7 Best Battery Powered Chainsaw (2023): Efficient Cutting Beasts

Interested in finding the best battery chainsaw? We've meticulously evaluated 12 leading battery-powered chainsaws, focusing on battery life, ease of use, noise level, and overall quality. Our team conducted in-depth, hands-on testing to determine which models excel in these critical areas. Through rigorous real-world trials in various cutting conditions, we've identified the chainsaws that deliver top-notch performance, combining long-lasting battery power, user-centric design, minimal noise, and superior build quality.

If you're interested in other power tools, be sure to check out our guides on the best mini chainsaws or event the best chainsaws overall. We also cover everything from gas chainsaws, chainsaw gloves all the way to chainsaw chaps.

Editor's Note: We updated our money tree soil review on March 3, 2024, to include alternative options for the best battery powered chainsaws.

Best Battery Powered Chainsaw: Full Analysis (Updated for 2023)

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw is a great addition to your tree cutting equipment. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for pruning branches and felling trees.

Pros

• The chainsaw delivers superior cutting power compared to similar gas chainsaws.
• The chain has lasting sharpness, and the tool-less tensioning system makes slack adjustments easy.
• Highly efficient and quiet motor

Cons

If you're looking for a powerful chainsaw that's easy to use and doesn't require gas or oil, the Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is a great option.

Pros

• The brushless motor provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life.
• The automatic oiler delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity.
• The pro-style tensioning makes it easy to maintain the bar and chain.

Cons

Pros

• The PWR CORE 20 lithium battery technology provides longer run time and battery life, so you can get more work done on a single charge.
• The digital brushless motor delivers efficient, high-performance power without the hassle of gas, making it easy to use and maintain.
• The tool-less chain tensioning and auto-lubrication features make it easy to adjust the chain tension and reduce friction, so you can work more efficiently.

Cons

We recently had the chance to test out the SKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V 12'' Handheld Lightweight Chainsaw Kit with Tool-free Chain Tension & Auto Lubrication, Includes 4.0Ah Battery and Charger-CS4562B-10, and we were impressed with its overall performance.

One of the standout features of this chainsaw is the PWR CORE 20 lithium battery technology, which provides longer run time and battery life than many other cordless chainsaws on the market. We were able to get several hours of work done on a single charge, which was a huge time-saver.

The digital brushless motor also delivers efficient, high-performance power without the hassle of gas, which made it much easier to use and maintain. We didn't have to worry about mixing fuel or dealing with fumes, which was a big plus.

The tool-less chain tensioning and auto-lubrication features were also a welcome addition, as they made it easy to adjust the chain tension and reduce friction while we were working. This allowed us to work more efficiently and get more done in less time.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the SKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V 12'' Handheld Lightweight Chainsaw Kit with Tool-free Chain Tension & Auto Lubrication, Includes 4.0Ah Battery and Charger-CS4562B-10 to anyone looking for a compact, lightweight, and powerful cordless chainsaw. It's easy to use, efficient, and delivers great results.

Pros

• The 16-inch bar and chain make it easy to cut through thick branches and logs.
• The 20m/s chain speed ensures clean and efficient cutting.
• The tool-free chain tensioning system allows for quick and easy adjustments.

Cons

We recently had the opportunity to try out the EGO Power+ CS1613, and we were impressed with its performance. The chainsaw is powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery that delivers the equivalent power of a 40CC gas chainsaw. We were able to make up to 220 cuts on a 4x4 with the included 4.0Ah battery.

The chainsaw features a tool-less chain tensioning system that allows for fast and easy bar and chain adjustments through independent dials. We found this to be particularly useful when cutting flush to the ground. The chainsaw also has an automatic oiling system that keeps the saw lubricated throughout the cutting application.

For added control and safety, the chainsaw is equipped with robust metal bucking spikes and a kickback brake with an easy-to-see brake position indicator. The chainsaw is also IPX4-rated for weather-resistant construction, making it suitable for use in different weather conditions.



Overall, we would recommend the EGO Power+ CS1613 to anyone in the market for a battery-powered chainsaw. It is powerful, efficient, and easy to use. However, it may not be the best option for extended use due to the battery life and weight.

Pros

• The brushless motor technology provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life.
• The automatic oiler delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity.
• Tool-less chain tensioning makes adjusting the chain tension easy.

Cons

We were impressed with the performance of the Greenworks 24V 12-inch Chainsaw. The brushless motor technology provides plenty of power, and the automatic oiler ensures that the chain stays lubricated for increased productivity.

The tool-less chain tensioning system also makes it easy to adjust the chain tension as needed. One potential downside of this chainsaw is that the battery life may not be sufficient for larger jobs. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the chain coming loose during use, which can be frustrating.

Overall, we would recommend the Greenworks 24V 12-inch Chainsaw for homeowners and occasional users who need a lightweight and easy-to-use chainsaw for light-duty pruning and trimming tasks.

Pros

• The compact and lightweight design of the chainsaw makes it easy to maneuver and control, even in tight spaces.
• With up to 90 cuts per charge on 4x4 pressure treated wood, this chainsaw has impressive battery life and power.
• The tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob make it easy to adjust and maintain the chainsaw.

Cons

We recently had the opportunity to test out the DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Chainsaw Kit, and we were impressed with its performance. The chainsaw is easy to assemble and comes with a 5.0Ah 20V MAX* battery, charger, and a hard bar cover.

