I have used gas and battery chainsaws side by side on my own property for the last five years, including post-storm cleanup of mature oaks. The gap has closed dramatically. The right battery chainsaw can match a 40cc gas saw for everything short of professional felling. Here are the five I would actually buy in 2026 for tree work.
| Chainsaw | Bar Length | Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO CS1804 | 18 inch | 56V | Overall best |
| Greenworks Pro 80V | 18 inch | 80V | Highest power |
| DEWALT DCCS677 | 20 inch | 60V Flexvolt | Pro features |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel | 16 inch | 18V | Trade lineup |
| Ryobi 40V HP | 16 inch | 40V | Budget pick |
EGO CS1804
The CS1804 is the chainsaw I keep coming back to. The 18-inch bar handles real tree work and the 56V Arc Lithium battery pushes the chain at gas-equivalent speed. Cuts an 8-inch maple log in about 6 seconds, which matches my old 40cc gas saw. Tool-free chain tensioning saves time when you are working through a brush pile.
Greenworks Pro 80V
Greenworks 80V is the most powerful battery saw I have used. Cutting through hardwood it pulls faster than the EGO and the larger 4Ah battery delivers around 70 cuts in 6-inch oak per charge. The downside is the limited tool ecosystem compared to EGO or DEWALT.
DEWALT DCCS677
The DEWALT FlexVolt platform shares batteries with table saws, miter saws, and yard equipment. The 20-inch bar handles bigger logs than the others. Chain brake response is excellent and the build quality matches DEWALT’s reputation. Pricey but built to last.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel
The Milwaukee runs on the M18 platform that contractors already own. 16-inch bar is enough for typical tree work and the brushless motor delivers strong torque. If you are already in the Milwaukee ecosystem this is the obvious choice.
Ryobi 40V HP
The Ryobi is the budget entry point that still does real work. The 40V HP platform is genuinely capable and the saw is light enough for casual use. Battery runtime is the weak point, so plan for two batteries if you are clearing a brush pile.
What Matters Most
Chain speed under load matters more than bar length for most homeowners. A 16-inch bar is enough for 90 percent of work, but a saw that bogs down halfway through a cut wastes time and dulls the chain faster. Look for brushless motors and at least 56V platforms. Also pay attention to oiling system quality because most cheap saws leak bar oil in storage.
My Setup
I run an EGO CS1804 with two 5Ah batteries and a Stihl Pro chain that fits the bar. The chain upgrade is the cheapest performance gain you can make and worth the 30 dollars. Bar oil is full-synthetic in summer and a winter blend in cold weather. I keep a fold-out sawhorse near the wood pile for safer log positioning.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is dull chains, not weak saws. Most homeowners blame the tool when really the chain needs sharpening. Touch up the chain every two tanks or every battery. Another mistake is cutting limbs above shoulder height without proper training. Pole saws or professional arborists are the right answer for high work. Also, never run a battery saw without bar oil. The chain will overheat and ruin the bar.
Final Recommendation
For most homeowners the EGO CS1804 is the right buy because it matches gas saw cut speed at a manageable weight. Heavy tree workers should look at the Greenworks Pro 80V or DEWALT FlexVolt for the extra power. Trades already on Milwaukee should grab the M18 Fuel. Budget buyers do fine with the Ryobi 40V HP if they accept the runtime trade-off.
Frequently asked questions
Can a battery chainsaw really replace a gas saw for tree work?+
For most homeowners cutting under 14-inch hardwood logs, yes. Modern 60V to 80V platforms match the cutting speed of a 40cc gas saw. Felling large mature trees still favors gas because the runtime per tank exceeds any battery.
What bar length do I need for typical tree work?+
A 16-inch bar handles 90 percent of homeowner tree work, from limb removal to felling 8-inch trunks. Go to 18 inches if you regularly cut larger hardwood. Anything over 18 inches is too much saw for casual users.