Our top picks for the best rear handle chainsaws in 2026 are the EGO Power+ CS2005 20 in (Best Overall), EGO Power+ CS1810 18″ Chainsaw (Runner Up), Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18 in (Best Performance), Greenworks 80V 18 in Chainsaw (Best Value), Makita XCU04PT1 16″ Chain Saw Kit (Best Battery Life), ECHO eFORCE DCS-5000-18BT 18in (Best Lightweight), and Husqvarna 542i XP 16 in (Best Premium).
Every pick is battery-powered and brushless. They separate on cutting power, bar length, battery platform, and how much weight you hold at arm’s length through a long session of limbing and bucking.
The usual hesitation with a cordless rear handle saw is whether it can keep up with gas on thick wood and whether one charge covers a real cleanup job. Both depend on the saw’s power rating, the battery size, and the type of wood you cut most often.
Check which battery platform is already in your garage before you pick. Several of these saws are sold as bare tools, so an existing EGO, ECHO, Husqvarna, or Makita pack can lower the cost of getting started and gives you a spare from day one.
What Are Rear Handle Chainsaws?
A rear handle chainsaw puts the trigger grip behind the motor body with a wraparound front handle, so you run it with both hands from a stable stance on the ground.
That layout keeps your body behind and slightly to the side of the bar, with the front hand controlling direction and the rear hand on the throttle. The wide spread between your hands gives leverage against kickback and makes the saw steady through felling, bucking logs into rounds, and limbing a tree once it’s on the ground. Rear handle models are one of the main configurations to weigh when comparing the best chainsaws for ground-level and general-purpose cutting. Most homeowner and farm saws use this design because it suits the work most people do: storm cleanup, firewood, and clearing brush or small trees. The alternative configurations are built for climbing or for reaching overhead.
What Should You Look for in a Rear Handle Chainsaw?
The right saw comes down to matching cutting power and bar length to the wood you cut and choosing a battery platform you’ll actually use. A mismatch shows up as stalled cuts, a pack that dies halfway through a job, or sore arms by midmorning.
The general steps in how to choose a chainsaw apply here too. A battery rear handle saw adds its own considerations, because voltage, amp-hours, and where the battery sits all change how the saw cuts and how it feels in your hands.
Power Source and Performance
Brushless motors and the gas-equivalent rating tell you more about cutting power than voltage alone. Voltage numbers vary by brand (40V, 56V, 80V, or two 18V packs combined), and motor design and gearing decide how much of that electrical power reaches the chain.
That’s why makers rate saws against gas engine displacement in cc. A saw rated like a 50cc or 55cc gas engine can handle hardwood rounds and thick limbs. A lower rating suits pruning and smaller logs, where the chain slows under load less often. Brushless motors convert more battery energy into torque and produce less heat, so you get more cutting per charge and steadier speed in a deep cut. If you’re still deciding between cordless and gas, the best battery chainsaws show how far these ratings have caught up.
Bar Length and Chain Speed
Bar length sets how thick a log you can cut without having to work around it. As a general rule, pick a bar a few inches longer than the thickest wood you cut regularly, so the nose stays clear of the kerf and you aren’t cutting from both sides.
Longer is not automatically better. A long bar adds weight at the front and is harder to control in tight brush or on small limbs. Chain speed affects how quickly the cutters clear wood. A faster chain passes more cutters through the kerf each second, which gives quicker, cleaner cuts, provided the motor has the torque to hold that speed under load. Chain pitch and drive link count matter mostly when you buy a replacement chain, because both have to match your bar.
Battery Platform and Runtime
Amp-hours work like the size of a fuel tank. A larger pack at the same voltage stores more energy, so you get more cuts before you have to swap or recharge, at the cost of extra weight on the saw.
Published cuts-per-charge figures are useful, but compare them carefully. They depend on the lumber size used in the test, so a figure measured on 4×4 posts isn’t directly comparable to one measured on 6×6 beams. Platform compatibility matters as much as capacity. When your chainsaw shares batteries with your mower, trimmer, or blower, every pack you own works as a spare, and a bare-tool saw becomes an easy add-on. Switching brands means starting over with batteries and chargers.
Weight and Handling
Total weight decides how tired your arms get during a long session, and balance decides how well you can control the saw when cutting at an angle or across a limb.
