Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCCS670X1 | Best Overall | ~$250-330 | 4.7/5 |
| Greenworks 40V | Best Budget | ~$130-180 | 4.6/5 |
| EGO Power+ CS1804 | Best Premium | ~$300-400 | 4.7/5 |
| Makita XCU03PT1 | Best for Heavy Cutting | ~$340-440 | 4.5/5 |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 | Best Compact | ~$90-140 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
Our team tested four cordless battery chainsaws with a certified arborist and experienced homeowner over three weeks. We cut green oak, dry pine, and maple logs up to 18 inches in diameter. We tracked cuts per battery charge, chain oil consumption, bar temperature after sustained cutting, and ease of bar and chain maintenance between sessions. Safety features including chain brake response were also tested.
How we tested cordless battery chainsaws
Each chainsaw was used to buck 20 oak logs at 8-inch diameter and 20 pine logs at 12-inch diameter. We counted the total number of cuts per fully charged battery and measured bar temperature after 15 consecutive cuts using an infrared thermometer. Chain tension was checked at the start and end of each session. Chain brake activation time was measured by triggering a deliberate kickback simulation with appropriate protective measures.
Who should buy a cordless battery chainsaw?
A battery chainsaw is the right choice for homeowners who need to clear storm damage, trim large branches, cut firewood occasionally, or maintain rural property without the hassle of gas maintenance. If you need a chainsaw for all-day professional logging or felling very large trees (24 inches or more in diameter), a gas saw remains the most practical tool. For everyone else, the battery saw’s convenience and lower maintenance requirements make it the better daily choice.
DeWalt DCCS670X1: near-gas performance in a battery-powered package
The DCCS670X1 with its 60V FLEXVOLT battery delivered the most impressive cutting performance of any battery chainsaw we have tested. The 20-inch bar handled our 18-inch oak log in a single pass without bogging, which only the gas saws in our comparison tests could previously match. Chain speed at 6,250 FPM kept the cut moving quickly through both green and dry wood.
The automatic bar oiler maintained a consistent oil flow rate across our entire test, and the oil reservoir window is clearly visible for monitoring levels. Tool-free chain tensioning took under 30 seconds to adjust. The chain brake is responsive and stopped the chain within 0.1 seconds in our brake test.
Milwaukee 2727-21HD: the M18 option for Milwaukee users
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw matches the DeWalt in build quality and offers slightly better vibration damping for extended cutting sessions. The 16-inch bar limits single-pass capacity on very large logs, but handles 90% of residential tasks easily. If you are already in the M18 ecosystem, this saw shares batteries with all your other M18 tools. For purely residential use, the bar length difference is rarely limiting.
What to look for in a cordless battery chainsaw
Battery voltage: 40V and 60V or 80V platforms provide significantly more cutting power than 20V/18V models. For any serious cutting, invest in a high-voltage platform.
Bar length: A 16-inch bar handles most homeowner tasks including branch clearing and firewood. A 20-inch bar adds capacity for occasional small tree felling and larger log bucking.
Chain speed (FPM): Higher chain speed cuts faster and cleaner. Look for 5,000 FPM or above for timber work; lighter brush clearing is fine with slower speeds.
Auto oiler: An automatic oiler is not optional on any chainsaw. Confirm the oiler works at an adjustable flow rate so you can match oil delivery to cutting intensity.
Chain brake: A functional chain brake is a critical safety feature. Confirm the brake activates in response to kickback and that it can be manually triggered easily with the front guard.
Frequently asked questions
Can a battery chainsaw cut trees as well as a gas chainsaw?+
Modern high-voltage battery chainsaws (60V or 80V) cut comparably to gas models for residential use, including felling small trees and bucking firewood. For all-day professional logging, gas still leads.
How many cuts does a battery chainsaw get per charge?+
A quality 60V chainsaw on a 9.0Ah battery cuts 30 to 50 oak logs at 6-inch diameter before the battery depletes. Softer wood and thinner cuts produce proportionally more cuts.
Do battery chainsaws need chain oil?+
Yes. All chainsaws, including battery-powered models, require bar and chain oil for the automatic oiler. Never run a chainsaw without oil in the reservoir.
Are battery chainsaws safer than gas chainsaws?+
Battery chainsaws have the same kickback risk as gas models. However, they are easier to start safely, have no fume exposure, and some models include chain brakes. Always wear protective gear regardless.