Home
Reviews
Tools
Pruning
The best mini chainsaws in 2026 – as tested by our expert reviewers

❚ All products chosen independently by our writers. We may receive commission via affiliate links. See affiliates FAQs.

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine mini chainsaws review

The best mini chainsaws in 2026 – as tested by our expert reviewers

Kay Maguire

Published: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 4:21 pm

Looking for the best mini chainsaw for your next garden tidy up? Ditch your old loppers and take a look at our review

Save

Mini chainsaws are simple tools that take the hard work out of cutting wood. They're ideal for gardeners with limited mobility or strength, or those who have a lot of pruning or wood chopping to do. Designed to bridge the gap between manual loppers and full-size chainsaws, they can do everything a saw does - prune trees, shape woody shrubs, or cut up firewood, but with less effort.

Lightweight and portable, mini chainsaws can get into tight spaces where other saws would struggle, and thanks to their lithium-ion batteries, you don’t need to deal with noisy, fiddly engines either. These small handheld saws aren’t designed for heavy-duty tree work, though. They’re designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, rather than heavy and powerful.

They can't take the place of a full-size chainsaw, but if you want to keep your garden looking tidy, they're very handy pieces of kit, especially when combined with the best garden shredder. Plus, some of these mini chainsaws can also be combined with long reach extension poles to help you prune high, hard-to-reach branches.

To find out which model would suit you best, take a look at our reviews of the top mini chainsaws available to buy right now, all tested by our experts, aling with our advice on how to choose and use a mini chainsaw, below.

Best mini chainsaws to buy at a glance

Best mini chainsaw: Stihl GTA 26
Best mini chainsaw for versatility: Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A
Best budget mini chainsaw: Webb Eco WEV20PSB2

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Squirrel. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Squirrel may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Squirrel and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Comparison table: best mini chainsaws

ModelRatingRRPRun TimeCharge TimeBar LengthWeightWarrantyStihl GTA 264.9/5£114 (bare tool)25 mins55 mins10cm2.89kg2 yearsHusqvarna Aspire P5-P4A4.8/5£179.99 (kit)30 mins60 mins12cm1.3kg2 yearsWebb Eco WEV20PSB24.6/5£89.99 (kit)40 mins80 mins15cm2.13kg3 years

Our expertise We tested a range of different mini chainsaws, using them to prune trees and cut firewood to help you find the best one for your next garden project. Each chainsaw features a list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to ease of use, comfort, performance, and value for money. From 2026, you’ll only see newly awarded Best Buy badges on mini chainsaws that score 4.5 out of 5 or higher. Anything rated 3.5 or above will still feature in our ‘Best of the rest’ list.

Jump to:

Best mini chainsaws
Best of the rest mini chainsaws
How to choose a mini chainsaw
How to use a mini chainsaw

Best mini chainsaws in 2026

Stihl GTA 26 cordless garden pruner

RRP: £119 (for tool only)

Our rating: 4.9/5

Available from Amazon

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Best Buy mini chainsaw: Stihl GTA 26 cordless garden pruner

Pros

Lightweight, comfortable to use, and well-balanced
Comes in a handy carry case
Battery charge level indicator on the handle
Eco-friendly chain oil included

Cons

Smaller bar length than the competition
The white plastic body is easily marked
Only 25 mins runtime

The durable and reliable GTA 26 is a fantastic mini chainsaw that offers cordless convenience and enough power to cut through medium-sized branches and logs. It boasts a 10cm bar, a comfortable rubberised grip, tool-free chain tensioning, a battery charge level indicator on the side, and a razor-sharp Swiss-made micro chain. Powered by the tiny 10.8 Volt, 2.5 Ah AS 2 battery, which is compatible with a range of Stihl AS tools, including a strimmer, powered pruners and a hedge trimmer, it’s a surprisingly capable saw for such a small unit. There’s also the option of buying an extension pole for hard-to-reach pruning. The only drawback is a short 25-minute runtime. We awarded the Stihl GTA 26 a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best mini chainsaw. It comes with a two-year warranty.

Buy the Stihl GTA 26 from Amazon

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A pruner

RRP: £149.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Husqvarna

Best Buy versatile mini chainsaw: Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A Pruner

Pros

Shares batteries with other 18V tools
Handy 12cm bar length
Holster and extension pole accessories available
Battery charge visible
Eco-friendly chain oil included

Cons

Bulky hand guard can get in the way
No carry case included
30-minute run time

The Aspire P5-P4A has a very comfortable handle and a power button that also shows the charge left in the battery. Making use of the brilliantly versatile 18 Volt Power for All Alliance battery platform, you can use the same battery in a range of different tool brands, including Bosch, Gardena and Flymo. This also means you can install higher-capacity batteries than the 2.5Ah one included, to increase your working time. Although it doesn’t come with a carry case, Husqvarna has included a handy hanging hook that you can easily screw into your shed wall to keep it off the floor. You can extend the reach with a pole extension accessory as well. The P5-P4A has been awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a versatile mini chainsaw. It comes with a two-year warranty and a container of bio chain oil.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire P5-P4A Pruner from Husqvarna

