9 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Trees (November 2026)
The best chainsaws for cutting trees include the Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Chainsaw for larger yard trees, the Seesii Mini Chainsaw for light pruning, and the Tietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw for homeowner pruning.
On this page (5 sections)
The best chainsaw for tree cutting is the Greenworks 40V 16-inch Brushless Chainsaw for larger limbs and general yard work. Its bar and brushless motor give it more capacity than the compact pruning saws in this roundup.
Choose a 6-inch or 8-inch model for small branches and routine pruning. A 12-inch saw sits between those compact tools and a full-size 16-inch model, while a 16-inch saw is the better fit when you need more reach and cutting capacity.
If you need a broader overview of chainsaws and pole saws, start with the complete buying guide. It explains the main saw types before you choose a size.
Our picks at a glance
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3
Best for homeowner pruningTietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSEESII 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless
Best for medium tree work - 5
Check itSupstable Mini Chainsaw Cordless
Best for two bar sizes - 6
Best for a complete safety kitCheck it - 7
Check itSEYVUM 40V 16 Inch Chainsaw Cordless Electric
Best for long cordless sessions - 8
Check itDocSmart 8 inch Electric Mini Chainsaw for
Best for flexible pruning sizes - 9
Best for simple small cutsCheck it
The best chainsaws for cutting trees by job
The best choice depends on the size of the wood, how long you plan to work and how much weight you can control. The 16-inch models lead for larger limbs, while the mini saws are easier to carry for pruning.
Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Chainsaw: Best for larger yard trees
- 16-inch bar and chain
- 1.5kW brushless motor
- 40V 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- Automatic oiler
The 16-inch bar and 1.5kW brushless motor suit larger limbs, storm cleanup and firewood work. A 4.0Ah battery and charger are included.
Pros
- Longer 16-inch bar
- Battery and charger included
- Automatic oiler and tool-free tensioning
Cons
- Heavier than the mini saws
- More saw than you need for light pruning
Greenworks is the strongest all-purpose choice for cutting larger tree limbs. Its 16-inch bar and 1.5kW brushless motor give it more capacity than the compact saws below, and the 40V 4.0Ah battery and charger are included.
The automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated during work. Tool-free chain tensioning makes small adjustments easier, while the chain brake and low-kickback design add control features for yard use.
If the chain still will not cut, read chainsaw troubleshooting advice before continuing.
At 10.4 lb, this saw is heavier than every mini model in this roundup. That weight can be a fair trade for the longer bar, but it may feel tiring during overhead pruning.
The Greenworks 40V platform also works with other Greenworks 40V tools. Store the battery in a dry, room-temperature place and remove it from the saw before storage.
Choose it when you need a full-size cordless saw for tree trimming, storm cleanup or firewood work. For gas-powered alternatives, compare our guide to the best gas chainsaws for cutting trees.
Seesii Mini Chainsaw: Best for light pruning
- 6-inch bar
- 900W motor
- Two 21V 2000mAh batteries
- 2.7 lb weight
This 6-inch cordless saw is light enough for short pruning sessions and small wood cuts. It includes two batteries, two chains and basic hand tools.
Pros
- Light 2.7 lb body
- Two batteries included
- Fully assembled bar and chain
Cons
- Short bar limits larger cuts
- Not a substitute for a full-size saw
Seesii is the light-pruning pick because its 6-inch bar and 2.7 lb body are easier to handle than the full-size saws. The 900W motor and chain speed up to 30 ft/s suit small branches and wood cuts.
Two 21V 2000mAh batteries support longer sessions than a single-battery kit. The saw also includes two chains, a charger, a nut driver, a screwdriver and gloves.
The bar and chain arrive assembled, so the basic setup is simple. If you buy a chainsaw without a chain, check its pitch, gauge and drive-link count before ordering one.
A double safety lock, chain guard and low-recoil design help you keep the saw under control while cutting.
A 6-inch bar still has a clear limit. It is a pruning tool for smaller wood, not a replacement for a 12-inch or 16-inch saw when you need to cut larger limbs or trunks.
Choose Seesii for quick garden work where low weight matters most.
Tietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw: Best for homeowner pruning
- 6-inch bar
- 880W motor
- Automatic oiler
- 2000mAh removable battery
The compact 6-inch design works well for garden pruning and smaller tree branches. Its automatic oiler, safety lock and removable battery make routine use simple.
Pros
- Automatic chain lubrication
- Lightweight handheld design
- Battery, charger and spare chain included
Cons
- Short cutting capacity
- Only one battery included
Tietoc suits homeowners who want a compact saw with automatic lubrication. Its 6-inch bar, 880W motor and 3.3 lb weight make it practical for pruning branches without carrying a full-size chainsaw.
The removable 2000mAh battery powers the saw, and the kit includes a second chain, guide plate, charger, screwdriver and guide plate sheath. Lubricating oil is not included, so plan for chain care before cutting.
The automatic oiler reduces the need to apply oil by hand during work. A safety lock, safety baffles and an anti-slip handle provide basic control features for household and garden tasks.
The single included battery makes this a better fit for shorter jobs than all-day cutting. Its 6-inch bar also limits the diameter of wood you can cut efficiently.
Choose Tietoc for regular pruning around a home garden. Keep the chainsaw cutting firewood guide nearby if you plan to move from branches to logs.
SEESII 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless: Best for medium tree work
- 12-inch bar
- 1200W brushless motor
- Two 4.0Ah batteries
- 60mL oil tank
A 12-inch bar gives you more reach into medium-sized limbs than a mini saw. Two 4.0Ah batteries and automatic oiling support longer cutting sessions.
Pros
- Longer 12-inch bar
- Two high-capacity batteries
- Brushless motor and automatic oiling
Cons
- Heavier 12 lb body
- Less compact for quick pruning
SEESII is the middle-ground choice for medium tree work. Its 12-inch bar and 1200W brushless motor provide more cutting room than the mini models without moving to a 16-inch saw.
Two 4.0Ah lithium batteries support longer work sessions. The automatic oiling system adjusts oil flow based on cutting speed, and the 60mL oil tank helps reduce interruptions for refilling.
The saw weighs 12 lb, so it is not a light pruning tool. That weight makes body position and controlled cuts especially important when working above shoulder height.
The 12-inch length works well when branches are too large for a mini saw but do not require the reach of a 16-inch model. It also suits yard work, camping and emergency cleanup.
Choose SEESII when you want a medium-size cordless tree saw with two high-capacity batteries.
Supstable Mini Chainsaw Cordless: Best for two bar sizes
- 6-inch and 8-inch guide bars
- 1000W brushless motor
- Two 2000mAh batteries
- Automatic oiler
The interchangeable 6-inch and 8-inch bars let you match the saw to smaller pruning cuts or larger branches. The kit includes two batteries, a case, gloves and goggles.
Pros
- Two bar sizes
- Light 3.2 lb body
- Safety gear and storage case included
Cons
- Changing bars adds setup work
- Still a mini saw for smaller wood
Supstable gives you two guide-bar sizes in one compact kit. Use the 6-inch bar for precise pruning and switch to the 8-inch bar when a branch needs more cutting room.
Its 1000W brushless motor and 3.2 lb weight balance cutting power with handheld control. Two 2000mAh batteries provide up to 60 minutes of continuous runtime, according to the product information.
The kit includes a plastic suitcase, two chains, both guide bars, gloves, goggles, a charger and a screwdriver. The automatic oiler uses a 30mL oil tank, and lubricating oil is not included.
The main trade-off is setup. Changing between bar sizes takes more time than using a single fixed-bar saw, and both sizes remain intended for smaller tree work.
Choose Supstable when you want flexibility for pruning different branch sizes without moving to a full-size chainsaw.
CEEPUY Mini Chainsaw Cordless: Best for a complete safety kit
- 6-inch bar
- 880W motor
- Two 21V 2000mAh batteries
- Automatic oiler
This compact 6-inch saw includes two batteries, three chains, gloves, goggles and a storage box. It suits small branches when you want a broad accessory kit.
Pros
- Two batteries included
- Gloves and goggles included
- Automatic oiler and storage box
Cons
- Short bar limits tree size
- Small form is not intended for large trunks
CEEPUY is a compact 6-inch saw with one of the fuller accessory kits here. The 880W motor and 28.6 ft/s chain speed suit small branches, while the two 21V 2000mAh batteries support up to 30 to 40 minutes of continuous use.
