A cordless electric chainsaw used to be the yard-tool equivalent of a polite golf clap: pleasant, quiet, and not especially intimidating. That has changed. Today’s best battery-powered chainsaws can handle storm cleanup, firewood rounds, fallen limbs, and serious property maintenance without demanding a pull cord, a cloud of exhaust, or a degree in tiny-engine diplomacy.
The right cordless chainsaw depends on more than bar length. Battery platform, chain speed, weight, available replacement parts, and the type of work you expect to do all matter. A compact 12-inch model can be perfect for pruning and light cleanup, while a 20-inch battery chainsaw may be better suited to larger logs and frequent property work.
This guide rounds up the 11 best cordless electric chainsaws for homeowners, DIY users, and experienced property managers. Every option below offers a practical balance of power, runtime, ergonomics, and battery-system value. Before using any chainsaw, wear appropriate safety gear, follow the manufacturer’s manual, and leave elevated work, major storm damage, and large-tree removal to qualified professionals.
Quick Picks: The Best Cordless Electric Chainsaws
- Best Overall: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
- Best for Large Properties: EGO POWER+ CS2005 20-Inch Chainsaw
- Best Heavy-Duty Value: RYOBI 40V HP 20-Inch Chainsaw
- Best for Milwaukee Tool Owners: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Inch Chainsaw
- Best DEWALT Option: DEWALT 60V MAX 18-Inch Chainsaw
- Best Everyday Value: ECHO DCS-5000
- Best Lightweight Model: STIHL MSA 80 C-B
- Best Battery Ecosystem: Greenworks 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw
- Best Two-Battery Design: Worx Nitro WG385
- Best for Kobalt 80V Owners: Kobalt 80V 18-Inch Chainsaw
- Best Compact Chainsaw: CRAFTSMAN V20 12-Inch Compact Chainsaw
1. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i: Best Overall
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i earns the top spot because it feels like a purpose-built chainsaw rather than a battery tool wearing a chainsaw costume. Its 18-inch bar gives it enough reach for serious homeowner jobs, while the brushless motor and 40V battery system provide quick, smooth power delivery.
Husqvarna lists the saw at 1.9 horsepower with a chain speed of nearly 39 feet per second. That combination makes it a strong choice for users who regularly deal with fallen limbs, medium-sized logs, and post-storm cleanup. The bare-tool weight is also manageable for an 18-inch saw, helping it stay less tiring than many gas-powered alternatives.
The Power Axe 350i is not the cheapest cordless chainsaw in the lineup, but it is a smart long-term choice for homeowners who want dependable performance without stepping into commercial-grade pricing. Think of it as the “I have trees, and they keep making more trees” solution.
2. EGO POWER+ CS2005 20-Inch Chainsaw: Best for Large Properties
The EGO POWER+ CS2005 is for people whose yard tools have started to look suspiciously like a small landscaping fleet. With a 20-inch bar, a brushless motor, and a claimed 55cc gas-equivalent output, this cordless chainsaw is designed for demanding work around larger properties.
EGO says the CS2005 can make up to 135 cuts through 6-by-6 lumber with its included 56V 6.0Ah battery. Real-world runtime will vary with wood species, chain condition, temperature, and how enthusiastically the operator treats every log like a personal rival. Still, the numbers point to a saw with meaningful capacity.
Useful extras include a digital display, selectable cutting modes, an LED work light, weather-resistant construction, and an omnidirectional chain brake. For users already invested in EGO’s 56V platform, the CS2005 is an especially easy recommendation.
3. RYOBI 40V HP 20-Inch Chainsaw: Best Heavy-Duty Value
The RYOBI 40V HP 20-Inch Chainsaw is an impressive option for homeowners who want a big bar and substantial battery power without jumping straight into professional pricing. Its 20-inch bar makes it suitable for larger cleanup projects, and RYOBI positions the brushless motor as delivering more power than a 52cc gas chainsaw.
With the included 8Ah battery, RYOBI claims more than 100 cuts per charge. The saw also includes practical features that matter in everyday ownership: a mechanical chain brake, metal bucking spikes, an automatic oiler, and an ergonomic soft-grip handle.
