Best Milwaukee Chainsaws for 2026: M18 FUEL 16-Inch, 14-Inch, Top Handle, and HATCHET Compared

Milwaukee builds its chainsaws around its M18 and M12 tool batteries, so the right saw depends partly on which batteries you already own. Here is the lineup from Milwaukee's own product pages, checked in late September 2026, and which listings are sensible to buy on Amazon.

Milwaukee Saws Compared

All specs and claims are Milwaukee's. Milwaukee lists a 3-year limited warranty on each of these saws.

Our Pick: M18 FUEL 16-Inch (2727)

Milwaukee says the 16-inch M18 FUEL saw delivers the power to cut hardwoods, cuts faster than gas, and delivers up to 150 cuts per charge, and that its POWERSTATE brushless motor provides the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc. The saw itself weighs 10.7 pounds; the 2727-21HD kit adds an M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 battery and an M18/M12 Rapid Charger and weighs 13.9 pounds with the battery installed.

Which version to buy is a battery question. If you already own large M18 packs, the tool-only 2727-20 saves you buying another. If you are new to M18, the kit is the complete package. On Amazon both come from third-party sellers. The kit listing we link now is the 2727-21HDP, which is the same saw, battery, and charger bundled with a free M18 blower, per the listing.

The Other M18 FUEL Saws

The 14-inch 2727-20C is the same design on a shorter bar at 10.4 pounds; Milwaukee says it cuts faster than gas up to 40cc and delivers up to 150 cuts per charge. The 14-inch top handle (2826-20T) is an 8.4-pound saw aimed at arborists and utility crews; Milwaukee says it cuts faster than 35cc gas. The 20-inch dual battery saw (2827-22) runs on two M18 batteries at once, and Milwaukee rates it at 70cc power and 5.8 hp peak - at 19.9 pounds. Milwaukee designs the top handle for professional arborists, utility linemen, and landscape maintenance crews.

We are not linking the 20-inch or the top-handle saws: the Amazon listings we found for them were third-party offers priced far above the other Milwaukee saws on this page. Buy those from a Milwaukee dealer.

The HATCHET Pruning Saws

The M18 FUEL HATCHET 8-inch (3004-20) weighs 4.9 pounds and, per Milwaukee, maintains speed under load to complete cuts faster than 25cc gas. The M12 FUEL HATCHET 6-inch (2527-20) weighs 4.1 pounds and, per Milwaukee, cuts 3-inch hardwoods and delivers up to 120 cuts per charge. It includes an Oregon 6-inch bar and chain, a scabbard, and a scrench, and Milwaukee specifies an 11/64-inch round file for sharpening its chain. These are limbing and pruning tools, not firewood saws.

Battery or Gas?

Milwaukee's own comparison point for the 16-inch saw is a gas saw up to 40cc. If your work calls for a 50cc-class saw and a 20-inch bar - regular firewood cutting or felling larger trees - look at gas saws such as the Husqvarna 450S Rancher, or at Husqvarna's 40-volt 435i battery saw if you are not tied to M18.

What to Buy With It

Battery saws still need bar and chain oil every session. Wear chaps and eye protection, keep the chain sharp with the right file size (see our sharpening guide), and check the maintenance guide for the rest.

Common Questions

Which Milwaukee chainsaw should I buy?

For general property work and cleanup on the M18 platform, the M18 FUEL 16-inch (2727). Buy the 2727-21HD kit if you need a battery and charger, or the 2727-20 tool-only if you already own large M18 packs.

How many cuts does the Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw get per charge?

Milwaukee says up to 150 cuts per charge for both the 16-inch and 14-inch M18 FUEL chainsaws. The 16-inch kit ships with a 12.0Ah HIGH OUTPUT battery.

Is the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw as powerful as gas?

Milwaukee says the 16-inch M18 FUEL chainsaw provides the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc, and that its 20-inch dual battery saw generates 70cc power.

How much does the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw weigh?

10.7 pounds as a bare tool, and 13.9 pounds for the kit version with its 12.0Ah battery, per Milwaukee.

Can you buy Milwaukee chainsaws on Amazon?

Yes, through third-party sellers. Prices vary by seller, so compare against a Milwaukee dealer before you buy - we skipped two Amazon listings that were priced far above the rest of the lineup.