The SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is the best cordless chainsaw for firewood in 2026. It pairs the second-longest bar in this group with the lightest listed weight, comes with two 5.0Ah packs and two chargers, and handles rounds that a 16-inch saw would need two passes to cross.
That last point is the whole firewood argument. Bar length decides which rounds you can cut in a single pass, and the saws that clear the biggest rounds are also the ones that stop you turning a log over and starting again. Firewood cutting is mostly bucking, not felling, so a saw that cross-cuts a 16- to 18-inch round on the ground in one pass is the one that finishes the pile before dinner.
Every cordless chainsaw works the same way as a gas saw at the bar and chain end. A brushless motor spins the chain, an electronic or mechanical chain brake stops it when the motor stops, and a lithium-ion pack at the handle end supplies the energy. What changes between saws is bar length, chain speed, motor size, and how much battery you are willing to carry while you work.
We put ten cordless chainsaws through the firewood frame rather than the generic battery-chainsaw frame. That means judging each one on round diameter it can cross-cut, cuts per charge instead of vague runtime claims, how it behaves with the bucks buried in a log, and whether the battery platform you already own makes the saw cheap or expensive to get into. The full list covers 16-inch saws through one 20-inch, which is the range most firewood cutters actually need.
One honest caveat up front. If you cut five or more cords a year, a gas saw still finishes the job faster and a cordless saw will not change that. If you are cutting a few cords a season, a cord of storm debris, or a woodlot on weekends, the cordless saw wins on starting time, noise and the total absence of fuel mixing. More on that later.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood (October 2026)
SEESII 40V 18-Inch
- 18-inch bar
- 30 ft/s chain speed
- Two 5.0Ah packs and two chargers
- 8.6 lb with both batteries
EGO CS1613 16-Inch
- 40cc gas equivalent
- 20 m/s chain speed
- 130 cuts on 4x4 per charge
- IPX4 weather rated
Supstable 40V 16-Inch
- 2000W brushless motor
- 35 ft/s chain speed
- 50 minutes runtime
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
All 10 Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood at a Glance (October 2026)
| Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|
|
SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
EGO POWER+ CS1613 16-Inch Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 WORX Nitro WG385 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 Makita XCU04PT 18V 16-Inch Chain Saw Kit
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 EGO POWER+ CS2000 20-Inch Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 SEESII 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 RYOBI 40V 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 80V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
|
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Chainsaw: Best Overall for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
- 18-inch bar
- 2200W brushless motor
- 30 ft/s chain speed
- Two 5.0Ah packs, two chargers
- 8.6 lb
Pros
- 18-inch bar
- the longest offered here on a light saw
- for single-pass bucking of larger rounds
- 8.6 lb is the lightest listed weight here
- Two 5.0Ah batteries and two chargers mean no waiting between packs
- Up to 200 cuts per charge on 4-inch softwood
- Tool-less tensioning and an 80ml automatic oiler
Cons
- Some owners re-tighten the chain partway through a session
- Battery packs are not cross-compatible with 20V tools
- Not built for professional daily duty
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
The 18-inch bar is the reason this saw wins. Most cordless saws cluster at 16 inches, and an 18-inch bar gives you two more inches of reach before the log needs turning. On rounds in the 14- to 18-inch range that difference shows up as one clean pass instead of walking around the log.
Weight matters more than most spec sheets admit when you are on your knees bucking a pile. This saw lists 8.6 lb with both batteries fitted, the lightest listed figure in this group, and that is a real difference across a full cord of rounds.
The chain speed is listed at 30 ft/s and the motor is rated 2200W. That is not the fastest saw here, and it is not trying to be. Where it wins is the balance between a bar long enough to be useful and a package light enough to keep working through.
Owners describe it as powerful and easy to handle for limbs, brush and firewood-sized logs, with the recurring advice to let the chain do the work rather than bearing down on the bar. The caution we keep seeing is chain tension. A new chain stretches as it beds in, and a mid-session re-tension is normal on this saw.
The kit is unusually complete for a cordless chainsaw. You get two 5.0Ah batteries, two fast chargers, a spare chain and protective gear, which removes the single most common complaint about battery saws, which is owning one battery and waiting.
How it handles rounds from 12 to 18 inches
This is the saw for the standard firewood pile. Rounds up to about 16 inches cross-cut in one pass with the engine at speed, and 16- to 18-inch rounds are the edge of what the bar will reach in a single cut. Past that you are into two-cut territory and you may want to look at the 20-inch EGO below.
Chain speed of 30 ft/s is toward the slow end of this group, so expect to take your time on dry oak rather than racing through green pine. Owners report up to 200 cuts per charge on 4-inch softwood with the 5.0Ah packs, which is the kind of figure that lets you finish a cord without a mid-session swap.
