Verdict
The Best 4Aggregated review·13 sources·updated September 29, 2026

Best Battery Chainsaws

Top 4 Battery Chainsaws reviewed and ranked.

This guide aggregates 13 published reviews across 4 products; the thinnest-sourced pick rests on 2. No publisher printed a score for the top pick — its rating is derived from what reviewers wrote. How we rank.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Quick answer

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw is our top pick for battery chainsaws — an averaged 4.9/5 across 2 published reviews. Runner-up: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw.

At a glance4 products ▾
2 sourcesall derived
Best for: professionals needing high torque for dense hardwoods and existing M18 tool users
Check Price on Amazon
4 sources2 derived
Best for: users already invested in the M18 battery ecosystem who want a 16-inch saw with gas-like power
Check Price on Amazon
4 sourcesall derived
$314.98Best for: buyers who need an all-in-one kit with battery and charger for storm cleanup
$314.98 · Check Price on Amazon
3 sourcesall derived
Best for: homeowners who need a lightweight saw for ladder work and light pruning
Check Price on Amazon

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

The full ranking

How we rank →
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw
#1 · Top Score
Best for: professionals needing high torque for dense hardwoods and existing M18 tool users
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw
2 sourcesall derived
▾Why it's ranked here

Pro Tool Reviews found that this chainsaw delivers 5.8 horsepower in Peak Mode, matching a 70cc gas engine while offering instant start-up and dual-mode power settings for hardwoods or yard work. The saw carries an onboard scrench for chain tensioning without extra tools, and the M18 ecosystem supports over 175 compatible devices. This model fits professionals prioritizing raw power and battery interchangeability, but those needing lightweight agility or lower costs should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Delivers gas-equivalent power up to 5.8 HP in Peak Mode, matching a 70cc engine
  • — Features dual metal bucking spikes for stable cutting on logs and limbs
Watch-outs
  • — Significantly heavier than many competitors, weighing about 15 lbs bare and nearly 20 lbs fully kitted
  • — Higher price point compared to standard homeowner-grade cordless chainsaws
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
#2
Best for: users already invested in the M18 battery ecosystem who want a 16-inch saw with gas-like power
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
4 sources2 derived
▾Why it's ranked here

TechGearLab called the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw (2727) a strong-performing battery saw that winds up instantly, and Milwaukee rates its brushless motor as matching a gas engine up to 40cc, a comparison Woodbrew and Handmade Haven echoed. It runs on a single M18 battery shared with Milwaukee's wider tool line. TechGearLab measured it at 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test, though it found the weight often helps cutting. This model fits users already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, while buyers who don't want to keep lifting extra pounds should consider a lighter saw.

Strengths
  • — Milwaukee rates its POWERSTATE brushless motor as delivering the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc
  • — Onboard scrench tensioning that TechGearLab found gives more precise chain tension than tool-free systems
Watch-outs
  • — Weighs 10.7 lbs bare per Milwaukee, and TechGearLab measured 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test
  • — Owners report noticeable battery drain on cuts bigger than about 6 inches, and some report packs overheating
Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT
#3
Best for: buyers who need an all-in-one kit with battery and charger for storm cleanup
Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT
4 sourcesall derived$314.98as of Sep 29
▾Why it's ranked here

The EGO Power+ CS1613 delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power via a brushless motor and includes a 56V 4.0Ah battery, though chainsawranker found that runtime drops significantly below thirty minutes during sustained hardwood bucking. The tool-free dual-dial tensioning system holds securely, yet new chains stretch rapidly and require frequent re-tensioning until they seat properly. A notable drawback is the oil reservoir's tendency to weep bar oil when stored, necessitating a drip tray or cardboard to protect surfaces. This kit suits homeowners needing reliable power for light storm cleanup without gas maintenance, but bare-tool buyers with smaller batteries should look elsewhere due to down-regulated performance.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power with a brushless motor and chain speeds up to 20 m/s, according to World of Woodcraft.
  • — Includes a 56V 4.0Ah ARC Lithium battery and charger, eliminating the need for separate purchases.
Watch-outs
  • — ChainsawRanker found the oil reservoir tends to weep bar oil when the saw is stored, requiring a drip tray or cardboard.
  • — Power output down-regulates on batteries smaller than the included 4.0Ah pack, reducing performance with lower-capacity units.
Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
#4
Best for: homeowners who need a lightweight saw for ladder work and light pruning
Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
3 sourcesall derived
▾Why it's ranked here

The DeWalt DCCS620 offers a lightweight 9-pound design that simplifies overhead pruning and ladder work, though chainsawstoday noted its electric chain brake can be confusing for users accustomed to mechanical systems. While the brushless motor handles limbs under 10 inches with ease, it drains batteries rapidly when cutting larger logs near the 12-inch limit. A significant drawback is the oil reservoir cap’s loose fit, which causes leaks during storage and transport if not managed carefully. This tool fits homeowners needing a manageable backup for light yard maintenance but may disappoint those requiring heavy-duty logging performance or expecting zero-maintenance reliability.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight design weighing only 9 lbs with battery, making it easy to maneuver on ladders or one-handed.
  • — Equipped with a brushless motor that provides sufficient torque for limbs and trunks under 12 inches in diameter.
Watch-outs
  • — The oil reservoir cap is prone to leaking bar oil during storage or transport due to a loose fit design flaw.
  • — Battery life drains rapidly when cutting larger logs closer to the 12-inch maximum diameter limit.
Reviews aggregated from
ProtoolreviewsSlashgearTechGearLabHandmadehavenChainsawrankerWorldofwoodcraft

Spec comparison

4 products
vs
SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery ChainsawMilwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
Bar Length20 inches16 inches
Chain Pitch0.325-inch3/8-inch low profile
Battery SystemM18 Dual BatteryM18 REDLITHIUM (1 battery; 2727-21HD kit includes HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0)
Dimensions27.5 in L x 10.5 in W x 10 in H—
Weight—10.7 lbs (tool only)
Voltage—18V
Motor Type—Brushless

Frequently asked questions

What's the strongest pick among battery chainsaws?
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw holds the top score for battery chainsaws — 4.9/5 averaged from 1 published reviews. Pro Tool Reviews found that this chainsaw delivers 5.8 horsepower in Peak Mode, matching a 70cc gas engine while offering instant start-up and dual-mode power settings for hardwoods or yard work. The saw carries an onboard scrench for chain tensioning without extra tools, and the M18 ecosystem supports over 175 compatible devices. This model fits professionals prioritizing raw power and battery interchangeability, but those needing lightweight agility or lower costs should look elsewhere.
How current is this ranking?
This guide was last re-checked in September 2026. Prices, links, and source ratings are re-verified on a rolling basis, and the ranking updates when the underlying scores change.