Best Chainsaw for Women & Lightweight Users

The best lightweight chainsaw is the DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V with a 12-inch bar (~$230). At 9 lbs with the battery, it's compact, well-balanced, and easy to control one-handed for light cuts. A 12-to-14-inch bar gives you plenty of cutting power while keeping the saw light and maneuverable. If you need 16 inches, look for a battery model, as they're lighter than gas equivalents.

Not sure which chainsaw? Try our Cut Calculator — 4 questions, one recommendation.

Bar Length Guidance

A 12-to-14-inch bar gives you plenty of cutting power while keeping the saw light and maneuverable. If you need 16 inches, look for a battery model — they're lighter than gas equivalents.

Chainsaw weight matters more than most people realize. Even strong people get tired holding a 15-lb saw for extended limbing sessions, especially overhead. A lighter saw means less fatigue, better control, and safer cutting.

The weight-to-power sweet spot lives in the 8-13 lb range with battery power. The DeWalt DCCS620P1 at 9 lbs and the Stihl MSA 140 C under 9 lbs are the lightest real chainsaws available. The EGO CS1613 at 12.8 lbs is the lightest 16-inch option and offers significantly more cutting capacity.

Ergonomics matter as much as weight. Look for a balanced saw that doesn't tip forward, comfortable grips with vibration dampening, and controls you can reach without changing your hand position. The Stihl MSA 140 C has the best ergonomic design in the compact class. The DeWalt DCCS620P1 is well-balanced and intuitive.

Top 3 Picks

1Best Lightweight Overall

DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V 12"

DeWalt · Battery · 12" bar · 9.0 lbs with battery

8.2/10

~$230

DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V 12"

Best compact chainsaw for pruning, storm prep, and camping. 12-inch bar, 9 lbs with battery, cross-compatible with all DeWalt 20V tools. Compact enough for a truck toolbox, powerful enough for branches up to 10 inches.

Pros
  • +Just 9 lbs with battery
  • +12-inch bar perfect for pruning and limbing
  • +Cross-compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools
  • +Tool-free chain tensioning and auto-oiler
  • +Affordable complete kit
Cons
  • -12-inch bar limits cutting to ~10-inch logs
  • -20V battery has less runtime than 56V/60V
  • -Underpowered for firewood or felling
Check Price on Amazon
2Best Lightweight 16" Saw

EGO Power+ CS1613 56V 16"

EGO · Battery · 16" bar · 12.8 lbs with battery

9/10

~$330

EGO Power+ CS1613 56V 16"

Best mid-range battery chainsaw and the ideal first saw. 40cc gas-equivalent power, 16-inch bar, push-button start, and all-in kit pricing under the 18-inch model. Perfect for storm cleanup, property maintenance, and learning to cut safely.

Pros
  • +40cc gas-equivalent power
  • +16-inch bar handles 90% of homeowner tasks
  • +Push-button start, auto-oiler
  • +Tool-free chain tensioning
  • +Metal bucking spikes
  • +Great value as a complete kit
Cons
  • -16-inch bar limits large firewood work
  • -Battery sold separately on some listings
Check Price on Amazon
3Lightest Premium Saw

Stihl MSA 140 C 12"

Stihl · Battery · 12" bar · 8.8 lbs with battery

8.1/10

~$280

Stihl MSA 140 C 12"

Stihl quality in a compact battery package. Under 9 lbs, exceptional ergonomics, low vibration, and a 12-inch bar for pruning and small tree work. Quiet operation makes it ideal for residential areas. Available through Stihl dealers.

Pros
  • +Under 9 lbs, excellent handling
  • +Stihl build quality and chain brake
  • +Very low vibration and noise
  • +12-inch bar ideal for pruning
  • +Excellent ergonomic grip design
Cons
  • -Stihl battery ecosystem is separate (no cross-compatibility)
  • -Only available through Stihl dealers
  • -12-inch bar limits larger cutting tasks
Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the lightest chainsaw I can buy?
The Greenworks 40V 12-inch weighs 8.4 lbs, the Stihl MS 170 gas weighs 8.6 lbs, and the Stihl MSA 140 C battery weighs under 9 lbs. The DeWalt DCCS620P1 at 9 lbs offers the best combination of light weight and cutting performance.
What's the best chainsaw for a woman?
The DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V 12-inch (~$230) is ideal. At 9 lbs it's easy to handle, the 12-inch bar provides good control, and push-button start eliminates pull-cord struggles. For more cutting capacity, the EGO CS1613 16-inch at 12.8 lbs has more power while staying manageable.
How heavy is too heavy for a chainsaw?
It depends on the task. For overhead limbing, anything over 12 lbs causes rapid fatigue. For ground-level cutting, 15 lbs is manageable for most people. A general rule: if you'll be cutting for more than 30 minutes, lighter is always better.
Can a small person use a chainsaw safely?
Yes, with the right saw. A 9-lb battery chainsaw with a 12-inch bar is controllable for nearly anyone with normal hand strength. The key is matching the saw to your size: use a bar short enough to control, keep both hands on the saw at all times, and let the chain do the cutting without forcing it.

Related Guides

Best Chainsaw for PruningBest Chainsaw for SeniorsBest Chainsaw for BeginnersBar Length Guide