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Ranked & Reviewed by Primea Reviews

The 8 Best Cordless Chainsaws Under $300 for Yard Cleanup and Firewood, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 3, 202611 min read8 products ranked

The short answer

The EGO POWER+ 16 inch CS1611 is the cordless chainsaw to buy for storm cleanup and light felling, balancing a 56V platform and a 2.5Ah battery at a sensible cost. The CS1613 adds a 4.0Ah battery for longer cuts, the Greenworks 80V 16 inch is a solid value alternative, and the SEESII 40V 16 inch is the cheapest brushless option.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

01
Best All-Rounder
EGO POWER+ CS1611 16 Inch Chainsaw
A 16 inch, 56V saw with a 2.5Ah battery and charger in the box.
Outstanding
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02
Best Long Run Time
EGO POWER+ CS1613 16 Inch Chainsaw
The same 16 inch EGO saw with a larger 4.0Ah battery for longer cutting sessions.
Outstanding
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03
Best 80V Value
Greenworks 80V 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
An 80V, 16 inch saw with a 2.5Ah battery and charger at a lower tier than EGO.
Excellent
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04
Best Larger Bar
Greenworks 80V 18 Inch Brushless Chainsaw
An 18 inch brushless saw for felling, limbing and firewood, sharing a 75+ tool battery.
Excellent
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05
Best Pro Brand
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V 16 Inch Chainsaw
A 16 inch FLEXVOLT saw with a 2Ah battery on DEWALT's pro-oriented battery platform.
Excellent
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06
Best Budget Brushless
SEESII 40V 16 Inch Brushless Chainsaw
The cheapest 16 inch brushless saw here, in the $100 to $200 tier.
Excellent
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07
Best Two-Battery Kit
SEESII 40V 18 Inch Chainsaw with Two 5.0Ah Batteries
An 18 inch saw sold with two 5.0Ah batteries, for nonstop cutting on paper.
Very Good
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08
Best Compact Saw
EGO POWER+ CS1201 12 Inch Chainsaw
A light 12 inch EGO saw with a 2.5Ah battery for pruning and small limbs.
Very Good
Check price

Most first-time buyers compare bar length and ignore the battery, then wonder why a 16 inch saw dies after three logs. A chainsaw is a power-hungry tool, and the figure that predicts run time is watt-hours, not the number of volts on the box. Multiply the voltage by the amp-hours and you get a fair estimate of how much work a charge holds.

This ranking is built around that arithmetic. We reviewed eight cordless saws from their listings: platform voltage, included battery size, bar length, brushless motors where stated and tool-sharing ecosystems. Where a listing gives only a name and a battery size, we work from those and flag what is missing.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

Battery watt-hours

Volts times amp-hours gives watt-hours, the real size of the fuel tank. A 56V 2.5Ah pack holds about 140 watt-hours and a 56V 4.0Ah pack about 224. Compare that figure across brands rather than amp-hours alone, since a 40V 5.0Ah pack and a 56V 4.0Ah pack are close in energy.

Bar length

The usable cut is a couple of inches shorter than the bar, so a 16 inch bar cuts roughly a 14 inch log. Longer bars add weight and strain a small battery. Choose the shortest bar that handles your thickest regular job.

Brushless motor

Brushless motors waste less energy as heat and last longer than brushed ones, which stretches battery life. Not every listing states the motor type, so look for the word brushless. Be wary of peak wattage claims, which say little about sustained cutting.

Platform and ecosystem

A saw on the same battery as your trimmer, mower or blower saves money on extra packs. Platforms like EGO 56V, Greenworks 80V and DEWALT FLEXVOLT each cover dozens of tools. Check the ecosystem before you buy so the battery works with tools you may add later.

Safety and maintenance

A chain brake, a low-kickback chain and a tensioning system are basic safety features, and chain oil and sharpening keep the saw cutting well. A dull chain strains the motor and the battery. Check for oil reservoir details, a chain brake and replacement chain availability.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

Best All-Rounder

EGO POWER+ CS1611 16 Inch Chainsaw

Outstanding

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Our verdict: A 16 inch, 56V saw with a 2.5Ah battery and charger in the box.

The CS1611 is a 16 inch battery chainsaw on EGO's 56V platform, and the kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and a charger. It sits in the $200 to $500 price tier, at the cheaper end for a kit with a battery.

It leads because a 16 inch bar is the size that handles most homeowner tasks, from storm limbs to firewood rounds, and the 56V battery pairs with a large family of EGO tools. A 2.5Ah pack at 56V stores roughly 140 watt-hours, which is enough for a yard cleanup session if you cut in bursts rather than nonstop.

