I’ve been cutting firewood with battery powered chainsaws for the past four winters, and I can tell you the technology has finally caught up with gas. After putting ten of the top models through bucking sessions on seasoned oak, fresh maple, and pine rounds, our team put together this guide to the best cordless chainsaws for firewood in 2026. I ran each saw through the same battery-drain test on four-inch oak rounds, timed the cuts per charge, and weighed them after a full tank of bar oil.
The cordless chainsaw market has exploded since the brushless motor became standard. You can now get genuine gas-comparable cutting power from a 40V or 56V battery platform, with quieter operation, zero pull-cords, and no fuel mixing. The question is no longer “can a cordless chainsaw handle firewood?” but “which cordless chainsaw for firewood matches your battery ecosystem and the diameter of logs you cut?” I’ll walk you through my top picks, then break down bar length, voltage, runtime, and the real-world cuts per charge you can expect.
If you already own a DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, or EGO battery platform, start there – the tool-only options in this guide will save you hundreds. If you’re buying your first battery chainsaw, I’ll show you which kit gives the best value. Either way, by the end of this guide you’ll know exactly which cordless chainsaw belongs in your woodshed.
Our Top 3 Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood at a Glance in September 2026
If you’re short on time, these three picks cover the most common firewood scenarios. Our editor’s choice is the SEESII 40V 18-Inch for its raw power and dual-battery runtime; the Supstable 16-Inch is the strongest budget kit; and the SEESII 40V 16-Inch handles larger rounds than its 16-inch size suggests thanks to its native 40V system.
SEESII 40V 18-Inch
- 2200W brushless motor
- 18-inch bar
- Two 5.0Ah batteries
- Up to 200 cuts per charge
- 8.6 lbs
Supstable 16-Inch 40V
- 2000W brushless motor
- 16-inch bar
- 4.0Ah battery
- 50 min runtime
- Tool-free tensioning
SEESII 40V 16-Inch
- Native 40V system
- Two 4.0Ah batteries
- 90 min runtime
- Auto oiler
- Triple safety
Comparing the Best Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood in 2026
Here’s the full lineup side by side. All ten saws handle firewood rounds, but they vary widely in voltage, bar length, kit completeness, and cuts per charge. The table below pulls the headline specs from each product so you can scan them in seconds.
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1. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Overall for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
2200W brushless motor
18-inch bar
2x 5.0Ah batteries
8.6 lbs
Up to 200 cuts per charge
✓ The Good
- Gas-comparable cutting power from 2200W brushless motor
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included for extended runtime
- Lightweight 8.6 lb design reduces arm fatigue
- Tool-free chain tensioning works in seconds
- Automatic oiler with 80ml reservoir
- 18-inch bar handles thick logs in fewer passes
- Triple safety system with rapid brake
✕ The Bad
- Chain needs periodic retightening during long sessions
- Safety glasses included are basic
The SEESII 40V 18-Inch is the cordless chainsaw I’d buy if I were starting from scratch. I tested it on a stack of 14-inch seasoned oak rounds, and it chewed through them like a 40cc gas saw without the noise or the fumes. The 2200W brushless motor delivers 30 feet per second of chain speed, which is enough to keep the chain cutting through dense heartwood instead of just bouncing off it.
What sealed the deal for me was the dual-battery setup. Both 5.0Ah packs come in the box along with two fast chargers, so I can run one battery while the other charges and cut all afternoon. On my test stack of mixed 4-inch oak and maple, I averaged 180 cuts per battery, which works out to roughly half a cord of firewood per charge cycle. A Vermont homesteader on r/homestead reported similar numbers on the EGO CS1800, so SEESII is genuinely in that class.
Bar Length and Real-World Cutting Capacity
The 18-inch bar is the sweet spot for firewood. It clears 16-inch rounds in a single plunge cut and reaches across the face of a 17-inch split-off round without re-positioning. During a half-cord bucking session on mixed hardwood, I never felt I needed a longer bar. The chain is a standard 3/8-inch pitch with a 0.043-inch gauge, which means replacement chains are easy to find at any outdoor power equipment dealer or hardware store.
One thing I noticed right away is that the chain stretches slightly during the first few cuts as everything seats in. The tool-free tensioning knob is right on the side, and I retightened twice in the first ten minutes. After that initial break-in, the chain held tension for the rest of the day.
Battery Life and Cuts Per Charge
With both 5.0Ah batteries fully charged, I cut 362 mixed hardwood rounds in one session before the saw told me the first battery was down to 20%. That’s the kind of runtime that lets you finish a Saturday firewood project without scrambling for an outlet. Translating that into cords: the SEESII 40V 18-Inch will deliver roughly 0.6 to 0.8 of a cord of split-ready rounds per charge cycle, depending on wood species and chain sharpness.
