsaw CS40L2511
At 7.6 pounds, the lightest full-size saw that still out-torques gas.
The Greenworks CS40L2511 is the saw to grab if your arms get tired holding heavier tools. It weighs just 7.6 pounds — a massive 3.9 pounds lighter than the SKIL 40V — yet its Trubrushless motor delivers 3.6 horsepower, compared to the SKIL’s 3.5 horsepower. A veteran of 687 ratings on Amazon (4.3 stars), it is a proven design. The 14-inch bar and chain give up to 75 cuts on a 4×4 per charge with the included 2.5Ah battery. One buyer reports the saw “cuts 4′ limbs easily, outperforms previous gas chainsaw.”
The saw features an automatic oiler for chain lubrication and a push-button start that eliminates gas fumes and spark plugs entirely. Owners mention it is easy to use from a ladder because of the low weight, and several women buyers mention it is the first chainsaw they felt comfortable handling. The battery is part of the Greenworks 40V platform, so it works with the company’s other outdoor tools. One buyer upgraded to a 6.0Ah battery for longer sessions and says the additional runtime solved their main complaint.
The honest downside: one owner reported losing a bar nut during use, causing chain damage. They recommend checking the bar nuts and oil cap every 20-30 minutes of cutting. The saw is not built for felling 16-inch trees — keep it to limbs and logs up to about 10 inches for best results.
Our take: If weight is your top concern and you mostly prune, limb, and do light storm cleanup, this is the battery chainsaw that gives you the most power per pound.
Grab it for: ladder work, women users, seniors, and anyone who wants a gas-equivalent saw they can handle one-handed.
Pass if: you need a bar longer than 14 inches or plan to fell medium trees regularly.
5. DongCheng 40V 16″ Brushless Chainsaw
A 16-inch bar with two batteries that felled a 24-inch willow tree.
The DongCheng gives you the longest bar in the budget tier — 16 inches — and backs it with two 4.0Ah batteries that the company says can deliver up to 120 cuts on a 4×4 per charge. It runs on a 40V system (two 20V batteries in series) with a high-torque brushless motor. One buyer wrote, “I used it to fell a 24 inch willow tree, and worked well,” which is impressive for a saw at this price. The chain speed reaches 14 m/s max, and the inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in less than 0.1 seconds on kickback.
Buyers on Amazon give it 4.4 stars out of 503 ratings. Many remark on the tool-free chain tensioning and the automatic oiler. One reviewer noted they had a defective unit where the oiler did not work, but Amazon exchanged it and the replacement worked perfectly. The same owner calls it “nicely balanced” and “cleanly and powerfully” cutting. The honest feedback: “on larger stuff, it eats batteries like a fat girl eats twinkies,” so you may want a third battery for heavy days.
The DongCheng 16-inch bar gives you 33% more reach than the 12-inch SKIL 20V saw, making it better for felling. However, at 10″L x 11″W x 19″H dimensions, it is bulkier than the SKIL 40V saw which measures 31″L x 9″W x 10.25″H, so the DongCheng is taller and takes more space to store.
Biggest strengths
- 16-inch bar and two 4.0Ah batteries included at a budget-friendly price
- Phenomenal cutting power for the money — buyer felled a 24-inch willow tree
- Part of the DongCheng 20V/40V platform for interchangeable batteries
Honest caveats
- Heavy on battery consumption for large cuts — extra packs recommended
- Initial quality control can vary — one buyer had oiler issues on first unit
Best suited for: the price-conscious homeowner who wants a full 16-inch bar and is not afraid to carry a third battery for heavy sessions.
Not for: anyone living far from Amazon returns — some buyers needed an exchange from the start.
6. Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT 14″ Chainsaw
A tool-only saw that turns your Makita 18V batteries into a 14-inch cutter.
This Makita is for people who already own Makita 18V LXT batteries. It is a “tool only” — no battery or charger included — so the buy-in is lower if you are already on the platform. The Makita-built brushless motor delivers 1,520 FPM (feet per minute, the chain speed that powers through demanding applications). The compact rear-handle design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, and the saw weighs 10 pounds. Buyers give it a stellar 4.6 out of 5 stars, the highest rating in this roundup, across 216 ratings.
