Using any power tool other than a pole saw to handle those tricky overhead branches can be risky. I’ve tried reaching up high myself, and without the right pole saw, there’s not only a risk of injury but also a chance of not getting the job done properly. After personally testing various models, I’ve found the best cordless pole saw on the market for you.
Reviews of the Top Cordless Pole Saws
1. Ryobi ONE+ 8 in. 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw
For quick jobs with smaller tree branches, the Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Battery Pole Saw is an excellent choice. It is also a suitable hedge trimmer due to the more compact size and pole length.
The battery pole saw can still cut branches up to 6-inches in diameter, and the in-line motor plus the angled head is easy to maneuver. The lithium-ion pole saw has an automatic oiler and a fluid window that will display oil level.
Moreover, you get a 3-year warranty from Ryobi that covers repair on parts.
What I Like
- Small and compact tool construction
- Powerful in-line motor
- Angled head suitable for ground work
- Lithium-ion pole saw
- Quick 30-min recharge time
- Automatic bar and chain oiling
- Fade-free power
- 3-year warranty
What I Don’t Like
- Chain oil could leak
- Extensions don’t seem sturdy
2. Greenworks 40V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw
The 40V cordless pole saw from Greenworks is the yard buddy you’ve been missing. The 8-inch bar and chain are sizable enough to get through 4×4 lumber with about 60 cuts but just compact enough to reach crevices and corners.
What’s more, its aluminum shaft comes in a 3-piece assembly, allowing me to stretch up to a full 11 feet when I need to. And even when I’m extended that far, my arms and hands stay comfortable, thanks to the cushioned over-mold grip.
The Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw has an automatic chain tension adjustment and an automatic chain oiler to ensure constant lubrication.
What I Like
- Extendable aluminum shaft
- Lightweight with a comfortable grip
- Wider range of motion compared to a gas pole saw
- Automatic chain tension adjustment
- Automatic chain oiler for lubrication
- Electric start
- Up to 65 cuts per charge
- Geared with 8-inch bar and chain
- 40 Volt
- Efficient 2-amp motor
- Dependable lithium-ion battery system
What I Don’t Like
- Chain retightening may be required
- Not suited for large trunks
3. WORX WG323 20V PowerShare 10" Cordless 2-in-1 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
The runner-up and option recommended by our experts is the WORX WG323 PowerShare 2-in-1 Cordless Electric Pole Saw and Chainsaw. There isn’t a need to spend more money on another power tool when you have both.
The WG323 gives you a 12-inch reach, much more than a regular gas saw can provide. This is the top cordless pole saw for those who want a lightweight model. Weighing only 10 pounds, it’s easy to grasp in your hand.
From my experience, the 6-inch cutting diameter of the bar and chain is ideal for handling most trees and tree limbs. And trust me, the chain tension system paired with auto lubrication has saved me a lot of time on adjustments.
What I Like
- 12-foot cutting reach
- Auto chain tensioning system for enhanced performance
- Provides fast and clean cuts
- PowerShare battery works with 20V and 40V power tools
- Auto chain lubrication for added safety
- Lightweight construction for extra flexibility and mobility
- It has a convenient 8-inch bar length
- 2-in-1 pole saw and chainsaw design
- High-performing brushed motor
- Adjustable pole reach
What I Don’t Like
- Battery power could be longer
- Not recommended for huge jobs
4. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw
The Black+Decker 20V MAX Pole Saw gives you what a gas-powered pole saw won’t provide – maneuverability. It’s a lithium-ion cordless pole saw offering the height of efficiency in battery power. The 8-inch bar and chain yields a 6-inch diameter and helps users reach up to 14 feet.
Having worked with this cordless pole, I appreciate the center extension—it lets me adjust the length to fit the task at hand perfectly. The design is spot on; it breaks down into three parts, making it a breeze to store and transport.
And speaking from experience, with its 20V max battery, I’ve managed to get up to 100 cuts on trees and branches about 1.5 inches thick in just one charge.
What I Like
- 20-Volt lithium-ion battery
- Cuts branches at 1.5-inches at 100 cuts per charge
- Cordless and disassembles
- Center extension
- 14-foot reach for high tree limbs
- Impressive battery life
- In-line powerhead
- Adjustable fiberglass pole
- Excellent price point compared to other alternatives
What I Don’t Like
- Plastic guard and bolts are not very sturdy
- Manual chain oiling required
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw
The Craftsman V20 Pole Saw has one of the largest battery capacities in battery pole saws. You will enjoy extended operation with the 4.0 Ah battery pack. With its extension pole, the Craftsman V20 can reach heights up to 14 feet.
The items weigh a little less than 6 pounds and have a soft grip for tree branches for better maneuverability. The V20 can deliver up to 325 cuts per charge, fully maximizing the cordless pole saw battery.
