We Put Three Top-Tier Battery-Powered Chainsaws To The Test
In a world where gas-powered chainsaws occupies the throne, a quiet revolution is taking place—literally. Battery-powered chainsaws have gone from weekend-warrior tools to serious contenders, capable of tackling everything from backyard cleanups to heavy-duty cutting jobs. But with more brands entering the arena, the question is no longer if battery saws can perform—it’s which one does it best.
Today, we’re putting three heavy-hitting flagship models to the test: Stihl’s MSA 300 C-O and Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2827 from the Pro side, and EGO’s 56V farm and ranch CS2005. Each promises power, convenience, and zero gas hassles, but only one will rise to the top.
Let’s fire them up (silently, of course) and see who really brings the muscle.
Quick Model Overview
All three of these chainsaws have the power to sport a 20-inch bar (though our Stihl test model came equipped with an 18-inch bar), but what sets them apart? Here’s a quick look at each saw’s key specs before we dive into greater detail about how they perform.
EGO 56V 20-Inch Chainsaw CS2005
If you’re on the hunt for a high-performing residential chainsaw with a reasonable price tag, the EGO CS2005 is a great place to start. It sports a 20-inch bar and 55cc gas-equivalent power level, representing a 22% increase in power over the previous 18-inch model (CS1800). On top of that, it features three speed modes so you can easily transition between peak power for demanding cuts, or step down to a lower power level to extend battery life.
Looking down at the motor housing, it features a set of large metal bucking spikes, an electric chain brake, and a removable side cover with captured bar nuts. Additionally, there is a slot on the bottom of the saw so your scrench is always right there with you.
- Gas Equivalent: 55cc
- Chain Speed: 25 m/s
- Motor: Brushless
- Chain Pitch: 3/8 in.
- Chain Gauge: 0.050 in.
- Weight: 13.1 lbs. (bare), 19.4 lbs. (with 6.0Ah battery).
- Bar Length: 20 in.
- Tool Length: 38 in.
- Chain Length: 69 links
Stihl MSA 300 C-O Chainsaw
For the last few years, finding a true Pro-grade battery-powered chainsaw has been a little difficult—until now. The Stihl MSA 300 C-O is taking aim at the farm and ranch market, offering up to a 20-inch bar and a power level in the 55 to 60cc realm. Like the EGO CS2005, it features three power levels, giving you the option to prioritize runtime over power depending on your needs.
What’s most notable about this saw is the design. Its overall profile is very similar to its gas-powered counterparts, and it even comes with Pro-grade features like metal bucking spikes, an adjustable oiler, and a traditional chain tensioning setup.
- Gas Equivalent: Not Listed
- Chain Speed: Not Listed
- Chain Gauge: 0.050 in.
- Chain Pitch: 0.325 in.
- Weight: 13.1 lbs (bare tool), 17.2 lbs (with AP 500 S battery)
- Bar Length: 18 in.
- Length: 37 in.
- Chain Length: No Listed
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual-Battery Chainsaw
Milwaukee’s design is beefy, and with two batteries required for operation, you’ll feel it. However, as you look around the saw, you’ll see the Pro DNA oozing out of its pores. It’s not just the powerful brushless motor required to drive a 20-inch bar and chain. The dual bucking spikes show it’s ready for serious cutting, and the dual captured bar nuts are exactly what Pros in the field want for bar security.
We’ll consider the weight consequences of using two batteries in a minute, but there are a couple of things to look out for as we test. One, this saw isn’t only the strongest in Milwaukee’s lineup, but based on its gas equivalent rating, it’s also the second-strongest battery-powered chainsaw on the market (Greenworks Commercial’s H.O.G. saw is the strongest). Also, its chain speed is lower than EGO and Stihl. We’ll see what that means for performance when we start cutting.
- Gas Equivalent: 70cc
- Chain speed: 14.3 m/s
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Power Output: 4.4 HP (low), 5.8 HP (high)
- Max Torque: 9.5Nm
- Chain pitch: 0.325-inch
- Chain gauge: 0.050-inch
- Weight: 15.1 pounds bare; 19.9 pounds w/ (2) XC8.0 Forge batteries
- Bar Length: 20 inches
- Tool Length: 37.5 in.
- Chain Length: 78 links
Milwaukee VS EGO VS Stihl: Head-to-Head Comparison
As we begin to compare and contrast these chainsaws, it’s important to understand that even though these models share the same bar size, that doesn’t mean they’re equals when you pull the trigger. They share similar feature sets and cut capacities, but the real differences between them are their power levels. This was even more evident during our testing when we made a series of cuts in a seasoned Oak log and timed the results.
