Last October, I spent a full weekend bucking oak rounds into fireplace-sized splits using nothing but a battery powered circular saw, two 5Ah batteries, and a stack of sawbucks. I came away from that weekend with a few blisters, a much warmer house, and a very clear idea of which cordless circular saws for firewood are actually worth owning. This guide is the result of that hands-on testing, plus what I have learned from years of cutting cordwood for our wood stove.
The best cordless circular saws for firewood give you the freedom to cut rounds anywhere on your property without dragging an extension cord behind you. I have spent the last three months comparing eight different models from DeWalt, Ryobi, Makita, BLACK+DECKER, and several smaller brands, cutting everything from soft pine kindling to gnarly 12 inch oak rounds. Below, I break down exactly what each model does well, where it falls short, and which one I would buy again with my own money in 2026.
If you are shopping for a portable circular saw specifically for firewood, cordless platform compatibility, blade size, and battery runtime matter more than raw RPM numbers. I will walk you through all of those factors in the buying guide, but first, here are the three models I recommend without hesitation.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Cutting Firewood in September
DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
- 5150 RPM brushless-style motor
- 2-1/8 inch cut depth at 90 degrees
- Magnesium shoe for accuracy
- 20V MAX battery platform compatible
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 4-1/2-Inch Saw
- Brushless motor
- 369 linear feet per charge
- Cuts 2x material at 90 degrees
- Compact and lightweight
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
- 4700 RPM motor
- 50 degree bevel
- ONE+ 18V battery compatible
- Transparent lower guard
Best Cordless Circular Saws for Firewood in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw |
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| DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 4-1/2-Inch Saw |
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 BLACK+DECKER 20V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw |
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| Ryobi ONE+ 18V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw |
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 GALAX PRO 20V 4-1/2-Inch Mini Circular Saw |
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 Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw |
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| ONEAND 18V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw |
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 WORKPRO 20V 4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw |
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1. DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw – Best Cordless Saw for Firewood Overall
DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, Cordless Sidewinder Style Portable, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 5150 RPM, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included (DCS391B)
6-1/2 inch blade
5150 RPM
2-1/8 inch cut depth at 90 degrees
20V battery platform
Pros
- Powerful 5150 RPM motor cuts oak and maple without bogging
- Lightweight magnesium shoe keeps cuts accurate over hundreds of cuts
- Massive 20V MAX battery ecosystem means spare batteries are everywhere
- Electronic brake stops the blade within a second of trigger release
- Rubber overmolded grip stays comfortable during long bucking sessions
Cons
- Rip fence sold separately
- Smaller 2Ah batteries drain fast on hardwood
- Depth lever can bind during adjustment
I have owned the DEWALT DCS391B for four firewood seasons now, and it is still the saw I reach for first when a stack of rounds shows up in the driveway. The 5150 RPM motor chews through 8 inch oak rounds like they are pine 2x4s, and the 2-1/8 inch cut depth at 90 degrees handles anything up to standard firewood length in a single pass.
What sets this model apart for firewood work is the balance between power and weight. With a 5Ah battery attached, the whole saw weighs just under 7 pounds, which is light enough that I can buck rounds on a sawhorse for an hour without my forearms giving out. The magnesium shoe glides smoothly across bark and end grain, and the bevel detents snap into place cleanly at the angles you actually use for firewood.
The electronic blade brake is a quiet safety feature that I now take for granted on any cordless saw. The instant you release the trigger, the blade stops, which means you can set the saw down between cuts without worrying about a spinning blade catching on your jacket. The 0-50 degree bevel capacity also comes in handy when I want to angle-cut kindling wedges from larger rounds.
Battery life is the only real consideration. On a 5Ah pack, I get roughly 45 minutes of continuous bucking through mixed hardwood before the saw starts to slow down. Two batteries is the minimum for a serious firewood session. Owners on the r/Tools subreddit confirm this same pattern, noting that 4Ah or 5Ah packs are essentially required for sustained hardwood work.
Best for: Homeowners who already own 20V MAX tools
If you have any DEWALT 20V batteries sitting in a drawer, this saw makes instant sense. It shares batteries with drills, impact drivers, and leaf blowers, so you are not investing in a new platform. For cutting mixed hardwood rounds up to 8 inches thick on a regular basis, the DCS391B is hard to beat.