This is a strong pick for someone who owns acreage, burns firewood occasionally, or wants one saw that can handle more than the typical suburban branch pile. It is larger and heavier than a compact 12-inch saw, of course, but that extra size comes with real capability.
4. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-Inch Chainsaw: Best for Milwaukee Tool Owners
If your garage already contains a healthy population of red Milwaukee batteries, the M18 FUEL 16-Inch Chainsaw should be high on your list. Its major advantage is ecosystem compatibility: it runs on the same M18 battery platform used across a huge range of Milwaukee tools.
The brushless motor is designed to deliver performance comparable to a small gas saw, and Milwaukee rates the model for up to 150 cuts per charge under its test conditions. It also uses an Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, onboard scrench storage, and a variable-speed trigger.
This saw shines for property maintenance, landscape work, and regular cleanup tasks. It is especially compelling for professionals and serious DIY users who want fewer chargers cluttering the workshop. One battery platform is easier to manage than six different chargers breeding in a corner like metal rabbits.
5. DEWALT 60V MAX 18-Inch Chainsaw: Best DEWALT Option
The DEWALT 60V MAX 18-Inch Chainsaw offers a useful middle ground between compact homeowner models and the biggest battery-powered saws. Its 18-inch bar provides solid cutting capacity, while the FlexVolt battery system gives DEWALT users access to higher-voltage outdoor power tools.
DEWALT rates this model at up to 2.85 peak horsepower when paired with the appropriate battery. The saw also includes a brushless motor, a chain brake, a variable-speed trigger, and a compact profile that is easier to handle than many 20-inch machines.
This is a smart choice for users who already own DEWALT FlexVolt batteries for saws, grinders, blowers, or other heavy-duty tools. It delivers enough muscle for serious cleanup and firewood work while avoiding the extra bulk of the largest cordless chainsaws.
6. ECHO DCS-5000: Best Everyday Value
The ECHO DCS-5000 is a balanced 18-inch cordless electric chainsaw that makes a strong case for buyers who want dependable performance without chasing the biggest possible bar. It uses a 56V battery platform and a brushless motor, giving it the kind of everyday power that suits most residential property tasks.
This model is also attractive because of ECHO’s consumer warranty coverage. A five-year consumer warranty can provide welcome peace of mind for buyers who want to invest in a tool they expect to keep for several seasons rather than one dramatic weekend.
The DCS-5000 is an excellent option for cutting firewood rounds, clearing branches after storms, and handling routine yard maintenance. It is not pretending to be a forestry saw, and that is actually part of its charm. A well-sized tool is usually more useful than an oversized monster that spends eleven months a year looking grumpy in the shed.
7. STIHL MSA 80 C-B: Best Lightweight Model
The STIHL MSA 80 C-B is built for users who value control, manageable weight, and reputable dealer support. It has a 14-inch bar, a compact brushless motor, and a design that focuses on general property maintenance and firewood preparation.
At roughly 10 pounds without the battery, the MSA 80 C-B delivers an appealing power-to-weight ratio. STIHL rates it at 1.20 kW, and the saw includes practical details such as a transparent oil tank and a quick chain-tensioning system.
This is one of the best cordless chainsaws for homeowners who do not need a huge bar but still want a serious, well-built tool. It is especially appealing for users who prefer buying from local dealers where service, parts, and advice are easier to access.
8. Greenworks 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw: Best Battery Ecosystem
The Greenworks 60V 18-Inch Chainsaw is a great fit for buyers who want to build a coordinated cordless yard-tool collection. The same 60V batteries can power a broad range of Greenworks equipment, which can make battery management simpler and more affordable over time.
This 18-inch model uses a brushless motor rated at 2.0 kW and is positioned as a 42cc gas-equivalent alternative. It also includes an automatic oiler, metal bucking spikes, a chain brake, and a translucent oil tank. Greenworks offers several 60V chainsaw configurations, so buyers should check the exact product number and battery bundle before ordering.
