A homeowner cutting downed branches, prepping firewood, or clearing storm debris doesn’t need a professional arborist’s saw. What actually matters at this scale is bar length matched to the job, a battery platform that makes sense for what you already own, and safety features like a chain brake that shouldn’t get skipped regardless of price point.
This roundup covers 7 cordless chainsaws with bar lengths from 12 to 18 inches, spanning a budget-friendly 2-battery kit up through Husqvarna’s premium residential line and two DEWALT bare tools on different battery platforms. We’ve grouped these by what they’re actually good for instead of picking one overall winner, since the right saw here depends on your typical cutting tasks and whether you already own compatible batteries.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Platform | Bar Length | Battery Included? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKIL PWR CORE 40 CS4555-10 | 40V | 14″ | Yes – 2.5Ah + charger | Best overall kit |
| EGO POWER+ CS1611 | 56V | 16″ | Yes – 2.5Ah + charger | Best balance of power and weight |
| Greenworks 80V 18″ | 80V | 18″ | Yes – 2.0Ah + rapid charger | Most power / larger trees and firewood |
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i | 40V | 18″ | Yes – 7.5Ah + charger | Best premium build quality |
| SEESII 40V 16″ | 40V (native) | 16″ | Yes – 2x 4.0Ah + 2 chargers | Best budget |
| DEWALT DCCS621B | 20V MAX | 12″ | No – bare tool | Best compact / if you own DEWALT 20V |
| DEWALT DCCS672B | 60V FlexVolt | 18″ | No – bare tool | Best larger bar / if you own DEWALT FlexVolt |
1. SKIL PWR CORE 40 CS4555-10 – Best Overall Kit
This is the only chainsaw on this list that pairs a full kit (2.5Ah battery and Auto PWR Jump charger included) with a 14-inch bar that’s genuinely sized for typical homeowner tasks like limbing, small branches, and light firewood prep, rather than either undersizing at 12″ or adding bulk at 18″. The tool-free chain tensioning and auto-lubrication mean less fiddling mid-job, and the anti-kickback brake is a real safety feature, not a marketing checkbox.
At 16 lbs with the battery installed, it’s not the lightest saw here, but the balance of included accessories, bar length, and price is why this is the default pick if you’re not already invested in another battery platform.
Bottom line: the combination of a complete kit, tool-free tensioning, and a genuinely useful 14″ bar is why this is the easiest recommendation for most homeowners starting from zero.
Not the right fit if: you regularly cut logs or trunks wider than 14″ – step up to the Greenworks 80V or Husqvarna for that.
Pros: Complete kit with battery and fast charger included, tool-free tensioning and auto-lubrication, anti-kickback brake, 5-year warranty.
Cons: 2.5Ah battery is on the smaller side for extended sessions. 14″ bar limits max cutting diameter compared to the 18″ options here.
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2. EGO POWER+ CS1611 (16″) – Best Balance of Power and Weight
EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform has a strong reputation for punching above its voltage number, and the CS1611 kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger rather than selling as a bare tool. The 16-inch bar splits the difference between the SKIL’s 14″ and the 18″ options here, which covers most mid-sized branch and firewood work without the extra weight of a bigger bar.
Independent dial tensioning on both bar and chain is a nice touch over saws that require a single combined adjustment, and the metal bucking spikes add real leverage control when you’re working through thicker rounds.
Not the right fit if: you want the absolute lowest price on this list – the EGO platform costs more than the SKIL or SEESII, though the build quality and battery ecosystem reputation reflect that.
Pros: 16″ bar hits a practical middle ground, independent tool-free tensioning dials, metal bucking spikes for leverage, strong EGO battery ecosystem if you own other EGO tools.
Cons: Costs more than the SKIL or SEESII kits here. 2.5Ah battery gives modest runtime; a 4.0-5.0Ah EGO battery (sold separately) extends it meaningfully.
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3. Greenworks 80V 18″ – Most Power / Best for Larger Trees and Firewood
At 80V, this is the highest-voltage platform on this list, and it’s rated comparable to a 42-45cc gas chainsaw. The 18-inch bar and included 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger make this the pick if your homeowner tasks regularly include larger diameter logs or trees that a 14-16″ saw would need multiple passes to get through.
The mechanical chain brake, steel bucking spikes, and translucent oil tank window are the kind of details that show up on saws built to handle real cutting volume rather than occasional light trimming.
