If you’ve ever used a gas chainsaw, you’ll know firsthand just how loud they are. Not only that, they give off unpleasant fumes when in use, so working with them can be an unenjoyable experience. But there is another option.
Battery chainsaws make a good alternative as they are quiet, lightweight, and easy to use.
Even better, they have no fumes and no cord. So, whether you’re a professional landscaper or you just need something for personal use, here are some of the best battery chainsaws for the job, along with some tips on what to look out for.
Table of Contents
Products Reviewed Overview
After reviewing 7 battery powered chainsaws, the best is the Greenworks 20322
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying a Battery Chainsaw?
Knowing what to look for in a battery chainsaw will help you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
Let’s go over some of the most important things to consider before making a choice on the best battery chainsaw for you.
Price
For most buyers, one of the first considerations when looking for a new chainsaw is probably going to be “How much is this going to cost me?” The price of chainsaws varies greatly depending on brand, power, and features.
But, if you only need one for working around the yard, you won’t really need a top-of-the-range model. Some of the best battery chainsaws for personal use can be bought for less than $200.
Another important factor in terms of the value for money is whether or not the chainsaw comes with the battery. Some battery chainsaws come with battery and charger included. For others, this requires an additional purpose.
Battery Life
You don’t want to get halfway through a big job only for your chainsaw to give up on you. Battery chainsaws run on lithium-ion batteries, which do have a long lifespan. But the higher the AH of the battery, the longer it will run without needing charged. So, for larger projects that require a longer running time, it’s better to choose a higher battery capacity. On the other hand, for odd jobs around your yard, a smaller battery capacity will suffice.
The time it takes to charge the battery should also be taken into account. Waiting 20 minutes before you can get started again is bearable, but waiting 2 hours is much more of a burden. For batteries with a long charge time, you may end up needing to bring multiple spare batteries on outings with your chainsaw.
Guide Bar Size
A chainsaw’s guide bar size is measured from the tip to the point where it emerges from the powerhead. In theory, a chainsaw should be able to cut a log twice the diameter of its bar length. On top of that, the guide bar should be 2” longer than the diameter of any piece of wood you want to cut through in a single pass. If it’s any smaller, you risk kickback.
So, when choosing a battery chainsaw, the size of guide bar you will need will depend on what you’re cutting. For trimming and pruning, 6” to 14” chainsaws will be best. They can also be used for felling small trees or taking limbs off larger ones. Meanwhile, 16” to 20” chainsaws can handle much larger tasks, including felling larger trees.
But, the longer the blade, the heavier it will be, making it more difficult to handle. It will also be more difficult to transport.
Portability
One of the biggest appeals of battery chainsaws is their portability. You can take them out to work in woodland areas and they’re ready to go. At most, the only other thing you’ll have to bring with you is a spare battery.
But some chainsaws will be more suitable for easy transport than others. Larger chainsaws may be more difficult to lug around, while a smaller one will be much more portable. But, if you don’t intend to take them much further than your own yard, that may not be an issue for you.
To make things easier, some battery chainsaws even come with a carry case, or they are available at an additional cost, for even more convenient transport. So, if portability is important to you, that’s another thing to look out for.
What Safety Features Are Included?
As with any power tool, chainsaws can be very dangerous. A quick search on youtube will show you the kind of damage they can do. Luckily most modern chainsaws come with a range of safety features to protect the user.
One of the most common hazards, and most common cause of injury is kickback. Kickback results in an unexpected movement of the guide bar that is often so fast and aggressive that the user does not have time to react. One possible safety feature that helps prevent kickback is a reduced kickback guide bar, which reduces the number and severity of kickbacks by reducing the size of the kickback danger zone. Chain breaks can also stop the saw in the event of a kickback, reducing the risk of accidents.
In addition, hand guards can protect the user from flying debris and prevent the hand from hitting the chain should the user’s grip slip. Some battery chainsaws will have a front and rear hand guard, while others may only have on in the front. Some have no hand guard at all.
These are just some of the safety features your battery chainsaw may have. It is important to identify the specific risks you will face so you can choose a chainsaw with the proper safety features to prevent them.
What Will the Chainsaw Be Used For?
As you can probably gather by now, not all battery chainsaws are the same. For example, their power can vary. You need to be sure that the one you choose is going to be suitable for the tasks you’ll be using it for, otherwise it simply won’t be a good investment.
Some battery chainsaws are capable of felling large trees, while others are better suited for trimming. The chainsaw that is best for you will depend on the job you need it to do. If you’re only planning on using it for light yard work, then you probably won’t need a lot of power, and you won’t need professional quality chainsaw.
6 Best Battery Chainsaw Reviews
As you’ve seen, there is a lot of variation in the products available to you.
