Top Cordless Chainsaws Compared for Power, Performance, and Convenience
Battery operated chainsaws have officially grown up. What used to be underpowered tools for light trimming are now serious machines that can cut firewood, drop small trees, and handle storm cleanup—without gas fumes, pull cords, or ear-splitting noise.
If you want the best battery operated chainsaw in 2026, this guide breaks down the top cordless chainsaws, their key features, and which one makes the most sense for your needs.
Why Choose a Battery Operated Chainsaw?
Cordless chainsaws are dominating for a reason:
- No gas mixing or carburetor drama
- Push-button start
- Lower noise and zero emissions
- Less maintenance
- Plenty of power for most homeowners
Modern lithium-ion batteries now deliver comparable torque to gas chainsaws, especially in the 40V–80V range.
Quick Take: Which Should You Get? gas or battery power?
Get a battery chainsaw if:
- Your cutting tasks are medium or light (tree trimming, firewood).
- You want easy starting and low maintenance.
- You care about noise and emissions.
Get a gas chainsaw if:
- You need maximum power and long runtime.
- You’re cutting large trees or doing professional work.
- You don’t mind maintenance for peak performance.
Best Battery Operated Chainsaws of 2026
1. EGO Power+ CS2005 20” 56V Chainsaw
Best Overall Battery Chainsaw
Why it’s one of the best: This is the cordless chainsaw that made gas tools nervous. With a 20-inch bar and brutal torque, it’s powerful enough for large trees while still being easy to handle.
Key Features:
- 56V ARC Lithium battery
- 20” bar and chain
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Weather-resistant construction
- Gas-like cutting speed
Best for: Heavy-duty homeowners, storm cleanup, firewood cutting
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2. Greenworks Pro 80V 18” Chainsaw
Best for Power-to-Price Ratio
Why it’s one of the best: Greenworks’ 80V line is famous for punching above its price. This chainsaw delivers serious cutting power without the premium markup.
Key Features:
- 80V lithium-ion battery
- 18” bar
- Brushless motor
- Automatic chain oiler
- Fast chain speed
Best for: Homeowners who want pro-level power without paying pro-level prices
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3. DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Chainsaw
Best for Jobsite Durability
Why it’s one of the best: Built like a tank. DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT system delivers consistent torque and works with other DeWalt tools, making it ideal for contractors and serious DIYers.
Key Features:
- 60V FLEXVOLT battery
- 16” bar
- Metal bucking spikes
- Low kickback chain
- Excellent balance
Best for: Contractors, rural property owners, tool ecosystem loyalists
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4. Makita XCU04PT 36V (Dual 18V) Chainsaw
Best Ergonomics and Control
Why it’s one of the best: Makita’s dual-battery system gives smooth power delivery and exceptional control, making this chainsaw easier to use for long sessions.
Key Features:
- Dual 18V batteries (36V total)
- 16” bar
- Tool-less chain adjustment
- Quiet operation
- Excellent safety features
Best for: Precision cutting, comfort-focused users
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5. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20” Chainsaw
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Why it’s one of the best: Ryobi proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for reliable cordless power. This is perfect for light-to-medium yard work.
Key Features:
- 40V HP brushless motor
- 20” bar
- Automatic oiler
- Lightweight design
- Compatible with Ryobi 40V ecosystem
Best for: Casual homeowners, occasional cutting tasks
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6. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16” Chainsaw
Best Professional-Grade Battery Chainsaw
Why it’s one of the best: Milwaukee built this chainsaw to feel like a jobsite tool, not a homeowner toy. It delivers strong, consistent torque that holds up under load, making it one of the closest battery options to a small gas saw. It’s compact, tough, and clearly designed for people who actually work their tools.
Key Features:
- POWERSTATE brushless motor
- M18 REDLITHIUM battery system
- 16” bar and chain
- Metal bucking spikes
- Automatic chain oiler
- Variable speed trigger for control
Best for: Contractors, serious DIYers, hardwood cutting, frequent use
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7. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
Best Balance of Power and Control
Why it’s one of the best:Husqvarna knows chainsaws, and the Power Axe 350i shows it. This saw delivers fast, clean cuts while staying lighter and easier to handle than many high-power cordless models. It’s powerful enough for demanding yard work without being exhausting to use.
Key Features:
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- 18” bar and chain
- Boost mode for tougher cuts
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Inertia-activated chain brake
- Ergonomic, well-balanced design
Best for: Property owners, frequent tree maintenance, firewood cutting, all-around yard work
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8. Stihl MSA 220 C-B
Best Premium Battery Chainsaw
Why it’s one of the best: This is Stihl doing what Stihl does best: smooth, controlled, professional-grade cutting. The MSA 220 C-B delivers consistent power from start to finish, even as the battery drains, and feels more refined than most cordless chainsaws.
Key Features:
- High-output brushless motor
- Constant Power electronics
- 16” bar and chain
- Quick Chain Adjuster
- Lightweight, well-balanced design
- Low noise with strong cutting speed
Best for: Users who want premium quality, precise cutting, and long-term reliability
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Battery Operated Chainsaws Comparison Table – 2026
| Model | Voltage / Battery | Bar Length | Key Strength | Best For |
| EGO Power+ CS2005 | 56V ARC Lithium | 20” | High torque, large cutting capacity | Heavy-duty cutting, firewood, large trees |
| Greenworks Pro 80V 18″ | 80V Li-ion | 18” | High voltage, strong performance | Medium to large yards, firewood |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX | 60V FLEXVOLT | 16” | Reliable, rugged construction | General trimming, yard tasks |
| Makita XCU04PT | 36V (Dual 18V) | 16”³ | Smooth, balanced cutting | Precision work, comfortable long use |
| Ryobi 40V HP 18″ | 40V HP brushless | 20” | Affordable, reliable | Occasional trimming, small firewood |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16″ | M18 REDLITHIUM | 16” | Jobsite durability and power | Frequent use, hardwood, landscaping |
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i | 40V Li-ion | 18”³ | Lightweight, boost mode for tough cuts | Firewood, yard maintenance |
| Stihl MSA 220 C-B | Stihl AP System | 16” | Smooth, professional-grade cutting | Premium performance, precise cutting |
Final Thoughts
Battery operated chainsaws in 2026 offer power, convenience, and low-maintenance operation that makes most gas saws unnecessary for homeowners. I know I’ve had mine for 3 years now and it’s still going strong. Only thing is it’s always good to have a backup battery! Also the batteries do diminish in power and tend to not last as long as when you first bought them over time and will more than likely need to be replaced.
- Big power & heavy-duty cutting: EGO CS2005, Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16″
- Balanced performance for most tasks: Greenworks 80V, DeWalt FLEXVOLT, Makita XCU04PT
- Premium or lightweight options: Stihl MSA 220 C-B, Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
- Budget-friendly casual use: Ryobi 40V HP
For most homeowners, a 16″–18″ battery chainsaw delivers enough cutting power for firewood, trimming, and storm cleanup, while modern high-voltage systems let you handle bigger jobs with ease — all without the noise, fumes, or maintenance of gas.
Disclosure: article may earn a commission. Thank you for reading!
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