Cutting Power
During our testing, we made three consecutive cuts in our 8-inch test log in a down-up-down pattern to see which saw could get through the fastest (safely). The EGO CS2005 had an average time of 15.3 seconds, Stihl at 17.9 seconds, and Milwaukee clocked 18.9 seconds. If you were paying attention to the gas equivalent values earlier, this may be a surprise, but there are other factors at play that I’ll explain next.
Cutting Speed Isn’t Everything
Yes, EGO and Stihl were both able to get through the cuts faster than Milwaukee. However, Milwaukee was the only saw that didn’t stall out at least once during our cuts. So then why did Milwaukee come in “last” place in our speed test? It’s actually quite simple when we take a deeper dive into chain speed and torque.
The Milwaukee 2827 is an absolute torque monster, but it boasts a much lower chain speed of 14.3 m/s compared to EGO’s 25 m/s. On top of that, Milwaukee is a 70cc gas equivalent saw, while EGO and Stihl are around the 55cc – 60cc range. So, even though EGO and Stihl outpaced Milwaukee during our test, it was clear to us that the 2827 has more power available under the hood.
Does that mean Milwaukee’s extra power doesn’t actually matter that much?
Hardly. When you’re cutting 8- or 10-inch logs, these saws are pretty close in overall cutting speed. But when you step up to cut 16- or 18-inch logs, especially hardwood, you’ll find Milwaukee’s extra torque can muscle through much more easily.
Weight and Balance
Across the board, weight is a notable pain point for battery-powered OPE, and especially for chainsaws. In this comparison, Stihl takes the gold medal with a working weight of 17.2 pounds, while Milwaukee and EGO trail behind at 19.9 pounds and 19.4 pounds, respectively.
Remember, though, battery selection plays a significant role in the total weight. You could always opt for a smaller battery to shave off some weight, but this also means you’re sacrificing runtime and overall cutting power. In this case, we paired each saw with its kitted battery so you could have an accurate representation of what you’d be buying.
All three saws are remarkably well-balanced and easy to maneuver, but once again, Stihl takes the cake. The MSA 300 C-O easily delivers the best balance of any battery-powered chainsaw I’ve tested. On top of that, it has the most recognizable form factor, making the transition from gas to battery power even easier without any visual hurdles.
Quick Model Comparison
| EGO CS2005 | Stihl MSA 300 C-O | Milwaukee 2827 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tested Battery | 6.0Ah | AP 500 S | 2x 8.0Ah Forge |
| Working Weight | 19.4 lbs | 17.2 lbs | 19.9 lbs |
| Bar Length | 20 in. | 18 in. | 20 in. |
| Gas Equivalent | 55cc | 55-60cc (est.) | 70cc |
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 in. | 0.050 in. | 0.050 in. |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8 in. | 0.325 in | 0.325 in. |
| Kit Price | $499 | $1,299.97 | $899 |
Milwaukee VS EGO VS Stihl 20-inch Chainsaw Conclusions
When you look at the pricing of these says, it really is a tremendous spread. The Stihl MSA 300 C-O retails for almost $1,300 as a kit, the Milwaukee 2827 kit lists for $899, and the EGO CS2005 is our clear value leader with a list price of $499.
For the purposes of this discussion, it’s important to understand the target audience for these chainsaws. As I already mentioned, the EGO CS2005 is really aimed at the residential market. It offers plenty of power and fast cutting speeds while still maintaining an approachable price point.
The Stihl and Milwaukee, however, are aiming higher. The Stihl MSA 300 C-O is directed at Professional arborists who want to transition away from gas-powered equipment. It features a familiar form factor and more than enough cutting power to tackle a wide variety of tree species. Even though Stihl doesn’t explicitly list the exact power level, my experience with chainsaws over the years inspires a high degree of confidence in this saw.
And last, the Milwaukee 2827 bridges the gap between these two groups. It delivers the greatest amount of cutting power in the group and performed confidently during our testing. While it was the slowest during our head-to-head challenge, it displayed the most brute strength and didn’t stall out like the other two models. This makes it a great fit for the Pro market that might also tempt property owners who want a Pro-quality build.
So, which chainsaw comes out on top? For me, it has to be Stihl. The overall profile and feature set are very familiar and approachable, and on top of that, it is the lightest saw in this lineup and is incredibly well-balanced. These factors make a big impact for Pros because the transition away from gas-powered equipment can be a little tumultuous if you’re required to learn new processes and procedures.
Stihl did an excellent job taking an existing product and migrating it into their battery-powered ecosystem without making too many aesthetic changes. Granted, it is expensive, but it’s backed by one of the best customer service networks on the market, and that goes a long way in my book.
