Why you should trust this review
I cover battery powered yard tools for The Tested Hub. My test rotation includes the EGO CS1804 56V, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II gas, and prior Ryobi 40V tools including the 40V mower and the 40V Carbon Fiber trimmer. We purchased the unit at retail.
This review covers five months of seasonal use including a fall storm cleanup event. See our methodology page for the standardized testing protocol.
How we tested the Ryobi 40V 14-inch
- Fall storm cleanup with branches up to 8 inch diameter.
- Limb removal from two pruned cherry trees with cuts up to 6 inch.
- Test bucking on 10 to 12 inch oak rounds for cut power calibration.
- Battery runtime per 4 Ah pack on actual trigger time.
- Operator ear noise reading at 3 ft using a calibrated sound meter.
- Tool-free tensioner cycled 30 times to test the latch.
Who should buy the Ryobi 40V 14-inch?
Buy the Ryobi if:
- You need an occasional yard cleanup saw.
- You already own Ryobi 40V tools.
- You want the lightest cordless saw at the lowest price.
Skip the Ryobi if:
- You cut firewood seasonally. Step up to the EGO CS1804 or Husqvarna 120 Mark II.
- You routinely cut logs over 12 inch diameter.
- You hate slow chargers. The 90 minute standard charger is the system’s weak point.
Cut power: light branch territory
On 6 to 8 inch branches the Ryobi cut cleanly at full trigger without bog. The 14 inch bar gave room to swing through cherry tree limbs in single passes. On 10 inch oak rounds the saw cut through in about 25 seconds which is reasonable.
On 12 inch oak rounds at full bury the motor bogged. Cutting from both sides at the top and bottom of the log let the saw work through, but the cut took about 45 seconds total. For routine 12 inch and larger cutting, the EGO CS1804 56V is the right tool.
Bar, chain, and oiler
The 14 inch bar with 3/8 inch low profile chain is the right combination for branch cleanup. The auto chain oiler delivered oil reliably across the test season. Chain sharpening interval ran about every full storm cleanup event for typical clean wood.
The tool free side adjust tensioner cycled cleanly across 30 tests. After heavy cutting the chain stretched and needed two tension adjustments per session, which the side dial handled in seconds.
Battery and runtime
The 4 Ah pack delivered 24 minutes typical mixed cutting across multiple sessions. Continuous full trigger drains the pack in about 10 minutes. Standard charger takes 90 minutes from empty which is slow.
If you already own a 6 Ah Ryobi 40V battery, swap into the saw for roughly 35 minutes of typical work. The 40V family also includes 7.5 Ah packs for longer sessions.
Ergonomics, noise, value
At 10.5 lb with battery the Ryobi is the lightest cordless saw in our test rotation. The cushion grip and trigger spring tension are comfortable for 20 minute sessions. After 30 minutes the wrist tires which is normal for any chainsaw.
Operator ear noise measured 84 dB at 3 ft which is similar to the EGO CS1804 and meaningfully quieter than gas at 102 dB. Hearing protection still required.
At $199 the Ryobi is the cheapest competent cordless saw in our test rotation. The price gap versus the EGO CS1804 at $329 is real and reflects the cut power difference. For light branch cleanup the Ryobi is plenty. For real firewood work step up to the EGO or gas.
Ryobi 40V 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Bar | Voltage | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi 40V 14-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 14 in | 40V | 10.5 lb | $199 | Best Value Cordless |
| 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 |
| Greenworks 40V 12-Inch | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | 12 in | 40V | 10.4 lb | $149 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Bar length | 14 inches |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 inch low profile |
| Chain gauge | 0.050 inch |
| Voltage | 40V brushless |
| Battery (included) | 4 Ah |
| Runtime | About 25 minutes typical |
| Oil tank | Auto chain oiler |
| Weight | About 10.5 lb with battery |
| Chain brake | Inertia activated |
| Tensioner | Tool-free side adjust |
| Warranty | 5 year tool, 3 year battery |
Should you buy the Ryobi 40V 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw?
The Ryobi 40V 14-inch chainsaw is the light cordless saw for homeowner branch cleanup. The 14 inch bar handles up to 12 inch diameter cuts, the 40V brushless motor runs cool across 25 minute sessions, and the 4 Ah included battery delivers about 25 minutes of typical mixed cutting. It is not powerful enough for routine firewood cutting and the bar is shorter than 18 inch competitors. For occasional cleanup it is plenty.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryobi 40V 14-inch chainsaw worth $199?+
Yes for occasional yard cleanup and light branch work. For routine firewood cutting, step up to the [EGO CS1804](/reviews/ego-power-plus-cs1804-chainsaw) or the [Husqvarna 120 Mark II](/reviews/husqvarna-120-mark-ii-chainsaw).
Will it cut 12 inch logs?+
Yes slowly. The 14 inch bar accommodates 12 inch logs. The 40V motor will bog at full bury, so cut from both sides and let the chain do the work. For routine 12 inch and larger cutting, step up to a 56V or gas saw.
How does it compare to the EGO CS1804?+
The EGO has more cut power and a longer 18 inch bar. The Ryobi is lighter, cheaper, and shares batteries with the rest of the Ryobi 40V family. For light branch cleanup the Ryobi is sufficient. For 14 inch and larger logs the [EGO CS1804](/reviews/ego-power-plus-cs1804-chainsaw) is the right tool.
How long does the 4 Ah battery last in real use?+
We measured 24 minutes typical mixed cutting. Continuous full trigger drains the pack in about 10 minutes. Standard charger takes 90 minutes which is slow for back-to-back work.
Jamie Rodriguez
Jamie Rodriguez writes for The Tested Hub.