Pole saws relieve you from the hassle of climbing to keep towering trees in shape. But if you purchase a brittle, substandard model that breaks after a few rounds of pruning, there wouldn’t be any difference.
Here, our experts will solve this challenge as we test and rank the best pole saws available so you won’t waste money on a disappointing purchase.
Reviews of the Top Pole Saws
1. CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw
One name dominating the power tool industry is Craftsman. The V20 is one of the battery-powered pole saws that’s a testament to the brand’s dominance in the line of backyard tools and equipment. It’s only fitting that our team has crowned the V20 as the best pole saw in the market today.
During our tests, the Craftsman V20 provided extended reach and usability with its 14 feet length and weight of only 5.67 pounds. Aside from the excellent lengths, this pole saw features a 4.0 Ah battery that gives it an extended runtime on a single charge.
Besides these features, it has an angled blade. Our team finds this very useful when you want to effectively cut tree limbs or trim branches. Combined with its lightweight and ergonomic design, this model is very easy to use for cutting branches from extended distances without any problem.
What We Like
- Angled saw blade for precise cuts
- Long reach for those hard-to-reach branches and limbs
- Long-lasting 4.0 Ah battery
- 3-year warranty
- Lightweight trimming tool
- Easy maneuverability
What We Don’t Like
- No bar oil
- Extra joint requires frequent adjustment
2. WORX WG323 20V Power Share Cordless Pole Saw
This pole saw combo tool works as a chainsaw as well. With the extension pole, it provides about 12 feet of extra tree pruning reach. When used as a chainsaw, it’s very efficient in cutting firewood and small logs. It weighs about ten pounds, which may be an issue for some. However, the company makes up for this downside with a 20-volt PowerShare saw that can make fast and clean cuts.
This battery-operated pole saw is equipped with automatic chain tension and automatic chain lubrication. This will help take a little stress off your hands since it won’t take more effort to maintain. In addition, the WORX WG323‘s long-lasting batteries that can get you through several cuts with little to no stress. Overall, it’s one of the best pole saws you can have in your yard.
What We Like
- Pole saw and chainsaw combo
- Extension pole provides a long reach
- Long-lasting battery for extended run time
- Automatic chain tensioner
- Automatic lubrication
- Ergonomic grip
- High cutting speeds
What We Don’t Like
- Comparatively heavy
- Small bar oil reservoir
3. Oregon Cordless PS250 40V Telescoping Pole Saw
While other brands sell with their pole length, our team found this model very impressive for its battery. The tool comes with a 40V 4.0Ah battery and an 8-inch bar length. The battery make it capable of getting through an entire day’s work with no breaks in between. Besides that, the battery can survive up to a thousand charges.
The Oregon PS250 battery-powered pole saw has an electric start that saves you the trouble of warming up. This feature is complemented by the saw’s balance. As for the length, you can easily adjust it from 7 to 10 feet depending on what the job needs. Finally, the 8-inch pole saw bar is easy to operate and maneuver, making it well-equipped for cutting limbs and pruning trees. Although not the cheapest option, it’s definitely a cut above other cordless models.
What We Like
- Long-lasting battery power
- Long lifespan
- Can extend to the standard pole length
- Instant start
- Ergonomic design, well-balanced
- Branch hook
What We Don’t Like
- Comparatively heavy
- Steeper price
4. Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw 20302
This Greenworks Cordless Pole Saw 20302 is about 8 feet long. This battery-powered saw is a tad shorter than some of its counterparts on our list. But, it is still just the right length for helping you prune and cut branches however you choose. If small limb cutting tasks are what you do, this is the perfect option.
The included lithium ion batteries enable you to take down as many as 65 different branches when you’re operating it. What’s more is that it provides an excellent balance for you while you’re using it and is very easy to handle. Finally, its automatic oiler helps to ensure that your machine is always in great shape.
What We Like
- Easy electric start
- Automatic oiling system
- Easy chain tension adjustment
- Up to 65 cuts per charge
- Easy to use battery-operated pole saw
- Easy and clean oil refill
- Lithium ion battery
What We Don’t Like
- 8-inch cutting bar may be short for some
- Battery and charger sold separately
5. Greenworks PRO 80V 10 inch Brushless PS80L210
The brushless motor on this Greenworks PS80L210 Pole Saw allows it to perform almost noiselessly. This interesting feature is perfect if you want less distraction and more focus for your yard work.
