Last Updated on
Top Overall Pick
Makita XCU03PT1
Premium Choice
Milwaukee 2727-21HD
Best Value
BLACK+DECKER (LCS1020)
If you’re considering buying a chainsaw, you’ve decided to make a significant purchase, and you need to be certain that you choose the best for your specific cutting needs.
And if you need a bit more information about the best cordless chainsaws on the market, you’ve come to the right place.
Not long ago, our recommendation for the best chainsaw probably would have considered only gas-powered models. But with the latest developments in battery technology, modern cordless chainsaws also are viable options for high performance and other advantages.
Today, you’ll find hordes of cordless chainsaws to choose from out there. Our research found the Makita XCU03PT1 14” to be the best overall battery powered chainsaw. In this review guide, we’ll give you details about this Makita model, plus nine other favorites in the cordless-chainsaw category.
But first, let’s start a buyer’s guide to map out the characteristics to consider as you decide what cordless chainsaw is perfect for your specific needs.
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Top 10 Battery Powered Chainsaws on the Market [2020]
10 Best Battery Powered Chainsaws - Reviews
1. Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chainsaw - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
The Makita XCU03PT1 is the best battery-powered chainsaw for landscapers, arborists, and homeowners who like DIY gardening projects.
This model is unique in that you can attach two 18-volt batteries to the unit, allowing you to switch from 18 volts to 36 volts in seconds. With a 5.0-amp-hour rating, this model is also one of the most powerful cordless units available.
At 14 inches, the XCU03PT1’s bar and chain are long enough to take on most residential and commercial projects. Standard features of this model include an automatic oiler system, a lock-off lever to prevent accidental activation, and a tool-free chain tensioning system.
Other high-value features include a brushless motor to enhance the chainsaw’s lifespan and an automatic shut-off system to prevent battery drainage when the saw is not in use.
Pros
Cons
2. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Cordless Chainsaw - Best for the Money
Key Features
The Black+Decker LCS1020 might be the best cordless chainsaw for homeowners, thanks to its affordable price tag and its 20-volt Li-ion battery with extended run time.
This Black+Decker model is one of the smallest on this list with a 10-inch low kickback bar and chain. As a result, it is suitable for jobs that require a compact machine.
Another benefit of the relatively small chain and bar is that it optimizes the power of the robust 20-volt motor. The saw also is lightweight, at a mere 7.2 pounds. With this saw, you can cut hard- and softwood branches up to eight inches thick.
Other high-value features of the LCS1020 include a soft grip handle for comfort, an automatic oiler system, and a tool-free chain-tensioning system. You also can quickly gauge the oil level through the transparent window.
Pros
Cons
3. Milwaukee 2727-21HD Cordless Chainsaw Kit - Premium Choice
Key Features
The 2727-21HD on Milwaukee’s M18 platform features a 16-inch bar and chain, which is quite large for an 18-volt. Most 18-volt models feature a 12-inch bar, so this model is ideal for users who want to enjoy the benefits of a large chainsaw without having to upgrade to a higher voltage platform.
This battery powered chainsaw has a POWERSTATE brushless motor that generates the same power as a 40cc engine. A new REDLITHIUM 12.0 AH battery powers this motor and is Milwaukee’s largest 12.0 battery – both in capacity and physical size. The battery pack features superior construction and provides 50 percent more power than standard REDLITHIUM packs.
Other features of the 2727-21HD include a chain/brake guard, second handle, oil tank and cap with scabbard, and spiked bumper. This chainsaw has a variable speed trigger and a relatively high no-load RPM of 6,600.
Pros
Cons
4. CRAFTSMAN V60 CMCCS660E1 Cordless Chainsaw
Key Features
The Craftsman V60 CMCCS660E1 chainsaw is part of the Craftsmen V60 cordless and VERSATRACK wall-organization systems. The chainsaw is part of a kit that includes the chainsaw, a blade guard, the battery, and its charger.
This unit has a 16-inch low-kickback bar and chain, and it runs off a high-performing brushless motor and 60-volt 2.5 AH battery pack. The battery life has a long runtime, and you can cut as many as 140 pressure-treated 4X4 pines on a single battery charge.
The most prominent features of this unit include auto-oiling, tool-free tensioning, and a bubble level to help you make accurate and level cuts. Like most other models, this one also features a chain brake as an added security measure.
