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Forgetting to mix gas and oil, yanking a cord a dozen times, and smelling like a two-stroke engine for the rest of the day — these are the headaches a cordless chainsaw removes instantly. You press a button, pull a trigger, and the cutting starts. The real question is which battery platform, bar length, and motor power match the work in your yard.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are clearing storm debris or limbing for firewood, the right best electric cordless chainsaw saves you time, spares your ears, and keeps the job moving without a trip to the gas can.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Electric Cordless Chainsaw
Picking the wrong saw usually depends on one mistake: choosing a bar length that does not match the wood you cut. A pruning saw with an 8-inch bar handles limbs and saplings beautifully but stalls on a 12-inch trunk. A full-size 18 or 20-inch bar fells large trees but tires your arms out fast if all you need is light trimming. Match the bar to the job first, then look at battery power.
Bar Length and Chain Speed
Bar length sets the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in one pass — you can generally slice through a log about twice the bar length. Chain speed, measured in feet per minute or meters per second, tells you how fast the cut happens. A faster chain makes cleaner, quicker cuts, but it also drains the battery slightly faster. For most home use, a 14 to 16-inch bar paired with a brushless motor and a chain speed around 20 m/s hits the balance between versatility and control.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Chain Speed | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XCU04PT1★ Best Overall | Home users who want gas-like power | 16 inches | 0–3,940 FPM | 22 lb | Amazon |
| DongCheng 40V 16-InchBest Value | Value on a budget | 16 inches | 14 m/s | — | Amazon |
| Dewalt 20V 8-InchCompact Pick | Precision pruning | 8 inches | — | 4.6 lb | Amazon |
| Greenworks 40V 12-Inch | Light trimming on a single battery | 12 inches | — | 10.9 lb | Amazon |
| Worx 40V 14-Inch WG384 | Everyday yard work | 14 inches | 26 ft/s | 10.4 lb | Amazon |
| Worx Nitro 40V 16-Inch WG385 | Heavy homeowner cutting | 16 inches | 59 ft/s | — | Amazon |
| EGO 16-Inch CS1613 | Top-tier mid-range power | 16 inches | 20 m/s | 20.9 lb | Amazon |
| Dewalt 60V 18-Inch | High torque for tough wood | 18 inches | — | 18.8 lb | Amazon |
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i | Professional-grade features | 18 inches | — | 7.7 lb | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2727-21HD | Rugged professional use | 16 inches | — | 21 lb | Amazon |
| EGO 20-Inch CS2005 | Maximum cutting capacity | 20 inches | 25 m/s | 30 lb | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 16″ Chain Saw Kit
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A 36V system that delivers 32cc gas-equivalent power without the fumes or the pull cord.
This Makita kit uses two 18V LXT batteries stacked to run a Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor — a direct-drive setup that pushes chain speeds up to 0–3,940 FPM. The motor runs quiet and clean, with zero emissions and no pull-starts. Buyers report three-hour use on a single battery charge, cutting 8-inch oak limbs easily, and the tool-less chain adjustment makes tension changes fast in the field.
Performance leads the praise here — it is the most-mentioned positive aspect among owners. The saw handles limbing and felling small trees with authority, and the included four 5.0Ah batteries mean you can work a full afternoon without stopping to recharge. The thing to watch is chain durability, which some owners flag as a weaker point, and a few note the bar-tightener handle feels less sturdy than the rest of the build. Unlike the lighter pruning-focused Dewalt 8-inch below, this Makita is built for real cutting sessions where power consistency matters more than featherweight handling.
Why owners are sold on it
- Performance that rivals a 32cc gas saw — the most-praised feature among owners
- Battery life is a standout: a single charge can run three hours of limbing
- Tool-less chain tensioning and variable-speed trigger give you precise control
The honest trade-offs
- Chain durability gets mixed feedback — some owners swap to an Echo bar and chain
- At 22 lb, this is one of the heavier kits, especially with four batteries
- No bar oil included, so you need to buy that separately
Reach for it if: you want a cordless saw that cuts like a gas saw and comes with enough battery capacity to handle a full day of property cleanup.