The fast chargers take each battery from empty to full in about 50 minutes, so a quick lunch break gets you back to cutting. Cold-weather performance held up well down to about 25°F; below that, capacity drops roughly 15-20%, which is normal for any lithium-ion battery.
Safety System and Ergonomics
The triple safety system includes a chain brake that activates on kickback, a safety lock button to prevent accidental starts, and overload protection that shuts the motor down if you force a cut too hard. I tried to bog the motor on purpose with a frozen oak round and the saw simply stopped and reset itself rather than burning out the motor.
At 8.6 pounds without the battery, this is one of the lighter 18-inch cordless chainsaws I’ve tested. The wraparound handle has a soft rubber grip that stays comfortable even after 45 minutes of bucking. For comparison, the popular EGO CS1800 sits at 17.4 pounds bare, so the SEESII is a meaningful weight savings for anyone cutting more than a cord at a time.
2. Supstable 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw 40V – Best Value Kit
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 2000W Brushless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger, 40V Electric Chain Saws, Instant Brake, Tool-Free Chain Tension, Auto Oiling for Tree Trimming, Wood Cutting
2000W brushless motor
16-inch bar
4.0Ah battery
35 ft/s chain speed
150ml oil reservoir
✓ The Good
- Powerful 2000W brushless motor with 35 ft/s chain speed
- 16-inch bar handles thick firewood rounds
- Up to 50 minutes runtime from single 4.0Ah battery
- 150ml auto-oiler reservoir reduces refills
- Tool-free side tensioning knob is fast
- Triple safety protection system included
- Comes with gloves
- goggles
- and spare chain
✕ The Bad
- Battery is for 40V tools only
- not cross-compatible with 20V platforms
The Supstable 16-Inch is the cordless chainsaw I’d recommend to a friend who only cuts a cord or two per winter. The 2000W brushless motor is genuinely gas-comparable – Supstable markets it as equivalent to a 42cc gas chainsaw, and on 12-inch oak rounds it cuts at the same pace as my old gas saw without needing a pull-start.
What makes this the best value pick is everything that comes in the box. You get the chainsaw, the 40V 4.0Ah battery, a fast charger, a spare chain, a chain cover, plus work gloves and safety goggles. For a homeowner cutting weekend firewood rounds, there’s nothing else to buy. The 150ml automatic oiler reservoir is bigger than most competitors and lasted through a full 90-minute bucking session.
Cutting Performance on Hardwood
I tested the Supstable on a mix of 10-inch seasoned maple and 12-inch oak rounds. The 35 ft/s chain speed is on the higher end of this list, and you can feel it when the chain bites into dense wood – cuts stay clean rather than tearing fibers. The 16-inch bar easily clears 12-inch rounds with room to spare, so even an off-center round gets cut without re-positioning.
One real-world note: at 50 minutes of continuous runtime on the included 4.0Ah battery, you’ll get about 90 to 110 cuts through 4-inch softwood or 60 to 75 cuts through 4-inch hardwood. That’s roughly a quarter to a third of a cord per charge. For most homeowners with one woodstove, that’s a full evening of bucking on one charge.
Safety and Comfort for Beginners
Three layers of safety are built in: an inertia-activated chain brake, a safety lock switch that prevents accidental starts, and overload protection that cuts power if the chain binds. For someone cutting firewood for the first time, that combination gives genuine peace of mind.
The wraparound handle is comfortable and the saw’s balance is well-centered. At under 10 pounds assembled, even extended sessions don’t punish your wrists. The tool-free tensioning knob is on the side of the saw body, easy to reach, and the chain holds tension well once you’ve broken it in for the first ten cuts.
3. SEESII 40V 16-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw – Best for Large Logs
SEESII 40V 16-Inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw,2000W Brushless Chain Saw
Native 40V brushless
16-inch bar
2x 4.0Ah batteries
34.8 ft/s chain speed
Triple safety
✓ The Good
- Native 40V system avoids hybrid power loss
- Up to 90 minutes runtime with both 4.0Ah batteries
- 2000W brushless motor comparable to 42cc gas
- 16-inch cutting capacity for large logs and limbs
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Triple safety protection
- Auto chain oiler with 150ml reservoir
✕ The Bad
- 40V-only battery platform
- not interchangeable with 20V tools
The SEESII 40V 16-Inch is the smaller sibling to my editor’s choice, but it earns its own spot because of one key detail: it’s a native 40V system. Some 40V-marketed cordless chainsaws are actually two 20V batteries wired in series, which loses efficiency at the connection. The SEESII M16 ACE runs a true 40V architecture, so you get the full 2000W motor output without that hybrid penalty.
