Last updated: October 2026 · Specs are taken from manufacturer listings on Amazon; prices and availability change, so always confirm on the product page.
A good battery chainsaw has changed what homeowners can do without gas: no mixing fuel, no pull cords, no carburetor that gums up over summer. Press the trigger and cut. The best models now handle firewood rounds and storm cleanup that used to need a gas saw. We compared eight current models to find the best battery chainsaw for different jobs and battery platforms.
Quick Answer
The EGO Power+ CS1613 is the best battery chainsaw for most homeowners: a 16-inch bar, a brushless motor EGO rates as equivalent to a 40cc gas saw, tool-free tensioning and a 4.0Ah battery in the box. If you already own a platform, buy that brand: Makita XCU04 for 18V LXT, Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727 for M18, DEWALT DCCS672B (18-inch) for FLEXVOLT. For light limbing, the 6.2 lb WORX WG322 is the easiest to handle, and the DEWALT DCCS623B is the best compact pruning saw.
Quick Picks
| Best Overall | EGO Power+ CS1613 16-inch (4.0Ah kit) | Check Price |
| Best Value 16-Inch | Greenworks 40V 16-inch Brushless | Check Price |
| Best for Makita 18V Owners | Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V x2) 16-inch Kit | Check Price |
| Most Powerful Pro Pick | Milwaukee 2727-21HDP M18 FUEL 16-inch | Check Price |
| Longest Bar (Tool Only) | DEWALT 60V MAX DCCS672B 18-inch (Tool Only) | Check Price |
| Best Lightweight | WORX WG322 20V 10-inch | Check Price |
| Best Pruning Saw | DEWALT DCCS623B 20V 8-inch Pruning Saw (Tool Only) | Check Price |
| Best Budget Mini Saw | SEESII 6-inch Mini Chainsaw | Check Price |
How we chose
We did not cut test logs with these saws for this guide. We compared what is published on each Amazon listing at the time of writing: bar length, chain specs, motor type, the manufacturer's power-class or cuts-per-charge claims (which we label as manufacturer ratings), battery platform, what is in the box, and safety and maintenance features such as chain brakes, tool-free tensioning and automatic oiling. We grouped picks by job (felling and firewood, limbing, pruning) and by battery platform, because the battery you already own often matters more than a small difference in power.
Battery chainsaws compared
| Saw | Bar | Platform | Battery in box | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO CS1613 | 16 in | 56V | 4.0Ah | Most homeowners |
| Greenworks 40V Brushless | 16 in | 40V | 4.0Ah | Value full-size |
| Makita XCU04PT1 | 16 in | 2 x 18V LXT | 4 x 5.0Ah | Makita owners |
| Milwaukee 2727-21HDP | 16 in | M18 FUEL | 12.0Ah | Heavy, frequent cutting |
| DEWALT DCCS672B | 18 in | 60V FLEXVOLT | None | Bigger rounds |
| WORX WG322 | 10 in | 20V PowerShare | Included | Light limbing |
| DEWALT DCCS623B | 8 in | 20V MAX | None | Pruning |
| SEESII Mini | 6 in | 21V | 2 x 2.0Ah | Small branches |
The best battery chainsaws, reviewed
EGO Power+ CS1613 16-inch (4.0Ah kit)
Best for: Homeowners cutting firewood rounds, storm limbs and small trees
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 56V brushless, EGO rates it 40cc-gas equivalent; chain speed up to 20 m/s
- 16-inch bar, 3/8" pitch, .043" gauge, 56 drive links
- Tool-free chain tensioning dial
- Kit includes 4.0Ah battery and charger (CS1611 is the same saw with a 2.5Ah battery)
EGO's CS1613 is the saw we would hand most homeowners. The 16-inch bar is long enough for typical firewood rounds and small-tree felling, yet the saw stays manageable for limbing. EGO rates the brushless motor as equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw with chain speed up to 20 m/s, which puts it squarely in "real chainsaw" territory rather than toy territory.
The chain is a common 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge, 56-link loop, so replacement chains are easy to find, and tensioning is done with a dial instead of a wrench. This kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The CS1611 is the same saw with a smaller 2.5Ah battery if you already have EGO packs or only cut occasionally.
- Gas-like cutting class for a homeowner saw
- Tool-free chain tension
- Shares batteries with EGO’s yard tools
- Heavier than compact 20V saws
- Long cutting sessions need a second battery
Greenworks 40V 16-inch Brushless
Best for: Budget-minded owners who want a full-size bar
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 40V brushless, 16-inch bar
- Includes 4.0Ah battery and charger
- Automatic oiler with see-through window; tool-free tensioning
- Chain brake and low-kickback design; listed weight 10.4 lb
Greenworks pairs a 16-inch bar with a brushless 40V motor, a 4.0Ah battery and a charger at a lower price than most premium brands. The automatic oiler has a see-through window so you can check bar oil at a glance, and tensioning is tool-free.
It is not as powerful as the EGO or the pro-brand saws, so let the chain do the work in hardwood and keep it sharp. For storm cleanup, fence-line limbs and moderate firewood, it is excellent value.