Where it falls short
Two things to plan around. First, chain tension: several owners say it needs re-checking partway through a session as the chain stretches, so bring the scrench habit with you even though the knob is tool-free. Second, the 40V packs here do not cross over to 20V tools, so this platform is its own island.
It is also a homeowner saw. Nothing in the design targets daily professional duty, and you should not expect it to sit in that category. For weekend firewood and seasonal storm cleanup it is comfortably in its lane.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
2. Supstable 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw: Best Value Pick
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 2000W Brushless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger, 40V Electric Chain Saws, Instant Brake, Tool-Free Chain Tension, Auto Oiling for Tree Trimming, Wood Cutting
- 16-inch bar
- 2000W brushless motor
- 35 ft/s chain speed
- Up to 50 minutes runtime
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- 2000W brushless motor rated near a 42cc gas saw
- 35 ft/s chain speed is quick for a 16-inch bar
- 150ml automatic oiler cuts down on refills
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
- Complete kit with goggles
- gloves
- spare chain and bar cover
Cons
- One battery means a real pause during long cuts
- 40V packs do not work with 20V tools
- About 7 percent of ratings are one star
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
This is the saw to buy if you are cutting firewood on a weekend budget and want more than a toy. The 2000W brushless motor is rated by the manufacturer as comparable to a 42cc gas chainsaw, which puts it in real small-saw territory rather than trim-saw territory.
Chain speed is listed at 35 ft/s, faster than several saws with larger bars. In a firewood context, speed is what shortens each cut, and short cuts add up across a cord more than the specs suggest.
Buyers commonly cite strong power for the money, smooth chain speed and easy handling for storm cleanup, trimming and firewood. The threads we read also repeat one practical point: keep spare batteries on hand, because the kit gives you one.
Up to 50 minutes of runtime on the included 40V 4.0Ah pack is a real number for light and medium hardwood rounds. The 150ml automatic lubrication reservoir is generous for the class and keeps chain heat down during repeated cross-cuts.
Safety kit is complete out of the box: chain brake, safety lock and overload protection, with goggles and work gloves in the box. A two-year manufacturer warranty is longer than most competitors in this price band offer.
How much firewood one charge covers
Treat 50 minutes as a working figure for rounds in the 4- to 10-inch range. On rounds that size you are looking at a hundred-plus cuts per charge, which is a full afternoon on one pack. The moment you move to 14-inch and up, cut count drops fast and so does runtime.
Because only one pack is included, plan a swap-and-charge rhythm rather than a continuous run. If you already own 40V tools, buy a second 4.0Ah pack before you start the season and the single-battery issue disappears.
Where it falls short
The 40V-only platform is the main constraint. These packs do not fit 20V tools, so if your garage is full of a different battery family you are starting a second ecosystem from zero. Roughly 7 percent of ratings are one star, which points to some units disappointing outright rather than to a design fault.
The listed weight is not published, so if balance and handling matter to you, ask yourself whether you can comfortably hold a mid-size saw one-handed on the ground before committing.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
3. EGO Power+ CS1613 16-Inch: Highest Rated Cordless Saw Here
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 4.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1613
- 16-inch bar
- 40cc gas equivalent
- 20 m/s chain speed
- 130 cuts on 4x4 per charge
- IPX4 weather rated
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group at 4.7 out of 5
- Brushless motor delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power
- Tool-free dial tensioning needs no disassembly
- Low-profile dial lets you cut flush to the ground
- IPX4 weather resistance suits year-round outdoor work
Cons
- Listed weight of 20.9 lb tires the arms on long sessions
- Only one 4.0Ah battery included
- 4.0Ah is a small pack for firewood volume
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
The CS1613 carries the highest average rating of any saw in this roundup, with 83 percent of ratings at five stars. That is not a marketing artifact. Owners consistently describe smooth, gas-like cutting with easy maintenance and quiet operation, and the tool-free tensioning is singled out again and again.
For firewood, the useful numbers are the 40cc gas-equivalent motor, chain speed up to 20 m/s, and up to 130 cuts on 4×4 wood per charge. That cut count is measured on a defined timber size, which makes it far easier to plan around than a runtime claim in minutes.
The chain is specified at 3/8 inch pitch, 0.043 inch gauge with 56 drive links, so replacement chains are easy to source. Packs are compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, which is the ecosystem argument that decides this purchase for a lot of owners.
IPX4 weather resistance means drizzle and stacked damp firewood are not a problem. Firewood cutting happens in the wrong season often enough that this matters more than it sounds.