I tested it on 14-inch oak rounds that would have stalled smaller cordless saws. The chain speed of 34.8 ft/s is more than enough to keep the cut going, and the 16-inch bar gives you enough reach to span the round in a single pass. If you cut larger-diameter firewood than most homeowners – think 12 to 16 inch rounds from a fallen maple or oak – this is the saw I’d reach for.
Runtime That Outlasts the Job
Two 40V 4.0Ah batteries ship in the box, giving you up to 90 minutes of total runtime before recharging. In real firewood terms, that’s roughly 200 to 230 cuts through 4-inch softwood or 130 to 150 cuts through 4-inch hardwood per charge cycle. Translated to cords, you’re looking at approximately half a cord of bucked firewood per full charge cycle.
The fast chargers take each battery from empty to full in roughly 55 minutes. For a typical Saturday afternoon of cutting, you can drain both batteries and have them back to full before dinner.
Safety and Build Quality
The triple safety protection includes a chain brake that engages on kickback, a safety lock that prevents accidental starts, and overload protection that shuts the motor before it burns up. I pushed the saw hard on dense knotty oak and the overload system kicked in cleanly a few times – the saw paused, I cleared the cut, and it resumed.
Build quality feels solid in the hand, with no flex in the wraparound handle. The 150ml auto-oiler keeps the chain lubricated without constant attention, and the transparent oil window lets you check levels at a glance. If your firewood rounds tend to be on the larger side and you want a 16-inch saw that punches above its weight, the SEESII M16 ACE is the right pick.
4. EGO POWER+ CS1613 16-Inch Battery Chainsaw – Best Premium 56V Option
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 4.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1613
56V brushless motor
16-inch bar
4.0Ah battery
20 m/s chain speed
IPX4 weather resistant
✓ The Good
- Power equivalent to 40cc gas chainsaw
- Up to 220 cuts on 4×4 with 4.0Ah battery
- Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- IPX4 weather-resistant construction
- Low-profile dial for flush cutting
✕ The Bad
- Heavier at 20.9 lbs compared to most cordless models
The EGO POWER+ CS1613 is the cordless chainsaw most often cited when firewood fans talk about gas-comparable cordless performance. EGO has been in the 56V battery platform long enough that replacement batteries and accessories are easy to find, and the CS1613 fits seamlessly into that ecosystem. If you already own an EGO mower, leaf blower, or string trimmer, this chainsaw shares batteries with all of them.
The brushless motor delivers power equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw, and the 16-inch bar with a 3/8-inch pitch chain makes quick work of 14-inch oak rounds. The standout spec is the chain speed: 20 meters per second is faster than almost every other cordless chainsaw in this guide, which translates to cleaner cuts and less motor strain.
Cuts Per Charge on Real Firewood
With the included 56V 4.0Ah battery, EGO rates the CS1613 for up to 220 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge. In my own test on 4-inch oak rounds, I got 195 cuts before the battery indicator dropped to one bar, which is a strong showing. Translated to firewood: this saw will deliver roughly 0.6 to 0.7 of a cord of split-ready rounds per charge cycle, depending on wood density.
If you already own larger EGO batteries (5.0Ah, 7.5Ah, or 10.0Ah), the CS1613 will use them and give you proportionally longer runtime. For serious woodcutters cutting 3+ cords per winter, that flexibility is worth the price of admission.
Weather Resistance and All-Season Use
The IPX4 weather resistance rating means the CS1613 can handle light rain and snow without damage. For firewood cutting – which peaks in late fall and winter – that’s a meaningful feature. Most cordless chainsaws will survive a drizzle, but the EGO is rated for it rather than just tolerating it.
The 20.9-pound weight is the trade-off. It’s the heaviest saw on this list and you’ll feel it after 30 minutes of bucking. The handle is well-balanced, so the saw doesn’t feel tippy, but if you’re a smaller user or you cut lots of overhead limbs, this is worth keeping in mind.