Buy it if you want a dependable all-purpose saw with a battery included. The tradeoff is run time, since a 2.5Ah pack is the smaller option, and you might want to step up to the 4.0Ah kit below for a big job.

Bar length: 16 in
Platform: 56V
Battery: 2.5Ah included
Model: CS1611

What we like

+Sixteen inch bar suits most jobs
+Battery and charger included
+56V platform shares many tools
+Balanced size for homeowners

Watch out for

−2.5Ah pack limits big jobs
−Costs more than budget brands

Buy it if: Homeowners handling storm cleanup and firewood.

Skip it if: You cut hardwood logs for hours.

Best Long Run Time

EGO POWER+ CS1613 16 Inch Chainsaw

Outstanding

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Our verdict: The same 16 inch EGO saw with a larger 4.0Ah battery for longer cutting sessions.

The CS1613 is a 16 inch EGO POWER+ saw with a 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger. It falls in the $200 to $500 tier, toward the upper end of what this guide covers.

It ranks second because the bigger pack is the one upgrade that most directly changes how the saw feels on a long job. At 56V, a 4.0Ah battery holds about 224 watt-hours, roughly 60 percent more energy than the 2.5Ah kit. You trade that for a higher price and a heavier pack.

Choose it if you have a lot of wood to cut or you hate stopping to swap batteries. If your cutting is occasional, the CS1611 saves money without losing the saw itself.

Bar length: 16 in
Platform: 56V
Battery: 4.0Ah included
Model: CS1613

What we like

+4.0Ah pack runs longer
+Same capable 16 inch saw
+Battery and charger included
+Shares 56V tool batteries

Watch out for

−Priciest of the EGO kits
−Larger pack adds weight

Buy it if: People with large wood piles to process.

Skip it if: You only cut a few limbs a year.

Best 80V Value

Greenworks 80V 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Excellent

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Our verdict: An 80V, 16 inch saw with a 2.5Ah battery and charger at a lower tier than EGO.

The Greenworks 80V is a 16 inch cordless saw with a 2.5Ah battery and a charger, on the 80V platform. It sits in the $200 to $500 tier.

It ranks third because 80V with 2.5Ah stores about 200 watt-hours, which beats the EGO CS1611 on paper, and the bar length is the same. The listing is thinner than the EGO one, with no model number or motor type, so we cannot document the details the way we can for the leaders.

Buy it if you want more battery capacity for your money, or you already own Greenworks 80V tools. Skip it if you want the biggest accessory ecosystem and the most mature dealer support.

Bar length: 16 in
Platform: 80V
Battery: 2.5Ah included
Estimated energy: About 200 Wh

What we like

+80V pack stores more energy
+Sixteen inch bar is versatile
+Battery and charger included
+Value for 80V platform buyers

Watch out for

−Listing has few details
−Smaller dealer ecosystem

Buy it if: Greenworks owners and value-minded buyers.

Skip it if: You want the widest accessory range.

Best Larger Bar

Greenworks 80V 18 Inch Brushless Chainsaw

Excellent

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Our verdict: An 18 inch brushless saw for felling, limbing and firewood, sharing a 75+ tool battery.

The Greenworks 80V 18 inch is a brushless chainsaw for tree felling, limbing, pruning and firewood, with a 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger. The 80V battery fits more than 75 compatible tools, and it is in the $200 to $500 tier.

It takes fourth place because the larger bar lets you cut thicker trunks in one pass. Brushless motors run cooler and waste less energy than brushed ones, which helps stretch a small battery. The catch is that the 2.0Ah pack, at about 160 watt-hours, is smaller than the packs above, so you will notice run time on larger logs.

It makes sense if you plan to use the battery across a lot of Greenworks gear. Buy a second battery if you cut heavily.

Bar length: 18 in
Platform: 80V brushless
Battery: 2.0Ah, rapid charger
Ecosystem: 75+ tools

What we like

+Eighteen inch bar cuts thicker wood
+Brushless motor runs efficiently
+Battery fits 75 plus tools
+Rapid charger included

Watch out for

−2.0Ah pack is smallish
−Longer bar adds weight

Buy it if: Greenworks owners wanting more cutting length.

Skip it if: You want maximum run time per charge.

Best Pro Brand

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V 16 Inch Chainsaw

Excellent

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Our verdict: A 16 inch FLEXVOLT saw with a 2Ah battery on DEWALT's pro-oriented battery platform.

