Pole Saws for Reaching Those High, Awkward Branches
The Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Pole Saw is our top overall pick for its balance of reach, cordless power and value. The Sun Joe SWJ800E is the best budget corded option, while the DEWALT DCPS620B leads for cordless cutting strength and professional-grade build quality.
If you want the short answer, the Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw is the best pole saw for most homeowners, with the Sun Joe SWJ800E for tight budgets and the DEWALT DCPS620B for serious cutting power.
Pole saws are trickier to shop for than they look, because reach, weight and cutting power constantly work against each other, and a tool that feels light in the store can strain your arms after ten overhead cuts. To narrow the field we compared published specifications, owner feedback and manufacturer reach and bar-length figures, weighing real-world balance and runtime rather than headline numbers alone.
The best picks, ranked
Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw (20672)
The Greenworks 40V hits the sweet spot between reach, power and simplicity that most homeowners actually need. Owners report clean cuts on limbs up to roughly eight inches thick, and the tool-free extension makes storing it far easier than a fixed-length saw.
Pros
- Cordless freedom with no gas or cords
- Tool-free extension shaft
- Works within the wider Greenworks 40V battery lineup
Cons
- Battery and charger sometimes sold separately
- Runtime drops on thick hardwood limbs
Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Electric Pole Saw
The corded Sun Joe SWJ800E is the pick when you want dependable cutting without paying for batteries. Because it runs on wall power, it never fades mid-cut, and owners say it handles routine branch pruning around the yard with little fuss.
Pros
- Consistent power with no battery to charge
- Long overhead reach for the money
- Lightweight for extended pruning sessions
Cons
- Tethered to an extension cord
- Cord management can be awkward on tall limbs
DEWALT DCPS620B 20V MAX XR Pole Saw
The DEWALT DCPS620B is built for people who already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and want brushless cutting muscle. Based on specifications it delivers strong chain speed, and owners describe it as durable enough for regular property maintenance rather than occasional use.
Pros
- Brushless motor for efficient cutting
- Shares batteries across the DEWALT 20V system
- Sturdy build aimed at frequent use
Cons
- Sold as a bare tool without battery
- Heavier once a large battery is attached
WORX WG323 20V 2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw
The WORX WG323 converts between a pole saw and a handheld chainsaw, which owners like for tackling both high limbs and ground-level cleanup with one tool. It uses an auto-tension chain system that reduces fiddling for casual users.
Pros
- Converts to a handheld chainsaw
- Auto-tension chain reduces maintenance
- Shares batteries with the WORX PowerShare range
Cons
- Front-heavy when fully extended
- Modest runtime on a single small battery
EGO Power+ PSA1000 10-Inch Pole Saw Attachment
The EGO Power+ PSA1000 is an attachment that snaps onto the EGO Power Head, making it a smart buy if you already run the EGO multi-head system. Owners praise the smooth cutting once paired with a larger battery, though it needs the separate power head to run.
Pros
- Long 10-inch bar for bigger limbs
- Shares one power head across EGO attachments
- Strong cutting with a high-capacity battery
Cons
- Requires the separate EGO power head
- Total cost climbs once fully outfitted
Ryobi ONE+ RY43160 8-Inch Electric Pole Saw
The Ryobi RY43160 keeps things simple and light, which owners appreciate for routine trimming of thinner branches. It fits the broad Ryobi ecosystem, so it appeals to anyone who already leans on Ryobi tools around the house.
Pros
- Light and easy to control overhead
- Straightforward for occasional users
- Backed by a widely available brand
Cons
- Better suited to smaller branches
- Less cutting power than premium rivals
Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner 393951-1001
For quiet, maintenance-free pruning the Fiskars extendable pole saw and pruner is a proven manual choice. Owners rely on it for precision cuts near the house where a powered chain feels like overkill, and there is no battery or cord to manage.