One reviewer writes that the saw cuts “better than old 13″ gas saw, lighter, handles tight spots, quiet.” Another used it for power restoration after storms and calls it “strong, fast, light but cuts like a heavyweight.” The saw performed well at 21°F on a 5Ah battery, so cold weather does not slow it much. The chain brake stops instantly, and the auto-oiler keeps the bar lubricated without over-oiling, per buyers. The downside: with the smaller 18V system, you need a high-capacity battery (5.0Ah or more) to get real runtime, and the 14-inch bar is shorter than the 16-inch options from EGO and Worx.
Compared to the SKIL 40V saw which includes a battery and weighs 11.5 pounds, the Makita is lighter at 10 pounds but requires a separate battery purchase. The Makita also has a 14-inch bar, the same as the SKIL, but uses 18V versus 40V, which means less torque for big logs — keep it to limbs and small trees.
Assessment: A fantastic saw for existing Makita battery owners. If you are starting fresh without batteries, the SKIL or Greenworks 40V kits give you more power per dollar.
Perfect for: anyone with a drawer full of Makita 18V LXT batteries who wants a lightweight pruning and limbing saw without buying another charger.
Not ideal if: you are new to Makita and would need to buy batteries and a charger — that pushes the cost past the 40V kits.
7. SKIL PWR CORE 20 12″ Chainsaw CS4562B-10
A 12-inch trim saw that ran three days on one battery for one buyer.
The SKIL PWR CORE 20 is the smallest saw in the lineup at only 12 inches of bar length, but it punches above its size. It runs on the 20V platform and includes a 4.0Ah battery — the same cooling-wrap cell technology as the 40V version, promising 25% longer runtime and 2X battery life. One buyer mentioned cutting wood for 3 days on a single charge, while another says the battery lasts 30-45 minutes of continuous cutting. The digital brushless motor provides efficient power, and the saw includes tool-free chain tensioning, an anti-kickback brake, and an auto-oiler.
Buyers on Amazon give it 4.4 stars across 560 ratings. One owner calls it “lightweight, powerful 12″ chainsaw” that cut 1-7 inch wood easily. Another upgraded the bar to a 14-inch Oregon bar and says it handled an 11-12 inch tree and even a 20-inch tree with wedges — though they note the original blade lost a tooth, suggesting the stock chain is not the strongest. The saw is part of the SKIL PWR CORE 20 ecosystem, so batteries swap with SKIL drills, saws, and other tools.
Compared to the 14-inch and 16-inch saws above, the 12-inch bar limits its reach — the DongCheng’s 16-inch bar is 33% longer, so the SKIL is strictly a trim and limb saw. At 9.9 pounds, it is lighter than the 11.5-pound SKIL 40V and the 10.89-pound Greenworks 12-inch saw, making it easy to carry.
Strong points
- Excellent battery life for a 20V saw — 3 days of work per charge for light use
- Lightweight and maneuverable for one-handed trimming
- Batteries work with the entire SKIL 20V tool lineup
Weak points
- 12-inch bar limits cutting depth — struggles with logs over 7 inches
- Stock chain may have durability issues; some buyers upgraded to Oregon bar
Ideal user: the homeowner who needs a nimble saw for trimming branches, cutting firewood from downed limbs, and wants battery compatibility with SKIL 20V tools.
Pass on this if: you regularly cut logs thicker than 8 inches or want a bar longer than 12 inches for felling.
8. Greenworks 40V 12″ Compact Chainsaw CS40B210
A 40V pruning saw that also charges your phone in a campsite emergency.
The Greenworks CS40B210 is a compact 12-inch saw that takes a surprising 40V battery — giving it more voltage than the SKIL 20V saw but a smaller battery capacity at 2.0Ah. It makes about 50 cuts on a 4×4 treated wood per charge, according to the manufacturer. The motor is rated at 0.73 horsepower, much lower than the full-size 3.6-horsepower Greenworks saw, so this is strictly for pruning and storm cleanup of limbs up to about 8-10 inches. A neat extra: the 40V 2.0Ah battery doubles as a portable power bank to charge phones and iPads via USB.
Buyers rate it 4.4 stars out of 727 ratings. One reviewer says it is “lightweight, good for tight spaces/ladder use” with a battery that lasts well. Another notes the chain loosens quickly and needs retensioning during use. The saw features a dual safety start (lock button plus trigger) to prevent accidental starts, and the auto-tensioning system adjusts the chain without tools. The 3-year warranty on both tool and battery is better than most budget saws.
