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Cordless pole saw: best battery picks for trimming trees

Battery-powered pole saws reach branches 10-15 feet high without a ladder, cutting limbs up to 8 inches in diameter on a single charge.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

The Oregon PS250 at $149 is the best cordless pole saw for most homeowners: the 8-inch bar on a 6.5-foot pole reaches branches up to 14 feet high, the 40V MAX battery delivers sustained cutting power for multiple limbs and the auto-oiling system feeds the chain throughout the session.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Cordless pole saws are evaluated by bar length (6-8 inches for pole saws, vs 10-18 inches for chainsaws), maximum reach with pole extended, motor type (brushless vs brushed), auto-oiling capability, pole material (aluminum vs fiberglass), weight (affects fatigue in overhead cutting), battery voltage and platform compatibility and maximum limb diameter. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best cordless pole saw overall
Oregon Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw

Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw

Brand: Oregon

Best for

Homeowners who want the best-performing battery pole saw for regular limb trimming, storm cleanup and reaching branches 10-14 feet high without a ladder.

Skip if

Platform compatibility with an existing battery brand is needed. The Oregon PS250 uses Oregon's own 40V MAX battery, not compatible with EGO, Greenworks or other platforms. For platform users, the Greenworks PS-40 at $129 uses Greenworks 40V batteries.

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The Oregon PS250 uses an 8-inch bar and auto-oiling system to maintain chain lubrication throughout overhead cutting sessions. Oregon's experience in chainsaw bar and chain manufacturing carries into their pole saw bar quality; the PS250's chain maintains sharp cutting edges longer than chains from brands that source bars and chains from third-party suppliers.

The 40V MAX battery provides sustained cutting power for typical storm cleanup sessions (10-20 limbs per charge in 2-4 inch diameter wood). The pole extends to put the bar approximately 8 feet above the operator's hands, reaching branches up to 14 feet high for a typical adult.

At $149, the Oregon PS250 is the strongest overall performer in the cordless pole saw category.

What buyers say

Homeowners who want the best-performing battery pole saw for regular limb trimming say Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where platform compatibility with an existing battery brand is needed say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw
Bar length8 inches
Voltage40V MAX
Max reach8 feet (pole + operator height)
Price$149

Specs from Oregon, PS250 product page

02
Best budget cordless pole saw
WORX WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw

WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw

Brand: WORX

Best for

WORX PowerShare tool owners who want to add a pole saw at the lowest price, using existing 20V PowerShare batteries rather than purchasing a new platform.

Skip if

Regular or heavy-duty trimming is needed. The WORX WG309 at 20V is designed for occasional light trimming. For frequent or storm-cleanup use, the Oregon PS250 or Greenworks 40V provide more sustained power and better cutting speed.

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The WORX WG309 uses a 20V PowerShare battery on the same platform as WORX string trimmers, blowers and drills. Auto chain oiling keeps the bar lubricated during cutting sessions. The 8-inch bar cuts limbs up to 6 inches in diameter.

The 20V platform provides adequate power for occasional pruning but drains faster under sustained cutting loads than 40V alternatives. For homeowners doing light seasonal trimming (spring cleanup, one or two storm limbs per year), the 20V system provides sufficient performance.

At $79, the WORX WG309 is the most affordable cordless pole saw for light-duty use.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of wORX PowerShare tool owners who want to add a pole saw at the lowest price report WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when regular or heavy-duty trimming is needed.

Specifications

Specifications for WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw
Bar length8 inches
Voltage20V PowerShare
Auto oilAutomatic chain oiling
Price$79

Specs from WORX WG309, Amazon search

03
Best mid-range cordless pole saw
Greenworks Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw

Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw

Brand: Greenworks

Best for

Greenworks 40V platform owners who want a pole saw compatible with their existing batteries, getting full brushless motor efficiency at a $20 saving over the Oregon PS250.

Skip if

No Greenworks 40V batteries are owned. The Greenworks PS-40 (tool-only) requires the Greenworks 40V battery separately. With battery cost included, the Oregon PS250 kit price is competitive.

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The Greenworks Pro PS-40 uses a brushless motor on the Greenworks 40V platform, providing platform compatibility with Greenworks mowers, blowers and trimmers. Brushless efficiency means more cuts per charge compared to brushed motor alternatives.

The 8-inch bar is standard for pole saw applications. The 40V brushless combination handles limbs up to 6-7 inches in diameter in hardwood and larger in softwood.

At $129 tool-only, the Greenworks PS-40 is the platform-compatible pole saw for established Greenworks users.