- Full-size bar at a value price
- Battery and charger included
- Oil level easy to check
- Slower in big hardwood rounds
- Listed 10.4 lb with battery
Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V x2) 16-inch Kit
Best for: Anyone with a shelf of Makita 18V LXT batteries
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- Runs on two 18V LXT batteries; Makita rates it 32cc-gas equivalent
- Outer-rotor brushless direct drive
- Tool-less chain adjustment
- Kit ships with four 5.0Ah batteries
Makita's XCU04 runs on two 18V LXT batteries at once and uses an outer-rotor brushless motor with direct drive, which Makita rates as equivalent to a 32cc gas saw. This kit ships with four 5.0Ah batteries, so you can run one pair while the other charges.
It is a smooth, well-balanced saw for pruning, limbing and moderate firewood. If you already own Makita tools, it slots right in; if not, the kit makes a strong starting point for the whole LXT system.
- Four batteries in the kit
- Direct drive with tool-less adjustment
- Huge 18V LXT ecosystem
- Lower power class than EGO or Milwaukee
- Kit price reflects the batteries
Milwaukee 2727-21HDP M18 FUEL 16-inch
Best for: Milwaukee M18 owners and heavy, frequent cutting
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- M18 FUEL 16-inch saw
- Kit listing includes 12.0Ah HIGH OUTPUT battery and a bonus blower
- Pick for existing M18 tool owners
Milwaukee's M18 FUEL 16-inch saw is a pro-grade tool built for contractors and serious property owners. This kit listing pairs it with a 12.0Ah HIGH OUTPUT battery and adds a bonus blower, which makes it a strong buy for anyone already on M18.
It is heavier and pricier than homeowner saws. If you cut firewood every season or clear land regularly, the extra power and durability are worth it; for occasional cleanup, it is more saw than you need.
- Pro-grade power and build
- Big 12.0Ah battery in the kit
- Massive M18 tool system
- Expensive
- Heavy with the large battery
DEWALT 60V MAX DCCS672B 18-inch (Tool Only)
Best for: DEWALT FLEXVOLT owners cutting larger rounds
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform, 18-inch bar
- Tool only – battery and charger sold separately
- Largest bar in this list for bigger rounds
DEWALT's DCCS672B carries an 18-inch bar, the longest in this list, for bigger logs and trees. It runs on 60V MAX FLEXVOLT batteries and is sold as a bare tool, so it is only good value if you already own FLEXVOLT packs from DEWALT's saws or outdoor tools.
A longer bar takes more battery and more skill to control. If you are newer to chainsaws, a 14-16 inch saw is easier and safer to learn on.
- 18-inch bar for larger rounds
- Uses FLEXVOLT batteries you may own
- Solid DEWALT build
- No battery or charger included
- More saw than beginners need
WORX WG322 20V 10-inch
Best for: Light limbing, pruning and small cleanup jobs
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 20V PowerShare, 10-inch bar
- Automatic chain tension and automatic lubrication with oil-level indicator
- Listed weight 6.2 lb
- Light limbing and small cleanup – not felling
WORX's WG322 is the easiest full chainsaw in this list to handle. The 10-inch bar and 6.2 lb listed weight make it comfortable for pruning overgrown shrubs, cutting fallen branches and small cleanup. Automatic chain tension and automatic lubrication with an oil-level indicator keep maintenance simple.
It is not a felling or firewood saw. Think of it as the tool you grab for an hour of yard tidying.
- Very light and easy to control
- Automatic chain tension
- Shares WORX PowerShare batteries
- 10-inch bar limits log size
- Not for felling or big firewood
DEWALT DCCS623B 20V 8-inch Pruning Saw (Tool Only)
Best for: Tree and shrub pruning, overhead cuts on small limbs
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 20V MAX brushless, 8-inch bar, compact
- DEWALT rates up to 70 cuts on 4×4 pressure-treated pine with DCB230 battery (sold separately)
- Tool only
DEWALT's 8-inch pruning saw is a compact, top-handle-style tool for clean pruning cuts. DEWALT rates it at up to 70 cuts on 4×4 pressure-treated pine with its DCB230 battery (sold separately). The brushless motor and compact head make it easy to reach into shrubs and small trees.
Use it with both hands and follow the manual; compact saws can still kick back.
- Compact and maneuverable
- Brushless efficiency
- Great on 20V MAX batteries you may own
- Tool only
- Small bar for small wood
SEESII 6-inch Mini Chainsaw
Best for: Light pruning and small branches on a tight budget
Key specs (from the Amazon listing):
- 6-inch one-hand mini saw, listed 2.7 lb
- Includes two 21V 2000mAh batteries
- Budget pick for pruning and small branches only
Mini chainsaws like the SEESII 6-inch have exploded in popularity because they are light, inexpensive and fun to use on small branches. This one is listed at 2.7 lb and comes with two 21V batteries.
Keep expectations realistic: it is for branches and small limbs, not firewood or trees. Wear eye protection and gloves, and use both hands whenever the design allows.
