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Ranked & Reviewed by Primea Reviews

The 7 Best Mini Chainsaws Under $200, From 6 Inch Pruners to 12 Inch Saws, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 3, 202610 min read7 products ranked

The short answer

The RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 inch kit is the best mini chainsaw under $200 for most buyers, a ready-to-run brushless saw from a major brand. The RYOBI 8 inch bare tool is the pick for ONE+ owners, the 12 inch 20V two-battery kit gives the most reach for the money, and the SEESII 12-Inch is the brushless option for longer cuts.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

01
Best Overall
RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 in. Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw Kit
A brushless 6 inch kit from a mainstream brand with a huge battery family behind it.
Outstanding
Check price
02
Best for ONE+ Owners
RYOBI 18V Brushless 8 in. Battery Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw (Tool Only)
An 8 inch brushless RYOBI bare tool, ideal when you already hold the batteries.
Outstanding
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03
Best Reach for the Money
12" Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 20V Battery Powered Cordless Chain Saw, Chainsaw with 2 x 4.0Ah Lithium ion Battery and Charger
A 12 inch, 20V saw with two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger, at a very low cost.
Excellent
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04
Best Brushless 12 Inch
SEESII 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, Brushless Motor
A 12 inch SEESII saw with a brushless motor and very little else in the listing.
Excellent
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05
Best Brand-Backed 12 Inch
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
A 12 inch, 40V Greenworks saw with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.
Excellent
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06
Best for DeWalt Crews
Dewalt Chainsaw Pruning CRDLS 20V 8IN DCCS623B
DeWalt's 20V 8 inch pruning chainsaw, best when you own the batteries.
Very Good
Check price
07
Best Simple Kit
Greenworks 24V 6in Mini Chainsaw, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
A simple 6 inch Greenworks saw with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.
Very Good
Check price

At the $200 mark the label mini chainsaw starts to blur. Some of the saws here have 6 inch bars you can wave one-handed at a hedge, while others carry 12 inch bars that are small chainsaws in everything but name. The hidden tradeoff is control: every extra inch of bar adds reach, but also weight and kickback leverage. Buying the longest bar you can afford is a classic mistake.

This ranking sorts seven saws by bar length, motor, battery platform and what is in the box. We reviewed listing details rather than inventing performance numbers, and where a listing is quiet about something, such as the motor in a 12 inch kit, we say so. Bare-tool listings are flagged because a battery can change the real price.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

Bar length versus handling

A 12 inch bar reaches farther, but it is heavier and increases leverage if the saw kicks back. For hedges and thin limbs, 6 inch is enough. Buy the shortest bar that handles your thickest regular cut.

Brushless motor

A brushless motor uses electronic commutation and wastes less energy as heat. It gives longer runtime from the same battery. Check the listing title for the word brushless.

Battery in the box

Bare-tool listings exclude batteries, which can cost as much as the saw. Kits include them. Read for the words tool only or battery and charger included before comparing prices.

Voltage platform

Higher voltage platforms such as 40V provide more power for longer bars. 18V to 20V suits pruning. Pick the platform that matches your existing batteries.

Safety and kickback

All chainsaws can kick back, mini ones included. Keep both hands on the saw, wear eye protection and gloves, and avoid cutting with the bar tip.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

Best Overall

RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 in. Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw Kit

Outstanding

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Our verdict: A brushless 6 inch kit from a mainstream brand with a huge battery family behind it.

RYOBI's HP 18V pruner has a brushless motor and a 6 inch bar, sold as a kit. HP is the maker's high-performance range, and the 18V ONE+ batteries are shared by a long list of other tools.

It takes first place because it balances all the things that matter in a mini saw: light weight, an efficient motor and a platform you can grow into. A 6 inch bar is easy to control and accurate for pruning. Check the kit contents on the listing, since kit definitions vary.

Buy it for orchard, hedge and garden work. Skip it if you need to cut logs.

Bar: 6 inch
Motor: Brushless
Platform: RYOBI HP 18V
Format: Kit

What we like

+Brushless motor for longer runtime
+Light and controllable 6 inch bar
+Big RYOBI battery family
+Kit format for easy start

Watch out for

−Short bar limits log work
−Kit contents need checking

Buy it if: Gardeners wanting a precise, light pruner.

Skip it if: You cut firewood.

Best for ONE+ Owners

RYOBI 18V Brushless 8 in. Battery Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw (Tool Only)

Outstanding

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: An 8 inch brushless RYOBI bare tool, ideal when you already hold the batteries.

This RYOBI has an 8 inch bar and a brushless motor, supplied as a bare tool. It uses 18V ONE+ batteries that you must own or buy separately.

