If you have a yard, you need the right equipment to maintain it. That can mean investing in things like a quality lawn mower, powerful leaf blower and sturdy chainsaw to keep your property looking neat and tidy. Like all yard maintenance tools, there’s a range of product options with chainsaws—they can be powered by gas, plug and battery. The best battery chainsaws allow you to make short work of brush, twigs and anything else you need to chop up, without causing exhaust or forcing you to deal with a pesky cord. When it comes to choosing a chainsaw, our top pick overall is the Ego Power+ Cordless Chainsaw that’s incredibly powerful, charges in just under 40 minutes and is fairly easy to use, though it’s certainly not the only stellar option out there.

The best battery powered chainsaws are designed to make short work of yard chores. Cordless Extension Chainsaw

Battery powered chainsaws are typically the tool of choice for smaller jobs—you’ll want to go with something a little more powerful, like a gas version, for tackling massive trees—but they’re a good option for the average homeowner’s cutting needs, like clearing fallen branches and chopping up firewood. If you’ve never shopped for a battery powered chainsaw before, you’ll be pleased to see you’ve got options. But that can also get overwhelming, fast.

In general, you’ll want to figure out what, exactly, you plan to use your chainsaw for, before considering features like battery life, power output and bar length, to help you meet your needs. Considering those factors, here are the best battery chainsaws out there to make short work of yard chores.

Weight: 18 pounds | Power output: 3.5 horsepower | Bar length: 16 inches

The Ego Power+ chainsaw has enough force to work its way through 250 cuts with 3.5 horsepower before needing a recharge. Even then, it’s fully charged and ready to go again in just 40 minutes—enough time for you to grab lunch in between big jobs. This saw features a double guard bar for your protection, while its high-efficiency brushless motor delivers low vibrations, so you won’t feel like you’re still shaking once the work is done. At 18 pounds, it’s manageable enough for most people to utilize. There’s also tough construction to protect your machine, even if you accidentally leave it out in the rain.

Weight: 13.22 pounds | Power output: 40 volt | Bar length: 14 inches

Not interested in spending an arm and a leg on a chainsaw? This Kobalt version is a bestseller and a great fit for most at-home jobs. It features a battery and charger that’s compatible with all Kobalt 24-volt max tools, so you can swap juice as needed. The chainsaw’s brushless motor provides solid run times, while tool-less chain tensioning allows you to make adjustments quickly—so you can get back to work ASAP. An automatic oiling feature means you won’t have to stress over keeping your chain well lubricated.

Weight: 4 pounds | Power output: 12 volt | Bar length: 6 inches

The Milwaukee M12 is perfect for those times when your needs fall somewhere above pruning shears. This petite saw—its bar is just siz inches long—can make short work of wood three inches thick and smaller, making it ideal for trimming hedges. It also weighs just four pounds, allowing for longer jobs without feeling like your arms will fall off. An instant throttle response and variable speed trigger allow you to bring on more power when the need strikes.

Weight: 5 pounds | Power output: 40 volt | Bar length: 12 inches

Husqvarna’s T540I XP chainsaw delivers professional-grade power without the smelly exhaust. This chainsaw can tackle trees and other landscaping needs while providing a smooth, precise cut. At just five pounds, this chainsaw is easy to wield. A rain resistant exterior allows you to get to work in all weather conditions, while the keypad is intuitive and easy to operate. The machine’s hand guard is open, allowing you to see what you’re working on as you get down to it. At $1,050, this chainsaw is admittedly not cheap. But, if there’s a lot of tough chainsawing in your future, it’s worth considering.

Weight: 6 pounds | Power output: 40 volt | Bar length: 12 inches

If you’re new to the chainsaw game, it makes sense that you don’t want to spend a ton until you know what you’re getting into. This Greenworks option allows you to dive in and get work done at a price most people can live with. The chainsaw has a large hand guard for extra protection while you work and tool-less tensioning, so you can adjust and maintain your saw quickly. An automatic oiler lubricates your bar and chain while you work. At just six pounds, this machine isn’t so heavy that newbies won’t be able to lift it.

Weight: 9 pounds | Power output: 20 volt | Bar length: 12 inches

Planning to primarily use your chainsaw for firewood? This Dewalt tool is up for the task. It delivers up to 90 cuts per charge, allowing you plenty of time to create your own stockpile. With a 12-inch bar, this chainsaw is a good size to tackle most branches and trees. A high-efficiency brushless motor allows you to maximize output while minimizing power waste. There’s also tool-free chain tensioning and a knob to tighten your bar as needed. The chainsaw is compact and easy enough for weekend warriors to tote around the woods.

Here are a few things to look for when selecting a battery chainsaw.

The bar is the part of the chainsaw that you use to cut (along with the actual chain). If you’ll be working your way through larger trees or hedges, you’ll want a longer bar length that’s 12 inches and up. But, for smaller pruning jobs, something as small as 6 inches will do the trick.

Because some jobs require extra battery power, these chainsaws often tell their capacity by number of cuts. If you’re just planning to do the odd tree-chopping, this doesn’t matter as much as if you will be doing larger jobs.

Adjusting the tension is important for getting the right cut. If your chain is too tight, it won’t easily dig into wood and branches. That will force your machine to work harder and can wear it out faster. Finding a tool that you can easily adjust is important if you’re going to be working with different types of wood and brush.

“Best” is a relative term. However, the best chainsaw for you is ultimately one that will meet your needs. Figuring out in advance how you plan to use your chainsaw, including how long your need your battery life to last, is important for ensuring you make the right choice.

Battery chainsaws will typically offer up between 90 and 250 cuts before needing a recharge. That usually translates to anywhere between 20 to 75 minutes of power.

Depending on the type of battery chainsaw you choose, these are typically equal in price or even less expensive than their gas-powered peers. They also don’t spew out exhaust, giving you a more comfortable work environment. If you’re planning to tackle really big jobs and you don’t mind exhaust and noise, a gas chainsaw may be a better fit. But, if you want a more environmentally-friendly option that’s easy on your ears and good for most yard work, a battery chainsaw is the way to go.

Tracking energy innovators from Houston, Texas. Forbes reporter since 1999. 

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I’m a digital media executive recognized for building engaging content experiences that delight and inspire audiences. As Chief Product Officer of Forbes, I lead a team of world-class product managers, designers, e-commerce leaders, and other experts focused on building the products that shape the Forbes brand across the web, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.

I’ve been writing about technology, gadgets, and pop culture back before Apple had even thought of the iPhone. I’ve seen the rise and fall (and rise again) of Apple. I've watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate…\n\nIn addition to Forbes.com, I am a contributor at TheRoarbots.com. As a technical writer, I specialize in deciphering the undecipherable, untangling the kraken-like documentation tangles that software companies find themselves in, and teaching users how to successfully navigate their products on the other side. I also enjoy playing in superheroic worlds of my own creation (you can find out more about my fiction endeavors at AnthonyKarcz.com).\n\nYou can find me on Twitter (@sunstreaker84), Facebook, and Google . If there’s something you want to see me tackle, drop me an email at: anthonyATanthonykarczDOTcom.

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