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10 Best Compact Chainsaws 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT 20V MAX Pruning Chainsaw, 8 Inch Bare Tool Only (DCCS623B)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,234
Power Source
Bar Length
Weight

Most important from
671 reviews

Power Source
This compact chainsaw delivers surprising power, handling everything from small branches to fallen trees with ease, often outperforming larger gas models.
Bar Length
The 8-inch bar length is perfectly suited for pruning and cutting firewood to manageable sizes, making it a great fit for campers and homeowners alike.
Weight
Lightweight design and ease of use make it ideal for prolonged cutting sessions without causing fatigue.
Safety Features
Safety features like the tip guard provide confidence during use, especially in tight or tricky cutting scenarios.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance is straightforward, with the auto-oiling feature keeping the chain lubricated and the original chain lasting well before replacement is needed.
Noise Level
The saw’s quiet operation and compact form factor make it well-suited for residential or recreational use without the noise and hassle of gas-powered alternatives.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Pruning Chainsaw is a compact and lightweight battery-powered tool, making it excellent for quick trimming jobs and accessing tight spaces. Its 8-inch bar length is well-suited for pruning small branches rather than heavy cutting. Weighing just over 4.5 pounds, it is easy to handle and reduces fatigue during extended use.

Equipped with a brushless motor, the chainsaw offers improved battery life and cutting efficiency. With the appropriate battery (sold separately), users can achieve up to 70 cuts on treated pine before needing to recharge. Safety features include a tip guard to help prevent kickback during upcuts, enhancing user confidence. The auto-oiling mechanism keeps the chain continuously lubricated, minimizing maintenance needs. While quieter than gas models, battery-powered saws generally produce less noise.

The battery and charger are sold separately, so users without compatible DEWALT tools will need to acquire them independently. This chainsaw is an excellent choice for homeowners or gardeners seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use tool designed for pruning tasks rather than heavy-duty cutting or professional logging.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,234
Power Source
Bar Length
Weight

Most important from
671 reviews

Power Source
This compact chainsaw delivers surprising power, handling everything from small branches to fallen trees with ease, often outperforming larger gas models.
Bar Length
The 8-inch bar length is perfectly suited for pruning and cutting firewood to manageable sizes, making it a great fit for campers and homeowners alike.
Weight
Lightweight design and ease of use make it ideal for prolonged cutting sessions without causing fatigue.
Safety Features
Safety features like the tip guard provide confidence during use, especially in tight or tricky cutting scenarios.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance is straightforward, with the auto-oiling feature keeping the chain lubricated and the original chain lasting well before replacement is needed.
Noise Level
The saw’s quiet operation and compact form factor make it well-suited for residential or recreational use without the noise and hassle of gas-powered alternatives.
#2

Greenworks 40V 12" Cordless Compact Chainsaw (Great For Storm Clean-Up, Pruning, and Camping), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Rating
9.8
Power Source
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
8084 reviews

Power Source
The chainsaw is lightweight and super easy to use, even for beginners, with a battery that lasts for hours.
Weight
The chainsaw is lightweight and super easy to use, even for beginners, with a battery that lasts for hours.
Ease of Maintenance
Ideal for occasional use, especially for those tired of dealing with gas-powered chainsaws that require frequent maintenance.
Noise Level
It operates quietly and without obnoxious smells or starting problems, making it a great choice for residential use.

The Greenworks 40V 12" Cordless Compact Chainsaw is a versatile tool ideal for storm clean-up, pruning, and camping. It features a 12-inch bar and chain with a low kickback safety chain and hand guard, enhancing user protection. The chainsaw is powered by a 40V battery, providing a convenient, gas-free operation with no fumes or complex maintenance needs like carburetor adjustments or spark plug replacements. The electric start makes it easy to use, eliminating the hassle of a starter rope.

Weighing around 10.9 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for various users, including those who may not have much experience with chainsaws. The automatic oiler ensures the bar and chain are always lubricated, which helps in maintaining optimal performance and durability. Additionally, the tool-less tensioning feature simplifies bar and chain maintenance, allowing for quick adjustments without the need for extra tools.

However, the chainsaw might not be powerful enough for larger, more demanding tasks due to its 0.73 horsepower and 12-inch bar length. It is best suited for light to moderate cutting jobs. The included 2.0Ah battery may also limit the runtime, requiring recharges during extended use. On a positive note, it operates quietly compared to gas-powered alternatives, making it more pleasant to use in residential areas. With a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, it is well-received by users who appreciate its ease of use and maintenance. The chainsaw comes with the necessary accessories, including the battery, charger, scabbard, and manual, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.