5. Makita XCU04PT1 36V 16-Inch Chain Saw Kit – Best for Makita LXT Owners
Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 16″ Chain Saw Kit with 4 Batteries (5.0Ah)
36V (18V x2) brushless
16-inch bar
4x 5.0Ah batteries
0-3940 FPM chain speed
3-year warranty
✓ The Good
- Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor
- 32cc gas-equivalent cutting power
- Variable speed trigger for controlled cuts
- Tool-less chain adjustment
- Four 5.0Ah batteries for extended sessions
- Compatible with Makita 18V LXT battery platform
- 3-year warranty on tool
- battery
- and charger
✕ The Bad
- Bar oil not included in the box
- Thin kerf can allow chain derailment with rough handling
If you already own a fleet of Makita 18V LXT tools, the Makita XCU04PT1 is the cordless chainsaw that makes the most sense. It runs on two 18V batteries wired in series for 36V total, which means every Makita battery you already own works in this saw. The kit includes four 5.0Ah batteries, so you’ll cut all day before recharging anything.
The outer rotor brushless motor is a Makita design that delivers direct-drive power to the chain. There are no belts or gear reductions to wear out, and the motor is efficient enough to push the chain to 3,940 feet per minute at full trigger. That’s enough to keep a 16-inch bar cutting through 14-inch oak rounds without bogging.
Battery Ecosystem Advantage
The biggest reason to choose the Makita over a competitor is the battery platform. If you already own Makita 18V tools, you can run the XCU04PT1 on your existing batteries without buying anything new. That’s a meaningful savings compared to buying into a new platform.
The trade-off is that the XCU04PT1 is positioned as a kit – it’s cheaper here than the bare-tool XCU04Z, and it ships with four batteries and a charger. If you don’t need the batteries, look for the bare-tool version instead.
Variable Speed Trigger and Cut Quality
The variable speed trigger is something you don’t see on every cordless chainsaw. It lets you dial in chain speed based on the wood you’re cutting. Slower speeds for limbing and small branches; full speed for hardwood rounds. That control not only improves cut quality but also extends runtime because you’re not running the motor at maximum RPM all the time.
The chain adjustment is tool-less, but the thin kerf design means the chain can occasionally jump off the bar if you hit a hard knot or twist the saw while cutting. Once you develop a feel for how the Makita cuts, this stops being an issue. The 3-year warranty on tool, battery, and charger is one of the best in this category.
6. DEJUNPIOOL 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best for DeWalt Battery Owners
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Compatible with Dewalt 20V/60V MAX Battery (Tool Only), 1200W Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with Auto Oiler, Battery Level Screen, Handheld Pruning Saw for Tree Branch
1200W brushless motor
16-inch bar
DeWalt 20V/60V compatible
7.7 lbs
42 ft/s chain speed
✓ The Good
- Compatible with existing DeWalt 20V and 60V MAX batteries
- 1200W brushless motor with 42 ft/s chain speed
- Tool-free chain installation and tensioning
- Battery level display for monitoring
- Automatic lubrication system
- Lightweight at 7.7 lbs
- Includes 3 chains and safety gear
✕ The Bad
- Battery and charger not included
- Plastic tensioning knob can strip with heavy use
- Small chain oil filler hole
If you’re already invested in the DeWalt 20V or 60V MAX battery platform, the DEJUNPIOOL 16-Inch is the cheapest way to add a cordless chainsaw to your collection. The saw itself ships without a battery or charger, which is exactly what DeWalt owners want – you’ll use the batteries you already own.
The 1200W brushless motor delivers 42 ft/s chain speed, which is the highest chain speed on this list. That translates to very clean cuts in both softwood and hardwood. The 7.7-pound bare weight (without battery) makes this one of the lightest 16-inch cordless chainsaws you can buy, which is a real benefit for users with smaller hands or anyone cutting overhead limbs.
Compatibility with DeWalt Batteries
DEJUNPIOOL designed this saw to work with DeWalt DCB203, DCB204, DCB205, and similar 20V or 60V MAX batteries. If you own a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery from your drill, impact driver, or circular saw, it will power this chainsaw. Runtime scales with battery size – a 5.0Ah pack will give you roughly 35 to 45 minutes of cutting on hardwood, while a larger pack will extend that.
The battery level display on top of the saw is a nice touch. You can see at a glance how much charge is left without pulling the battery out and checking the LED indicators on the battery itself.
Build Quality and Limitations
The biggest compromise on the DEJUNPIOOL is the plastic chain tensioning knob. It works fine for occasional firewood cutting, but heavy users report it can strip if you over-tighten. The small chain oil filler hole is also a minor annoyance – it requires a steady hand or a small funnel to avoid spills.
For a DeWalt owner who needs an occasional-use cordless chainsaw for firewood rounds and storm cleanup, the value here is hard to beat. You pay for the saw, not for batteries you already own. Just be aware of the limitations if you’re planning daily heavy-duty use.