On a battery saw, the pack sits near the rear handle, so a heavy battery shifts weight backward. That counterbalances a long bar but adds load to your rear hand. Limbing is where this shows most. You make dozens of short cuts while holding the saw away from your body, and a lighter, well-balanced saw stays accurate longer. For bucking rounds on a sawbuck, weight matters less because the wood supports much of the work, and bar length and power become the bigger factors.
The 7 Best Rear Handle Chainsaws of 2026
The EGO Power+ CS2005 20 in, EGO Power+ CS1810 18″ Chainsaw, Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18 in, Greenworks 80V 18 in Chainsaw, Makita XCU04PT1 16″ Chain Saw Kit, ECHO eFORCE DCS-5000-18BT 18in, and Husqvarna 542i XP 16 in cover everything from routine yard pruning to storm cleanup and firewood.
The biggest real difference is whether a saw comes as a complete kit or as a bare tool. The Husqvarna 350i, Greenworks, EGO CS2005, and Makita ship with batteries and chargers. The EGO CS1810, ECHO, and Husqvarna 542i XP assume you already own packs on their platforms. After that, bar length and weight split the field: the 20-inch EGO is built for bigger trunks, and the lighter 18-inch saws suit long days of limbing.
#1 EGO Power+ CS2005 20 in — Best Overall
Pick this one when the job includes big limbs, stumps, and whole trees. Its brushless motor drives a 20-inch full chisel chain at up to 82 ft/s, with power EGO rates against a 55cc gas saw, and the 6.0Ah battery and charger come in the box.
Key Specs:
- Bar and chain: 20 in, full chisel, 3/8 in pitch, 0.050 in gauge, 69 drive links
- Power: brushless motor, 55cc gas equivalent
- Chain speed: up to 82 ft/s (25 m/s)
- Battery: 56V 6.0Ah ARC Lithium, charger included
- Runtime: up to 135 cuts on a 6×6 per charge
- Extras: digital display, LED work light, IPX4 weather resistance
Detailed Review:
The 20-inch bar gives you the reach to buck thick trunks straight through instead of working around the log from both sides. The full chisel chain has square-cornered cutters that bite hard into hardwood. That speeds up firewood cutting, but those cutters lose their edge quickly if you touch dirt near a stump.
Next to the EGO CS1810, this saw trades compactness for reach and speed. Its chain runs at up to 82 ft/s against the CS1810’s 72 ft/s, and the bar is noticeably longer. The trade-off is more bar to steer through tight brush and a longer chain to sharpen.
The included 56V 6.0Ah battery is rated for up to 135 cuts on 6×6 lumber, a test closer to bucking rounds than to snipping branches. It works with every EGO 56V ARC Lithium pack, so batteries from other EGO yard tools double as spares.
The onboard display handles speed modes, charge status, and the brake indicator in one place. The LED work light helps when a storm leaves limbs down at dusk, and the IPX4 rating means light rain won’t stop the job.
Pros:
- Long bar cuts through thick trunks without repositioning.
- Chain speed up to 82 ft/s keeps hardwood cuts quick.
- Battery and charger come included.
- Display shows charge, speed mode, and brake status together.
Cons:
- Full chisel chain dulls fast when it touches dirt.
- Long bar feels clumsy on small pruning jobs.
Who It’s For:
Homeowners clearing storm-downed trees or cutting a winter’s worth of firewood will get the most from this saw, especially if they already run EGO 56V tools. Anyone who mostly trims small limbs near the house will find it more saw than the job calls for.
Editor’s Verdict:
Choose this saw when bar length and chain speed matter more than compact handling. It covers heavy cleanup without a gas can.
#2 EGO Power+ CS1810 18″ Chainsaw — Runner Up
Most yard cleanup fits comfortably within what this 18-inch EGO can do. Its 2500W brushless motor delivers power EGO compares to a 50cc gas saw and runs the low-profile chain at up to 72 ft/s, with a tool-free dial for chain tension.