Pros
Cons
5. DEWALT DCCS670X1 Flexvolt Chainsaw
Key Features
The DCCS670X1 is part of DeWALT’s FlexVolt 60V platform and is specially designed for property owners and contractors to use for clearing sites. The DCCS670X1 is a kit that comprises the chainsaw and kitted battery. The latter has a 3.0-amp-hour rating in its 60-volt state and a 9.0 amp-hour rating in its 20-volt state.
The battery has a long run time that allows for 70 cuts per charge. The kit also includes a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain with a low kick back, so it’s not aggressive but safe to go out and use.
Standard features of this model include a tool-free chain-tensioning system with a bar-tightening knob and an auto-oiling system with a quarter-turn oil cap. Including the battery, the chainsaw weighs only 12.24 pounds, and it is easy to use – even if you are a beginner.
Pros
Cons
6. Greenworks 16-Inch (20312) Cordless Chainsaw
Key Features
The Greenworks 20312 features a high-performance brushless motor with a G-MAX 40-volt Li-Ion system. The motor is highly efficient, with 30 percent more torque and 70 percent less vibration than gas motors of the same capacity.
With a bar size of 16 inches, the saw also is suitable for branch trimming and chopping down small trees.
The battery has a 4.0-amp-hour rating and can run at four amps for one hour or two amps for two hours. In practice, you would be able to make about 75 significant cuts on a single battery charge. This pack also is highly versatile, and you can use it to power more than 25 different Greenworks power tools.
Safety features of this unit include a chain brake and a low kickback chain. The brake is electronic and significantly mitigates the risk of accidental kickback.
Pros
Cons
7. OREGON CS250-S6 Battery Chainsaw
Key Features
The Oregon CS250-S6 might not be the most potent or lightweight chainsaw, but it is filled to the brim with value, especially if you consider its price tag.
A 40-volt lithium ion battery with an amp-hour rating of 1.25 AH powers the saw. With a speed of up to 2,300 FPM, you can make 125 cuts on a branch of up to 5 inches thick.
A unique feature of this model is its Powersharp technology, which enables you to keep your blades sharp at all times. Simply activate the sharpener for up to five seconds, and your chain is as good as new.
The powerful motor runs quietly, and the saw has soft handles to reduce the effect of vibrations. The saw also has an automatic oiler and chain-tensioning system that doesn’t require the use of tools.
Pros
Cons
8. EGO CS1604 Cordless Chainsaw
Key Features
EGO may be the new kid on the block, but it was one of the first brands to introduce battery chainsaws with the same performance level as the average gas chainsaw.
The 16” CS1604 is the latest update of their original EGO chainsaw. This 56-volt model features a 5.0 amp-hour battery that can produce up to 90 cuts on a single charge.
The EGO also has a high-efficiency brushless motor, and it has enough power to 8-inch pine log in less than 6 seconds. The Oregon bar is 16 inches long, which is long enough for most industrial and commercial applications, in addition to home use.
High-value features of the EGO include a weather-resistant construction, a chain kickback brake, a tool-free chain-tensioning system, and an oil-inspection window. The lubrication system is also automatic.
Pros
Cons
9. ECHO CCS-58V4AH 16" Battery Chainsaw
Key Features
Echo designed the CCS 58V to balance ease of use with efficiency and strength.
This model has a 58-volt battery and BL with a 4.0-amp-hour rating. The capacity of the battery is low compared with other models, but it highly energy-efficient and can produce the most cuts on a single charge.
The brushless motor’s performance reminds of a similar gas engine, though this model operates far more quietly and with minimal vibration. You can use the CCS 58V to cut through an 8-inch pine log in less than six seconds, which is impressive for a cordless saw.
At about 20 pounds, the CCS 58V is relatively heavy, which some may perceive as a drawback. But the lower torque makes the model easy to control. Other features of this model include an inertia chain brake and an automatic oiling system.
Pros
Cons
10. DEWALT DCCS690M1 Cordless Chainsaw
Key Features
The 40-volt DeWALT DCC690M1 is ideal for light and medium cutting projects, with a maximum cutting diameter of 14 inches. This model is easy to start via a simple three-step process, and it features a variable-speed trigger, so you can adjust the speed of the chain to match your project needs.