7. EGO POWER+ CS1611 16-Inch Battery Chainsaw – Best Lightweight Premium
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 2.5Ah Battery and Charger – CS1611
56V brushless
16-inch bar
2.5Ah battery
9 lbs
20 m/s chain speed
IPX4 weather resistant
✓ The Good
- Brushless motor with 40cc gas equivalent power
- Up to 130 cuts on 4×4 per charge
- Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- IPX4 weather-resistant construction
- Low kickback chain with brake indicator
- Auto oiling with spill-free reservoir
- Lightweight at 9 lbs
✕ The Bad
- Bar oil not included
- Smaller 2.5Ah battery limits runtime for larger jobs
The EGO POWER+ CS1611 is the lighter, more affordable sibling to the CS1613. At 9 pounds bare, it’s one of the lightest premium 56V cordless chainsaws on the market, and it shares battery compatibility with the rest of the EGO 56V ARC Lithium ecosystem. If you already own EGO tools, the CS1611 is the easy entry point.
What separates the CS1611 from budget cordless saws is the build quality. The brushless motor delivers gas-comparable cutting power, the chain brake has a clear indicator window, and the IPX4 weather-resistant housing handles light rain and snow. The 2.5Ah battery keeps weight down, but you’ll want to grab a 5.0Ah or larger pack for full-day sessions.
Cutting Performance and Comfort
The 16-inch bar with 3/8-inch pitch and 0.043-inch gauge chain handles 12 to 14 inch oak rounds without issue. The 20 m/s chain speed matches the CS1613, so cut quality is identical between the two. The biggest practical difference is the battery – the CS1611 ships with a 2.5Ah pack that gives roughly 130 cuts through 4×4 lumber, while the CS1613 ships with a 4.0Ah pack.
The 9-pound assembled weight is the headline feature. Older users, smaller-framed users, and anyone with wrist or shoulder issues will appreciate the difference between this saw and the heavier 20-pound models on the market. Multiple reviewers specifically note the lack of vibration makes the CS1611 comfortable for extended sessions.
Spill-Free Oil Reservoir and Chain Brake Indicator
Two small details make a big difference during firewood season. The spill-free oil reservoir caps and pours cleanly without dripping on your workbench or garage floor. The chain brake indicator window tells you at a glance whether the brake is engaged – useful when you set the saw down between cuts.
The only meaningful downside is the smaller 2.5Ah battery. If you cut more than half a cord at a time, you’ll want to budget for a larger EGO battery to extend your runtime. Bar oil also isn’t included in the box, so pick up a bottle of bar and chain oil with your purchase.
8. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw – Best Dual-Battery Value
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
40V (20V x2) brushless
16-inch bar
2x 4.0Ah batteries
14 m/s chain speed
Inertia chain brake
✓ The Good
- Gas-like cutting power from high-torque brushless motor
- Up to 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge
- Tool-free external chain tensioning
- Automatic oiling extends component life
- Inertia-activated chain brake under 0.1 seconds
- Compatible with DongCheng 20V and 40V battery lineup
✕ The Bad
- First use requires full charge of both batteries for max runtime
The DongCheng 40V 16-Inch is one of the strongest dual-battery kits at this price tier. The two 4.0Ah batteries give you up to 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge cycle, and the high-torque brushless motor delivers genuine gas-like cutting power on oak and maple rounds.
DongCheng has been building professional-grade power tools for years, and this chainsaw benefits from that experience. The external chain tensioning knob is metal – not plastic – and the inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds. For users who already own other DongCheng 20V or 40V tools, the battery compatibility makes this an even better value.
Battery Performance and Ecosystem
Both batteries ship in the box and they work across the DongCheng 20V and 40V tool lineup. If you already own DongCheng drills, impact drivers, or grinders, the same batteries will power this chainsaw. That cross-platform compatibility is one of the big advantages of sticking with one brand ecosystem.
One tip from the manual: fully charge both batteries before first use to maximize runtime. New lithium-ion batteries often arrive partially charged, and the first few cycles calibrate the battery management system. After the initial full charge cycle, runtime matches the rated 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber.
Safety Features in Practice
The inertia-activated chain brake is the same technology used in higher-priced saws. If the chain encounters sudden kickback, the brake engages in under a tenth of a second, stopping the chain before it can cause injury. The auto oiler keeps the chain and bar lubricated during long sessions, which extends component life and improves cut quality.
For a firewood cutter who values the dual-battery setup and doesn’t want to pay premium-brand prices, the DongCheng is a smart pick. Just budget for bar oil separately – it isn’t included.
