Best Cordless Chainsaws

Top Cordless Chainsaw Reviews

Battery-powered chainsaws are adequate for light-duty cutting jobs

A cordless battery-powered chainsaw is less powerful than a corded model, but might be worth considering if you want a relatively quiet (around 85 decibels), small chainsaw used primarily for pruning or cutting small branches. The 4.5- to 10-inch guide bars on cordless chainsaws make them easier to maneuver among crowded branches, and though the battery adds some bulk, there's no cord to drag around the worksite. You'll still want to wear ear protection when operating one of these, but neighbors will likely find the sound unobtrusive.

The 18-volt Black & Decker CCS818's (*Est. $90) 8-inch bar doesn't have an anti-kickback safety tip, and the saw is a bit bulky, but it weighs only about 6 pounds. Black & Decker doesn't specify the amp-hours on its battery, but says the chainsaw can cut up to 150 2-by-4s per charge. One battery is included with the saw, but you'll have to buy the battery charger separately for about $25. One owner praises the Black & Decker CCS818 cordless chainsaw at Amazon.com, saying it can fell and cut up two average trees measuring 5 to 7 inches in diameter at the base.

With a longer chain (10 inches) and an included 18-volt Lithium-ion battery and battery charger, the Ryobi P542 (*Est. $120) compares favorably with the Black & Decker CCS818. (Li-ion batteries weigh less, hold a charge longer and take less time to recharge than nickel-cadmium or NiMH batteries, and they contain no harmful chemicals.) The P542 chainsaw is part of Ryobi's One+ lineup of power tools; the battery and battery charger can be used interchangeably with any of the tools in the series. One owner posting a review at HomeDepot.com says he used his Ryobi chainsaw for three hours and for the most part had to recharge hourly. The P542 weighs about 6 pounds and comes with a two-year warranty. Owners at HomeDepot.com give it very good ratings.