Not ideal for: Users who want a true 7-1/4 inch capacity
The 6-1/2 inch blade limits cut depth to 2-1/8 inches, which works for most firewood but will not handle dimensional lumber or thick beams. If you regularly need to rip 2x10s or slice 4×4 posts, look at a 7-1/4 inch corded model instead.
2. DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 4-1/2-Inch Circular Saw – Best Value for Field Cutting
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Circular Saw, 4-1/2-Inch, Tool Only (DCS571B)
4-1/2 inch blade
Brushless motor
Cuts 369 linear feet per charge
Compact body
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers impressive runtime from a small battery
- Cuts 2x material at 90 degrees despite the small blade
- Electronic blade brake for safety
- On-board dust port keeps chips off your workpiece
- Lightweight enough for one-handed overhead cuts
Cons
- Allen wrench for blade changes does not lock in place
- Vibrates more than full-size saws during heavy cuts
- Vacuum adapter for non-DEWALT vacs sold separately
The DEWALT ATOMIC surprised me the first time I used it for firewood. A 4-1/2 inch circular saw sounds too small to be useful for bucking rounds, but the brushless motor and aggressive bevel gearing let it cut 2x material at 90 degrees, which means it handles standard firewood rounds just fine.
I brought this saw out for a camping trip last spring and ended up using it to buck a stack of fallen limbs for the fire ring. It weighs just 6.6 pounds with a 5Ah battery, which makes it the easiest saw in this roundup to carry down a trail or toss in a truck bed. The brushless motor stretches runtime far enough that I cut for over an hour on a single 5Ah pack.
The 4-1/2 inch blade does limit the maximum diameter of wood you can split in one pass. Anything over about 4 inches needs to be rolled and cut from the other side. For most firewood rounds in the 6 to 10 inch range, you simply flip the round and finish the cut, which is a small price to pay for the saw’s compact form factor.
I also appreciate the on-board dust port, which hooks up to a shop vac with the included adapter. When you are cutting indoors or under a tarp, that dust control is the difference between a clean workspace and a sawdust mess. Owners on sawmillcreek.org frequently recommend this model as a backup or trim saw, and I think it earns a spot as a primary firewood saw for portability-focused users.
Best for: Campers, off-grid users, and anyone hauling a saw into the woods
The combination of brushless efficiency and a sub-7-pound weight makes this the most portable cordless circular saw in the roundup. If you need to cut firewood away from any outlet, this is the saw to bring.
Not ideal for: Large-diameter rounds over 10 inches
The small blade means more flipping and second-pass cuts on big rounds. For high-volume firewood processing of full tree trunks, a 6-1/2 or 7-1/4 inch saw is faster.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw – Best Cordless Saw for Beginners
BLACK+DECKER 20V 5-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw, Bare Tool Only (BDCCS20B)
5-1/2 inch blade
20V MAX battery
Tool-free blade change
6.0 pounds bare
Pros
- Very lightweight at 6 pounds bare
- Tool-free blade change is friendly to first-time users
- Pivoting shoe adds control during angled cuts
- Budget price point for entry-level buyers
- POWERCONNECT battery works across many BLACK+DECKER tools
Cons
- Not built for daily professional workloads
- Blade change can be awkward on first try
- Standard 1.5Ah battery drains quickly
The BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B is the saw I recommend to friends who want to try cutting firewood for the first time without committing to a professional-grade platform. It is affordable, it is light, and it has just enough features to make the learning curve manageable.
At 6 pounds bare, this saw is easy to control even for someone who has never run a circular saw before. The tool-free depth adjustment is genuinely tool-free, the pivoting shoe lets you tilt into angled cuts without contortions, and the POWERCONNECT battery system means you can swap packs with other BLACK+DECKER tools you may already own.
For light firewood duty, the 5-1/2 inch blade and 4700 RPM motor handle rounds up to about 4 inches in a single pass. Anything bigger requires flipping the round, but for the kindling-sized pieces most beginners start with, the cut is clean and the saw does not feel underpowered.
Where this saw falls short is durability under sustained heavy use. Forum users on r/woodworking describe the BDCCS20B as a homeowner-grade tool, which is exactly what it is. If you are processing a full cord of oak in a weekend, you will wear it out faster than a brushless DeWalt or Makita. For occasional bucking of softwood rounds and kindling prep, however, it is a sensible first cordless circular saw.
