4 Alternatives to the DEWALT 18V XR Brushless 30cm Compact Chainsaw

The DEWALT 18V XR Brushless 30cm Compact Chainsaw is a solid all-round cordless saw: 30cm bar, brushless motor, and decent performance for pruning, logs, and general garden work. Its main strength is being part of the DEWALT XR battery platform, so it makes sense if you already own DEWALT 18V tools. But it isn’t the cheapest option, and if you only need occasional branch cutting, some alternatives are better value.

Stihl MS 170 Cylinder Chainsaw — This is the most serious alternative here if you want a proper petrol chainsaw. At £308, it’s much more expensive than the DEWALT, but it brings a 30cm guide bar and stronger real-world cutting confidence for bigger pruning jobs, thicker timber, and regular use. What’s better: longer working sessions, no battery charging, and the sort of power many users prefer for dense hardwood or repeated cutting. What’s worse: petrol maintenance, noise, fumes, and more vibration. Choose this if you’ve got a larger garden, frequent heavy cutting tasks, or you simply want petrol reliability over cordless convenience.

SEESII Mini Chainsaw Cordless 6 Inch — This is a budget-friendly lightweight option at £47.45. Compared with the DEWALT, it’s far less capable for anything beyond small branches, hedge clearance, and light pruning. What’s better: price, portability, and ease of use for quick jobs around a small UK garden. What’s worse: the tiny 6-inch bar, lower cutting capacity, and less confidence on thicker limbs or firewood. Choose this if you only need a compact saw for occasional pruning and don’t want to spend DEWALT money.

SEESII 8 Inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw — A step up from the 6-inch model, this one offers better reach and a more practical size for garden pruning at £64.58. It still doesn’t compete with the DEWALT for build quality, battery ecosystem, or all-round capability, but it’s a lot cheaper. What’s better: value, lighter weight, and good performance for branch cutting and small logs. What’s worse: it’s still a mini chainsaw, so it’s not ideal for tougher, sustained work. Pick this if you want a low-cost cordless saw for seasonal pruning, especially in smaller gardens or allotments.

Supstable Mini Chainsaw Cordless 8 Inch & 6 Inch Brushless — This is probably the best value pick if you want a compact cordless saw with a bit more refinement. At £79.98, it’s still much cheaper than the DEWALT, but the brushless motor and included batteries make it more appealing than the cheapest mini saws. What’s better: brushless efficiency, decent battery bundle, and enough size for routine pruning. What’s worse: it still won’t match the DEWALT’s cutting confidence, durability, or compatibility with a wider tool range. Choose this if you want a sensible middle ground between toy-like mini saws and a premium branded tool.

Overall, the DEWALT remains the best choice for buyers already invested in XR batteries and those wanting a reputable cordless saw for regular domestic use. But if your priority is lower cost, or you need petrol power for heavier cutting, one of the alternatives above may suit you better.