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If you’re tired of yanking a pull cord, mixing fuel, and choking on fumes just to trim a few branches, a cordless tree saw is the fix. The right one starts instantly, cuts fast, and handles storm cleanup and firewood stacking without the engine hassle. This guide digs into the real specs and owner experiences across 11 battery-powered saws, from nimble 6-inch pruners to 18-inch felling machines, so you can match the bar length and battery power to your trees.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
To find the right balance of bar length, chain speed, and battery runtime for your yard, you need a clear look at the best cordless tree saw options in one place.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cordless Tree Saw
Matching the saw to the job is the whole game here. A 6-inch mini saw is perfect for one-handed pruning, but it will stall on a 12-inch trunk, while a heavy 18-inch bar is overkill for light trimming. Focus on three things: your tree sizes, your property size, and whether you already own a battery platform.
Bar Length & Chain Speed
The bar length tells you the biggest log you can cut in one pass. As a rule of thumb, the bar is roughly double the diameter of the wood it can handle comfortably—so a 16-inch bar manages 8-inch limbs best. Chain speed, measured in feet per second, shows how aggressively the teeth bite; faster speeds (like 20 m/s) make cleaner work of hardwood.
Voltage & Battery Capacity
Higher voltage (40V to 60V) means a stronger motor that cuts without bogging down. Battery capacity, measured in Ah, decides how long you work. A 2.0Ah battery handles quick trimming, while a 4.0Ah pack (like the EGO’s) is what you want for a full afternoon of felling and bucking.
Safety Features & Maintenance
Look for a chain brake that stops the chain instantly, a lock-out switch to prevent accidental starts, and an automatic oiler to keep the bar lubricated. A tool-free tensioning dial is a huge convenience, saving you from digging out a wrench every few cuts. Low noise and light weight also matter if you’re working above your head.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Chain Speed | Battery Included | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ CS1613★ Best Overall | Heavy property work with gas-like power | 16 inches | 20 m/s | 56V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| Greenworks 24V MiniBest Value | One-handed pruning & campfire prep | 6 inches | — | 24V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| DongCheng 40V 16-InchBudget Champion | Budget-friendly storm cleanup | 16 inches | 14 m/s Max | 2x 20V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| TROOZY 2-in-1 Pole | High branch trimming without a ladder | 6 inches | 26.5 ft/s | 21V 3.0Ah | Amazon |
| SKIL PWR CORE 20 12″ | Lightweight yard work for beginners | 12 inches | — | 20V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| Greenworks 60V Pole | 21cc gas-equivalent reach | 10 inches | 43 ft/s | 60V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX 12″ | Reliable brand-loyal buyers | 12 inches | — | 20V 5.0Ah | Amazon |
| Makita XCU11Z 14″ | Quiet medium-duty cutting | 14 inches | 1,520 FPM | Tool only | Amazon |
| EGO Power+ CS1611 | Lighter 16″ option for older users | 16 inches | 20 m/s | 56V 2.5Ah | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX 8″ | Compact pruning in tight spaces | 8 inches | — | 20V 3.0Ah | Amazon |
| Husqvarna 350i | Premium 18″ felling with boost mode | 18 inches | — | 40V 7.5Ah | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EGO POWER+ Chain Saw CS1613
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Gas-saw power with zero pull cords and a battery that outlasts most jobs
The EGO CS1613 is the one that makes gas owners switch. Its brushless motor delivers the punch of a 40cc gas chainsaw, ripping through hardwood at 20 m/s chain speed. That smooths out cuts on 12-inch limbs so the saw does the work, not your shoulders.
The included 56V 4.0Ah battery is the real star—good for up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, which buyers report translates to felling two large trees and still having two bars of power left. Tool-free tensioning means you twist a dial instead of grabbing a wrench, while the IPX4 weather-resistant housing shrugs off damp morning work. Owners note the battery is a bit heavy on the left side, so the balance leans until you switch to a lighter 2.5Ah pack.
What wins owners over
- 40cc gas-equivalent power cuts 12-inch limbs easily
- Up to 130 cuts per charge with the 4.0Ah battery
- Tool-free dial tensioning for quick adjustments
The honest trade-offs
- 4.0Ah battery causes a left-side imbalance
- Vines can derail the chain on dirty wood
Your best pick if: you have thick limbs and want one saw that handles storm cleanup and firewood without gas fumes.
Think twice if: you only trim small branches; the 16-inch bar is more saw than a light pruner needs.
