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.
A small chainsaw is the tool you grab when a pair of loppers feels hopelessly slow — but a full-size gas saw feels absurdly heavy for trimming a few backyard branches. The real problem with most small chainsaws is trusting them: the cheap ones snap chains or lose tension mid-cut, and the premium ones leave you wondering if you just overpaid for a toy. The six saws tested here are all battery-powered, sub-16-inch models that sidestep the fuel-and-fuss drama of gas, each offering a different trade-off between power, battery life, and how long it will actually last.
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.
Whether you are pruning a fruit tree after a storm or clearing a campsite of deadfall, the best small chainsaw gets you into tight spots you cannot reach with a bigger bar, cuts cleanly without constant re-tightening, and keeps running on a set of batteries that outlast your afternoon.
Quick Picks
- DEHANTOOLS 12″ Brushless — Best Overall
- SEESII 12″ 1200W — Power Leader
- CRAFTSMAN V20 6″ — Brand Favorite
- RYOBI 18V HP 8″ — Ultra Portable
- DEWALT 20V 8″ — Pro Compact
- BLACK+DECKER 20V 6″ — No-Oil Simplicity
- Greenworks 40V 12″ — Multi-Use Battery
How To Choose The Best Small Chainsaw
Every small chainsaw in this list shares the same basic mission — cut branches, storm debris, and small logs without tethering you to an outlet or a gas can. The differences come down to three questions: how thick your typical cut is, how far you are from a wall outlet for recharging, and whether you already own batteries from a tool brand you trust.
Bar length vs reach
The bar length is not just a number — it decides both how wide a branch you can slice (you want the bar about 2 inches longer than the wood diameter) and how far you can reach without dragging the saw body against the branch. A 6-inch bar is a glorified pruner for anything under 4 inches thick; a 12-inch bar handles limbs up to about 10 inches but becomes noticeably heavier to hold one-handed.
Brushless vs brushed motors
Brushless motors are more efficient, which means more cuts per charge and less heat buildup that slowly kills the motor. Nearly every modern small chainsaw above the rock-bottom price tier uses a brushless motor — and if the product says “brushed,” expect about 20-30% fewer cuts from the same battery capacity.
Battery capacity
Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). A 2.0Ah battery is fine for a quick pass around the yard (maybe 50 cuts on a 4×4), while a 4.0Ah battery roughly doubles that. The trade-off is weight: a 4.0Ah pack adds several ounces to the handle. Some kits include two batteries, which solves the runtime problem at the cost of juggling a second pack while working.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Battery Included | Motor Power | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN V20 | Reliable brand & precision | 6 in. | 1× 2.0Ah | — | Amazon |
| RYOBI 18V HP | Ultra-compact & tight spaces | 8 in. | Tool only | 2 HP | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V 8IN | Pro-grade enclosure & runtime | 8 in. | Tool only | 2.8 HP | Amazon |
| DEHANTOOLS 12″ | Longest runtime & kit value | 12 in. | 2× 4.0Ah | 1000 W | Amazon |
| SEESII 12″ | Raw power & multi-brand battery compatibility | 12 in. | 2× 4.0Ah | 1200 W | Amazon |
| Black+Decker 20V | Simple oil-free pruning | 6 in. | 1× 20V battery | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. DEHANTOOLS 12″ Brushless
Two 4.0Ah batteries and a 1000W brushless motor in one box — no “tool only” surprises.
The biggest complaint with small chainsaws is running out of battery halfway through a job. The DEHANTOOLS solves that with two 21V 4.0Ah lithium packs, which buyers report deliver “1+ hour of pruning” and can handle wood up to 8+ inches thick. At 11.68 lbs it is a few ounces lighter than the comparable SEESII (12 lbs), and its 15.35 x 6.88 x 9.76-inch dimensions make it one of the more compact 12-inch saws to store in the included box.
The 1000-watt brushless motor provides a chain speed of 20 ft/s, and the kit includes an auto-oiling system to keep the chain lubricated during longer cuts. Owners mention the chain needed initial tightening after stretching, but praised the tool-free tensioning system for making adjustments quick. Unlike the CRAFTSMAN V20, which ships with a single 2.0Ah battery, the DEHANTOOLS gives you 4.0Ah capacity right in the box.
Kit contents
- 2× 4.0Ah batteries and 3 chains
- Auto-oiling reduces maintenance mid-cut
- Safety goggles, gloves, oil bottle, cleaning brush all included
Watch out for
- Slightly heavier than 6-inch bar options
- Chain tension may loosen after initial use
- Not ideal for very small-diameter brush under 1 inch
Solid buy if: you want a single-box solution with enough battery to finish weekend pruning without waiting for a recharge.
