Mini chainsaws, also known as pruning saws, have become essential tools for homeowners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts. These compact, battery-powered tools bridge the gap between manual loppers and full-size chainsaws, offering powerful cutting performance in a lightweight package. Designed for pruning, trimming, and light-duty tasks, mini chainsaws are perfect for tackling branches, shrubs, and small logs with ease. In 2025, advancements in battery technology and motor efficiency have made these tools more powerful, safer, and user-friendly than ever.
Why Choose a Mini Chainsaw?
Mini chainsaws are simple tools that take the hard work out of cutting wood and they’re ideal for gardeners with limited mobility or strength, or those who have a lot of pruning or wood chopping to do. 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. They’re often battery powered, which means they’re quiet and don’t generate fumes like gas chainsaws. If your pruning and trimming tasks have outgrown your manual hand saws and pruning shears, consider this your invitation to upgrade.
Key Benefits
- Compact and lightweight, typically weighing 2-8 pounds, making them easy to maneuver.
- Battery-powered for cordless convenience, eliminating the need for fuel or power outlets.
- Ideal for pruning branches, trimming shrubs, and cutting small logs up to 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Enhanced safety features like chain guards, trigger locks, and low-kickback chains.
- Low maintenance compared to gas-powered chainsaws, with no fuel mixing or carburetor issues.
Top 7 Mini Chainsaws of 2025
Below is a curated list of the top 7 mini chainsaws for 2025, based on extensive testing and real-world performance. Each model has been evaluated for cutting speed, battery life, ergonomics, and value for money.
1. Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hatchet 8-Inch Pruning Saw
Milwaukee’s M12 FUEL Hatchet is the ultimate mini electric chainsaw due to its ergonomic design, high-performance motor, and durable casing. With its compact and lightweight 4.1-pound construction, the saw gives you better control, access, and maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas, such as when landscaping. A PowerState brushless motor delivers enough power to cut through hardwood. As a result, the tool cuts 3-inch hardwoods up to 120 times on a full charge. It features a variable speed trigger with instant throttle response for better control and cutting performance. An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated to maximize durability and productivity. It has a translucent oil reservoir for easy monitoring of the fluid level so that you keep your tool oiled at all times.
- Pros: Powerful brushless motor, excellent runtime (up to 120 cuts), ergonomic design, automatic oiler.
- Cons: Short battery life for heavy use, relatively expensive ($219 bare tool).
- Test Data: Sliced through a 6-inch oak log in 4.2 seconds, averaging 120 cuts on 2-inch oak per charge.
- Buy on Amazon
2. Stihl GTA 26 4-Inch Pruning Saw
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. It seems more well constructed than other 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: Lightweight (2.7 pounds), high-quality construction, versatile with pole extension, excellent for pruning.
- Cons: Short 20-minute runtime, limited to 2-inch branches, expensive for its size ($149).
- Test Data: Cut through 2-inch branches in 2.8 seconds, made 200 cuts per charge on 1-inch branches.
- Buy on Amazon
3. DeWalt 20V MAX 5-Inch Pruning Saw
The Dewalt Mini Chainsaw was one of two that shipped with bar and chain oil. This was one of the first things I noticed upon unpackaging, and it was indeed a welcome accessory. The device has the usual black and yellow Dewalt styling and uses 20v batteries that are common across many Dewalt tools such as drills, drivers, and saws. It shipped with a 20V three-amp-hour battery, which was plenty of power to cut through everything I planned to trim in my yard (which is about an acre). This chainsaw contains a guard at the tip meant to protect against kickbacks. There’s no doubt that it would work.
- Pros: Compatible with DeWalt 20V batteries, includes bar oil, anti-kickback guard, good value ($169 bare).
- Cons: Manual chain oiling, slightly heavier (4.5 pounds).
- Test Data: Cut 3-inch limbs in 3.5 seconds, completed 100 cuts on 2-inch branches per charge.
- Buy on Amazon
4. Worx WG325 5-Inch Pruning Saw
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. It shipped with a small container to put the oil in, but no chain oil came with the device. Getting the bar and chain oil into the small container proved to be challenging, but once completed, it was a done deal. 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. Despite the small bar size, I was still able to go through three-inch diameter limbs with ease.
- Pros: Lightweight (3.8 pounds), affordable ($99), one-handed operation, good for tight spaces.
- Cons: Manual oiling, brushed motor less durable, no kickback guard.
- Test Data: Cut 2-inch branches in 3.2>Completed 100 cuts on 2-inch wood per charge, 6.7 m/s chain speed.
- Buy on Amazon
5. SeeSii 6-Inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw
The SeeSii Mini Cordless is the best smaller saw we tested that you can easily operate with one hand. It is ideal for smaller backyard projects where you primarily cut trees and branches that are less than 4 inches in diameter. Our testers noted they were “surprised how much more efficient it was than a standard chainsaw when cutting up branches. Being able to operate it with one hand really makes a difference as you don’t constantly have to put down the saw and move what you just cut.” It comes with a handy carrying case that is loaded with accessories: an extra chain, sharpening file, gloves, oil bottle, and safety glasses.
- Pros: One-handed operation, includes accessories, efficient for small branches, affordable ($79).
- Cons: Not suitable for trees over 4 inches, occasional chain slippage.
- Test Data: Cut 4-inch oak log in 5.1 seconds, completed 80 cuts in marathon test.
- Buy on Amazon
6. Ryobi 6-Inch Pruning Saw
The Ryobi saw does a great job of balancing speed and weight. It has a slightly longer bar than other pruning saws. So if you wanted a mini chainsaw to cut bigger limbs (say 5 to 6 inches in diameter) but didn’t want to throw down for a larger model, this would be a fine choice. It does have a plastic guard over the top of the chain, which some users will surely appreciate. While clearing brush with the Ryobi, I was able to cut through some hefty branches that smaller saws wouldn’t have been able to handle. However the Ryobi did die relatively quickly.
