5 Best Pole Saws of 2024

Written by: - Landscape Gardener
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The Best Pole Saws

best pole saws uk

Need some help finding the best pole saw? You’re in the right place! I’m a landscape gardener, who also runs a farm. You can imagine how many trees I have to prune each year! Being such an important tool for me, I tested the UK’s top models. After extensive analysis my favourite was the Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18. Read on to see why it’s my top recommendation…

  1. Best pole saw overall - Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18

  2. Good value for money - Black + Decker PS7525-GB Corded Pole Saw

  3. Best for thick branches - Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner

  4. Best for tall trees - Ryobi RPP750S Pole Pruner with Extension Pole

  5. Ideal for larger trees - eSkde LPCS1 Telescopic Long Reach Pole Chainsaw

Pole Saw Reviews

Top Pick
  • Easy assembly takes less than 5 minutes, with no extra tools needed - from an Allen key to a bottle of oil, Bosch supplies everything required to get this pole saw up and running
  • Comes with a high-quality and durable Oregon bar and chain
  • A 20cm cutting length enables this pole saw to be used on branches that are up to 20cm in diameter
  • The cutting head tilts to 120 degrees, enabling you to easily slice through even the most awkwardly-angled branches
  • The telescopic pole extends from 2.1-2.6m
  • The blade impact guard makes this pole saw easy to use, thanks to how it enables you to “hook” the blade over a branch
  • At 3.6kg, this was the lightest of the pole saws that I tested - it won’t leave you with aching arms, especially since it also comes with a shoulder strap
  • Cuts through both deciduous and evergreen branches neatly and cleanly
  • Bosch has incorporated a couple of important anti-kickback safety features into this machine

  • Pricier than other pole saws (although, in my opinion, it’s worth the extra cost)
  • Its cutting speed of 4m/s is a little slower than the other pole saws that I reviewed, although this wasn’t particularly noticeable when using the machine
Power Source
Cordless Electric
Blade Length
20cm
Weight
3.6kg
Max. Length
2.6m
Power
18 V
Overall Score 5
Ease of Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Power
5
Ease of Use
5
Safety
5
Value For Money
5

While there are some fantastic electric and petrol pole saws out there, people often don’t want to be dealing with trailing cables or refilling the fuel. This is where cordless pole saws come in, and one of the most popular models out there is the Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18.

This pole saw certainly looks pretty snazzy, but how does it compare to the other models available, and, more importantly, would it enable me to prune my trees in a quick and efficient way? That’s exactly what I intended to find out…

Some of the pole saws that I tested took a while to assemble, but this one was the fastest to put together, taking less than 5 minutes. Since the chain and blade are already attached to the machine, all you need to do is click the two poles together, tighten the blade, and fill the machine up with oil. You don’t need any extra tools to get this saw going – Bosch has given you everything that you’ll need in the box.

Bosch-Cordless-Pruner-UniversalChainPole-18-assembly

In terms of design, there are a few features in particular that help this pole saw to stand out from its competition. The pivoting head that tilts to 120 degrees, unlike the 30-degree angle offered by most other machines, is a huge plus, as is the telescopic pole that extends out to 2.6m.

This pole saw also has a metal guard over the tip of its blade, giving you a total of 15cm of cutting length, along with a shoulder strap attached to the pole.

It only took a few cuts for me to realise just how impressive this tool really is. I tested it out on apple, sycamore, and spruce trees, and it sliced through each branch very neatly. At 4m/s, its cutting speed is a little slower than the other pole saws I tested, but this isn’t actually very noticeable when you’re using the machine. 

Bosch-Cordless-Pruner-UniversalChainPole-18-being-used

Battery-operated garden tools can often feel less powerful than those that run from the mains, but that wasn’t the case with this pole saw. Its 18V battery gives it fantastic power, and the fact that Bosch batteries are interchangeable is ideal for those of you who already own Bosch products.

My pole saw came with a 2.5aH battery, which gave me about an hour of on and off cutting time. However, once it went flat, I then replaced it with a 4aH battery and continued cutting for a couple more hours.

