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Everyone who has their own garden or just trees in the yard sooner or later is faced with the fact that all this wealth needs to be looked after somehow. Cutting the logs, pruning the limbs, trimming the bushes, tackling thicker bunches with ease, felling a tree with a different diameter, and splitting the firewood easily — all these cutting projects are possible only if you have a perfect (for you) small chainsaw.

A correctly selected handy tool always comes to the rescue at the right moment, whether it is cleaning after a storm, cutting off higher branches than usual, or the regular chopping of firewood for the fireplace or bath. In our selection you will find out which saw is the lightest, which is the fastest, and which is perfect for getting to higher branches and cutting the bigger diameter.

We have found the top 8 best small chainsaws in the different price ranges and types — corded-electric and battery-powered. Let’s figure out their features and main differences. Feel free to read this article and choose your own best small chainsaw depending especially on your needs!

Comparison table: 8 best small chainsaws

The sharpest chain
Sun Joe SWJ800E	Power Source: Corded-electric Item Dimensions: 68.5 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches Item Weight: 7 Pounds Voltage: 120 Volts Bar Length: 8" Benefits: - Cuts branches up to 7.5-inches thick. - Ideal for cutting overhanging limbs and thin logs.
The easiest cutting through hard limbs
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020	Power Source: Battery-powered Item Dimensions: 16.7 x 8.81 x 9.63 inches Item Weight: 7.2 Pounds Voltage: 20 Volts Charge time: 5 hours Bar Length: 10" Benefits: - Perfect for cutting pruning branches. - Easy to use and well-balanced.
The sturdiest pole
Worx WG309	Power Source: Corded-electric Item Dimensions: 42 x 8 x 9 inches Item Weight: 10 Pounds Voltage: 120 Volts Bar Length: 10" Benefits: - Sturdy, light, and agile pole in tandem with a powerful chain. - Vibration-free.
The longest charged battery life
Greenworks 20672	Power Source: Battery-powered Item Dimensions: 107 x 7 x 7.5 inches Item Weight: 8.36 Pounds Voltage: 40 Volts Charge time: 3 hours Bar Length: 8" Benefits: - After about 35 minutes of cutting, the battery power is only down by 25%. - Suits for higher branches.
The most lightweight
BLACK+DECKER LP1000	Power Source: Corded-electric Item Dimensions: 10 x 24 x 9 inches Item Weight: 6.5 Pounds Voltage: 120 Volts Bar Length: 6" Benefits: - The most lightweight with its 6.5 pounds. - Works like scissors.
The most efficient in terms of cutting diameter
Greenworks 20222	Power Source: Corded-electric Item Dimensions: 33.75 x 10 x 7.75 inches Item Weight: 8 Pounds Voltage: 120 Volts Bar Length: 14" Benefits: - Cuts quickly and easily the various limbs from 3" to 12". - The metal kicker feet to engage the log are a great feature.
The easiest to get to higher branches
Makita UC4051A	Power Source: Corded-electric Item Dimensions: 10 x 24.2 x 10.5 inches Item Weight: 14 Pounds Voltage: 110 Volts Bar Length: 16" Benefits: - Has a low kickback. - Starts up instantly, which is handy high up in a tree.
The quietest operation
Milwaukee 2727-21HD	Power Source: Battery-powered Item Dimensions: 10 x 36 x 11 inches Item Weight: 21 Pounds Voltage: 18 Volts Charge time: 4 hours Bar Length: 16" Benefits: - Lack of noise. - Does 150 cuts per charge. - No messy fuel.

How did we choose

• At first, we looked at the highest-rated small chainsaws in different price segments.
• Then we took 10 top-rated models for a detailed review (excluded outdated ones or models with fewer reviews). 
• After that, we analyzed more than 100 customer reviews and eventually picked top-8 small chainsaws.

This quality research helps us understand what is most important for small chainsaws’ users. We were able to highlight the best criteria for each model. After comparing our results, we listed the top-8 small chainsaws. You can see our calculation methodology in the picture below.

What to pay attention to when choosing your perfect small chainsaw

Here are the most important factors to consider when you are looking for a small chainsaw:

1. The first factor is easy cutting through hard limbs. We purchase a chainsaw so that it fulfills its primary function — it can easily cut even the thickest branches. The best easy cutter through hard limbs is BLACK + DECKER LCS1020 (review) due to its efficient cutting power and the ability to down the tree and cut it into a nice pile of logs in 20 minutes.

