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5 Best Cordless Pole Saws – Top Picks & Reviews 2024
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
When it comes to trimming the higher branches of your trees, you have several options. Gas-powered and corded electric pole saws are viable, but you can’t beat the convenience of cordless. When the time came to retire our old gas pole saw, we were ready for an upgrade to a modern cordless system.
We were surprised to see just how many options there were, but we weren’t willing to settle for any old pole saw, we only wanted the best. So, we decided to purchase the most popular brands and test them to see which ones were left standing.
After all of our testing, we narrowed the field down to our three favorites. To help you get a better understanding of the competition, we’ll share seven reviews using the information we gathered during our testing.
With a G-MAX 40V Lithium-ion battery system, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw was our top pick out of all the pole saws we tested. Much of it had to do with its light weight of just 8 pounds, which made cutting branches far above our heads more manageable. Plus, it left us feeling less fatigued after all the work was done, unlike some of the heavier saws.
However, we weren’t thrilled with the chain tension adjustment system on the Greenworks pole saw. It requires a #1 Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, and we prefer the toolless systems on other pole saws. But the chain stayed tight and didn’t need adjusting often, so it was just a minor annoyance.
This saw is equipped with an automatic chain oiler, so you never have to worry about the chain running dry. It even has a clear oil tank, so you can easily tell how much oil is left. We felt that the saw was well-balanced overall and a pleasure to use, which is why we think it’s the best overall battery-operated pole saw.
Pros
3-piece 8′ aluminum shaft
Clear oil tank so you never run out
Weighs just 8 lbs
Well-balanced
Cons
Requires a screwdriver for chain tension adjustment
While many of the pole saws we tested topped out at 8 feet long, the WORX WG323 10-Inch Cordless Pole/Chain Saw goes the extra distance by extending to a full 10 feet. This gave us the extra reach needed to trim the taller branches that weren’t possible to get with the shorter 8-foot poles.
Once you down a large branch, the saw detaches from the pole to allow you to use it as a standalone chainsaw. This makes it much easier to chop up downed limbs. Unfortunately, the saw is a bit on the heavy side, which makes it more difficult to control when it’s on the pole at full extension.
The auto-oiling system prevents the chain from running dry as long as you keep an eye on your oil level. Compared to similar models, the WORX saw has excellent battery life, which allowed us to work for hours on a single charge. It was one of our favorites overall, but the extra weight made it less manageable than the Greenworks that managed to out-maneuver this one for the top position.
Pros
Pole extends to 10’
The saw can be detached for cutting on the ground
Auto-oiling mechanism
Good battery life
Cons
Heavy (10 lbs)
Difficult to cut when fully extended
3. BLACK+DECKER LPP120 Lithium-Ion Pole Saw – Best Value
If you’re looking for an affordable saw with enough reach for the tallest branches, look no further than the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw. It has a three-piece pole that extends to 10 feet when all three pieces are used. You can leave out the middle for a 6.5-foot length or break it into three pieces for easy storage.
One feature we’ve gotten used to on most modern pole saws and chainsaws is the automatic chain oiler that keeps the chain lubricated while you work. Unfortunately, that feature is missing from the BLACK+DECKER pole saw. Instead, you’ll need to manually oil the chain, which is easy to forget but not a difficult task. Some may even prefer it since it won’t waste as much chain oil.
We were also happy with the battery life of the 20V MAX tool. When cutting 1.5-inch thick pine, you’ll get about 100 cuts on a charge. For us, it worked out to over an hour of use. However, we weren’t just cutting little branches; we let the Black+Decker have a go at some rather stout branches that it handled admirably. Ultimately, we think it’s the best cordless pole saw for the money.
Pros
Gets up to 100 cuts per charge
Extends from 6.5’ to 10’
Breaks into three pieces for storage
Reasonably priced
Cons
Doesn’t have an automatic oiler
4. EGO POWER+ PSA1000 10” Pole Saw 56V Lithium-ion Powerhead System
The EGO POWER+ PSA1000 Pole Saw is an attachment that works with the EGO POWER+ Power Head PH1400. It won’t work with any other heads, but if you have the PH1400, it will work with several other attachments. Purchasing the powerhead and pole saw is a bit of an investment, but when put together, it’s a formidable tool that can tackle any job you throw at it.
The pole saw weighs just 4 pounds and will weigh just 8 pounds when attached to the compatible powerhead that also weighs 4 pounds. That makes it one of the lightest systems we’ve used, and it’s comfortable to use when you have hours of trimming to complete.
We like that the pole includes a high-quality Oregon bar and chain. It also has a convenient auto-lubing system, so you don’t have to worry about lubricating the chain. Plus, the water-resistant construction protects your investment while working, ensuring you can work in all conditions.