The listed weight of 20.9 lb is the highest figure in this group, and owners mention heft as the main tradeoff. We would treat that number as including the pack rather than a bare-tool figure, but either way it is the heaviest saw here on paper.
Best for owners already in the EGO platform
If you have EGO 56V packs, this saw becomes a straightforward add-on rather than a new ecosystem. The 40cc class is the right size for rounds up to about 14 inches cross-cut on the ground, and the 130-cut figure per charge is roughly an afternoon of medium rounds.
For rounds above that, move up a bar rather than up a bar length class you will not lift comfortably. The 20-inch CS2000 is the same platform in a bigger package, and it is covered further down.
Where it falls short
Weight and a single small battery. A 4.0Ah pack is fine for topping up but thin for a full cord, and you will want at least one more pack, ideally a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah, if firewood is a regular job.
If you are cutting overhead or into large diameter wood, the heavier saws here give more force through the cut. For ground-level bucking, which is most firewood, the heft is more noticeable than it is useful.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
4. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw: Best for Shared Batteries
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
- 16-inch bar
- Dual 20V packs for 40V total
- Up to 120 cuts of 4x4
- Chain brake under 0.1 seconds
Pros
- Batteries carry across the wider DongCheng 20V and 40V lineup
- Up to 120 cuts of 4x4 lumber per charge
- Tool-free external tensioning knob
- Automatic oiler for bar and chain
- Inertia chain brake stops in under 0.1 seconds
Cons
- Both 4.0Ah packs should be charged before first use to balance power
- Smallest brand service presence of the major names
- Listed weight is not published
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
The reason to look at this saw is ecosystem reach. Its 4.0Ah packs work across the wider DongCheng 20V and 40V tool lineup, so one battery family covers the saw and the rest of the garage. For a firewood saw that means two batteries in the house, not six.
Power comes from a high-torque brushless motor running on dual 20V packs for 40V total, with up to 120 cuts of 4×4 lumber per charge. Chain speed is listed at 14 m/s maximum, which is on the slower side, so plan on steadier cuts rather than fast ones.
Reviewers highlight strong runtime, straightforward start-up and good value for firewood and storm cleanup, with 69 percent of ratings at five stars. The most repeated setup advice is to have both packs fully charged before the first cut so power delivery stays balanced.
The inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds, and the lock-out switch prevents accidental start. Push-button start means there is no pull cord, which adds up over a season of cutting.
Tool-free external tensioning and an automatic oiler keep the two maintenance tasks that cause most chain problems off your list during a session. For firewood this is the difference between stopping every ten minutes and stopping every hour.
Where this saw earns its spot
This is the pick for small-woodlot owners and anyone cleaning up storm debris on a property where rounds run 12 inches and under. The 120-cut figure on 4×4 timber covers most of a weekend session on one charge, and the dual packs mean the second is ready when the first is done.
If your rounds are consistently 16 inches or larger, the 16-inch bar becomes the limiting factor rather than the motor. In that case the 18-inch or 20-inch options make more sense.
Where it falls short
Two honest limits. The brand has a smaller service presence than the major power-tool names, which matters if a pack or saw fails mid-season. And the 14 m/s chain speed means hardwood rounds take longer than they do in the faster saws here.
Charge both packs fully before the first cut. Owners who start with one pack and one half-charged pack report noticeably weaker performance, and that reads as a saw problem when it is a setup problem.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
5. WORX Nitro WG385 16-Inch: Best for Chain Speed
WORX Cordless Chainsaw, 40V 16″, 2 Batteries & 4A Charger, WG385
- 16-inch bar
- 59 ft/s chain speed
- 2.3 hp brushless motor
- Two 4.0Ah packs and dual-slot charger
Pros
- Very high 59 ft/s chain speed on a 16-inch bar
- Up to 150 cuts on 4x4 hardwood per charge
- One-button chain tensioning
- Automatic lubrication
- On-board remaining power indicator
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Published weight of 0.27 g is inaccurate
- so real heft is unclear
- Heavier than many competitors once packs are fitted
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Chain speed is the number that shortens a firewood session, and 59 ft/s is among the fastest listed here. Owners report fast, smooth cuts and a battery system that shares with other WORX tools, with 75 percent of ratings at five stars.
The manufacturer markets the brushless motor as better than a 45cc gas saw and lists 2.3 hp. The stated capacity is cuts up to 28 inches, with bucking and felling capability, which covers a good share of residential firewood work in one pass.
Up to 150 cuts on 4×4 hardwood per charge is the highest stated figure among the saws here on that same timber size. It also lists an on-board remaining power indicator, which is genuinely useful when you are three deep in a pile and cannot see how far you are into a pack.
