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A chainsaw is an amazing multipurpose tool made for easy and quick cutting jobs the your garden, backyard, as well as home renovations.
There’s an abundance of saws on the market, from corded electric to gas-powered. Yet, corded chainsaws always need a plug, which can sometimes be aggravating. On the other hand, gas-powered saws can be heavy, noisy, and bad for the environment.
The good news is that there’s a third option: cordless chainsaws. These use lithium-ion batteries to run, making them easier to use and operate.
Today, I’ll be looking at the five best battery chainsaws on the market.
Top 5 Battery Chainsaw Reviews
If you’re in the market for a chainsaw, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s my list of top 5 chainsaws.
1. Best Overall Battery Chainsaw: Ryobi RY40511
Ryobi’s RY40511 40V Chainsaw checks all the boxes as the top battery chainsaw. It gives you top chain speeds and excellent motor power.
We like that it has an instant response trigger and comes with a chainsaw wrench, or scrench, to tighten the chain and keep your chainsaw in optimal condition. Then, when you’re not using the scrench, fold it up and slide it in the handle for added convenience.
Even though the Ryobi RY40511 has a medium-sized bar, it can still take on larger cuts. Thanks to the efficient high chain speeds, you can use this saw to cut through thick branches and logs with ease.
Product Specs
- Voltage: 40 V
- Weight: 8 lb.
- Bar/Chain length: 14 in.
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in.
- Battery capacity: 1.5 Ah
- Charge time: 90 minutes
Feature Highlights
- Sensitive trigger button
- Ideal power to weight ratio
- A powerful motor cuts thick wood with one cut
Another feature I like is that there’s minimal kickback, and the blades don’t slow down once they come in contact with the wood. The Rybobi motor is powerful enough to keep the chains steady no matter what you’re cutting.
One of the best features of the RY40511 is the power to weight ratio. The RY40511 is sturdy enough to handle all 40V from the motor without being too heavy to hold. This means you can use more force on the chainsaw without worrying about the saw slipping out of your hand.
The only major issue with the RY40511 is battery life. It takes a while to charge up, and you can usually get only about 30 minutes of runtime.
Pros
- Excellent power to weight ratio to make it easier to carry around
- The only tool you need for maintenance, the scrench, comes with the chainsaw
- Easy to trigger and stop for safety
- Fastest cutting speed
Cons
- Battery life is short, which isn’t ideal for a big cutting job
- It doesn’t have an auto oiler, so you need to pause frequently as you’re cutting to add oil
2. Best Value: Skil CS4555-10 PWRCore 40
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than this saw. The Skil PWRCore 40 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw packs quite a punch, so much so that I have compared its engine to that of a gas chainsaw.
Aside from the motor, the Skil PWRCore has a solid build. The exterior of the chainsaw is made from weather-resistant materials. So, you can use it year-round without worrying about the elements affecting its cutting ability.
One of its most impressive features is its brushless motor. A brushless motor doesn’t use gears to transfer kinetic energy. Instead, it uses electromagnetic fields to rotate the chain. As a result, this engine cuts down on friction, which means your chains last longer.
Product Specs
- Voltage: 40 V
- Weight: 11.5 lb.
- Bar/Chain length: 14 in.
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in.
- Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah
- Charge time: 60 minutes
Feature Highlights
- Speedy charging can charge up to 30% of the battery in 15 minutes
- Anti-kickback feature to help with chainsaw safety
- Made of sturdy, weather-resistant materials so you can use it all year round
The PWRCore charges fast and has a long-lasting battery as well. So, you won’t ever find yourself mid-cut with an empty chainsaw battery with this saw.
Unfortunately, the design isn’t the most user-friendly on the market, unlike the Greenworks chainsaw. Ergonmic would not be a word to assign to this model.
In addition, the battery is located on the bottom half of the chainsaw. Weighing a hefty eight pounds, this extra weight can throw off the weight distribution and make it difficult to control.
Another drawback is its long cool-down time. If you don’t allow the chainsaw to rest after every 15–30 minutes, you risk overheating the motor.
Pros
- A powerful motor helps you cut through trees faster
- Durable construction means you can use it all year round
- Anti-kickback can help keep your hands safe
- Fast charging can be useful if you’re short on time
Cons
- The battery can mess with weight distribution and make the chainsaw less stable
- A long cool-down period after heavy use
3. Best Budget: Greenworks 40V
If you’ve ever tried using a chainsaw, you know how difficult they can be to control. Luckily, the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw makes it much easier, thanks to its double handles and lightweight build. These features make it one of the most user-friendly saws on my list.