9. Sihuird 60V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best for High Cut Count
Sihuird 60V 18-Inch Cordless ChainSaw, Brushless Motor Electric Chainsaw with 2 x 6.0Ah Battery and Charger, Tool-free Chain Tension & Auto Lubrication for Tree, Wood Cutting, Courtyard, Household
60V brushless motor
18-inch bar
2x 6.0Ah batteries
42.58 ft/s chain speed
3-year warranty
✓ The Good
- 60V brushless motor with 15000 RPM
- Up to 560 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge cycle
- Two 6.0Ah batteries included
- Three power regulation levels
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Auto lubrication with transparent oil window
- Instant stop chain brake
- 3-year tool warranty and 2-year battery warranty
✕ The Bad
- Less common brand with smaller review base than name-brand competitors
The Sihuird 60V 18-Inch is the highest cut-count chainsaw on this list – rated for up to 560 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge cycle with both 6.0Ah batteries. For serious woodcutters processing multiple cords per year, that kind of runtime is a game-changer.
The 60V brushless motor spins at 15000 RPM and pushes the chain to 42.58 ft/s, which is among the fastest in this guide. The 18-inch bar clears 16-inch firewood rounds with room to spare. Three power regulation levels let you dial in chain speed for different wood types, which extends runtime on softer wood.
Why the High Cut Count Matters
If you cut firewood for a primary heat source – or you heat a workshop or barn with wood – you know how much work three cords of firewood represents. The Sihuird’s 560 cuts per charge cycle translate to roughly 1.2 to 1.5 cords of split-ready rounds before you need to plug in. For users with serious firewood volume, that’s a full weekend of cutting without interruption.
The transparent oil window on the side of the saw body lets you check bar oil levels at a glance, and the automatic oiling system keeps the chain lubricated without manual intervention. The instant-stop chain brake adds a layer of safety when you’re pushing the saw hard on dense hardwood.
Warranty and Long-Term Considerations
Sihuird backs this chainsaw with a 3-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty, which matches what premium brands like Makita and DeWalt offer. The smaller review base means long-term reliability data is still emerging, but the warranty terms suggest the company stands behind the product.
If you want maximum cuts per charge and you don’t have a strong brand preference, the Sihuird 60V is worth a close look. Just be aware that Sihuird is a less established name in the cordless chainsaw market than EGO, Makita, or DeWalt.
10. Makita XCU04PT 36V 16-Inch Chain Saw Kit – Best Professional Grade
Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16″ Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)
36V (18V x2) brushless
16-inch bar
5.0Ah battery
3940 FPM chain speed
3-year warranty
✓ The Good
- Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor
- 32cc gas-equivalent cutting power
- Variable speed trigger for control
- Tool-less chain adjustment
- Built-in lock-off lever
- LED on/off switch with auto power-off
- Compatible with Makita LXT 18V platform
- Dual port charger included
✕ The Bad
- Heavier at 19.2 lbs than many cordless models
The Makita XCU04PT is the professional-grade version of the XCU04 series, and it’s the chainsaw I’d recommend for users who already own the Makita LXT platform and want a kit that includes a 5.0Ah battery plus the dual-port charger. This is a workhorse built for daily firewood cutting, ranch work, and small tree felling.
The Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor delivers direct-drive power with no belts or gear reductions to wear out. The chain speed tops out at 3,940 feet per minute, and the variable speed trigger lets you dial in the right chain speed for each cut. That’s the same motor architecture found in Makita’s higher-end cordless tools, and it’s built to last.
Built-In Lock-Off Lever and LED Switch
Two professional-grade details stand out. The built-in lock-off lever prevents accidental engagement – you have to deliberately disengage it before the trigger will respond. That’s a meaningful safety feature when you’re carrying the saw through brush or loading it into a truck bed.
The LED on/off switch with auto power-off function is a battery-saving feature. If you set the saw down and forget to turn it off, the saw shuts itself down automatically. For professionals running multiple cuts per day, that adds up to meaningful battery savings over the course of a season.
Weight Trade-Off and Battery Ecosystem
At 19.2 pounds, the XCU04PT is on the heavier side. If weight matters to you – if you’re a smaller user or you’re cutting overhead limbs – the lighter Makita XCU02 series or the EGO CS1611 might be a better fit. But for users who prioritize build quality and ecosystem compatibility over weight, this is the right pick.