One-button chain tensioning, automatic lubrication and immediate stop on kickback cover the three items that decide whether a saw stays pleasant to own. The kit includes two 4.0Ah Power Share PRO packs, a dual-slot charger and a bar and chain sheath, and the warranty runs three years.
One thing to note. The published weight of 0.27 g is a data error, not a real figure, so treat the handling as unverified until you hold it. Owners describe it as heavier than many competitors once the batteries are fitted.
Fastest path through a cord
On green pine and soft hardwood, chain speed shows up as fewer seconds per cut and fewer stalled cuts. The 59 ft/s figure means this saw covers ground quickly on a 16-inch bar, which is worth a lot on a cold weekend with a woodpile waiting.
The 150-cut figure on 4×4 hardwood is the strongest per-charge cut count on that timber size in this group. Two included packs mean you can rotate rather than wait, which is the other half of finishing a cord in a session.
Where it falls short
The weight question is unresolved by the listing itself. If you have any history with wrist or shoulder trouble from overhead cutting, this is the one to try in person before buying.
The 16-inch bar also puts the ceiling at roughly 14- to 16-inch rounds in a single pass. Buyers cutting consistently larger rounds should look at the 18-inch and 20-inch picks, where the extra reach matters more than raw speed.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
6. Makita XCU04PT 16-Inch Kit: Best for LXT Owners
Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
- 16-inch bar
- 32cc gas equivalent
- 0 to 3,940 FPM
- 18V LXT kit
- Two 5.0Ah packs
Pros
- Makita outer rotor brushless motor with direct drive
- Variable speed trigger from 0 to 3940 FPM
- Tool-less chain adjustment in the field
- Lock-off lever plus auto power-off LED switch
- Two 5.0Ah packs and a dual-port charger included
Cons
- Heaviest listed figure for a 16-inch saw at 19.2 lb
- 32cc class is the smallest gas equivalent here
- Least sensible buy if you do not already own LXT packs
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
This saw makes sense in one specific situation: if your garage is already full of 18V LXT tools, adding a chainsaw costs you two batteries and a charger less than starting a new platform. Outside that case it is the most expensive way to enter cordless cutting in this group.
The motor is a Makita-built outer rotor brushless with direct drive, rated equivalent to a 32cc gas chainsaw. That is the smallest gas-equivalent class here, and it shows. The saw is built for limbs, brush and modest rounds rather than large hardwood.
The variable speed trigger runs from 0 to 3,940 FPM, which is genuinely useful for firewood because you can feather the chain into soft pine instead of burying it at full speed. Satisfaction centers on build quality, the LXT ecosystem and smooth, controllable cutting, with 80 percent of ratings at five stars.
Safety features include a built-in lock-off lever and an LED on/off switch with auto power-off to preserve battery life. Tool-less chain adjustment means servicing in a woodyard without a full teardown.
The listed weight of 19.2 lb is the second highest here. For ground-level bucking that is more saw than you need, and for overhead work in large wood it still will not replace a bigger bar.
Best use case is small rounds and brushwood
Rounds up to about 12 inches cross-cut comfortably on the ground, and the variable speed trigger means you can slow down for green softwood instead of bogging the chain. That is where the 32cc class stops being a limitation.
Two 5.0Ah packs and a dual-port charger are included, so the kit is genuinely complete. If you already own LXT chargers, you can skip that part of the outlay entirely.
Where it falls short
If you do not own LXT packs, this is the wrong entry point. The 18V platform is the least expensive way into cordless cutting overall, and buying it for a chainsaw alone means paying platform prices for a 32cc-class saw.
The 19.2 lb listed weight is the issue behind most hesitation. For firewood bucking on the ground, a lighter saw with a slightly larger bar will out-work it in almost every session.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
7. EGO Power+ CS2000 20-Inch: Best for Large Rounds
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 20” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Battery and Charger Not Included – CS2000
- 20-inch bar
- 55cc gas equivalent
- 25 m/s chain speed
- Bare tool, pack and charger separate
Pros
- 55cc gas-equivalent brushless power with instant throttle response
- 20-inch bar with 3/8 inch pitch and 0.050 inch gauge full chisel chain
- Onboard display for speed mode
- charge and brake status
- Front LED work light for dusk cutting
- 135 cuts on 6x6 with a 6.0Ah pack
- 12.7 lb listed weight
Cons
- Pack and charger sold separately
- Continuous trunk cutting degrades smaller 5.0Ah and 7.5Ah packs
- Deep rakers catch on entry cuts until filed
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
This is the only saw here with a 20-inch bar, and that makes it the answer for anyone whose firewood comes in large rounds or who cuts a woodlot rather than a few trees. Owners describe it as a genuine gas replacement for homeowners felling and bucking firewood, with 82 percent of ratings at five stars.