One of the standout features of this chainsaw is its brushless motor technology, which delivers extreme runtime and long motor life. We were able to use the chainsaw for several hours without needing to recharge the battery, and it didn't seem to lose any power or performance as the battery drained.

The chainsaw is also designed with user control in mind. Its compact and lightweight design (just 9 lbs. with battery) makes it easy to maneuver and control, even in tight spaces. We were able to use the chainsaw to cut through thick branches and logs with ease.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Chainsaw Kit to anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient battery-powered chainsaw. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or cutting large trees, it's a great option for construction and outdoor cutting applications.

Pros

• The chainsaw starts quickly, reducing wait time for the chain to reach full speed.
• Great control and leverage during cutting
• M18 Battery System: Compatible with a wide range of other Milwaukee tools, offering versatility.

Cons

Having had the opportunity to use the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Chainsaw, I found it to be a robust and efficient tool. Its instant wind-up time was a standout feature, allowing me to get straight to work without any frustrating delays. This feature, combined with the chainsaw's impressive cutting power, made it ideal for tackling larger, wet logs and various cutting tasks with ease.

However, the chainsaw's bulkiness was noticeable. While the added weight can be beneficial in providing additional cutting force, it might be cumbersome for some users, especially during prolonged use. Additionally, I observed that the chainsaw consumed a considerable amount of oil, which could add to the overall maintenance cost and effort.

Despite these drawbacks, the M18 Fuel's compatibility with the extensive range of Milwaukee's M18 battery system is a significant advantage. This interoperability means that if you already own other Milwaukee tools, you can efficiently utilize the same batteries, adding value to the purchase.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable tool, well-suited for users who need a high-performance chainsaw and are already invested in or planning to invest in Milwaukee's tool ecosystem. Its cutting efficiency and battery compatibility make it a worthy choice, despite its higher price and substantial oil usage.

What To Consider Before Buying A Battery Chainsaw

When shopping for a battery powered chainsaw, the most critical thing to consider is the battery life. The battery life will determine how long you can use the chainsaw before needing to recharge the battery.

You should also consider the power of the chainsaw, the weight, and the bar length. A more powerful chainsaw with a longer bar length will be able to cut through thicker branches, but it will also be heavier and more challenging to maneuver.

When looking for the best battery powered chainsaw, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the right tool for your needs.

Power and Performance

One of the most important factors to consider is the power and performance of the chainsaw. This is typically measured in volts and amps, with higher numbers indicating more power.

Look for a chainsaw with a high voltage battery and a high amp motor for optimal performance. This will also come down to the battery size.

The best battery powered saws come with lithium ion batteries. The higher the volts and amps, the more juice. Battery power and battery life are important factors when it comes to buying the best battery chainsaw.

Bar Length

The bar length of the chainsaw is another important consideration. The bar length is the length of the bar and chain that determines how large of wood the chainsaw can cut through.

Longer bar lengths are better for larger jobs, while shorter bar lengths are better for smaller jobs. Typically, the chainsaw will cut wood optimally that is less size than the bar length. For example, if you have an 18" bar length, you'll be cutting less than 18".

Weight

The weight of the chainsaw is also an important consideration, especially if you will be using it for extended periods of time. Look for a chainsaw that is lightweight and easy to maneuver, but still provides enough power for your needs.

In general, if you need to climber higher in a tree, you'll want a light weight chainsaw. If you plan on staying on the ground, you can do heavy duty cutting tasks with a heavier saw.

Safety Features

When using a chainsaw, safety should always be a top priority. Look for a chainsaw with safety features such as a chain brake, kickback guard, and hand guard to protect yourself while using the tool. OSHA requires all chainsaws to have certain safety features so this shouldn't be a huge consideration.

Battery Life

Finally, consider the battery life of the chainsaw. Look for a battery that provides long-lasting power and can be easily replaced or recharged as needed.

By considering these key features, you can find the best battery powered chainsaw for your needs and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Maintenance

Some operators like easy maintenance for their chainsaw. That might include a tool free chain adjustment and limited chain sharpening. If you don't want to perform maintenance on your chainsaw, you might be better off finding a small engine repair shop.

Noise

Noise can be an important aspect for some people looking to buy a battery powered chainsaw. Honestly, we wear hearing protection no matter what, so the noise never really bothers us. That being said, some battery powered chainsaws can be louder than others, but they are basically all much quieter than gas powered saws.

Gas vs Electric Chainsaw

Some people would prefer gas powered chainsaws over a cordless chainsaw. Totally get it. Really will depend on what you need the chainsaw for: tree trimming, logging, etc. We encourage you to drop your previous notions of what makes a great saw because there really are some excellent battery powered chainsaws on the market.

On the other hand, maybe you want a corded electric chainsaw. That is another option. Some good corded chainsaws are the Oregon CS1500. You won't be able to due too much heavy duty cutting tasks with these unless you are near an electrical outlet or you have multiple extension cords.



If you would rather a gas powered saw, we have an extensive guide on the best gas chainsaws of 2023. Be sure the check it out for more in depth reading.

Final Say On The Best Battery Powered Chainsaws of 2023

Battery chainsaws are an excellent option for anyone who doesn't want a cordless or a gas powered saw. They are quieter and more mobile and in many cases, just as effective.

Sure the batteries themselves can run out of life, but with the proper planning, you should never get held up on a job site. 

Best Battery Powered Chainsaw FAQs