The 3 Best Lightweight Chainsaws of 2026: Expert Picks and Buying Guide

Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance

All three are battery powered, so there is no pull cord, no fuel mixing and far less noise than a gas saw.

• Best Overall: Greenworks 40V 16 Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (around $250). A 1.5kW brushless motor, a 16 inch bar, tool free tensioning and a 4.0Ah battery in the kit.
• Best Value: WORX WG322 20V 10 Inch Cordless Chainsaw (around $110). Only 6.2 pounds, with automatic chain tension and lubrication.
• Runner Up: DEWALT 20V MAX 12 Inch Cordless Chainsaw (around $190, tool only). A compact 12 inch saw that runs on the same 20V MAX batteries as DEWALT drills and drivers.

The product table above adds more light saws from EGO, Stihl, BLACK+DECKER, SKIL, CRAFTSMAN and others, plus a couple of compact gas models.

How We Chose the Best Lightweight Chainsaw

We focused on saws that are easy to handle for long periods: lower weight, good balance and simple starting. Then we checked bar length, motor power, chain tensioning and safety features like chain brakes and low kickback chains. Owner feedback and review volume helped us judge reliability, and we compared price against what comes in the box, since some saws include a battery and others do not. Every pick is a current model in stock on amazon.com.

Lightweight Chainsaw Reviews

1. Greenworks 40V 16 Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw: Best Overall

• Motor: 1.5kW brushless
• Bar: 16 inch
• Battery: 40V 4.0Ah lithium ion battery and charger included
• Oiling: automatic oiler with a flip up cap and a see through level window
• Tensioning: tool free
• Safety: chain brake and low kickback design
• Warranty: 3 year tool and battery warranty

Why We Picked It

The Greenworks 40V saw hits the sweet spot between a toy and a full size gas saw. Its 16 inch bar is long enough for storm debris, fallen limbs and small firewood, yet the cordless design keeps it far lighter and easier to handle than a gas saw with the same bar. The 1.5kW brushless motor brings real cutting power without the vibration, fumes and noise of an engine.

Starting is simple. There is no priming, choke or pull cord, just a two step start. The automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated, and the clear window makes it easy to check the oil level before you start. Tool free tensioning means you can tighten a stretched chain in seconds without hunting for a wrench.

The kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, and the battery works across the Greenworks 40V lineup of mowers, blowers and trimmers. Greenworks backs the tool and battery with a 3 year warranty.

For most homeowners doing yard cleanup, this is the most balanced pick: enough reach for real work, light enough to use all afternoon.

Pros

• Great value kit with battery and charger
• Light and easy to start
• 16 inch bar for storm cleanup and small firewood
• Large base of owner reviews

Cons

• Slower than gas in thick hardwood
• New chains stretch early and need retensioning

Who Should Buy It

Choose the Greenworks 40V if you want one cordless saw for limbs, fallen branches and occasional firewood. It costs around $250 with the battery.

2. WORX WG322 20V 10 Inch Cordless Chainsaw: Best Value

• Battery: 20V Power Share
• Bar: 10 inch
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Chain speed: 12.5 feet per second
• Tensioning: automatic, tool free chain tension system
• Oiling: automatic chain lubrication with an oil level indicator

Why We Picked It

The WG322 is the lightest full chainsaw in our top three, at 6.2 pounds, about the same as a 2 liter soda bottle. That makes it ideal for pruning, light limbing and cleanup jobs where you hold the saw at awkward angles or above waist height.

Its standout feature is automatic chain tension. Instead of checking and adjusting tension by hand, the system keeps it set for you, which removes one of the most common maintenance chores for new chainsaw users. The automatic oiler and level indicator take care of lubrication too.

It runs on the WORX 20V Power Share battery, which also powers dozens of WORX garden and power tools. If you already own a WORX trimmer, blower or mower, the battery you have will run this saw. With a 10 inch bar and 12.5 feet per second chain speed, it handles branches and small logs well.

Think of it as a precision tool rather than a firewood machine. It shines when you are trimming a fruit tree, cutting up a fallen branch for the yard waste bin or clearing brush along a fence line. For budget shoppers who want the best lightweight chainsaw for these small jobs, it is hard to beat at this price.

Pros

• Very light and easy to control
• Automatic chain tension and oiling
• Affordable kit
• Shared Power Share battery platform

Cons

• Slow on logs thicker than about 6 inches
• Short runtime on a single small battery

Who Should Buy It

Pick the WG322 if you mainly prune and clean up small branches, or if weight is your top concern. It suits older users and beginners, and it costs around $110.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX 12 Inch Cordless Chainsaw: Runner Up

• Battery platform: DEWALT 20V MAX
• Bar: 12 inch
• Package: tool only, battery and charger sold separately
• Type: compact cordless chainsaw for limbing and pruning

Why We Picked It

If your garage already holds DEWALT drills and drivers, this saw is the easiest way to add cutting power without buying into a new battery system. It runs on the same 20V MAX packs, so you can grab a battery from your drill and head out to clear a fallen limb.

The 12 inch bar is a smart size for a light saw. It is long enough to handle limbs and small logs, and short enough to keep the saw compact and easy to control when you work overhead or in tight spaces between shrubs and fences. A shorter bar also helps with balance, so the saw does not pull your wrist forward.