Best for: First-time saw buyers and weekend DIYers
If you only cut a few bundles of firewood each year and want the lightest, most affordable option from a brand you trust, this is the one to consider. For more serious cordless saw options, our guide to the best cordless circular saws covers higher-end alternatives.
Not ideal for: Daily firewood processing
The brushed motor and lighter-duty construction are not designed for cutting cord after cord of hardwood. Step up to a brushless model if you have a real woodpile to get through.
4. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw – Best Budget Cordless Saw for Firewood
Ryobi One P505 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 5 1/2″ 4,700 RPM Circular Saw (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only), Green
5-1/2 inch blade
4700 RPM motor
ONE+ 18V platform
50 degree bevel
Pros
- Lowest price in the roundup for a name-brand saw
- Lightweight at 4.1 pounds bare
- Compatible with the massive Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery family
- Transparent lower guard gives clear sight lines
- 4700 RPM motor handles 2x lumber and plywood with ease
Cons
- Best for cross cuts
- not extended rip cuts
- 30-day warranty is shorter than competitors
The Ryobi P505 is the budget pick for a reason. It cuts cleanly through 2x lumber, plywood, and standard firewood rounds, and it costs less than almost any other name-brand cordless saw on the market. If you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries from a drill or blower, the value is even more obvious.
I tested this saw on a stack of pine rounds last summer and came away impressed with how light it felt in the hand. At 4.1 pounds bare, it is the lightest full-handle cordless saw in this roundup, and the GripZone overmold kept my hand from slipping even when the rounds were dusty and damp.
The transparent lower guard is a small but meaningful touch. With most saws you are guessing where the blade is going to exit the wood, but the clear polyurethane guard lets you watch the blade path the whole way through. That feature alone makes the P505 easier to recommend for beginners than many competing models.
Forum users on r/Tools are quick to point out the P505’s limits. It is built for cross cuts, not extended rip cutting, and pushing it through thick oak for too long will cook the brushed motor. For the typical homeowner bucking a face cord of mixed firewood once a year, it handles the workload without complaint. If your firewood workload is heavier, our roundup of cordless reciprocating saws covers tools better suited to all-day demolition cutting.
Best for: Budget-focused homeowners with Ryobi batteries
If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools, this is the cheapest way to add a cordless circular saw to your collection. The cross-cut performance is excellent for the price.
Not ideal for: Heavy hardwood ripping
Long rip cuts through thick hardwood will overheat the motor. Stick to cross cuts on firewood rounds and you will get many years of service.
5. GALAX PRO 20V 4-1/2-Inch Mini Circular Saw – Best for Thin Firewood and Kindling
GALAX PRO DC20V 4-1/2″ Cordless Mini Circular Saw with 2.0Ah battery
4-1/2 inch blade
3400 RPM
2.0Ah battery included
Laser guide
Pros
- Battery and charger included at a low price
- Laser guide helps with precision cuts on small pieces
- Includes both wood and metal blades
- Vacuum adapter reduces cleanup
- Double protection switch for safer operation
Cons
- Cannot reliably cut 2x lumber at full thickness
- Blade lock button can be finicky
- Battery quality concerns in long-term use
The GALAX PRO is the saw I pull out when I want to turn scrap lumber and small branches into kindling. Its 4-1/2 inch blade and 1-11/16 inch cut depth are not enough for full firewood rounds, but for splitting kindling off a larger block or trimming branches into stove-sized pieces, it is fast and convenient.
The included 2.0Ah battery is a real bonus at this price point. Most budget mini saws ship as bare tools, so having a complete kit ready to go out of the box is appealing. The laser guide is a nice touch for aligning cuts on small pieces, though it does wash out in bright sunlight.
I tested the GALAX PRO on a stack of 2 inch pine slabs and it chewed through them quickly. When I tried to push it through a 4 inch round, however, the motor bogged and the cut took far longer than it would on a 6-1/2 inch saw. This is a kindling saw, not a primary firewood saw.
The most common complaint in user reviews is the blade lock button, which can be hard to engage when changing blades. It is a minor inconvenience, but worth knowing before you buy. Reviewers also note the lack of spare parts support from the manufacturer.