Rating
9.8
Power Source
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
8084 reviews

Power Source
The chainsaw is lightweight and super easy to use, even for beginners, with a battery that lasts for hours.
Weight
The chainsaw is lightweight and super easy to use, even for beginners, with a battery that lasts for hours.
Ease of Maintenance
Ideal for occasional use, especially for those tired of dealing with gas-powered chainsaws that require frequent maintenance.
Noise Level
It operates quietly and without obnoxious smells or starting problems, making it a great choice for residential use.
#3

Worx WG322 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Chainsaw with Auto-Tension

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Weight
Safety Features

Most important from
4521 reviews

Power Source
Battery life is limited to about 10-15 minutes of use, which restricts it to small, basic jobs rather than heavy or extended cutting.
Weight
The chainsaw is lightweight and easy to handle, making it especially suitable for seniors and beginners.
Safety Features
The design features such as the chain tension adjustment and sturdy blade guard enhance usability and safety.
Ease of Maintenance
The automatic oil fill and visible oil-level window simplify maintenance and keep the chain running smoothly.
Noise Level
The saw operates quietly, reducing noise concerns and often eliminating the need for hearing protection.

The Worx WG322 20V Power Share is a lightweight, compact cordless chainsaw designed for homeowners and casual users who need a handy tool for trimming branches or cutting small logs. Its 10-inch bar length is ideal for light to medium cutting jobs, making it easy to control without feeling bulky. Powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, it offers the convenience of cordless operation without the noise and fuss of gas models, plus it shares batteries with many other Worx tools, which is handy if you already own them.

Weighing just over 6 pounds, it’s relatively light, which helps reduce fatigue during extended use. The chainsaw stands out with smart features like automatic chain tensioning and lubrication, so you don’t have to manually adjust or oil the chain frequently—this makes maintenance simpler and keeps cuts smooth and efficient. While the chain speed of 12.5 feet per second is decent for its size, it might feel a bit underpowered if you need to handle larger or tougher wood. Safety-wise, it includes standard protections but lacks some advanced features found on bigger models, so wearing protective gear is still important.

Chain oil must be purchased separately, and you should remember to fill and run the chain briefly before cutting to avoid wear. Noise levels are lower than gas chainsaws, making it more neighbor-friendly. This chainsaw is best suited for those who prioritize ease of use, portability, and maintenance simplicity for occasional yard work rather than heavy-duty logging.

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Weight
Safety Features

Most important from
4521 reviews

Power Source
Battery life is limited to about 10-15 minutes of use, which restricts it to small, basic jobs rather than heavy or extended cutting.
Weight
The chainsaw is lightweight and easy to handle, making it especially suitable for seniors and beginners.
Safety Features
The design features such as the chain tension adjustment and sturdy blade guard enhance usability and safety.
Ease of Maintenance
The automatic oil fill and visible oil-level window simplify maintenance and keep the chain running smoothly.
Noise Level
The saw operates quietly, reducing noise concerns and often eliminating the need for hearing protection.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Chainsaws

Choosing the right compact chainsaw can make a big difference in your gardening or woodworking tasks. Compact chainsaws are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for smaller jobs or for users who may not have the strength to handle larger models. When selecting a compact chainsaw, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Power SourceThe power source of a chainsaw can be either gas, electric, or battery-operated. Gas chainsaws are typically more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty tasks, but they are also heavier and require more maintenance. Electric chainsaws are lighter and easier to maintain, making them ideal for smaller jobs and indoor use. Battery-operated chainsaws offer the convenience of portability and are great for quick, light tasks. Consider the type of work you'll be doing and choose a power source that matches your needs.
Bar LengthThe bar length of a chainsaw determines the size of the wood it can cut. Compact chainsaws usually have bar lengths ranging from 6 to 14 inches. Shorter bars (6-8 inches) are perfect for pruning and small branches, while medium bars (10-12 inches) can handle thicker branches and small trees. Longer bars (14 inches) are suitable for cutting larger logs and trees. Think about the typical size of the wood you'll be cutting and choose a bar length that fits those needs.
WeightWeight is an important factor, especially for compact chainsaws, as they are designed to be easy to handle. Lighter chainsaws (under 10 pounds) are easier to maneuver and less tiring to use, making them ideal for extended use or for users with less physical strength. Heavier chainsaws (10-15 pounds) may offer more power but can be more challenging to handle for long periods. Consider your physical strength and the duration of your tasks when choosing the weight of your chainsaw.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are crucial in any chainsaw to prevent accidents and injuries. Look for chainsaws with features like chain brakes, low kickback chains, and safety switches. Chain brakes stop the chain immediately if kickback occurs, while low kickback chains reduce the risk of sudden movements. Safety switches prevent accidental startups. Ensure the chainsaw you choose has adequate safety features to protect you during use.
Ease of MaintenanceMaintenance is necessary to keep your chainsaw in good working condition. Some chainsaws come with tool-free chain tensioning and easy access to the air filter and spark plug, making maintenance simpler. Gas chainsaws require more maintenance, including fuel mixing and regular cleaning, while electric and battery-operated chainsaws are generally easier to maintain. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in maintenance when choosing your chainsaw.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you will be using the chainsaw in residential areas or for extended periods. Gas chainsaws are typically louder, while electric and battery-operated chainsaws are quieter. If noise is a concern, opt for an electric or battery-operated model. Think about where and when you'll be using the chainsaw and choose a model with an appropriate noise level.

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