Pros
- No battery, cord or fuel required
- Precise control for careful cuts
- Combines a saw and a pruning head
Cons
- Slower going on thick limbs
- Manual sawing takes more effort
How they compare
| # | Model | Bar length | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw (20672) | 8 inches | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Electric Pole Saw | 8 inches | Best budget | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | DEWALT DCPS620B 20V MAX XR Pole Saw | 8 inches | Best cordless power | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | WORX WG323 20V 2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw | 10 inches | Best 2-in-1 | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | EGO Power+ PSA1000 10-Inch Pole Saw Attachment | 10 inches | Best for EGO owners | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Ryobi ONE+ RY43160 8-Inch Electric Pole Saw | 8 inches | Best for light pruning | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner 393951-1001 | WoodZig saw blade plus pruner | Best manual option | 8.1 | Check price |
How to choose
Match reach to your tallest branches The single most common regret owners report is buying a pole saw that cannot reach the limbs they wanted to cut. Measure the height of your target branches and remember that your own height and arm span add several feet to a saw’s pole length. If you are pruning limbs above 15 feet, plan on a longer telescoping model or consider hiring a professional rather than overreaching from a ladder.
Weigh power against fatigue Cutting power matters, but so does how a saw feels after ten overhead cuts. Corded and higher-voltage cordless models cut faster through thick wood, yet they can be heavier and more tiring when held above your head. Lighter tools reduce arm strain but bog down in dense hardwood. Think honestly about branch thickness and how long you will work at a stretch before prioritizing raw power.
Understand battery platforms With cordless pole saws, the battery system often matters more than the saw itself. If you already own tools from Greenworks, DEWALT, EGO, WORX or Ryobi, staying in that ecosystem lets you share batteries and chargers, which lowers your real cost. Bare-tool listings save money up front but require a compatible battery, so read the listing carefully before assuming a charger is included.
Do not skip maintenance and safety A pole saw is a chainsaw on a stick, so treat it with respect. Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, oil the bar as the manual directs, and always wear eye protection and a hard hat when cutting overhead. Never cut directly above yourself or near power lines, and let limbs fall clear of your footing. Manufacturer guidance on maximum branch diameter exists for a reason and is worth following.
Frequently asked questions
How high can a pole saw actually reach?
Most pole saws in this roundup reach roughly 9 to 15 feet of pole length, and your own height adds several more feet of effective reach. Corded models like the Sun Joe often extend highest, while compact cordless saws sit at the shorter end.
What size branches can a pole saw cut?
As a general rule based on specifications, an 8 to 10 inch bar handles limbs up to about 6 to 8 inches thick. Cutting closer to the maximum is slower and harder on the chain, so many owners stick to branches well under that limit.
Are corded or cordless pole saws better?
Corded saws deliver steady power and never run out of charge, which suits stationary trimming near an outlet. Cordless models offer freedom to roam the yard but depend on battery runtime, so the right choice comes down to how far you need to move.
Do I need to oil a pole saw chain?
Yes. Like any chainsaw, a powered pole saw needs bar and chain oil to run smoothly and last. Most models have a reservoir you top up, and following the manufacturer’s oiling schedule reduces wear and helps prevent the chain from binding.
Can a pole saw replace a chainsaw?
Not entirely. Pole saws excel at overhead pruning and reaching limbs from the ground, but they are lighter-duty than a full chainsaw and are not meant for felling trees or bucking large logs. Two-in-one models like the WORX WG323 blur the line for smaller jobs.
How heavy is too heavy for overhead use?
Weight tolerance is personal, but many owners find saws around 7 to 9 pounds manageable for extended overhead work, while heavier tools become tiring quickly. Remember that a large cordless battery adds weight right where it strains your arms most.
Is a manual pole saw worth considering?
For quiet, close-in pruning of thinner branches, a manual pole saw and pruner like the Fiskars is a reliable, maintenance-free option. It asks more physical effort but eliminates batteries, cords, fuel and chain oil, which some owners strongly prefer.
What safety gear should I use with a pole saw?
At minimum, wear eye protection and a hard hat when cutting overhead, plus gloves for grip. Keep bystanders clear, avoid cutting near power lines, and never position yourself directly beneath the limb you are cutting so falling wood cannot land on you.
Do pole saws come with a battery included?
It varies. Several premium cordless models, including the DEWALT DCPS620B, are sold as bare tools without a battery or charger. Always check the listing so you are not surprised, especially if you do not already own a compatible battery platform.
The verdict
For most homeowners the Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Cordless Pole Saw offers the best mix of reach, power and value, while the corded Sun Joe SWJ800E is the smart budget pick. Choose the DEWALT DCPS620B if you want maximum cordless cutting strength and already own compatible batteries.