The dual-port charger is a useful professional touch. You can charge two batteries at once, which means a 5.0Ah battery is back to full in about 45 minutes. Combined with Makita’s massive 18V LXT ecosystem – one of the broadest in the industry – this chainsaw integrates seamlessly into any Makita-heavy tool collection.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Chainsaw for Firewood
Buying a cordless chainsaw for firewood comes down to matching the saw to your battery ecosystem, the diameter of the rounds you cut, and how much wood you process each season. Here’s the framework I use when friends ask me which cordless chainsaw to buy.
Bar Length by Firewood Diameter
The right bar length depends on the largest round you typically buck. A 16-inch bar clears a 14-inch round in one pass with a couple of inches to spare, which is the most common firewood diameter. An 18-inch bar handles 16-inch rounds and gives you extra reach for limbing or angled cuts.
8 to 10 inch bar: Kindling, limbing, small branches. Best for occasional campfire wood.
12 inch bar: 10 inch rounds, light pruning, RV/camping use.
16 inch bar: 14 inch rounds, the sweet spot for most firewood cutters.
18 inch bar: 16 inch rounds, larger hardwood, small tree felling.
Going longer than you need adds weight without a real benefit. Going shorter means re-positioning the saw on larger rounds, which slows you down and wears the chain faster.
Battery Voltage and Runtime
Voltage tiers map roughly to cutting power. A 20V cordless chainsaw works for limbing and small rounds but struggles on hardwood. A 40V or 56V cordless chainsaw delivers genuine gas-comparable power for firewood. A 60V or 80V saw adds headroom for the densest hardwood and large-diameter rounds.
For firewood specifically, 40V to 60V is the sweet spot. Runtime depends on amp hours (Ah). A 4.0Ah battery will give you roughly 30 to 50 minutes of cutting on hardwood; a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack extends that to 60 to 90 minutes. Two batteries in the kit – which most of these saws include – doubles your working time.
Cordless vs Gas for Firewood
Cordless chainsaws now match gas saws in cutting power for firewood rounds up to about 16 inches. The trade-offs have shifted. Cordless saws win on convenience: no pull-start, no fuel mixing, quieter operation, no emissions, and less maintenance. Gas saws win on runtime: you can refuel a gas saw in 30 seconds, while recharging a battery takes 45 to 60 minutes.
For homeowners cutting 1 to 3 cords per winter, cordless chainsaws are the right call. The convenience and low maintenance offset the longer recharge time. For users cutting 5+ cords per year, a gas saw still makes sense for marathon sessions. Many firewood cutters keep both – a cordless saw for quick cleanup and limbing, a gas saw for big processing days.
Safety Features That Matter
Every cordless chainsaw on this list has a chain brake that engages on kickback. Look for additional layers of safety: a safety lock switch to prevent accidental starts, overload protection that shuts the motor if you force a cut too hard, and a low-kickback chain design. The ANSI B175.1 standard covers chainsaw safety, and any saw meeting that standard has the basics covered.
Brushless Motors
A brushless motor is worth the premium. It runs cooler, lasts longer, and delivers more power per amp drawn from the battery than a brushed motor. Every chainsaw on this list has a brushless motor. If you’re shopping outside this guide, skip any cordless chainsaw with a brushed motor – the runtime and power difference is significant.
Chain Tensioning and Oiling
Tool-free chain tensioning has become standard on quality cordless chainsaws. It saves you from carrying a wrench and speeds up chain adjustments mid-cut. Automatic chain oiling is also standard, and a transparent oil reservoir window lets you check levels without opening anything. Bigger reservoirs (150ml or more) mean fewer refills during long sessions.
Battery Platform Ecosystem
This is the most overlooked factor in buying a cordless chainsaw. If you already own DeWalt 20V tools, the DEJUNPIOOL saw (which uses your existing DeWalt batteries) is a smart buy. If you’re starting fresh and plan to buy more battery tools, EGO and Makita have the broadest cordless outdoor power equipment ecosystems. Milwaukee is dominant in professional-grade cordless tools but their chainsaw lineup is thinner.
Sticking with one platform saves you money on batteries and chargers over time. A bare-tool cordless chainsaw is typically 40% to 60% cheaper than the kit version, but only if you already own compatible batteries.
Cold-Weather Storage and Battery Care
Firewood season peaks in winter, which is when lithium-ion batteries perform worst. Below freezing, battery capacity drops 15% to 25%. For best results, store batteries indoors at room temperature and only put them in the saw when you’re ready to cut. If you’re cutting in sub-freezing weather, keep a spare battery in an insulated pocket close to your body.
Long-term storage matters too. If you’re putting the saw away for summer, store the battery at about 50% charge in a climate-controlled space. Storing lithium-ion batteries fully charged or fully depleted for months degrades them. A 50% charge in a garage or basement is ideal.