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Webb Eco WEV20PSB2 cordless pruning saw trimmer

RRP: £89.99 (kit)

Our rating: 4.6/5

Available from Currys

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Best Buy budget mini chainsaw: Webb Eco WEV20PSB2 Cordless Pruning Saw

Pros

Generous 15cm bar length
Up to 40 mins runtime
Affordable pruning chainsaw
Extension pole available

Cons

Slow charging time at around 80 mins
Brushed motor isn’t as efficient
No carry case or chain oil included

The WEV20PSB2 cordless pruning saw is a welcome addition to the new Webb cordless range. An affordable and capable saw for pruning tree limbs or processing firewood, it features a generous 15 cm-long bar and an in-built chain break to avoid dangerous overrun. The 20 Volt tool comes with a 2.0Ah battery and a slimline charger that promises up to 40 minutes of cutting per charge. What we like best is that you get a very capable saw for less than £100, so we’ve awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a budget mini chainsaw. The only thing you need to buy straight away is your own chain oil to keep the blade in good condition. It comes with a three-year warranty.

Buy the WEV20PSB2 cordless pruning saw from B&Q, Currys and Robert Dyas

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Best of the rest

Although some models didn't quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:

Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7 cordless chainsaw

RRP: £131.99 (without battery and charger)

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Amazon

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7

Pros

Long 15cm bar made by Oregon
Powerful brushless motor
Chain stops when the trigger is released
Battery charge indicator on the saw
Shares batteries with other 18V tools, including Flymo, Gardena and Husqvarna
Eco-friendly chain oil included

Cons

No extension pole accessory available
Chain tensioning is a bit fiddly

Weighing just 1.3kg, the Bosch EasyChain is light enough, and its brushless motor stops when you let go of the trigger, avoiding any dangerous overrun. Featuring a generous 15cm bar and chain made by famed chainsaw brand Oregon, it makes short work of branches and big firewood logs. The battery charge level indicator is a nice feature, as is the impressive run time, which promises 160 cuts per charge. The only issue we had was that the tool-free tensioning system worked itself loose too easily. It comes with a two-year warranty and a bottle of eco-friendly chain oil.

Buy the Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7 from Amazon, B&Q and Currys

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

WORX 12cm cordless compact chainsaw WG324E

RRP: £119.99

Our rating: 3.8/5

Available from B&Q

WORX WG324E Cordless Pruning Saw

Pros

Plenty of torque
40-minute run time
Affordable pruning chainsaw
Long reach handle available

Cons

Chunky handle isn’t too comfortable
Large hand guard can get in the way
Chain oil bottle supplied, but without oil

A great addition if you already have other WORX tools, this runs on their 20 Volt battery system. It’s compact and lightweight, while still feeling powerful enough to chew through branches quickly. It’s supplied with a 2.0Ah battery, good for a 40-minute run time, that features a charge level indicator. The 12cm bar length is fine for small to medium-sized branches, but the chunky handle stops it from being the most comfortable saw to handle. This product comes with a two-year warranty.

Buy WORX WG324E Cordless Pruning Saw from Amazon, B&Q and Wilko

Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw Pruner

RRP: £139.99

Our rating: 3.7/5

Available from Tooled Up

Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw Pruner

Pros

Smart carry case and chain oil included
Comfortable pistol grip
Tool-free tensioning
Long 50-minute run time

Cons

Short bar at just 10cm
Brushed motor lacks a bit of power
No extension pole available

This mini chainsaw pruner is ideal for pruning smaller branches and runs on a 24 Volt battery system, which should, in theory at least, get more working time from each charge. It comes with a 2.0Ah battery, which has a charge level indicator on the end, but you can also buy bigger capacity ones from Greenworks. It’s comfortable to use, thanks to an ergonomic pistol grip and a good weight balance. The bar feels a little bit undersized on this saw, however. You only get 10 cm to play with, even though it has a chunky body and a full-size battery. The tool-free chain tensioning system works well, once you get the hang of it, and it comes complete with a case and bottle of chain oil. It features a 50-minute run time and a three-year warranty.

Buy Greenworks 24V Mini Chainsaw Pruner from Amazon, Robert Dyas and Tooled Up

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

If you're pruning smaller branches, take a look at our reviews of the best secateurs, best electric secateurs and the best loppers and for help clearing up, see our test of the best wheelbarrows.

How to choose a mini chainsaw

If you’re thinking of buying a mini chainsaw, consider the following points first:

Are they safe? Used properly, and with the right safety equipment, yes. Improper use, even with the extra safety features on the best mini chainsaws, can lead to devastating injuries. Some saws, like the Bosch EasyChain and Webb Eco, feature brushless motors that stop the chain immediately after releasing the trigger, which is effectively a chain brake that you would find on professional-level chainsaws. Other safety features include ergonomic non-slip handles for a firm grip, pivoting bar guards that cover the top of the blade and away from the hands, and handle guards to keep your hands safe

