It was a cold Tuesday. I had my coffee. I had my gloves. I had a big pile of logs in the yard.
I grabbed my old gas saw. I pulled the cord. Nothing happened.
I pulled it again. My shoulder hurt. The smell of old gas filled the air. I was done.
I love tools. I like power. but I hate fixing engines. I needed a fix. I needed the best battery powered chainsaw to do the work for me.
I did not want a toy. I wanted a real tool. So, I tested the top saws. I cut oak. I cut pine. I found out what works. Here is my story.
The Problem: Why Gas Failed Me
We need to talk about gas. For years, we thought gas was the only choice.
The Truth:
- It is loud. My neighbors hate the noise.
- It is dirty. Bad fuel ruins the engine.
- It hurts. My hands shake after a long day.
The Fix: New batteries are strong. They use high volts. They can cut hard wood. They do not stall. I wanted to see if they could replace my gas saw.
1. The Homeowner Hero: EGO Power+ CS2005
I started with EGO. People love EGO. They are the top dog for yard tools. I bought the EGO Power+ CS2005. It has a 20-inch bar.
My Experience
I took the saw to a fallen maple tree. It was thick. It was about 18 inches wide.
I put the battery in. It clicked. I pressed a button. The saw hummed. No pulling. No choke.
I put the bar on the wood. I thought it might stop. It did not. The chain moved fast. It threw big wood chips. That is good. It means the chain bites deep.
It has a screen on top. It shows the oil level. It shows the battery life. I liked that. I knew when to stop and charge.
The Bad Parts
It is light. That is good for my back. But it feels like plastic. It does not feel like cold, hard steel. The bar is also very long. If you bury it deep in wood, the motor works hard.
Pros and Cons: EGO Power+ CS2005
| Pros | Cons |
| Starts Fast: No pull cords. | Plastic Feel: Not as tough as pro saws. |
| Strong: Cuts like a gas saw. | Long Bar: Can slow down in deep cuts. |
| Quiet: I can hear people talk. | Price: Batteries cost a lot. |
2. The Pro Tool: Stihl MSA 300 C-O
I grew up with Stihl. My dad used them. So, I tried the Stihl MSA 300 C-O. This is for pros.
My Experience
It is heavy. It feels real. It feels like a tank.
I used it in the rain. It did not care. The grip is great. My hands did not go numb. It felt smooth.
It cut wet oak like butter. It has metal spikes near the handle. They dig in. This helps you pivot the saw. It felt safe and strong.
The Catch
It uses a lot of power. You need the big battery. It is called the AP 500 S. If you use a small battery, the saw is weak. It is also pricey. It costs much more than the EGO.
Pros and Cons: Stihl MSA 300 C-O
| Pros | Cons |
| Tough: Built for rain and dirt. | Cost: Very high price. |
| Power: As strong as a gas saw. | Picky: Needs the best battery to work. |
| Smooth: No bad vibes in my hands. | Heavy: It tires you out faster. |
3. The Smart Pick: Milwaukee M18 FUEL
I have Milwaukee drills. I have red batteries in my shop. So, I tried the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It has a 16-inch bar.
My Experience
I used this for firewood. I pruned some limbs.
The best part? I did not buy a charger. I used the battery from my drill. I just slapped it in.
This saw is fast. It hits top speed right away. It is loud. It whines more than the EGO. But it cuts quick. It feels good in the hand. It is not too heavy in the front.
The Limit
It gets hot. I cut for 30 minutes. The battery got warm. It did not last as long as the EGO. It is great for quick jobs. I would not use it all day.
Pros and Cons: Milwaukee M18 FUEL
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy: Uses my drill batteries. | Run Time: Dies fast on big logs. |
| Fast: Cuts speed picks up quick. | Loud: High pitch noise. |
| Grip: easy to hold on to. | Messy: Leaked some oil on my shelf. |
Which One Did I Keep?
It was a hard choice.
The Stihl is the best tool. But it costs too much for me. The Milwaukee is handy. But the battery life is short.
I kept the EGO Power+ CS2005.
Why? It was the best fit. It cut the big maple tree. It ran for a long time. The price was fair.
My Advice to You
You want the best battery powered chainsaw. Ask this first: What batteries do I have?
- New to tools? Buy the EGO. The battery works in mowers too. It is a safe bet.
- Own red tools? Get the Milwaukee. You save money. It is a beast for small jobs.
- Are you a pro? Get the Stihl. It will save you time.
Don’t go back to gas. You don’t need to. The future is here. It is quiet. And it works.
FAQs – Best Battery Powered Chainsaw
How long does the best battery powered chainsaw run?
A good battery lasts 30 to 40 minutes. It depends on the wood size. Hard wood takes more power to cut. Keep a spare battery ready for big yard jobs.
Are battery saws as strong as gas models?
Yes, the new ones are very strong. High voltage saws cut fast. They handle thick logs easily. They are great for storm cleanup and heavy use at home.
Do electric chainsaws need oil?
Yes, the chain needs oil to spin safely. The motor does not need oil. Check the tank often. Keep it full to stop heat. This helps your bar last much longer.
Can I use my drill battery in a chainsaw?
Some brands let you swap them. Milwaukee saws use M18 drill packs. EGO batteries fit their mowers too. Check your tool brand first. This can save you cash.
Are battery chainsaws safer to use?
They are safer than gas saws. There is no pull cord to fight. The chain stops fast when you let go. But the teeth are sharp. Wear gloves and eye gear always.