Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16 inch chainsaw is the one most people should buy. It pairs a 16 inch Oregon bar and chain with a variable speed trigger and an automatic oiler, and it runs on any M18 battery, so it fits straight into an existing Milwaukee cordless kit.
Milwaukee 2727
The Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL is the flagship 16 inch chainsaw here, with a 16 inch Oregon bar and chain, a variable speed trigger for control and an automatic oiler for proper lubrication. It runs on any M18 battery, and Milwaukee notes higher capacity packs yield more performance. As a tool only it slots into an existing M18 collection.
Check price on Amazon →Best Milwaukee chainsaw guide: we compare the 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16in saw, the dual battery 20in kit and the M18 Hatchet, plus M18 compatible options.
Why you should trust this guide
I put this guide together by reading every Milwaukee and third party listing that appears for this search and separating the genuine M18 FUEL saws from the aftermarket tools that merely accept M18 batteries. That distinction matters, because only the real Milwaukee saws carry the brand’s warranty and fit its ecosystem cleanly. Every spec I cite, such as the 5.8 HP peak figure on the dual battery kit, comes directly from the product descriptions.
I do not push the most expensive saw by default. The right Milwaukee choice depends on whether you already own M18 batteries and what you cut most. I keep the tradeoffs honest, including clearly labeling the two compatible mini saws as third party so you are not surprised by the branding when the box arrives.
How we evaluated
My evaluation looked at the criteria that decide fit: bar length and cutting capacity, motor output where Milwaukee publishes it, whether the tool is genuine M18 FUEL or an M18 compatible aftermarket saw, and convenience and safety features such as variable speed triggers, automatic oilers, bucking spikes and tool free tensioning. I also considered whether a saw ships as a kit or a bare tool, since batteries drive a lot of the cost.
I did not operate these saws, so I do not report cut times or runtime from direct use. Instead I compared documented specifications and each saw’s intended job. Where Milwaukee did not publish a number, I left it out rather than estimating, so every figure here is traceable to a listing.
What to look for
- Genuine M18 FUEL versus M18 compatible: warranty and ecosystem fit only apply to real Milwaukee saws.
- Bar length: 8 inch for pruning, 16 inch for firewood and limbing, 20 inch for felling and larger trunks.
- Battery strategy: tool only saves money if you own M18 packs, while kits include a battery and charger.
- Motor output such as peak horsepower and torque on the demanding models.
- Variable speed trigger and automatic oiler for control and chain longevity.
- Bucking spikes and a scabbard on pruning saws for control and safe transport.
- Higher capacity M18 batteries, since Milwaukee ties them to more performance.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2727 | Best Overall | Check price | |
| Brushless Electric Chainsaw 12" Cordless Tool Only | Best Value | Check price | |
| Milwaukee Electric | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8 in. 18V Lithium | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Mini Chainsaw | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2727
The Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL is the flagship 16 inch chainsaw here, with a 16 inch Oregon bar and chain, a variable speed trigger for control and an automatic oiler for proper lubrication. It runs on any M18 battery, and Milwaukee notes higher capacity packs yield more performance. As a tool only it slots into an existing M18 collection.
Reasons to buy
- 16" Oregon Bar and Chain
- Variable speed trigger for full control
- Automatic oiler for proper chain lubrication
- Compatible with all M18 batteries. Higher capacity batteries will yield higher performance
- Battery and charger not included
Reasons to avoid
- The battery and charger are not included, so you need M18 packs to run it
- A 16 inch bar is best for firewood and limbing rather than very large trunks
Brushless Electric Chainsaw 12" Cordless Tool Only
This is a third party 12 inch cordless chainsaw built to run on Milwaukee M18 18V batteries, with a 1000W brushless motor, an automatic oiler, tool free tensioning and a light 5 lb weight. It could work as a compact alternative if you own M18 packs, but it is not a Milwaukee made tool.
Reasons to buy
- Upgraded Copper Brushless Motor: Features a 1000W pure copper motor for powerful, durable
- Cordless Battery Compatibility: Operates for Milwaukee M18 18V batteries (tool only, no b
- Automatic Oiler System: Includes a pure copper oil pump that auto-lubricates the chain du
- Quick and Secure Installation: Tool-free chain tension adjustment with double nut design
- Lightweight and User-Friendly: Weighs only 5 lbs with high 13m/s chain speed for efficien
Reasons to avoid
- It is an aftermarket saw, not genuine Milwaukee, so warranty and support differ
- The 12 inch bar and lower output limit it to lighter cutting than the M18 FUEL saws
Milwaukee Electric
This M18 FUEL 20 inch dual battery chainsaw kit is the most powerful option, with Milwaukee citing 5.8 HP peak power and 9.5 Nm of peak torque to reduce stalls for faster cutting. The 20 inch bar and dual battery design target demanding felling and bucking. It is the pick when you want maximum cordless capacity.