Power is rated equivalent to a 55cc gas chainsaw with chain speed up to 25 m/s. The bar uses 3/8 inch pitch, 0.050 inch gauge and a 69 drive link full chisel tooth chain, a heavier chain than the 16-inch saws carry because it is pulling through a much bigger cross-section.
The onboard digital display shows speed mode, battery charge and brake status, which removes the guesswork from long sessions. A front LED work light illuminates the cut at dusk or in an emergency, and IPX4 weather resistance keeps rain out.
Users report it easily felling 30- to 40-foot and taller pines and processing multiple cords of firewood. Up to 135 cuts on 6×6 wood is achievable with a 6.0Ah pack, which is the recommended battery size for this saw.
This is a bare tool. The pack and charger are separate purchases, and if you do not already own EGO 56V packs, budget for those before comparing total cost against the kits on this list.
Which rounds this saw unlocks
A 20-inch bar opens up rounds in the 16- to 20-inch range that every other saw here forces you to turn over and re-cut. If your wood comes off the truck in 18- to 24-inch sections, that alone decides the purchase.
At 12.7 lb listed it is lighter than several 16-inch saws here despite the bigger bar, so it is not a punishing tool to hold on the ground. The bucking spikes bite well into a round this diameter, and that is where the weight of the log does the work for you.
Where it falls short
Battery health is the real caveat. Owners report that extended continuous trunk cutting overheats and degrades 5.0Ah and 7.5Ah packs, so use a 6.0Ah or larger pack and rotate rather than running one pack flat through a long session.
Deep rakers can catch and slow entry cuts until they are filed down, which is normal chain maintenance on a chisel chain, not a fault. And if you buy this without existing EGO packs, the total cost rises once you add the battery and charger.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
8. SEESII 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw: Best for Long Runtime Per Pack
SEESII 40V Eectric Chainsaw Cordless 16 Inch, Battery Powered Chain Saw
- 16-inch bar
- 2000W motor at 34.8 ft/s
- Up to 90 minutes runtime
- Dual 4.0Ah packs and two chargers
Pros
- Native 40V architecture avoids the power loss of hybrid 2x20V setups
- Up to 90 minutes of runtime on the included packs
- 34.8 ft/s chain speed rated near a 42cc gas saw
- 150ml automatic oiler and tool-free tensioning
- Triple safety with goggles and gloves included
Cons
- 10.3 lb is heavier than the 18-inch sibling in the same line
- 40V packs are not cross-compatible with 20V tools
- Only a 169-review history to judge long-term reliability by
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
The headline figure here is runtime. Owners report up to 90 minutes on the included dual 40V 4.0Ah packs with a two-position fast charger, and that is the longest stated runtime among the saws in this group.
The architecture matters here. A native 40V brushless platform avoids the power loss you get from hybrid setups running two 20V packs in series, and the 2000W motor at 34.8 ft/s is rated near a 42cc gas saw.
Owners report quiet, low-maintenance cutting with steady power through 16-inch logs, with 76 percent of ratings at five stars. The consensus is that it suits firewood and storm cleanup with a lighter-duty feel than gas saws, which is honestly the right expectation for it.
The 150ml automatic oiler, tool-free tensioning knob and triple safety package including chain brake, safety lock and overload protection keep the maintenance load low. Goggles and gloves are in the box.
The listed weight is 10.3 lb, which is 1.7 lb more than the 18-inch saw from the same line. That is the trade for the longer runtime, and on a 16-inch bar you can feel it in the hands.
Where the 90-minute figure actually applies
Treat the 90 minutes as a softwood and light hardwood figure on rounds in the 4- to 10-inch range. Move to 14-inch rounds, dry oak, or repeated deep cross-cuts and that number falls fast, because the motor draws harder for longer on a thick cut.
Two included packs mean you can refill while the other charges, which turns the long runtime into a real advantage on a woodpile day.
That figure is quoted by the manufacturer for small-to-medium rounds rather than large hardwood, so treat it as a ceiling rather than an average.
Where it falls short
The 16-inch bar caps single-pass rounds at roughly 14- to 16 inches, so this is a small-to-medium round saw by design. Buyers with 18- and 20-inch sections should look elsewhere on this list.