Now that you know what to look for in a battery chainsaw and the considerations that need to be made, let’s look at specific products that have been hand-picked for review based on these same considerations.
1. DEWALT DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX
Key Features:
- Low kickback 16” Oregon bar
- Auto-oiling system
- Chain brake for kickback protection
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening
The DEWALT DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT is ideal for outdoor and professional use, and can also handle prolonged use. It is a powerful and versatile chainsaw, but is simultaneously lightweight and near silent. It offers up to 70 cuts per charge, so is dependable for extended use outdoors.
Pros
- Enhanced battery life
- Low maintenance
- Quarter turn oil cap allows for quick oil refills
Cons
- Battery takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge
- Uses a lot of chain oil and needs to be filled often
- Safety switch a little difficult to operate
2. Makita XCU03PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT
Key Features:
- Lock-off lever to prevent chain from engaging accidentally
- Variable speed trigger
- Brushless motor system for high power efficiency
- Adjustable screw to increase oil flow
The Makita XCU03PT1 is perfect for small jobs and is a chainsaw that is well-suited for homeowners doing yardwork, as well as landscapers and tree surgeons. It is lightweight and easy to use, and consistently provides good results.
Pros
- As powerful and quick-cutting as a small gas chainsaw
- Long battery life
- Tank doesn’t need to be drained between uses
Cons
- Requires two 18V LXT lithium ion batteries
- Auto-shutoff means the chainsaw deactivates after just 4 seconds of non-use
- The power switch is difficult to operate
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Greenworks 20322 DigiPro 16” 40V (Top Pick)
Key Features:
- Brushless motor designed for 70% less vibration
- Heavy duty 16” Oregon bar
- Chain brake, hand guard, and quick release trigger for user safety
- Automatic oiling system
The Greenworks 20322 DigiPro is a great chainsaw for yard work and is suitable for both amateurs and professionals alike. It’s very reliable, with up to 150 cuts per charge, and it is both lightweight and easy to handle.
Pros
- Long battery life and quick charging
- Powerful compared to other battery chainsaws
- Chain can be adjusted without the use of tools
Cons
- Occasionally leaks bar oil when stored with oil still in the reservoir
- Chain needs to be tightened regularly
- Only compatible with Greenworks battery models 29472 and 29462, and charger model 29482
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. EGO Power+ CS1400 14” 56V
Key Features:
- Brushless motor with 6,300 rpm
- 14” Oregon bar and chain
- Weather resistant construction
- Chain brake to prevent kickback
The EGO Power+ CS1400 has a good capacity for trimming and general yard work, though it may struggle with more heavy duty tasks. It has a good, weather resistant design, which is ideal for outdoor use, and it is both easily maintained and easily stored.
Pros
- Battery charges in just 30 minutes
- Chain tension can be adjusted without the use of tools
- Very oil efficient
Cons
- Chain needs to be tightened often for regular use
- Slow wind-up time
- No battery level indicator
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Worx WG322 10” 20V
Key Features:
- Automatic chain tension system
- Automatic chain lubrication system
- Ergonomic grip for maximum comfort
- Front hand guard
The Worx WG322 is small, lightweight, and easy to handle, making it a good choice for someone who has never used a chainsaw before. It is ideal for garden maintenance and is near silent, so it won’t disturb the neighbours.
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Lightweight at just 6.2 lb
- Chain can be adjusted without the use of tools
Cons
- Battery takes up to 5 hours to fully recharge
- Only gets around 23 cuts per charge
- Doesn’t pack a lot of power and will struggle with larger jobs
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. CRAFTSMAN CMCCS620M1 12” 20V
Key Features:
- Bubble level for precise and level cutting
- Automatic oiling system
- Front hand guard
- Chain brake to prevent kickback
The CRAFTSMAN CMCCS620M1 is perfect for firewood cutting, DIY projects and other light use in the workshop or around the yard. It is well-balanced and very maneuverable, making it really easy to use. It also takes up less space than other 12” chainsaws due to its top-handle design.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Quick and simple start-up
- Chain can be adjusted without the use of tools
Cons
- Top-handle design can be difficult to get used to
- Difficult to refill without spilling oil
- No carry case available
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
Overall, the best battery chainsaw is the Greenworks 20322. The 16” guide bar accommodates both small gardening tasks and more heavy duty jobs, making this chainsaw a good fit for a wide range of people. It has a good set of safety features included that minimise the risk involved in operating it. And, most importantly for a battery chainsaw, it’s good battery life and low charge time means that it can reliably be used on the go.
Just be sure to store it properly and keep up its simple maintenance and this battery chainsaw will serve you well for many years to come.
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API