Think twice if: you only cut pencil-thick branches and prefer a lighter 6-inch saw that fits in one hand.
2. SEESII 12″ 1200W
1200W (200W more than the DEHANTOOLS’s 1000W) but demands attention to its low-tech oil cap.
The SEESII packs a 1200-watt brushless motor that beats the DEHANTOOLS (1000W) by 20%, and its two 4.0Ah batteries match the DEHANTOOLS for total capacity. Where it stands out is compatibility: customers note that existing Makita 18V batteries fit the SEESII perfectly, meaning you may already own spare packs. The 12-inch bar and auto-oiling system with a 60mL oil tank keep the chain cool during heavy cuts. One buyer with chronic pain praised its one-handed maneuverability — a notable advantage over heavier saws.
The catch is the oil cap. After 20+ hours of use, one reviewer noted the plastic bulb can knock off when you reach into dense brush; the vendor responded quickly with replacements. The trigger release is also right-handed only, which left-handed users will need to adapt to. Unlike the CRAFTSMAN’s integrated tip guard, the SEESII has no such stability aid for upcuts, so you provide the control.
Raw power: The highest-wattage motor in this roundup, ideal for hardwood logs and storm debris.
Grab this if: you already own 18V/20V tool batteries from other brands and want the extra cutting speed.
Look elsewhere if: you prefer a saw with a carrying case and a lefty-friendly trigger layout.
3. CRAFTSMAN V20 6″
The most compact and lightest of the lot, trading bar length for absolute portability.
The CRAFTSMAN V20 is a 6-inch bar pruning saw that weighs 8 lbs and measures 20.35 x 10.65 x 5.52 inches — longer than the DEHANTOOLS (15.35 inches) despite a shorter bar, because the CRAFTSMAN’s design runs the battery inline along the bar. It delivers up to 85 cuts on a single 2.0Ah battery, 2.0Ah capacity compared to the SEESII’s 4.0Ah packs but still sufficient for a quick yard pass. Reviewers point out the battery life “outperforms cheaper models,” and the 3-year limited warranty is a rare piece of long-term coverage.
The built-in tip guard provides stability during upcuts, but several reviewers noted the guard sometimes gets in the way. The safety switch also limits operation to right-handers. Unlike the oil-free BLACK+DECKER below, the CRAFTSMAN requires bar oil, so factor that into maintenance. If you already use Craftsman V20 tools, this is an easy addition; if not, you are paying a slight premium for brand reliability.
A trusted shape: perfect for small limbing and boxwood trimming where a 12-inch bar would feel clumsy.
Best for: homeowners who prioritize brand warranty, light weight, and a storage sheath.
skip it if: you regularly cut branches over 4 inches thick or need a lefty-friendly design.
4. RYOBI 18V HP 8″
At just 3 lbs (tool only), this is the lightest saw you can buy
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact 8″ pruning chainsaw uses a brushless motor with HP technology to cut 3x faster than RYOBI’s older brushed saws. It handles branches up to 6 inches thick despite the 8-inch bar, and its oil-free design eliminates the mess of bar oil completely — a real advantage if you store the saw indoors. It delivers over 65 cuts per charge (with a high-capacity battery, sold separately).
Because this is a tool-only purchase, you must already own a RYOBI 18V battery; if you don’t, factor in the cost of a 4.0Ah pack and charger. Reviewers mention the chain popped off once during a cut but was easy to reattach. The cut quality is slightly ragged compared to higher-voltage saws, but for the weight and size, it punches above its class. Compared to the 8.7-lb DEWALT, this is a featherweight in the same bar-length category.
Master of the tight spot: fits into gaps where larger saws cannot reach — a real plus for hedge-row trimming.
Reach for this if: you already own RYOBI ONE+ batteries and want the lightest possible saw for light pruning.
Avoid if: you need bar oil for cleaner cuts or cannot budget for a battery kit.
5. DEWALT 20V 8″
The most powerful motor in the 8-inch class (2.8 HP) with a reputation for battery endurance.
The DEWALT DCCS623B is an 8-inch pruning saw powered by a 2.8-horsepower motor — stronger than the RYOBI’s 2 HP, meaning it can maintain chain speed under heavier loads. One reviewer who bought it for mountain property reported a full weekend of cutting underbrush and small trees on a single charge, praising the stock chain’s long-lasting sharpness.
