Best Cordless Chainsaws 2026: EGO, Milwaukee, and Stihl Compared

Introduction

Battery-powered chainsaws have come a long way. The latest flagship models from EGO, Milwaukee, and Stihl promise gas-like performance without the pull cords, fuel mixing, or engine maintenance. But which one actually cuts fastest, which has the most torque, and which is the easiest to live with day to day?

We took all three of these cordless chainsaws outside, set up an 8-inch oak log, and ran a timed cutting test to see how they compare. The results were surprising, and they reveal a lot about how each saw is designed and who it is really for.

How We Tested

To keep things fair, we used the same setup for every saw. We clamped an 8-inch oak log that had been cut about three months earlier from a live tree, so the wood was still fairly wet. Each saw was run at its highest power mode with a fully charged kit battery. We performed a competition cut: down, up, down, and timed each run. Every saw completed two full rounds.

The goal was to measure real-world cutting speed while also paying attention to how each saw felt in the hands, how much pressure it could handle, and whether it stalled under load.

All three saws are flagship models from their respective lineups, meaning they are the most powerful cordless chainsaws each brand currently offers. They are all marketed toward farm and ranch use, so they need to handle serious cutting, not just light yard work.

Cutting Speed Results

After two timed rounds on the same log, the average times came in as follows: the EGO finished in 15.3 seconds, the Stihl in 17.9 seconds, and the Milwaukee in 18.9 seconds. The EGO was the fastest in this test, which was not what we expected going in.

The reason comes down to chain speed. The EGO runs at around 14.5 meters per second, while the Milwaukee runs at about 10.5 meters per second. That difference in chain speed translates directly to how quickly the saw moves through wood.

However, cutting speed is not the same as cutting power. While the EGO was quickest, the Milwaukee was the only saw we could not stall out, even when we applied the same amount of pressure that stalled the other two. The Milwaukee is a torque monster, and it felt like we could lean on it as much as we wanted while bucking back and forth. That kind of grunt matters when you are working through dense or wet wood.

Bar Length and Power Comparison

All three saws are similar on paper, but there are some key differences in bar length and power output. The EGO and Milwaukee both come with 20-inch bars, while the Stihl ships with an 18-inch bar. A 20-inch bar is available for the Stihl if you need the extra reach, and it can also be configured with a 16-inch bar for lighter work.

When comparing to gas equivalents, the EGO is rated at about 55cc. The Milwaukee is rated at about 70cc. Stihl does not publish a gas equivalent rating, but based on feel and cutting power during our testing, it sits somewhere in the 55 to 60cc range, which is still very respectable for a battery-powered saw.

These numbers help put battery-powered saws into perspective for anyone coming from a gas background. A 55 to 70cc gas equivalent means these saws are not toys. They are designed to handle real cutting work, and they deliver power levels that would have been hard to imagine in a cordless tool just a few years ago.

Weight and Balance

Weight and balance are where the Stihl really stands out. It is the lightest of the three, coming in at about 17.5 pounds with its kit battery. The Milwaukee and EGO are both around 19.5 pounds with their kitted batteries. The Stihl also has the best balance, with the weight centered right in the middle, almost as if there is a hinge. It is simply a very comfortable saw to use.

Battery choice plays a big role in weight and power. The EGO offers three power modes: eco, normal, and turbo. To access the highest mode, you need at least a 6 amp hour battery. The Milwaukee requires two batteries and cannot run on just one. It ships with two M18 Forge 8 amp hour batteries, but you can use smaller or larger batteries depending on your needs. The Stihl requires at least an AP500S battery to reach its highest power mode.

If you want to lighten any of these saws, you can step down to a smaller battery, but you will lose some runtime and top-end power. It is a trade-off worth keeping in mind depending on how much cutting you plan to do.

Price and Value

Price is a major factor in choosing between these three saws. The Stihl is the most expensive, coming in at $1,299 as a kit with the AP500 battery, or $899 as a bare tool. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Milwaukee is priced at $899 as a kit and is currently only available as a kit. It includes two 8 amp hour Forge batteries and comes with a 3-year warranty.

The EGO is the clear value leader. It is available for $299 as a bare tool or $499 as a kit with a 5 amp hour battery. That kit price makes it an extremely attractive option for anyone who wants a confident cutting battery-powered chainsaw without spending flagship money.

Who Each Saw Is For

The EGO is the saw to pick if you need a confident cutting battery-powered chainsaw that will not let you down. It offers the fastest chain speed of the three, a great kit price, and enough power for serious work. It is the best all-around value.

The Milwaukee sits in between. It is incredibly powerful and really does stand up to farm and ranch needs. We put it to the test cutting down trees at a pasture, and it proved to be a workhorse. If you are looking to move your crew from gas to battery, the Milwaukee is a strong option with good power and a more approachable price than the Stihl.

The Stihl is the professional-grade option. It is Stihl’s most powerful battery-powered chainsaw to date, and it offers the most familiar form factor for anyone coming from a gas saw. It may not be the fastest cutter in our test, but it is the easiest transition from gas to battery, and its balance and weight make it a joy to use. It is expensive, but for many users, that familiar feel is worth the premium.

Conclusion

All three of these cordless chainsaws are fantastic tools, and you really cannot go wrong with any of them. The EGO wins on cutting speed and value, the Milwaukee wins on raw torque and workhorse durability, and the Stihl wins on balance, weight, and that familiar gas-saw feel.

The right choice comes down to your priorities. If you want the fastest cuts and the best price, the EGO is the obvious pick. If you need maximum power and do not mind the extra weight, the Milwaukee will not let you down. And if you are transitioning from a gas saw and want the most comfortable, familiar experience, the Stihl is worth the investment.