With the DeWALT DCC690M1, you can expect to perform 70 cuts on a single battery charge with the 4.0 AH battery and 100 cuts on a charge with the 6.0 AH battery.
The Oregon 90PX chain and 16-inch Oregon bar meet low kickback requirements and are ideal for cutting logs. You can adjust the chain’s tension with the built-in knob without using any tools.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
Makita XCU03PT1
After perusing our reviews and Buyer’s Guide, we hope you have garnered the information you need to make a calculated buying decision for a cordless chain saw.
By our research, the best battery-powered chainsaw is the Makita XCU03PT1 14”, with its adjustable voltage, variable-speed trigger, and rear-handle design. This model also offers optimal energy efficiency to get the job done with minimal effort.
Another chain saw worth considering is the Milwaukee Electric Tools 2727-21HD with its high-power delivery. If you have budget constraints and want the best possible value for money, consider the Craftsman V60 CMCCS660E1 with its 60-volt optimized battery.
Buyer’s Guide: Find the Best Battery Powered Chainsaw for YOU!
Modern battery powered chainsaws perform similarly to gas-powered ones but typically are more compact and lighter – without compromising on performance or quality. What’s more, these modern cordless chainsaws require less maintenance and usually are more affordable!
When you shop for the best battery-powered chainsaw, there are several things you should look for to ensure that you find a model that meets your requirements:
Brushless Motor
A brushless motor converts electric energy from the battery into kinetic energy – driving the chain that turns around the bar.
Older models typically had motors with carbon brushes to transmit power to the chain. The brushes maintained physical contact with the rotor to carry an electric charge, which resulted in friction and lower energy efficiency.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The stigma that follows battery-powered chainsaws to this day has something to do with the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries that initially powered them. Those batteries were not particularly efficient, in addition to being heavy, draining quickly, and taking as long as 12 hours to recharge fully.
The introduction of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries solved the problems that came with Ni-Cads, thus changing the cordless-chainsaw landscape for the better. The Li-ion is efficient, lightweight, and has a higher capacity than nickel-cadmium batteries. What’s more, you can fully recharge a Li-ion battery within an hour or less.
When choosing your new battery powered chainsaw, we recommend avoiding models that use nickel-cadmium batteries and limiting your selection to ones powered by lithium ion batteries.
Also, keep in mind the three ratings that manufacturers use to indicate a battery’s performance:
- Amperage or amp (A): A measure of the electric current that a battery provides.
- Ampere hour or amp-hours (AH): A unit of electric charge that the battery delivers.
- Voltage (V): The force available to push the current through the electrical circuit
Generally speaking, the higher these measurements, the better. But keep in mind that these performance factors can affect the weight of the battery and, thus, the overall weight of the chain saw.
With this in mind, if you need a saw for cutting small branches, a lower weight might be a better option than a high A, AH, or V rating.
Chain Tensioning
High-end cordless chainsaws feature tools-free chain-tensioning systems that allow you to adjust the tension of the chain quickly without using a screwdriver or other tools. This feature is highly valuable and will make your woodcutting experiences more convenient.
A typical chain-tensioning system comprises two knobs – a dial to loosen the chain and a knob to adjust the chain’s tension. The first step is to relax the chain. Then, change the tension of the chain to the correct level before fastening the chain with the first dial.
This feature doesn’t affect the performance or longevity of a chain saw, but it can make your work easier and quicker.
Oiling System
While a chain saw is in operation, it creates metal-on-metal friction that can cause heat build-up and chain damage. Over time, this can put unnecessary strain on the motor and even cause the chain to break. Continuous lubrication will alleviate friction, allowing your chain to run smoothly and without the risk of deterioration or damage.
A battery powered chainsaw will either have a manual or automatic oiling system. Manual oilers require continuous input. Automatic oilers, on the other hand, are set-and-forget, so you can continue your work without giving a single thought to chain lubrication.
Safety Features
Safety must always be a priority when you’re shopping for and using a cordless chain saw.
Look for safety features, including a low-kickback chain, safety switch, handguard, and chain brake. In most cases, the handguard and brake are the same components.
These features are vital to reducing your risk of injury, and they don’t cost much extra. Before buying, be sure you’ve chosen a model with these critical safety features.
