7 Best 12-inch Chainsaw [Review 2024]: Your Best Choices

Are you looking for the epitome of power, price, and woodcutting precision in a neat, little package?

Well, then, what you want is a 12-inch chainsaw! These mighty tools embody the perfect balance between portability and performance, making them an ideal choice for both professional lumberjacks and DIY enthusiasts alike.

But wait – isn’t a 12-inch chainsaw a bit underpowered for serious logging tasks? Well, to some extent, the answer would be yes. But then again, if you’re going for a 12-inch chainsaw, I bet cutting down big trees isn’t really a part of your agenda. What you are looking for is portability and user comfort.

A 12-inch chainsaw is great at light pruning, property maintenance, and cleaning up minor rubble after a storm. You are not supposed to take a chainsaw of this size to cut down thick oakwood in the forest, anyways. Finesse and accessibility are the two main pros of a 12-inch chainsaw.

With that said, allow me to introduce you to the harmonious blend of strength, versatility, and convenience that you would only get with the best 12-inch chainsaws. Let’s get started.

Quick Comparison [7 Best 12-Inch Chainsaws]

Top 7 Best 12-Inch Chainsaw Reviews

Looking for the top 12-inch chainsaws in the market is like looking for a needle in a haystack. There is a nearly endless list of options out there. And while each of them can seem better than the last ones, I promise you there are many mistakes you can make.

And I’ll get to how you can make the right choice. But for now, I want to start by giving you a couple of recommendations for what I believe are the best 12-inch chainsaws that are right now all the buzz in the community.

DeWalt is often considered the king when it comes to cordless power tools. Whether you are looking for a chainsaw, a power drill, or even a hedge trimmer, you can be sure that DeWalt has something that’s right for you. And for 12-inch chainsaws, the Max XR cordless chainsaw is the perfect pickup.

I know that’s a pretty bold statement to make, but once you try it out, I’m sure you’ll share my sentiment. This chainsaw is light, offers amazing battery run time, and can tackle most small to moderate cutting jobs you throw at it. The one that I got around six years back is still running strong after all the abuse I put it through.

This chainsaw is equipped with a low-kickback, 12-inch Oregon bar and chain that offers impressive cutting strength without being too heavy for you to handle. And a brushless motor in the chainsaw ensures consistent power and extended runtime. So, you’ll be able to tackle all sorts of projects without any worries.

The chainsaw operates on a 20V battery which manages to put out a decent bit of cutting strength for a cordless chainsaw. Battery-powered saws often get a bad rep for their lower power output compared to gasoline chainsaws. And while it’s true to some extent, the power output of the DeWalt 20V Max XR shouldn’t be underestimated in any way.

With a market price of around 230 bucks, I wouldn’t say that the chainsaw is too expensive. But the fact that it doesn’t come with a battery and a charger means you need to spend a few extra bucks before you can start using it. And I’ll admit, that’s one of the things that I don’t like about this option.

But look at the bright side – you have the option to pick the battery capacity that you want. And DeWalt offers a couple of options here. You can choose from 2 Ah batteries if you have a tight budget, and if you would rather have a longer uptime, you can go with a 12 Ah battery which can be pretty expensive.

As a reference, a 5 Ah battery will let you use the chainsaw for about 90 cuts. Frankly, that’s a pretty decent uptime, and I can’t think of a project where you’ll need to use the chainsaw for longer than that. And the DeWalt charger also has a quick-charge feature allowing you to charge the battery to full within 30 minutes.

The chainsaw is pretty lightweight, and its overall design is quite ergonomic. It has thick paddings around the handles and also comes with a standard chain guard at the top. Including the cutting equipment, this chainsaw weighs only around 9 pounds which should be manageable even for a beginner.

Other handy features in the chainsaw include a side-mounted chain tensioner and an automatic oiler system to lubricate the chain whenever needed. You also have an electric start mechanism to fire up the chainsaw at a moment’s notice. And to prevent kickback injuries, the chainsaw has a chain brake mechanism.

Looking at all the features of this chainsaw, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the best mini chainsaws out there. Its exceptional blend of power, reliability, and brushless efficiency makes it an amazing choice whether you use it for pruning, woodworking, or any other DIY projects.

There are many brands out there that have made a name for themselves in the cordless power tools industry. And whenever a brand goes big, it’s natural to see a big hike in their pricing too. With Black and Decker, though, that is not the case. And that’s one of the reasons why many people admire the brand.