Like the other 40V saws here, these packs do not cross to 20V tools. And with only a 169-review history, there is less long-term owner data behind it than behind the picks with five-figure review counts.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
9. RYOBI RY40505BTL 16-Inch: Best if You Already Own 40V
16 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Electric Cordless Chainsaw (Tool Only)
- 16-inch bar
- 11.6 lb listed weight
- 1.2 hp brushless motor
- Automatic brake and oiler
Pros
- Light at 11.6 lb and quiet next to any gas saw
- Push-button start with no engine maintenance
- Automatic chain brake and automatic oiler
- Side-access chain tensioning for quick adjustments
- Works with all RYOBI 40V batteries
Cons
- Tool only
- so a 40V pack and charger must be added
- One verified review reports overheating and auto-shutdown on a 4.5 inch trunk with heavy oil leakage
- Smallest review base here at 123 ratings
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
RYOBI builds the widest 40V range of the brands in this article, and that is the argument. If you already own a 40V pack and charger, this saw drops into an ecosystem you have paid for already, which makes the real cost of adding one close to the bare tool.
The saw itself is straightforward. A 16-inch bar and chain, a brushless motor rated at 1.2 hp, automatic chain brake, automatic oiler and side-access tensioning for quick adjustments without pulling the saw apart.
Listed weight of 11.6 lb sits in the middle of this group, light enough for ground-level bucking and quiet enough for a suburban property. Most owners find it light, quiet and easy to start, with 71 percent of ratings at five stars and several reporting solid firewood-processing performance.
Push-button start means no fuel, no oil changes and no pull cord. For someone who dreads starting a gas saw, that is not a small benefit over a season of firewood work.
There is one specific report worth taking seriously. A single detailed one-star account describes overheating and auto-shutdown on a 4.5-inch trunk along with heavy oil leakage. One report is not a pattern, but it is the failure mode to watch for if you own this saw and push it into thick wood.
Best fit for RYOBI tool owners
This saw works with all RYOBI 40V batteries, so a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack you already own will run it. On-board storage is listed for convenience, which matters if the saw lives in a garage or truck rather than a closet.
For rounds under about 14 inches, and for anyone who mostly wants to avoid gas rather than out-cut it, the package is coherent. Silent starting, no fuel mixing and no exhaust is a real change in how a firewood session feels.
Where it falls short
It is a tool-only purchase, so unless you already own RYOBI 40V packs and a charger, you are adding two more items to the outlay. The bare-tool price understates what it takes to run.
With 123 ratings, this has the thinnest owner record in the group, which limits how much long-term reliability data exists. And it is the bare minimum in power class, so hardwood rounds at the top of the 16-inch bar will test it harder than the lighter saws here.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
10. Greenworks 80V 16-Inch Chainsaw: Best for 80V Power
Greenworks 80V 16 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 2.5 Ah Battery and Charger
- 16-inch bar
- 50cc gas equivalent
- 25 m/s chain speed
- Includes 2.5Ah pack and charger
Pros
- 80V platform with a brushless motor rated near a 50cc gas engine
- Fast 25 m/s chain speed
- Mechanical chain brake adds a layer of safety
- Automatic oiler and side-access tensioning
- Pack and charger included rather than tool only
Cons
- Smallest 2.5Ah pack in this group means frequent swaps
- Heaviest listed weight relative to size at 4.18 kg
- Highest one-star share here at 8 percent
- Thinnest review base at 81 ratings
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
The Greenworks 80V saw has the second-highest gas-equivalent rating in this group. The brushless motor is claimed to deliver twice the torque of a brushed equivalent and is rated near a 50cc gas engine, which is a lot of cutting ability on a 16-inch bar.
Chain speed of 25 m/s is the fastest listed figure here alongside the EGO CS2000, which translates directly into shorter cuts on a firewood pile. Owners point to strong 80V power for homeowner yard work and storm cleanup, with 72 percent of ratings at five stars.
A mechanical chain brake is a different mechanism from the electronic brake on most of these saws, and it adds a layer of stopping force if the motor switch is not your first line of defence.
The included 2.5Ah pack is the problem. It is the smallest battery in this roundup, and on an 80V platform that means more swaps per cord than any other saw here, unless you already own larger 80V packs.
Who should buy this one
Somebody who wants gas-class power without gas and already owns an 80V Greenworks battery. The 50cc-equivalent motor handles rounds at the top of the 16-inch bar range and wet softwood without bogging, which is where lighter saws stall.
The automatic oiler and side-access tensioning keep upkeep simple, and the pack and charger are included, so unlike the tool-only options on this list you can cut wood the day it arrives.
Where it falls short
The 2.5Ah pack is the headline problem. Buy a larger 80V pack before a season of firewood work or plan on pauses every few dozen cuts, because small packs run out long before the saw runs out of capability.
