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 CS1611 16-inch at ~12 lbs with battery 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.

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 CS1611 at ~12 lbs with battery 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

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

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2Best Lightweight 16" Saw

EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16"

EGO · Battery · 16" bar · 9.0 lbs bare / ~12 lbs with battery

★4.2·2,195 ratings

9/10

~$249

Best mid-range battery chainsaw and the ideal first saw. 40cc gas-equivalent power, 16-inch bar, push-button start, and a 2.5Ah battery kit that covers most homeowner jobs. 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
+Complete kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Cons

-16-inch bar limits large firewood work
-2.5Ah battery has shorter runtime than 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah options

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3Lightest Premium Saw

Stihl MSA 140 C 12"

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

8.1/10

~$280

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

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Complete Your Setup

Every chainsaw needs a few essentials to run safely and cut well. These are the accessories most buyers add to the cart.

Bar & Chain Oil

Oregon 54-059 Premium Bar & Chain Oil, 1 Gallon

~$32.99·★4.7·29,576

Replacement Chain

Oregon 2-Pack Replacement Chain, 18-Inch (62 Drive Links)

~$31.33·★4.7·8,568

Sharpener & File Kit

Oregon Universal 7-Piece Field Sharpening Kit

~$15.33·★4.7·7,768

Safety Chaps

FORESTER Apron-Style Chainsaw Chaps

~$53.99·★4.7·6,764

Helmet & Hearing Protection

NoCry 6-in-1 Chainsaw Helmet with Face Shield & Ear Muffs

~$36.54·★4.6·3,192

Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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 CS1611 16-inch at ~12 lbs with battery 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.

Best Chainsaw for Women & Lightweight Users

Bar Length Guidance

Top 3 Picks

DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V 12"

EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16"

Stihl MSA 140 C 12"

Complete Your Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

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