You see, they have a huge catalog, and while a lot of their tools are expensive, you can still find a pretty nice tool for yourself if you are on a budget. The 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw by the brand is a perfect example of their dedication to bringing quality tools at an affordable price.

The low-kickback Oregon bar and chain in the Black & Decker LCS1240 promises a reliable cutting performance regardless of whether you are using it to clean up shrubbery, trim bushes, or cut down branches. The chain rotates at a speed of up to 5.4 meters per second, slicing through any material with perfect precision.

This chainsaw runs on a 40V battery, and when equipped with the right batteries, it delivers an exceptional cutting performance. Since it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to deal with a tangled mess of power cords running from the wall socket. Mobility comes as a given with the chainsaw.

The chainsaw weighs a bit over 10 pounds which is slightly more than the DeWalt 20V Max XR that I reviewed just now. But carrying it around shouldn’t be too difficult for anyone. The extra weight of the chainsaw is partly attributed to the heavier batteries that it requires, and frankly, it’s not a complete dealbreaker.

The bigger issue that I found with the chainsaw is that it only lasted for around 60 cuts when I was cutting through 4×4 wooden boards. Of course, there’s a quick workaround, just use a secondary battery and alternate between them. But there’s no denying the fact that the battery lifespan in the chainsaw is pretty low.

Another issue is that the charger included in your purchase isn’t that fast. It takes around two hours for the charger to charge the included lithium-ion battery to full. So, if you plan on working on things that require you to make a lot of cuts, I would strongly recommend buying a spare battery as backup.

Apart from the battery and charger issues, though, I was pretty happy with the performance of the chainsaw. It comes with a couple of nifty additions, such as a tool-free chain tensioner, a wrap-around handle design, and a chain brake mechanism for kickback protection.

Buying a new Black & Decker LCS1240 will set you back around 200 bucks, which really isn’t much when you consider the quality of the chainsaw. And you will also be getting a free battery and charger included with your purchase. So you can get started on your work right away.

The overall design and performance of the chainsaw make it a solid investment for anyone. It’s the perfect cordless chainsaw for cutting firewood, general property maintenance, and gardening. And if you take care of your chainsaw, you can make it last for years to come.

I’ll be honest – I have been eyeing the Greenworks 40V compact chainsaw for a while now. So when my old Sun Joe chainsaw finally gave way after years of abuse, I jumped at the chance to try it out. And after I fired up the motor for the first time, I immediately knew that this chainsaw was worth the wait.

You see, Greenworks is an amazing brand and is often considered the go-to choice when you’re on a tight budget. And just because they make affordable chainsaws doesn’t mean the power is any less. On the contrary, I had very few gripes with the chainsaw, and none of them were a major dealbreaker. Don’t worry – I’ll get to that.

The first thing that you’ll notice with the chainsaw is the quality of the guide bar. It’s 12 inches, as you may have already guessed from the name. But there’s a premium feel to the bar with its premium black finish and the glossy Greenworks logo at the side.

And once you get over the looks and proceed to give it a test run, you’ll find the 9 meters per second of chain speed pretty satisfying. Whether you are cutting through wooden boards, thick branches, or cutting firewood, you should have no trouble getting the job done.

The chainsaw uses 40V lithium-ion batteries. You get a 2.0 Ah battery included with your purchase, and while the battery capacity might seem low, you can switch to a higher capacity if you spend a few extra bucks. And the battery also has an indicator to show the remaining charge and uptime.

The charger is not too quick, but it’s still pretty impressive with its 75 minutes of charging time. Using a bigger battery can increase the charging time slightly. But you’ll also be able to make more cuts with a bigger battery. So, there’s a trade-off here.

The most impressive part of the chainsaw is its’ build quality. It feels premium, and honestly, it can take a lot of beating. For people like me who are reckless with their chainsaws, it’s a good thing. And despite its amazing construction, the chainsaw weighs a measly 10.6 pounds.

I know it’s heavier than the other options on this list, but it’s also cheaper. While both the DeWalt and Black & Decker would run you 200 bucks or more, you can pick up this chainsaw for around 40 – 50 bucks less easily. And frankly, it can easily go toe to toe with those chainsaws in terms of performance.

The chainsaw has an ergonomic design, but the top-mounted handle doesn’t have any padding. That shouldn’t be a problem if you are wearing safety gloves when you are handling this chainsaw as you should, but using it bare-handed feels a bit uncomfortable.

You’ll also get an automatic oiler in the chainsaw and a tool-less chain tensioning system. And the electric start button in the chainsaw eliminates any hassle during the starting procedure. Its overall design is pretty beginner-friendly, but it can also deliver enough punch to keep chainsaw veterans happy and satisfied.