2. The second important factor applies chain sharpness because this will directly affect the efficiency of the saw and how easy it will be to cut, for example, trees with a large diameter. The sharpest chain has the Sun Joe SWJ800E (review): it sliced through limbs anywhere from ½” to 7.5-inches thick, also using powerful 6.5-amp motor assistance.

3. The small chainsaw must be lightweight. This makes sense since if you’re looking for a compact saw, you probably don’t want it to be heavy. You expect lightness from it — this will help you easily manage it, reach the highest branches, boldly reduce and increase the distance, etc. The most lightweight saw is BLACK + DECKER LP1000 (review) with its 6.5 pounds.

4. The next very important criterion is easy to use and operate. The main feature of a small chainsaw is that it should be as simple to use as possible. It should be easy to hold it in your hands for several hours and also easy to maneuver, change the angle of inclination, etc. The easiest to maneuver is Worx WG309 (review) thanks to its sturdy and agile pole. The easiest to use is BLACK + DECKER LCS1020 (review) due to the tool-free blade tension system.

Some additional features will also intensify your small chainsaw experience.

Additional factors to pay attention to 

• Simple and regular chain tensioning — improves safety during use and reduces wear and damage to the chain. The chain should not jump and jam.
• Long charged battery life — this affects how much cutting work you can do on one battery charge.
• Trouble-free manual (or automatic) lube of the chain (the oiler) — this feature must work flawlessly for the chain to cut fast and efficiently.
• Fast operation (the most efficient in terms of speed) — affects how many cuts the picked chainsaw can make in comparison with others, for example, in an hour or one battery charge.
• Quiet operation — if you do not want to wear earplugs during the cutting process, you should pay attention to this factor.
• Strong and sturdy pole — this quality of the pole will tell you how convenient it will be to maneuver and control it at height. Always the sturdiest — the better!
• Nonexistent kickback — again, this factor will help you easily work with higher branches without fear of losing balance. Also, it will be more pleasant for you to work with a saw with a non-existent kickback on the ground.
• Anti-vibration feature — affects how long you can hold the chainsaw in your hands. Even the lightest saw has a certain weight, and it is the absence of vibration that will help you not to get tired for a long time.
• Oil consumption — it is a natural intention to choose a chainsaw that uses less oil and still performs as efficiently as other models.
• Quality of the cuts — not only the cuts themselves are important, but their quality too. Who wants to have a yard after cutting on the weekends as if after meeting a hurricane? 

A detailed review of each model

Sun Joe SWJ800E — The sharpest chain

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Bar Length: Benefits:

Corded-electric 68.5 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches 7 Pounds 120 Volts 8" - Cuts branches up to 7.5-inches thick. - Ideal for cutting overhanging limbs and thin logs.

Pros:

• Powerful 6.5-amp motor cuts branches of different diameters
• 8-inch cutting bar and the chain has automatic lubrication
• The telescoping pole extends to 8.7 ft providing up to 15 ft of overhead reach
• The adjustable length of the pole
• Tensioning the chain is very simple
• CSA approved

Cons:

• The trigger lock takes a bit of getting used to, but it works perfectly
• This pole chain saw does not include the oil required

The first criterion with which we start our top-8 is “the sharpest chain”. The Sun Joe SWJ800E has the sharpest one: it sliced through limbs anywhere from ½” to 7.5-inches thick, also using powerful 6.5-amp motor assistance. Talking about the pole, it is strong and sturdy, with no twisting or bending, but with an adjustable length. The pole is rigid and at full-reach doesn’t wobble whereby extension and retraction are fast and simple.

It perfectly suits for cutting palm trees and oak branches, because it is very handy to use the shorter length to cut up the limbs into small pieces you’ve cut down: it’s much easier than standing back nine feet to do it. Also, the saw is easy to handle some tough, “dirty” work cutting macadamia tree which is a very hard and sappy wood. Sun Joe SWJ800E is in second place of efficiency in terms of speed with its 6,000 RPM after Greenworks 20222 (review) with 7,500 RPM. Sun Joe’s chainsaw isn’t extremely loud, the chain tensioning is very simple and done with the cover on — just turn a screw.