Like the RYOBI, this is tool-only. You need a DEWALT 20V battery and charger. The 3-lb weight advantage of the RYOBI comes at the cost of cut quality — the DEWALT’s chain stays sharper longer and handles 8-inch oak logs without bogging. The slower RPMs mean you must take your time on branches under 1 inch, where the vibration can be excessive unless you brace the branch manually. At 22.53 inches long, it is the physically longest 8-inch saw here, so storage space matters.
Strengths
- Long battery life: one buyer used it for a whole weekend on a single charge
- High 2.8 HP motor handles up to 6-inch branches
- Stock chain stays sharp for many uses
Weaknesses
- Tool-only; battery and charger cost extra
- Slower chain speed may bind on very small branches
- Feels toy-like in the hand but still a powerful tool
Pick this if: you already own DEWALT 20V tools and want the highest-horsepower 8-inch saw available.
Pass if: you need an all-in-one kit with batteries included.
6. BLACK+DECKER 20V 6″
No chain oil to buy or spill — just grab it and cut for up to 55 cuts on a single charge.
The BLACK+DECKER BCCS320C1 is a 6-inch pruning saw that is oil-free, meaning there is no bar oil reservoir to fill and no oily mess to store. The battery and charger are included, so it ships ready to work — a contrast to the DEWALT and RYOBI tool-only models.
Shoppers say it is quiet and light enough for a 70-year-old to handle, and the chain is compatible with existing BLACK+DECKER 20V batteries. The guard is integrated for stability during upcuts, similar to the CRAFTSMAN. However, the chain is “quite coarse” per one reviewer, and it tends to bind on thicker branches. Unlike the auto-oiling SEESII, you will need to periodically lubricate the chain with a spray like WD-40 to keep it cutting smoothly — the manual confirms no oil reservoir.
Best for camping: toss it in the truck without worrying about oil leaking onto your gear.
Choose this if: you want the absolute simplest maintenance — no oil, no fuss, just cut.
Avoid if: you cut wood over 4 inches thick regularly or prefer an auto-oiling system.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length
The bar is the metal guide that the chain rides on — measured from the tip to where it enters the saw body. A 6-inch bar is for small twigs and light pruning; a 12-inch bar handles storm branches and logs up to 10 inches thick. The catch is that a longer bar makes the saw heavier and slower to maneuver one-handed, so match the bar to the typical branch size you cut, not the largest branch you dream of cutting.
Brushless Motor
A brushless motor uses electronics to control power instead of physical carbon brushes that wear down over time. It delivers more torque per watt (so you have less bogging on thick wood) and runs cooler, which extends the motor’s life. All the picks here except basic-brushed models are brushless — if you see “brushed,” expect lower efficiency and shorter motor lifespan.
Battery Amp-Hours (Ah)
Amp-hours tell you how much energy the battery holds. A 2.0Ah battery will give you about 50-85 cuts depending on wood hardness; a 4.0Ah lasts roughly twice that. Having two batteries alternates charging with cutting, so you never wait. The number of battery packs in the box is the deciding factor for finishing a whole afternoon of pruning without a recharge break.
Auto-Oiling vs Oil-Free
Auto-oiling pumps bar oil from a small reservoir (60mL-100mL) onto the chain as it spins, keeping the cut smooth and the chain cool. Oil-free saws skip the reservoir and rely on you manually lubricating the chain with spray or by dipping — less mess but more maintenance. For occasional use, oil-free is fine; for heavy cutting sessions, auto-oiling saves you from frying the chain.
FAQ
Can a small battery chainsaw handle a 10-inch log?
How long does a 2.0Ah battery last on a small chainsaw?
Do I need to buy bar oil separately?
Will a 6-inch chainsaw cut a 4-inch branch?
What is the difference between a brushless and brushed motor?
Can I use an 18V battery from another brand on these saws?
How do I tighten the chain on a small battery chainsaw?
Which is better for camping — a 6-inch or 12-inch saw?
Can I use a small chainsaw for cutting metal or plastic?
How do I store the battery when not in use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the best small chainsaw winner is the DEHANTOOLS 12-Inch Brushless because it comes with two 4.0Ah batteries, three chains, and a full accessory kit that covers everything from safety goggles to an oil bottle — you open the box and start cutting. If you want the lightest possible saw for one-handed pruning and already own RYOBI batteries, grab the RYOBI 18V HP 8-Inch. And for storm cleanup where you need a battery that also charges your devices, the standout is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch.
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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