DEWALT tools have a strong reputation on job sites, and this saw is aimed at quick, low fatigue cutting. Keep in mind that it is sold as a bare tool, so the price rises if you need a battery and charger.

Pair it with a 4.0Ah or larger 20V MAX battery for longer cutting sessions, or a compact pack when you want the lightest possible setup for overhead pruning. That flexibility is one of the real advantages of buying into a big battery platform.

Pros

• Compact and maneuverable
• Shares DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
• Good bar length for limbing and pruning

Cons

• Not built for big trees
• Battery and charger sold separately

Who Should Buy It

Buy the DEWALT if you already own 20V MAX batteries and want a light saw for pruning and cleanup. It costs around $190 for the tool alone.

Why Weight Matters More Than You Think

Weight affects safety, control and how long you can work. If you are comparing every type of saw, our overall best chainsaw guide ranks gas, battery and corded models together.

Weight vs power trade off

Lighter saws usually have shorter bars and less power. That is fine for pruning and small firewood, but a 10 inch saw will struggle with a 14 inch log. Pick the lightest saw that still handles the thickest wood you cut regularly.

Balance and ergonomics

Balance matters as much as total weight. A saw that sits evenly in your hands is easier to control than a lighter one that tips forward. Rubber grips, a comfortable rear handle and low vibration all reduce fatigue. Battery position matters too: a pack mounted close to the rear handle keeps the center of gravity near your body, which makes the saw feel lighter than its listed weight.

Who benefits most

Older users, smaller adults, beginners and anyone cutting above shoulder height benefit most from a light saw. Homeowners who mainly prune and tidy up after storms will also be happier with a light saw than a heavy one they rarely want to pick up. Our best chainsaw for homeowners guide covers more all round options.

How to Choose the Best Lightweight Chainsaw

Start with the size of wood you cut, then match the power source and battery platform to your other tools.

Bar Length and Cutting Capacity

A 10 to 12 inch bar suits pruning and limbs, while 14 to 16 inches handles storm cleanup and small firewood. As a rule, choose a bar a couple of inches longer than the wood you cut most. Our guide to what size chainsaw do i need explains sizing in more detail.

Gas vs Battery vs Corded

Battery saws are the most popular light choice: quiet, push button start and nearly no maintenance. Corded electric saws are even lighter and cheaper but limit your range. Small gas saws and top handle models are light for gas, yet they still need fuel mixing and pull starting. For felling large trees, step up to a bigger saw from our best chainsaw for trees list.

Engine Size or Battery Voltage

For battery saws, voltage and motor type matter. A 20V saw is lighter and fine for pruning, while 40V to 60V brushless saws cut faster and handle thicker wood. Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer. Small gas saws in the 25cc to 40cc range are the light end of the gas world. Top handle gas saws, built for arborists, are among the lightest gas options but are designed for trained users working in trees, not for beginners on the ground.

Weight and Balance

Check the weight with the battery installed, since a large battery can add a couple of pounds. Hold the saw at arm's length if you can, and look for a design that does not pull forward.

Chain Brake and Safety Features

A chain brake, low kickback chain and bar, trigger lockout and hand guard should be standard. Light saws are easier to control, but kickback can still happen, so always wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy footwear, plus chaps for bigger jobs.

Tool Free Tensioning

Tool free or automatic tensioning saves time and helps beginners keep the chain at the right tension. A chain that is too loose can jump the bar, and one that is too tight wears the bar and drains the battery.

Runtime and Battery Ecosystem

Runtime depends on battery capacity and how hard you cut. A spare battery doubles your working time, and charging one while you use the other keeps a cleanup day moving. Choosing a saw on a battery platform you already own, such as WORX, Greenworks or DEWALT, saves money and keeps spare packs on hand.

Put it all together and the best lightweight chainsaw is the one that matches your typical wood size, runs on batteries you already own and feels balanced in your hands. A few extra ounces matter far less than good balance and a sharp chain.

FAQs About Lightweight Chainsaws

How long does a chainsaw last?

A well cared for battery chainsaw often lasts many years, though batteries lose capacity over time and may need replacing after several seasons. Chains and bars wear faster and are replaced as needed. Keeping the chain sharp and the saw clean extends its life.

Is a chainsaw worth the money?

Yes, if you have trees, hedges or regular storm debris. A light battery saw costs less than a single visit from a tree service and turns hours of hand sawing into minutes. If you only trim a few small branches a year, a pruning saw may be enough.

How much should I spend on a chainsaw?

Good light battery saws cost about $100 to $250 with a battery, or less as a bare tool if you own the batteries. Premium light saws from top brands can run $300 to $400. For a full breakdown, see how much does a chainsaw cost.

How do I maintain a chainsaw?

Keep the chain sharp, check tension before each use and fill the bar oil reservoir. Clean sawdust from the bar groove and around the sprocket, store batteries indoors at moderate temperature, and replace a worn chain rather than forcing a dull one through wood. A dull chain makes even a light saw feel heavy, because you end up pushing it into the cut instead of letting it pull itself through.

Final Verdict

The Greenworks 40V 16 inch brushless chainsaw is the best lightweight chainsaw for most homeowners, with enough bar for storm cleanup in an easy to start cordless package. The WORX WG322 is the value pick at 6.2 pounds for pruning and small branches, and the DEWALT 20V MAX 12 inch saw suits anyone already using DEWALT batteries. Check today's price and pick the one that fits your yard and your hands.