Those of you who hate heavy garden tools will appreciate how lightweight this pole saw is. At 3.6kg with the battery in, it weighs less than all of the others that I reviewed, and the fact that it comes with a shoulder strap helps to take some of the weight off of your arms.

Something else that made this pole saw more convenient to use was the blade impact guard at the tip of the blade. It allows you to basically hook the blade over a branch so that all you need to do is press the power button and hold it steady while it cuts, which, again, makes the pole saw feel lighter and more comfortable.

Some of the other models that I tested had a multitude of safety features while others had next to nothing. The Bosch sits somewhere in the middle. From the low-kickback chain to the blade impact guard, the safety features incorporated into this machine are mainly designed to reduce kickbacks, which, in my opinion, is the most important thing to focus on when it comes to keeping a pole saw as safe as possible.

As impressive as this machine may seem, the fact that it’s priced higher than many of the other pole saws out there may put some people off. However, if your budget allows for it, I would definitely recommend going the extra mile for this tool. It offers a number of very useful design features that others don’t have, which justifies its cost. Of course, the price varies depending on whether or not you need a battery, making this machine even better value for those who already own other cordless Bosch products.

Some of the pole saws that I tested were designed with beginners in mind, whereas others were better suited to those who already have some pole saw experience under their belt. The Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18 is unique in that it would work well for both groups of people. It performs well enough for even professional landscapers to take this machine seriously, yet it’s lightweight and easy enough to use for pole saw newbies too. All in all, a fantastic machine that I would highly recommend.

Bosch-Cordless-Pruner-UniversalChainPole-18-design

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Great Value
  • Quick to assemble - it took just 7 minutes to have this pole saw ready to go
  • Has a long pole that extends to 2.7m, enabling you to reach high branches without the need for a ladder
  • Has a 25cm blade that will allow you to slice through branches that are 25cm thick
  • Designed with a head that pivots 30°, which makes it easier to cut branches that are growing at an angle
  • Has a relatively fast cutting speed of 11.5m/s, which means that it’ll cut through each branch much faster than many of the other pole saws out there
  • Has a powerful 800W motor that cuts through wood without any force needed on the user’s part
  • Fitted with some great safety features that’ll keep you safe while the saw is in use
  • Very reasonably priced

  • Its spike bumper is made from plastic, rather than metal, which means that it won’t be quite as strong as it should be. That said, the fact that it has a spike bumper is a good thing!
  • Restricted by the fact that it's corded
Power Source
Corded Electric
Blade Length
25cm
Weight
4.5kg
Max. Length
2.7m
Power
800 W
Overall Score 5
Ease of Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Power
5
Ease of Use
5
Safety
5
Value For Money
5

Famed for their budget-friendly yet reliable power tools and home appliances, Black + Decker is a brand with a huge lineup of products, one of which is their PS7525-GB Corded Pole Saw. When compared to higher-end models, this electric pole saw certainly looks the part, but does it perform as well as the pricier products out there? Fortunately, I had several trees in need of some pruning to help me find out just that…

Assembling this pole saw only took about 7 minutes, which was helped by the fact that the chain is already fitted onto the blade, saving you from the fiddly process of unravelling and attaching it. All you need to do is attach the bar to the main unit and then fill the machine up with oil (you’ll need to buy some as it doesn’t come with any).

Black-+-Decker-PS7525-GB-Corded-Pole-Saw-assembly

In terms of design, this Black + Decker pole saw definitely boasts a few impressive features, such as its 2.7m extendable pole and its pivoting head. It’s also equipped with a 25cm blade, complete with a high-quality Oregon chain, which will allow you to tackle some pretty thick branches.

So, that’s exactly what I did, with both evergreen spruce trees as well as apple trees. Turns out, I didn’t need to worry about how it would perform – it handled everything that I asked it to, cutting through both green and dry branches neatly and quickly. With a cutting speed of 11.5m/s, it’s the fastest electric pole saw that I tested and makes relatively quick work of every pruning job. 