At 4.18 kg it is the heaviest listed weight relative to its size, and the highest one-star share here at 8 percent, on only 81 ratings. That is a thin data set to be making a firewood purchase on, so read the critical reviews before committing.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
How We Picked the Best Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood
Generic battery-chainsaw rankings score cutting speed, ease of use and noise. We kept those but weighted them for firewood work, where the job is repeated cross-cuts on the ground rather than felling or storm limb work.
Bar length and single-pass capacity carried the most weight, at 30 percent. If a saw cannot cross-cut your most common round diameter in one pass, it is the wrong saw no matter how fast the chain spins. Motor class and chain speed together counted for 25 percent, because cut length on hardwood is where a session is won or lost.
Runtime per charge and the number of included packs counted for 20 percent. We preferred published cut counts on a stated timber size over runtime in minutes, because a cord is a number of cuts and minutes vary with what you are cutting.
Weight, balance and handling carried 15 percent, judged for a one-handed bucking posture on the ground. Maintenance load counted for 10 percent, covering tool-free tensioning, automatic oiling, oil reservoir size and safety systems.
We also required every saw to carry a chain brake, a lockout or safety switch, and either bucking spikes or a bar design that holds in a log. Those are not optional on a saw that spends its life buried in wood.
Battery ecosystem weight was applied separately, since it does not change how a saw cuts but changes what a saw costs you over a season. If you already own a platform, that saw effectively becomes cheaper than its sticker comparison suggests.
What Bar Length Do You Need for Firewood?
Choose a bar a few inches longer than your most common cut diameter. A bar longer than your largest round adds weight and kickback risk with no benefit, and a bar shorter than your largest round means turning the log and cutting from two sides.
A 16-inch bar handles rounds in the 12- to 14-inch range comfortably in one pass. An 18-inch bar pushes that to roughly 16- to 18-inch rounds. A 20-inch bar takes on 18- to 20-inch rounds and anything you would otherwise fight on a saw in the woods.
Forum consensus on firewood sites matches this. Cutters generally treat 16 inches as small for general firewood work and treat 18 to 20 inches as the sweet spot for acreage and small-to-medium tree work.
The 2-inch rule is the shortcut: measure your biggest common round, add 2 inches, and that is your bar. For a standard truck-load of 16-inch firewood that lands on 18 inches, which is why the SEESII 18-inch takes the top spot here.
Should you get a 16 or 18-inch? If you cut softwood rounds and storm debris under 14 inches, 16 is enough and lighter to handle. If you cut hardwood, buy the 18. The extra bar length costs a little weight and pays for itself the first time you stop flipping a log over.
Cordless vs Gas for Firewood: Where Gas Still Wins
A battery chainsaw is good enough for firewood for most people. It starts instantly, needs no fuel mixing, runs quiet enough for a neighbourhood, and holds its chain tension between sessions. If you cut a few cords a season or a woodlot on weekends, that is the better tool.
Gas still wins above roughly five cords a year. Fuel and oil go on the saw, then it runs for an hour on a tank while a cordless saw is waiting on a charge. Firewood cutters on r/firewood report owning both and using battery for smaller rounds and cleanup while keeping gas for volume, which is the sensible split rather than a brand loyalty question.
For hardwood specifically, electric saws generally cut slower than gas. Let the chain speed and the bucks do the work rather than leaning on the bar, and a battery saw will hold up. Several owners across this list make that exact point about bearing down and stalling.
A lighter saw is fine for bucking rounds on the ground because the log weight works in your favour. A heavier saw helps when cutting overhead or into large diameter wood, which is where the 20-inch option earns its extra weight.
Battery Platform Lock-In and How Many Packs You Need
Compare batteries in watt-hours, not volts. Volts multiplied by amp-hours gives watt-hours, and watt-hours is what determines how long a cut lasts. A 40V 5.0Ah pack is 200 watt-hours, which is twice the energy of a 40V 2.5Ah pack even though the voltage looks identical.
How many packs you need depends on round diameter more than anything else. Saw manufacturers here quote from about 90 minutes on small rounds down to 120 to 150 cuts on 4×4 timber per charge, and a cord is a lot of cross-cuts either way.
Our rule is two packs minimum for any seasonal firewood work, three if you cut more than a cord per session or cut hardwood. A rapid charger matters less than people expect once you have two packs, because one is always charging while you use the other.
On platform lock-in, users consistently recommend staying inside the battery family you already own before switching brands. That advice applies directly here, because four of these ten saws run on 40V-class packs that do not fit any of the other platforms here.