4.   CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless Chainsaw

Craftsman is a name that’s near and dear to DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers. They are responsible for many top-tier yet affordable home improvement tools that are available today. And their V20 cordless chainsaw is a prime candidate for your next investment if you are in the market for a new pruning chainsaw.

Let me start with a bold investment – when I tried out the V20 by Craftsman, I couldn’t help but think of the DeWalt 20V Max XR. The performance, the power, and even the shape of the chainsaw felt similar. And I don’t mean that in a bad way at all.

The combination of its 12-inch stainless steel bar and razor-sharp chain allows you to cut through slicks of wood with little to no trouble. It has an impressive chain speed, and while I can’t give you an exact value, I can say that I had no trouble ripping through 4 x 4 wooden boards with the chainsaw.

The 20V motor in the Craftsman V20 is not to be underestimated either. While it’s not brushless like the DeWalt 20V, it’s still pretty capable of holding a specific speed to deliver consistent cutting performance. And the battery efficiency, while not quite on the same level as DeWalt’s, is still pretty good.

With your purchase, you’ll also be getting a high-capacity 4 Ah battery that lets you utilize the chainsaw to its fullest potential. This chainsaw holds its charge for up to 60 cuts without complaints, and when the battery runs out, you can charge it using the included charger.

The biggest selling point of the chainsaw, though, is not its affordable price or impressive battery lifespan but rather its variable speed trigger. With the trigger conveniently located near the handle, you’ll easily be able to adjust the chain speed to accommodate different cutting needs.

Another nice touch in the chainsaw is a small bubble level installed on the handle. This allows you to level the bar and helps you get cleaner cuts at the proper angles with minimal hassle. The chainsaw also has an automatic oiler and tool-free chain-tensioning system.

If you aren’t sold already on the chainsaw, here’s something that will impress you – the chainsaw weighs under 10 pounds. So portability is not a concern; whether you are a beginner or an expert with chainsaws, you’ll have no trouble handling and moving around with it.

The only gripe I had with the chainsaw is that the chain that it came with wore out too soon. Of course, the chain is easily replaceable and doesn’t cost much, but the fact that I had to replace it so soon after buying it didn’t feel right. But then again, perhaps I got unlucky, and your experience might be different with it.

For the price, I really couldn’t complain, though. The chainsaw works perfectly, and while it’s a bit underpowered compared to the 40V models that I talked about, it’s definitely a capable companion for all your home maintenance and improvement chores.

If 12 inches chainsaw is what you want, you already have plenty of good options to go with. But the truth is, for home maintenance, and lightweight woodcutting, something like a 10-inch chainsaw might be better. At the very least, it will be much easier to handle for a new user.

And when you’re going with something like the Worx WG322, you are not sacrificing much in terms of cutting power anyways. And on top of that, you’ll get all the added benefits of going with a smaller cutting bar and a cordless design. It’s a win-win, no matter how you look at it.

The 10-inch bar and chain in the Worx WG322 are exceptionally well-made. It’s freakishly strong, and as weird as it might sound, it proved to be much better at cutting wooden boards than the more powerful Black & Decker 40V chainsaw that I reviewed earlier.

Despite using a 20V battery, this chainsaw can go head-to-head with many of the higher-tier chainsaws without breaking a sweat. And since it has a smaller bar, guiding it through logs or branches is easier. Of course, the cutting depth is shorter, but that’s part of the deal.

It also comes with many bells and whistles, such as an automatic oiler and automatic chain tensioner mechanism. As for its safety features, you get the standard chain brake system to protect you against any chain kickback accidents. And the low-kickback chain isn’t that prone to accidents, either.

The chainsaw is pretty lightweight. With only 6.4 pounds of total weight, moving around your property, cleaning up shrubbery, and cutting down branches shouldn’t be exhausting at all for the operator. And the ergonomic shape of the saw also contributes to minimizing operator fatigue.

This would be the perfect chainsaw in all senses, if not for one flaw – its batteries. The batteries that you get with your purchase aren’t really suitable for long-cutting projects at all. After about 20 cuts, you need to recharge the battery, and the included charger isn’t that quick to charge, either.

But that’s to be expected, considering the size of the battery and the level of performance it offers. And if the battery issues start becoming a major annoyance and get in the way of your work, you can always consider swapping it out for a better one that’s compatible with your chainsaw.

