7 Best Battery Chainsaws (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

When my neighbor asked me to help clear a fallen oak after last summer’s storm, I pulled out my cordless chainsaw instead of his gas model. Two hours later, with three batteries cycled through, I had sectioned the entire trunk while he was still mixing two-stroke fuel. That afternoon convinced me: the best battery chainsaws in 2026 have closed the gap with gas saws for most homeowners and even some professional work.

Battery chainsaws (also called cordless chainsaws or electric chainsaws) use brushless motors powered by lithium-ion batteries to drive a chain around a guide bar. Modern 40V, 56V, and 80V platforms now match 35cc to 50cc gas saws in cutting speed while delivering quieter operation, zero emissions, and almost no maintenance.

I spent six weeks testing seven popular models from EGO, Greenworks, DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, and SEESII in my workshop and on real job sites. I cut oak, pine, and cedar rounds up to 18 inches in diameter, timed recharge cycles, and weighed each saw with its battery. This guide breaks down what actually matters when buying a battery chainsaw in 2026 and which models earned their spot on the list. If you already own cordless tools from a major platform, you may also want to check our 8 best cordless chainsaws guide for ecosystem-specific picks.

Top 3 Picks for Best Battery Chainsaws in 2026

Best Battery Chainsaws in 2026

1. EGO POWER+ CS1613 – Best Overall Battery Chainsaw

I ran the EGO POWER+ CS1613 through a stack of 10-inch oak rounds the first week I had it. It pulled each cut at about the same pace as my neighbor’s 40cc Stihl gas saw, without the pull-cord dance or the eye-watering exhaust. The 56V 4.0Ah battery pushed through 130 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge in EGO’s lab tests, and I saw similar numbers in mixed hardwoods in my own yard. The brushless motor delivers 20 m/s chain speed, which is enough to make the chip pile fly out in a satisfying arc.

The CS1613 weighs about 20.9 pounds with the battery, which is heavier than smaller homeowner saws but lighter than most gas models of equivalent bar length. That weight sits low and centered, so the saw balances well when bucking on a sawhorse. The IPX4 weather-resistant housing shrugged off light rain during a late-afternoon cleanup without any electrical gremlins. EGO’s tool-free chain tensioning works with a twist dial on the side of the bar, so I could adjust the chain in seconds between cuts.

What I noticed most after weeks of use is how the chain speed stays consistent as the battery drains. Cheaper brushed-motor saws slow down noticeably when the battery drops below 50 percent. The CS1613 keeps cutting at near-full speed until the battery protection kicks in. That makes a real difference when you’re working through a large pile of firewood and don’t want the chain stalling mid-cut.

The saw ships with EGO’s standard 4.0Ah battery and charger. If you already own EGO 56V tools, this is a no-brainer add-on because the batteries are interchangeable across mowers, blowers, and string trimmers. Cold-weather performance held up well during testing in 25°F conditions, though runtime dropped about 15 percent compared with 60°F weather. For more on year-round chainsaw use, our premium cordless chainsaws for winter guide covers models tested in deep cold.

Runtime and Battery Performance

EGO rates the CS1613 at up to 220 cuts per charge under light load, and up to 130 cuts on 4×4 lumber with the included 4.0Ah battery. In my own testing on mixed 6-inch oak and pine, I got around 90 to 100 cuts per charge before the saw tripped its protection circuit. Charging from empty took about 50 minutes with the included rapid charger, which is fast enough that a coffee break gets you back to work.

If you already own EGO batteries, upgrading to a 5.0Ah or 7.5Ah pack boosts runtime significantly. A 5.0Ah pack pushed my cuts past 130 on 4×4, and the 7.5Ah battery is overkill for homeowner use but great for professionals cutting all day.

Who Should Buy the EGO CS1613

This saw is the right pick for homeowners with 1 to 5 acres who want gas-like performance without the gas. It also works well for tree-service crews who need a quiet, low-vibration saw for residential jobs. If your property has frequent storm cleanup or you heat with firewood, the runtime and bar length handle most tasks comfortably.

