Head-to-head · Best Battery Chainsaws

Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT and Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #3 in Best Battery Chainsaws

Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT

4.5

4 sourcesall derived$314.98as of Sep 29

The EGO Power+ CS1613 delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power via a brushless motor and includes a 56V 4.0Ah battery, though chainsawranker found that runtime drops significantly below thirty minutes during sustained hardwood bucking. The tool-free dual-dial tensioning system holds securely, yet new chains stretch rapidly and require frequent re-tensioning until they seat properly. A notable drawback is the oil reservoir's tendency to weep bar oil when stored, necessitating a drip tray or cardboard to protect surfaces. This kit suits homeowners needing reliable power for light storm cleanup without gas maintenance, but bare-tool buyers with smaller batteries should look elsewhere due to down-regulated performance.

Strengths

— Delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power with a brushless motor and chain speeds up to 20 m/s, according to World of Woodcraft.
— Includes a 56V 4.0Ah ARC Lithium battery and charger, eliminating the need for separate purchases.
— Features tool-free dual-dial chain tensioning that owners report holds securely unlike lever-style systems.

Watch-outs

— ChainsawRanker found the oil reservoir tends to weep bar oil when the saw is stored, requiring a drip tray or cardboard.
— Power output down-regulates on batteries smaller than the included 4.0Ah pack, reducing performance with lower-capacity units.
— Per ChainsawRanker, new chains stretch rapidly and require frequent re-tensioning until they fully seat.

$314.98 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Battery Chainsaws

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw

4.5

4 sources2 derived

TechGearLab called the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw (2727) a strong-performing battery saw that winds up instantly, and Milwaukee rates its brushless motor as matching a gas engine up to 40cc, a comparison Woodbrew and Handmade Haven echoed. It runs on a single M18 battery shared with Milwaukee's wider tool line. TechGearLab measured it at 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test, though it found the weight often helps cutting. This model fits users already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, while buyers who don't want to keep lifting extra pounds should consider a lighter saw.

Strengths

— Milwaukee rates its POWERSTATE brushless motor as delivering the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc
— Onboard scrench tensioning that TechGearLab found gives more precise chain tension than tool-free systems
— Offers instant start-up with zero wind-up time, eliminating pull-cords or choke adjustments

Watch-outs

— Weighs 10.7 lbs bare per Milwaukee, and TechGearLab measured 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test
— Owners report noticeable battery drain on cuts bigger than about 6 inches, and some report packs overheating
— Some owners report starting failures, the chain coming off, and higher-than-expected bar oil use

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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT

It offers more complete value for new buyers compared to the Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, which relies on existing 20V batteries but lacks the included power source.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw

Like the Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, this model runs on a single battery, unlike the two-pack Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw. It is heavier at 10.7 lbs bare compared to the Dewalt’s 9 lbs, making it less suitable for one-handed use.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Ego Power+ CS1613 Chainsaw KIT	Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw
Bar Length	16 inch	16 inches
Voltage	56V	18V
Motor Type	brushless motor	Brushless
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch low-profile	3/8-inch low profile
Weight	8.9 lb	10.7 lbs (tool only)
Battery System	56V ARC Lithium	M18 REDLITHIUM (1 battery; 2727-21HD kit includes HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0)
Chain Gauge	—	0.043-inch
Drive Links	—	56
Chain Speed	—	12.7 m/s
Length	—	33 inches

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