Best Small & Mini Chainsaws for 2023

The best mini chainsaws, like the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet 6-inch, are perfect for light-duty pruning projects. Small chainsaws have a chain bar measuring less than 10 inches long and usually weigh less than 5 lbs. These saws can be held in one hand and are ideal for working on small pruning projects around the yard.

Small chainsaws have chains bars that measure 4 to 10 inches long. They are good for cutting small limbs and tree branches 3 to 8 inches thick, depending on the bar length. These compact machines can still handle thick branches easily while also being easy to maneuver and fit into tight areas where larger chainsaws couldn’t go.

A mini chain saw is the best tool for cutting down small trees or branches in difficult-to-reach places. These saws have less output power than full-size chainsaws but can do much more.

Our Picks for Best Small & Mini Chainsaws

1. Best Mini Chainsaw: Milwaukee M12 Hatchet (6″) Cordless Pruning Saw Kit
2. Best Lopper Chainsaw: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Lopper
3. Best Budget Mini Chainsaw: Mini Chainsaw 6 Inch Cordless Taranzy Mini Chainsaw
4. Best Electric Pruning Saw: BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw, 4.5-Amp (LP1000)
5. Best Battery Powered Pole Saw: Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw
6. Best Small Chainsaw: Makita XCU06SM1 18V Brushless Cordless 10″ Chain Saw
7. Best Beginner Chainsaw: Greenworks 24V 10″ Chainsaw

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet (6″) Cordless Pruning Saw Kit

The Milwaukee M12 Hatchet 6-inch Pruning Saw will help you cut 3-inch hardwoods easily – and the battery lasts up to 120 cuts! This electric pruning saw is designed for professional landscapers and meets all ergonomic, performance, and durability requirements.

The cordless pruning saw is small, so it is easy to control in tight spaces. It also has a powerful brushless motor that makes cutting through hardwood materials easier. The Redlink Plus Intelligence also protects the battery from running low on power.

The advanced electronic package provides immediate throttle response and a variable speed trigger for the best control over the power range. The M12 RedLithium XC 4.0 Ah Battery provides its class’s best runtime and performance. This pruning saw features a full house chain, easy access chain tensioner, automatic oiler, metal bucking spikes, and onboard storage for the scrench.

The M12 Hatchet is a lightweight chainsaw with a 6″ Oregon chain bar and chain, which is longer than other cordless mini chainsaws that tend to average 4″. This allows the saw to cut through larger tree limbs or branches without moving too much.

The M12 battery is compatible with other Milwaukee power tools. So you can swap out batteries without having to stop using the tool.

Our Verdict

The Milwaukee M12 Hatchet is a great little pruner but is expensive, costing about $240.

It’s lightweight at about 4 lbs 13 ounces, and its compact size makes it easy to maneuver. The handle feels comfortable, and its double button is activated to prevent accidental start-up, so you can’t accidentally turn it on. Thick branches will not cause issues because of the saw’s superior gripping handle.

The M12 Hatchet’s most advantageous feature is its automatic oiler, meaning you don’t have to frequently stop and oil it manually. With this function, the chain doesn’t become stuck or slip while in use. Other mini chainsaws require a manual oiler, meaning you’ll need to press a button to oil the chain as needed. The onboard tool storage makes chain maintenance a breeze.

Despite being on the expensive side and not having a blade guard, the M12 is still the best product in its class.

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Lopper Kit

The Craftsman V20 Cordless Lopper is a safe and convenient cordless mini chainsaw option. It may be heavy at 9 pounds, but its two-handed scissor design makes it easier to handle than a one-handed tool.

The lopper is a chainsaw made to cut smaller branches from backyard trees. The design of the lopper is focused on safety. Blade guards on both sides cover the blade and chain; The lower one moves with the handle, like scissors. This way, only the cutting part of the chainsaw is exposed when in use. The same guard clamps keep branches still while you squeeze and cut them. When finished, it closes down again, covering the blade and reducing opportunities for injury.

The Lopper models have two-button activation for safety reasons. This means that there is a button on each of the separate handles. This ensures it can’t randomly turn on when you’re just carrying it around in one hand. Another practical use for this feature is cleaning the lopper after gardening; since you will most likely fill the jaw with sawdust at the end, pressing only one button saves time and effort.

This shape limits the lopper’s versatility compared to regular open models, but it is still an effective tool for specific jobs. It is important to buy the right tool for your needs. This lopper may be a good investment if you know exactly how you will use it. This type of peace of mind can make your work easier in the long run.