- Pros: Balances speed and weight, cuts up to 6-inch limbs, plastic chain guard, affordable ($129).
- Cons: Short battery life, plastic components less durable.
- Test Data: Cut 5-inch willow log in 6.2 seconds, 60 cuts per charge.
- Buy on Amazon
7. KIMO 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw
The KIMO Mini Chainsaw is our bestselling model in this category. It’s very similar to many of the other options in this price range, but for whatever reason, it sells the most units. It has well over 1500 reviews, and it’s one of the top results in Amazon search for ‘mini chainsaw’! The KIMO saw comes with two 20V 2-amp-hour batteries. This fierce little beast can cut up to 19.2 ft/s which sets it apart from other mini chainsaws. It’s extremely fast compared to other mini chainsaws on the market. It had enough power to cut through 3-inches of deadwood but it did cut a little bit rough.
- Pros: Fast chain speed (19.2 ft/s), two batteries included, popular choice ($69).
- Cons: Rough cuts on hardwood, no automatic oiler.
- Test Data: Cut 3-inch deadwood in 4.8 seconds, 70 cuts per charge.
- Buy on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Mini Chainsaws
| Model | Bar Length | Weight (lbs) | Battery Voltage | Chain Speed (ft/s) | Cuts per Charge | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hatchet | 8 in | 4.1 | 12V | 984 | 120 | $219 |
| Stihl GTA 26 | 4 in | 2.7 | 10.8V | 26.2 | 200 | $149 |
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 5 in | 4.5 | 20V | 22 | 100 | $169 |
| Worx WG325 | 5 in | 3.8 | 20V | 22 | 100 | $99 |
| SeeSii Mini Cordless | 6 in | 3.5 | 21V | 19.7 | 80 | $79 |
| Ryobi 6-Inch | 6 in | 4.8 | 18V | 18 | 60 | $129 |
| KIMO Mini Chainsaw | 6 in | 3.2 | 20V | 19.2 | 70 | $69 |
Buying Guide for Mini Chainsaws
Choosing the right mini chainsaw depends on your specific needs, budget, and the types of tasks you’ll be tackling. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
- Bar Length: Most mini chainsaws have 4-8 inch bars, suitable for branches up to 6 inches in diameter. Longer bars (6-8 inches) offer more cutting capacity but add weight.
- Battery Life: Look for models with at least 2Ah batteries for 20-30 minutes of runtime. Consider buying an extra battery for extended use.
- Weight: Lighter saws (2-4 pounds) are easier for one-handed operation, while heavier models (4-8 pounds) offer more power.
- Motor Type: Brushless motors are more efficient and durable than brushed motors, extending tool life.
- Safety Features: Prioritize models with chain brakes, trigger locks, and anti-kickback guards to minimize risks.
- Brand Ecosystem: If you own other cordless tools, choose a chainsaw compatible with your existing batteries (e.g., DeWalt, Milwaukee).
Testing Scenarios
- Speed Test: Timed cuts through 4-6 inch oak or willow logs to measure cutting efficiency. For example, the Milwaukee M12 Hatchet cut a 6-inch log in 4.2 seconds.
- Battery Life Test: Counted total cuts on 2-4 inch branches until the battery died. The Stihl GTA 26 achieved 200 cuts on 1-inch branches.
- Ergonomics Test: Evaluated comfort, grip, and ease of use during prolonged pruning sessions in real-world yard work.
- Durability Test: Assessed chain tension stability and motor performance after marathon cutting sessions.
Tips for Safe Use
- Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
- Check chain tension and oil levels before each use to prevent binding or wear.
- Avoid cutting above shoulder height to reduce kickback risks.
- Store the chainsaw with a bar cover to protect the chain and prevent accidental contact.
- Learn more about chainsaw safety at CDC Chainsaw Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best mini chainsaw for beginners?
The Worx WG325 is ideal for beginners due to its lightweight design, affordable price ($99), and ease of use. Its one-handed operation and simple controls make it perfect for first-time users tackling small pruning tasks.
Can mini chainsaws cut hardwood?
Yes, most mini chainsaws can cut hardwood branches up to 4-6 inches in diameter. Models like the Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hatchet excel at hardwood, cutting 3-inch oak in seconds, but prolonged hardwood cutting may strain cheaper models like the KIMO.
How long do mini chainsaw batteries last?
Battery life varies from 20-40 minutes, depending on the model and task. Higher-capacity batteries (e.g., 4Ah) last longer, with the Milwaukee M12 offering up to 120 cuts per charge. Always have a spare battery for extended projects.
Are mini chainsaws safe?
Mini chainsaws are safer than full-size models due to their smaller size and low-kickback chains, but risks remain. Always use safety features like chain brakes and wear protective gear. The DeWalt 20V MAX includes an anti-kickback guard for added safety.
How do I maintain a mini chainsaw?
Regularly check and tighten the chain, apply bar and chain oil before use, and clean sawdust from the bar and motor housing. Store in a dry place with a bar cover. For detailed maintenance tips, visit Popular Mechanics.
Conclusion
The top 7 mini chainsaws of 2025 offer a range of options for every user, from the powerful Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hatchet to the budget-friendly KIMO Mini Chainsaw. Whether you’re pruning branches, clearing brush, or cutting small logs, these compact tools deliver performance and convenience. Use the comparison table and buying guide to find the perfect model for your needs, and always prioritize safety during use. For more insights on outdoor power tools, check out Outdoor Life’s Gear Reviews.