Think twice if: your work is limited to light pruning of branches under 4 inches — a smaller, lighter saw will feel less tiring over time.
2. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
A 40V brushless saw that can make up to 120 cuts on a single charge while staying affordable.
DongCheng packs a high-torque brushless motor and dual 20V batteries (firing as 40V total) into a 16-inch package built for storm cleanup and firewood cutting. The chain brake activates in under 0.1 seconds for safety, and the tool-free chain tensioning lets you adjust on the fly. Owners consistently praise the cutting power and the battery life — “the batteries last well and charge quickly,” as one buyer put it — with the included 4.0Ah packs taking under 20 minutes to top up.
The gripes are rare but worth noting: a few units arrived with a faulty chain oiler (replaced under warranty quickly), and battery life gets mixed comments from heavier users who expect longer runtime. Compared to the Makita above, the DongCheng is the smarter pick if you need gas-like reach on a tighter budget, but you trade some long-term refinement and a broader battery ecosystem. For suburban tree work and medium logs, the value here is hard to argue with.
Punch for the price: Delivers professional-grade features like tool-free tension and a chain brake under a tenth of a second, at a cost that leaves room for extra batteries.
Who it absolutely fits: Homeowners doing regular tree trimming, storm clean-up, and firewood prep who want the power of a gas saw without the mess.
3. Dewalt 20V 8-Inch Pruning Chainsaw (DCCS623B)
A 4.6-lb pruning demon that you maneuver one-handed up a ladder.
This 8-inch Dewalt is not trying to fell oaks — it is built for clearing saplings up to 7 inches in diameter and trimming branches where a full-size saw cannot reach. At just 4.6 lb (about 2.09 kg), it feels more like a power pruner than a chainsaw, and the 2.8 hp motor delivers surprising bite: owners mention it cutting “some good size tree limbs like butter.” It runs on the common Dewalt 20V battery platform, so if you already own other yellow tools you have a battery ready to go.
The trade-off is that its slow RPMs can cause jamming on very small, flimsy branches, and a few owners note the short bar limits you to logs under 7-8 inches. Compared to the larger DongCheng above, this saw is strictly for pruning and light cleanup, not bucking firewood. If your work stays on branches and brush, this is the lightest, most maneuverable option in the list.
Best for: anyone who needs to clear overhead limbs, trim saplings, or reach into tight spots without wrestling a heavy bar.
Consider another if: you plan to cut logs thicker than 7 inches regularly — you will want a 12-inch or longer bar and a higher-voltage platform.
4. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw
A 10.9-lb saw that makes 50 cuts per charge and doubles as a phone charger in a pinch.
Greenworks squeezes a 40V 2.0Ah battery into a 12-inch package that delivers 50 cuts through 4×4 treated lumber on a single charge. The auto-oiler keeps the chain lubricated in use, and the dual safety start (lock button plus trigger) prevents accidental startup. Owners love the size and performance of this saw for trimming branches and bushes, with many noting it is much easier to handle than a gas saw — especially on a ladder or in tight corners.
The chain can loosen quickly during extended use and requires re-tensioning to avoid derailment, and the chain durability overall gets some negative feedback from owners who cut frequently. Compared to the Dewalt 8-inch above, this Greenworks gives you a longer 12-inch bar for slightly thicker logs while staying light enough for one-handed work in most situations. The 40V battery also doubles as a portable power bank for charging phones or tablets, which is a clever extra on camping trips.
The everyday companion: best for intermittent users who want a reliable cordless saw for storm cleanup and pruning without investing in a high-voltage platform.
Reality check: expect to check chain tension every 30-40 minutes of cutting, and keep the cuts to green wood for the smoothest experience.
5. Worx 40V 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (WG384)
A 14-inch saw with auto-tensioning that keeps the chain at perfect tightness while you cut.
