Best Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood
Cutting firewood with a cordless chainsaw means no gas mixing, no pull starts, and no exhaust fumes in the face, which is why more homeowners are making the switch. The tradeoff is that battery saws vary a lot in bar length, chain speed, and runtime, so the right pick depends on whether you are bucking small limbs or sectioning full rounds.
Quick answer
The EGO Power+ CS1804 is the best overall cordless chainsaw for firewood for most homeowners thanks to its 18 inch bar, brushless motor, and strong 56V runtime.
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- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
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- We compare bar length, chain speed, battery platform, and real owner feedback on runtime and oiling rather than relying on marketing wattage claims.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
For firewood the two numbers that matter most are bar length and usable runtime per charge. A 16 to 18 inch bar handles most limbing and bucking, while a 20 inch bar helps on larger rounds but drains batteries faster. Also check whether the saw uses a tool-free tensioner, an automatic oiler, and whether you already own batteries in that brand's platform, since bare-tool pricing is often far lower than a kit.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best Overall | 18 inches, 56V ARC Lithium | 94/100 |
| Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best for Large Yards | 18 inches, 80V | 91/100 |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw Kit | Best for DEWALT Owners | 16 inches, 20V MAX | 89/100 |
| Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Cordless Chainsaw | Best Runtime | 16 inches, 18V X2 LXT | 88/100 |
| WORX WG384 Nitro 40V Cordless Chainsaw | Best Value | 16 inches, 40V Power Share | 86/100 |
| RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best Mid-Range | 18 inches, 40V | 85/100 |
| Craftsman V20 Cordless Chainsaw Kit | Best Budget | 12 inches, V20 | 82/100 |
EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Top PickPros
- Strong 56V power for bucking medium rounds
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Quiet operation versus gas
Cons
- Heavier than smaller 14 inch saws
- Premium kit price
The CS1804 pairs an 18 inch bar with EGO's 56V brushless motor, which gives it enough grunt for limbing and bucking firewood up to moderate diameters. It runs on the same ARC Lithium batteries as the rest of the EGO lineup, so the platform value is high if you already own other EGO tools.
Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Big PowerPros
- High voltage for demanding cuts
- Brushless motor for efficiency
- Part of a broad 80V lineup
Cons
- 2.0Ah battery limits runtime
- Heavier than 40V saws
Greenworks uses an 80V platform here, which delivers more cutting force than typical 40V saws and suits homeowners with larger properties. The included 2.0Ah battery is on the small side, so many owners add a larger pack for extended firewood sessions.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw Kit
Platform PickPros
- Uses common 20V MAX batteries
- Compact and easy to handle
- Tool-free tensioning
Cons
- 16 inch bar limits large rounds
- Runtime depends on battery size
This DEWALT kit runs on the widely owned 20V MAX system, so it is a natural add-on for anyone already stocked with those batteries. The 16 inch bar is best suited to limbing and smaller firewood rounds rather than big trunk sections.
Makita 36V (18V X2) LXT Cordless Chainsaw
Long RunPros
- Runs on two 18V batteries for longer cuts
- Brushless motor
- Quiet and low vibration
Cons
- Needs two batteries to operate
- Kit price is higher
Makita's 18V X2 design draws from two batteries at once, which extends runtime and keeps the saw on the same LXT platform many owners already use. It is a solid choice for repeated bucking sessions where runtime matters more than peak power.
WORX WG384 Nitro 40V Cordless Chainsaw
ValuePros
- Power Share batteries fit other WORX tools
- Brushless motor
- Automatic oiler
Cons
- Two smaller batteries needed
- Not ideal for large trunks
The WG384 uses WORX Power Share batteries, so the packs work across the brand's other 20V and 40V tools. It is a practical value option for light to medium firewood tasks around a typical yard.
RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Mid-RangePros
- 18 inch bar for larger rounds
- Brushless HP motor
- Wide 40V battery ecosystem
Cons
- Runtime varies with load
- Chain needs regular tension checks
RYOBI's 40V HP saw offers an 18 inch bar and brushless motor at a mid-range price, backed by one of the largest cordless ecosystems in the US. It handles routine firewood cutting well when paired with a larger battery.
Craftsman V20 Cordless Chainsaw Kit
BudgetPros
- Low entry price
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Uses common V20 batteries
Cons
- 12 inch bar limits cut size
- Brushed motor is less efficient
This Craftsman kit is a compact 12 inch saw aimed at light trimming and small firewood tasks rather than heavy bucking. It is a reasonable starter saw for occasional use on smaller branches and kindling.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip a cordless chainsaw for firewood if you regularly cut large hardwood rounds over about 18 inches, run the saw for hours at a time, or need maximum power per dollar, since a gas saw still wins on sustained heavy cutting. Also avoid very small 12 inch saws if firewood is your main job rather than occasional trimming.
Before You Buy
Check which battery platform you already own, since staying in that system saves money on bare tools and shared packs. Confirm bar length, chain pitch, automatic oiling, and tool-free tensioning, and budget for chain oil, spare chains, and at least one extra battery if you cut for long sessions.
FAQs
What bar length do I need for firewood?
A 16 to 18 inch bar covers most homeowner firewood tasks, while a 20 inch bar helps on larger rounds but uses more battery. A 12 inch saw is best limited to limbs and kindling.
How long does a cordless chainsaw run on one charge?
Runtime depends on battery capacity, bar length, and wood hardness. Expect roughly 30 to 60 minutes of cutting with a mid-size pack, and less under heavy load.
Can a cordless chainsaw cut hardwood?
Yes, but a brushless saw with an 18 inch bar and a sharp chain handles hardwood far better than a small brushed model. Let the chain do the work and avoid forcing the cut.
Do I need to oil the chain on a battery chainsaw?
Yes. Most cordless saws have an automatic oiler, but you still need to fill the bar oil reservoir and check it before each session.
Is a cordless chainsaw quieter than gas?
Much quieter. Battery saws produce far less noise and no exhaust fumes, which makes them easier to use near the house and without hearing protection as heavy as gas requires.
Should I buy a kit or bare tool?
Buy a kit if you need batteries and a charger, or a bare tool if you already own compatible batteries in that brand's platform.
Our verdict
For most homeowners cutting firewood, the EGO Power+ CS1804 offers the best mix of bar length, power, and platform value. If you already own batteries from DEWALT, Makita, RYOBI, or Greenworks, staying in that system usually saves money and hassle. Match the bar length to the wood you actually cut, and buy a spare battery before your first long session.