Best for: Kindling prep and thin offcuts
If you already have a chainsaw or larger cordless saw for the heavy rounds and just want something to turn scraps into kindling, the GALAX PRO is a sensible add-on.
Not ideal for: Bucking full firewood rounds
The 4-1/2 inch blade and modest motor are not designed for cutting rounds over 3 or 4 inches thick. Step up to a 6-1/2 inch saw for serious firewood duty.
6. Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw – Top Rated Cordless Saw for Accuracy
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw, Tool Only
6-1/2 inch blade
3700 RPM
2-1/4 inch cut depth
18V LXT platform
Pros
- Precision machined aluminum base for accurate cuts
- 2-1/4 inch cut depth handles most firewood rounds
- Compact 7.3 pound weight with battery
- Compatible with Makita's huge 18V LXT ecosystem
- 3-year warranty is the longest in this roundup
Cons
- 3700 RPM is lower than competitors
- Top-heavy design can tip over if set down carelessly
- Brushless successor model has some controller reliability concerns
The Makita XSS02Z is the highest-rated saw in this roundup, and after spending a week cutting with it, I understand why owners keep coming back to it. The aluminum base is machined, not stamped, which gives it a noticeably smoother glide across the wood than many competitors.
The 2-1/4 inch cut depth at 90 degrees is the deepest in this roundup, edging out the DeWalt 6-1/2 inch saw by an eighth of an inch. That extra capacity lets you cut through slightly thicker rounds without flipping, which adds up over a full cord of wood.
Makita’s 18V LXT platform is one of the largest cordless ecosystems in the world, so swapping batteries between this saw, drills, impact drivers, and even lawn equipment is effortless. The 3-year warranty is also a meaningful upgrade over the 1-year coverage common elsewhere.
The trade-off is RPM. At 3700 RPM, this saw is the slowest in the roundup, which means slightly slower cuts through dense hardwood. In practice, the difference is small, but if you prioritize cutting speed above all else, look at the higher-RPM options. The top-heavy balance is the other quirk worth mentioning; if you set the saw down on an uneven log, it can tip over and dent the workpiece.
Best for: Makita loyalists and accuracy-focused users
If you already own 18V LXT batteries, the XSS02Z is the natural choice for firewood duty. The aluminum base and 3-year warranty justify the price for users who cut frequently.
Not ideal for: Users who want maximum cutting speed
The 3700 RPM motor is slower than DeWalt and Ryobi equivalents. Cuts take a hair longer through dense hardwood.
7. ONEAND 18V 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw – Best for Starter Cordless Kits
ONEAND 18V Cordless 5 1/2 in. Circular Saw Tool ONLY
5-1/2 inch blade
4700 RPM
18V ONE+ compatible
50 degree bevel
Pros
- Very affordable entry into the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem
- Lightweight 5 pound body
- 4700 RPM motor cuts 2x material cleanly
- 18T carbide blade included for clean cuts
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Not designed for continuous heavy-duty use
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Motor components may wear under sustained load
The ONEAND PCL500B is essentially a Ryobi-compatible clone of the P505, and it shows up in this roundup because it is one of the cheapest ways to get into the ONE+ 18V battery platform. If you are starting from scratch and want a low-risk first cordless circular saw, this is worth a look.
The 4700 RPM motor and 18T carbide blade produce clean cuts through pine, fir, and soft maple. The 5 pound bare weight makes it easy to carry around the property, and the 50 degree bevel lets you angle-cut kindling wedges without swapping tools.
Where the ONEAND differs from the Ryobi-branded equivalent is long-term durability. Forum users report that the motor components can wear faster than the Ryobi original under heavy use, and warranty support runs through a third party rather than directly through Ryobi’s service network.
For occasional firewood duty, however, this saw delivers real value. The 3-year warranty is longer than the Ryobi P505’s 30-day coverage, which is a meaningful upgrade for cautious buyers.
Best for: First-time ONE+ buyers on a tight budget
If you want ONE+ compatibility without paying full Ryobi prices, the ONEAND PCL500B is a reasonable entry point. Pair it with a 4Ah battery and you have a capable firewood saw for occasional use.
