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Head-to-head · Best Battery Chainsaws

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" 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 4.5). The gap is mostly about professionals needing high torque for dense hardwoods and existing M18 tool users — read the strengths below before deciding.

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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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
Ranked #2 in Best Battery Chainsaws
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
4 sources2 derived

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
  • — Offers instant start-up with zero wind-up time, eliminating pull-cords or choke adjustments
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
  • — Some owners report starting failures, the chain coming off, and higher-than-expected bar oil use
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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

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.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw

Like the Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, this model runs on a single battery, unlike the two-pack Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw. It is heavier at 10.7 lbs bare compared to the Dewalt’s 9 lbs, making it less suitable for one-handed use.

Specs side-by-side

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
Chain Gauge—0.043-inch
Drive Links—56
Chain Speed—12.7 m/s
Length—33 inches
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