The Worx WG384 uses a dynamic brushless motor and two 20V PowerShare batteries (running as 40V) to push a 14-inch bar at 26 ft/s. The auto-tensioning system adjusts the chain automatically so you stay cutting instead of fiddling with a knob. Customers note the battery lasts about 30-45 minutes of continuous use, and the saw cuts through everything from small branches to 9-inch dense trees easily. One reviewer summed it up: “worked as well as my gas-powered saw.”
The chain tends to pop off when cutting new growth, and some owners find the included chain feels a bit thin and needs sharpening sooner than expected. If you have other Worx tools, the 20V PowerShare batteries swap across the entire family — a real convenience. Compared to the Greenworks 12-inch, the Worx offers a longer bar and the auto-tension feature, but the chain management requires more attention than on the Makita or EGO models below.
What makes it stand out
- Automated chain tensioning keeps the chain at correct tightness during use
- Quick-stop chain brake adds a layer of safety on every cut
- Battery level indicator shows remaining charge so you never get stranded mid-cut
Where owners hit pause
- Chain durability gets mixed reviews — some swap to an Oregon R52 chain
- Chain can derail on soft new wood if tension is not periodically checked
- The included 2.0Ah batteries are fine for around 30 minutes; heavier jobs need spares
Your go-to if: you want auto-tensioning and a 14-inch bar for medium yard work, and you already own or plan to buy other Worx PowerShare tools.
skip it if: you cut mostly dense, dead wood and cannot tolerate the chain popping off — the EGO or Makita models hold tension more reliably.
6. Worx Nitro 40V 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw (WG385)
A 16-inch Nitro saw that rips through 4×4 hardwood 150 times on a single charge.
The Worx Nitro WG385 is a step up from the WG384: a 16-inch bar, a brushless motor delivering 59 ft/s chain speed, and the ability to cut up to 150 pieces of 4×4 hardwood per charge. Owners call it quiet, lightweight for its power, and a genuine alternative to a 45cc gas saw for homeowner use. The tool-free chain tensioning and auto-lubrication keep maintenance simple, and the battery level display lets you plan your cuts.
A recurring note from reviewers is that the bar oil cap leaks when the saw is stored upright — storing it on its side solves that. Some owners also mention the batteries are larger than standard Worx 20V packs, limiting swapability with older tools. Compared to the EGO CS1613, the Worx Nitro offers a similar 16-inch cut with slightly faster chain speed, but the EGO is more proven for weather resistance and overall balance.
What wins people over: the combination of 150 cuts per charge and a chain speed that makes quick work of logs is the standout feature — most owners mention performance and cutting speed as the top reasons they bought it.
The catch: the oil cap leak is a known annoyance; plan storage accordingly, and keep a rag nearby after refilling.
7. EGO POWER+ 16-Inch Battery Powered Chainsaw (CS1613)
A 40cc gas-equivalent saw that cuts two large trees and still has bars to spare.
The EGO CS1613 pairs a 56V 4.0Ah battery with a high-efficiency brushless motor to match the output of a 40cc gas chainsaw, hitting chain speeds up to 20 m/s. The tool-free chain tensioning uses a simple dial, the construction is IPX4-rated weather-resistant, and the flat dial design lets you cut flush to the ground. Reviewers point out cutting two large trees and still having two bars of battery left — the power and runtime leave little to complain about.
The 4.0Ah battery is on the heavier side and can make the saw feel unbalanced when held for long periods; some owners suggest swapping to a 2.4Ah battery for better balance on light trimming. Overall, build quality and ease of use are top-tier. Compared to the Worx Nitro, the EGO has a slight edge in weather resistance and a more user-friendly dial-tension system, making it the pick for anyone who values straightforward, reliable operation.
Reach for it if: you want a saw that balances gas-level power with battery convenience, and you value weather resistance for all-season use.
Consider a different battery size if: the 4.0Ah pack feels too heavy in hand — the 2.4Ah option gives better balance for shorter sessions.
