9 Best Small Cordless Chainsaw | Cuts Branches, Not Corners

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A handheld chainsaw and an overhead pole saw in one 2-in-1 tool

This is the pick for anyone who has ever wobbled on a ladder trying to reach a high branch. It works as a 6-inch handheld chainsaw, then converts into a pole saw that reaches up to 14 feet so you can keep your feet on the ground. The 21V 2.0Ah battery delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime or roughly 100 cuts per charge, and owners mention it cuts 1-inch branches in seconds.

The compact-and-convert design weighs only 2.2 pounds as a chainsaw and 6.6 pounds as a pole saw, making it far easier to lift than a bulky gas unit. The 180-degree rotatable saw head lets you line up cuts on roofline branches without twisting your body, and the rotating rear handle locks at 0, 90, and 180 degrees for comfortable grip positions. The thing that wins people over is the size — it is genuinely easy for seniors, women, and beginners to control.

There is a trade-off to know: preparing the chain tension requires a firm hand, and the saw is fairly noisy while running. It ships with a 2-year warranty on the machine and a 1-year warranty on the battery, which is a solid safety net for the price.

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The no-fuss starter saw that cuts clean without oil or complex settings

If you have never owned a chainsaw and want something simple, this BLACK+DECKER kit removes the biggest barrier to entry: maintenance. It is oil-free, so you never mix bar oil or worry about leaks, and the bolt lock chain tensioning keeps the bar clamped reliably. The 6-inch bar gives up to a 4-inch cut capacity, and the included battery and charger mean you are ready to prune the minute the box opens.

Customers note it felled a 12-foot tree and cut 5-6 inch branches easily. The integrated tip guard provides stability during upcuts, and the storage sheath has an onboard wrench holder so you always know where the tensioning tool is. It is heavier in the hand than the lightest picks here at 20.4 inches long, but buyers consistently note it is light and easy to handle.

The word from the yard is clear: it is a solid saw for heavy pruning, not a full chainsaw replacement. If you already own BLACK+DECKER 20V tools, the battery compatibility makes this an even smarter grab.

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A V20 ecosystem saw that delivers up to 85 cuts per charge

Craftsman owners, this is your match. The CMCCS320D1 runs on the V20 battery system, so if you already own Craftsman tools, you have spare power packs ready to go. It delivers cutting power up to 85 cuts per charge, and the 6-inch bar manages up to a 4-inch cut capacity for everyday limbing and pruning. The 2.0Ah battery and charger are included, so the kit is complete straight from the start.

It is 50% more compact and 14% lighter than the older CMCCSL621B, which shows up as easier handling in tight spots. Reviewers point out it cuts small to medium logs easily, with the battery lasting an hour of limbing and bucking. The integrated tip guard gives you control on upper cuts, and the bolt lock chain tensioning keeps the bar firmly clamped.

Buyers repeatedly note the weight—at 8.3 pounds, it’s heavier than some rivals—and the safety switch is set up for right-hand use. If you’re left-handed, test the trigger before you commit. The 3-year limited warranty adds real confidence.

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A featherweight 3.4-pound saw that slices 6-inch logs with ease

Greenworks built this one for anyone who finds full-size chainsaws exhausting. At just 3.4 pounds with the battery installed, it is light enough for women, seniors, and anyone with limited strength to handle comfortably. The 6-inch bar slices through 6-inch logs, and the 24V platform is compatible with 125+ indoor and outdoor tools, so the battery works across a whole ecosystem.

The tool-less chain tightening is a standout — you adjust tension with one hand, no wrench required, which makes maintenance faster and safer. Shoppers say 10-15 cuts per charge in routine use, with the safety lock preventing accidental starts. The anti-slip handles and safety baffles keep your hands clear of debris while you work.

Buyers report it is safer than using a full-size chainsaw and ideal for winter pruning when branches are bare and brittle. The one durability note that surfaces is the plastic chain tensioning knob, which can break under hard use — handle it gently and keep the warranty card handy, as the tool carries a 3-year warranty.