Our Verdict

The Craftsman cordless lopper is a great little mini chainsaw. Its design is excellent because it makes cutting branches super convenient. The 2.0Ah battery is ok and will need frequent recharging, or you can purchase a larger 6.0 Ah battery. Having extra batteries to swap out will keep you cutting all day.

The lopper style features two blade guards, which help hold branches steady while cutting. At 24 inches in length and about 9 pounds, it’s bigger and bulkier than the Milwaukee M12 and awkward to carry around.

Mini Chainsaw 6 Inch Cordless Taranzy Mini Chainsaw

The 2023 model of the chainsaw charges more quickly, only taking one hour. It is also smoother than other models. This makes it easy to use and a must-have for anyone who wants to work smarter.

With this handheld chainsaw that only weighs 2 pounds and is 6 inches, you can finish projects in a fraction of the time it would take with a traditional chainsaw. Plus, its small size lets us work in tight spaces. Even the smallest person can hold it in one hand and take down a tree easily!

This cordless chainsaw can cut through a 5″ thick branch in only 5 seconds because of its super high chain speed of 19 ft/s. Its powerful, pure copper motor provides energy to the 21V, 2.0Ah high-energy lithium battery that lasts around 45 minutes–which is longer than most batteries on the market today.

You can protect your mini chainsaw from accidental starts with a security switch. With its 90° splash guard baffle, this mini chainsaw also covers you from splash and dust damage. Plus, it’s designed for comfort and made from high-quality materials. Every item undergoes rigorous quality testing after production to ensure peak performance.

The extra chain brake on this product means it is safe and precise. With this chainsaw, you’ll be able to quickly trim trees, prune branches, cut wood, garden, and harvest. You will feel safe and know that the cut will be precise.

With our 1 year warranty for the battery chainsaw and world-class customer service, you can purchase with confidence, knowing that we will help you if you have any problems even after you buy it.

Our Verdict

The Taranzy mini chainsaw is a great little saw for those who don’t want to spend much money on a larger chainsaw. It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to use. It’s also very quiet, which makes it ideal for yard work and not disturbing neighbors. It’s not meant to replace a regular chainsaw but rather to complement it.

We think this is a great choice for anyone needing a compact chainsaw that doesn’t weigh a ton. It’s only 2.57 lbs with the battery. The battery lasts up to 50 cuts, so you’ll need to recharge it frequently, but it does come with a backup battery. It’s also pretty affordable at just under $90.

BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw

The Alligator 4.5 Amp electric lopper chainsaw is more powerful than manual loppers, making it easy to cut through thicker branches and limbs. The heavy-duty bar and chain can withstand plenty of use, while the motor runs on electricity, so you’ll never run out of power. Metal guards provide an added layer of safety.

The BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Amp Alligator Lopper cuts through tree branches effortlessly, making it the perfect tool for your landscaping needs. With a scissor-like motion, this chain saw can power through limbs up to 4 in. thick quickly and easily.

The 6-inch bar and chain can handle difficult jobs that other manual loppers aren’t able to. The metal guards protect the jaws from the cutting chain.

Our Verdict

The corded Black+Decker lopper chain saw is great for pruning trees and cutting down branches. It has a 4.5 amp motor which makes it very powerful. It has a 6-inch bar length and weighs approximately 6.5 lbs. It comes with a heavy-duty cutting bar, chain, and oil. The product comes with a 2-year warranty.

We think this lopper chainsaw is a great choice for anyone looking for a small chainsaw who doesn’t want to be bothered with recharging batteries. It measures 24 inches long, requires two hands, and is one of the safest chainsaws. We recommend it because it is affordable and durable.

Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw

The Greenworks 40V 8-inch Pole Saw will help you keep your trees trimmed and looking good. This will make your home look nicer from the outside. The aluminum shaft extendable telescopic pole can reach from 8 feet to 11 feet maximum.

The 8″ bar and chain are perfect for tree trimming overhead branches quickly and easily.

This product is easy to use for quickly and easily tightening the chain. The 2.0Ah battery usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the wood thickness you’re cutting.

This pole saw features an automatic oiler to keep the bar and chain lubricated, making them last longer. The poll saw is easy to take care of and starts right away. You do not need gas, oil, or spark plugs. It is also quiet when you use it.

