Climbing a ladder with a chainsaw is one of the most dangerous things you can do in your yard. Every year, thousands of people end up in the emergency room from ladder falls while trimming trees. A pole saw lets you keep both feet on the ground while reaching branches 15 feet high or more.
I tested 8 pole saws over the past year on my property. I have oak trees, maple trees, and a stubborn pine that drops branches every storm. Here are the 5 best pole saws for different needs and budgets.
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Pole Saw | Type | Max Reach | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun Joe SWJ800E | Electric (corded) | 15 ft | ~$70 |
| 2 | DEWALT DCPS620B | Battery (20V) | 15 ft | ~$160 |
| 3 | Fiskars Power-Lever | Manual | 16 ft | ~$65 |
| 4 | Greenworks 40V | Battery (40V) | 14 ft | ~$140 |
| 5 | Jameson LS-SRT | Manual Pro | 21 ft | ~$120 |
1. Sun Joe SWJ800E – Best Electric Pole Saw (Corded)
The Sun Joe SWJ800E is the best value in pole saws. For about $70, you get a powered pole saw that extends to 15 feet with an 8-inch Oregon cutting bar. The 6.5-amp motor handles branches up to 7.5 inches thick. That covers almost everything a homeowner needs to trim.
What I like: The price is unbeatable. You never run out of battery because it plugs in. The Oregon bar and chain are quality components. The auto-oiler keeps the chain lubricated. It weighs only 7.5 pounds, which is manageable overhead. The telescoping pole locks securely at any length.
What I don’t: The cord limits your range. You need an extension cord rated for outdoor use. The head does not angle, which makes some cuts awkward. Assembly instructions are not great the first time you put it together.
Best for: Homeowners with trees near an outdoor outlet who want maximum power for minimum money.
2. DEWALT DCPS620B 20V Pole Saw – Best Cordless
If you already own DEWALT 20V tools, this is a no-brainer. The DCPS620B uses the same batteries as DEWALT drills and saws. It extends to 15 feet with a 8-inch Oregon bar. The brushless motor delivers solid cutting power without the hassle of a cord.
What I like: No cord to drag around. Works with existing DEWALT 20V batteries. The brushless motor runs efficiently. The head adjusts to cut at different angles. Chain tensioning is tool-free. Good build quality you expect from DEWALT.
What I don’t: The tool-only version (no battery) costs around $160. With battery and charger, you are looking at $230+. The head angle adjustment could be easier to use. Battery life is about 30 to 45 minutes of continuous cutting.
Pro tip: Buy the bare tool if you already have DEWALT batteries. A 5Ah battery is ideal for longer cutting sessions.
Best for: DEWALT battery system owners and anyone who wants cordless convenience.
3. Fiskars Power-Lever Pole Saw – Best Manual
Not everyone wants a motorized pole saw. Manual pole saws are quieter, lighter, cheaper, and you never have to worry about fuel, batteries, or cords. The Fiskars Power-Lever extends to 16 feet and uses a unique lever mechanism that gives you extra cutting power on the downstroke.
What I like: Zero maintenance beyond keeping the blade clean. No gas, no oil, no electricity. The Power-Lever mechanism multiplies your cutting force. The 15-inch curved WoodZig saw blade cuts on both the pull and push stroke. The pruner head cuts branches up to 1.25 inches. Very lightweight at under 5 pounds.
What I don’t: Manual cutting takes more time and effort than powered. Branches over 3 inches thick are a workout. The pole flexes when fully extended. Not ideal for cutting dozens of branches at once.
Best for: People who trim a few branches a few times per year and want simplicity.
4. Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw – Best for Larger Properties
The Greenworks 40V system provides more power than 20V systems. The 8-inch Oregon bar cuts through branches up to 8 inches thick. The brushless motor gives you longer runtime. If you have a larger property with lots of trees, the extra power and runtime make a real difference.
What I like: More powerful than 20V models. The 40V battery lasts about 60 cuts on 4-inch branches. Automatic oiler. Tool-free chain tensioning. The head angles for different cutting positions. 4-year warranty.