8. Dewalt 60V FLEXVOLT 18-Inch Brushless Chainsaw (DCCS672X1)
A 60V saw with up to 2.5x the torque of a 40.9cc gas chainsaw, wrapped in a 18-inch bar.
Owners largely confirm it cuts through 5-6 inch trunks easily. The auto-oiling feature provides continuous lubrication for long sessions, and the chain brake with limited kickback protection adds safety. The FLEXVOLT battery runs at 60V in the chainsaw and drops to 20V for use with other Dewalt tools, making it the most versatile battery in the lineup.
The battery life gets mixed reviews — it runs out quickly on large trees, and if you have a lot of cutting, you need extra batteries. At 18.8 lb, it is heavy but not unmanageable for a saw this capable. Compared to the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i, this Dewalt offers more torque and a more integrated battery ecosystem, but the Husqvarna is much lighter (7.7 lb vs 18.8 lb) for those who prefer less weight.
Torque that surprises: owners consistently use words like “scary” and “impressive” to describe how easily it cuts.
Plan your battery budget: the included 3.0Ah pack is fine for trimming; buy extra packs if you plan to fell or buck multiple trees.
9. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw
An 18-inch Husqvarna with a Boost Mode button that delivers 25% more power on demand.
The Power Axe 350i is Husqvarna’s answer to the cordless revolution: a 40V lithium-ion saw with an X-Cut chain for lasting sharpness, a tool-less tensioning system, and a Boost Mode that gives you 25% more power at the push of a button. At just 7.7 lb, it is remarkably light for an 18-inch bar. Owners say it works as well as a gas-powered saw, cutting through 14-inch hemlock easily, and the brushless motor keeps it quiet.
Battery life is the most-discussed aspect — but it lands as mixed, not pure praise. Shoppers say 30-45 minutes of cutting time, and the included charger is slow (over 6 hours to full). The plastic chain tension mechanism can fail if the chain pinches, requiring disassembly to fix. Compared to the Dewalt 60V, the Husqvarna is significantly lighter and more maneuverable, but the battery runtime and charging speed are weaker points that matter for big jobs.
The stand-out features
- Boost mode gives 25% extra power when you hit a knot or dense wood
- At 7.7 lb, it is the lightest 18-inch saw in this roundup
- X-Cut chain stays sharp longer than standard chains
Where it stumbles
- Battery life is mixed — 30-45 min of cutting, with a slow charger (6+ hours)
- Plastic chain tension mechanism can fail under pinch stress
- Spare batteries are expensive ( each, per owners)
Grab this if: you want the lightest 18-inch bar available with a Boost Mode, and your sessions are short enough that a 30-45 min battery is acceptable.
Look elsewhere if: you often cut for hours at a time — the slow charging and short runtime will force you to buy multiple expensive batteries.
10. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2727-21HD 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
A M18 chainsaw that cuts 9 pieces of 24-inch seasoned ash on a single 12.0Ah charge.
Milwaukee’s 2727-21HD runs on the M18 platform and packs a 5.3 hp motor into a 16-inch bar. It cuts fast — buyers report it equals a gas-powered saw in speed, with “tons of power” and the ability to slice through 24-inch diameter logs. The 12.0Ah battery delivers 2-3 hours of runtime and recharges in about 2 hours. Overload protection kicks in if the bar gets stuck, and the build is rugged enough to survive being buried in dirt without damage.
The trigger safety is unergonomic, and the saw feels unbalanced for one-handed use — you really need two hands on this at all times. A few owners also note chain oil leakage over time. Compared to the EGO CS1613, this Milwaukee is more powerful on paper (5.3 hp vs gas-equivalent), but it is heavier and the battery system is less forgiving for casual users who do not already own M18 tools. It is a saw for serious property work, not occasional trimming.
For the heavy lifter: the 5.3 hp motor and 12.0Ah battery make this the most powerful mid-size cordless saw here — owners compare it directly to a gas saw in cutting speed.