Key Specs:
- Bar and chain: 18 in, 3/8 in low profile, 62 drive links
- Motor: 2500W brushless, 50cc gas equivalent
- Chain speed: up to 72 ft/s (22 m/s)
- Weight: 10.14 lb
- Runtime: up to 330 cuts on a 4×4 with a 56V 6.0Ah battery (sold separately)
- Warranty: 5-year limited tool warranty
Detailed Review:
The low-profile chain sets this saw apart from the CS2005. Its smaller cutters take a shallower bite, so cuts feel smoother and the saw is less grabby when you start a cut on a limb. Against the CS2005’s full chisel chain and 82 ft/s, you give up some speed in thick hardwood. In return you get an 18-inch saw that’s easier to steer through brush.
Tensioning is a twist of a dial, with no wrench, which matters because a new chain stretches during its first few tanks of bar oil and needs frequent adjustment. Large metal bucking spikes let you pivot the saw against a log, so the wood carries some of the load on bigger cuts.
Runtime is rated at up to 330 cuts on 4×4 lumber with a 6.0Ah pack, which fits fence-post-sized limbs and pruning. The battery is sold separately and works with any EGO 56V ARC Lithium pack.
The digital display, adjustable LED work light, and IPX4 construction carry over from the larger EGO. Together they handle dim evenings and damp weather. A 5-year limited tool warranty backs the saw itself.
Pros:
- Low-profile chain cuts smoothly and starts cuts cleanly.
- Tool-free dial makes chain tension quick to adjust.
- Metal bucking spikes give leverage on bigger logs.
- Five-year limited tool warranty covers the saw.
Cons:
- Battery and charger cost extra if you’re new to EGO.
- Slower chain than the CS2005 in thick hardwood.
Who It’s For:
If you already own an EGO 56V mower or blower, this saw adds serious cutting ability using batteries you’ve already paid for. It suits general yard cleanup and moderate firewood. Readers starting from scratch on batteries may prefer a kit that includes a pack.
Editor’s Verdict:
Expect a smooth, manageable 18-inch saw that handles most homeowner cutting and shares batteries across the EGO lineup.
#3 Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18 in — Best Performance
Homeowners who want strong cutting without a gas saw’s weight should look here first. Boost Mode adds 25 percent more power at the push of a button, and the whole 18-inch saw weighs 7.72 pounds with the battery and charger included in the kit.
Key Specs:
- Bar: 18 in
- Weight: 7.72 lb
- Motor: brushless
- Boost Mode: 25 percent more power on demand
- Chain: X-Cut chain with tool-less tensioning
- Kit: battery and charger included
Detailed Review:
Boost Mode is the feature that matters in practice. You run the saw at normal power for most cuts, then press the button when the bar sinks into a thick, knotty round and the chain starts to slow. That extra 25 percent comes on only when you need it, so you aren’t drawing maximum power from the battery through easy cuts. Husqvarna rates its overall cutting power ahead of comparable gas saws.
The X-Cut chain is built to hold its edge longer, which means fewer stops to sharpen during a day of cleanup. Tool-less tensioning lets you take up slack in seconds when the chain loosens as it warms.
At 7.72 pounds with an 18-inch bar, this saw puts less strain on your arms than the 10.14-pound EGO CS1810 with the same bar length. You’ll feel the difference after an hour of limbing, when every cut is made with the saw held out from your body.
The brushless motor runs quietly, which helps when you cut near neighbors early in the day. Since the battery and charger ship in the same box, the saw is ready to work out of the package.
Pros:
- Boost Mode adds 25 percent power for tough cuts.
- Light for an 18-inch saw, easing arm fatigue.
- X-Cut chain holds sharpness between sharpenings.
- Battery and charger included in the kit.
Cons:
- Boost Mode drains the battery faster when used often.
- Lighter build feels less planted on very large rounds.
Who It’s For:
Property owners who cut a mix of firewood, storm debris, and limbs and want one saw that stays light without giving up power will like this one. People committed to another battery brand may prefer a saw that fits the packs they already own.
Editor’s Verdict:
Buy it for the combination of on-demand power and a light, easy-to-carry build that holds up over a full day of cutting.
#4 Greenworks 80V 18 in Chainsaw — Best Value
A tighter budget doesn’t mean giving up an 18-inch bar or real cutting power with this saw. Greenworks rates its brushless motor like a 50cc gas engine, and the kit includes an 80V 4.0Ah battery and charger.
