These compact tools can be just as useful as their larger siblings.
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For trimming and pruning tasks that are too big for manual loppers but too small to use a regular chainsaw, reach for a mini chainsaw. These compact machines are rugged enough to chew through thick branches, yet compact enough to be easy to maneuver, and fit into areas that larger saws may not.
If you’re getting ready to tackle that brush pile or prune your trees for fall yard cleanup, a mini chainsaw could be worth the investment. For more great lawn care equipment, check out our picks for the best pole saws, electric chainsaws, and wood splitters.
What to Consider
When choosing a mini chainsaw, take the time to consider what you’ll be using it for. Most importantly, are you going to be pruning trees or bushes that would otherwise require you to get on a ladder to reach? In that case, we would definitely recommend opting for one that includes a pole attachment, allowing you to reach high branches while remaining safely on the ground.
We also recommend going for a cordless battery-powered mini chainsaw, like our best value pick. If you’re short on storage space, you may want to go for an extra-compact, one-handed model.
How We Selected
We have years of experience using a variety of chainsaws, large and small, through our time spent as a landscaper as well as for at-home projects. This experience, combined with extensive online research, helped us curate this list of mini chainsaw options. Most people probably only need their chainsaw for occasional projects, but for those who plan on using their saw more frequently, and for heavier-duty jobs, we made sure to include a commercial-grade option as well. We also did our best to include a range of styles and sizes, from tiny 4-inch blades to larger 10-inch options.
Best Overall
Greenworks Cordless Mini Chainsaw
Best Overall
Greenworks Cordless Mini Chainsaw
Pros
Fade-free battery operation- Relatively quiet operation
Cons
- Might be too bulky for those low on space
We’re big fans of Greenworks power equipment, and this mini chainsaw is a great example of why. With a user-friendly design, it’s ideal for amateurs, and thanks to its 10-inch bar, packs an impressive amount of cutting power. The thick, rubberized rear handle, combined with the wide top handle, makes it easy to control and maneuver as you work.
Another nice perk is the comprehensive user guide that comes with this saw, which not only explains how the tool works, but also shows chainsawing techniques so you can use it effectively—and, more importantly, safely.
Key Specs
| Size | 10 in. |
|---|---|
| Power | 2.0 Ah battery |
| Weight | 7.85 lbs. |
Best Commercial-Grade
DeWalt 12-inch Brushless Mini Chainsaw
Best Commercial-Grade
DeWalt 12-inch Brushless Mini Chainsaw
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Bar tightening knob
- Chain brake
Cons
- Relatively heavy
If you have heavy-duty projects lined-up, but don’t want to deal with larger, lumberjack-style chainsaws, this powerful 12-inch mini chainsaw is worth a look. We love that this saw uses a 5.0Ah battery, which lasts much longer than the 2.0Ah versions found in most other tools.
It’s not the most affordable option out there, and may be overkill for some, but if you have a lot of work to do, this durable, high-quality tool could be a great fit. DeWalt tools have a great warranty, offer a year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Key Specs
| Size | 12 in. |
|---|---|
| Power | 5.0 Ah battery |
| Weight | 9.25 lbs. |
Pros
- 50-minute runtime
- Rubberized handle
Cons
- Not large enough for heavy-duty projects
This mini chainsaw is packed with accessories, including a pair of work gloves to provide a nice, sturdy grip. It’s a good option for anyone who isn’t comfortable handling a larger saw, though its 4-inch blade is still enough to tackle serious pruning tasks. Another plus is that’s capable of accessing hard-to-reach areas, where bulkier saws wouldn’t fit.
There’s an included backup battery, something we always appreciate because it’s handy to charge one while using the other. An integrated light is another convenient feature, illuminating your workspace and reducing the chance of an accident.
Key Specs
| Size | 4 in. |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Weight | 1.65 lbs. |
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Best for Maximum Safety
Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Small Chainsaw
Best for Maximum Safety
Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Small Chainsaw
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Long-lasting battery
- Safe design
Cons
- Somewhat bulky
The scissor-style design of these Black+Decker loppers ensure that the blade is fully covered when not in use, and since both handles must be engaged to open it, reduces the chance of accidental starting.
Using both hands to cut also allows for much more control, and the hooked jaw cover prevents whatever you’re cutting from slipping or sliding out.
Its wide jaw can fit branches up to 4 inches in diameter, but if you stick to thinner, 1.5-inch debris, the battery can provide an impressive 150 cuts per charge.
Key Specs
| Size | 6 in. |
|---|---|
| Power | 2.0 Ah |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs. |
Best Compact Pole Saw
Worx WG320 JawSaw for Landscaping
Best Compact Pole Saw
Worx WG320 JawSaw for Landscaping
Pros
- Auto-tension feature
- High speed of 1350 RPM
Cons
- Less versatile than typical chainsaws
This model is a great choice for users who might not be comfortable handling a traditional chainsaw, but still want the cutting power necessary to rip through branches and small logs up to 4 inches in diameter. Its long neck allows you to control the blade while maintaining a safe distance, and the mouth of the saw surrounds the blade as it works.
The blade actually totally retracts into the housing when you’re not using it, making it an especially safe option. Its light weight also makes it convenient for use overhead, when lopping off tree branches.
Key Specs
| Size | 6 inches |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Weight | 7.1 pounds |
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