The camo print on the Earthwise 40-Volt 10-inch Convertible Cordless Chainsaw/Pole Saw grabbed our attention right off the bat. It looks incredible and makes the whole tool appear to be something special. If our reviews list were based on looks, this saw would surely top the list.
We liked several features on the Earthwise saw, such as the 10-inch Oregon bar and chain. Oregon bars and chains are known to be some of the best, so it’s great to see them included. It is also equipped with an auto-oiling chain with a window to check the oil level.
However, we weren’t thrilled with the overall feel of this machine. It’s a lot heavier than some of the other saws we tested. It’s also not very well balanced, which you can feel when reaching for higher branches. These issues combined to make this saw very difficult to use, which is why it’s ranked low on our list.
Pros
The chainsaw can be detached as a standalone tool
10” Oregon bar and chain
Auto-oiling with window to check the oil level
Cons
Heavier than other options
Unbalanced when fully extended
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Cordless Pole Saw
Although many different pole saws are available, they all perform the same basic function, allowing you to trim branches above your head. But if you get the wrong one, you might be in for more frustration than tree trimming. To ensure you don’t pick the wrong pole saw, consider the following when deciding.
Weight
This is the most important consideration. If you cannot hold the saw up for long, you will have to stop and rest many times to get the job done. That not only makes the job more time-consuming and frustrating but also more dangerous. If you cannot hold the saw properly, you have little hope of controlling it properly and more chance of dropping it.
Balance
Weight is only part of the equation when it comes to overhead maneuverability; the saw’s balance is also vital. If your saw isn’t well balanced, even if it’s light it, might be difficult to control. A well-balanced saw can get away with being heavier because it will still be easier to use. Plus, you’ll be able to reach higher with a well-balanced saw since you won’t be fighting it as much.
Power
There’s no point in buying a cheaper model if it will not get the job done properly. If you have thicker branches, you need a more powerful machine. A powerful saw will trim the branches faster, but generally, the higher-end models with powerful motors are heavier.
Battery
The battery life you need will depend on the scope of your landscaping duties. Think about how much trimming you will do in a stretch before choosing a saw. Remember that no matter how light the machine is, it is still hard to hold it aloft.
You would need to take more breaks while using a pole saw than you would when mowing the lawn, and it’s okay to settle for a slightly shorter battery life.
However, if you do, look for a model that recharges quickly. You will still build momentum when working and don’t want the charging time to hold you back.
Reach
Pole saws come in different lengths and have various ways of reaching their maximum length. Some pole saws have telescoping shafts that extend and lock into place. Others utilize a multi-piece design that allows you to remove or add pieces necessary to achieve the desired length.
The longer poles have a maximum length of 10 feet when fully extended. When added to your reach, it should allow you to trim branches 14–16 feet off the ground. Some poles only extend to 8 feet, which will give you a maximum reach of 12-14 feet instead.
Angle of Head
The models that we reviewed today mostly have heads fixed at an angle. This is more useful when cutting a tree branch vertically but is not quite as helpful when it comes to horizontal cuts.
Maintenance
The next factor to consider is the maintenance of the saw. You must keep the chain adequately oiled, but some models feature automatic lubrication. You have to keep an eye on the oil level in the reservoir, but it’s easier than oiling the chain every time you need to use the saw.
How Much Will You Use It?
If you do not have many tall trees, you can trim thinner branches with a hedge trimmer, old-fashioned garden shears, or a pruning saw. Those tools are much cheaper than buying a pole saw, but when you have several massive trees on your property, the pole saw is the safest and most effective tool.
Are There Other Tools in the Collection You Would Use?
Most cordless saws are part of a larger system of tools that all utilize the same batteries. So, it makes sense to try getting tools from the same family to share batteries. This is very useful if have several power tools of the same brand.
You can select any brand if you’re not already invested in a single system. Later on, you may want to add more tools to your collection. If you already have a pole saw with a battery and charger, you can add more tools from the same brand without purchasing another battery and charger.
Conclusion
It has been a long time since we’ve had to climb on a ladder to cut down a branch, and thanks to these powerful cordless pole saws, we shouldn’t have to again. After testing as many of the saws as possible, we’ve settled on two winners that topped our reviews list.
Our favorite overall was the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw. This well-balanced saw has a three-piece aluminum shaft with a total length of 8 feet. It weighs 8 pounds, making it easy to hold above your head to trim high branches. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw was our best value pick. It has a better reach than most models and a pole extending to 10 feet. However, if you need to cut something closer to the ground, the saw detaches from the pole as a standalone chainsaw.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