The DEWALT FLEXVOLT chainsaw is a 16 inch 60V model sold with a 2Ah battery, in the $200 to $500 tier. FLEXVOLT batteries are designed to work across DEWALT's 20V and 60V tools.

It ranks fifth because the 2Ah battery is on the small side for a saw, and the listing does not publish motor or chain details. What you are buying is the DEWALT platform: contractor-grade dealers, replacement parts and batteries that move between tools.

Buy it if you already own DEWALT batteries and want a saw that joins them. Otherwise, a rival with more battery energy at the same cost is easier to justify.

Bar length: 16 in
Platform: FLEXVOLT 60V
Battery: 2Ah included
Brand: DEWALT

What we like

+Pro-oriented DEWALT platform
+Batteries shared across tools
+Sixteen inch bar is versatile
+Wide parts and dealer reach

Watch out for

−2Ah pack is small
−Listing lacks motor details

Buy it if: DEWALT owners adding a saw to their kit.

Skip it if: You want the longest run time per dollar.

Best Budget Brushless

SEESII 40V 16 Inch Brushless Chainsaw

Excellent

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Our verdict: The cheapest 16 inch brushless saw here, in the $100 to $200 tier.

The SEESII 40V is a 16 inch cordless saw with a brushless motor, and the listing quotes 2000W. It sits in the $100 to $200 tier, the lowest of the 16 inch models.

It ranks sixth because the price is the draw while the brand is less proven than the leaders. Treat a wattage figure on a cordless tool with caution, since it is a peak rating and not a measure of sustained cutting power. A brushless motor still gives better efficiency than the brushed type.

Buy it for occasional yard work on a tight budget. Skip it if you want the backing of a major tool brand.

Bar length: 16 in
Platform: 40V
Motor: Brushless, 2000W listed
Price tier: $100 to $200

What we like

+Lowest price for 16 inches
+Brushless motor is efficient
+Good for occasional yard work
+40V platform is easy to charge

Watch out for

−Brand is less established
−Wattage claim is a peak figure

Buy it if: Budget buyers with light cutting needs.

Skip it if: You want a major tool-brand platform.

Best Two-Battery Kit

SEESII 40V 18 Inch Chainsaw with Two 5.0Ah Batteries

Very Good

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Our verdict: An 18 inch saw sold with two 5.0Ah batteries, for nonstop cutting on paper.

This SEESII is an 18 inch, 40V saw that ships with two 5.0Ah batteries. The listing does not state a price tier, so check the current cost against your budget.

It ranks seventh because two 5.0Ah packs at 40V hold about 200 watt-hours each, which is a lot of cutting for a kit, and the 18 inch bar handles larger limbs. The tradeoff is the same as with the cheaper SEESII: the brand has less track record, and warranty and parts availability matter on a tool you may rely on.

It is a good choice if run time is your priority and you want a spare pack for swapping. Be careful about heft, since a long bar with a large battery is tiring to hold overhead.

Bar length: 18 in
Platform: 40V
Batteries: 2 x 5.0Ah
Energy per pack: About 200 Wh

What we like

+Two batteries allow swapping
+Eighteen inch bar cuts bigger limbs
+Large 5.0Ah packs
+Strong run time on paper

Watch out for

−Brand is less proven
−Heavy for overhead work

Buy it if: People who want long run time and a spare battery.

Skip it if: You want a brand with deep service support.

Best Compact Saw

EGO POWER+ CS1201 12 Inch Chainsaw

Very Good

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Our verdict: A light 12 inch EGO saw with a 2.5Ah battery for pruning and small limbs.

The CS1201 is a 12 inch battery chainsaw on the 56V EGO platform, with a 2.5Ah battery and charger. It sits in the $200 to $500 tier.

It ranks last because the short bar limits cut diameter, and a 12 inch saw is closer to a pruning tool than a felling saw. What you gain is lighter weight and easier handling, which helps with overhead branches and tight spaces.

Buy it for trimming, small limbs and kindling. If you plan to cut anything thicker than a thigh, step up to a 16 inch model instead.

Bar length: 12 in
Platform: 56V
Battery: 2.5Ah included
Model: CS1201

What we like

+Light and easy to handle
+Good for pruning branches
+Battery and charger included
+Shares EGO 56V batteries

Watch out for

−Short bar limits cut size
−Not suited to felling

Buy it if: Pruning, small limbs and kindling.

Skip it if: You cut thick logs or whole trees.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

Battery energy

We multiplied voltage by amp-hours to estimate watt-hours per pack, since that figure predicts run time better than voltage alone.