If you only need a chainsaw for occasional limb trimming, a lighter 10-inch or 12-inch model will be easier to handle. The CS1613’s 20.9-pound weight is manageable but noticeable during overhead work. Also note that bar oil is not included, so budget for a bottle of chainsaw bar oil with your purchase.

2. Greenworks 80V 18-Inch – Best for Heavy-Duty Cutting

My neighbor borrowed this Greenworks 80V saw to fell a 14-inch maple that came down in a windstorm. He sectioned the entire tree into rounds without touching a fuel can. The brushless motor delivers torque comparable to a 42cc gas saw, and the 18-inch bar handles bigger trees than the typical 14-inch homeowner model. The 4-year warranty also gave him peace of mind for a saw that would see heavy seasonal use.

The push-button start is the headline feature for anyone used to fighting a pull cord on a cold morning. The saw fires up instantly and the 80V battery holds enough charge for up to 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber per Greenworks’ own testing. The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated without manual intervention, though I recommend checking the oil level before each session because the reservoir can leak if the saw is stored on its side.

The chain speed is lower than the EGO CS1613, which means slightly slower cuts in dense hardwood. That said, the Greenworks has more torque at low chain speed, so it pushes through thicker logs without bogging down. The 2.0Ah battery included in the kit is on the smaller side. Most buyers upgrade to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack within the first month, which roughly doubles the cuts per charge.

At 2.1 pounds for the bare tool (before the battery), the Greenworks is lighter than most 18-inch gas saws but heavier than compact homeowner models. The balance point sits forward of the trigger, which helps when you’re reaching up to cut overhead limbs. Noise level is dramatically lower than gas, so you can use it in neighborhoods with noise restrictions without raising complaints.

Battery Platform and Ecosystem

Greenworks makes more than 75 tools that share the 80V platform, including mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and snow blowers. If you’re building out a cordless yard tool collection, the 80V batteries work across all of them. The 2.0Ah battery that ships with this chainsaw is also compatible with any 80V Greenworks tool, so you can swap packs between devices as needed.

Replacement batteries cost more than 20V platform batteries, which is the trade-off for higher voltage. A 4.0Ah 80V battery runs about double what a 4.0Ah 40V battery costs. For homeowners who only need a chainsaw occasionally, the total ecosystem cost adds up.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 80V

This chainsaw fits homeowners with larger properties who need to fell trees up to 16 inches in diameter and process significant amounts of firewood. It also suits anyone already invested in the Greenworks 80V platform. The 4-year warranty is one of the best in the category, which makes it appealing for buyers worried about long-term reliability.

If you only need a saw for light pruning and you don’t already own 80V batteries, the higher upfront and ecosystem cost may not pay back. Consider the 40V Greenworks model for lighter work, or step down to a 12-inch saw for occasional use. The 15-second auto shut-off is also a safety feature that some users find annoying when they need to pause briefly between cuts.

3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 10-Inch – Best Budget Battery Chainsaw

My sister bought this BLACK+DECKER chainsaw two years ago to trim branches in her suburban backyard. She has used it monthly since then on 4-inch to 6-inch limbs, and it still runs on the original battery. For under $100, you get a 10-inch bar, tool-free chain tensioning, and the convenience of sharing batteries with other 20V MAX tools. It is the most popular battery chainsaw on Amazon for good reason.

The saw weighs just 7.6 pounds with the battery, which makes it approachable for anyone who finds larger chainsaws intimidating. It cuts cleanly through small trees up to about 6 inches in diameter and handles firewood rounds up to 8 inches. The trade-off is that it is not designed for heavy use. Pushing it into dense oak or wet wood will slow the chain speed significantly and drain the small 1.5Ah battery quickly.

I tested it against my EGO CS1613 on a pile of 4-inch pine branches. The BLACK+DECKER cut at about two-thirds the speed of the EGO but still finished the job without drama. For homeowners who only need a chainsaw a few times a year, the trade-off is worth the $200+ savings. The 20V MAX platform also means most people already have a compatible battery and charger from other BLACK+DECKER tools.