Additionally, it provides more torque, making the tool a lot more efficient while increasing its lifespan. Its 2Ah battery, along with its no cords pull feature allows you to make a lot of cuts longer and faster. Plus, its 8 feet length gives you a good maximum height during limb cutting.
It also maintains constant lubrication when you’re getting work done with its automatic oiler. While some might go for a manual oiler due to more control, a self-oiling system is safer.
What We Like
- Long reach
- Up to 80 cuts per charge
- Good build quality
- 10-inch cutting bar
- Comes with a shoulder strap
- You don't have to pull cords with this saw
- Less noise
What We Don’t Like
- A bit heavier than other models
- Some say they can't get a replacement chain without purchasing the kit
6. Sun Joe SWJ803E 10 inch 8.0 Amp Electric Multi-Angle Pole Chain Saw
The Sun Joe SWJ803E corded electric pole saw and chainsaw combo makes it particularly easy for you to get some work done on your branches without much hassle. It makes this possible with its 10-inch bar and chain, plus a multi-angle cutting head. Combined with your natural height, this 10-inch cutting bar gives you quite a bit of cutting strength for limb removal.
Besides this, the Sun Joe corded pole saw has an 8.0 amp motor. With this motor power, you should be able to cut 8 or more inches thick of branches with ease. For security, the saw has an excellent safety switch that helps to prevent accidental starts when you’re not cutting any branch.
And although the Sun Joe is one of the low cost pole saws on our list, it’s one of the best electric pole saws we’ve tested for this review.
What We Like
- Pole saw and chainsaw combo
- Corded electric motor has an 8.0amp power output
- 10-inch cutting bar
- High cutting strength
- Multi-angled head
- Safety switch
- Long reach that you can adjust from 5.8 to 8.8 feet
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Corded pole saws might not be for everyone
- Chain requires special installation
7. TrimmerPlus TPP720 8" Gas Pole Saw
The TrimmerPlus TPP720 gas pole saw has several interesting qualities. One of them is its compatibility with multiple attachments. This makes it easy to transform this heavy-duty gas tool into a multifunctional machine, helping you save space in the garage as well. The power head coupler accepts 1-inch diameter tubes and the model also has an automatic oiler that keeps the engine properly lubricated when you’re operating it.
Our team notes, however, that the out-of-box setting on the gas pole saw keeps the oil flow a little too lean. This could cause damage if you don’t take note and change it. Beyond that, this gas-powered saw offers a 2-year warranty for security. Overall, it’s one of the best gas pole saws we’ve tested.
What We Like
- Excellent build quality
- 2-year warranty
- Long reach
- Lightweight pole saw
- Compatible with different attachments
- Less engine noise
- Good cutting speed
What We Don’t Like
- Frequent gas refills since it's gas-powered
- Improper out-of-box setting
8. Remington RM1035P Ranger II 8-Amp Electric 2-in-1 Pole Saw and Chainsaw
The Remington RM1035P 2-in-1 pole/chainsaw doesn’t just function as a pole saw. Because of the detachable head, you can also operate it as a small chainsaw. Its versatility is very useful for limb cutting and pruning.
What makes the Remington 2-in-1 pole/chainsaw even better is that you do not need any special tools to detach the end of the pole when converting to a chain saw.
Even as a pole saw, this Remington tool has a 10-feet reach with a powerful 8-amp motor that provides a lot of branch cutting power. In addition, this is easy to use straight from the box with an excellent grip design. All in all, it’s among the best electric pole saw models straight out of the box.
What We Like
- Excellent grip
- Dual function as pole & chainsaw
- Toolless detachment of the chainsaw head
- Long reach
- Powerful motor and power output
- Low kickback
What We Don’t Like
- A bit heavy
- Some users say it leaks oil
Pole Saw Buyer's Guide
Finding the right pole saw for all your tree trimming and landscaping needs can be a difficult task. In this buying guide, we outline the different features you should look out for before buying the best pole saws.
Height/Reach
The entire reason anyone buys a pole saw in the first place is to reach and cut heights inches and feet above their natural abilities. Of course, you could simply climb the tree branches, use a ladder, or use the best ropes to pull trees.
However, these activities present an obvious problem – safety. You could fall off a branch, or you might not even be able to get the right cutting angle. Pole saws exist to help solve these problems since the poles provide a better maximum working height.
However, the entire purpose becomes defeated when the full length of the pole isn’t long enough. If the poles aren’t long enough, you’ll have to resort to crude methods of climbing a stool or standing on a ladder. This might give you extra height. But, it still takes you off the solid ground, reducing your maneuverability and safety.