Craftsman V20 pole saw also comes with a 3-year limited warranty for certain parts.
What I Like
- Delivers up to 325 cuts per charge on the lithium-ion battery
- Reaches tree branches up to a 14-foot
- Lightweight with a soft grip
- 3-year limited warranty
- Versatrack compatible
- Delivers precise and accurate angled cuts
- Comes with a battery and charger
What I Don’t Like
- Saw head is heavy for the carbon-fiber pole
- Extension adds weight
6. Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping Pole Saw
The Oregon PS250 cordless telescoping pole saw has a 40V Li-ion battery that can deliver all the power you need for tree branches of most sizes. The battery can be charged up to 1000 times and make 500 cuts on 2 to 3-inch diameter tree limbs.
The electric start is instant, hassle-free, and time-saving. The 8-inch bar length is small enough to get into tight spaces and large enough not to slow you down.
With the extension put in, you can get a pole length of up to 15 feet from the ground.
What I Like
- 40V premium battery system
- Battery can be charged up to 1000 times
- Safe and easy electric start
- Extension allows pole length to reach 15 feet
- Lightweight and portable construction
- Shoulder strap included
- Adjustable collar
- Four times quieter than gas models
- CARB compliant design
What I Don’t Like
- Takes longer if used for clearing
- Lacks automatic chain tensioning system
7. WEN 40421 40V Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw
The WEN 40421 is also a telescoping cordless pole pruner. The saw head can be pivoted in either direction for 30-degrees, maximizing your movement and increasing flexibility. The cordless pole saw is compatible with 20V or 40V Li-ion batteries for 40 minutes.
The WEN 40421 has a leg up on other pole saws due to the brushless motor with no emissions and a quieter operation. There is less maintenance required with this type of motor, and it also has tool-free chain tensioning for your convenience.
What I Like
- Pole saw head pivots
- Compatible with 20V and 40V Li-ion battery packs
- High-performing brushless motor
- Quiet operation
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Built-in safety switch
- Shoulder strap bracket
- Features an automatic oiler
- Pole length of 14 feet
- Includes battery and charger
What I Don’t Like
- It can be heavy for some users
- Battery needs to be secured
Cordless Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide
A cordless pole saw is the best option for overhead jobs in the yard. Getting the best one needs a lot of consideration and isn’t just simply reading pole saw reviews online. Thus, our team is here to help you pick the best cordless pole saw and identify the key factors to look out for in this buying guide.
Length and Reach
In my experience with pole saws, the length and reach typically refer to the entire tool, not just the bar. I’ve come across many battery-powered pole saws with extension shafts, which can be a game-changer for those higher branches. I’d recommend looking into those; you might be surprised how often you’ll need that extra height.
A cordless pole saw with adjustable lengths without extensions is called a telescoping pole saw. This type offers maximum convenience as you can adjust your reach without having to stop, disassemble and reassemble the pole saws.
Bar
The bar is the section on the best pole saws that resembles a chainsaw head. The length and width of this section will determine the diameter of the branches in question. For a good balance between weight and cutting capacity, we would suggest one that measures 8 inches at least.
Our experts have mainly chosen pole saws with a bar measurement of 8-inches. Most battery-powered pole saw options with this sidebar can give you about 6-inches in diameter.
The cutting portion size is essential for a chain saw, or a pole saw because it determines what you can cut through and how much time it would take. Like the 2-in-1 from Worx, the size is more critical for a pole chainsaw option because of the versatility. A chain saw with a 6-inch cutting capacity is less desirable compared to some other models.
Weight and Ease of Use
Ideally, the pole saw model you choose should be a lightweight and easy to use pole saw. However, the extension pole will inevitably add some weight.
Our experts say the key is finding the right balance. Pole saws are supposed to be lightweight because they are meant to be lifted overhead. You should look for pole saws that can be extended but do not exceed 15 pounds in weight.
Our team has listed many options that are around or under 10 pounds with a soft grip for your hand. These features will significantly reduce fatigue compared to other models with a heavier motor design and extension shaft.
The weight is perhaps the most crucial thing our experts want you to consider. A model that is very heavy to use over time can be dangerous. You do not want to stop and restart the job multiple times when working on the trees or branches because it is time-consuming.
Unfortunately, our experts say that even the top cordless pole saw will be heavier than a corded one due to the extra battery pack. Be sure you can hold up the saw for the amount of time needed before your purchase.
Battery
The battery capacity also affects the runtime. Like most other cordless power tools, you want the battery to last as long as possible. Our team says anywhere between 40 min to an hour is considered satisfactory. Aside from the battery capacity, you also want to look at the charge time.
Most cordless pole saws can offer 20V to 40V batteries with either a 2 or 4 amp motor. These are pretty standard options that can accommodate regular trimming of trees and branches.
