Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Dragging a heavy, gas-guzzling saw up a ladder just to trim a few overhead branches is the kind of workout nobody needs. A lightweight chainsaw trades that bulk for maneuverability, letting you focus on the cut instead of fighting the tool. But “lightweight” can mean anything from a tiny one-handed pruner to a full-size gas saw that still comes in under 10 pounds — and the difference in what each can actually handle is huge.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The right lightweight chainsaw keeps your arms fresh and the job moving. For most buyers, the V-MODEST Top Handle at 5.5 pounds is the winner: real gas power for climbing without the arm fatigue.
Quick Picks
- V-MODEST Top Handle Chainsaw, 12 Inch — Best Overall
- CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Chainsaw, 12 Inch — Best Value
- DEWALT DCCS623B 20V Pruning Chainsaw, 8 Inch — Premium Pick
- WTHW Top Handle Chainsaw, 12 Inch Gas — Budget Gas Pick
- Greenworks 24V 6″ Mini Chainsaw — Compact Pick
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Chainsaw
Choosing a lightweight chainsaw means balancing the weight you are willing to carry with the power you need to cut. The lightest saws often use small electric motors and short bars, while heavier gas models offer more torque for bigger jobs. You need to match the saw to your specific task — pruning a few branches from a ladder is a different challenge than clearing a trail.
Power Source: Gas vs. Battery
Gas-powered saws give you uninterrupted run time — as long as you have mixed fuel, they keep cutting. They tend to be heavier and louder, and you need to pull a starter cord. Battery-powered saws start instantly, are quieter, and produce no exhaust fumes. Your trade-off is limited run time per charge and the need to keep batteries topped up. For quick trimming around the house, battery is often the better fit. For all-day cutting in a tree or on a trail, gas remains the standard.
Bar Length and What You Can Actually Cut
The bar length (the part the chain rides on) tells you the maximum diameter log you can cut in one pass — a 12-inch bar can cut through a 12-inch log, but you usually need a 6-inch bar to handle most pruning tasks. Shorter bars (6 to 8 inches) are lighter and work in tighter spaces, while a 12-inch bar gives you more versatility for thicker limbs and small logs.
Handling: The Role of Chain Speed and Auto-Oiling
Chain speed (measured in feet per second or RPM) determines how fast the saw cuts through wood. A faster chain speed means smoother, quicker cuts. An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated while you work, reducing friction and heat. Without one, you have to stop and oil the bar manually, which slows you down and risks forgetting.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Weight | Bar Length | Power Source | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-MODEST Top Handle | Climbing & arborist work | 5.5 lbs | 12″ | Gas (25cc) | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 RP | All-around yard & farm trimming | 9 lbs | 12″ | Battery (V20) | Amazon |
| DEWALT DCCS623B | One-handed pruning & saplings | 4.6 lbs (2.09 kg) | 8″ | Battery (20V) | Amazon |
| WTHW Top Handle Gas | Budget gas power for climbing | 8.5 lbs | 12″ | Gas (25.4cc) | Amazon |
| Greenworks 24V Mini | Tiny branch pruning from a ladder | 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg) | 6″ | Battery (24V) | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. V-MODEST Top Handle Chainsaw, 12 Inch
The featherweight that climbs without wheezing — a true one-handed gas saw.
This gas-powered chainsaw, the V-MODEST Top Handle, hits the balance for arborists and serious landowners who need to work off the ground. At 5.5 pounds dry, it is the lightest fully gas-powered saw in this lineup. That is a full 3 pounds lighter than the WTHW gas model — a huge difference when you are using it with one hand from a tree or a ladder. The 25cc 2-stroke engine produces 1.5 horsepower and spins the chain at 12,000 RPM (revolutions per minute, which translates to 26.7 ft/s), so it cuts fast without bogging down in oak or pine limbs.
Buyers report it is the “lightest gas saw, durable, starts every time, excellent cutting performance, impressive small size.” The complete kit includes the bar, chain, bar cover, fuel bottle, funnel, gloves, and a tool kit, so you have everything for a day on the job. The power-to-weight ratio of 0.217 HP/LB (HP per pound) is excellent — you get real gas torque without the arm fatigue of a heavier saw. The 1-year warranty gives some confidence, though a few buyers mention the air filter may let fine dust through over time.
The main trade-off is that it is a niche tool: it is ideal for climbing and precision trimming, but not the best choice for bucking firewood on the ground, where a rear-handle saw would offer more control. The 25:1 fuel mix ratio also means you need to pre-mix your gasoline and oil, which is an extra step compared to battery saws.