It ranks second because it adds bar length over the kit while keeping the brushless advantage. Two extra inches is a real step up in cut capacity. The cost of a battery and charger is the catch for beginners.

Choose it if you already run RYOBI 18V. Skip it if you are starting out.

Bar: 8 inch
Motor: Brushless
Platform: RYOBI 18V
Format: Tool only

What we like

+8 inch bar for thicker limbs
+Brushless motor
+Uses RYOBI ONE+ batteries
+Great value with spare packs

Watch out for

−No battery included
−Bare tool adds hidden cost

Buy it if: RYOBI 18V owners wanting more reach.

Skip it if: You do not own batteries.

Best Reach for the Money

12" Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 20V Battery Powered Cordless Chain Saw, Chainsaw with 2 x 4.0Ah Lithium ion Battery and Charger

Excellent

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Our verdict: A 12 inch, 20V saw with two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger, at a very low cost.

This 12 inch saw runs on 20V and includes two 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries and a charger, aimed at wood cutting, trimming and pruning.

It ranks third because 8.0Ah of stored energy and a 12 inch bar give the most capacity per dollar here. The compromise is control and brand: a long bar is heavier, and the listing does not name a brand or motor type. At 20V, it also has less torque than the 40V saws.

Buy it for trimming and softwood on a tight budget. Skip it if you want brand support.

Bar: 12 inch
Voltage: 20V
Batteries: 2 x 4.0Ah
Charger: Included

What we like

+Two batteries and a charger
+Long 12 inch bar
+Lowest cost for the reach
+Complete kit

Watch out for

−Brand and motor not named
−Heavier than 6 inch saws

Buy it if: Budget buyers who want maximum reach.

Skip it if: You value brand support.

Best Brushless 12 Inch

SEESII 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, Brushless Motor

Excellent

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Our verdict: A 12 inch SEESII saw with a brushless motor and very little else in the listing.

The SEESII 12-Inch is a cordless saw with a brushless motor and a 12 inch bar. The listing gives no battery detail.

It ranks fourth because brushless is a good sign but the missing battery information makes it hard to judge value. The longer bar gives reach, and SEESII sells batteries separately, so check carefully what you receive.

Pick it if you want a brushless 12 inch saw. Skip it if you need to know the box contents.

Bar: 12 inch
Motor: Brushless
Brand: SEESII
Battery: Not detailed

What we like

+Brushless motor
+Long 12 inch bar
+Low price
+Known budget brand

Watch out for

−Battery details missing
−Heavier to hold

Buy it if: Brushless fans wanting long reach.

Skip it if: You need a stated battery kit.

Best Brand-Backed 12 Inch

Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger

Excellent

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Our verdict: A 12 inch, 40V Greenworks saw with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.

This Greenworks 40V saw has a 12 inch bar and ships with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.

It ranks fifth because the 2.0 Ah battery is small for a 12 inch bar and the price is higher than the generic kits. What you gain is brand support and a 40V platform with a range of tools.

Buy it if brand warranty matters. Skip it if you want long runtime.

Bar: 12 inch
Voltage: 40V
Battery: 2.0 Ah with charger
Brand: Greenworks

What we like

+40V power for a 12 inch bar
+Established brand support
+Battery and charger included
+Fits a wider tool range

Watch out for

−Small battery for the bar
−Costs more than generics

Buy it if: Brand-minded owners with light cutting needs.

Skip it if: You need long runtime.

Best for DeWalt Crews

Dewalt Chainsaw Pruning CRDLS 20V 8IN DCCS623B

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: DeWalt's 20V 8 inch pruning chainsaw, best when you own the batteries.

The DCCS623B is DeWalt's 20V pruning chainsaw with an 8 inch bar. The B in the model number commonly signals a bare tool, so check for a battery before you buy.

It ranks sixth because the RYOBI 8 inch matches the bar for less and names a brushless motor, while the DeWalt listing does not. The reason to pick it is the 20V battery family.

Buy it if you already hold DeWalt 20V packs. Skip it if you would need to buy one.

Bar: 8 inch
Voltage: 20V
Model: DCCS623B
Brand: DeWalt

What we like

+DeWalt build reputation
+Shares 20V batteries
+8 inch pruning bar
+Wide service network

Watch out for

−Motor type not listed
−Battery may be extra

Buy it if: DeWalt battery owners.

Skip it if: You have no DeWalt batteries.

Best Simple Kit

Greenworks 24V 6in Mini Chainsaw, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A simple 6 inch Greenworks saw with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.

This 6 inch Greenworks 24V saw includes a 2.0 Ah battery and charger.

It ranks last because it offers the least cutting capacity at a brand price, and no motor information. For light pruning it works, and the 24V battery serves other Greenworks tools.