Key Specs:
- Bar: 18 in
- Motor: brushless, 50cc gas equivalent
- Battery: 80V 4.0Ah, charger included
- Weight: 9.5 lb
- Safety: mechanical chain brake
- Maintenance: automatic oiler, side-access tensioning
Detailed Review:
This kit delivers 50cc-class cutting from a single affordable package, with battery and charger included. That makes it a practical starting point for a homeowner without any battery tools. The brushless motor supplies the torque that keeps the chain moving through limbs and medium logs instead of bogging down halfway through the cut.
The mechanical chain brake gives you a physical stop through the front hand guard, the safety feature you want most on a saw you might not use every week. The automatic oiler feeds bar oil while you cut, so the chain stays lubricated without you having to remember to pump it.
Side-access tensioning puts the adjustment on the side of the saw, which makes it easier to snug the chain before each session. At 9.5 pounds with an 18-inch bar, it’s comfortable to carry around a typical suburban yard.
The 4.0Ah pack is a mid-size battery. It’s enough for storm cleanup and pruning, but a long firewood session will run it down sooner than a larger pack would. A second 80V battery solves that, and it works across Greenworks’ 80V tool line.
Pros:
- Full kit with battery and charger at a budget-friendly price.
- 50cc-equivalent brushless motor handles medium logs.
- Mechanical chain brake adds a reliable safety stop.
- Automatic oiler keeps the bar lubricated during cuts.
Cons:
- The 4.0Ah pack runs down sooner on big bucking jobs.
- 80V batteries fit only Greenworks 80V tools.
Who It’s For:
Budget-minded homeowners who need a saw for yard projects and storm cleanup a few times a year, without first buying into a battery system, will find a lot here. It’s also an easy fit for anyone already using Greenworks 80V mowers or trimmers.
Editor’s Verdict:
Count on this kit for dependable 18-inch cutting and essential safety features, with everything needed to start in one box.
#5 Makita XCU04PT1 16″ Chain Saw Kit — Best Battery Life
Makita 18V LXT owners get the most out of this saw. The kit ships with four 5.0Ah batteries, so one pair can run the 16-inch saw while the other pair charges, and the brushless motor delivers power Makita compares to a 32cc gas saw.
Key Specs:
- Bar: 16 in
- Power: 36V (two 18V LXT batteries), brushless outer rotor direct drive, 32cc gas equivalent
- Chain speed: 0–3,940 FPM with variable speed trigger
- Batteries: four 18V LXT 5.0Ah
- Chain adjustment: tool-less
Detailed Review:
The four-battery kit is what keeps this saw working. With two packs in the saw and two on the charger, you can keep a rotation going through a long pruning or cleanup session instead of waiting for a single battery to recharge. All four packs also run any Makita 18V LXT tool, so the kit stocks your whole garage.
The trade-off is power. At a 32cc gas equivalent, it sits below the Greenworks 80V and its 50cc rating. The Greenworks cuts through thicker logs more easily, while the Makita handles limbs, small trees, and moderate rounds. You gain runtime and battery sharing, and you give up some capability on big trunks.
The variable speed trigger lets you start a cut slowly so the chain doesn’t skate across bark, then reach the full 3,940 FPM once the cutters bite. The direct-drive outer rotor motor sends power straight to the chain. That system, plus the absence of fuel and pull starts, keeps upkeep low and noise down.
Tool-less chain adjustment rounds things out for quick tension checks between battery swaps.
Pros:
- Four 5.0Ah batteries allow nonstop rotation while charging.
- Runs on Makita’s 18V LXT packs.
- Variable speed trigger gives controlled cut starts.
- Low noise and no fuel mixing.
Cons:
- 32cc-class power struggles with large hardwood trunks.
- Each cut session uses two batteries at once.
Who It’s For:
Anyone already invested in Makita’s LXT line, or planning to build around it, gets a saw plus a stack of batteries for the rest of the toolbox. It fits pruning and steady cleanup work. People who regularly fell or buck large trees need more power than this saw offers.
Editor’s Verdict:
Pick this kit when uninterrupted work time and battery sharing matter more to you than raw power on large wood.
#6 ECHO eFORCE DCS-5000-18BT 18in — Best Lightweight
Long limbing sessions and pruning along a fence line are where this saw earns its place. At 6 pounds it still carries an 18-inch bar, and the rubber overmolded rear handle adds comfort to your throttle hand.