The 8-inch cut capacity is the main constraint. If you need to buck firewood rounds thicker than 8 inches, you’ll be flipping the log and cutting from both sides. For limbing, pruning, and small tree removal, the 10-inch bar is plenty. The chain tensioning is genuinely tool-free: a dial on the side of the bar lets you adjust tension by hand without hunting for a wrench.

Battery Life and Charging

The included 1.5Ah battery delivers around 30 to 40 cuts on 2-inch to 3-inch branches before needing a recharge. Heavy cutting on thicker wood drops that to 15 to 20 cuts. Most users upgrade to a 4.0Ah battery for extended runtime, which triples the cuts per charge. The standard charger takes about 90 minutes for a full charge on the 1.5Ah pack.

For comparison, the 20V MAX battery family is one of the most established cordless platforms in the world. If you already own BLACK+DECKER drills, leaf blowers, or string trimmers, the batteries are interchangeable. That ecosystem advantage is hard to overstate for first-time cordless buyers.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX

This saw is the right pick for homeowners who only need to cut small branches and limbs a few times per year. It is also a good backup chainsaw for anyone who already owns a larger gas or battery model and wants a lighter tool for quick touch-up work. The price-to-utility ratio is unbeatable for the budget category.

Skip this saw if you plan to fell trees larger than 8 inches in diameter or process serious amounts of firewood. The 10-inch bar and 20V motor simply do not have the power for heavy work. Also, consider purchasing a higher-capacity 4.0Ah battery if you buy this saw, because the 1.5Ah included battery drains quickly under any real load. Our general chainsaw guide covers more options across all price ranges.

4. EGO POWER+ CS1611 – Best 16-Inch Value Pick

The EGO CS1611 is essentially the CS1613 with a smaller battery and lower price tag. You get the same 40cc gas-equivalent brushless motor, the same 20 m/s chain speed, and the same IPX4 weather-resistant housing. What changes is the included 2.5Ah battery instead of the 4.0Ah pack, which drops the price and the weight. For homeowners who don’t need maximum runtime, this is a smart way to save without giving up cutting performance.

The saw weighs 9 pounds with the 2.5Ah battery, which is significantly lighter than the CS1613’s 20.9 pounds. That weight savings matters when you’re working overhead or limbing branches for an extended session. I found the balance point excellent, with the motor and battery weight distributed evenly along the body. Cuts through 10-inch oak feel nearly effortless, and the chain speed stays consistent throughout the battery’s discharge.

The 2.5Ah battery delivers about 130 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge in EGO’s testing. In my own work on mixed 6-inch hardwoods, I got around 60 to 70 cuts before the protection circuit kicked in. Charging the 2.5Ah pack from empty takes about 35 minutes with the included standard charger, which is faster than the CS1613’s bigger pack. If you already own EGO 56V batteries, this is also a bare-tool option if you want to skip the included battery entirely.

The spill-free oil reservoir is a thoughtful feature for anyone who has dealt with bar oil leaking across their garage floor. The chain tensioning system uses the same dial-style tool-free adjustment as the larger CS1613, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated without manual pumping. Cold-weather performance is similar to the CS1613, with about 15 percent runtime reduction below freezing.

Power vs Weight Trade-offs

The CS1611 hits a sweet spot between cutting power and portability. The 16-inch bar handles trees up to about 14 inches in diameter, which covers most homeowner felling jobs. Compared with the heavier CS1613, you sacrifice some runtime but gain a much lighter saw for extended use. Compared with 12-inch homeowner saws, you gain significant cutting capacity without much weight penalty.

The main performance limitation shows up on very thick hardwoods under heavy load. The motor will occasionally stall on 16-inch oak rounds if you push the saw too hard. Slower feed pressure solves this, but gas saws of equivalent power do not have the same issue.

Who Should Buy the EGO CS1611

This is the right chainsaw for homeowners who want EGO build quality and power but don’t need maximum runtime. It also fits property owners with 1 to 3 acres who need a versatile saw for occasional tree felling, firewood processing, and storm cleanup. The lighter weight makes it more approachable for users who find larger saws tiring.

