October 26, 2026, 11:39 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Mini chainsaws are handy tools for pruning trees and cutting branches. However, not every model impresses with performance, battery life, and ease of use. Six devices were compared in a practical test. We present the top three.
If you regularly trim branches or cut smaller pieces of wood in the garden, you don’t necessarily need a large chainsaw. Compact battery-powered mini chainsaws are more manageable and can be used in hard-to-reach places. But how powerful are these small devices? And how long does the battery last? In a comparison test by COMPUTER BILD (part of Axel Springer like myHOMEBOOK), six models had to prove their capabilities. Here we present the best mini chainsaws from the test.
Overview
What are mini chainsaws suitable for?
Mini chainsaws work similarly to their larger counterparts. An electric motor drives a rotating saw chain that cuts through wood. The compact devices usually have a relatively short guide bar and are powered by a replaceable battery.
They are particularly useful for trimming thicker branches, cutting up clippings, or doing smaller woodworking tasks in the garden. However, they are not intended for felling larger trees or cutting thick logs.
Besides cutting performance, safety is also important. Despite their small size, mini chainsaws are powerful tools, and the sharp chain can cause serious injuries.
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The 3 best mini chainsaws at a glance
In the practical test, six battery-powered mini chainsaws from Einhell, Worx, Bosch, Parkside, Ryobi, and Lux-Tools were compared. Differences in sawing speed, battery life, and handling were particularly noticeable. The top three spots went to Einhell, Worx, and Bosch. A budget model from Parkside also impressed with a good price-performance ratio.
1. Einhell GP-PS 18/20 Li BL-Solo
The Einhell GP-PS 18/20 Li BL-Solo secured first place with a test score of 1.8. It impressed mainly with its balanced combination of sawing performance, battery life, and user comfort. In the practical test, the saw reliably cut through thinner branches and sturdier wood pieces. The cut quality was also convincing.
A particular strength is its endurance: With a 2-Ah battery, the Einhell managed 286 cuts in the test, more than any other model. The automatic chain lubrication is also practical. The chain can be tensioned without additional tools.
There are drawbacks in terms of weight. With the battery inserted, the saw weighs 1.82 kilograms, making it one of the heavier devices in the comparison. Cleaning could also be easier. Overall, the Einhell offers the best overall package and is particularly suitable for garden owners who regularly process larger amounts of clippings.
2. Worx WG327E
If you want to saw as quickly as possible, you should take a closer look at the Worx WG327E. The model came in second with a test score of 1.9 and impressed particularly with its high cutting performance.
In the test, the Worx took an average of only 1.49 seconds to cut through 40-millimeter-thick beech roundwood. It also worked faster than the competition on sturdier square timber. At the same time, the endurance is right: With 285 cuts per battery charge, the Worx was practically on par with the Einhell.
The automatic chain lubrication is also a positive feature. However, the chain tensioning is less comfortable, as the guide bar must be manually pulled forward. Worx is also sparing with the included accessories. Nevertheless, if you value high work speed, this is a strong alternative to the test winner.
3. Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7
The Bosch EasyChain 18V-15-7 also achieved a test score of 1.9, securing third place. Its strengths lie mainly in its high-quality workmanship and easy handling. The saw is comfortable to hold and delivers clean cutting results.
The tool-free chain tensioning is particularly practical. The chain can be easily adjusted using a rotary mechanism. The Bosch also doesn’t lag in sawing speed: It was even slightly faster than the test winner from Einhell on sturdier spruce square timber.
The model shows weaknesses in battery life. Compared to Einhell and Worx, it runs out of power much sooner. Additionally, the chain must be manually lubricated, as there is no automatic lubrication. As the battery charge decreases, so does the sawing performance. For occasional sawing tasks in the garden, the Bosch is still an interesting choice, especially if easy operation is a priority.
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Best value for money: Parkside PAGHS 20-Li C4
The Parkside PAGHS 20-Li C4 offers an affordable alternative to the top three models. The mini chainsaw from Lidl’s private label achieved fourth place with a test score of 2.1, securing the best value for money.
In the practical test, it delivered decent sawing performance and scored with extensive accessories. The chain tensioning is also easy to adjust. However, the chain needed to be tensioned more frequently than with other models. Buyers also have to do without automatic chain lubrication.
For occasional work around the house and garden, the Parkside offers an attractive overall package without having to spend a lot of money on a mini chainsaw.
How were the mini chainsaws tested?
The focus of the comparison test was the practical work with wood. The six mini chainsaws had to cut through 40-millimeter-thick beech roundwood and sturdier spruce square timber, among other things. The speed at which the devices completed the cuts was measured.
For the battery test, it was determined how many cuts were possible with one battery charge. Additionally, operation, ergonomics, safety features, maintenance, and the included accessories were factored into the evaluation.
My conclusion on the mini chainsaw test
“What surprised me most in the test was how powerful the small battery saws have become. Even thicker branches were no problem for the best models. My favorite is the Einhell GP-PS 18/20 Li BL-Solo: It offers the best overall package of performance, endurance, and user comfort. However, if you only occasionally need to trim a few branches in the garden, you don’t have to spend as much money. Here, the affordable Parkside is a good alternative. In my view, it’s especially important that the saw feels secure in hand and that the chain is easy to maintain.”