Greenworks 40V 16-inch: the best cordless chainsaw for homeowners
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch chainsaw impressed us with its combination of practical performance and ease of use. The tool-free chain tensioning adjusted chain slack in under 30 seconds without any tools, which we needed to do twice across our full test period. The auto oiler maintained consistent lubrication across all test cuts. On our 40-piece oak test, one fully charged 4.0Ah battery completed the entire session with 15% charge remaining.
Check price on Amazon →We compared the best cordless chainsaws for typical homeowner tasks. These battery-powered models handled limb clearing, firewood, and small tree removal without gas.
How we test
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.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 40V 16-inch: the best cordless chainsaw for homeowners | Check price | ||
| EGO CS1604: faster chain speed for tougher homeowner tasks | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Greenworks 40V 16-inch: the best cordless chainsaw for homeowners
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch chainsaw impressed us with its combination of practical performance and ease of use. The tool-free chain tensioning adjusted chain slack in under 30 seconds without any tools, which we needed to do twice across our full test period. The auto oiler maintained consistent lubrication across all test cuts. On our 40-piece oak test, one fully charged 4.0Ah battery completed the entire session with 15% charge remaining.
EGO CS1604: faster chain speed for tougher homeowner tasks
The EGO CS1604 runs a faster 5,200 FPM chain speed that cuts through hardwood noticeably faster than the Greenworks. If you regularly cut dense hardwood or need to fell small trees, the EGO's additional power justifies its higher price. The 56V battery platform is shared with other EGO tools, adding ecosystem value. The 75-minute runtime claim on the included battery was approximately accurate in our test at 70 minutes of cutting.
What to look for
Bar length
A 16-inch bar handles the vast majority of homeowner chainsaw tasks. An 18-inch bar adds capacity for larger logs but adds weight and reduces maneuverability.
Battery voltage
40V is adequate for homeowner tasks. 56V and 60V provide more cutting power and faster chain speed for demanding wood or frequent use.
Auto oiler
An automatic oiler is not optional for safe operation. Verify the model includes one and that the oil reservoir is easily accessible for monitoring.
Tool-free chain tensioning
A tensioner that adjusts without tools is a practical convenience that encourages frequent tension checks, which is important for safe cutting.
Chain brake
A functional chain brake that activates on kickback is the most important safety feature on any chainsaw. Verify it is present and test it before your first use.
FAQs
A 16-inch bar is the right size for most homeowners. It handles branch clearing up to 14 inches in diameter, small tree removal, and firewood cutting without the weight and size of larger professional saws.
A 40V 4.0Ah battery typically provides 100 to 150 cuts of 6-inch diameter pine before depleting. Cut count varies by wood species, bar length, and chain sharpness.
Yes. All chainsaws need bar and chain oil in the automatic oiler reservoir. Never operate a chainsaw with an empty oil reservoir, as this damages the bar and chain quickly.
Cordless chainsaws include the same safety hazards as gas models, including kickback risk. Always wear chainsaw safety chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection before use.