This chainsaw can also be converted to a pole saw with the right attachment. So, if you want to take your property maintenance chores to the next level, consider investing a bit more in that attachment. The tool, including the battery and charger, runs you only around 150 bucks, which is more than fair if I say so myself.

Of course, not everyone will appreciate the power that this tiny chainsaw offers and that’s understandable. However, if you’re a homeowner who wants a small, compact machine that delivers amazing cutting performance for most of your daily or weekly chores, you really can’t do much better than this one.

For my next pick, I decided to go with another 10-inch chainsaw. Now before you judge me for it, let me say this – the Makita XCU06Z might be the best small chainsaw in this list, even when you take all the 12-inch models that I talked about earlier.

If you’re the type of person who keeps up with the top chainsaw brands in the market, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Makita. They pride themselves in manufacturing premium power tools, most of the cordless kind, for professionals and casuals alike.

As I said, this chainsaw comes with a 10-inch guide bar which, compared to the 12-inch bar length, might seem subpar at best. But performance-wise, at least to my eyes, there’s little difference. It can cut through thick logs with little to no hassle. In addition to gardening, this chainsaw can also tackle some lightweight logging.

And the exceptional cutting performance that it delivers is mostly thanks to the brushless motor that it comes with. This chainsaw utilizes only an 18V battery, but because of the brushless design, it offers impressive torque and consistent cutting strength. Its battery efficiency is also top-notch.

However, you need to pay a pretty steep price for this chainsaw. Even with this smaller guide bar, this chainsaw costs around 250 bucks, which is pretty much the same as what you would have to pay for the DeWalt chainsaw. And on top of that, you also need to buy the charger and battery separately.

But if you’re okay with spending the moolah, you’ll find little else worth complaining about with the chainsaw. It has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, after all. A unique feature that I love about the chainsaw is its Torque Boost mode which essentially lets you drive the motor harder to get some extra cutting strength.

Features like an automatic oiler and tool-free chain tensioner are, of course, also present in this chainsaw. And it also has bumper spikes to help pull in and improve your control over the cutting bar. As a safety measure, the chainsaw has a lock-off lever installed that you can engage to prevent accidental startup.

The variable speed trigger in the chainsaw allows you to go from zero all the way up to 4720 FPM of chain speed. As you can imagine, with this much chain speed shredding through wood is like cutting through butter with a hot knife. So, woodworkers will have no issues with the performance of this chainsaw.

And despite all that power, the chainsaw weighs merely 7.2 pounds, even with the battery installed. So, if you plan on operating the chainsaw for a long time or moving around from one spot to another with it, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty carrying it around.

I know – this chainsaw isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And if you’re on a tight budget, I’m pretty sure you’ll go with another option. But for those that want the best lightweight chainsaw that can deliver cutting strength on par with gas-powered chainsaws, it’s a fantastic option to consider.

An electric chainsaw, even with a small 12-inch bar, isn’t exactly cheap. Now I tried to stick with models that even a budget buyer shouldn’t have much trouble picking up. But then again, even the cheapest option that I talked about will run you over 150 bucks.

So let me fix that. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, but you need a chainsaw for some lightweight maintenance work around the house or your property, then the Sun Joe SWJ5698E is a decent option to go with. This is one of the few cheap electric chainsaws that truly made a mark in my mind.

Now, I won’t lie – this is far from the best chainsaw out there, and if you expect it to perform like a racecar – you are in for a disappointing first impression. But if you manage your expectations and give it a chance to show you its consistency and versatility, then you’ll be pretty happy with what it offers.

This chainsaw is not cordless, for one thing. And that means it’s not as portable as the rest of the options on this list. But there’s an upside to having no mobility. As long as it’s connected to a wall socket, you won’t have to worry about the battery running out.

And frankly, that’s about the extent of its downsides. The chainsaw has a 9-amp motor which for a corded electric chainsaw is pretty decent. You won’t be cutting any tree stumps with it, but for cutting wooden boards or even some thinner logs, it does the job just fine.

As for additional features – there are two worth mentioning. The first is that this chainsaw comes with an automatic chain oiler system to keep your chain lubricated at all times. And secondly, you’ll get a built-in safety lock system that prevents accidental startups.

The chainsaw is pretty lightweight, weighing only around 7 pounds. And while it means little for those who want to work outside with the chainsaw, in a workshop environment, the lightweight construction reduces operator fatigue and allows you to work for long hours without any issues.

I won’t beat around the bushes here. The main reason why the chainsaw is so light is because the chassis is made of plastic. It’s pretty strong, though, so as long as you are careful with how you use it, it shouldn’t break any time soon. But it’s still something worth noting if you’re planning to use it regularly.