So ensure that the length of the poles has enough overhead reach for the type of work you’ll do. Most people get pole saws to keep the tree at home in check. Assuming that you’re getting the tool for the same reason, consider the height of the tree and yours too.
When considering your height, do not go for power tools that will be the exact length of the tree when your arms are stretched to the max. If you do, it means you’ll have to stretch your hands up to get the saw to the limb you want to cut.
Consider the pole saw’s working height. This doesn’t refer to the actual length of the pole when it’s fully extended from tip to tip. Instead, it indicates the length of the pole plus an arm length. For example, if a pole saw has a 12-foot working height, that means the pole length would approximately be 9-10 feet long.
Generally speaking, our experts advise that you pick an electric pole saw that complements your natural height. The length of most pole saws range from 8 to 16 feet. But while there are some options with a fixed pole, most modern pole saws have an adjustable length, so just make sure you’re getting a good range when it comes to pole length and maximum working height.
Cutting Capacity
Many topnotch pole saws are cordless. You need to move away from power sources, and this prompts pole saw makers to use rechargeable batteries and gas instead of regular electricity.
However, the challenge is that the cutting capacity of the saw may get reduced if the battery power isn’t strong enough. So, ensure that your cutting capacity is excellent. You want something that can easily deliver up to 60 cuts a day, regardless of the inches being cut. If you’re looking for a little extra, you can go for a saw with about 100 cuts.
Bar Length
The cutting bar length plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of chainsaw pole pruners. A longer cutting bar allows you to tackle thicker branches, ensuring you can handle a wider range of tasks. It’s important to note that the cutting bar length is independent of the motor power.
You’ll need a cutting blade length with enough inches to cater to your needs. This will be very important if you’re working with hardwood trees [1] that can sometimes prove difficult to handle with a saw. Our experts advise that you get a pole saw with a cutting bar length of about eight inches to ten inches. That way, you’re sure that you can cut when you need to.
Weight and Ease of Use
Before you get an electric pole saw, the most important thing you should note is that it is a saw. This means vibration, kickback, and virtually everything that makes handling a saw to cut branches a challenge sometimes. Pole saws are basically chainsaws on a stick, and they require some operating skills.
If you’re not a stranger to outdoor power tools, you might be able to handle a saw just fine. But, as a professional, these problems become very complicated when the saw weighs too many pounds.
When the saw is too heavy, your arms and back will hurt when cutting a branch, even with a telescoping pole. This will affect your stability and performance and leave you doing a poor job.
Therefore, ensure that the weight is just right for you. You can look for saws that weight lighter. This will keep you on the safe side when cutting dry or wet wood.
Can you control the saw properly? Can you hold it in position for extended periods without getting too tired? Ask yourself all these questions to decide if you need a lighter saw or not. That said, always wear protective gear on your body such as hearing protection and a face shield. This will keep the wood chips and sawdust away.
Material and Durability
Many websites often sell subpar products. So, before you buy, check the saw properly. Check the material used to make it is made out of original materials.
This is very important because if the electric pole saw doesn’t have the right materials like fiberglass pole or steel cutting blade, it won’t function properly and can be dangerous. Chances are, the saw will get damaged before you can get the best value for your money.
Type of Pole Saw
Another important thing to consider is the type of pole saw you’re getting. In this regard, you have four major options: corded electric pole saws, cordless pole saws, gas pole saws, and manual pole saws.
Corded electric pole saw
Electric pole saws are those with electric motors. You’ll need to manually plug their power cords into an electrical outlet to saw branches. If you must buy a corded pole saw, ensure the tree whose branches you often work on is close to an outlet so you can plug in the power cord. Alternately, you should have a really long extension cord for an electricity-powered pole saw.
Of course, the advantages of corded power is that you don’t have to spend money on fuel or battery. Just plug in the power cord and the saw is good to go.
Cordless pole saws
In contrast to electric pole saws, cordless saws function with batteries instead of extension cords. You don’t need to worry about plugging in cordless saws, except when charging is required. When getting a battery-powered saw, ensure the battery life can sustain you while sawing branches. This is because a cordless battery-powered pole saw doesn’t have a constant supply from an electrical cord.
Gas-powered pole saws
A gas-powered pole saw has an engine that’s powered by gasoline and can take on heavy-duty tasks. If you buy gasoline-powered pole saws, ensure that you can cover the costs of refilling the fuel tank and that you’re prepared for more maintenance needs. You usually have to maintain the gas tank and other engine components.