Not the right fit if: your typical cutting is limbing and small branches – the extra bar length and 80V power here are solving for larger material than most light yard maintenance needs.
Pros: Highest power on this list, 18″ bar handles larger logs, mechanical chain brake and steel bucking spikes, compatible with 75+ other Greenworks 80V tools.
Cons: Included 2.0Ah battery is modest for the platform’s power draw; a larger battery (sold separately) gets more out of it. Heavier and bulkier than the 12-14″ options here.
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4. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i – Best Premium Build Quality
Husqvarna’s first 18-inch cordless chainsaw ships with a genuinely large 7.5Ah battery and charger included, which is the biggest included battery on this list by a wide margin. The tool-less tensioning system, X-Cut chain, and boost mode (25% more power on demand) reflect Husqvarna’s residential-line positioning: this is built to feel like a step up from the more generic brands here, not just a rebadged import.
One thing worth knowing before buying: chain oil is not included in the box, so budget for a bottle of bar and chain oil separately on your first order. At under 14 lbs with the battery installed, it’s also notably lighter than some 18″ competitors.
Not the right fit if: price is the deciding factor – this sits well above the SKIL, SEESII, and DEWALT bare-tool prices, and that premium is mainly paying for build quality and the larger included battery rather than raw cutting capability you can’t get elsewhere.
Pros: Largest included battery on this list (7.5Ah), tool-less tensioning, boost mode for tough cuts, notably lighter than comparable 18″ saws, chain brake with indicator light.
Cons: Premium price relative to the rest of this list. Chain oil not included in the box. Sold primarily through Lowe’s as an exclusive.
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5. SEESII 40V 16″ (2000W) – Best Budget
This is the only chainsaw on this list that includes two batteries and two chargers in the kit, which matters more than it sounds like: if you run through one battery mid-job, the second is already charged and waiting instead of forcing a pause. The 40V platform here is native rather than a combined 2x20V hybrid system, which avoids the power loss some dual-battery designs suffer under load.
SEESII is a newer, less established brand than SKIL, EGO, Greenworks, DEWALT, or Husqvarna, which is the tradeoff for the lower price and generous 2-battery kit. Auto-oiling and tool-free tensioning are both present, matching features found on more expensive saws here.
Not the right fit if: brand reputation and long-term parts availability matter more to you than upfront price and included accessories – the established brands elsewhere on this list have a longer track record.
Pros: Two batteries and two chargers included, native 40V platform avoids hybrid power loss, auto-oiling and tool-free tensioning, lower price than name-brand kits here.
Cons: Less established brand with less parts/support history. Batteries are proprietary to SEESII’s 40V line and not cross-compatible with other brands.
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6. DEWALT DCCS621B (20V MAX, 12″) – Best Compact / If You Own DEWALT 20V Batteries
This is a bare tool – battery and charger are sold separately – which only makes sense if you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries from drills, saws, or other tools. If that’s the case, this compact 12″ saw at under 10 lbs is genuinely well-suited to storm cleanup, limbing, and light property maintenance rather than heavy felling, and it runs on batteries you likely already have charged in the garage.
The low-kickback bar and chain and brushless motor are consistent with DEWALT’s broader tool lineup, and DEWALT rates it for up to 100 cuts per charge, though that number depends heavily on the battery capacity you pair it with.
Not the right fit if: you don’t already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries – buying a battery and charger separately adds real cost on top of the bare tool price, often erasing any savings over a complete kit elsewhere on this list.
Pros: Runs on DEWALT 20V MAX batteries you may already own, compact and lightweight at under 10 lbs, low-kickback design, brushless motor.
Cons: Battery and charger sold separately. 12″ bar is the shortest here, better suited to light trimming than larger material.
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7. DEWALT DCCS672B (60V FlexVolt, 18″) – Best Larger Bar / If You Own DEWALT FlexVolt Batteries
Also a bare tool, but on DEWALT’s separate 60V FlexVolt platform rather than the 20V MAX line above – these two DEWALT batteries are not interchangeable, so check which platform you actually own before buying either DEWALT saw on this list. With a compatible FlexVolt battery, this 18″ saw is rated for up to 2.85 peak horsepower and can reportedly cut through a 17″ white oak log in as fast as 24 seconds.
Auto-oiling, a chain brake, and tooled (not tool-free) chain tensioning round out a saw built more for heavier, repeated cutting sessions than light occasional yard work.