Our Verdict

The Greenworks 8-inch pole saw is great for those looking to do light yard work. It gets up to 65 cuts per charge. It only weighs about 8.5 pounds, so it’s lightweight, easy to use, and not top-heavy. It easily cuts through branches to 6 inches thick! The battery is compatible with 60+ other Greenworks power tools.

Makita XCU06SM1 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 10″ Chain Saw Kit

Looking for a slightly bigger saw? The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Chain Saw Kit meets the needs of homeowners and professionals alike. Whether you’re using it for pruning, thinning, or cutting trees, the XCU06SM1 offers power, convenience, and durability.

This kit has everything needed to start up and operate the saw, including a 4.0Ah lithium battery and charger.

The XCU06 SM 1 is great for a powerful, reliable, and versatile cordless saw. At around 10 lbs, it’s lightweight and compact, which makes it easier to transport and store than larger models.

For instance, the XCU06 has an ergonomic grip that feels comfortable even after hours of use. Its compact design means you won’t have to worry about losing it while traveling. And the variable speed trigger lets you adjust the speed to match the job.

Another feature that helps keep things simple is the auto chain lubrication system. Set the desired lubricant level, and the saw automatically adjusts itself to deliver enough lubricant to maintain optimal performance.

The XCU06SM 1 also includes a safety lock-off lever that prevents the chain from accidentally engaging. And the electric brake ensures maximum productivity without stopping and removing the chain.

The Makita 16-inch battery chainsaw also made our list of the best battery-powered chainsaws.

Our Verdict

We’re big fans of Makita products. They’re well made and last a long time. The Makita’s 18V LXT cordless electric chainsaw is no exception. It offers a compact top-handle design, making it ideal for safe handling and ease of use.

The powerful 18V LXT lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of continuous runtime per charge. Its variable speed trigger and high speed of 0-4,720 RPM provide superior cutting performance. A unique feature, the Makita XCU comes equipped with a Torque Boost Mode, enabling the user to cut through denser materials without slowing down.

The XCU06 S M1 is designed with convenience; its ergonomic grip, adjustable automatic chain lubrication, adjustable chain tension control knob, and quick-release chain tensioner make it easier to operate and maintain.

Greenworks 24V 10″ Chainsaw

Rounding out our list of the best small chainsaws is our choice for the best beginner chainsaw, the Greenworks 24V 10″ Chainsaw. This small chainsaw is great for trimming trees, cutting firewood, and doing general yard work around the house.

It’s compact enough to fit in tight spaces and, at about 8 lbs, is light enough to carry around easily. Plus, it comes with a charger and a 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, making it ideal for any homeowner.

The battery is on the small side and will only yield up to 35 cuts per charge, so you’ll want extra batteries. The extra batteries can be used to power over 100+ Greenworks 24V products.

Our Verdict

We like the Greenworks 24V chainsaw as an entry-level chainsaw. It was easy to operate and had plenty of power to cut through branches and small logs. We especially loved its lightweight design and the ease at which we were able to maneuver it around our backyard.

However, it doesn’t have a brushless motor that can exhaust the battery charge quickly, especially when cutting thick logs. However, this little chainsaw is perfect for homeowners looking for a saw to keep their yards trimmed without spending hours working outside.

Looking for larger electric chainsaws? See our list of Best Electric Chainsaws.

Mini Saws We Also Considered

We considered other popular handheld chainsaws, like the Saker Mini Chainsaw and the KIMO Mini Chainsaw.

The Saker is a good mini chainsaw with a 20V battery, but there were complaints about the wrench tool not being the correct size and the saw not holding up.

The MKSENSE Mini Chainsaw is a good handheld saw, and we think it’s a great value, but we just liked the Taranzy 6-inch bar over the MKSENSE 4-inch bar and chain design.

The KIMO Mini Chainsaw has over 2000 reviews but didn’t meet our 75% 5-star review threshold, and there were also numerous complaints about the saw motor quality and the company’s customer service.

The Denqir Mini Chainsaw did not meet our 75% 5-Star review threshold. Numerous complaints about the construction and chain quality breaking after a few uses.

What to Consider When Choosing a Small or Mini Chainsaw

There are a lot of small and mini chainsaws on the market. It can take time to decide which one is right for you. Here are some things to think about that might help you choose.

Mini vs Small Chainsaw

Mini chainsaws are good for one-handed operations and can trim plants, prune trees, and cut small logs and branches. They’re also helpful for DIY projects and small tasks that require a limited range.

