10 Best Cordless Chainsaws

The STIHL MSA 120 C-BQ is a lightweight cordless chainsaw weighing just 2.5 kg, making it easy to handle for general garden and light woodcutting tasks. It features a 30 cm cutting bar, which is suitable for pruning and small to medium branches. The chainsaw runs on a battery-powered motor with 550 watts of power, providing a balance between performance and quiet operation compared to petrol models. The package includes the battery and charger, allowing use right out of the box.

Safety features typical for this model include chain brakes and a handguard, which help protect users during operation. Maintenance is straightforward with cordless models like this, as there is no need for fuel mixing or engine servicing, although regular chain sharpening and tensioning remain necessary. The relatively short bar length may limit cutting larger logs or trees, and it may not be intended for heavy-duty or continuous professional use due to battery life constraints.

This cordless chainsaw is designed for homeowners seeking a clean, convenient, and user-friendly tool for light to medium garden work, offering a balance of power and portability.

The Makita DUC405Z cordless chainsaw runs on two 18V batteries combined for 36V power, delivering solid cutting strength with its brushless motor and 40 cm bar length, which is good for medium to large pruning and cutting tasks. It offers variable speed control for better handling and a consistent chain speed, allowing you to adjust power depending on the job. At just over 1kg (likely a typo in specs, as typical chainsaws weigh more), it is designed to feel lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, which helps reduce fatigue during use. Safety is well covered with features like an electric chain brake, lock-off lever to prevent accidental starts, and a main power switch with auto power-off for extra protection.

Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to captive nuts that keep parts secure during chain or bar changes, plus an oil capacity display with automatic lubrication to keep the chain running smoothly without constant manual oiling. However, batteries and charger are not included, so you will need to invest in compatible 18V Makita batteries separately, which may add to the initial cost. The chainsaw is not compatible with Makita's G-Series batteries, limiting battery options. If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, this model will fit well into your existing tool collection.

This chainsaw suits homeowners or hobbyists who need a reliable, cordless option for garden maintenance and mid-sized cutting jobs, rather than heavy professional forestry work. Its combination of power, safety features, and ease of maintenance makes it a practical choice, but be prepared to budget for batteries if you don’t have them already.

The Greenworks GD40CS18K2X cordless chainsaw is a solid choice for those with larger gardens who need a reliable, easy-to-use tool. Its 40V battery system with two 2Ah lithium batteries means you can keep one charged while using the other, which is handy for longer jobs. The 40cm bar length suits cutting branches, logs, and smaller trees comfortably.

At around 5kg, it’s a bit on the heavier side for a cordless model, but still manageable thanks to ergonomic soft-grip handles. The chain moves at 20m/s, allowing quick and clean cuts, making your work faster without sacrificing control. Safety is well considered with kickback protection that stops the chain immediately if the saw recoils, plus a two-button start to prevent accidental power-ups. Maintenance is simplified thanks to an automatic oiler with a clear window for oil level checks, so you don’t have to stop frequently to lubricate the chain manually.

Although it’s slightly heavier than some competitors and produces a moderate noise level (104 dB), its brushless motor offers efficient power and a longer lifespan. The 3-year warranty and 2-year battery warranty reflect confidence in the product’s durability. This chainsaw is ideal for homeowners who want a cordless tool powerful enough for regular garden tasks without the hassle of petrol engines, though those needing something lighter or quieter might want to consider other options.