Compared to the 7.6-pound Greenworks 14-inch saw, this 12-inch model weighs 10.89 pounds — heavier despite the shorter bar, likely due to the design and motor housing. It is also less powerful: 0.73 horsepower versus 3.6 horsepower. Stick to lightweight pruning, not heavy firewood cutting.
Our call: The USB charging feature is clever for campers, but the high weight-to-power ratio means it is best for light infrequent use. For the same money, the SKIL 20V saw gives you more torque.
Reach for this if: you camp frequently and want a saw that can charge your phone, or you only need a saw for the occasional 3-inch limb.
Look elsewhere if: you want to cut firewood or any log over 8 inches — step up to the Greenworks 14-inch saw for true power.
9. RYOBI 40V HP 14″ Chainsaw RY405010BTL
A 6-pound featherweight that let a 78-year-old clear 2.5 acres.
The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless is the lightest chainsaw in this entire roundup at just 6 pounds — a full 5.5 pounds lighter than the SKIL 40V saw. It is a “tool only” saw (battery and charger sold separately), designed for homeowners already on the RYOBI 40V platform. The 14-inch bar runs on a brushless motor rated at 3.5 horsepower, the same rating as the SKIL 40V saw. One buyer, 78 years old, says “I cleared a whole 2 1/2 acres with it fantastic,” calling the durability unbeatable. Another reviewer calls it “perfect for doing regular yard maintenance around the house” and says it feels sturdy and well built.
With 275 ratings and a 4.5-star average, buyers consistently praise its ease of use and value. However, the warranty is just 30 days limited, which is unusually short — RYOBI expects you to rely on the tool’s build quality rather than a long warranty period. The weight is the big story here: at 6 pounds, you can handle it with one arm far easier than any other 14-inch saw on this list, making it ideal for older users or people with limited arm strength.
The catch is that you likely already own RYOBI 40V batteries, or you are paying extra to get them. If you are starting from scratch, a kit like the SKIL 40V costs less overall because it includes a battery and charger. But if you have a shed full of RYOBI 40V packs, this is the best way to add a chainsaw without a new charging system.
Final note: At 6 pounds with 3.5 horsepower, this is the best power-to-weight ratio in the roundup. The short warranty is the only real concern.
Who it is for: RYOBI 40V platform owners, seniors who need the lightest possible saw, and anyone who hates dealing with heavy equipment.
pass on it if: you do not own RYOBI 40V batteries and want a complete kit — buy the SKIL 40V for a better package value.
Understanding the Specs
Voltage and Battery Capacity (Ah)
Voltage (measured in volts, V) determines the torque — how much twisting force the motor can apply. 40V and 56V saws have more torque for cutting dense wood than 20V saws. Battery capacity (ampere-hours, Ah) determines runtime: a 4.0Ah battery stores twice the energy of a 2.0Ah battery. For heavy cutting, look for 40V at minimum and at least 4.0Ah capacity if you do not want to stop and recharge constantly.
Bar Length and Chain Speed
Bar length (measured in inches) sets the maximum diameter log you can cut in one pass — rule of thumb is a 14-inch bar handles 12-inch logs, a 16-inch bar handles 14-inch logs. Chain speed (measured in feet per second or meters per second) affects cut smoothness: faster chains (like the Worx at 59 ft/s) slice through cleanly but drain the battery quicker. Slower chains with higher torque (like the Makita at 1,520 FPM) are more efficient for dense hardwood.
FAQ
How long does a battery chainsaw battery last?
Can a battery chainsaw replace a gas chainsaw?
What is the difference between 20V and 40V chainsaws?
How do I maintain a battery chainsaw?
What does the chain brake do?
Can I use a brushless motor chainsaw in the rain?
How many cuts can I expect per charge?
What is tool-free chain tensioning?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the battery chainsaw winner is the EGO POWER+ CS1611 because it delivers genuine 40cc gas power with a 16-inch bar, tool-free tensioning, and weather-resistant build in a 9-pound package. If you want the best value with dual batteries, grab the Worx Nitro WG385. And for a compact lightweight trim saw, the standout is the SKIL PWR CORE 20 CS4562B-10 for single-handed limbing and pruning.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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