The reality: you need at least two 12.0Ah batteries for a full day’s work, and the weight and balance mean it is not for casual one-handed pruning.
11. EGO POWER+ 20-Inch Battery Powered Chainsaw (CS2005)
A 20-inch bar that punches at 55cc gas levels, with a digital display to control every mode.
The EGO CS2005 is the biggest saw in this lineup: a 20-inch full chisel tooth chain, a brushless motor equivalent to a 55cc gas saw, and chain speeds up to 25 m/s. It delivers up to 135 cuts on a 6×6 with the included 6.0Ah battery. An onboard digital display lets you switch speed modes and check battery charge, and a bright LED work light helps when cutting at dusk. Owners mention cutting through a 40-foot oak easily and find it preferable to gas for large jobs.
At 30 lb, this is the heaviest saw here — the weight gets mixed feedback, with some calling it manageable and others finding it tiring for long sessions. Battery life is also mixed, with about 45 minutes of runtime on eco mode before needing a swap. Compared to the Makita at the top, the EGO CS2005 offers a significantly longer bar and a 55cc gas equivalent, but it is heavier and costs more in absolute terms. This is the saw for people who regularly cut large wood and want one battery saw to replace their gas rig entirely.
Buy it for: the biggest cuts in the cordless world — a 20-inch bar with 55cc gas-equivalent power and enough battery to handle 135 cuts on a 6×6.
Be prepared for: the weight (30 lb) and the need for a second battery if you plan sessions longer than 45 minutes.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length and What It Cuts
The bar length (measured in inches) tells you the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in one pass as a general rule of thumb, you can slice through a log roughly twice the bar length. An 8-inch bar handles branches up to about 6-7 inches. A 16-inch bar deals with logs up to 14-16 inches. A 20-inch bar can fell substantial trees. Match the bar to your typical wood size — a bar that is too big tires your arms, one too small leaves cuts unfinished.
Chain Speed (FPM and m/s)
Chain speed measures how fast the chain travels around the bar, usually in feet per minute (FPM) or meters per second (m/s). Faster speeds mean cleaner, quicker cuts with less effort from you. Budget-friendly saws often run around 14 m/s, while premium models hit 20-25 m/s or 3,940 FPM. Higher speed drains the battery a bit faster but makes a noticeable difference when cutting dense hardwood.
Brushless vs. Brushed Motors
A brushless motor uses electronic controllers instead of physical brushes to deliver power. That means less friction, less heat, and more runtime per battery charge. Nearly every saw on this list uses a brushless motor because it is the standard for modern cordless tools. A brushed motor is older tech — cheaper but less efficient and noisier. If you see “brushless” in the name or specs, you are getting the better, longer-lasting option.
Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
Chains naturally loosen as they heat up during cutting. Tool-free tensioning lets you tighten the chain by turning a dial or knob without reaching for a wrench. Some saws automate this completely (like the Worx WG384). It is a genuine convenience feature that keeps you cutting instead of stopping to adjust. Most mid-range and premium saws include this now; it is worth prioritizing over a model that requires a separate tool.
FAQ
What size bar do I need for home use?
How long does a cordless chainsaw battery last?
Can a cordless chainsaw replace a gas chainsaw?
What voltage is best for a cordless chainsaw?
Do I need bar oil for a cordless chainsaw?
How do tool-free chain tensioning systems work?
Is a chain brake important on a cordless saw?
Can I use other brand batteries in my chainsaw?
How much does a good cordless chainsaw weigh?
What does IPX4 weather resistance mean?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best electric cordless chainsaw winner is the Makita XCU04PT1 because it delivers gas-level performance with four long-lasting batteries, tool-free tensioning, and the most positive owner feedback across 900+ ratings. If you want a lighter saw for occasional trimming, grab the Dewalt 20V 8-Inch — it is a 4.6-lb pruning tool that takes the effort out of branch work. And for large-scale felling and storm cleanup, the EGO CS2005 with its 20-inch bar and 55cc gas equivalent power is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.