Reasons to buy
- Generates 5.8HP peak power to take on demanding applications and 9.5Nm of peak torque to r
Reasons to avoid
- The dual battery design and larger bar make it heavier and more of a two hand tool
- It is the priciest and most specialized saw here, more than most homeowners need
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8 in. 18V Lithium
The M18 FUEL Hatchet is an 8 inch pruning saw with a POWERSTATE brushless motor, metal bucking spikes, a variable speed trigger and a translucent oil reservoir, sold as a kit with a 6.0Ah High Output battery and charger. It is purpose built for one hand limb and pruning work, including aerial use with its lanyard loop and scabbard.
Reasons to buy
- Increased access and control Power to cut hardwoods Fastest cutting pruning saw POWERSTATE
- Full house chain minimizes vibration and delivers clean cuts Lanyard loop for tie off poin
- Metal bucking spikes for increased control during applications Translucent oil reservoir f
- Automatic oiler delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity Climbing scab
- Part of the M18 System, featuring over 250 solutions Includes: (1) M18 Hatchet, (1) 6.0 Hi
Reasons to avoid
- The short 8 inch bar is for pruning and limbs, not firewood or felling
- As a specialized pruning kit it costs more than a basic compact saw
Mini Chainsaw
This is a third party 2 in 1 mini chainsaw with 6 and 8 inch guide bars and a 750W brushless motor that runs on Milwaukee 18V batteries. With a dual action safety lock and quick adjust tensioning, it is a budget compatible option for pruning if you already own M18 packs, though it is not a Milwaukee tool.
Reasons to buy
- 6-Inch & 8-Inch 2-in-1 Dual Guide Bar Design: Comes with both a 6-inch and an 8-inch guide
- Enhanced Safety with Dual-Action Lock: Designed for safety, mini chainsaw features a dual-
- Automatic Oiling System for Optimal Performance: The integrated manual oiling system requi
- Quick-Adjust Chain System for Easy Maintenance: Features a rapid chain tensioning system t
- Powerful Brushless Motor & Efficient Cutting: Equipped with a 750W brushless motor, this m
Reasons to avoid
- It is an aftermarket saw rather than genuine Milwaukee, so quality and support vary
- The small 6 to 8 inch bars restrict it to pruning and light branch work
What to look for
Genuine Milwaukee or compatible
Only the 2727-20, the dual battery 20 inch kit and the M18 Hatchet are genuine Milwaukee. The 12 inch and mini saws are third party tools that use M18 batteries, so weigh warranty and support accordingly.
Bar length for your cuts
Pick 8 inch for pruning, the 16 inch 2727-20 for general firewood and limbing, and the 20 inch dual battery saw only if you regularly fell or buck larger trunks.
Tool only versus kit
If you already own M18 batteries, the 2727-20 tool only is the value play. If you are starting fresh, the Hatchet and dual battery kits include the battery and charger you need.
Power for demanding work
Milwaukee rates the dual battery 20 inch saw at 5.8 HP peak with 9.5 Nm of torque to reduce stalls. That is the pick when stall free cutting through thick material matters most.
Pruning specific features
The M18 Hatchet adds metal bucking spikes, a lanyard loop and a scabbard for one hand and aerial limb work, features a general saw does not offer.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16 inch chainsaw is the one most people should buy. It pairs a 16 inch Oregon bar and chain with a variable speed trigger and an automatic oiler, and it runs on any M18 battery, so it fits straight into an existing Milwaukee cordless kit.
FAQs
The 2727-20 M18 FUEL 16 inch is the best all around Milwaukee chainsaw for most users. Its 16 inch Oregon bar, variable speed trigger and automatic oiler handle firewood and cleanup, and it runs on any M18 battery you already own.
No. The 2727-20, the dual battery 20 inch kit and the M18 Hatchet are genuine Milwaukee. The 12 inch saw and the 2 in 1 mini saw are third party tools designed to run on Milwaukee M18 batteries.
It varies. The 2727-20 is a tool only, so you supply M18 batteries. The M18 Hatchet ships as a kit with a 6.0Ah High Output battery and charger, and the dual battery 20 inch saw comes as a kit as well.
The M18 FUEL dual battery 20 inch kit is the most powerful, rated at 5.8 HP peak power and 9.5 Nm of torque. Its 20 inch bar and dual battery design target demanding felling and bucking rather than light yard work.
No, it is an 8 inch one hand pruning saw. It is built for limbs, pruning and aerial work with bucking spikes and a scabbard, not for firewood or felling, which is where the 16 or 20 inch saws come in.