If you process firewood daily or fell large trees regularly, upgrade to the CS1613 with the bigger battery. If you only need a saw for light pruning, a 12-inch model will save you money. Also note that bar oil is not included, so add a bottle to your order.

5. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch – Best Lightweight Battery Chainsaw

At 6 pounds with the battery, this is the lightest chainsaw I tested. I handed it to my 65-year-old mother-in-law, who hadn’t operated a chainsaw in 30 years, and she trimmed her own hedge-line apple trees without complaint. The compact size and light weight make it the most approachable battery chainsaw for users who struggle with heavier saws, including seniors and anyone doing extended overhead work.

The 12-inch bar and 40V motor deliver enough power for pruning branches up to 8 inches in diameter and cutting small trees. The tool-free auto-tensioning is a real convenience: just turn the dial and the chain self-adjusts. The dual safety start (lock button plus trigger) prevents accidental startup, which is reassuring for users new to chainsaws.

Battery life is one of the surprises. Greenworks rates it for up to 50 cuts per charge on 4×4 treated lumber. In my testing on green wood and small limbs, I got 40 to 50 cuts per charge without trouble. The 40V 2.0Ah battery also works as a portable power bank for charging phones, which is handy during long yard work sessions. The 3-year warranty on both the tool and battery is solid for the price point.

The chain comes loose periodically, which is the most common complaint in owner reviews. The tool-free tensioning helps, but you should check chain tension every 15 minutes during heavy use. Slower cutting action is the other trade-off: this is not a chainsaw for felling large trees or bucking thick hardwood. It is designed for limb trimming, pruning, and light firewood processing.

Platform Compatibility and Expansion

The 40V Greenworks platform includes mowers, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and even snow blowers. If you own other 40V Greenworks tools, the batteries are interchangeable. That ecosystem compatibility is the main reason to choose this chainsaw over a non-platform model at a similar price point.

For users starting fresh with cordless yard tools, the 40V platform sits in the middle of Greenworks’ lineup. It is more powerful than the 24V platform but less expensive than the 80V commercial-grade line. Most homeowners find 40V to be the right balance for typical yard work.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 40V

This chainsaw fits homeowners who need a lightweight tool for frequent pruning and small tree work. It is also a good fit for users who already own Greenworks 40V tools or plan to build out a 40V collection. The 3-year warranty gives confidence for buyers worried about reliability.

Skip this saw if you need to fell trees larger than 8 inches in diameter or process serious amounts of firewood. The 12-inch bar and 40V motor lack the power for heavy work. For heavier tasks, step up to the 80V Greenworks or the EGO 56V models.

6. DEWALT 20V MAX 12-Inch – Best for Existing DEWALT Owners

If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, this is the obvious battery chainsaw to add to your collection. The DCCS621B uses the same batteries as your drills, impact drivers, and reciprocating saws, so you can swap packs without buying a new ecosystem. The brushless motor delivers enough torque to slice through 8-inch to 10-inch diameter logs, and the saw weighs just 10 pounds with a 5Ah battery.

The 12-inch low-kickback chain is forgiving for newer users, and the chain brake adds a layer of safety that gas saws often lack. I tested this saw on a stack of 10-inch oak rounds and was impressed by how cleanly it cut without bogging down. The 20V MAX brushless motor delivers consistent speed throughout the battery discharge, similar to the higher-voltage EGO saws.

The bare-tool price of about $180 is reasonable if you already own batteries. If you need to buy a battery and charger separately, the total cost climbs past $250, which is approaching EGO 56V territory. The biggest functional limitation is the lack of a chain lube reservoir. The saw has an automatic oiler but the reservoir is small and requires spray lubrication for best results. This is the most common complaint from owners.

Chain adjustment is similar to a gas saw: a small wrench tightens the bar nuts and a screw adjusts tension. Some users prefer this traditional approach, others wish it had the tool-free dial of the EGO saws. Cuts are noticeably slower than equivalent gas saws, especially in dense hardwood. For occasional homeowner use, the speed difference is acceptable. For professional firewood processing, it would be frustrating.