Not the right fit if: you own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries rather than FlexVolt – they are not compatible with each other, so double check which platform your existing batteries belong to before ordering.
Pros: Strong peak power on FlexVolt batteries, 18″ bar for larger material, auto-oiling, chain brake for kickback protection.
Cons: Bare tool – FlexVolt batteries and charger are a separate, often significant cost if you don’t already own them. Tensioning requires a tool rather than tool-free adjustment.
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Bar Length: What You Actually Need
12″ suits light limbing, small branches, and tight spaces where a longer bar just adds unnecessary weight and reach you won’t use. 14-16″ is the practical sweet spot for most homeowner tasks: felling small trees, cutting firewood rounds, and clearing storm debris without the bulk of a full 18″ saw. 18″ earns its size on larger trunks and thicker firewood rounds, at the cost of more weight to swing and control, especially one-handed or overhead.
Buying Guide
Battery Platform Matching
The two DEWALT bare tools on this list only make sense if you already own the matching battery platform, and 20V MAX and 60V FlexVolt are not interchangeable with each other despite both being DEWALT. If you’re not already invested in a DEWALT battery ecosystem, a complete kit like the SKIL, EGO, Greenworks, Husqvarna, or SEESII gets you a battery and charger without the extra shopping trip and cost. The same battery-matching logic applies when choosing a cordless string trimmer.
Chain Oiler and Tensioning
Automatic chain oilers keep the bar and chain lubricated without you needing to manually apply oil mid-job, and every saw on this list except the DEWALT DCCS672B’s tooled tensioning has some form of tool-free chain adjustment. These day-to-day conveniences matter more in practice than raw power specs, especially for anyone newer to chainsaw maintenance.
Kit vs. Bare Tool
A bare tool can be the better value if you already own compatible batteries, since you’re not paying for hardware you don’t need. It’s a trap if you don’t: battery and charger costs for premium platforms like DEWALT’s FlexVolt line can add more to the total price than buying a complete kit from a different brand outright. Always price out the battery and charger separately before assuming a bare tool is the cheaper option.
Safety Features
A chain brake that stops the chain on kickback, a low-kickback bar and chain design, and a clear brake-engaged indicator are not places to cut corners regardless of budget. Every saw on this list includes a chain brake, but the sophistication varies, from a basic mechanical brake to Husqvarna’s illuminated indicator light confirming engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bar length do I need for cutting firewood?
14-16″ handles most standard firewood rounds efficiently. Only step up to 18″ if you’re regularly working with larger diameter logs that would otherwise take multiple cuts or repositioning with a shorter bar.
Is a cordless chainsaw powerful enough to fell a tree?
For small trees within the saw’s rated bar length, yes – several saws on this list are explicitly marketed for felling small trees. For larger trees, this becomes a job for a gas saw or a professional, regardless of battery platform.
How long does a battery last while cutting?
This varies significantly by battery capacity, wood density, and how much of the cutting is continuous versus intermittent. Saws with a larger included battery, like the Husqvarna’s 7.5Ah, or a spare battery ready to swap in, like the SEESII’s 2-battery kit, reduce how often you’re waiting on a recharge mid-job.
Do DEWALT 20V and 60V batteries work in both DEWALT chainsaws?
No. The DCCS621B runs on DEWALT’s 20V MAX platform and the DCCS672B runs on the separate 60V FlexVolt platform. They are not cross-compatible, so confirm which battery platform you already own before buying either bare tool.
How often does chain oil need refilling?
This depends on how much cutting you’re doing in a session, but check the oil level regularly during use, since running the chain dry accelerates wear on both the bar and chain. Note that the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i does not include chain oil in the box, so budget for a bottle separately.
Bottom Line
For most homeowners starting from zero, the SKIL PWR CORE 40 CS4555-10 is the easiest overall pick with its complete kit and practical 14″ bar. If you want more bar length without stepping up to premium pricing, the EGO POWER+ CS1611 balances power and weight well. For larger trees or heavier firewood volume, the Greenworks 80V 18″ or the premium Husqvarna Power Axe 350i both handle it well. Budget-first buyers should look at the SEESII 40V 16″ for its 2-battery kit. And if you already own DEWALT batteries, match the platform: DCCS621B for 20V MAX, or DCCS672B for 60V FlexVolt.
For the same battery-platform logic applied to trimming instead of cutting, see our string trimmer guide.