2. Greenworks 24V 6in Mini Chainsaw
A 3.4-pound pruner that slices 6-inch logs and slips into any toolbox
At just 3.4 pounds with the battery, this mini saw is the one you’ll grab for quick fence-post fixes and dead branch trimming. The 6-inch bar handles logs up to 6 inches thick, and the 2.0Ah battery has enough juice that owners mention felling a small tree with many branches on a single charge.
It’s a complete kit—saw, battery, charger, and a carry bag—so there’s nothing else to buy. The security lock prevents accidental starts, and the anti-slip handle keeps control in wet conditions. Performance is the most-praised feature by far, with owners noting a 1-hour job can be knocked out in 5 minutes. It won’t touch a 10-inch trunk, but for pruning and campfire prep it’s a brilliant little workhorse.
The low-down: Owner feedback is almost universally positive—”cuts fence posts like butter” is a common refrain, and the compact size makes it ideal for one-handed use on a ladder.
3. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw
A 16-inch gas-sized bar for storm cleanup that won’t empty your wallet
The DongCheng runs on two 20V 4.0Ah batteries that combine for 40V total, delivering a 550-watt brushless motor. A 14 m/s chain speed cuts cleanly, and the package claims up to 120 cuts per 4×4 on a full charge—though customers note battery life drops off fast when you push past 8-inch trunks.
The chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds on kickback, a genuine safety feature at this price. External tensioning lets you adjust with a knob, and the auto-oiler keeps the bar lubricated. The 10″L x 11″W x 19″H footprint makes it a compact 16-inch option, and build quality is praised by 127 buyers as the standout feature.
Reviewers point out the batteries take under 20 minutes to fully charge, so you’re never waiting long between sessions. It’s a solid, reliable choice for smaller jobs, but serious firewood production will want the EGO’s bigger pack.
Reliability highlights
- Two 4.0Ah batteries charge in under 20 minutes
- Safety chain brake stops in 0.1 seconds
- Tool-free external tensioning knob
Know the limits
- Battery life drops beyond 8-inch trunks
- One unit arrived with a faulty oiler
4. TROOZY 2-in-1 Pole & 6″ Chainsaw
Reach 15-foot branches without a ladder, then detach the head for handheld cuts
The TROOZY is two tools in one: a pole saw that extends from 4.2ft to 9ft for high branches, plus a 6-inch handheld chainsaw for low work. The head swivels 0–180° to match any branch angle, so you cut horizontal, vertical, or sloped limbs without repositioning. With your arm extended, it hits 15 feet—no wobbly ladder needed.
The 21V 3.0Ah battery delivers up to 100 minutes of runtime, and the 600-watt brushless motor slices 3-4 inch hardwoods without stalling. Chain speed sits at 26.5 ft/s, among the peppy 6-inch saws here. The 3-pound weight keeps fatigue down during extended overhead work.
Buyers praise how it handles palm fronds and hedges, though one noted it’s not for thick oak. The single battery means you’ll want a spare for all-day jobs, and the kit ships without bar oil (just an empty bottle).
The verdict: For homeowners with mature trees, this 2-in-1 replaces two separate gadgets and keeps your feet on the ground—just budget for chain oil.
5. SKIL PWR CORE 20 12″ Chainsaw
A lightweight 12-inch workhorse that keeps cutting for three days of yard work
The SKIL 12-inch is the definition of approachable power. The brushless motor pushes a high chain speed that cuts 4-6 inch branches “near gas-saw speed,” and the 20V 4.0Ah battery lasts a surprisingly long time—one reviewer noted three days of intermittent work on a single charge. The anti-kickback brake cuts power the moment kickback happens.
Its PWR CORE 20 battery tech wraps each cell in cooling material, which the brand says delivers 25% longer run time and 2X battery life. The easy storage bracket mounts the whole kit on a wall, and auto-lubrication keeps the bar slick without manual fuss. Size is the most-praised feature by far, with 102 buyers calling out the compact footprint.
Buyers who upgraded to a 14-inch Oregon bar found the saw handles even bigger work, though the included 12-inch bar is fine for most yard limbs. It’s not built for felling large trees, but it’s one of the best lightweight options for daily property care.
Why it’s a keeper
- Long 4.0Ah battery life spans multiple work sessions
- Anti-kickback brake for confident cutting
- Tool-free chain tensioning dial
Who should pass
- Not for 6-inch-plus hardwood trunks
- Chain reattachment is tricky for novices
6. Greenworks 60V 10″ Pole Saw
21cc gas-equivalent power on a 14.5-foot reach for serious high-branch work
The Greenworks 60V pole saw brings heavy-duty credentials. Its brushless motor delivers constant 21cc gas-equivalent power at up to 43 ft/s chain speed, spinning the 10-inch bar at 6,823 rpm. The three-piece aluminum shaft extends to 9 feet for a total 14.5-foot reach, letting you tackle Queen Palms and tall limbs without a ladder.
