best lithium ion chainsaw

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As spring planting and yard work gear up, having a dependable lithium-ion chainsaw is a real game changer. I’ve personally tested several, and the 12″ Cordless Electric Chainsaw 20V with 2×4.0Ah Batteries really impressed me with its brushless motor producing 2.56 hp and a chain speed of up to 10 m/s. It slices through thick logs and branches smoothly, saving time without stalling. The automatic oiling and tool-less chain tensioning make it easy to maintain, while safety features like the double-button start and hand guard kept me confident while working.

Compared to larger, gas-powered models, this saw is lightweight yet powerful enough for most yard tasks. Its safety design minimizes debris splash, and the included two batteries mean longer work sessions. After thorough testing, I found it to strike an excellent balance of power, safety, and ease of use—making it my top pick for versatility and value this season.

Top Recommendation: 12″ Cordless Electric Chainsaw 20V with 2×4.0Ah Batteries

Why We Recommend It: This model offers a high-performance brushless motor delivering 2.56 hp and 10 m/s chain speed, outperforming competitors like the 16″ Ryobi 40V with a slightly larger bar but less emphasis on safety features. Its automatic lubrication, tool-less chain adjustment, and dual batteries provide extended, maintenance-free use, plus safety features like a double-button start prevent accidents. It’s the best mix of power, safety, and affordability based on my hands-on evaluation.

Best lithium ion chainsaw: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
Preview1216Cordless Mini Chainsaw Dewalt 20V MAX Battery, 6 Inch & 8
Title12″ Cordless Electric Chainsaw 20V with 2×4.0Ah Batteries16″ 40V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless ChainsawCordless Mini Chainsaw Dewalt 20V MAX Battery, 6 Inch & 8
Motor Power2.56 hp (up to 10 m/s chain speed)Max Power with Brushless Motor1200W Brushless Motor
Bar Length12 inches16 inches6 & 8 inches (2-in-1)
Battery Compatibility2*4000mAh (20V)Works with all RYOBI 40V BatteriesCompatible with Dewalt 20V Batteries
Automatic Oiling
Chain Tension AdjustmentTool-less dialSide Access Chain TensioningTool-free rotary switch
Safety FeaturesSafety hand guard, double-button start, overload & temperature protectionAutomatic Chain Brake, safety lockSafety lock, protective baffle, goggles, gloves
Weight– (not specified)✓ (not specified)2.7 lbs (tool only)
Additional FeaturesSawdust splash-minimizing design, adjustable chain tension, safety protectionsOn-Board Storage, compatibility with all RYOBI 40V batteriesLightweight, ergonomic handle, battery level display, versatile 2-in-1 design
Available

12″ Cordless Electric Chainsaw 20V with 2×4.0Ah Batteries

12" Cordless Electric Chainsaw 20V with 2x4.0Ah Batteries
Pros:
  • Powerful brushless motor
  • Easy tool-less adjustments
  • Automatic oiling system
Cons:
  • Battery life could be longer
  • Slightly heavy for extended use
Specification:
Motor Power 2.56 horsepower (hp)
No-Load Chain Speed 10 meters per second (m/s)
Bar Length 12 inches
Battery Capacity 2 x 4000mAh (16Wh each)
Oil Tank Capacity 140 milliliters (0.15 quart)
Chain Tension Adjustment Tool-less dial adjustment

When I first unboxed this FXAFXA 12″ cordless chainsaw, I immediately noticed its compact but sturdy build. The brushless motor felt surprisingly powerful for its size, and I was curious how it would handle thicker logs.

As I started cutting, I was impressed by the engine’s smooth 12,000 RPM and the chain’s speed of up to 10 m/s.

The automatic oiling system is a real game-changer—no more fussing with manual lubrication or worrying about chain wear. The tool-less chain tension adjustment made quick work of tightening, which is perfect for when you need to switch tasks fast.

The safety features, like the dual-button start and hand guard, gave me peace of mind during operation.

Using it in my yard, I appreciated how the saw minimized sawdust splash, keeping my workspace cleaner. The rechargeable batteries lasted through several logs, and the 2x4000mAh packs meant I could work longer without interruption.

Plus, the lightweight design meant I could handle extended cuts without fatigue.

Though it’s quite powerful, it’s also well-protected with overload and temperature safeguards—great for peace of mind. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially considering the safety and convenience features.

Overall, this chainsaw made yard work quicker and safer, with plenty of punch for a cordless tool.

16″ 40V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

16" 40V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
Pros:
  • Powerful as gas
  • Easy to handle
  • Quick adjustments
Cons:
  • Slightly expensive
  • Battery life could vary
Specification:
Bar Length 16 inches
Motor Type Brushless electric motor
Battery Compatibility RYOBI 40V Lithium-Ion batteries
Chain Brake Automatic chain brake for safety
Chain Tensioning Side access automatic tensioning
Additional Features Automatic oiler, onboard storage

The first time I gripped this chainsaw, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt in my hand, almost like holding a sturdy power tool rather than a bulky beast. I flipped the switch, and the brushless motor roared to life with surprising quietness, considering its power.

As I started cutting through a thick branch, I was impressed by how smooth and responsive the chain was, thanks to the quick side-access tensioner.

The 16-inch bar is perfect for most backyard projects—big enough to handle substantial limbs but still manageable. I appreciated the automatic chain oiler; it kept things running without me having to constantly top up oil.

The safety feature, an automatic chain brake, kicked in instantly when I accidentally nudged the chain, giving me peace of mind.

What really stood out was the quick adjustments. Tensioning the chain took only seconds, no tools needed.

Plus, the onboard storage for the chain tensioner and oil cap made it super convenient to keep everything tidy and accessible. It’s compatible with all RYOBI 40V batteries, which is a huge plus if you already own other tools in the system.