They also make it the perfect choice for when you need to trim high limbs and branches. In addition, you can move around with the Greenworks chainsaw with ease, thanks to its light weight and ease of use.
The handles aren’t just there to help you move around the chainsaw. They act as an extra layer of protection against kick back, especially if the blades hit at a certain angle. The handles make sure that, if this happens, your hands stay safely out of the way.
Product Specs
- Voltage: 40 V
- Weight: 10 lb.
- Bar/Chain length: 12 in.
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in.
- Battery capacity: 2.0 Ah
- Charge time: 60 minutes
Feature Highlights
- Quiet operation thanks to the brushless motor
- Auto-oiling to ensure a seamless cutting experience
- Chain lock to make sure the chain doesn’t move while you’re actively cutting
We also like the engine on this saw. Like the Skil PWRCore, this chainsaw uses a brushless motor, which is easy to maintain and helps reduce operation noise as well. Nevertheless, the Skil PWRCore’s engine is a lot more powerful.
Another great feature is the auto-oiler, which helps the chain retain its tension. This feature makes your work more efficient because you don’t have to constantly stop and oil the chain.
One of the few drawbacks, however, is the bar length. With 12 inches, you can cut through almost anything. However, you might find using the Greenworks chainsaw on larger trees tricky.
Pros
- Sensitive power switch so you can start and stop the chainsaw quickly
- Safety handles to protect your hands from kick-back
- Automatic oiler cuts down on heat and maintenance
- Lightweight, so you can use it for longer periods
Cons
- Chainsaw vibrations can be uncomfortable if you hold it for too long
- Bar length may be too short for larger objects
4. Best Upgrade: DeWalt 60-Volt FLEXVOLT
If you’re looking to upgrade your chainsaw and have the money to spend, this saw should be at the top of your shopping list.
The DeWalt 60-Volt Max FLEXVOLT chainsaw is a powerhouse, offering more force than any other saw on my list. With 60 volts of power, it can cut through thick tree trunks and branches in seconds.
The DeWalt FLEXVOLT is for heavy duty work, like tearing down walls and taking out floorboards. So, this is the perfect saw for DIYers who enjoy doing various fix-ups around the yard.
The FLEXVOLT can cut through an 8-inch pipe log in under six seconds. That’s less than half the time it takes the other chainsaws on my list.
Product Specs
- Voltage: 60 V
- Weight: 2 lb.
- Bar/Chain length: 16 in.
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in.
- Battery capacity: 15.0 Ah
- Charge time: 75 minutes
Feature Highlights
- Bucking spikes to help secure the chainsaw to the object it’s cutting
- Powerful motor allows for heavy construction work
- Can cut through thick trees in seconds
Since the DeWalt FLEXVOLT was initially designed for heavy construction, it features a safety mechanism called bucking spikes. These spikes allow the chainsaw to grip the object you’re cutting through.
One more benefit of having spikes is that it helps keep you protected from any kickback. This is when the saw can sometimes jerk out of your hands, especially when you’re cutting an especially thick piece of wood. Having these spikes is a major advantage that FLEXVOLT has over its competitors.
Similar to both the Skil and the Greenworks, this one features a brushless motor. Hence, it offers better efficiency and faster cutting time. It practically glides through the wood, as opposed to brushed motors that create more drag as they cut.
Pros
- Comfortable large handles for better grip and control
- You can use it for extensive renovations and construction
- Tool-free chain adjustment so you can tighten the chain on the go
- Large oil container, so you don’t have to refill every time you use it
Cons
- Chainsaw can get clogged by wood chips frequently
- Pricer than the other options on the list
5. Best for Small Projects: Makita XCU03Z LXT
The Makita XCU03Z LXThas the smallest motor on my list, weighing in at almost half the size of many other saws on my list. Yet, it’s user-friendly and low-fuss, making it the ideal pick for light gardening and yard work.
It’s true that this saw lacks the hefty power of the DeWalt FLEXVOLT. Nevertheless, it has just enough to get through small tasks around your yard, like trimming hedges and shaping bushes.
It can cut also make its way through wood branches and stumps, but it usually takes longer than more intense saws, like the Ryobi. You’ll also have to take plenty of breaks between each cut to avoid overheating the engine and blade.
Product Specs
- Voltage: two 18V motors
- Weight: 8.2 lb.
