Battery powered chainsaws can be one of the best outdoor tools. From cutting up firewood to felling trees, gardening, outdoor projects, and even chainsaw carving, a chainsaw is a tool with many uses. For beginners, the idea of using a chainsaw can feel daunting.
Petrol chainsaws are noisy, heavy, require mixing 2-stroke fuel, and can be difficult to pull-start. Modern 18V and 36V lithium-ion battery chainsaws eliminate all of that hassle! They start at the press of a button, require far less maintenance, run quietly, and deliver plenty of power for domestic and smallholding tasks.
Here is a practical guide to choosing the best beginner-friendly cordless chainsaw, plus essential safety advice before you make your first cut.
Beginner Chainsaw Safety & Protective Gear
Before picking up any power saw, investing in proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. Chainsaw-spec fabrics are engineered with loose fibers that immediately bog down and stop a spinning chain on contact.
Essential Beginner Chainsaw PPE Checklist:
- Chainsaw Protective Chaps / Trousers (Class 1 saw protection)
- Forestry Safety Helmet with Mesh Visor & Ear Defenders
- Chainsaw Gloves (reinforced hand protection)
- Biodegradable Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil (essential for chain lubrication)
The Right Chainsaw for the Job
Is the type of chainsaw you have right for the job you want it to do? Felling large trees would require a large, powerful chainsaw, whereas a smaller version is best for sawing up firewood, clearing smaller trees and undergrowth, coppicing, and also for domestic projects.
If you need your chainsaw to work away from home, or you just don’t like the idea of cutting through cable, a cordless battery powered chainsaw is best. These are less messy to use than petrol powered chainsaws.
Corded chainsaws, with a cable connected to mains power, also work well for garden jobs, but you do need to be careful of the cable.
Top 3 Battery-Powered Chainsaws for Beginners
1. Einhell 18V Power X-Change Cordless Chainsaw (Best Budget Choice)
If you want a lightweight, maneuverable saw for light pruning, clearing small branches, and cutting logs for a wood burner, the Einhell is an ideal entry-level option.
Key Features: Features a quality Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain lubrication, mechanical kickback brake, and tool-free chain tensioning.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It is compact and easy to balance, taking the muscle strain out of back-garden logging.
Battery System: Uses the standard Einhell 18V Power X-Change battery system (sold body-only or as a starter kit).
A great budget friendly battery powered chainsaw.
2. Ryobi 18V ONE+ OCS1830 Cordless 30cm Chainsaw (Best All-Rounder)
This cordless chainsaw by Ryobi is a robust tool that can power through many wood cutting jobs. From sawing firewood and logs of various thicknesses, to felling and pruning, this is a tool that excels at tougher jobs.
Key Features: 30cm Oregon bar, high 10 m/s chain speed, automatic chain oiler, and a rapid mechanical chain brake.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The brushless motor automatically adjusts power delivery based on resistance, providing smooth cuts without stalling in thick wood.
Battery System: Compatible with all Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries.
Like many other models of cordless chainsaw, the Ryobi is sold without batteries or a charger. However, any tools within the Ryobi One+ system use the same batteries and chargers. This can save you money if you have other Ryobi tools, or plan to buy some, as you can simply swap batteries from one tool to another.
3. BLACK+DECKER 36V Cordless Chainsaw (Best for Heavy-Duty Cutting)
If you need more cutting capacity without stepping up to a heavy petrol engine, this 36V Black+Decker model packs maximum runtime and torque for felling small trees and processing thick firewood timber.
It also has many safety features that make it ideal for a novice chainsaw user.
Key Features: High-torque 36V lithium-ion battery system, dual-switch safety lock-off, rubberized ergonomic wrap-around handles, and tool-less chain adjustment.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Excellent balance and low vibration levels reduce arm fatigue during long cutting sessions.
Battery Included: Unlike many body-only tools, this model typically comes supplied with a 36V battery and charger included. Featuring a longer run time than NiCAd or NiHM batteries, on average this chainsaw offers 560 cuts per battery charge!
Safety Comes First
A chainsaw can be a dangerous tool if the proper safety measures are not followed. It is basically a series of blades spinning around on a fast chain belt, so holding it correctly and safety techniques are essential to avoid injury.
• Make sure you have a firm stance when using a chainsaw, keeping feet about shoulder with apart so you have good balance.
• Remove trip hazards in the area you are working in.
• Never hold a chainsaw above you, such as to cut high branches. Always work below shoulder height. If you have to use a ladder or platform the do so, that is much safer than holding the chainsaw up.
• Be aware of kickbacks. This is where the guide bar of the chainsaw can suddenly fly up toward you, usually when the tip hits a knot in the wood or a nail. Avoid using the tip of the chainsaw.
Is a Battery Powered Chainsaw Right for You?
If you want a fuss-free way to power through wood cutting jobs, you can’t beat a cordless, battery powered chainsaw.
Lightweight, easy to start, and long battery life make then effective tools for many jobs, and with many safety features, they are less intimidating to use than petrol chainsaws.
If you are managing woodland or coppicing trees for timber on your own land, read our complete guide on the Benefits of Owning Woodland in the UK.