As for the charge time, our team says to look for models that reach a full charge within 30 minutes to an hour.
Most cordless pole saws run with li-ion batteries, but that’s not always the case. Our team stresses this type of battery’s benefits as they hold the most charge and last the longest.
For high-powered tool for your cutting projects, here are the top-rated electric pole saw we reviewed.
Safety Features
I’ve always stressed the importance of built-in safety switches. I’ve found that these switches are crucial—they sense blade snags or catches and instantly stop the saw, ensuring you stay safe. And, based on my hands-on experience with various models, some even come with plastic guards, an added layer of protection for your fingers against the blade. Always worth considering!
Another feature our team values is automatic chain tensioning. This will ensure your automatic pole saw will function at peak capacity and efficiency. If you have a model without this feature, you would need to manually adjust the chain tensioning each time, which can cut into your work time.
The tension for branches will be different for other parts of the trees, but the cordless pole saw will detect the proper tension level for the job and adjust accordingly using the automatic system.
The tension system ensures the chain is never loose enough to accidentally slip off your saw. For models that do not have this feature, our team members spent more time than necessary on a job due to the chain’s constant replacement.
There are also battery-powered pole saws that offer an automatic lubrication system for models that do not feature an automatic oiler. These features are imperative to operational safety. With a well-oiled chain, you will get less friction and sparks. Sawing through thicker trees and branches causes the blade to bear a huge load, which can be minimized with the oiling of the chain.
Of course, even without this automatic oiling system, it is important that the chain is lubricated. It’s easy to forget to check before starting up the cordless pole saw for a job, which will cause the chain to stick more and even have some kickback.
Another benefit to a well-oiled chain is the reduced noise. High-quality gas pole saws are louder, and battery-powered cordless pole saws are the preferred models for dampened noise. However, this will only happen if the saw is sufficiently lubricated. The constant lubrication will also prolong the life of the chain.
Price and Warranty
Most cordless pole saws are within an affordable price range of a couple of hundred dollars. A few things that will affect the price are the brand name, the size, the battery life and efficiency, extra features, and safety features.
A smaller model from a lesser-known brand will cost less than a larger one from one of the power tool giants. Rather than going after a renowned brand, our team says to focus on the job at hand to determine the size.
Our team says battery life and efficiency are a must when considering the best cordless pole saw. The battery should also reach a full charge in a max time span of an hour.
Extra features and safety features such as an emergency stop, a hook for storage, and extension poles will run up the price a bit.
A warranty [1] is also a necessary part of your purchase. The warranty guidelines will guarantee returns or exchanges and repairs on certain parts of your cordless pole saw. A 1-year warranty is pretty standard but checks if your model offers an extended warranty. Some of the options our team listed offer warranty coverage for up to 3 years.
Preferably, the pole saw should also come with everything you need in the package, such as a battery charger, the extension parts, battery, and even safety gear. Our experts remind you that the extra parts will run up the price as well.
Maintenance
If you want yours to last and save you some cash over time, you’ve got to be diligent about maintenance. Even the best pole saws will show wear and tear after many encounters with trees and branches. Trust me, a little care now ensures that you’ll keep tackling those tough trees and branches effectively in the future.
Regular checks, lubrication, and cleaning will make sure the pole saw is always functioning optimally. Be sure to store the saw correctly and keep the motor away from moisture and dampness.
Most bars are created to withstand certain elements, but it never hurts to reduce the chances of corrosion and rust if possible.
Advantages of Cordless Pole Saws
A cordless pole saw is much lighter than a regular chainsaw. Since the reach is much further than any other type of saw, the cordless model is ideal for overhead tasks.
It’s also very dangerous to attempt overhead jobs with heavy full-sized equipment as a chain saw. While some may argue that a handheld circular saw can be used for higher places, it doesn’t provide you with a far reach or the same cutting capacity.
Also, cordless models including top-performing Ryobi cordless pole saws, don’t require much from the user. It pretty much takes care of itself, aside from the oiling, but there are automatic features that can take care of that even then.
Another plus for cordless pole saws is the quiet operation. The startup is very quiet and nearly inaudible compared to va va vroom of a standard chainsaw. Lastly, you may have noticed that these options fall within a very reasonable price range, too.
Our Top Pick For a Cordless Pole Saw: Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw
Our team has crowned the Greenworks Cordless Pole Saw as the top pick. It can reduce hand and arm fatigue with a comfortable soft mold grip and an extended reach of 11 feet. The start is smooth, instant, and easy with a quiet operation. The lightweight model features its automatic chain oiler and tensioning system for user’s convenience.
If you are looking for an all-around and durable rope for future use, you can check the powerful pulling ropes we listed here.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
