Cordless mini chainsaws are compact, battery-powered tools designed for light-duty tasks such as pruning, trimming branches, and cutting small logs. These saws bridge the gap between manual loppers and full-size chainsaws, offering portability, ease of use, and enough power for homeowners and gardeners with limited strength or mobility. Lightweight and often operable with one hand, they are ideal for tight spaces and quick garden tidy-ups. In 2025, advancements in battery technology and brushless motors have made these tools more powerful and efficient, rivaling some gas-powered models for small-scale tasks.
Why Choose a Cordless Mini Chainsaw?
Mini chainsaws are simple tools that take the hard work out of cutting wood. They’re ideal for gardeners with limited mobility or strength, or those who have a lot of pruning or wood chopping to do. Designed to bridge the gap between manual loppers and full-size chainsaws, they can do everything a saw does¡ªprune trees, shape woody shrubs, or cut up firewood, but with less effort. Lightweight and portable, mini chainsaws can get into tight spaces where other saws would struggle and thanks to their Lithium-Ion batteries, you don’t need to deal with noisy, fiddly engines either.
Key Benefits
- Portability: Cordless design eliminates the need for cords or fuel, allowing freedom of movement.
- Ease of Use: Lightweight and often one-handed operation makes them accessible for beginners.
- Low Maintenance: No gas or oil mixing, just charge the battery and lubricate the chain.
- Quiet Operation: Electric motors produce less noise (around 90dB) compared to gas models.
- Safety Features: Many models include trigger locks, chain brakes, and handguards to minimize risks.
Top 9 Cordless Mini Chainsaws of 2025
Below is a curated list of the best cordless mini chainsaws for 2025, based tenir expert testing and user feedback. Each model has been evaluated for cutting performance, battery life, ergonomics, and value for money.
1. Stihl GTA 26
The durable and reliable GTA 26 is a fantastic mini chainsaw that offers cordless convenience and enough power to cut through medium-sized branches and logs. It boasts a 10 cm bar, a comfortable rubberised grip, tool-free chain tensioning, battery charge level indicator on the side, and razor-sharp Swiss-made micro chain. Stihl is known for making quality tools and the GTA 26 is no exception. It seems more well constructed than the Ryobi and Saker pruning saws. It also comes with a nice carrying case which holds the battery, charger, and oil. This saw is also compatible with a 5-foot extension pole, essentially turning it into a shorter pole saw.
- Pros: Well-constructed, includes carrying case, compatible with extension pole, excellent cutting performance.
- Cons: Battery life could be longer, slightly expensive.
2. Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A
The Aspire P5-P4A has a very comfortable handle and a power button that also shows the charge left in the battery. Making use of the brilliantly versatile 18 Volt Power for All Alliance battery platform, you can use the same battery in a range of different tool brands, including Bosch, Gardena and Flymo. This also means you can install higher capacity batteries than the 2.5 Ah one included, to increase your working time. Although it doesn’t come with a carry case, Husqvarna has included a handy hanging hook that you can easily screw into your shed wall to keep it off the floor. You can extend the reach with a pole extension accessory as well. The P5-P4A has been awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a versatile mini chainsaw.
- Pros: Versatile battery platform, comfortable handle, extension pole compatibility.
- Cons: No carry case, included battery capacity is limited.
3. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet
The Milwaukee Hatchet was a tree girdling machine. The Hatchet is compatible with all M18 Fuel series batteries, and I used an 18V; 5AH battery from my Milwaukee cordless drill to power the saw. With that battery it was able to make an impressive 97 cuts through a 4-inch diameter log. The saw never overheated, never got jammed up, and never threw its chain, even while chewing through bigger logs. With its 8-inch bar it had no problem cutting through a 7-inch diameter maple tree, which I bucked for campfire wood.
- Pros: Exceptional battery life, powerful cutting, reliable performance.
- Cons: Expensive, heavier than other mini chainsaws (close to 8 pounds).
4. DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCCS620P1
Weighing less than 9 lbs and suitable for cutting small trees, limbs, and logs quickly and smoothly, this DeWALT mini chainsaw is perfect for small jobs around the yard. While it doesn’t have a kickback brake, it does have a tip guard and a two-handed trigger system as a safety feature. DEWALT has designed this chainsaw specifically for people who wish to prune trees, do DIY projects, and occasionally cut firewood, but don’t want to go through the hassle of owning a gas chainsaw.