The 2.0Ah battery provides up to 120 cuts per charge and fully recharges in 40 minutes with the included rapid charger. A variable-speed trigger gives you control for precise cuts, while the transparent oil window shows your bar oil level at a glance. The 15-degree pitch helps with angled branches.
Shoppers say the head is heavy when fully extended—it’s a top-heavy tool that gets tiring for long sessions. But the cutting speed and battery life win people over, with one owner reporting it saved them versus hiring a tree service. It’s compatible with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools, so the battery slots into a whole ecosystem.
The honest take: Expect impressive reach and power, but plan for short, efficient sessions due to the weight up top.
7. DEWALT 20V MAX 12″ Chainsaw
DEWALT reliability in a low-kickback 12-inch bar that feels balanced in hand
The DEWALT 20V MAX brings the brand’s construction-grade reputation to yard work. The high-efficiency brushless motor delivers up to 100 cuts per charge, and the 12-inch low-kickback bar pairs with a lightweight design that buyers report “is not too heavy to handle.” The included DCB205 5.0Ah battery and charger mean the kit is ready from the start.
It eliminates cold starts, fumes, and carburetor trouble entirely—just squeeze and cut. The 0.7 hp motor won’t match a 40V saw’s torque, but for trimming branches and small-diameter trees it’s plenty. Owners praise the size and functionality above all, with many heading straight to the woods for trail work.
The recurring note is oil leakage—some units weep bar oil when stored. It’s a minor annoyance, not a defect, and keeping it upright between uses helps. If you’re already invested in DEWALT’s 20V battery system, this slots right in.
What stands out
- 5.0Ah battery delivers up to 100 cuts per charge
- Low-kickback bar for safer cutting
- Lightweight design boost control
Keep in mind
- Some units seep bar oil during storage
- 20V motor is weaker than 40V+ options
8. Makita XCU11Z 14″ Chain Saw
A quiet 14-inch cutter that out-cuts an old gas saw with half the noise
The Makita XCU11Z is built for owners who already live in the 18V LXT ecosystem. The Makita-built brushless motor delivers high torque at 1,520 FPM, and owners mention it cuts better than a 13-inch gas saw they owned before—lighter, quieter, and far easier to start. The compact rear-handle design keeps maneuverability high.
This is a tool-only purchase, so you supply your own 18V battery and charger. The included 14-inch bar and 3/8″ LP chain handle 6×6 lumber, pruning, and firewood. Quality is the most-praised aspect, with buyers calling it a “great bargain for the money” for trees under 12 inches in diameter.
The trade-off is chain tightening—owners say the tool-less design feels weak and needs frequent adjustment. It’s also less powerful than a Stihl MS260 for big trees. But for light-to-medium tasks, the quiet operation and low vibration make it a joy to use.
The takeaway: If you’re already a Makita user, this is a no-brainer add-on; if not, factor in battery costs before buying.
9. EGO POWER+ Chain Saw CS1611
All the 16-inch EGO power with a lighter 2.5Ah pack for better balance
The CS1611 is the sibling to our top pick, swapping the hefty 4.0Ah battery for a lighter 2.5Ah pack. Same 40cc gas-equivalent motor, same 20 m/s chain speed, same 16-inch bar—but at just 9 pounds, it’s noticeably easier to handle. Performance is the most-praised feature by 119 buyers, with one owner noting it cut through an 8-inch limb without stalling.
The 2.5Ah battery still claims up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, which owners say translates to felling a whole 25-foot tree on one charge. The tool-free tensioning and IPX4 weather resistance carry over, along with the automatic oiler and spill-free reservoir. It’s a great middle-ground for buyers who want EGO’s power without the weight.
Buyers repeatedly mention this saw “matches a Stihl 16-inch gas saw” in cutting speed while being quieter and lower-vibration. Bar oil isn’t included—you’ll buy that separately. Battery life gets mixed marks in the data; a spare battery is a smart add for long sessions.
The strong points
- Lighter 9-pound design reduces fatigue
- Gas-matching 20 m/s chain speed
- IPX4 weather-resistant construction
Before you buy
- 2.5Ah battery runs shorter than the 4.0Ah pack
- Bar oil sold separately
10. DEWALT 20V MAX 8″ Pruning Saw
A 4.6-pound 8-inch pruner that lives on your ATV for trail-day limb work
The DEWALT 8-inch pruning saw is the definition of grab-and-go. At just 4.6 pounds, it’s light enough to toss in an ATV or truck bed, and buyers do exactly that—”very handy to keep in your atv whenever you’re on your property.” The 8-inch bar reaches into tight spaces a big saw can’t, and the brushless motor delivers up to 70 cuts on a 4×4 per charge.
