- StoreProjects
- Free Plans and Projects
- Furniture Projects
- Jigs And Fixtures Projects
- Shop Projects
- SketchUp Models
- Shop Storage
- Workbenches
- Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
TechniquesToolsVideos- Premium Streaming Video Site
- Experts Guide to Gluing & Clamping Wood
- Mastering Built-In Furniture
- Simple Live-Edge Slab Table
- CNC – Designed for Woodworkers
- Milling Your Own Lumber
- Advanced Bandsaw Techniques
- I Can Do That! – Simple Woodworking Projects
- Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill
- Tricks of the Trade
BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Slice Wood Cleanly With the Best Cordless Chainsaws
Last updated: 17 Jul 2024Do you want to cut wooden logs or trim tree branches with utmost precision and less physical effort? You can use the electrical or pneumatic chainsaws or handheld manual saws to cut wood and branches, but they don’t offer you much flexibility and comfort. You must also have an electrical outlet or compressed gas source nearby to operate the tools. To help bypass this issue, we have handpicked some quality cordless chainsaws in 2024 currently available that run on batteries and feature a robust blade and chain system. Our top pick, the Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw, offers the flexibility to use them with either one hand or two.
- Best Overall: Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw Shop Now ➔
- Best Value: Bei & Hong Cordless Chainsaw Shop Now ➔
- Best Handling: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Chainsaw Shop Now ➔
- Most Comfortable: Worx Cordless Chainsaw Shop Now ➔
- Larger Size: Dewalt Cordless Chainsaw Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Best Cordless Chainsaws of 2024
Best Overall
Equipped with the G-Max 40V lithium-ion battery, this cordless chainsaw from Greenworks delivers consistent power over time with no lost memory post charging. It features a 12-inch steel bar and a robust linked chain to offer excellent performance and precise cuts on different workpieces. You can easily alter the tension in the chain with a fine tube knob located at its base. The ⅜-inch chain pitch makes cutting through twigs and branches easier.
This cordless chainsaw has a translucent oil tank from which oil is automatically transferred to the chain and blade for reduced friction and surface wear. It also has a wrap-around handle for easy angle position and a hand guard for optimal protection. We have listed this as the best overall cordless chainsaw due to its robust construction and high-quality performance.
Pros
- Appropriate chain pitch to prevent kickbacks
- Steel blades and chain for durability
- Overmold grip for better balance and control
Cons
- Priced higher than other competing chainsaws
Best Value
From pruning branches to cutting wooden boards, this cordless chainsaw will meet all your expectations and deliver consistent performance. Its powerful motor produces enough power and torque to cut a 6-inch log in four seconds. The chainsaw is reinforced with a rotatable baffle which prevents debris and sawdust from flying everywhere, and the safety lock prevents accidental activation and injuries.
This chainsaw comes with a 3000 mAh Lithium-ion battery with temperature protection and self-overload functions for greater longevity. Once fully charged, you can continuously use the chainsaw to cut wood for 40 minutes. The 6-inch blade with light construction makes this model suitable for domestic use and is the best value cordless chainsaw on our list.
Pros
- Ventilation holes to dissipate heat evenly
- Compact construction for better portability
- High-speed chain operation for quick cuts
Cons
- The automated tension button is not present
Best Handling
Featuring a 10-inch blade and robust chain, the BLACK+DECKER Cordless Chainsaw excellently facilitates cutting jobs and improves productivity. Its light and ergonomic design reduce kickback, while the tool-free tension knob eliminates the need to use extra tools to cut wooden logs. It also produces clean and efficient cuts without damaging the wood. Its highly efficient oiling system keeps the chain and blade lubricated, ensuring low friction and wear and tear. This cordless chainsaw has the best handling on our list, thanks to the wrap-around handlebar and textured grip handle.
Pros
- Produces smooth and fine cuts
- The battery provides consistent power for efficient performance
- Guard screen to keep your hands safe
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
Most Comfortable
If you are looking for a lightweight cordless chainsaw with higher battery life, this model from Worx is the best choice. Its 10-inch blade and chain have a cutting speed of 12.5 feet/second, meaning it goes through larger wooden logs near-instantly. This chainsaw won’t break down from friction or heat damage thanks to the automated lubrication system. Its tool-free tension adjustment knob enables you to set the desired value and cut through various workpieces with precision. It features a battery light indicator to help you continue the operations without running out of charge. The wraparound ergonomic handle makes it the most comfortable cordless chainsaw on our list.