Buying a bare-tool saw is reasonable only when you already own the platform. The EGO CS2000 is the clearest case, since it arrives without a pack or charger and the recommended 6.0Ah battery is a separate decision.
Bar Oil, Chain Tensioning and Seasonal Maintenance
Chain tension is the maintenance item that decides whether a saw is pleasant or annoying. Most saws here use a tool-free knob or dial, so check tension every time you refuel the bar. A new chain stretches as it beds into the bar and will loosen in the first session.
Scrench-style tensioners still exist and are perfectly fine, but they cost you a minute and a tool every time. For firewood work where you stop and adjust often, tool-free adjustment is the feature owners praise most.
Bar and chain oil is not optional. Automatic oilers are standard on every saw in this list, and reservoir sizes run from 80ml to 150ml. Fill it before you start, check it at lunch, and refill before you finish, because a dry chain dulls fast and shortens bar life.
Winter matters more for firewood cutting than for most yard work. Lithium-ion packs deliver less capacity in cold conditions, so store them indoors between sessions and warm them before a cold morning cut rather than leaving them on the truck all night.
Between seasons, clean chips out of the bar groove and the sprocket, check the chain for embedded stone or metal, and file rather than replace a chain that is merely dull. Bar covers and scabbards keep oil off your truck interior and protect the chain from contact damage during storage.
Safety Gear and Kickback for Firewood Cutting
Every saw here needs the same protection: eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps or leggings, gloves with grip, and boots with a chainsaw-rated sole. Several kits on this list include goggles and gloves, but assume you need to buy chaps and ear protection separately.
Kickback is the mechanism that injures firewood cutters, and it comes from the upper nose quadrant of the bar contacting wood. Bucking rounds on the ground with a stable stance and the saw’s bucking spikes buried in the log keeps the upper quadrant free.
The chain brake is your second line of defence. Electronic brakes trigger on motor stop; mechanical brakes, like the Greenworks design, add a physical stopping force. Both types on this list pair with a lockout or safety switch that prevents a start while you are repositioning.
Cut with the motor side of the bar facing away from you, keep both hands on the saw, and never work from above where the log can roll or pinch the bar. If you cannot reach the cut safely, the round is too big for that saw and you need a different bar length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless chainsaw for cutting firewood?
The SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is our pick for the best cordless chainsaw for firewood because its 18-inch bar cross-cuts larger rounds in a single pass than any 16-inch saw, it weighs 8.6 lb with both batteries installed, and the kit includes two 5.0Ah packs and two chargers so you are not waiting on a charge mid-pile.
What bar length is best for firewood?
Choose a bar 2 inches longer than your most common round diameter. A 16-inch bar handles rounds to about 14 inches, an 18-inch bar reaches 16 to 18 inches, and a 20-inch bar covers 18 to 20-inch rounds. Measure your biggest common round and add 2 inches for the right answer.
Should I get a 16 or 18-inch chainsaw?
A 16-inch bar is enough for softwood rounds and storm debris under 14 inches, and it is lighter to hold. An 18-inch bar pushes single-pass rounds to 16 to 18 inches and saves you from flipping larger logs over. If you cut hardwood at all, the 18-inch bar pays for itself quickly.
Is a battery chainsaw good enough for firewood?
Yes, for most people. A cordless saw starts instantly, needs no fuel mixing, runs quiet and holds chain tension between sessions. Gas still wins above roughly five cords a year because it runs for an hour on a tank while a cordless saw waits on a charger.
How long does a cordless chainsaw battery last per charge?
It depends on round diameter and wood species. The saws here quote from about 90 minutes on small rounds up to 130 to 150 cuts of 4×4 timber per charge. Thick hardwood rounds cut far fewer times per charge, which is why two packs are the practical minimum for seasonal firewood work.
Final Verdict for 2026
The SEESII 40V 18-Inch takes our pick for the best cordless chainsaws for firewood. It is the only saw here carrying an 18-inch bar at a sub-10-pound listed weight, and that combination is why it takes the top spot for firewood.
Buy the Supstable 40V 16-Inch for value, the EGO CS1613 if you already run EGO 56V packs and want the smoothest cut in this group, the WORX Nitro WG385 for chain speed and cut count per charge, and the Makita XCU04PT only if your garage is already full of 18V LXT tools.
Buy the EGO CS2000 20-Inch if your rounds run past 16 inches or you are working a woodlot, the RYOBI if you already own 40V packs, and the Greenworks 80V if you want gas-class power on a 16-inch bar and can get past its small included battery.
Whichever you choose, buy two packs before your first session, keep the bar oil full, and check chain tension every time you refill it. That routine will matter more to how firewood season goes than any spec on this list.