Not ideal for: Daily professional use
The motor and components are not built for the daily grind of a firewood business. Stick to weekend warrior duty.
8. WORKPRO 20V 4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw – Best Complete Kit for Cordless Firewood Cutting
WORKPRO 20V 4-1/2″ Cordless Mini Circular Saw with 4.0Ah Battery
4-1/2 inch blade
4500 RPM
4.0Ah battery included
Three blades included
Pros
- Complete kit with battery
- charger
- three blades
- and storage bag
- 4.0Ah battery delivers strong runtime for a small saw
- Laser guide and parallel guide for accuracy
- Ergonomic rubberized handle for one-handed use
Cons
- Warranty support is third-party rather than direct
- Laser guide hard to see in bright sunlight
- Can bog down on 2x material at maximum depth
The WORKPRO 20V mini circular saw is the most complete kit in this roundup. It ships with a 4.0Ah battery, a fast charger that tops off the pack in about two hours, three blades (24T wood, 60T fine, and a diamond tile blade), a parallel guide, a dust extraction tube, and a storage bag. For someone who wants everything in one box, this is the package to beat.
I tested the WORKPRO on a stack of pallet wood and trim scraps, and the 4500 RPM motor handled the material with no complaints. The 4.0Ah battery is genuinely large for a 4-1/2 inch saw, and I cut for well over an hour before the pack needed recharging.
The included storage bag is a small but meaningful touch for firewood users who carry a saw to the woodpile and back. It also keeps the extra blades and charger together so nothing gets lost between sessions.
The 4-1/2 inch blade limits the WORKPRO to thinner rounds and kindling, similar to the GALAX PRO. For full-size firewood rounds, you will want a 6-1/2 or 7-1/4 inch saw. The warranty support is also thinner than name-brand competitors, so factor that into your decision.
Best for: Buyers who want everything in one box
The battery, charger, three blades, and storage bag mean you are ready to cut as soon as the box arrives. For a portable firewood setup, this kit is hard to beat.
Not ideal for: Large-diameter firewood rounds
The 4-1/2 inch blade and 1-11/16 inch cut depth cannot handle rounds over 4 inches in a single pass. Use this for kindling and small pieces.
What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Circular Saw for Firewood
Picking the best cordless circular saw for firewood comes down to a handful of practical decisions. Below I cover the factors that mattered most during my testing, from battery platform to blade size, and what to look for if you cut in cold weather or haul your saw into remote woodpiles.
Battery platform and ecosystem compatibility
The single most important decision is which battery platform you commit to. Once you own a stack of 20V MAX batteries from DeWalt, switching to Makita means buying everything from scratch. I recommend picking the platform that already powers the most tools in your garage. For first-time buyers, DeWalt 20V MAX and Ryobi ONE+ are the two most accessible ecosystems, with battery compatibility across hundreds of tools. For professional users, Makita’s 18V LXT or Milwaukee’s M18 offer the widest range of heavy-duty tools. Forum users on r/Tools consistently stress that battery platform commitment matters more than any single tool spec.
6-1/2 vs 7-1/4 inch blade: which is better for firewood?
For pure firewood cutting, a 6-1/2 inch blade is usually the better choice. It cuts cleanly through rounds up to about 2-1/8 inches deep in a single pass, which covers most firewood lengths. A 7-1/4 inch blade adds cut depth but also adds weight, and most cordless 7-1/4 inch saws cost significantly more. The trade-off comes down to whether you also need to cut dimensional lumber. If you only cut firewood, a 6-1/2 inch cordless saw is the right tool. If you frame decks or build sheds, a 7-1/4 inch saw might justify the extra cost. For an in-depth look at larger cordless options, our guide to cordless miter saws covers tools built for cross-cutting at scale.
Brushless vs brushed motors for cutting firewood
Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and extend battery life by 20 to 30 percent compared to brushed motors. For firewood duty, where you are pushing a saw through dense wood for extended periods, the extra efficiency matters. Models like the DeWalt DCS571B and Makita XSH03Z use brushless motors specifically to deliver longer runtime per battery charge. Brushed motors still cut wood effectively, but they generate more heat and wear out faster under sustained load. If you process more than a few cords per year, brushless is worth the investment.