For households that also need a mower, blower, trimmer, or snow tool, the larger battery ecosystem may matter as much as the chainsaw itself. A good battery platform turns one purchase into a useful neighborhood of tools instead of a lonely appliance with a charger nobody recognizes.
9. Worx Nitro WG385: Best Two-Battery Design
The Worx Nitro WG385 uses two 20V PowerShare batteries to create a 40V system, making it a flexible choice for users already invested in Worx tools. It has a 16-inch bar, a brushless motor, and a claimed 45cc gas-equivalent power rating.
Worx lists a chain speed of 59 feet per second, which is quick for a homeowner-oriented cordless chainsaw. The saw is also relatively manageable for its class, with a bare-tool weight around 12 pounds. Its two-battery design lets users share batteries across smaller Worx tools while still getting extra power when needed.
The WG385 works well for medium-duty yard cleanup, cutting firewood rounds, and regular seasonal maintenance. It is a practical choice for people who want a capable saw but do not need a 20-inch bar taking up half the garage wall.
10. Kobalt 80V 18-Inch Chainsaw: Best for Kobalt 80V Owners
The Kobalt 80V 18-Inch Chainsaw is an appealing choice for Lowe’s shoppers and homeowners already using Kobalt’s high-voltage battery platform. Its 18-inch bar, brushless motor, and 80V battery system give it the kind of instant torque that cordless chainsaw buyers expect from a higher-voltage model.
Kobalt markets this saw as offering 50cc gas-equivalent power and up to 300 cuts through 4-by-4 lumber with a 5.0Ah battery under controlled conditions. It also includes an inertia-activated chain brake, an automatic oiler, onboard tool storage, and a chain speed rated at 20 meters per second.
For homeowners with substantial cleanup needs, the Kobalt delivers strong specs without requiring a jump to a premium professional lineup. It is a particularly logical option when battery compatibility with existing 80V Kobalt tools can save money on future purchases.
11. CRAFTSMAN V20 12-Inch Compact Chainsaw: Best Compact Chainsaw
The CRAFTSMAN V20 12-Inch Compact Chainsaw is ideal for smaller jobs where a large saw would be overkill. Its compact bar length makes it easier to store and easier to manage for branch cleanup, light firewood processing, and routine yard work.
This model uses the CRAFTSMAN V20 battery system, which is shared with a range of drills, drivers, outdoor tools, and workshop equipment. It includes automatic oiling, tool-free chain tensioning, and a storage hook compatible with the VersaTrack organization system.
Do not expect a 12-inch chainsaw to replace a big 18-inch or 20-inch model for every task. That is like expecting a compact hatchback to tow a parade float. But for light-duty work, its smaller size, lower weight, and simpler storage make it a highly useful tool to own.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Electric Chainsaw
Choose Bar Length Based on Realistic Work
A 10-inch to 12-inch chainsaw is usually best for lighter yard cleanup and smaller branches. A 14-inch to 16-inch model offers more versatility for routine property maintenance and firewood. An 18-inch to 20-inch cordless chainsaw is better suited to larger logs, more frequent work, and larger properties.
Bigger is not automatically better. A longer bar usually means more weight, a larger battery requirement, and a higher price. Choose the smallest saw that can comfortably handle the work you expect to do most often.
Consider the Battery Platform, Not Just the Saw
The best cordless chainsaw often belongs to the battery system you already own. A DEWALT FlexVolt battery, Milwaukee M18 pack, EGO 56V battery, RYOBI 40V battery, or Greenworks 60V battery can be used across multiple compatible tools. That can reduce long-term costs and cut down on charger clutter.
Also check whether the chainsaw is sold as a bare tool or as a complete kit. A bargain tool-only price is less exciting when it requires a battery and charger that cost almost as much as a small appliance with Wi-Fi.
Look for Useful Safety and Maintenance Features
Most quality cordless chainsaws include a chain brake, automatic oiling, a low-kickback chain, and a trigger lockout. Helpful extras can include a transparent oil window, tool-free chain tensioning, metal bucking spikes, weather-resistant construction, and onboard storage for the adjustment tool.