Buy it for gentle shrub work. Skip it if you want more bar.

Bar: 6 inch
Voltage: 24V
Battery: 2.0 Ah with charger
Brand: Greenworks

What we like

+Complete kit
+Light and compact
+Brand warranty route
+Shares 24V batteries

Watch out for

−Short bar
−Motor type not listed

Buy it if: Light shrub trimming.

Skip it if: You cut thick branches.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

Bar length and control

Six, eight and twelve inch bars were compared for reach against weight and kickback risk.

Motor type

Brushless motors were weighed above unstated ones for efficiency and heat.

Battery platform and kit

RYOBI 18V, DeWalt 20V, Greenworks 24V and 40V, and generic 20V packs were compared, with tool-only listings flagged.

Brand support

Established tool makers were scored above anonymous kits for parts and warranty.

Value under $200

Each saw was set against the $50 to $100 and $100 to $200 buckets, counting a battery if one was needed.

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

Shorter bars handle better; longer bars cut thicker wood.

Bar	Our pick
6 inch, precise pruning	RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 in. Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw Kit
8 inch, mixed limbs	RYOBI 18V Brushless 8 in. Battery Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw (Tool Only)
8 inch, DeWalt platform	Dewalt Chainsaw Pruning CRDLS 20V 8IN DCCS623B
12 inch, small logs	12" Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 20V Battery Powered, 2 x 4.0Ah

By Budget

Spend	Our pick
$50 to $100, full kit	12" Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 20V Battery Powered, 2 x 4.0Ah
$50 to $100, brushless	SEESII 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, Brushless Motor
$100 to $200, kit	RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 in. Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw Kit
$100 to $200, brand 12 inch	Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw

Pruner Size vs 12 Inch Saw

6 to 8 inch pruner

Light, accurate and safer for overhead and one-handed work. Picks: RYOBI HP 6 inch, RYOBI 8 inch, DeWalt DCCS623B and Greenworks 24V.

12 inch saw

More reach for small logs and thick limbs, heavier to control. Picks: the 20V two-battery 12 inch, SEESII 12-Inch and Greenworks 40V.

Default to a pruner unless you truly cut logs.

By Battery You Own

You own	Our pick
Nothing	12" Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 20V Battery Powered, 2 x 4.0Ah
RYOBI 18V	RYOBI 18V Brushless 8 in. Battery Compact Pruning Mini Chainsaw (Tool Only)
DeWalt 20V	Dewalt Chainsaw Pruning CRDLS 20V 8IN DCCS623B
Greenworks tools	Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw

For Occasional Firewood Specifically

Look for

A 12 inch bar, at least two batteries and a stable grip. Firewood drains packs fast.

In this ranking

The 12 inch 20V two-battery kit for the most stored energy, or the SEESII 12-Inch if you own compatible batteries.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You want brand support or a brushless motor from a known maker. The RYOBI HP kit earns the money.

Save if

You trim a few times a year. The generic 12 inch two-battery kit is plenty.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12 inch saw still a mini chainsaw?+

Marketing calls it one, but it is a compact chainsaw. The 6 and 8 inch saws are true pruners, while the 12 inch models cut small logs.

What is the biggest mistake buyers make?+

Buying the longest bar available. A longer bar adds weight and leverage, which makes the saw harder to control in tight spots.

Is the RYOBI worth it over the generic 12 inch kit?+

For pruning, yes. The RYOBI is lighter, brushless and backed by a brand. For small logs and firewood, the 12 inch kit gives more reach.

How hard is setup?+

Quick. Mount the bar and chain, set tension, fill the oil and charge a battery. Follow the manual for chain direction.

How should I maintain it?+

Keep the chain sharp and oiled, clean sawdust from the bar and store the battery partly charged. Replace a stretched chain promptly.

Are cordless saws safe for beginners?+

They are easier to start and quieter than petrol saws, but they cut just as fast. Learn the basics, wear protective gear and start with small branches.

Final take

The RYOBI HP 18V Brushless 6 inch kit is the best mini chainsaw under $200, combining a brushless motor, a controllable bar and a large battery family. The RYOBI 8 inch suits owners with batteries, the 12 inch 20V kit gives the most reach for the money, and the SEESII 12-Inch is the brushless long-bar choice. Pick the bar for your branches, not the biggest one available.

More Ranked & Reviewed Guides

The 7 Best Mini Chainsaws Under $100 for Pruning and Firewood, Ranked & Reviewed The 6 Best Mini Chainsaws Under $150 for Serious Pruning, Ranked & Reviewed The 6 Best Mini Chainsaws Under $50 for Light Trimming, Ranked & Reviewed