Pole saws come in handy for clipping branches growing too near overhead power lines. They are also terrific for clearing up tree branches and debris after major storms.
For homeowners and foresters with large, tree-filled properties, the jobsite quickly becomes cluttered with branches, logs, and other assorted debris. Getting rid of it efficiently often means using a pole saw to reach branches high above the ground, and being prepared means having an effective one.
Hence, in order to clear branch infestations faster and with less effort, pole saws are must have on site.
The best pole saws give you the right balance between power, safety, maneuverability, and ease of use. In other words, you have to find the right balance between your cutting needs, and the weight, manageability and cost of the unit.
Using a pole saw can be as dangerous as using any other chainsaw, so make sure you wear protective equipment and keep the saw plugged into the ground and not dangling in a place where it can be pulled out.
If you’re looking for the best pole saw for you, check out our comprehensive comparison table or reviews below.
TIP: Opt for a battery powered pole saw if you are after a lightweight, easily transportable device with little weight and size.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw | Best Overall |  |
| Worx WG309 | Budget Pick |  |
| Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping Pole Saw | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw
Pros:
- Balanced and easy to maneuver
- Comfortable and lightweight grip
- Chain oiler ensures chain stays lubricated
- Easy assembly
This is a heavy duty pole saw with an automatic chain oiler and a 6.5 amp motor and an 8-inch chain which cuts up to 25 feet. It is one of the most current pole saws which you will find in the market, and it is with a telescoping pole made up of aluminum which makes it easy for you to move from one place to another. The chain is suitable for clearing thick branches.
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw
3. Worx WG309
If you’re looking for a solid electric pole saw, you ought to consider purchasing the Worx WG309. You may need to do a bit of research by reading other consumer’s reviews, but you’ll be glad you did.
Murphy’s Law states that if there’s a tree branch in front of you, it’s going to fall in the direction you don’t want it to fall, which is often toward your house or car. That’s why it’s important to have such a powerful electric pole saw on hand.
Worx WG309 uses an 8-amp motor to generate up to 16,000 RPM … effectively fast enough that you can get even the tallest tree branches down quickly.
4. Remington RM1035P Ranger II 8-Amp Electric 2-in-1 Pole Saw & Chainsaw
Pros:
- Good for tall people, up to 6’8”
- Shoots both below and above yin
- Cuts straight through large branches
- Easy to adjust chain tension
- Small and lightweight
- It comes with an easy charge
- Has an LED which emits plenty of light
- Has a 2 stage cutting system
- Reaches heights up to 18”
Cons:
- The battery doesn’t last that long, get one or two extra batteries.
- It gets hung up on green leaves but must be expected with an electric saw.
If you’re looking for the best telescoping pole saw in the market, then the Remington RM1035P is the one to get. Purchasing an orange pole saw can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t have the time to try out each one. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to do just that so you don’t have to spend much time on reading reviews and testing out pole saws.
5. Sun Joe 10 inch 8.0 Amp Electric Multi-Angle Pole Chain Saw
Pros:
- Sold in various colors
- Cutting action is better than expected
- More of a trimmer than a saw
- Customer Support
Sun Joe is second on my list of the ten best pole saws in 2020. They are the most affordable, full-size pole saw on my list of ten best and can handle just about any yard chore you can throw at it.
As far as battery-powered pole saws go, the Sun Joe SWJ803E stands out from the pack as one of the best because they are very affordable but surprisingly good. This model comes with a 6.5 amp motor which can throw a 1.75-inch stroke out at 5500 RPM. At 10 inches in length, the blade is fairly short for a power pole saw but long enough to cut branches that measure up to 10 inches in diameter.
The Sun Joe SWJ803E is not only well-received by most customers, but it also has an interesting look with its purple and black color scheme.
6. Greenworks 8.5' 40V Cordless Pole Saw
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Ergonomically designed for better control
- Longer reach
- Faster cutting
- Easily adjustable to different angles
- Automatic chain tension
Cons:
- Battery tends to be heavy, making storage a bit of a problem for some people
- Might not work on branches over an inch thick
7. Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping Pole Saw
Pros:
- Highly competitive pricing
- Easy to assemble
- Plenty of safety features
- Extending arm and pole are flexible
- Corded and cordless working options – each with a third battery in the pack
- Telescopes to different sizes and heights to cover a larger variety of DIY tasks
(Includes 3.0Ah & 4.0Ah Batteries)
8. Poulan Pro PR25PS
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and get starting
- Great design and reach
- Adjustable dual handles with a safety lock for easy storage
Cons:
- Throttle control may become stiff
- Poorly written owner's manual
OPTIONS:
- Gas PS70921
- Electric PS70920
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which pole saw is best?
In this category, our performance metrics include: power, versatility, comfort, safety, and value.
In general, perhaps as a sign of the times, the three-wheeled electric models tend to score the highest.
It makes sense that making the saw easier to maneuver, while at the same time creating a more stable platform, should make it easier to get the job done. In fact, it remains to be seen if another design will out-perform the three-wheeler.
If we take a look at some of the other criteria we looked at in the past, such as power or design, we see that those things don’t seem to have changed much. Though, we did note some newer safety features like a chain-brake and better anti-vibration.
Are pole saws any good?
For people who live in a leafy neighborhood and have yards of significant size, there's no substitute for a pole saw. Similar to a robotic lawnmower, it makes pruning a less laborious task.
When looking to purchase a pole saw, the two main things you should consider are power and battery life. Consider the amount of vertical space you need to prune and how much foliage you'll be cutting. Also, how often you'll be using the saw will determine the battery life you need. You may not want to buy a battery-operated unit if you use your pole saw infrequently. If that's the case, go for an electric pole saw.
What is the best Stihl pole saw?
The STIHL MS 210T is very similar to the MS 210. The same cutting head and chain hardware are used. The only noticeable difference is the slightly shorter length of 16'. One outstanding aspect of the MS 210T is the tool-less tensioning adjustment on the cutter bar.
If you are looking for the best Stihl pole saw available, then you should consider the MS 201. It is the same weight and power of the MS 210, but it's one-inch diameter aluminum and fiberglass pole adds unique advantages. One advantage is the lighter weight of this pole. You'll find that the fiberglass won't fatigue your muscles the same way as aluminum. This product is great if you need a saw to get into tight spaces and it has the power to tackle large fallen trees.
What is the longest pole saw you can buy?
If you need or are willing to extend your reach with any of these picks, note how long the pole can extend. It can be helpful to have the extended pole in place before you start trimming so you can get a feel for how comfortable it is in that configuration. When extended, some of these designs can be unwieldy, so knowing how far they will extend in advance helps.
The length of the pole is particularly important for taller people because it can reduce fatigue from reaching for extended periods. Anyone 6'7" tall or taller will definitely benefit from these long-reaching designs.
Conclusion
Features, Performance, and Reliability
There's no doubt that you want to find the best pole saw for your needs if you are considering self tree trimming. Regardless of what type of tree you have to cut (be it small saplings to large branches or trunks), you will want to know what is the best pole saw for your money. Whether you're buying a gas or electric pole saw, you will want one that chops through branches easily – taking human strength out of the equation. So the cutting performance of a pole saw is where we're going to focus most of our research efforts.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw | Best Overall | |
| Worx WG309 | Budget Pick | |
| Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping Pole Saw | Upgrade Pick | |