Best 12 Inch Battery Chainsaw (2026)

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 21 October 2026. Weights are as listed and may or may not include the battery. Two of these listings state a warranty term.

How we scored them

Each saw is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. Chain brakes and stated warranties earn their points; contradictions between a title and its spec table cost.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

Best 12 inch battery chainsaw: buying guide

Battery and runtime

Three saws here ship two 4.0Ah batteries: the Seesii, the TEEANEES and the PBUO. The Seesii claims over 50 minutes of working time and up to 120 cuts through 4×4 inch wood; the PBUO claims up to 180 minutes. The CRAFTSMAN ships one 5.0Ah battery and claims up to 105 cuts per charge. Treat runtime claims as maker figures for light wood, and note that only the Seesii and TEEANEES put a battery level display on the tool. Voltage tells you the platform, not the power: the Greenworks runs 24V, the CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX, and the TEEANEES and PBUO 21V. If you already own batteries on one of these lines, that decides the saw more than any spec line; buying into a second battery platform for one tool is the expensive way to cut wood.

Chain speed: read both figures

Two listings state two different chain speeds, so read carefully. The Seesii bullets say 12 m/s (39 ft/s) while its table says 34.8 ft/s; the TEEANEES bullets say 14 m/s while its table says 19.69 ft/s. The CRAFTSMAN states 6.7 m/s and the PBUO 46 ft/s no-load with no contradiction. Where a listing disagrees with itself, the title and bullets win. The Greenworks states no chain speed at all, which is a gap rather than a zero: judge it on battery and features instead.

Weight: check what it includes

Listed weights are not directly comparable. The Seesii states 7.8 lb with one battery installed, the CRAFTSMAN 8.5 lb tool only, and the Greenworks 3.7 kg with no note on what that covers. The PBUO states 3.5 lb in the bullets against 3.3 lb in its table. Compare like with like, and remember the battery is part of the working weight. If the saw lives on a shelf and comes down for storm cleanup, weight matters less than if it rides in the truck every weekend.

Chain brake

Only the Seesii states a chain brake, paired with a safety lock; the TEEANEES states a safety lock alone. The CRAFTSMAN, Greenworks and PBUO listings state neither. A brake stops the chain quickly, and it is the safety feature this scoring rewards. See gas vs battery chainsaw for the wider trade-offs.

What the box includes

Compare the boxes, not just the saws. The Seesii ships gloves, goggles, a spare chain, a bar cover, chain oil and a screwdriver; the TEEANEES and PBUO ship four chains each with canvas bags, gloves and goggles; the CRAFTSMAN ships a 1.25A charger, a bar sheath and a wrench; the Greenworks table says tool only. A spare chain and bar oil on day one beat a second trip to the store.

Around the Woodpile

• The Seesii kit includes gloves, goggles, a spare chain, a bar cover, chain oil and a screwdriver: keep them with the saw, not scattered across the shop.
• The Seesii auto oiler holds 150 ml; check the level before each session since a dry bar wears fast.
• Charge on the bench, not in the rain: the Seesii box includes a UK plug charger, so confirm the plug suits your outlets before buying.
• The PBUO pole extends to 3.3 ft for high branches; collapse it for bucking at ground level.
• Tension the chain the way each listing says: tool-free on the Greenworks, the included screwdriver on the Seesii, bolt-lock on the CRAFTSMAN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12-inch battery chainsaw enough for firewood?

For limbs, pruning and small rounds, yes. The listings here aim at firewood, pruning and storm cleanup, with the CRAFTSMAN stating up to 105 cuts per charge and the Seesii up to 120 cuts through 4×4 inch wood. For big trunks, a longer bar earns its place.

How long does a battery chainsaw run?

The Seesii states over 50 minutes of working time on its two 4.0Ah batteries; the PBUO states up to 180 minutes on its two 4.0Ah batteries. Runtime depends on the wood and the cut, so treat these as maker figures for light work.

Do I need a chain brake?

The Seesii is the only listing here that states one, paired with a safety lock. A brake stops the chain quickly, and it is the safety feature this scoring rewards. Whatever saw you run, wear chaps, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, gloves and boots, and never cut alone.

What does the auto oiler do?

It lubricates the bar and chain while you cut. The Seesii, Greenworks and TEEANEES list one; the Seesii oiler holds 150 ml and its kit includes a bottle of chain oil. You still check the level: the oiler only works if it has oil in it.

Can I cut overhead branches with these?

The PBUO converts to a pole saw reaching 3.3 ft, which is the one built for high branches without a ladder. For the other four, keep the work at a comfortable height and let the pole saw do the reaching.

Related guides

See the best battery chainsaws for homeowners, gas vs battery chainsaw and brushless vs brushed chainsaw. Keep the chain cutting with the best chainsaw sharpener and a 12 inch chainsaw chain on the shelf.