On the up side, you can expect better efficiency, more power, and durability with this saw compared to a corded model or the cordless counterparts. Some of the best gas pole saw options can cut branches of up to 8 inches in diameter. If you’re aiming to cut branches larger than 12 inches in diameter, a standard chainsaw with a more powerful engine would be more appropriate.
However, gas-powered models produce more emissions while you cut branches — just something to keep in mind.
Manual Pole Saws
Manual pole saws don’t have an engine at all, so you have to work them manually by hand. They still work nicely for tree trimming if you’re only cutting off smaller branches. They’re light weight so they don’t need much strength, and the plus side of a manual pole saw is it will always work since you’re not relying on a battery or electric power for it to run.
That said, our experts advise that you simply go with a cordless model among all the types of pole saws. It is simply a lot less stressful than other pole saws for sawing branches.
Price
Consider the price as well. There’s a wide range of price points on the market, but you want to get the best value.
A lot of factors affect the price of a product. This could include how much the saws weigh, what kind of engine it has (for gas-powered pole saws), whether or not the saw can be detached, and even if the charger is included straight out of the box.
Additional Features
These days, power tool manufacturers are constantly coming up with a range of ways of putting themselves ahead of the competition. This equals heavy-duty pole saw models that have more useful features for us.
You could look for interchangeable attachments like a hedge trimmer, string trimmer, brush cutter, or trimming and pruning hedges. You can attach these paraphernalia to perform a range of tasks in your own backyard. Besides the hedge trimmer, other examples include an auto oiler, telescoping pole, saw blade cover, removable chainsaw head if you want to operate a handheld chainsaw, or an auto-tension mechanism.
If you have a cordless model and you’re working longer hours, consider having a spare battery, too.
With all these factors, you should still get a reasonable pole saw price and warranty.
How to Use a Pole Saw?
Using pole saws is fairly simple, especially if you already have experience with regular saws as a professional. First, you’ll want to put the new pole saw together. Instructions on how to do this are usually contained in the manuals. The manual will also teach you to safely use the telescoping feature. Once you’ve put it together and you’re sure you have your power source ready, you can simply start your saw.
The start action could be as simple as pushing a button or pulling on a cord. Regardless, once the engine is running, all you need is to stand, point, and begin cutting. Your pole saw should be in a slight angle position. Start with the lower branches first, and make an undercut halfway across the wood to reduce the tension.
Wear protective gear as well, since you want to protect your body from falling branches. A hard hat is the most basic personal protective equipment you should have when using a pole saw, but you should also consider eye protection and ear protection, too.
Other primary safety tips you should follow to avoid injury:
- Always keep an eye out for a falling branch. If necessary, you should be able to turn off your saw and move to safety on the ground. One branch can fall unpredictably, so be watchful.
- Clear the work area after each tree branch falls. Fallen branches are risky, so you must keep your position safe during pruning tasks.
- Be prepared for kickback when you use a pole saw. Losing control can be easy, especially if you hit larger branches. That said, make sure you know what branch diameter your pole saw can safely cut.
- Avoid using your pole saw in wet conditions, such as when it’s raining or when the ground has puddles. If you’re using an electric model, you can get electrocuted.
- If you want to cut small trees, we recommend using a combination tool with a detachable pole extension. A chainsaw has better maneuverability on the ground level, since the long pole section makes it harder to do turns on a horizontal plane.
FAQ
What is the best cordless pole saw?
The best cordless pole saw is one that can help you get the job done perfectly with or without telescoping. Its length should complement your natural height, and it should have a powerful-enough engine to help you cut effectively.
Is a pole saw worth it?
Yes, a pole saw is worth it. It helps you to prune branches of trees that you normally wouldn’t have been able to get to. Some even double as regular chainsaws, allowing you to cut more with fewer pounds of weight.
Our Top Pick for a Pole Saw:
CRAFTSMAN V20
After a series of tests, our experts pick the Craftsman V20 as the best pole saw among all the saws we have on this list. It has an exceptional reach of 14 feet max and 5.6 pounds of weight that offers comfort as you cut. In addition, you are ensured of precise cutting as it offers an angled saw blade. More importantly, the product comes with a 3-year warranty — something that most pole saws don’t offer. It definitely has the best features you could want.
For more reliable pole saws, you can check our list below:
- Dewalt DWE575SB Review (2023) — Is it Worth it? - September 24, 2023
- DeWalt DCS369B Review (2023) — Cutting Edge Precision and More - September 23, 2023
- Dewalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw Review — A Cut Above the Rest - September 22, 2023
