Best Pole Saws for DIYers
A pole saw cuts overhead branches from the ground, so you prune and limb trees without a ladder. Battery models have largely replaced gas for homeowners; reach, bar length, and weight set what you can safely cut.
What to look for
- ·Battery pole saws are quiet, instant-start, and plenty for homeowner pruning; gas is for big, frequent limbing on large properties.
- ·Match reach to your trees: many extend 8 to 13 feet, plus your height. Longer reach is heavier and harder to control.
- ·A longer bar (8 to 12 inches) cuts bigger limbs, but mind the weight overhead. Keep the chain sharp and oiled.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO PS1001 Power+ Pole Saw | Editor's pick | $200 to $280 | The best all-around pole saw |
| Stihl Gas Pole Saw | Editor's pick | $250 to $450 | Heavy, frequent limbing |
| DeWalt DCPS620 Pole Saw | Editor's pick | $180 to $260 | Balance and control |
| Greenworks 40V 8-inch Pole Saw | Best value | $120 to $170 | Best cordless value |
| Ryobi ONE+ Pole Saw | Best value | $100 to $160 | Value on the ONE+ system |
| Echo Gas Pole Saw | Best value | $200 to $300 | Value gas reach |
| Sun Joe Electric Pole Saw | Budget pick | $60 to $100 | Budget corded pruning |
| Fiskars Manual Pole Pruner & Saw | Budget pick | $40 to $80 | Quiet manual pruning |
| WORX Corded Pole Saw | Budget pick | $60 to $110 | Lowest-cost occasional use |
Editor's pick
EGO PS1001 Power+ Pole Saw
$200 to $280
The top overall pole saw, with a carbon-fiber telescoping shaft reaching 13 feet, a 10-inch bar, and an LED cut-line indicator. Powerful, light, and quiet. The pick for most homeowners.
Best for: The best all-around pole saw
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Stihl Gas Pole Saw
$250 to $450
The gas saw to spend money on if you want one, relatively affordable, fast, smooth, and lighter than heavy battery models. The pick for frequent, heavy limbing.
Best for: Heavy, frequent limbing
Typically available at Stihl dealers.
DeWalt DCPS620 Pole Saw
$180 to $260
A well-balanced cordless pole saw with good control on the 20V platform, ideal if you own DeWalt batteries. The pick for balance and control while pruning.
Best for: Balance and control
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Greenworks 40V 8-inch Pole Saw
$120 to $170
A strong value cordless pole saw sold ready to go, with solid reach and power for the price. A great budget-friendly pick for homeowner pruning.
Best for: Best cordless value
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Ryobi ONE+ Pole Saw
$100 to $160
A capable pole saw on the giant ONE+ battery system at a friendly price, great if you own Ryobi tools. A strong value for occasional tree pruning.
Best for: Value on the ONE+ system
Typically available at Home Depot.
Echo Gas Pole Saw
$200 to $300
A handy, fast gas pole saw with a 12-inch bar and good balance, a reliable value for property owners who prefer gas. A dependable mid-value pick.
Best for: Value gas reach
Typically available at Home Depot.
Budget pick
Sun Joe Electric Pole Saw
$60 to $100
An inexpensive corded electric pole saw for light pruning near an outlet. No batteries to charge, a cheap pick for occasional small-branch work.
Best for: Budget corded pruning
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Fiskars Manual Pole Pruner & Saw
$40 to $80
A manual pole pruner with a saw blade and cutting head for quiet, no-power trimming of smaller branches. Great for light pruning where you want no motor at all.
Best for: Quiet manual pruning
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
WORX Corded Pole Saw
$60 to $110
A budget corded or battery pole saw for occasional limbing on small properties. Basic but functional, a low-cost way to reach overhead branches.
Best for: Lowest-cost occasional use
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Battery, gas, or corded pole saw?+
Battery pole saws are the homeowner favorite: quiet, instant-start, and capable for most pruning, especially on a battery platform you own. Gas offers more power for heavy, frequent limbing on big properties. Corded electric is cheapest but tethers you to an outlet and extension cord.
How high can a pole saw reach?+
Many extend to about 8 to 13 feet of pole, and adding your height and arm reach gets you to roughly 12 to 17 feet of cutting height. Some accept extension poles for more. Remember the higher you cut, the heavier and harder the saw is to control.
What size branches can a pole saw cut?+
Homeowner pole saws comfortably cut limbs up to about 6 to 8 inches with a sharp chain, depending on the bar and power. For larger limbs, make relief cuts and take it slow, or use a chainsaw from a safe position. Do not force the saw through oversized wood.
Is a pole saw safe to use?+
It is much safer than climbing a ladder with a chainsaw, but cutting overhead has real risks: falling limbs, kickback, and fatigue. Wear a helmet, eye, and ear protection, watch where limbs will fall, keep clear of power lines, and stop when tired. Leave large or near-line limbs to a pro.
How do I maintain a pole saw?+
Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned and the bar oiled, just like a chainsaw, and clean it after use. A sharp chain cuts faster and safer with less effort overhead. On gas models, use fresh fuel mix and keep the air filter clean.