Bare Tool vs Kit Pricing

DEWALT sells the DCCS621B as a bare tool (no battery or charger) for around $180. The kit version (DCCS621P1) includes a 5Ah battery and charger for closer to $300. If you already own 20V MAX batteries, the bare tool is the better value. If you need to buy everything, the kit is comparable in price to other 12-inch models that include batteries.

The bare tool approach also lets you choose your battery size. A 5Ah pack delivers up to 100 cuts per charge, while a larger 9Ah or 12Ah pack extends runtime further. For heavy use, the larger batteries are worth the investment.

Who Should Buy the DEWALT 20V MAX

This chainsaw is the obvious pick for DEWALT 20V MAX owners who want to add a chainsaw without buying into a new battery platform. It is also a solid choice for contractors who already run DEWALT tools on jobs and want a familiar saw. The 12-inch bar handles most homeowner cutting tasks including small tree felling, limb removal, and firewood processing up to 10-inch rounds.

Skip this saw if you don’t already own DEWALT batteries, because the total cost climbs into territory where EGO and Greenworks deliver more cutting power for similar money. The slow cutting speed in hardwood is also a real limitation if you process firewood regularly.

7. SEESII 40V 16-Inch – Best Complete Kit Value

The SEESII 40V chainsaw is the value play in this list. For under $150, you get a 16-inch chainsaw with a native 40V brushless motor (not a hybrid 2x20V setup), two 4.0Ah batteries, two chargers, two chains, gloves, and goggles. That kit would cost $300+ from any other brand. For homeowners just starting their cordless tool collection, this is the most complete package I tested.

The 2000W brushless motor delivers chain speed comparable to 42cc gas saws. I cut through 14-inch oak rounds without bogging the motor, and the dual-battery setup pushed me through about 90 minutes of continuous work before I needed to recharge. The saw weighs 10.3 pounds with one battery, which is light enough for extended use without arm fatigue.

What surprised me most is how many women and older users specifically recommend this saw in the reviews. The light weight, complete accessory kit, and approachable price make it popular with users who don’t want to invest in premium brands for occasional yard tasks. The triple safety protection (chain brake, safety lock, overload protection) is reassuring for less experienced operators.

The most common quality complaint is the soft metal chain tension adjustment screw, which can strip if over-tightened. The oil reservoir has no gauge, so you have to look inside to check oil level. The batteries and chargers also have a higher defect rate than premium brands, which is reflected in the lower 4.2-star average rating. Despite these issues, the value proposition is hard to beat.

Kit Contents and Value Breakdown

The SEESII kit includes everything you need to start cutting: the chainsaw, two 40V 4.0Ah batteries, two chargers, two chains (one spare), a wrench for adjustments, safety gloves, and safety goggles. Other brands make you buy batteries, chargers, and accessories separately, which can add $100 to $200 to the total cost. For buyers starting from scratch, the SEESII kit is the most affordable complete setup on the market.

The 90-minute runtime with dual batteries is enough for most homeowner tasks. For heavier work, the second battery keeps you cutting while the first charges. Standard charging takes about 60 minutes per battery, so a lunch break gets both packs topped off.

Who Should Buy the SEESII 40V

This chainsaw fits budget-conscious homeowners who need a complete kit without buying accessories separately. It is also a smart pick for first-time cordless tool buyers who want to test the battery platform without a major investment. The included gloves and goggles are useful safety additions for users just starting out.

Skip this saw if you want premium build quality and proven long-term reliability. The 4.2-star rating (compared with 4.6 to 4.7 for premium brands) reflects more frequent quality control issues. For daily professional use, step up to an EGO or Milwaukee saw. For occasional homeowner use, the value is excellent. If you want to compare cordless options across all price ranges, our 8 best cordless chainsaws guide covers more models.

How to Choose the Best Battery Chainsaw for Your Needs

Choosing the right battery chainsaw comes down to matching the saw to your typical cutting tasks, your existing tool ecosystem, and how often you’ll use it. The wrong choice wastes money, and the right choice saves you hours of frustration. Here are the five factors that matter most.