Small chainsaws are more versatile and can help you with different things on a small property. For example, they can help you cut down trees 8-10 inches in diameter, thicker branches, and even firewood or construction lumber.

Cutting Power

The cutting power of chainsaws is usually measured in chain speed (meters per second) and torque. However, these numbers are only sometimes publicly displayed. More commonly, people will see just one of these numbers, which will most likely be chain speed. However, on smaller chainsaws, branch size will have more of an impact on what they saw since they are used to cut small branches off trees.

Torque is used to describe how forcefully the chain spins. Torque becomes increasingly essential when cutting hardwoods, especially if you encounter knots while working with large pieces of wood.

If you only need to use your chainsaw for small branches, then chain speed is more important than torque. But if you might need to use it for tougher jobs sometimes, you should think about torque too. You will need a full-size chainsaw if you need to cut things wider than 6 inches regularly.

Battery Life

If you want a mini or small chainsaw, most people get the electric version that doesn’t need a cord. The battery is important to think about when you pick the chainsaw. Make sure your chainsaw has an extra battery, or buy one by itself. The best batteries have 20-24 Volt max capacity.

The next thing to consider is the Amps per hour (Ah) rating. Most mini chainsaws will have a 2.0 Ah, yielding about 30 to 90 cuts per charge, depending on the branch thickness. Larger batteries, like a 6.0Ah lithium-ion battery, can cut up to 400 cuts per charge, depending on the wood’s thickness and whether it’s softwood or hardwood.

It’s best to have extra charged batteries on standby. You can swap out the batteries and keep cutting if necessary.

Safety Features

Chainsaws are small but powerful tools. They can cause serious injuries if not used correctly. Don’t buy a cheap one. Get a good-quality chainsaw instead.

First, think about how well the brand is known. Second, look at the tool’s safety features – like if you have to push two buttons to turn it on or if there is a part that would cover the blade so your hand couldn’t get hurt if it slips.

An automatic oiler is good because it will ensure the chain does not get stuck or come off. Manual oiling can be hard to remember, and forgetting to do it can damage the bar and chain.

Your safety is important when you use a chainsaw. Wear the right gear, like safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and long pants and sleeves, and follow all the safety rules before you turn on the chainsaw. Some chainsaws come with accessories, but most don’t, so you’ll need to buy them separately.

A safety lock will prevent the chainsaw from turning on by accident, and a blade guard will protect your hand on a mini-chainsaw.

Other features, such as a chain brake, must also be considered before making your purchase decision for a chainsaw.

Ergonomic Handle and Grip

Chainsaw users need to be careful about their handle type and grip. Look for options that have rubberized grips to avoid accidentally dropping the chainsaw. Choose a hand grip position that works best for you. Top handle options tend to be more comfortable for one-handed use.

Mini chainsaws that require two-hand operation are considered safer to use.

Automatic Oiler Lubrication

Some mini chainsaws do not have a reservoir for bar lubricating oil. But it is important to remember that we must keep the bar and chain oil regulated with small chainsaws. Many types of saws come with an automatic adjustable bar and chain oiler, which will take care of this process without having to do it manually.

It would be ideal to have an oil reservoir you can see through. That way, you will know when the oil levels are getting low.

In a manual oiler with a reservoir, you’ll need to press a button on the saw to oil the bar and chain as needed. Running a chainsaw without bar oil can damage the bar and chain.

Chain Tensioning

The chainsaw chain will become loose over time, which can cause it to fall off while you’re using the saw. If this happens, it can be very dangerous.

To keep your chainsaw in good condition, it’s important to check the tension of the chain regularly and adjust it as needed.

Most chainsaws require a screwdriver or wrench to tighten or loosen the chain, but some models have toolless tensioning, which is much more convenient. Toolless means you don’t need extra tools to keep your chain at the right tension.

The biggest advantage of toolless tensioning is that it’s much quicker and easier to use than traditional methods. You can turn a knob or lever to tighten or loosen the chain without fumbling around with a screwdriver or wrench.

Warranty

A warranty is important when buying a chainsaw, especially on some more expensive ones. If any part of the chainsaw breaks, the company that made it should help you by providing replacement parts or telling you how to fix it. Most battery-powered chainsaws have a warranty for 1 to 3 years.

Small Chainsaw FAQs

Small and mini chainsaws are great tools for landscaping projects. However, you may have more questions. These frequently asked questions can help you cut through the noise and select the right mini or small chainsaw.