Are they easy to use? Operating an electric pruning chainsaw is as simple as pushing a button, and compared to a traditional petrol-powered chainsaw, you don’t need to learn the ins and outs of a two-stroke engine or mix fuel and oil together. However, learning proper cutting techniques is important to get the most out of your saw, so it's worth looking for a chainsaw training and maintenance guide for help. Learning how to use your saw and resharpen the blade will pay you back in the long run. Keeping the chain sharp will help you cut through wood easily and also puts less stress on the motor and battery. You can buy inexpensive manual chain sharpening kits that use round files and guides to sharpen each tooth on the chain, or splash out on an electric chain grinder to save some effort. Getting the tension right on your chainsaw blade is also important. You should check the tension before using a saw and after making several cuts. A loose chain is prone to jumping off the bar, which is both annoying and dangerous. A properly tensioned blade will cut efficiently and safely. Check the manual for your chainsaw for the correct tension, but it should fit snugly without any sagging

How long can they cut for? It’s not always straightforward, but essentially, the larger your battery, the longer you can cut for. If you value a lightweight and easy-to-handle tool, you’ll have to put up with shorter working times, although you could always invest in more batteries to ensure one is ready to work while the other is on charge. The length of the blade (given as bar length) will also affect battery power. The bigger the bar, the larger the branches you can tackle, but it can be unwieldy to use and will use up more battery power than a shorter bar

How to use a mini chainsaw

Without trying to put anyone off, chainsaws of any size need to be treated with respect.

Here are some tips on how to use a mini chainsaw safely:

Before you even think about pruning, you need to get the right personal protective equipment:
- Protective goggles stop chippings from getting into your eyes, but a full helmet and face guard will offer the ultimate protection
- Ear defenders are also a must. Even though electric chainsaws are much quieter compared with their petrol-powered counterparts, they can still run at around 90dB, which is enough to cause hearing damage
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and make sure that all long hair is tied back. Sturdy shoes or boots will help you keep a solid footing. Finally, make sure to use a sharp chain and to oil it regularly
Make sure your work area is clear of any trip hazards before you start
Although you can use a mini chainsaw one-handed, it’s much safer to use both hands. Holding down the safety switch, you can start the saw with the trigger
Position the chain on the branch you want to cut and apply firm and even pressure until you have cut all the way through. Take care when cutting above your head, and try to anticipate where the cut branch will fall
Practice on small diameter branches to get a feel for the saw before trying to tackle the big stuff. If you feel you’re overreaching to get at branches, consider buying a long-reach handle that will allow you to stand at a safe distance
When cutting firewood, use a sawhorse to keep the logs secure and your hands free to hold the chainsaw

How we tested mini chainsaws

The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews team tested a variety of mini chainsaws in the garden to prune trees and shrubs and cut firewood. The following criteria were used to calculate the scores, with equal weight given to each:

Ease of use: Observed how easy the controls were to use, if it was difficult to correctly tension the chain, and if the batteries were easy to install
Comfort: Evaluated the weight and shape of the tool, the balance, and the amount of noise and vibration it created
Performance: Tested how well it cut into different types of wood, if there was enough torque, and how well the chain stayed tensioned after use
Value for money: Considered all of above, plus if it came with a case, batteries, and the variety of accessories included and available

For more information on our testing process, see How we Review

Mini chainsaw parts explained

Bar
Acts as the guide for the cutting chain and has a groove that the chain follows. Bar length determines the size of branches you can cut.

Protective hood
This pivoting section sits on top of the bar, protecting the user from the upper chain. It means that if the saw kicks back, the sharp chain is covered. It replaces the chain brake, a safety feature you’d find on full-size saws, which engages when the saw detects kickback.

Motor
This will be brushed or brushless. Brushed motors are simpler and cheaper, but a brushless motor (which literally has no brushes to conduct electricity) is more reliable and efficient, as there’s no friction or heat from the brushes rubbing on the motor, and therefore more expensive.

Safety trigger
A two-step safety start, you need to press both buttons before you can switch the saw on, which should avoid accidental start-ups.

Chain
A segmented chain similar to that on a bicycle. Each section contains a sharp tooth that cuts into the wood. The motor drives the chain around the bar to cut into branches. It only works in one direction, so look for an arrow on the guide bar.

Hanging hook
To keep your saw up off the ground and out of the way, most come with a hanging hook on the handle.

Chain tensioner
To run a chainsaw efficiently and safely, the chain tension needs to be just right - not too loose or too tight. Adjusting the tension is usually achieved with a small hex key, but some saws have a tool-free adjustment feature for ease.

Charge level indicator
Usually found on the chainsaw body or the battery, this shows you how much power is left in your battery. Press the button, and it lights up, telling you when to put it back on charge.

Handle
Designed to fit your hand for comfort and safety, it contains the trigger switch that operates the chainsaw.

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners' World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, Freelance Powered Tools Tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, Freelance Garden Writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

Jane Moore, Freelance Garden Writer
In a horticultural career spanning 30 years, Jane has been a head gardener at a Benedictine Abbey, a writer for national gardening magazines and newspapers, a researcher on BBC gardening programmes and a TV presenter on BBC Gardeners’ World. Among her many accolades are a Chelsea Flower Show medal, several awards from the Garden Media Guild and her books are published worldwide. She has spent 30 years working as a hands-on head gardener, using tools on a daily basis.

This article was last updated in January 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.