Bar length and cut size

Bar length was matched to the jobs homeowners actually do, from pruning with 12 inches to firewood with 16 and 18.

Motor and platform

Brushless motors, platform voltage and the number of compatible tools on the same battery were credited.

What is in the box

Kits that include a battery and charger, or a second battery, scored higher than bare tools.

Value under $300

Each saw was judged on documented capability against its price tier, with thin listings marked down.

Every Primea Score uses the same weights: Performance 30% · Build & Materials 20% · Everyday Usability 20% · Value 20% · Owner Satisfaction 10%. Full scoring rules

Buyer's guide

How to Pick the Right One for You

By Bar Length

Bar length sets the thickest wood you can cut in one pass.

Cutting job	Our pick
Pruning and small limbs	EGO POWER+ CS1201 12 Inch Chainsaw
Storm cleanup and firewood	EGO POWER+ CS1611 16 Inch Chainsaw
Thicker trunks	Greenworks 80V 18 Inch Brushless Chainsaw
Large limbs, long sessions	SEESII 40V 18 Inch Chainsaw with Two 5.0Ah Batteries

By Budget

Spend	Our pick
$100 to $200	SEESII 40V 16 Inch Brushless Chainsaw
$200 to $300	EGO POWER+ CS1611 16 Inch Chainsaw
$200 to $300 (80V)	Greenworks 80V 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Upper end, long run time	EGO POWER+ CS1613 16 Inch Chainsaw

Established Platform vs Budget Brand

Established platform

Backed by dealers, parts and shared batteries, at a higher cost. Picks: EGO POWER+ CS1611 and CS1613, Greenworks 80V and DEWALT FLEXVOLT.

Budget brand

More battery or a longer bar for the money, with less service support. Picks: SEESII 40V 16 Inch and SEESII 40V 18 Inch.

Default to an established platform if you will keep the saw for years.

By Battery Size

Battery	Our pick
About 120 to 140 Wh	EGO POWER+ CS1611 16 Inch Chainsaw
About 160 to 200 Wh	Greenworks 80V 16 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
About 224 Wh	EGO POWER+ CS1613 16 Inch Chainsaw
Two spare packs	SEESII 40V 18 Inch Chainsaw with Two 5.0Ah Batteries

For Storm Cleanup Specifically

Look for

A 16 inch bar, a battery with real capacity and a chain brake. Storm debris is awkward, so choose a saw you can control.

In this ranking

EGO POWER+ CS1613 for long sessions, EGO POWER+ CS1611 as the balanced pick, and Greenworks 80V 16 Inch for value.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You cut every season or share batteries with other tools. The EGO POWER+ CS1613 and DEWALT FLEXVOLT justify the premium.

Save if

You cut limbs once or twice a year. The SEESII 40V 16 Inch or the EGO POWER+ CS1201 will do.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cordless chainsaw replace a gas saw?+

For homeowner tasks such as limbs, storm cleanup and firewood, yes. For all-day felling of large trees, a gas saw still runs longer.

What is the most common mistake with a cordless saw?+

Skipping chain oil or running a dull chain, which wears the bar and drains the battery. Fill the oil reservoir before every session and sharpen the chain often.

Is a bigger battery worth it?+

If you cut for longer than half an hour at a time, yes, since the stored energy directly sets run time. For occasional jobs a smaller pack saves money.

How do I set up a new saw?+

Fit the bar and chain, set the chain tension so it lifts slightly off the bar, fill the oil reservoir and charge the battery fully. Check the tension again after the first few cuts.

How should I store the saw and battery?+

Keep the battery indoors at moderate temperature, with the bar cover fitted and the oil drained if you will not use it for months. Avoid leaving batteries in a hot garage.

What safety gear do I need?+

Chainsaw chaps, eye and ear protection, gloves and sturdy boots are the minimum. Never cut above shoulder height with a full-size saw.

Final take

Buy the EGO POWER+ CS1611 for a balanced cordless saw that handles most yard jobs, and step up to the CS1613 if you cut for long stretches. The Greenworks 80V 16 inch is the value alternative, and the SEESII 40V 16 inch is the cheapest brushless option for light use. Skip the 12 inch saw unless pruning is the only job on your list.

More Ranked & Reviewed Guides

The 7 Best Cordless Chainsaws Under $100 for Light Yard Duty, Ranked & Reviewed The 6 Best Cordless Chainsaws Under $200 for Yard and Firewood Work, Ranked & Reviewed The 8 Best Cordless Chainsaws Under $500 for Serious Property Work, Ranked & Reviewed