What buyers say

Buyers say Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is greenworks 40V platform owners who want a pole saw compatible with their existing batteries, who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when no Greenworks 40V batteries are owned.

Specifications

Specifications for Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw
Bar length8 inches
Voltage40V
MotorBrushless
Price$129 (tool only)

Specs from Greenworks PS-40, Amazon search

04
Best entry-level pole saw
BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw

BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw

Brand: BLACK+DECKER

Best for

First-time pole saw buyers who want the lowest entry price for the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX platform, for occasional light pruning of branches up to 5 inches in diameter.

Skip if

Limbs over 5 inches in diameter need cutting. The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 is designed for light pruning. For storm cleanup or cutting larger wood, the Oregon PS250 or Greenworks Pro provide the power required.

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The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 provides 20V MAX performance for light pruning on the BLACK+DECKER tool platform. The adjustable pole reaches branches approximately 10 feet high. The 20V battery is compatible with BLACK+DECKER's range of drills, trimmers and other 20V MAX tools.

For homeowners doing annual spring pruning on small ornamental trees, fruit trees and ornamental shrubs, the LPP120 handles the task at the lowest price in this guide.

At $59, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 is the most affordable entry to cordless pole saw ownership.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when limbs over 5 inches in diameter need cutting, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For first-time pole saw buyers who want the lowest entry price for the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX platform, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw
Bar length8 inches
Voltage20V MAX
PlatformBLACK+DECKER 20V MAX
Price$59

Specs from BLACK+DECKER LPP120, Amazon search

Pole saw vs chainsaw comparison

Feature Pole saw Chainsaw
Bar length 6-8 inches 10-20 inches
Reach 8-16 feet (overhead) 0-5 feet (ground level)
Primary task Overhead limb trimming Firewood, felling, storm logs
Max limb diameter 6-8 inches 10-20+ inches
Weight 8-12 lbs 6-10 lbs

A pole saw is a specialized limbing tool. For ground-level cutting, a chainsaw with a longer bar is more efficient.

Reach calculation

Pole length Operator height Effective reach
6 feet 5'6" ~12 feet
8 feet 5'6" ~14 feet
10 feet 5'6" ~16 feet

Reach estimate = operator height + arm reach (2 feet) + pole length at angle.

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
Oregon Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw
Oregon PS250 Cordless 8-Inch Bar Pole Saw
WORX WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw
WORX WG309 20V PowerShare 8-Inch Pole Saw
Greenworks Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw
Greenworks Pro PS-40 40V Brushless Pole Saw
BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw
BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V MAX 8-Inch Pole Pruning Saw
Our verdictBest cordless pole saw overallBest budget cordless pole sawBest mid-range cordless pole sawBest entry-level pole saw
Bar length8 inches8 inches8 inches8 inches
Voltage40V MAX20V PowerShare40V20V MAX
Max reach8 feet (pole + operator height)Not listedNot listedNot listed
Price$149$79$129 (tool only)$59
Auto oilNot listedAutomatic chain oilingNot listedNot listed
MotorNot listedNot listedBrushlessNot listed
PlatformNot listedNot listedNot listedBLACK+DECKER 20V MAX
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

How high can a cordless pole saw reach?

A standard pole saw with a 6-7 foot fixed or telescoping pole puts the bar approximately 8-10 feet above ground when held at shoulder height by a person of average height. Combined with standing reach, most cordless pole saws can trim branches up to 14-16 feet from the ground without a ladder. Some models offer extension poles (sold separately) that add 2-3 feet of reach. Check the manufacturer's stated reach before purchasing if specific branch heights are the primary concern.

Can a pole saw cut down small trees?

A pole saw is designed for overhead limb trimming, not felling. The 8-inch bar length and pole angle are optimized for cutting branches from below, not for the horizontal cuts needed to fell a tree. For cutting down small trees under 6 inches in diameter, a standard cordless chainsaw (not a pole saw) is the appropriate tool. Attempting to fell a tree with a pole saw is awkward, slower and produces less control over the fall direction than a proper chainsaw.

How do I maintain a pole saw chain?

Keep the oil reservoir filled before each session; dry chain operation damages the bar groove rapidly. Inspect chain tension before cutting: a properly tensioned chain should snap back when pulled slightly away from the bar. Check sharpness after 2-4 hours of cutting; a dull chain produces sawdust instead of chips. Most pole saw chains can be sharpened with the same 1/4-inch round file used for full-size chainsaws. Replacement chains for 8-inch bars are typically $12-20.

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