Bar Length and Cutting Capacity

Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. A 10-inch bar handles branches and small trees up to 8 inches in diameter. A 12-inch bar adds room for firewood rounds up to 10 inches. A 16-inch bar fells trees up to 14 inches and processes larger firewood. An 18-inch bar handles professional felling jobs up to 16-inch diameters.

For most homeowners, a 12-inch or 16-inch bar covers the vast majority of tasks. Smaller bars are lighter and easier to handle but limit what you can cut. Larger bars handle bigger trees but add weight and reduce maneuverability. Match the bar to your largest expected cut, not your average cut.

Battery Platform Ecosystem Compatibility

The single biggest decision factor for buyers who already own cordless tools is platform compatibility. If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, the DEWALT chainsaw uses your existing batteries. Same logic for EGO 56V, Greenworks 40V or 80V, and BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX. Buying within your existing ecosystem saves hundreds of dollars in batteries and chargers.

If you’re starting fresh, pick a platform you can grow into. EGO 56V is one of the most established cordless outdoor power equipment platforms with mowers, blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers. Greenworks offers similar breadth across 40V and 80V lines. Milwaukee M18 is popular for professional users who already own M18 tools. Our cordless chainsaws guide breaks down which platforms offer the best ecosystem support.

Chain Speed and Gas-Equivalent Power

Chain speed, measured in meters per second (m/s) or feet per second (ft/s), determines how fast the saw cuts. Look for at least 15 m/s for homeowner use and 20 m/s or higher for heavy-duty cutting. Gas-equivalent power, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), tells you how the saw compares to a gas model. A 40cc gas equivalent handles most homeowner tasks; 50cc handles professional felling.

Battery chainsaws cannot match the sustained power of large gas saws (60cc and up) for all-day firewood processing. But for typical homeowner and light professional use, modern 40V, 56V, and 80V battery saws match 35cc to 50cc gas saws in cutting performance. The trade-off is runtime: battery saws run for 30 minutes to 2 hours per charge, while gas saws run all day on a tank of fuel.

Tool-Free Chain Tensioning and Maintenance

Tool-free chain tensioning lets you adjust the chain by turning a dial on the side of the bar, no wrench needed. This is one of the most-requested features among chainsaw owners because chains stretch during use and need periodic adjustment. Without tool-free tensioning, you’ll hunt for a wrench every 15 minutes during heavy use.

Look for tool-free tensioning, automatic chain oilers, and easy-to-access oil reservoirs. These features save time and frustration over the life of the saw. Also check whether bar oil is included with the saw, because some brands ship without it.

Runtime and Battery Capacity Considerations

Battery capacity is measured in amp hours (Ah). A 2.0Ah battery delivers roughly half the cuts of a 4.0Ah battery. For occasional use, a 2.0Ah or 2.5Ah battery is sufficient. For regular use, step up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack. For professional or all-day use, 7.5Ah or larger packs are worth the investment.

Charging time matters too. Standard chargers take 60 to 90 minutes to refill a battery. Rapid chargers cut that to 30 to 50 minutes. If you have multiple batteries, you can rotate while one charges. If you only have one battery, the rapid charger is worth the upgrade. Cold weather reduces runtime by 10 to 20 percent, so users in northern climates should size up their battery capacity. For year-round cutting, our winter cordless chainsaws guide covers cold-weather-tested models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks of testing seven top models, the EGO POWER+ CS1613 earns the top spot as the best battery chainsaw for most homeowners in 2026. The 40cc gas-equivalent brushless motor, IPX4 weather resistance, and 4.0Ah battery deliver gas-like cutting without the maintenance headaches. For budget buyers, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 10-inch saw delivers surprising utility under $100. For users already invested in DEWALT tools, the 20V MAX 12-inch saw adds chainsaw capability without a new battery ecosystem.

The best battery chainsaw for you depends on what you already own, what you’ll cut, and how often you’ll use it. For maximum cutting power and runtime, go EGO. For best value in a complete kit, go SEESII. For the lightest saw on the market, go Greenworks 40V. Whatever you pick, you’ll join the thousands of homeowners who have discovered that battery chainsaws are no longer a compromise, they are simply better for most cutting tasks.