- Pros: Lightweight, smooth cutting, good for DIY projects.
- Cons: No kickback brake, may be challenging for left-handed users.
5. Ryobi 18V ONE+ 8-Inch
Ryobi is another brand with a solid track record across many of our power tools tests, so the same 18-volt battery used for the saw can also power a top-performing cordless drill, shop vac or circular saw. The mini chainsaw features a brushless motor, which should further reduce the need for maintenance and also keep it running smoothly for many years of service. This 8-inch Ryobi is one of the few models from our review with an oil-free design.
- Pros: Oil-free design, brushless motor, battery compatibility with other Ryobi tools.
- Cons: Less powerful than some competitors, limited to smaller tasks.
6. Bomves 6-Inch Cordless
The Bomves 6-Inch Electric, Cordless chainsaw is the most popular mini chainsaw on the market. Off the bat, we liked that the Bomves had a full-hand guard for safety purposes. It was safe enough to protect your hand from anything but also not too bulky to prevent you from cutting trees. Like all mini chainsaws, it’s a one-handed tool that’s extremely convenient for quick jobs. It weighs just over a pound so it shouldn’t be an issue for most people. This fierce little beast can cut up to 19.2 ft/s which sets it apart from other mini chainsaws.
- Pros: Lightweight, fast cutting speed, full-hand guard.
- Cons: Rough cutting on hardwood, not ideal for large firewood tasks.
7. Saker Mini Chainsaw
The Saker mini chainsaw comes out of the box with oil, an oil container and a tool to adjust the chain tension. It’s the smallest and lightest of the mini chain saws we tested and even has a lanyard you can wrap around your wrist. It ships with a 20V, 1.5-amp-hour battery. That might not sound like much, but is a perfect match for the size of this saw and its intended uses. After an hour of intermittent use, the battery still had 75% power.
- Pros: Ultra-lightweight, includes oil and accessories, good battery efficiency.
- Cons: Open-ended safety handle, less powerful for thicker cuts.
The Worx saw is another 20V machine with a small but capable five-inch bar. It’s compact enough to operate it with one hand. It doesn’t have a kickback guard but employs a type of hand guard that looks like something you see over a circular saw blade on a table saw. The saw is super lightweight, and I could carry it around with one hand without tiring. Since I could easily hold the saw with one hand, it worked great for getting into the nooks and crannies of fruit trees to trim small branches.
- Pros: Lightweight, great for tight spaces, easy to use.
- Cons: No automatic oiler, requires manual chain lubrication.
9. Craftsman 20V CMCCS620M1
Weight: 9.9 lbs. Opinion: Craftsman 20V cordless (CMCCS620M1) ¡ª This is an excellent little chainsaw that you’ll grow to love over the years, thanks to its compact design, making it easy to pick-up and use anytime. Part of the Craftsman V20 line, the interchangeable battery system allows you to share among the other tools. Cuts branches up to 4-inches in diameter. This might be exactly what you need.
- Pros: Compact, battery compatibility, reliable for small cuts.
- Cons: Limited to smaller branches, heavier than some competitors.
Comparison Table of Top 9 Cordless Mini Chainsaws
| Model | Bar Length | Battery | Weight | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl GTA 26 | 4 inches | 10.8V | 3.1 lbs | Extension pole compatibility | $150-$200 |
| Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A | 5 inches | 18V | 4.2 lbs | Versatile battery platform | $120-$160 |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet | 8 inches | 18V | 7.9 lbs | 97 cuts per charge | $200-$250 |
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR | 8 inches | 20V | 8.8 lbs | Two-handed trigger | $150-$200 |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ | 8 inches | 18V | 6.5 lbs | Oil-free design | $100-$140 |
| Bomves 6-Inch | 6 inches | 20V | 1.2 lbs | Fast cutting speed | $50-$80 |
| Saker Mini | 4 inches | 20V | 1.5 lbs | Lanyard included | $40-$70 |
| Worx WG322 | 5 inches | 20V | 4.0 lbs | One-handed operation | $80-$110 |
| Craftsman CMCCS620M1 | 12 inches | 20V | 9.9 lbs | Battery sharing | $120-$160 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these mini chainsaws, experts conducted rigorous tests in real-world scenarios. For example, in one test, saws with 4- to 8-inch bars cut through a 4-inch diameter oak log, while those with 10- to 12-inch bars tackled a 6-inch diameter black willow log. Each saw’s cutting speed was timed over three cuts, and the average was calculated. Battery life was assessed by counting how many cuts each saw could make before the battery depleted or the saw overheated. For instance, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet made 97 cuts through a 4-inch log, while the Saker Mini sustained an hour of intermittent use with 75% battery remaining. Ergonomics were tested by pruning fruit trees and clearing storm debris, ensuring the saws could handle tight spaces and overhead cuts.