What I don’t: Heavier than corded models at about 10 pounds with battery. The battery and charger are expensive if you are not already in the Greenworks 40V system. The pole sections can be stiff to adjust.
Best for: Homeowners with multiple trees who want powerful, cordless performance.
5. Jameson LS-SRT Manual Pole Saw – Best for Professionals
This is what professional arborists use. The Jameson LS-SRT uses hollow-core fiberglass poles that are stronger and lighter than aluminum. You can add pole sections to reach up to 21 feet. The saw blades are commercial-grade and cut aggressively. This is not a toy – it is a serious tool for serious work.
What I like: Professional-grade quality. Modular pole system – add sections as needed. Fiberglass poles are lightweight and strong. Interchangeable heads (saw blade, pruner, hook). The tri-cut blade cuts fast. Will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
What I don’t: Expensive for a manual tool. The modular system means you buy each piece separately. Overkill for typical home use. Requires more skill to use effectively than powered options.
Best for: Professional arborists, orchard managers, and serious property owners with mature trees.
Powered vs Manual Pole Saws – Which Should You Get?
Powered pole saws (electric or battery) are faster and require less physical effort. They are better for cutting thick branches (4+ inches) and for jobs where you need to cut 20 or more branches in one session. The downside is weight, noise, and maintenance.
Manual pole saws are lighter, quieter, and simpler. They work great for branches up to 3 inches. For occasional use on a few branches, manual is the smarter choice. You save money and you never have to worry about a dead battery or a tangled cord.
I use a powered pole saw for my big spring and fall pruning jobs. I keep a manual pole saw for quick touch-ups after storms or when I notice one branch that needs attention.
Pole Saw Safety Tips
Always wear eye protection. Branches snap unpredictably and sawdust falls straight down into your face. Wear a hard hat if you are cutting branches directly above you. Never stand directly under the branch you are cutting. Keep both hands on the pole. Never use a pole saw near power lines – call a professional for that.
Most pole saw accidents happen when people overreach and lose balance. If you find yourself standing on your toes or stretching your arms fully above your head, you need a longer pole saw or a professional arborist.
My Top Recommendation
For most homeowners, the Sun Joe SWJ800E electric pole saw ($70) is the best value. It cuts fast. It reaches 15 feet. You cannot beat the price. Just make sure you have a good outdoor extension cord.
If you want cordless freedom and have DEWALT batteries, get the DEWALT DCPS620B. If you only trim a few branches per year, save your money and get the Fiskars Power-Lever manual pole saw ($65). It will handle the job without any of the motor maintenance headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick of a branch can a pole saw cut?
Most homeowner pole saws cut branches up to 6 to 8 inches thick. Manual pole saws are best for branches up to 3 inches. For anything thicker than 8 inches, call an arborist – that branch is heavy enough to cause serious injury when it falls.
Gas vs electric vs battery pole saws?
Gas pole saws are the most powerful but also the heaviest, loudest, and need the most maintenance. Electric (corded) are lighter and cheaper but limit your range. Battery-powered offer the best balance of power and convenience if you are willing to pay a bit more.
Can I use a pole saw in the rain?
Never use an electric or battery pole saw in wet conditions. The risk of electric shock or tool damage is too high. Manual pole saws work fine in any weather.
How do I maintain a pole saw chain?
Keep the chain properly tensioned. Check the tension before every use – a loose chain can fly off. Keep the oil reservoir filled. Sharpen the chain when it starts producing fine sawdust instead of chips. Clean the bar groove with a small tool or old screwdriver.
What length pole saw do I need?
Add your height plus your arm reach, then subtract 2 feet for safe cutting angle. For example, a 6-foot person with a 2-foot arm reach can reach 8 feet. To cut a branch at 12 feet, you need a pole saw that extends to at least 12 to 14 feet. Most 15-foot pole saws handle typical suburban tree trimming.