Moreover, it is CSA approved: the CSA mark on your product means it has been tested against applicable North American standards requirements. CSA marks are found on a wide variety of products: electrical and electronic, gas-fired, personal protective equipment, and many more.

BLACK + DECKER LCS1020 — The easiest cutting through hard limbs

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Charge time: Bar Length: Benefits:

Battery-powered 16.7 x 8.81 x 9.63 inches 7.2 Pounds 20 Volts 5 hours 10" - Perfect for cutting pruning branches. - Easy to use and well-balanced.

Pros:

• 20 minutes of cutting power are enough to down the tree and cut it into a nice pile of logs
• The pole is sturdy and well-designed
• Easy to use due to the tool-free blade tension system
• Lightweight (thanks to the plastic and metal from which it is made)

Cons:

• The manual lube of the chain. Some may find it annoying to push the little plunger after every cut or so to keep the chain lubed. 

While BLACK + DECKER LCS1020 is the best in terms of cutting through hard limbs due to its 10 in. low kickback bar and chain that provides smooth and fast cuts. It is also incredibly easy to use because of the tool-free blade tension and simple oiling system: it arranges trouble-free lubrication of bar and chain. Twenty minutes of cutting power are enough to down the tree and cut it into a nice pile of logs, due to a 20V lithium-ion battery which stays charged up to 5x longer, unlike its nickel-cadmium predecessors. That’s why BLACK + DECKER is a “gem” that perfectly suits wood with any diameter.

The lightweight of the LCS1020 at 7.2 pounds makes the job easier, even though the lightest on our list is BLACK + DECKER LP1000 (review) with its 6.5 pounds. Most of the users were impressed by the sturdiness of the saw, so in this matter, it practically catches up Worx WG309 (review) with the sturdiest pole. 

Nice detail: you can also use plain vegetable cooking oil for the bar lube which is stated in the instructions. 

Worx WG309 — The sturdiest pole

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Bar Length: Benefits:

Corded-electric 42 x 8 x 9 inches 10 Pounds 120 Volts 10" - Sturdy, light, and agile pole in tandem with a powerful chain. - Vibration-free.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver
• Took 5 minutes to assemble it and fill the oil reservoir
• Cut through tough branches up to 5″ in diameter
• Kickback is nonexistent
• Operation is quiet
• The automatic oiler works flawlessly

Cons:

• The saw does need chain oil which is not included
• Takes more time to set-up than with other chainsaws

The title of “the sturdiest pole” rightfully belongs to Worx WG309. The pole is strong, light, and agile — and all this in tandem with a powerful chain. Thanks to that, this saw is easy to maneuver and cut through tough branches up to 5″ in diameter. The most important point is that kickback is nonexistent and the saw is vibration-free: this allows to trim the hard-to-reach small to medium tree branches around the yard that are normally just out of reach.

Also, WG309 has an ease-of-use feature that other models in this price range usually do not have — the self oiler. The automatic oiler worked flawlessly, keeping the blade lubricated while throwing only a tiny bit of oil. The same economy in terms of oil consumption has Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review) This saw is easy enough to assemble and disassemble, clean, and maintain, and yes, it’s pretty lightweight for how powerful it is! Owners even say that it cuts through like a knife through warm butter.

Greenworks 20672 — The longest charged battery life

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Charge time: Bar Length: Benefits:

Battery-powered 107 x 7 x 7.5 inches 8.36 Pounds 40 Volts 3 hours 8" - After about 35 minutes of cutting, the battery power is only down by 25%. - Suits for higher branches.

Pros:

• The cutting is efficient and fast 
• The pole sections go together with ease and are sturdy, with very little flex
• The chain and bar are made of high-quality steel
• The saw is well-balanced and easy to control

Cons:

• Сan be difficult to get the battery out of the tool and to get out of the charger

The longest charged battery life has Greenworks 20672. After about 35 minutes of pruning, cutting, and trimming by this chainsaw, the battery power is only down by 25%, which is quite rare for any battery-powered chainsaw. Moreover, this model has the smallest charge time from the list — 3 hours. For comparison, another battery-powered saw, BLACK + DECKER LCS1020 (review), has 5 hours of charging time.

