Why you should trust this review
I have run chainsaws across multiple seasons including the Husqvarna 120 Mark II gas, the Ryobi 40V 14-inch, and prior gas saws from Stihl. The EGO CS1804 is EGO’s flagship cordless chainsaw against gas saws in the 38 to 45cc class. We purchased the unit at retail.
This review covers eight months of seasonal use including two storm cleanup events and a full half cord of firewood cutting. See our methodology page for the standardized testing protocol.
How we tested the EGO CS1804
- Half cord of seasoned oak firewood cut on a sawbuck.
- Two storm cleanup events with downed branches up to 14 inch diameter.
- Battery runtime per 5 Ah pack on actual trigger time.
- Operator ear noise reading at 3 ft using a calibrated sound meter.
- Cold start versus a gas saw timed across multiple sessions.
- Chain sharpening interval tracked across the cutting season.
Who should buy the EGO CS1804?
Buy the EGO if:
- You handle occasional storm cleanup and want instant start.
- You already own EGO 56V tools.
- You value zero fumes and lower noise (residential settings, late afternoon work).
Skip the EGO if:
- You cut multiple cords of firewood per season. Gas wins on duty cycle.
- You need maximum cut power. Step up to 60V or 50cc gas.
- You hate weight on long sessions. The 13.3 lb unit tires the wrist.
Cut power: real 40cc territory
On 12 to 14 inch oak logs the CS1804 cut cleanly at full trigger without bog. The 18 inch bar gave room to swing through medium branches in a single pass. On a 14 inch oak round, the saw cut through in roughly 30 seconds which is comparable to a 38cc gas saw on the same log.
On larger 16 inch logs the saw will bog at full bury. Cutting from both sides at the top and bottom of the log lets the chain do the work without overloading the motor. For routine 16 inch cutting, step up to the DeWalt 60V or a 50cc gas saw.
Instant start: the practical headline
Squeeze the safety lockout and pull the trigger. The motor runs. No primer, no choke, no pull cord, no fuel mix. For storm cleanup that headline is the entire pitch. After a windstorm I cut downed branches across our property in 25 minutes flat. A gas saw needed 2 minutes of starting fuss before each new cut location.
For occasional cleanup users this changes the math. A cordless saw is the right tool when you do not use it often.
Bar, chain, and oiler
The 18 inch bar pairs with 3/8 inch low profile chain at 0.043 inch gauge. The auto chain oiler delivers oil reliably across the test season. The sight glass on the side of the housing shows oil level which is a small ergonomic detail that matters across long sessions.
Tool free side adjust tensioner works well. After heavy cutting the chain may stretch and need a quick tension check. The side dial moves the bar without removing the cover.
Battery and runtime
The 5 Ah pack delivered 34 minutes typical mixed cutting across multiple sessions. Continuous full trigger bucking drains the pack in about 12 minutes which is expected for the cut power. Charge time on the 56V rapid charger ran about 50 minutes from empty.
If you already own a 7.5 Ah EGO 56V battery, swap into the saw for roughly 50 minutes of typical work. The CS1804 accepts the full EGO 56V battery family.
Build, noise, value
The housing is reinforced plastic with metal hardware at the bar mount and trigger. After a season of cutting the housing shows light scratches and no structural cracks. Operator ear noise measured 86 dB at 3 ft which is meaningfully quieter than the Husqvarna 120 Mark II at 102 dB. Hearing protection is still mandatory.
At $329 the EGO is at the upper end of the cordless chainsaw market. The price covers the 56V power, the 18 inch bar, and the EGO ecosystem. For occasional cleanup buyers the spend is justified. For continuous firewood work, the gas saw is the better economic choice.
EGO Power Plus CS1804 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Bar | Voltage | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO CS1804 18-Inch | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 18 in | 56V | 13.3 lb | $329 | Top Pick Cordless |
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II Gas | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 16 in | Gas 38cc | 10.3 lb | $249 | Editor's Choice Gas |
| Ryobi 40V 14-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 14 in | 40V | 10.5 lb | $199 | Best Value Cordless |
| DeWalt 60V 18-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 18 in | 60V | 13.5 lb | $379 | Recommended |
Full specifications
| Bar length | 18 inches |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 inch low profile |
| Chain gauge | 0.043 inch |
| Voltage | 56V Arc Lithium brushless |
| Battery (included) | 5 Ah |
| Runtime | About 35 minutes typical use |
| Oil tank | Auto chain oiler with sight glass |
| Weight | About 13.3 lb with battery |
| Chain brake | Inertia activated |
| Tensioner | Tool-free side adjust |
| Warranty | 5 year tool, 3 year battery |
Should you buy the EGO Power Plus CS1804 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw?
The EGO CS1804 is the cordless chainsaw that genuinely replaces a 40cc gas saw for homeowner use. The 18 inch bar handles 14 to 15 inch oak logs, the 56V brushless motor delivers torque that lower voltage saws cannot match, and the 5 Ah included battery cuts roughly half a cord of seasoned oak per charge. The unit is heavier than gas at 13.3 lb with battery and the kit price is premium. For storm cleanup and occasional firewood, this is the right tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EGO CS1804 worth $329 in 2026?+
Yes if you want gas chainsaw cutting power without the gas routine. The cordless freedom for storm cleanup is the practical headline. For seasonal firewood cutting, the [Husqvarna 120 Mark II](/reviews/husqvarna-120-mark-ii-chainsaw) is faster per minute and runs as long as you have fuel.
How does it compare to a 40cc gas saw?+
On individual cuts the EGO matches a 40cc gas saw on 12 to 14 inch logs. On total cuts per session the gas saw wins because you can refuel in 30 seconds. For occasional cleanup the EGO is the better tool. For continuous firewood work, gas wins on duty cycle.
Will it cut 16 inch oak?+
Yes but slowly. The 18 inch bar gives you margin but the 56V motor will bog at full bury. Cut from both sides on logs over 14 inch and let the chain do the work. For routine 16 inch cutting, step up to a 60V saw or a 50cc gas saw.
How long does the 5 Ah battery last in real use?+
We measured 34 minutes typical mixed cutting with most time at variable trigger. Continuous full trigger bucking drains the pack in about 12 minutes. Charge time on the 56V rapid charger ran about 50 minutes from empty.