- Very light and inexpensive
- Two batteries included
- Handy for small pruning
- Small 6-inch bar
- Less durable than major-brand saws
How to choose a battery chainsaw
Bar length: match it to your wood
| Main job | Bar length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pruning shrubs and small limbs | 6-10 in | Light, easy to control overhead and in tight spots |
| Storm cleanup, limbing, small firewood | 12-14 in | Balanced reach and handling |
| Firewood rounds, small-tree felling | 16 in | The homeowner sweet spot |
| Larger logs and trees | 18 in+ | More reach, more battery, more skill needed |
A common rule of thumb is to choose a bar about two inches longer than the thickest wood you cut regularly. Bigger is not better for everyone: longer bars are heavier, use more battery and are harder to control. For a deeper look at sizing for firewood, see what chainsaw size for firewood.
Power class and motor
Brushless motors are now standard on good battery saws; they run cooler, more efficiently and longer than brushed motors. Some brands publish a "gas equivalent" rating (EGO rates the CS1613 at 40cc-class; Makita rates the XCU04 at 32cc-class). These ratings are useful for comparing within a brand's range but are not a standardized test, so treat them as guides.
Battery platform and capacity
The battery is the expensive part. If you already own batteries from EGO, Makita, Milwaukee, DEWALT, Greenworks or WORX, a saw from the same system usually saves money. Capacity (amp-hours) decides runtime; for firewood sessions, 4Ah or larger, plus a spare, is a comfortable setup.
Chain and maintenance features
- Tool-free tensioning makes adjusting the chain quick, which matters because chains stretch, especially when new.
- Automatic oiler with a visible reservoir helps you avoid running dry.
- Common chain specs (such as 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .043 gauge) make replacements easy to find.
- Chain brake and low-kickback chain are essential safety features.
Battery vs gas: which is right for you?
Battery saws are quieter, start instantly, need little maintenance and produce no exhaust. Gas saws still win for long days of cutting, very large trees and remote work far from a charger. For most homeowners who cut a few cords of firewood, clean up after storms and drop the occasional small tree, a 16-inch battery saw is enough. Our battery vs gas chainsaw guide breaks the decision down in detail.
Safety essentials for any chainsaw
Chainsaws demand respect regardless of power source. Wear eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy gloves, chainsaw chaps or pants and boots. Keep both hands on the saw, keep your stance stable, and never cut above shoulder height. Understand kickback, the sudden upward rotation of the bar when the upper tip of the nose contacts wood; our guide to chainsaw kickback explains causes and prevention. OSHA's chainsaw safety fact sheet is a concise refresher on protective equipment and safe operation.
For bigger jobs, plan carefully before you cut. Our guides on how to fell a tree safely and how to cut down a small tree walk through notches, escape routes and hinge wood.
Keeping a battery chainsaw cutting well
- Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain wastes battery, produces dust instead of chips and increases kickback risk. Learn how to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home.
- Check tension often, especially in the first few uses of a new chain.
- Fill the bar oil before every session and use proper bar and chain oil.
- Clean the bar groove and oil port after heavy use.
- Replace worn bars and chains in matched sets; see how to replace a chainsaw bar and chain.
- Store batteries indoors and at partial charge for long breaks.
Final recommendation
For most homeowners, the EGO CS1613 is the best battery chainsaw: real 16-inch capability, simple maintenance and a battery that also runs EGO's yard tools. If you already own a platform, stick with it: Makita XCU04 for LXT, Milwaukee 2727 for M18 and DEWALT DCCS672B for FLEXVOLT. Choose the Greenworks 40V for value, the WORX WG322 for light limbing, and the DEWALT DCCS623B or SEESII mini for pruning small branches. Ready to cut firewood? Read how to cut firewood with a chainsaw before your first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best battery chainsaw for homeowners?
For most homeowners, a 16-inch brushless saw from a battery platform you will use for other tools is the sweet spot. The EGO Power+ CS1613 is our overall pick; Makita, Milwaukee and DEWALT are better buys if you already own their batteries.
Are battery chainsaws as good as gas?
For homeowner work such as firewood, storm cleanup and small trees, top battery saws now compare well with small and mid-size gas saws. Gas still leads for all-day cutting and very large trees. We compare them in detail in battery vs gas chainsaw.
What size battery chainsaw do I need?
Choose a bar about 2 inches longer than the thickest wood you cut regularly. A 16-inch bar suits most homeowner firewood and small trees; 10-14 inches is better for limbing and pruning. See also what chainsaw size for firewood.
How long does a battery chainsaw run?
It depends on battery size and wood. Manufacturers often rate cuts per charge; EGO lists up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 with its 2.5Ah kit. Hardwood and dull chains use more energy. A second battery is the simplest fix for long sessions.
Do battery chainsaws need bar oil?
Yes. Every chainsaw, battery or gas, needs bar and chain oil to lubricate the chain and bar. Check the reservoir every time you use the saw.
How tight should the chain be on a battery chainsaw?
Snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand (with gloves and the battery removed). Our guide on how tight a chainsaw chain should be explains the checks.