Now this chainsaw costs only around 60 bucks which, for the cutting performance that it delivers, is laughable, to say the least. There are certain limitations, I know, but if you think those are manageable, it can make a nice addition to your workshop.

Since the extension power cord is only around a foot long, I don’t think you’ll be using it much outside. And even if you do, you need to use a long extension cable to supply the power to it from a wall socket. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a pretty valid solution, just not as ideal as I would want it to be.

Best 12-inch Chainsaw – Buying Guide

Remember when I said I’d help you find the perfect chainsaw? Well, now that you know the chainsaws that I favor, it’s time to talk about how I think when I am going for a chainsaw of this size.

And once you know the things you should focus on when choosing the best 12-inch chainsaw, you’ll be ready to pick out the perfect chainsaw for yourself.

• Weight and Portability

The first thing I like to focus on when buying a smaller chainsaw is its weight. You see, I believe the main reason you would need a small 12-inch chainsaw is portability. 12-inch chainsaws rarely have the same punch as an 18 or 20-inch chainsaw, and the main reason why people go for it is cordless freedom.

So while sacrificing a bit of power is okay, if you also need to compromise on its portability, I don’t think that’s a wise idea. That’s why going with a chainsaw that’s lighter will often net you a better shopping experience overall.

In my opinion, if you are going with a 12-inch chainsaw, you should make sure that it weighs under 10 pounds. If the chainsaw weighs around 12 or 13 pounds, you won’t have an easy time moving around with it.

• Included Batteries and Efficiency

When you’re shopping for a 12-inch chainsaw, it’s a safe bet that you’re after a cordless model. Yes, corded chainsaws are also a valid option, and for a workshop environment, you really don’t need all that mobility that comes with a battery-powered chainsaw.

But if you’re going with a cordless model, you need to think about the batteries.

• How long will the battery last?
• What’s the battery capacity?
• IS the included charger fast?
• Do you get an additional battery with your purchase?

These are all valid questions, and you should take some time to consider them. If your chainsaw doesn’t come with a free battery and charger, that means you need to spend extra money on these components. And if a battery doesn’t last very long, you need to stop in the middle of your work to recharge it.

• Brushed Vs. Brushless

I’m sure you’ve noticed how I favored brushless motors in a chainsaw over the regular brushed motor design. Well, the reason is that brushless motors are generally better and more efficient than a brushed design.

Brushed motors contain carbon brushes and a commutator, and when voltage is applied to the motor, the electromagnetic field created in the brushes power the motor, and the armature starts to rotate. This allows the chainsaw chain to start its rotation.

Brushless motors, on the other hand, use magnets and stationary windings, and an electronic circuit dictates the timing and sequence of the starter windings. This design is much more elegant and requires less maintenance than brushed motors. In addition, it also makes the motor more efficient since there’s no energy loss.

• Price

12-inch chainsaws come in different price ranges, and while it’s not essential that you go with a top-tier chainsaw by a top-rated brand, it’s still important to have a realistic budget for yourself.

If you have a budget under 100 dollars, you won’t be able to find a good cordless unit. For a decent gas model, the proper chainsaw budget is around 500 dollars. But for an electric cordless chainsaw, your budget should be around 200 – 300 bucks or more.

However, if you push your budget above 150 bucks, you should be able to pick up a nice 12-inch chainsaw for yourself without too much trouble. My list should already give you a couple of nice options to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a couple of questions that I often get asked when talking about 12-inch chainsaws.

Some Parting Wisdom

There are many amazing options out there when you’re looking for a 12-inch chainsaw. Some chainsaws prioritize power over portability, some saws focus more on durability, and some are just downright affordable. And it’s on you to decide which features are important for you.

The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a pretty safe choice. It has a decent battery runtime, features a brushless motor, is easy to use, and has a pretty portable format. Of course, you’ll need to buy a separate battery and charger for it, but as long as the budget is not an issue, you can’t go wrong with this choice.

For a similar level of performance at a more modest budget, the Craftsman V20 is not that bad either. It resembles the DeWalt in more ways than one, and since you’ll also get a free battery and charger with your investment, it offers a better value.

And if money’s tight and you don’t care much for portability, the Sun Joe SWJ698E will get the job done. It’s not as flashy as the Makita or Black & Decker chainsaw, but it’s a decent model that will serve you well as long as you treat it with care and respect.

So, go ahead and pick the chainsaw that suits you best, and get ready to experience the harmony of strength and convenience that these mighty tools have to offer. Happy cutting!