A cordless chainsaw still needs regular care. Keep the chain sharp, check the oil level, inspect the bar and chain before each session, and store batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dull chain turns an efficient tool into a noisy exercise in disappointment.
Why Cordless Electric Chainsaws Are So Popular
Battery-powered chainsaws offer several clear advantages over gas models. They start with the pull of a trigger, create no exhaust emissions at the point of use, require less routine engine maintenance, and are generally quieter. They are also easier to store because there is no fuel mixing, carburetor worry, or annual ritual of persuading a stubborn engine to wake up after winter.
Modern brushless motors and lithium-ion batteries have also improved performance dramatically. Many current cordless chainsaws can handle work that once required a small gas saw, especially for homeowners and property managers who do not need to run a chainsaw all day, every day.
Gas still makes sense for some highly demanding applications, especially extended professional work in remote areas or large-tree processing. But for most residential jobs, cordless chainsaws now provide a practical combination of power, convenience, and lower maintenance.
Practical Ownership Experience: What It Is Really Like Living With a Cordless Chainsaw
Owning a cordless electric chainsaw changes the rhythm of yard work in a surprisingly useful way. The biggest difference is convenience. With a gas chainsaw, a small job can become a whole production: check fuel, mix oil, prime the engine, pull the cord, listen to the machine complain, and hope it has not decided today is a personal holiday. A battery-powered model removes much of that ceremony.
For ordinary property maintenance, the ability to grab a charged battery, top off the bar oil, and start immediately is a real advantage. It makes users more likely to deal with a fallen limb promptly instead of allowing it to become part of the landscape’s permanent furniture. Small tasks stay small, which is usually good news for both the yard and the weekend schedule.
Battery runtime, however, deserves realistic expectations. Cordless chainsaws perform best when the chain is sharp, the battery is healthy, and the work is broken into manageable sessions. Dense hardwood, cold temperatures, a dull chain, and long continuous cutting will drain a battery faster. Users with frequent cleanup needs often find that owning a second compatible battery is more useful than chasing the highest advertised runtime number.
Weight is another lesson that becomes obvious after the first extended session. A heavier 20-inch chainsaw can be tremendously capable, but it asks more from your arms and shoulders than a compact 12-inch or 14-inch model. For many homeowners, a medium-size saw with an 16-inch or 18-inch bar is the sweet spot: enough capacity for real work, yet not so large that storing and carrying it feels like moving a piece of farm equipment.
Maintenance is simpler than with a gas saw, but it is not optional. The chain still needs oil. The chain still gets dull. The bar still needs inspection. The difference is that there is no carburetor to troubleshoot, no fuel to stabilize, and no lingering smell of gasoline following you into the garage. That alone is enough to make some homeowners feel like they have joined the future.
The best ownership experience also comes from buying into a battery ecosystem intentionally. A chainsaw battery that can run a mower, blower, trimmer, hedge trimmer, or snow blower becomes part of a flexible outdoor-tool system. Instead of managing a pile of unrelated chargers, you can rotate batteries through the jobs that matter most.
Ultimately, the best cordless electric chainsaw is the one that matches your property, your physical comfort level, and your existing tool platform. Choose a sensible bar length, buy enough battery capacity for your normal workload, maintain the chain properly, and treat the saw with the respect it deserves. Do that, and the modern cordless chainsaw can become one of the most useful tools in the shedquiet, capable, and blissfully free of pull-cord drama.
Conclusion
The best cordless electric chainsaws have moved far beyond light pruning duty. From compact 12-inch models to powerful 20-inch machines, today’s battery-powered chainsaws offer practical cutting performance for yard maintenance, storm cleanup, firewood, and larger property work.
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the best all-around choice for most homeowners, while the EGO CS2005 and RYOBI 40V HP 20-Inch Chainsaw stand out for larger properties and heavier work. Buyers who already own a particular battery system should give that ecosystem serious consideration, because shared batteries can make a good chainsaw purchase even better.