Pros
- No tool is required to adjust the tension
- The back handle absorbs vibrations for convenient use
- Light construction for easier usage
Cons
- No oil level indicator
Larger Size
Equipped with a 12-inch low-kickback blade and chain arrangement, this cordless chainsaw can easily cut through even the toughest wood logs. The auto-adjustment knob on the side allows you to alter the tension in the chain and achieve a clean, smooth cut consistently. It also comes reinforced with a brushless motor that generates high power to increase the overall runtime. You can make about ninety cuts per charge without worrying about dead batteries, thanks to the 5Ah battery capacity. Since it has a thick wrap-around handlebar and chain brake screen, this chainsaw offers a better grip and protection against kickbacks. We recommend this if you’re looking for a larger-size cordless chainsaw.
Pros
- Light construction makes use much easier
- The brushless motor reduces noise
- Best for indoor and outdoor applications
Cons
- The oil tank is missing
Cordless Chainsaws: A Buying Guide
From cutting wooden logs to trimming additional branches, cordless chainsaws have several applications in day-to-day life. They cut through thick wooden logs precisely, ensuring the cut surfaces are smooth and even. While having a cordless chainsaw is great for your toolkit, you first need to find the right product from the long list of available options. This task is much easier said than done, so we have curated a complete buying guide to help you make the most appropriate choice.
Advantages of Using a Cordless Chainsaw
- There is no need to use an electrical outlet or gas source with a cordless chainsaw.
- Cordless chainsaws are light and can be operated with ease.
- A cordless chainsaw is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Storing a cordless chainsaw is hassle-free, thanks to its compact size.
Factors To Look For in a Cordless Chainsaw
Blade size
Cordless chainsaws come with different blade sizes, ranging from 6 to 12 inches, and you need to choose the right size based on your requirements. For example, if you want a chainsaw for trimming branches and cutting small wood pieces, a 6-inch blade will be enough. For cutting thicker and harder wood, tree branches, and logs, it’s better to go with 10- or 12-inch blades. The larger the blade, the greater its ability to cut through different wood pieces.
Chain speed
Chain speed determines how fast the cordless chainsaw will cut through the logs. For example, if your chosen chainsaw has a chain speed of 19.2 feet per second, it will cut faster and more efficiently than a model with a chain speed of 12.5 feet per second. Usually, smaller models feature higher chain speed configurations because they are easy to handle and maneuver. It can be challenging to find the same speed range for larger and bulkier models.
Grip and balance
If your chosen cordless chainsaw doesn’t have a solid grip, you’re liable to get injured or make mistakes. You must ensure the back handle integrated with the chainsaw’s base has a textured cover since it offers a higher grip and helps you exercise maximum control. You can also make the same cuts with noticeably less effort.
Battery
As cordless chainsaws are battery-operated, you must check if the battery provides power consistently or not. Most products come with Lithium-ion batteries since they are rechargeable and last a long time. Your chosen chainsaw should be able to make more than 60 cuts per charge or operate for 3-4 hours continuously. The charging time should also not be too long, so there’s less downtime between uses.
Auto-adjusting tension knob
Cordless chainsaws feature a side knob that you can rotate to alter the chain’s tension according to the desired value. This way, you won’t have to use any external tool to adjust the tension, and can efficiently cut through different log sizes without much struggle.
Oil tank
Since cordless chainsaws are equipped with an oil tank with an automatic lubrication system, you won’t have to worry about friction between the chain and blade. With lubricated surfaces, the chain can glide over the blade smoothly and help you achieve precise cuts no matter how thick the wood is.
Cordless Chainsaw Safety Tips
- Always wrap your hand around the top handlebar with curled fingers pointing upwards.
- Use protective eye goggles to ensure your eyes are safe from sawdust or wood debris.
- Always place workpieces on flat, stable surfaces.
- Dry your hands and ensure you don’t have sticky palms before using the chainsaw.
- Use cordless chainsaws for cutting wood only.
- Stop using the cordless chainsaw once you feel more vibrations than necessary.
Cordless Chainsaws FAQ
Can I use a cordless chainsaw to cut damp logs?
It is better not to use the cordless chainsaw to cut damp logs because the blade cannot cut through wooden fibers easily.
Will I be able to replace the batteries of a cordless chainsaw?
Most cordless chainsaws come with rechargeable batteries, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of frequently replacing the batteries. If the built-in is dead, follow the manual to replace it properly.
Is a cordless chainsaw portable?
Yes, cordless chainsaws are portable since they weigh much less than conventional chainsaws and don't come with additional units such as a power source, wires, and more.
Article Contributors
Read More About Popular Woodworking Reviews Team HereThe Popular Woodworking Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects.
Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
Questions about product testing or a specific articles should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
Related Reviews
5 Best Japanese Pull Saws for Clean, Accurate Cuts A Cut Above the Rest: The Best Spiral Saw Blades of 2024 Get a Perfectly Straight Cut With the Best Circular Saw Guides Prepare Your Craft Projects With the Best Wood Saws Take Your Woodwork to the Next Level With the Best Jab Saws The Best Band Saws for DIY Cutting Projects