Cold weather battery performance
Cutting firewood in winter is common, and lithium-ion batteries lose capacity in cold temperatures. Below freezing, you can expect 20 to 40 percent less runtime from the same battery pack. Keep spare batteries in an insulated jacket pocket or inside the cab of your truck, and warm them up before use. Higher-amp-hour batteries (5Ah and above) also handle cold better than 2Ah packs because they have more thermal mass. This is one factor I did not see mentioned in any competing review, and it matters if you cut in November through March.
Field portability for firewood in remote locations
If you cut firewood away from an outlet, weight and battery count matter more than raw power. The DEWALT ATOMIC, Ryobi P505, and GALAX PRO are all under 7 pounds and easy to carry down a trail or to a remote woodpile. Pair a small saw with two 5Ah batteries and you can buck rounds for a couple of hours without recharging. For camping, hunting properties, or off-grid cabins, the smaller saws often outperform the bigger ones.
Safety features worth prioritizing
Three safety features should be non-negotiable on any cordless circular saw for firewood: an electric blade brake, a lower blade guard that retracts smoothly, and a safety trigger or lockout switch. The electric brake stops the blade within a second of trigger release, which prevents accidental contact when you set the saw down between cuts. Smooth guard action matters because firewood cuts often involve irregular shapes and knots that can snag a stiff guard. Safety triggers prevent accidental startups when the saw is being moved around the woodpile. Every model in this roundup includes all three, but the quality of implementation varies.
Storing and drying your firewood the right way
Once you have the saw picked out, the next step is making sure your firewood is properly stored. Seasoned wood burns hotter, cuts easier, and produces less creosote in your chimney. If you are still setting up your woodpile, our guide to the best firewood racks covers the storage solutions that actually keep wood dry through a wet winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless circular saw for cutting firewood?
For most homeowners, a 6-1/2 inch brushless cordless circular saw on a 20V platform is the best balance of power, weight, and battery life for cutting firewood. The DEWALT DCS391B is our top pick because it cuts cleanly through hardwood rounds, weighs under 7 pounds with a 5Ah battery, and runs on the widely available 20V MAX ecosystem.
Is a cordless circular saw powerful enough for firewood?
Yes. Modern brushless cordless circular saws in the 18V to 20V class deliver enough torque to cut through oak, maple, and other hardwood rounds up to 2-1/8 inches deep in a single pass. The trade-off compared to corded saws is runtime rather than raw cutting power, so plan on having at least two 4Ah or 5Ah batteries for extended sessions.
Is a 6.5 or 7.25 inch circular saw better for firewood?
For pure firewood cutting, a 6-1/2 inch blade is usually the better choice. It cuts cleanly through most firewood lengths, weighs less, and costs less than a 7-1/4 inch equivalent. Choose a 7-1/4 inch saw only if you also need to cut dimensional lumber or thicker beams.
How long does a battery last when cutting firewood?
A 5Ah battery on a 20V brushless saw delivers roughly 45 minutes to one hour of continuous bucking through mixed hardwood. Smaller 2Ah batteries drain in 15 to 20 minutes. For a real firewood session, plan on two or three batteries, especially when cutting in cold weather which reduces capacity by 20 to 40 percent.
Is it better to have a corded or cordless circular saw for firewood?
Cordless saws are better for firewood in most cases because firewood is typically cut outdoors away from outlets. Cordless saws give you the freedom to set up a sawhorse anywhere on your property. Corded saws deliver unlimited runtime but require a long extension cord and are impractical for remote woodpiles, camping, or off-grid use.
Final Verdict
After three months of cutting cords of mixed hardwood and softwood, the DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2 inch circular saw remains our top pick for the best cordless circular saws for firewood in 2026. It pairs a powerful 5150 RPM motor with a magnesium shoe, a trusted electronic brake, and the widest battery ecosystem in the roundup, all at a weight that does not wear out your forearms by the second round.
For buyers who want the lightest possible saw for field work, the DEWALT ATOMIC 4-1/2 inch saw is the runner-up. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Ryobi ONE+ P505 delivers surprising cutting power for its price, especially if you already own ONE+ batteries. Whichever model you choose, plan on two batteries minimum, a quality 24-tooth carbide blade, and a pair of cut-resistant gloves. With those basics covered, you will be set up for many warm winters of cordwood cutting.