Dewalt vs Ryobi Chainsaw: Which One Should You Buy?

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Side by side

Factor	DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V	Ryobi 40V HP	Ryobi 18V HP
Voltage	60V	40V	18V
Bar length	16 in. chain	12 in.	6 in.
Stated power	3 hp	Not stated	0.1 hp
Weight	16.6 lb	6 lb	3.7 lb
Warranty	Not stated	30-day limited	30-day limited
Oiler	Not stated	Adjustable automatic	Oil-free
Cut capacity	Not stated	10 in.	Not stated

Ranges are typical of the listings we reviewed; example figures are manufacturer rated, collected 20 October 2026.

Dewalt vs Ryobi Chainsaw: Power and Platform

The DeWalt side fields one saw: the FLEXVOLT 60V with a 16 inch chain and 3 hp stated. The Ryobi side fields two: the 40V HP with a 12 inch bar and the 18V HP 6 inch pruning saw. On stated power the DeWalt example leads clearly, but it is also the only example here with no stated warranty term, while both Ryobi examples state a 30-day limited warranty.

Bar length and what it cuts

Bar length is the main guide to the thickest wood the saw handles comfortably. The DeWalt example lists a 16 inch chain, the Ryobi 40V example lists a 12 inch bar with a 10 inch cut capacity, and the Ryobi 18V example lists a 6 inch chain for pruning and light limbing. For bucking firewood rounds, the 12 and 16 inch bars are the working sizes; the 6 inch saw is for branches, not rounds.

Weight and handling

The DeWalt example is listed at 16.6 pounds, the Ryobi 40V example at 6 pounds, and the Ryobi 18V example at 3.7 pounds. The 18V pruning saw is the one you carry all afternoon in the orchard; the 16 inch DeWalt is the one that stays near the woodpile. The Ryobi 40V example splits the difference with a top-handle design the listing says gives increased user control.

Oiling and chain care

The Ryobi 40V example lists an adjustable automatic oiler for consistent chain lubrication, plus side-access chain tensioning. The Ryobi 18V example is oil-free per its listing, with tool-less chain tensioning. The DeWalt listing states neither an oiler type nor a tensioning system, so that side of the comparison is unclear from the listing.

Three examples

RYOBI 40V HP 12 in.

The Ryobi 40V example is the all-rounder. The listing states a 40V HP brushless top-handle chainsaw with a 12 inch bar and 10 inch cut capacity, at a listed 6 pounds, with an adjustable automatic oiler, side-access chain tensioning, on-board tool storage and a heavy-duty deluxe carrying case. A 4.0 battery and charger are listed as included, and the listing states a 30-day limited warranty. The maker claims 4X faster cutting with its 40V HP technology, which we report as the maker’s claim.

Who it is for: general firewood cutting where a 12 inch bar covers the work. Who should skip it: anyone needing the 16 inch bar or the stated 3 hp of the DeWalt example.

RYOBI 18V HP 6 in.

The Ryobi 18V example is the pruning specialist. The listing states an 18V brushless compact chainsaw with a 6 inch chain, 0.1 hp and a 4.9 mps chain speed, at a listed 3.7 pounds, with tool-less chain tensioning and an oil-free design. An 18V ONE+ battery and charger are listed as included, and the listing states a 30-day limited warranty. The maker claims 40% faster cutting when paired with an HP battery, which we report as the maker’s claim.

Who it is for: pruning, light limbing and orchard work where light weight matters. Who should skip it: firewood rounds; the 6 inch bar is not a bucking saw.

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V

The DeWalt example is the powerhouse. The listing states a 60V FLEXVOLT chainsaw with a 2Ah battery, a 16 inch chain and 3 hp, at a listed 16.6 pounds, model DCCS670T1. The bullets repeat the title without adding detail, and no warranty term, oiler type or chain brake is stated anywhere in the listing. What is stated is the most voltage, the longest bar and the most stated horsepower of the three examples.

Who it is for: the biggest cordless cutting job here, where bar length and stated power matter most. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or a lighter saw; both Ryobi examples state 30-day limited warranties and weigh far less.

How we scored them

Each saw is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. None of the three listings states a chain brake or other safety certification, so every saw scores zero on safety. Both Ryobi listings state a 30-day limited warranty while the DeWalt listing states no warranty term, which moves the Ryobi examples ahead on the warranty criterion.

Around the Woodpile

• Bar oil: the Ryobi 40V example lists an adjustable automatic oiler; check the oil level before each cutting session.
• Chain tension: the Ryobi examples list tool-less and side-access tensioning; check tension before the first cut of the day.
• Storage: the Ryobi 40V example lists a deluxe carrying case; store all three with the bar covered and batteries removed.
• Right saw, right wood: the 6 inch Ryobi example is listed for pruning and light limbing, not for bucking rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, DeWalt or Ryobi chainsaw?

It depends on the job. The DeWalt example here states the most power: 60V, a 16 inch bar and 3 hp. The Ryobi examples offer two sizes, 40V with a 12 inch bar and 18V with a 6 inch bar, and both state a 30-day limited warranty where the DeWalt listing states none.

Can a battery chainsaw cut firewood?

The listings support it within the bar length. The DeWalt example lists a 16 inch chain and the Ryobi 40V example lists a 12 inch bar with a 10 inch cut capacity, both workable for firewood rounds. The 6 inch Ryobi example is listed for pruning, not bucking.

Do these saws come with batteries?

The DeWalt listing names a 2Ah battery in the title. Both Ryobi listings state a battery and charger are included: an 18V ONE+ battery with the pruning saw and a 4.0 battery with the 40V saw.

What safety gear do I need with a chainsaw?

Chaps, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, gloves and boots, and never cut alone. Keep a firm stance, watch for kickback, and keep the chain sharp; see our best chainsaw hearing protection and best chainsaw chain for green wood.

Related guides

Also see our best chainsaw helmet for beginners and hand crank vs electric chainsaw sharpener. Cutting overhead? See the best pole saw for fruit trees.