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A 33 ft/s chain speed that rips through crape myrtle like butter

Speed is the story here. The WORX WG327 spins its chain at 33 ft/s, which is why owners describe cutting even very hard woods like crape myrtle as easy. The brushless motor extends runtime and boosts efficiency, delivering up to 160 cuts on 2-inch branches per charge. At just 3.49 pounds, it is one of the lightest saws on this list, and one-hand operation comes naturally.

The 420-watt brushless motor gives it a strong power-to-weight ratio, and the upper safety guard plus hand guard keep chain and debris away from your grip. It runs on the WORX PowerShare system, which means the 20V battery also powers 40V and 80V WORX tools when combined — a flexible ecosystem if you are already invested. The kit includes the 20V 2.0Ah battery and a 2A charger.

The two honest gripes: the trigger lock button is hard to operate with one hand, and the instruction booklet is thin on details like oiling. You will need to add chain lube yourself, and the saw runs dry if you skip it.

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A brushless 6-inch saw with IPX4 water resistance for wet-weather work

SKIL built this for the homeowner who does not stop yard work when a light rain rolls in. The IPX4 water resistance rating means the saw shrugs off splashes and inclement weather, which is rare in this category. The brushless motor delivers up to 115 cuts per charge with the included 2.0Ah battery, and owners mention it quickly cuts through 3-inch branches and handles up to 4-inch limbs.

The tool-free chain tensioning is a genuine convenience — you adjust the chain with the twist of a dial, no tool needed. The auto-lubricating chain extends chain life by keeping the bar oiled during use, which removes the “did I oil it?” worry. Onboard storage brackets make it easy to hang the saw on a wall between jobs.

Buyers consistently call it light, smooth, and balanced for overhead trimming, with one noting it is easier than using a gas-powered saw. The maintenance note is that the chain tension needs frequent monitoring — it can sag after big cuts, though the fix is a quick 20-second dial twist. A second battery is a smart add if you plan long sessions.

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An 8-inch bar with a 2.8 HP motor that cuts 7-inch oaks

Dewalt owners get their match in the DCCS623B, an 8-inch pruning saw that steps up the cutting capacity without stepping up the weight. It cuts up to 7-inch diameter branches, and customers note it slices 3.5-inch oak logs with ease while weighing less than half of an 18-inch saw. The 2.8 HP motor puts serious torque behind each cut, and the 8-inch bar gives you the reach to handle storm debris that smaller saws cannot wrap around.

It runs on the common Dewalt 20V battery system, so anyone with existing Dewalt packs can grab this tool-only unit and go. Reviewers point out the battery lasts a full weekend of small and medium tree work, with the stock blade staying sharp. At 4.6 pounds, it is comfortable and lightweight enough for your partner to handle easily.

The build quality is what buyers call out most — it holds up where cheap knockoff mini saws break down. The recurring annoyance is the safety switch, which some find fussy, and the saw needs biodegradable bar oil to run at its best.

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A 3-pound 8-inch saw that handles 6-7 inch limbs like butter

Ryobi packed an 8-inch bar into a frame that weighs just 3 pounds, making this the lightest 8-inch saw on the list. The brushless motor and 8-inch bar cut limbs and branches up to 6 inches in diameter, and shoppers say it slices 6-7 inch tree limbs easily while the 18V battery lasts a long time. It is 30% more compact than standard pruners, which helps you reach into tight, awkward spaces between shrubs.

The variable speed trigger gives you real control — feather the throttle for delicate cuts, or squeeze fully for fast bucking. The chain guard protects against kickback, and the onboard bar wrench makes oiling and tensioning simple with a few drops. Owners say it makes creating kindling for campfires a one-hand job.

The honest note is battery life: some buyers report it lasts quite a while, while others wish it held up longer under continuous cutting. Since this is a tool-only buy, your runtime depends entirely on the 18V battery you already own — a higher-capacity pack makes a big difference.