The kit includes three chains, a guide bar, a charger, a screwdriver, a cleaning brush, gloves, goggles and a portable storage box. Lubricating oil is not included, although an empty oil bottle is supplied.
An automatic oil filling system helps keep the chain lubricated. The safety lock, protective baffle and anti-slip handle support control during trimming.
The 6-inch bar is the limiting factor. It keeps the saw compact but makes it a poor fit for larger limbs that need a longer cutting surface.
Choose CEEPUY if a complete small-tree pruning kit matters more than maximum bar length.
SEYVUM 40V 16 Inch Chainsaw Cordless Electric: Best for long cordless sessions
- 16-inch bar
- 1600W brushless motor
- Two 4.0Ah batteries
- Automatic oiler
The 16-inch bar and two 4.0Ah batteries fit larger cutting jobs where runtime matters. Tool-free tensioning and a chain brake support regular yard work.
Pros
- 16-inch cutting capacity
- Two 4.0Ah batteries
- Automatic oiler and tool-free tensioning
Cons
- Requires oil before use
- Heavier and less nimble than mini saws
SEYVUM is the better fit when a 16-inch bar and extra battery capacity matter. Its 1600W brushless motor, two 4.0Ah batteries and automatic oiler support longer cordless cutting sessions.
The tool-less tensioning system helps you adjust the chain without a separate tool. A safety button and switch must be pressed together, and the chain brake is designed to stop operation quickly during kickback.
Before use, add lubricating oil and let the machine run idle for about 10 seconds until oil flow is normal. That setup step is essential for proper chain lubrication.
If the saw later refuses to start, follow chainsaw starting troubleshooting before cutting.
At 16 inches, the bar suits larger limbs better than the mini saws. The trade-off is weight and handling, especially when you are pruning above shoulder height.
Choose SEYVUM when you want full-size capacity and two batteries. For firewood-focused comparisons, see the guide to the best chainsaws for firewood.
DocSmart 8 inch Electric Mini Chainsaw for: Best for flexible pruning sizes
- 8-inch bar
- 1000W brushless motor
- Two 2000mAh batteries
- Automatic oiler
The 8-inch saw includes a 6-inch bar and chain for smaller work. Two batteries, gloves, goggles and cleaning tools make it a practical pruning kit.
Pros
- Two bar sizes
- Two batteries included
- Light 3.26 lb body
Cons
- Shorter reach than full-size saws
- Battery compatibility claim needs careful checking
DocSmart combines an 8-inch bar with a 1000W brushless motor for pruning small trees and cutting branches. Its 3.26 lb body is lighter than the 12-inch and 16-inch saws.
The kit includes two 2000mAh batteries, an 8-inch bar and chain, a 6-inch bar and chain, a charger, gloves, goggles, a cleaning brush, a screwdriver, a sharpener and a second chain.
The automatic oiler uses a tank of up to 30mL. A safety lock, safety baffles and a non-slip front handle help with control, while the installed 8-inch setup gives more reach than a 6-inch saw.
The product information mentions compatibility with Makita batteries. Confirm the exact battery fit before relying on that feature for your setup.
Choose DocSmart when you want two compact bar sizes and a broad set of included accessories.
Saker Mini Chainsaw Cordless: Best for simple small cuts
- 6-inch bar
- 550W motor
- 2.5 lb weight
- Battery, charger and safety gear included
Saker is the lightest option here at 2.5 lb, making it easy to carry for quick pruning and small wood cuts. The kit includes a battery, charger, spare chain and safety gear.
Pros
- Lightest body in this group
- Battery and charger included
- Spare chain and safety gear included
Cons
- Lowest motor rating here
- 6-inch bar limits larger branches
Saker is the lightest saw in this roundup at 2.5 lb. Its 6-inch bar and 550W motor suit quick pruning, small branches and light wood cutting where carrying a larger saw would add unnecessary fatigue.
The kit includes a battery, charger, two chains, a guide plate, oil bottle, screwdriver, wrench, gloves and goggles. A safety lock and safety baffles help reduce accidental activation and flying wood chips.