The auto-oiler keeps the chain lubricated, while the tip guard provides stability during upcuts. Users report cutting 3-5 inch branches cleanly, and some have pushed it to 6-7 inch limbs. Battery life ties with cutting performance as the most-praised feature, with owners reporting over 100 cuts per charge in some cases.
It weeps a little oil if stored sideways, so stand it upright. The safety switch can be stiff for smaller hands, but builds a callus quickly. This is a dedicated pruning tool, not a feller—stick to branches under 7 inches.
The decision: For homeowners and property owners who prune constantly, this is the lightest, most portable DEWALT option—just don’t expect it to fell trees.
11. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
An 18-inch bar with a Boost Mode button for extra torque when you need it
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the felling machine of the group. The 18-inch bar is the longest in this lineup, and the 40V brushless motor pairs with the included 7.5Ah battery for serious extended cutting. The X-Cut chain holds its edge longer, and the tool-less tensioning makes slack adjustments quick.
The headline feature is Boost Mode: with one button press, you get 25 percent more power right when you need it—perfect for that last stubborn slice of a 30-inch trunk. Customers note it “cuts like a 50cc gas saw” while being quieter and lighter, with no altitude loss for mountain property work. The 7.5Ah battery is the biggest here, providing the longest runtime.
Husqvarna’s 40V batteries are compatible across all their handheld tools, so the investment extends your ecosystem. Buyers praise the performance (136 mentions), but battery life is genuinely mixed—some reviewers point out dead batteries early on, and replacement packs are pricey. The tool-less tensioning mechanism can also be fiddly when you remove the bar.
Where it excels
- 18-inch bar handles the biggest trunks here
- Boost Mode adds 25% more power on demand
- 7.5Ah battery gives longest runtimes
The premium costs
- Replacement batteries are expensive
- Bar tensioning can be fiddly
- Battery life reports are mixed
Reach for this if: you have large trees to fell and want a gas-replacement that feels premium and quiet.
Look elsewhere if: your work is mostly small pruning; the 18-inch bar here is overkill and heavier than needed.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length vs. Cutting Capacity
Bar length is the easiest way to match a saw to your trees. The rule of thumb is a saw handles logs up to about half its bar length comfortably. A 6-inch bar prunes twigs, a 10-inch bar handles limbs, and a 16-inch bar fells full trunks. The EGO’s 16 inches and the Husqvarna’s 18 inches are the heavy hitters, while the Greenworks 6-inch mini is for light touch-ups.
Voltage & the Brushless Motor
Voltage drives torque. 20V saws (like SKIL and DEWALT) are fine for small limbs, but 40V and 60V systems (DongCheng, Husqvarna, Greenworks pole saw) deliver the gas-like twist that powers through dense hardwood. A brushless motor—which all eleven here use—is more efficient, runs cooler, and lasts longer than a brushed one. It’s why you get 100+ cuts from a single charge.
Chain Speed & Clean Cuts
Chain speed, in feet per second or meters per second, tells you how fast the teeth bite. Faster speeds mean cleaner, quicker cuts with less pushback. The EGO’s 20 m/s and Greenworks pole saw’s 43 ft/s are top-tier, making short work of hardwoods. Slower speeds (like the DongCheng’s 14 m/s) still cut well but may require a bit more patience on thick trunks.
Safety Brakes & Auto Oilers
Every serious saw should have a chain brake that stops the chain instantly on kickback—the DongCheng claims 0.1 seconds. An automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use, reducing friction and heat. Tool-free tensioning, a feature on most modern saws, lets you tighten a loose chain with a dial instead of a wrench, ensuring safe, efficient cuts every time.
FAQ
Will a 6-inch mini chainsaw cut my tree down?
How do I know if a battery chainsaw will fit my existing tools?
What’s the difference between a 20V and a 40V chainsaw?
How long does the battery last on a cordless tree saw?
Is a cordless chainsaw as powerful as a gas one?
Do I need to buy bar oil separately?
What safety features should a cordless tree saw have?
Can I use a pole saw to reach high branches without a ladder?
Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening?
What is Boost Mode on the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the cordless tree saw winner is the EGO POWER+ CS1613 because it delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power with a 4.0Ah battery that keeps cutting all afternoon. If you want lightweight pruning and one-handed operation, grab the Greenworks 24V Mini. And for reaching high branches without a ladder, the TROOZY 2-in-1 Pole Saw is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, FitlyFast earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.