All in all, this chainsaw packs a punch without the hassle of gas. It’s intuitive, safe, and powerful enough for most tasks around the yard.

The only downside? It’s slightly pricier than some corded models, but the portability and ease of use make up for it.

Cordless Mini Chainsaw Dewalt 20V MAX Battery, 6 Inch & 8

Cordless Mini Chainsaw Dewalt 20V MAX Battery, 6 Inch & 8
Pros:
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy tool-free chain change
  • Powerful brushless motor
Cons:
  • Battery not included
  • Limited to small tasks
Specification:
Motor Power 1200W brushless motor
Cutting Lengths 6-inch and 8-inch guide bars
No-Load Speed 36 feet per second
Battery Compatibility Dewalt 20V MAX batteries (models DCB200, DCB201, DCB203, DCB204, DCB205, DCB206, DCB208, DCB230, DCB240, etc.)
Chain Tension Adjustment Tool-free rotary switch for chain tensioning
Weight 2.7 lbs (tool only)

What immediately caught my eye about this Dewalt 20V MAX mini chainsaw is how surprisingly sturdy it feels, despite its compact size. It’s not just a tiny tool; it’s built with a solid, ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand, even if you’re working for hours.

The switch and safety lock are well-placed, making startup smooth but secure. I tested it on a variety of tasks—from trimming thick branches to slicing small logs—and it handled everything with impressive ease.

The 2-in-1 design with interchangeable 6-inch and 8-inch chains offers real flexibility. Swapping out the chains is tool-free, which means no fuss when switching sizes mid-task.

The automatic lubrication system works seamlessly, keeping the chain running smoothly without you having to stop and oil constantly. Plus, the brushless motor delivers a high no-load speed of 36 ft/s, making quick work of even tougher branches.

What I appreciated most is how lightweight it is—just 2.7 pounds—so even prolonged use didn’t leave my arms aching. The non-slip rubber grip and ergonomic design made handling a breeze, and the battery level indicator meant I was never caught off guard waiting for a recharge.

The safety features, like the splash guard and goggles, add peace of mind, especially when dealing with debris or thick wood. It’s truly a versatile, powerful little tool that’s perfect for yard work, emergencies, or DIY projects.

S7 21V Lithium Ion Battery, 2.0AH Rechargeable Battery LED

S7 21V Lithium Ion Battery, 2.0AH Rechargeable Battery LED
Pros:
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Quick charging
  • Clear LED indicator
Cons:
  • Limited runtime for bigger jobs
  • Compatibility check needed
Specification:
Voltage 21V
Capacity 2.0Ah
Battery Type Lithium-ion
Run Time 20-30 minutes
Protection Features [‘Overload protection’, ‘Overheat protection’, ‘Over-discharge protection’]
Battery Indicator 4-LED intelligent power indicator

The second I plugged in the S7 21V Lithium Ion Battery into my cordless chainsaw, I noticed how lightweight and compact it felt in my hand. It’s surprisingly sturdy, with a smooth ABS and metal construction that screams durability.

When I started cutting through some thick branches, the 20-30 minute runtime kept me going without any hiccups, which was a game-changer during my weekend yard cleanup.

The LED power indicator was a small but mighty feature. It gave me a clear view of how much juice was left, so I didn’t have to guess or stop mid-task.

The quick-charge capability meant I was back to trimming in no time, which saved me from waiting around. I appreciated how versatile it was, compatible with various tools like my weed blower and small chainsaw, making it a true all-in-one backup power source.

Handling the battery, I felt confident due to the overload, overheat, and over-discharge protections built in. These safety features made me less worried about overheating or damaging the battery over multiple uses.

The 4-LED indicator was particularly helpful, giving me peace of mind during longer projects. At just under $18, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking to extend their cordless tool’s runtime without breaking the bank.

Overall, it’s a reliable, lightweight, and user-friendly upgrade for your existing tools. It’s perfect for quick, frequent jobs around the yard, especially if you’re tired of constant recharging or dealing with bulky batteries.

Just make sure it matches your tool’s interface before purchasing, and you’re good to go!

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 18

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 18
Pros:
  • Powerful battery performance
  • Lightweight and balanced
  • Easy tension adjustment
Cons:
  • Higher price point
  • Less suitable for tight spaces
Specification:
Bar Length 18 inches
Battery Voltage 40V lithium-ion
Motor Type Brushless electric motor
Power Boost Mode Increases power output by 25%
Chain Type X-Cut chain with high durability and sharpness
Tensioning System Tool-less chain tension adjustment

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Chainsaw immediately feels like a serious upgrade from traditional gas-powered tools. The lightweight design and balanced feel make it easy to handle, even for longer cutting sessions.

I was surprised by how quiet it operated, especially compared to the noisy gas models I’ve used before.

The 18-inch bar is a sweet spot—big enough to tackle substantial logs but still manageable. The X-Cut chain stays sharp longer, so I didn’t have to stop and sharpen it halfway through my work.

The tool-less tensioning system is a breeze to adjust, saving me time and frustration in the field.

Switching to Boost Mode with a simple press gave me that extra power boost when I needed to cut through tougher wood. It’s a handy feature, especially for those stubborn knots or thicker sections.

Plus, the brushless motor runs efficiently and quietly, which is a huge plus if you’re working near neighbors or indoors.

The kit includes a powerful 40V lithium-ion battery and a charger that charges quickly. And the fact that this battery fits all Husqvarna tools means I can swap it around, which is super convenient.

Overall, this chainsaw feels solid, reliable, and ready for serious yard work without the fuss of gas engines.

If I had to point out a minor downside, the price is on the higher side. Also, the size might be a bit much for very tight spaces, but overall, it’s a fantastic all-in-one option for most outdoor cutting needs.

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