Best Cordless Chainsaw - Head-2-Head Test

Cordless Chainsaw Comparison Test [14-16" Bar length]

We chose to test saws with a bar and chain between 14″-16″ long. A saw of this size would be practical in the hands of most users for a variety of tasks. Likely in place of a gas-powered chainsaw in the 30-45 cc range. We also limited the voltage from 18V-62V. This gave us a sample size of twelve saws from all of the major brands and manufacturers.

Chainsaw Lineup
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DEWALT Flexvolt MAX 60V

Model: DCCS670X1
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: OEM
Weight: 12.2 Lbs
Battery Size: 9.0 Ah
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 3 Year Limited /1 Year Free Service / 90 Day Money Back
DR Power PULSE 62V

Model: 414170
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Oregon
Weight: 9.9 Lbs.
Battery Size: 2.5 Ah
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir W/ Replaceable filter
Warranty: 2 Year Residential / 90 Day Commercial
Echo 58V

Model: CCS-58V4AH
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Oregon
Weight: 13.7 Lbs.
Battery Size: 4.0 Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 5 Year Consumer / 2 Year Professional
Ego Power+ 56V

Model: CS1604
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: OEM
Weight: 8.69 Lbs.
Battery Size: 5.0 Ah
Tool Free Chain Tensioner
Autimatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 5 Year
Greenworks PRO 60V

Model: 2014502
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: OEM
Weight: 10.0 Lbs.
Battery Size: 2.0Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 4 Year Tool and Battery
Husqvarna 536li XP 36V

Model: 536li XP
Bar Length: 14″
Chain Manufacturer: Husqvarna
Weight: 5.29 Lbs.
Battery Size: 9.4 Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Adjustable Oiler
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 3 Year Residential / 2 Year Commercial

Model: KCS 4040-06
Bar Length: 14″
Chain Manufacturer: OEM
Weight: 10.9 Lbs.
Battery Size: 4.0 Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 5 Year Limited
Makita 18V X2 / 36V LXT

Model: XCU04PT1
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Oregon
Weight: 8.3 Lbs.
Battery Size: 5.0 Ah (X2)
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner
Adjustable Oiler
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 3 Year Limited
Milwaukee M18 FUEL

Model: 2727-21HD
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Oregon
Weight: 13.9 Lbs.
Battery Size: 12.0 Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 5 Year Limited

Oregon 40V

Model: CS300
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Oregon
Weight: 10.2 Lbs.
Battery Size: 6.0 Ah
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 3 Years
Ryobi 40V

Model: RY40550
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: OEM
Weight: 12.4 Lbs.
Battery Size: 4.0 Ah
Manual/Tooled Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Screw Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 5 Year Limited

Stihl 36V

Model: MSA 220C-B
Bar Length: 16″
Chain Manufacturer: Stihl
Weight: 6.4 Lbs.
Battery Size: 7.2 Ah
Tool-Free Chain Tensioner
Automatic Oiler
Manual Chain Brake
Flip Cap Oil Reservoir
Warranty: 3 Year Residential / 2 Year Commercial
Cordless Chainsaw Evaluation Criteria

Up until recently, cordless chainsaws were honestly kind of a joke. But the cordless revolution and improvements in battery technology have now given manufacturers the foundation they need to build truly capable chainsaws. In order to thoroughly evaluate our sample body of tools, we conducted a series of demanding tests. Each saw was ranked based upon a total of nine evaluation categories.



When determining our evaluation criteria it was important to select tests that applied to a wide range of users. Our compiled data needed to be as relatable to tree care professionals as it is to contractors and home/landowners. Testing each saw to its limit was also critical in order to clearly establish the line that separates the capability of a cordless saw from a traditional gas-powered model. It is also worth mentioning that all of our tests were performed on hardwood trees as they are common and widely available throughout the Northeast.

Bearing all this in mind, we settled on the following categories:

Run Time Cutting
Speed Cutting
Torture/High Demand Cutting
Tool Size and Balance
Weight
Features
Ergonomics
Decibel Output
Price

[russelldawkins]

A worthwhile 26 minutes. Thanks for your effort in this. I paid the premium 3 years ago and bought a small Stihl to replace a small Husky that seized and have no regrets. I also bought the smallest Stihl leaf blower, based on my satisfaction with the saw. It’s a champ, too.

[phoebesnow]

Excellent thorough review of these chainsaws. Really appreciate the effort and energy put forth by the team to produce this video. There is much to consider purchasing a chainsaw and this review narrows down the viable options.

[grantdeisig]

My dad would always bring me his husqy and stihl saws every year to clean up and get back running. I got sick of it and bought him a Greenworks 80v saw, and I've never had to clean another saw again. The saw is 4 years old now and looks like it's been through hell and back, but still runs great and he loves it.

[daisydela]

I bought an Ego saw four years ago because Home Depot said I could return it after 90 days if I didn’t like it. Still running strong after four years of pounding on it. I’m a trail, crew leader and used it to clear miles of trail plus home use. Tons of cutting trees, brush, cutting stumps in the dirt, etc. Put it under a tarp at the work location and hauled batteries out of charging. I absolutely pounded on the thing. My initial concerns about the amount of plastic was unfounded. I’m a big believer. Bought the newest one as well (the 18” with 11, 000 rpm chain speed). I’ve got the full range of gas Stihl saws as well from MS180 to 660 Magnum. I reach for the electric over the gas anywhere I can get away with it. The lack of noise, 2-stroke exhaust, and pull starting is rad. Since I work in the mountains between 6000-9000+ feet elevation, my electric saws run at any elevation (my Stihls run rich and dirty above 8000’).
For small cutting, the electrics are amazing. I’ve bucked trees up to about 24” with the 14” Ego. Works fine, but it’s just not the right saw for continuous large diameter cutting.