- Bar/Chain length: 14 in.
- Chain pitch: 3/8 in.
- Battery capacity: 5.0 Ah
- Charge time: 60 minutes
Feature Highlights
- Dual motor to allow for multiple modes
- Excellent at trimming hedges and shaping bushes
- Battery charges faster than most other models
One unique feature that I love is the chainsaw’s two 18V motors. This means you can use more than one mode, depending on your cutting needs. Plus, by activating one motor at a time, you can ensure that this saw will last longer than its competitors.
That said, you will need to rely on both engines when doing large jobs to get a significant boost in power. However, it’s still not as powerful as the Greenworks saw.
Another incredible feature of the Makita LXT is the fast-charging battery. The two lithium-ion batteries can charge almost twice as fast as many of the more formidable saws, including the Ryobi.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Fastest charging battery
- Chain tightening doesn’t need any tools
- Two motors mean your chainsaw can last longer
Cons
- Battery drains quickly when in constant use
- Can only do smaller jobs around the house
Battery Operated Chainsaw Features
When looking at chainsaws, it’s not always about cutting speed. There are a few other features you need to keep an eye out for, such as:
Battery Life
When you’re looking at battery operated chainsaws, one of the most important features is the battery!
Each chainsaw will have a battery capacity and a power output. Depending on how much power a chainsaw uses, the battery life will be different.
Obviously, you want a larger battery capacity. However, that’s not always a good idea.
As the capacity of the battery increases, so will its size. This can make your chainsaw heavier and harder to control.
Charging Time
Not only is battery life something to pay attention to, but so is charging time. The longer it takes a battery to charge, the more you’ll have to delay your project.
This might not sound like a big deal, but I have found it to be incredibly frustrating to have to stop mid-project to wait for a recharge. Fast charging battery aren’t as bad – you can grab a snack or a drink. But longer charges really slow down a project.
30 minutes is a great recharge time, and most of the chainsaws on my list take 45-60 minutes. 90+ minutes to recharge can be a real hassle.
Bar and Chain Length
Every chainsaw consists of a motor and an arm, which I call ‘the bar.’
The chain wraps around this bar. In addition, it also wraps around the cutting edge, which then creates a reaction force known as the cutting of the saw.
Bar length will determine the size of objects you can cut through. You can use short bars to cut through the same materials, but it’ll take longer.
Read my review on the best chainsaw bar for your project.
Motor
When looking at chainsaws, you have to look at motor types. Most chainsaws will either use a standard or brushless motor. The type of motor you choose will depend on your cutting needs.
Standard motors are much better at delivering high power. They can generate a lot of speed and can cut through thick trees quickly. Still, they make a lot of noise and can get extremely hot to the touch.
Brushless motors are more suited for light work. Even though they pack quite a punch, they require frequent rest periods.
FAQs
Picking out a chainsaw and maintaining it can be tricky. There are so many options, and it can be challenging to choose. Here are a few FAQs to help make things a bit easier.
How Do I Maintain a Battery Chainsaw?
To make sure you take care of your battery chainsaw properly, follow a few steps:
1. After you use the chainsaw, clean the saw blades.
2. Use a sharp blade to reduce kickback.
3. Next, check the chain lubrication with every use.
4. Finally, make sure all bolts and screws are tight before using the chainsaw.
What Size Chainsaw Should I Choose?
If you want the fastest cut possible, it’s a good idea to get a chainsaw that’s two inches longer than the size of the surface you plan to cut.
Still, cutting speed isn’t the only factor you should consider. If you only plan to use the chainsaw for light gardening, then a 12-inch bar should be sufficient. For larger jobs and construction, consider choosing a 16-inch bar or higher.
Another important feature of any chainsaw is the motor. No matter how long the bar is, a weak motor means a longer cutting time.
Conclusion
When picking out the best battery chainsaw, you have to consider a few factors.
You can choose a chainsaw that perfectly suits your needs. Consider factors like battery life, motor, and bar length before you make a decision. No matter your budget, there’s a battery chainsaw that’s right for you.
Our top pick is Ryobi’s RY40511 40V Chainsaw. It has the fastest cutting speed on my list, making it better at handling large jobs. It also has the best weight-to-motor ratio.
As for my runner-up, I chose the DeWalt 60-Volt Max FLEXVOLT Chainsaw. It has the most powerful motor on my list, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. It may be a bit on the pricey side, but if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it!
