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Head-to-head · Best Battery Chainsaws

Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.9 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about professionals needing high torque for dense hardwoods and existing M18 tool users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Ranked #4 in Best Battery Chainsaws
Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
3 sourcesall derived

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.
  • — Features tool-free chain tensioning and an integrated safety brake system for quick setup and operation.
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.
  • — The electric chain brake and safety switch mechanism can be confusing for users accustomed to mechanical brakes.
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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Battery Chainsaws
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw
2 sourcesall derived

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
  • — Utilizes the extensive M18 battery ecosystem with over 175 compatible tools
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
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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.

How they stack up

Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

At 9 lbs, this saw is significantly lighter than the Milwaukee M18 18V Chainsaw (15.1 lbs) and the Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT (8.9 lb), making it superior for overhead pruning where weight matters more than raw power. However, its 20V MAX system provides less torque than the 56V systems of the Ego models or the M18 ecosystem, and it lacks the dual-buckling spikes found on the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw

This saw delivers up to 5.8 HP, significantly more power than the Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw’s brushless motor which struggles with logs near its 12-inch limit. It includes an onboard scrench for easy tensioning, unlike the Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT which requires manual adjustment and suffers from rapid chain stretching. However, it is heavier than the Dewalt model.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDewalt 12-Inch Cordless ChainsawMilwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw
Bar Length12 in20 inches
Voltage20V MAX—
Motor TypeBrushless—
Weight9 lbs—
Dimensions26.13"L x 9.13"W x 10.04"H27.5 in L x 10.5 in W x 10 in H
Battery System20V MAX*M18 Dual Battery
Chain Pitch—0.325-inch
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