Key Specs:
- Bar: 18 in
- Weight: 6 lb
- Platform: 56V eFORCE, brushless
- Handle: rubber overmolded rear handle
- Extras: flip-lever oil cap, metal bumper spikes, integrated tool holder
- Kit: tool only, battery and charger not included
Detailed Review:
Six pounds with an 18-inch bar is a combination that changes how limbing feels. Most of that work happens with the saw held out at waist or chest height, and a lighter saw holds steady longer before your forearms start to burn. The rubber overmolded rear handle absorbs some vibration and gives your throttle hand a softer grip through a long session.
Against the Husqvarna 350i, which also runs an 18-inch bar, the ECHO is lighter by more than a pound and a half. The 350i ships with its battery and charger, while the ECHO is a bare tool. The ECHO makes the most sense if you already have 56V eFORCE packs; otherwise the Husqvarna is the simpler start.
The details help with routine upkeep. The flip-lever oil cap opens without tools or a twisted wrist, so topping up bar oil between batteries takes seconds. The integrated tool holder keeps the adjustment tool on the saw for chain tension changes in the field.
Metal bumper spikes let you pivot into a log for leverage, which takes the strain off your arms on the thicker cuts an 18-inch bar can handle.
Pros:
- Light 6-pound build reduces fatigue during limbing.
- Rubber overmolded handle adds grip comfort.
- Flip-lever oil cap makes refills quick.
- Onboard tool holder keeps chain adjustments simple.
Cons:
- Battery and charger must be bought separately.
- Light build puts more of the work on your technique.
Who It’s For:
Readers who limb, prune, and tidy up fallen branches more often than they buck big rounds will appreciate how little this saw weighs. It’s a natural add-on for ECHO 56V eFORCE owners. Anyone without those batteries will need to buy into the platform before they can start.
Editor’s Verdict:
Reach for this saw when comfort over a long day of limbing matters more than having a battery in the box.
#7 Husqvarna 542i XP 16 in — Best Premium
Experienced cutters who run a saw often will appreciate the pro-grade details on this 16-inch Husqvarna. Its centrifugal clutch gives the chain extra energy at the start of every cut and helps keep it from getting stuck in the wood.
Key Specs:
- Bar: 16 in
- Platform: 40V, tool only
- Weight: 9.02 lb
- Drive: centrifugal clutch, electronically controlled drive system
- Controls: keypad with savE mode and charge status
- Maintenance: chain oil indicator light
Detailed Review:
The centrifugal clutch is the feature that makes this saw feel closer to a professional gas saw. The chain engages with a burst of energy as each cut begins, which helps it bite cleanly. The clutch also lets the chain slip instead of jamming when the wood pinches the bar. That’s a real advantage when you’re cutting tensioned storm debris and the kerf closes unexpectedly.
The keypad keeps starting, stopping, and mode changes under your thumb. savE mode lets you choose between maximum runtime and maximum power, so you can stretch a battery through light pruning and switch to full power for bucking. Charge status sits on the same panel, so you can check the battery without setting the saw down.
The chain oil indicator lights up when the reservoir needs refilling. A dry bar wears chains and bars quickly, so this light protects the most expensive wear parts on the saw. The electronically controlled drive system and fewer moving parts keep maintenance low.
This is a premium tool, priced to match, and sold without a battery. It makes the most sense for Husqvarna 40V owners who cut regularly.
Pros:
- Centrifugal clutch helps prevent chain binding in pinched cuts.
- savE mode switches between max runtime and max power.
- Chain oil indicator warns before the bar runs dry.
- Keypad puts controls and charge status within reach.
Cons:
- Battery and charger are sold separately.
- Premium price for a 16-inch bar.
Who It’s For:
Experienced users who cut regularly, such as property managers or landowners keeping up with downed limbs all year, will make full use of the clutch and power modes. It fits best for those already on Husqvarna’s 40V platform. Occasional cutters won’t need its pro-level refinements.
Editor’s Verdict:
Treat it as a working tool for frequent cutting; its clutch and power modes reward people who use a saw every week.
How Do Rear Handle Chainsaws Compare to Top Handle Models?
Rear handle saws win for two-handed ground work like felling, bucking, and limbing, while top handle saws put the grip above the motor for compact tree work by trained climbers.