Besides, this Greenworks unit suits higher branches. It allows cutting limbs from 1/2″ to 6″ diameter quickly and efficiently from the safety of the ground. You don’t need to fully extend the shaft and still can reach 12 or 15 feet high limbs. Also, the weight of the saw (8.36 pounds) provides enough pressure to cut through the limbs with ease, allowing to concentrate fully on the balance of the saw. We can say that the saw has an average weight (8.36 pounds) when compared with the lightest BLACK + DECKER LP1000 (review) with its 6.5 pounds and heaviest Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review) with 21 pounds. For the average homeowner, this chainsaw should provide plenty of power for a trimming chore.

BLACK + DECKER LP1000 — The most lightweight

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Bar Length: Benefits:

Corded-electric 10 x 24 x 9 inches 6.5 Pounds 120 Volts 6" - The most lightweight with its 6.5 pounds. - Works like scissors.

Pros:

• Perfect for pruning tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter
• Clever design: they are very easy to use and safe
• The anti-kickback feature works great
• It is quiet: no earplugs necessary

Cons:

• Hands can get a little tired during long cuts and palms may sore from holding the lopper handles

If you are looking for the lightest chainsaw you can imagine, there is no better option than BLACK + DECKER LP1000. It weighs only 6.5 pounds, which is almost three and a half times less than the heaviest Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review) with its 21 pounds. The LP1000 works like scissors and is perfect for pruning tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter because of the design: the “scissors” are safe and very easy to use.

Also, this model is reasonably quiet after the quietest in this category — Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review), which we already mentioned above. Thus, you don’t need earplugs while cutting branches into manageable pieces or cleaning up after a storm in your yard. Using this saw you must use two hands that’s why the weight is distributed well and it is not at all awkward to manipulate. Furthermore, the LP1000 is wide enough to cut a thick stump: it only takes about 5 minutes to cut the branches down to 2-foot lengths for disposal. Additionally, you can buy a heavy extension cord, and a locking attachment to keep it plugged in, because it tends to come unplugged if it catches on branches or you step on the cord, however, it can go for a kind of a safety feature.

Greenworks 20222 — The most efficient in terms of cutting diameter

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Bar Length: Benefits:

Corded-electric 33.75 x 10 x 7.75 inches 8 Pounds 120 Volts 14" - Cuts quickly and easily the various limbs from 3" to 12". - The metal kicker feet to engage the log are a great feature.

Pros:

• The 10.5 amp electric motor starts within seconds
• Lightweight, well-built, easy to use, and easy to clean
• The automatic chain oil feature does work well with 30 weight motor oil 
• No oil leaks, no chain slips

Cons:

• It may be difficult to read the bar chain oil measurement

The Greenworks 20222 is the most efficient in terms of speed, which is confirmed by its chain speed — 7,500 RPM with no load. For comparison, in second place is Sun Joe SWJ800E (review) with its 6,000 RPM. Greenworks chainsaw cuts quickly and easily the various limbs from 3″ to 12″ without the noise. Due to its speed, it copes with 6-10″ diameter branches in less than an hour and cuts through the smaller 3-5″ diameter limbs like butter. 

If we are talking about weight, it is nice without being too heavy (8 pounds), so it will still slice through a log on its own and you don’t have to put extra effort. The chain never came off once, but remember to tighten it every so often, — this is the easiest thing in the world. Users nicknamed this saw “a nice little convenient knob”. As well, the Greenworks 20222 has metal kicker feet to engage the log which is a great feature: the log does not slip and you can make an even and clear cut. Moreover, the automatic chain oil feature does work well with 30 weight motor oil, making oil usage more efficient.

Makita UC4051A — The easiest to get to higher branches

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Bar Length: Benefits:

Corded-electric 10 x 24.2 x 10.5 inches 14 Pounds 110 Volts 16" - Has a low kickback. - Starts up instantly, which is handy high up in a tree.

Pros:

• Perfect for higher branches, because of the lightweight and the chain with a low kickback
• No need to pull the starter cord multiple times, thereby challenging your balance
• User-friendly and quiet: don’t have to wear hearing protection or stop to gas it
• Fairly compact (has a lower profile) 
• Also suits for chopping down logs into usable size

Cons:

• The oil may come out and get clogged within cutting dust in minutes, so the chain runs dry

For those who are in search of a real lifesaver to easily cope with higher branches, we advise you to pay attention to the winner in this category — Makita UC4051A. This is a real “monster” in matters of height due to its relatively lightweight (14 pounds) and the chain with a low kickback. Although it is in second place after the heaviest Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review), users praise its lightness, compactness, easy control, and maneuvering at height.