The battery takes about 2 hours to charge fully. Use the original charging adapter, keep the battery away from extreme temperatures and fully charge it before extended storage.
Its lower 550W motor rating and 6-inch bar place it below the larger models for cutting capacity. That is the trade-off for the compact 2.5 lb design.
Choose Saker when your main goal is simple, light pruning rather than cutting large tree limbs.
What bar length is best for cutting trees?
A 12-inch or 16-inch bar is the better choice for larger tree limbs, while a 6-inch or 8-inch bar fits small branches and pruning. Match the bar to the wood you actually cut, because a longer saw also adds weight.
A 6-inch mini chainsaw can be convenient for branches around a garden. The 8-inch Supstable and DocSmart models offer a little more room, while the 12-inch SEESII gives you a larger jump in capacity.
For large yard limbs, the Greenworks and SEYVUM 16-inch models have the most bar length in this group. Keep the saw stable and avoid forcing the chain through wood that exceeds the tool's practical capacity.
Should you choose a mini or full-size cordless chainsaw?
Choose a mini chainsaw for pruning, light branches and short work periods. Choose a full-size cordless chainsaw when you need a 12-inch or 16-inch bar, more motor output and a better fit for larger limbs.
Mini models weigh about 2.5 to 3.3 lb in this roundup, which makes them easier to carry and position. Their shorter bars also reduce the amount of wood they can cut in one pass.
Full-size models weigh more, but their longer bars reduce the need to work at the edge of the cutting capacity. Use careful body positioning and take breaks when the saw feels difficult to control.
How should you prepare a chainsaw before cutting?
Charge the battery, check the chain tension, confirm the safety features and add chain oil when the saw requires it. Keep the cutting area clear, wear suitable protective equipment and follow the manual for the exact model.
Automatic oilers still need an oil supply. The Greenworks, Tietoc, SEESII, Supstable, CEEPUY, SEYVUM and DocSmart models all include automatic lubrication features, but oil may not be included in the kit.
Check that the chain moves freely before starting. Do not operate a saw with a damaged battery, cracked part or loose chain, and remove the battery before storage or maintenance.
Never climb a ladder to make a difficult chainsaw cut. For a standing tree, assess the fall path and nearby property before deciding if the job belongs to a qualified tree professional.
Which chainsaw is best for cutting trees?
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch Brushless Chainsaw is the best overall choice for larger limbs because its 16-inch bar, 1.5kW brushless motor, included 4.0Ah battery and automatic oiler cover the widest range of yard work.
Pick the SEESII 12-inch model for medium branches and two high-capacity batteries. Choose Seesii, Tietoc or Saker for lighter pruning, and choose Supstable or DocSmart when two compact bar sizes are useful.
The right chainsaw for cutting trees is the one whose bar length and weight match your wood size and control. For lighter lawn work after tree cleanup, see how to make your lawn mower cut better.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for homeowner pruning
Tietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best chainsaw for cutting trees?
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch Brushless Chainsaw is the strongest general pick here because its 16-inch bar and 1.5kW brushless motor suit larger limbs, storm cleanup and firewood work.
For small branches, a 6-inch or 8-inch mini chainsaw is lighter and easier to control.
What size chainsaw do I need to cut a tree?
Choose the bar length by the branch or trunk size you need to cut. A 6-inch bar suits small pruning work, 8 inches gives more room for medium branches, and 12 to 16 inches provides more capacity for larger limbs.
A longer bar also adds weight, so do not choose the largest saw if your work is limited to light pruning.
Are cordless chainsaws good for cutting trees?
Yes, cordless chainsaws can handle tree trimming and many yard cuts when the bar length, motor and battery capacity match the job. The 12-inch SEESII and 16-inch Greenworks models offer more cutting capacity than the mini saws.
Charge the battery, add chain oil where required and follow the manual before cutting.
Can you use a mini chainsaw to cut down a tree?
A mini chainsaw may handle small branches, but cutting down a standing tree requires careful planning, enough bar capacity and control of the tree's fall. Size alone does not make a tree-cutting job safe.
Read our guide on whether you can use a chainsaw to cut down a tree yourself before attempting that work.