Key Test Findings
- Cutting Speed: Bomves (19.2 ft/s) and Milwaukee excelled in speed, slicing through logs effortlessly.
- Battery Life: Milwaukee and Saker offered superior runtime, ideal for extended tasks.
- Ergonomics: Husqvarna and Worx were praised for comfort and ease in tight spaces.
- Safety: Stihl and Bomves scored high for robust safety features like handguards and trigger locks.
Buying Guide for Cordless Mini Chainsaws
Choosing the right cordless mini chainsaw depends on your specific needs, budget, and the tasks you plan to tackle. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Bar Length
Chainsaws with long bars may be a good choice for customers who need to cut down large trees or bulky branches. For mini chainsaws, bar lengths range from 4 to 12 inches. Smaller bars (4-6 inches) are ideal for pruning and light trimming, while larger bars (8-12 inches) can handle small logs and thicker branches.
2. Battery Life and Voltage
The average time a battery chainsaw lasts before needing a charge is 20–30 minutes. However, that time will change based on the unit’s make and model, the hardness of the wood being cut, whether you run the machine continuously, and the chainsaws battery size. Batteries range from 10.8V to 20V, with higher voltages offering more power but shorter runtime. Consider models with interchangeable batteries (e.g., Ryobi, Craftsman) if you own other tools from the same brand.
3. Weight and Ergonomics
Mini chainsaws weigh between 1.2 and 9.9 pounds. Lighter models like the Bomves and Saker are easier for one-handed use, while heavier models like the Craftsman offer more stability for larger cuts. Look for rubberized grips and balanced designs to reduce fatigue.
4. Safety Features
Even though electric chainsaws are much quieter compared with their petrol-powered counterparts, they can still run at around 90dB, which is enough to cause hearing damage. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and make sure that all long hair is tied back. Sturdy shoes or boots will help you keep a solid footing. Finally make sure to use a sharp chain and to oil it regularly. Look for trigger locks, chain brakes, and handguards to minimize risks.
5. Maintenance
All battery-powered chainsaws require less maintenance than their gas counterparts, but you usually do have to keep cordless saws properly lubricated. The chain also needs periodic sharpening, which you can do yourself with a round file or a chainsaw sharpening kit; many hardware stores also offer chain-sharpening services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best cordless mini chainsaw for beginners?
The Saker Mini Chainsaw is highly recommended for beginners due to its lightweight design (1.5 lbs), ease of use, and included accessories like oil and a lanyard. Its simple operation and safety features make it ideal for first-time users.
How long do mini chainsaw batteries last?
Most mini chainsaw batteries last 20-30 minutes of continuous use, though this varies by model and task. For example, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet can make 97 cuts on a single charge, while the Saker retains 75% battery after an hour of intermittent use.
Can mini chainsaws cut hardwood?
Mini chainsaws are best suited for softwood and small branches (up to 4-8 inches). While some models like the Milwaukee can handle hardwood, they may cut roughly or struggle with larger logs, making them less ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
How do I maintain a cordless mini chainsaw?
- Keep the chain lubricated with bar and chain oil before each use.
- Sharpen the chain regularly using a round file or professional service.
- Check battery charge and store it properly to extend lifespan.
- Clean the saw after use to remove debris and prevent clogging.
Conclusion
Cordless mini chainsaws are versatile tools that make pruning and light cutting tasks effortless for homeowners and gardeners. The Stihl GTA 26 stands out for its durability and versatility, while budget-friendly options like the Saker and Bomves offer impressive performance for smaller jobs. By considering bar length, battery life, weight, and safety features, you can find the perfect model for your needs. Explore these top picks and elevate your gardening game in 2025.
Learn More from Consumer Reports | Popular Mechanics Reviews