The one-handed advantage
- 5.5 lbs — lightest gas saw in the test group
- 12,000 RPM chain speed for clean, fast cuts
- Complete kit means no extra purchases to start cutting
What to know before buying
- Air filter may let fine dust through over time, per buyer reports
- Gas mixing and starter cord required — more fiddly than battery
- Some owners mention clutch issues on non-brand saws
Reach for it if: you are a frequent climber or trail-cutter who needs real gas power in a sub-6-pound package.
Look elsewhere if: you want push-button convenience and zero fuel mixing — a battery saw makes more sense for light yard work.
2. CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Chainsaw, 12 Inch
A 12-inch cordless that punches well above its weight on a single charge.
This CRAFTSMAN saw, the V20 RP, delivers the best balance of power and portability for anyone who needs a real chainsaw for yard work without dragging a gas can around. Its brushless motor (a motor without brushes that wear out, making it more efficient) produces 2.8 horsepower — more than double the 1.2 horsepower of the WTHW gas model — yet the saw weighs only 9 pounds with the included 5Ah battery. The brand claims it is 40% lighter than a 42cc gas saw, which matches the feel: you can use it for a full afternoon of trimming without your arms giving out. Up to 105 cuts per charge means you can handle most weekend jobs without needing a spare battery.
Buyers call it a “compact workhorse” and say it cuts 6-to-8-inch branches easily. The auto-oiling and tool-free chain tensioning make maintenance simple — you just keep the oil reservoir full and check the chain slack every few cuts. The included 5Ah battery and charger get you started from the start, and it runs on the full V20 line, so if you already have CRAFTSMAN tools you are set.
The catch is the weight: at 9 pounds it is heavier than the V-MODEST gas saw and the DEWALT pruner. It is still light for a 12-inch saw, but you will notice it more if you are using it one-handed from a ladder. It is best used as a ground-level trimming and small-log saw.
Power-per-pound king: 2.8 HP brushless motor is the most powerful motor in this group, delivering up to 80% more peak horsepower than the prior CRAFTSMAN model.
Why you will grab it: You want a no-mix, instant-start 12-inch saw that can handle a full morning of trimming without running out of power.
Why to skip it: If you absolutely need a one-handed climbing saw for tree work, the V-MODEST gas saw is lighter and better balanced for that role.
3. DEWALT DCCS623B 20V Pruning Chainsaw, 8 Inch
A one-handed saw that makes short work of saplings and thick branches.
This DEWALT DCCS623B is the saw you grab when you need to clean up a property line or cut back heavy brush without wrestling a full-size tool. At 2.09 kilograms (about 4.6 pounds) it is nearly half the weight of the CRAFTSMAN 12-inch saw and far lighter than any gas model with a similar bar. The 8-inch bar and 2.8 horsepower motor let it cut through branches up to 7 inches in diameter, which customers note is “ideal for clearing saplings/branches up to 7″ diameter.” It uses standard DEWALT 20V batteries, so if you already own those tools, this is an easy add-on.
Reviewers point out that “with a 6Ah battery it balances well” and that “battery life lasts all weekend on one charge.” The tool-only price (no battery or charger included) keeps the cost down if you are already in the DEWALT ecosystem. The main complaint is oil leakage if stored incorrectly — you have to store it flat with the filler cap up to avoid drips.
Compared to the Greenworks mini, this DEWALT offers significantly more power and cutting capacity (8-inch bar vs 6-inch, and far higher horsepower). If you need a saw that can handle 5-to-7-inch limbs one-handed, the DEWALT is the better pick. But it is not a full-size saw — for 8-inch or larger logs you will want the CRAFTSMAN 12-inch model.
Why it earns a spot
- Extremely light at 2.09 kg — easy to use one-handed
- 2.8 HP motor handles up to 7-inch branches
- Long battery life on a single charge
Small downsides
- Tool-only — no battery or charger included
- Oil leaks if stored incorrectly (store flat, cap up)
Perfect addition if: you already own DEWALT 20V tools and need a capable pruning saw for medium-sized branches.
Not for you if: you need to cut logs over 7 inches in diameter or prefer a kit with battery and charger included.
4. WTHW Top Handle Chainsaw, 12 Inch Gas
An entry-level gas saw that needs a little patience before it shows its real power.
This WTHW Top Handle is the budget-friendly gas option for someone who wants the endurance of a gas engine without spending premium money. The 25.4cc, 1.2 horsepower engine spins the chain at 9,000 RPM and the 12-inch bar gives you the same reach as the CRAFTSMAN cordless model. It features a spring-assisted starter for easier pulls, an automatic oiler, and a chain brake for safety. The 8.5-pound weight is reasonable for a gas saw — it is heavier than the 5.5-pound V-MODEST but still under 10 pounds.