More than that, this unit starts up instantly, which is handy when you are high up in a tree. There is no need to pull the starter cord multiple times, thereby challenging your balance. If we were asked to describe it in two words, it would be “user-friendly” and “quiet”. Yes, maybe this chainsaw isn’t the quietest like the Milwaukee 2727-21HD (review), but you don’t have to wear hearing protection while using it.

Milwaukee 2727-21HD — The quietest operation

Power Source: Item Dimensions: Item Weight: Voltage: Charge time: Bar Length: Benefits:

Battery-powered 10 x 36 x 11 inches 21 Pounds 18 Volts 4 hours 16" - Lack of noise. - Does 150 cuts per charge. - No messy fuel.

Pros:

• Makes no noxious vapors
• It uses a 3/8 low profile chain, which helps keep the kickback down for safety
• The battery power stays the same right until the end
• Is quite economical: uses a small amount of oil like the Worx WG309 (review)
• Very easy cleanup

Cons:

• The trigger area has a hole for the foot, which can be unnecessary and/or uncomfortable
• The heaviest chainsaw from the list (21 Pounds)

Surprising observation: the heaviest chainsaw is the quietest! The battery-powered Milwaukee 2727-21HD with its 21 pounds according to users does not make any noise at all compared to other models. You can easily have a conversation in between cuts without a saw idling and earplugs in. The Makita UC4051A (review) and the BLACK + DECKER LP1000 (review) are also considered fairly quiet models.

The second main advantage of this saw is its economical oil consumption. It uses a small amount of oil like the Worx WG309 (review). Talking about the cutting ability, the Milwaukee unit does 150 cuts per charge and makes no noxious vapors. The battery power stays the same right until the end of the cutting (approximately one hour). The first place in terms of the longest charged battery life has Greenworks 20672 (review): after about 35 minutes of pruning, cutting, and trimming, the battery power is only down by 25%.

Accessories to make your small chainsaw experience better

Improve your small chainsaw experience with:

Small chainsaw do’s and don’ts

When you buy a small chainsaw for the first time, there are some “Do’s and Don’ts” you should know to make your purchase experience easier and safer. Here is a list of actual tips and prohibitions for using a small chainsaw for the first time.

Do:

1. Keep the chain sharp to provide its safety. A sharp chain always cuts more effectively than one that is dull. Dull blades force you to use more pressure while cutting, and this can wear out some of the components of the chainsaw.
2. Maintain the proper chain tension. A loose chain could come off the bar while running, while a chain that is too tight could damage components of the tool. Always check the chain tension before turning the chainsaw on.
3. Always refuel your chainsaw safely. Never refuel the chainsaw when it is still hot. The heat from the engine could ignite the fuel. Just let the chainsaw cool down for 10-15 minutes and then add the fuel.
4. Wear protective clothing: hard hat, face shield, earplugs, and close-fitting apparel. This will protect your head and body from sawdust, and gloves will allow your hands to be less tired during cutting.

Don’t:

1. Don’t use the old gas. When you put the tool away till next season, you need to empty the gas tank and run the carburetor dry. Most manufacturers recommend removing old gas before storing a chainsaw. This is a smart step to prevent corrosion, allowing you to keep using your chainsaw safely.
2. Don’t ever run and move from cutting area to area with the chain in cutting mode. Always transport your chainsaw in a case if possible, but at least with a guard on the chain and bar.
3. Never stand on a log and don’t saw between your feet. Always stand to one side of the branch or log you are cutting.

Summary 

The main job of any small chainsaw is to meet your specific needs. The most efficient in terms of speed, the easiest to get to higher branches, the most lightweight, the quietest, with the sturdiest pole or the longest charged battery life — there are a lot of small chainsaws and they are all good in their way. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which criterion of the choice is the most important for you in the first place.

Once choosing your ideal saw, it will be difficult for you to part with it. From now on, any work in the garden or the yard will be easy and enjoyable. Need to knock down a tree, cut it into the wood and then chop it into smaller pieces? No problem! Gently trim the bushes or prune a tall, dry branch from your favorite tree? Easy!

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