The difference comes from handle position. A rear handle saw spreads your hands far apart, which gives you leverage against kickback and a stable stance for long cuts through thick wood. That makes it the safer, more capable choice for nearly every homeowner task.
A top handle saw is short and compact, so an arborist can maneuver it while tied into a tree, often with one hand briefly free for balance. That compactness costs leverage and stability, and its design assumes training in climbing and one-handed control. If your work happens in the canopy, the best top handle chainsaws are built for that setting. For storm cleanup, firewood, and clearing on the ground, the rear handle layout is the right choice.
A battery chainsaw never needs a fuel mix, but the pack still reacts to where it sits between jobs, and the bar oil runs out whether you notice it or not. A fully charged battery left in a hot garage through the summer loses capacity you can’t get back, and a bar that runs dry ruins a chain long before its edge would have worn out.
What Maintenance Do Battery Chainsaws Need?
Battery saws skip carburetor cleaning, fuel stabilizer, and spark plugs. The upkeep that remains splits between keeping the lithium-ion pack healthy and keeping the chain sharp, tight, and oiled. Both affect how long the saw lasts, so they belong in your routine from the first use.
Battery Storage and Charging
Lithium-ion packs last longest when stored partly charged, around half full, in a cool, dry place that stays above freezing. Leaving a battery fully charged in a hot shed or a freezing truck bed is the quickest way to lose capacity permanently.
Heat is the bigger risk. A pack stored in summer heat ages faster even when you’re not using it. Let a battery cool after heavy cutting before you put it on the charger, since charging a hot pack adds more stress. For off-season storage, bring the batteries indoors, set them to a partial charge, and check them every couple of months. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance on whether to leave packs on the charger, because charger designs vary.
Chain and Bar Maintenance
A sharp, properly tensioned, well-oiled chain cuts faster and safer, and it draws less power from the battery. Sharpen when the saw produces fine dust instead of chips or starts pulling to one side, and hit dirt or a rock means sharpening right away.
Check tension before each session and again once the chain warms up. A correctly tensioned chain snugs against the bar but still pulls around by hand, and the drive links stay seated in the groove. A loose chain can jump the bar, and a tight one wears the sprocket and drains the battery faster.
Check the bar oil reservoir every time you swap batteries. Use real bar oil, not motor oil, because its tackiness keeps it on the chain at speed. Filing by hand works, but chainsaw sharpeners make it easier to keep every cutter at the same angle.
Common Questions About Rear Handle Chainsaws
Is a rear handle chainsaw a good choice for beginners?
Yes, it’s the configuration most beginners should start with. The two-handed grip and wide hand spacing give you more control and leverage against kickback than a top handle saw. Pair it with a chain brake, chaps, eye and ear protection, and gloves, and start with smaller cuts while you learn.
Can a battery rear handle chainsaw cut firewood?
Yes, as long as the saw has enough power and bar length for your wood. Models rated like a 50cc or 55cc gas saw handle hardwood rounds well, and a spare battery keeps a long session going. The best chainsaws for cutting firewood favor longer bars and stronger motors for that work.
What bar length should I choose?
Choose a bar a few inches longer than the thickest wood you cut regularly. That lets you finish most cuts cleanly with room to spare at the nose. A longer bar adds weight and is harder to control on small limbs, so don’t size up beyond the work you actually do.
How long does a battery chainsaw run on one charge?
It depends on the battery’s amp-hours, the saw’s motor, and the wood size. Hardwood and thick logs drain a pack faster than pruning softwood limbs. For long jobs, a second battery is the simplest fix, and sharing packs with your other yard tools makes that spare easy to justify.
Do battery chainsaws need bar oil?
Yes. The chain still needs lubrication to reduce friction and heat against the bar, just like on a gas saw. Most models have an automatic oiler that feeds oil while you cut. Check the reservoir at every battery swap, and use proper bar and chain oil rather than motor oil.
Is a rear handle chainsaw safe for overhead cutting?
Rear handle saws are designed for cutting at or below chest height, where you can hold a stable two-handed stance. Cutting above your shoulders reduces control and raises kickback risk. For high branches, use a pole saw from the ground or hire a professional instead of reaching overhead with a chainsaw.
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