Lastly, they run differently than gas saws. Just takes some getting used to. The electrics rely on keeping chain speed up rather that the torque of a big gas saw. They are more susceptible to twisting bind. Gotta have good cutting technique. The smaller 3/8” pico and 1/4” chains are so easy to sharpen. I hit rocks regularly with my trail work (flush cutting and working in an area full of granite). Sharpening these is a snap. Much easier than my full size 3/8” chain.

[timlower]

I have the Dewalt 20v max saw and it has to be one of my favorites tools I have purchased in years! I also own a new Stihl MS180 with the easy pull start feature that was not very expensive. To me this is the perfect blend for a home owner. The 20v max is awesome for cutting up a small amount of wood for a campfire, smaller trees, and by far so much safer and lighter than a gas powered chainsaw. They are fun to use too! But when big Bertha comes through (storm) and I need to cut for 1/2 a day or longer, I’m pulling out my Stihl gas powered saw. It’s a beast for a couple hundred bucks. If you have the Dewalt 20v max system, the add on of the chainsaw you will not regret.

[pontiacw]

Greenworks has been a great saw for me. I bought land a few years ago and it has more than paid for itself in the amount of clear cutting I've been able to do with it. Felling trees larger than I probably should, but that little electric job gets it done.

[erichoffman]

I use the Milwaukee M18 platform for my battery operated tools. I use Stihl for my gas powered chainsaws. But for a battery operated chainsaw, I went with the Echo. It does everything I have needed it to do around the house and on the hunting land. I have no regrets with that purchase.

[lauriedemitry]

Great video!!! Am a 50 something single woman and was looking for a good performer which was also light weight. The number of saws you reviewed was incredibly helpful!!!

[gregmislick]

Thanks for the EXCELLENT head to head.
Having run Husqvarna and Sthil gas saws for the last 40 years I'm kinda partial to those - However, the point about going with the battery system you are already invested in is a key point.

If anyone is interested, Husquvarna makes 2 backpack battery packs as well as the various sized snap in packs. Per their catalogue, the larger of the 2 backpacks will run the chainsaw for "firewood cutting" ( they have 2 categories, firewood cutting and felling) for about 3.5 hours on a single charge.
Sadly those backpacks don't come cheap, but they are interchangeable with anything in their battery powered line ( line trimmer, blower, hedge trimmers, pole saw and whatever else they have or likely will have)

Anyway, this vid answered a lot of questions - thanks !!

[talon]

As a lady i did not know which one to buy expecially for weight?
it was good to see the different tests, thanks for the time put into testing these!

[baymoe]

I have no business owning a chainsaw of any sort, but thoroughly enjoyed this comparison. Well done

[juanmaduro]

I already have various Milwaukee's tools and batteries so I went with them to have a chainsaw for the occasional cleaning around the my house at the mountains of Puerto Rico and I'm impressed with efficiency and reliability of having a tool sitting long period of time and when needed just work

[desotopete]

Glad you mentioned the last category, matching chainsaw to battery platform I am already invested in. Since I only cut an occasional tree, I got the EGO as I can use the battery in my EGO grass trimmer.

[greatorangesky]

As a professional tree worker, I'm a climber, I love the Stihl battery saws. Able to buck limbs off a 140ft spruce with it after my ground saw wouldn't start.
I'm looking at their climbing/top handle saw.

Saying that, I've talked my father into a Makita one simply because of its universal use with more construction products. Friend won one from a give away and is really pleased with it

[stephenmiller]

I've been researching battery powered chainsaws for a bit now and you are the third video I've found that supports the ECHO as one of the best (bang for your buck) homeowners saws out there thanks for the verification I do believe I know which saw I've decided on.

[whereisboo]

Excellent video. So clear and scientific. Probably the best assessment I've ever seen on YouTube. Thank you!

[nofox]

Best review hands down. I subbed! I will never buy another kobalt anything. I bought two blowers and mine and my dad's both had issues with non existing customer service.

[AntonyReed]

Great head-to-head on these saws. My wife and I chose a Ryobi 14". It isn't the best tool in the shed, but it's definitely no slouch. Actually, the clincher was the range of tools we could use with the batteries. Those batteries are expensive as all get out, so being able to swap and go with such a big variety of tools at home was a huge factor for us.

[dixiechileranch]

well done Very detailed and extremely unbiased. very impressive.
We operate a fruit tree orchard where we need to prune between 70% to 80% of the limbs from a tree every year and having a lightweight battery-operated chain saw is a great benefit. We purchased the Kobalt 40V because we have other devices on that platform that have performed well. Being that the largest diameter branch or tree truck we cut is no more than 6" to 8" it works well for us.

Thank you

[decuevas]

Thanks for the review. Been watching you for a couple years. I understand "where" you're at with your platform, let's just say pressure. You were performing on this one. Not totally, but...
I say this in all respect, being a carpenter for 38 years.
I understand the "switch", but I'm I'm not happy how its being done and forced! "Green"!
With all that said, all respect, all best wishes to you, your family, and all your boys that make all this work!!! It sounds like a good bye, NOT AT ALL!!! All sincerity, and looking forward to your next content. Thanks so much! david