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.
I have cleared storm fallout and pruned mature trees on my own property for years. Here are the five battery chainsaws I would actually trust for real tree work.
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 |
How we picked
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO CS1804 | 18 inch | Check price | |
| Greenworks Pro 80V | 18 inch | Check price | |
| DEWALT DCCS677 | 20 inch | Check price | |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel | 16 inch | Check price | |
| Ryobi 40V HP | 16 inch | Check price |
Our picks up close
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.
Quick answers
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.
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.