Shoppers say mixed early impressions — one noted it was “initially underpowered, improved after second tank. Now cuts well for inexpensive top handle saw.” The plastic body feels less sturdy than pricier models, but reviewers also say it is “easy to handle” and “nice little saw” for the price. The 2-year warranty is a solid plus at this price point.
The main limitation is power: at 1.2 HP it is significantly less powerful than the CRAFTSMAN’s 2.8 HP, and the 8.5-pound weight is heavier than the V-MODEST. It works for occasional pruning and storm cleanup, but if you plan to use it hard every weekend, the V-MODEST or a name-brand gas saw is a better long-term investment.
Worth the price if: you need a gas saw for occasional use and can be patient with a break-in period. The spring-assisted start and auto oiler make it easier to live with than many budget gas saws.
Choose it when: budget is your top concern and you want gas power for occasional trimming and trail clearing.
skip it if: you need a daily-use professional saw or want the lightest possible gas option — the V-MODEST is worth the extra money.
5. Greenworks 24V 6″ Mini Chainsaw
The smallest saw here — perfect for quick snips from a ladder.
At 0.7 kilograms (about 1.5 pounds), the Greenworks 24V Mini is the lightest chainsaw in the entire roundup by a wide margin. It is more of a powered pruning shears than a traditional chainsaw, designed for cutting 2-inch-thick vegetation and small branches up to 6 inches in diameter. The 6-inch bar limits you to those small jobs, but the payoff is you can hold it with one hand above your head for minutes without fatigue. The included 2.0Ah battery and charger mean you are ready to go right from the start, and the tool-less chain tensioning lets you adjust the chain with one hand.
Buyers love the weight: they call it “easy to handle” and note it “cuts branches cleanly.” However, one common complaint is that the chain tension knob is made of plastic and “broke (plastic, flimsy).” The saw also lacks an automatic oiler — you have to manually oil the bar, which is easy to forget. The 2.0Ah battery is fine for a few minutes of cutting but may not last through a big pruning job.
Compared to the DEWALT DCCS623B, this Greenworks is significantly less powerful and has a shorter bar, making it suited only for very small branches. It is a great tool for a quick trim or for someone with limited hand strength, but it is not a replacement for a full-size chainsaw.
What makes it unique
- Ultra-light 0.7 kg — easiest to use one-handed for overhead cuts
- Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
- Battery and charger included, runs on 24V Greenworks platform
Limitations to know
- Chain tension knob made of plastic, broke for some buyers
- No automatic oiler — must oil the bar manually
- Limited to branches up to 6 inches, best for 2-inch vegetation
Perfect for: light pruning from a ladder or for someone who needs the lightest possible tool.
Not the right saw if: you need to cut 6-inch logs or work for more than 15 minutes without recharging.
Understanding the Specs
Chain Speed and Horsepower
Chain speed (measured in feet per second or RPM, revolutions per minute) tells you how fast the chain moves around the bar. A higher chain speed — like 12,000 RPM on the V-MODEST — means the saw cuts through wood more quickly, reducing the time and effort you need for each cut. Horsepower is the raw engine power: a saw with 2.8 HP, like the CRAFTSMAN, has more torque to push through dense oak or pine without bogging down than a 1.2 HP model like the WTHW.
Weight and Bar Length Balance
The weight of a saw and its bar length directly affect how hard you work. A 5.5-pound saw with a 12-inch bar, like the V-MODEST, gives you both reach and low fatigue, but a 9-pound saw with the same bar is better for ground-level work where you need more weight to power through cuts. A 6-inch bar saw at 0.7 kg is very easy to hold up, but you cannot cut anything thicker than that bar. You want the shortest bar and lowest weight that still handles the diameter of wood you normally cut.
FAQ
What does lightweight mean for a chainsaw?
Will a 6-inch bar cut a 6-inch log?
Gas or battery lightweight chainsaw — which is better for me?
How many cuts can I get from a battery-powered lightweight chainsaw?
Do I need to mix oil and gas for a lightweight gas chainsaw?
Is a top handle chainsaw safe for beginners?
How often do I need to sharpen the chain on a lightweight chainsaw?
Can I use the DEWALT DCCS623B with any DEWALT 20V battery?
What maintenance does a battery-powered chainsaw need compared to gas?
Why is the Greenworks mini chainsaw so much lighter than the other picks?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the lightweight chainsaw winner is the V-MODEST Top Handle because it delivers real gas power at 5.5 pounds — light enough for one-handed climbing but powerful enough for serious cutting. If you want push-button convenience and a 12-inch bar for yard work, grab the CRAFTSMAN V20 RP. And for the absolute lightest option that makes snip-and-go pruning from a ladder easy, the Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw at 0.7 kg is your answer.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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