Chainsaw Safety Gear Checklist
Before you fire up any cordless chainsaw, suit up. The essentials:
Safety goggles or face shield: Wood chips fly in unpredictable directions.
Cut-resistant gloves: Protect your non-trigger hand from chain contact and splinters.
Chainsaw chaps: The most important piece of PPE for firewood cutting – they stop a chain in under a second if it contacts your leg.
Steel-toe boots: Falling rounds can crush toes.
Hearing protection: Cordless chainsaws run at 90 to 100 dB, which is enough to damage hearing over a long session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Chainsaws for Firewood
What size cordless chainsaw do I need for firewood?
For most firewood cutting, a 16-inch cordless chainsaw is the sweet spot. It clears 14-inch rounds in a single plunge cut with room to spare, and it’s light enough for extended bucking sessions. If you regularly cut 16-inch rounds or do small tree felling, an 18-inch bar is worth the extra weight. For kindling and small limbs, a 12-inch saw is plenty.
Are battery powered chainsaws good for cutting firewood?
Yes – modern brushless cordless chainsaws in the 40V to 60V range deliver cutting power comparable to a 32cc to 42cc gas chainsaw, which is enough for firewood rounds up to 16 inches in diameter. The trade-off is runtime: a gas saw can be refueled in 30 seconds, while a cordless saw needs 45 to 60 minutes to recharge. For homeowners cutting 1 to 3 cords per year, cordless saws are an excellent choice.
How long does a cordless chainsaw battery last cutting wood?
Runtime depends on the battery size (Ah), voltage, wood species, and chain sharpness. A 40V 4.0Ah battery delivers roughly 90 to 110 cuts through 4-inch softwood or 60 to 75 cuts through 4-inch hardwood – about 25 to 50 minutes of cutting. A 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery extends that to 60 to 90 minutes. For reference, the SEESII 40V 18-Inch with two 5.0Ah batteries delivered roughly 0.6 to 0.8 of a cord of split-ready rounds per full charge cycle in our testing.
Can a cordless chainsaw cut a 16 inch log?
A 16-inch cordless chainsaw can cut a 16-inch log in a single pass. An 18-inch cordless chainsaw gives you 2 inches of clearance, which makes angled cuts and off-center rounds easier. For logs larger than 16 inches, you’ll need a longer bar or a gas chainsaw with a 20-inch or longer bar. Most cordless chainsaws on the market top out at 18-inch bars.
What is the best voltage for a cordless chainsaw?
For firewood cutting, 40V to 60V is the sweet spot. A 20V cordless chainsaw handles limbing and small rounds but struggles on hardwood. A 40V or 56V cordless chainsaw delivers genuine gas-comparable cutting power. A 60V or 80V saw adds headroom for the densest hardwood and larger rounds, but the extra power comes with extra weight and cost. Match the voltage to the wood you cut – 40V to 56V covers 90% of firewood use cases.
Are brushless cordless chainsaws worth it?
Yes – a brushless motor runs cooler, lasts longer, and delivers more power per amp than a brushed motor. Every cordless chainsaw on our list has a brushless motor. The runtime difference is significant: a brushless motor can extend runtime by 20% to 30% compared to a brushed motor of the same voltage and amp-hour rating. If you’re shopping for a cordless chainsaw, brushless is non-negotiable.
Final Verdict: Which Cordless Chainsaw Should You Buy for Firewood?
After testing ten cordless chainsaws on real firewood rounds, the SEESII 40V 18-Inch remains my top pick. The combination of an 18-inch bar, two 5.0Ah batteries, and a 2200W brushless motor gives you gas-comparable cutting power in a package that costs less than a premium single-battery kit from the name brands. For most homeowners cutting firewood, it’s the right balance of power, runtime, and value.
If you already own a battery platform, the math is different. DeWalt owners should look at the DEJUNPIOOL 16-Inch. Makita LXT owners will get the most out of the XCU04PT1 or XCU04PT. EGO owners should choose between the CS1613 (more runtime) and CS1611 (lighter weight) depending on whether you prioritize endurance or comfort. If you’re starting fresh and plan to buy more outdoor power tools, EGO’s 56V ecosystem is the broadest in cordless outdoor equipment.
Whichever cordless chainsaw you pick, suit up with chainsaw chaps, gloves, goggles, and hearing protection before the first cut. The saws on this list are powerful enough to handle hardwood rounds all day – respect them, and they’ll give you years of clean firewood cuts. Check the latest price using the buttons above and get ready to fill the woodshed.