This is helped by its 800W motor, making it the most powerful of the electric pole saws that I reviewed. You can definitely feel this power when using the machine – it makes each cut feel so much more effortless.

Black-+-Decker-PS7525-GB-Corded-Pole-Saw-being-used

I was also thrilled with how easy this pole saw was to use. At 4.5kg, some may find it a little heavy, but, for me, its weight was spot on. It gives the head enough weight to balance on the branch you’re cutting, making it much easier to hold the machine steady while it’s in use. This, coupled with the telescopic pole for reaching tall branches, plus the head that pivots 30°, gives you a machine that’s versatile enough to handle just about everything.

Without the right safety features, a pole saw can be pretty dangerous, so it’s great to see that Black + Decker has fitted this machine with an anti-kickback chain, as well as a chain brake system that turns the machine off if a kickback is experienced. You’ll also find plenty of safety information in the instruction manual, as well as on the safety stickers plastered onto the pole.

Considering all of the above, it’s genuinely surprising how inexpensive this pole saw is. In fact, it’s the cheapest of the five that I tested, yet you wouldn’t have guessed that judging by its features, its powerful motor, and its fantastic performance. With that in mind, I’d say that this pole saw offers brilliant value for money.

Some pole saws are designed for beginners, while others are better used by people with some experience, but this machine is the Goldilocks of pole saws – it’s well-suited to just about everyone. Whether you only have a couple of small trees in your garden or you have several mature trees to prune, the Black + Decker PS7525-GB Corded Pole Saw will do a solid job.

Black-+-Decker-PS7525-GB-Corded-Pole-Saw-design

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Pro Pick

3. Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner

Best for thick branches

best pole saws Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner
  • Easy to assemble - takes just 5 minutes
  • Shafts splits into three pieces, making this pole saw easy to store and transport
  • Its 26cm bar will enable you to slice through branches that are 26cm in diameter
  • Its 52cc 2-stroke petrol engine is noticeably more powerful than electric and cordless pole saws - it’ll handle large-scale tasks with ease, and at a much faster speed

  • At 9.25kg, this pole saw feels heavy after you’ve been using it for a while, although it does come with a very useful body harness to take some of the weight off
  • It lacks a pivoting head, which most other pole saws have
  • It can take a while to get this machine started from cold
Power Source
Petrol
Blade Length
26cm
Weight
9.25kg
Max. Length
2.7m
Power
52cc
Overall Score 4.6
Ease of Assembly
5
Design
4
Performance
5
Power
5
Ease of Use
4
Safety
5
Value For Money
4

If you’re looking for a pole saw that prioritises power, then you’ve probably already dismissed electric/cordless models in favour of petrol-powered machines, which are known for having extra “oomph”. A quick search online will show you that the Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner is a popular choice, but what exactly is it about this pole saw that makes it worth the money?

I put this machine to the test on a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees to find out how it compares to the other best-selling pole saws out there.

Hyundai products can sometimes be a little fiddly to assemble, so I was pleased to find that this pole saw only took about 5 minutes to put together. There’s not much to be done, other than attaching the handle (the Allen key that you’ll need for this is supplied in the box) and slotting the poles together. Then, fill it with petrol/oil using the provided mixing bottle, pour in some chain oil, and you’re good to go!

Hyundai-52cc-Petrol-Long-Reach-Pole-Pruner-assembly

Being a landscaper, I take a pole saw to various jobs with me, so I loved how Hyundai has designed this machine with a shaft that splits into three, making it easy to pack away and transport. At full length, that shaft can reach 2.7m – it’s not the longest of the pole saws that I tested, but it’s certainly adequate for most gardens, especially when combined with its 26cm bar and chain. The only downside to this machine’s design is the lack of a pivoting head, which all of the other pole saws that I reviewed had. 

However, the non-pivoting head didn’t affect how this saw performed at all. It did mean that I had to pay more attention to how I angled the pole, but its performance more than made up for that.

Its cutting speed is significantly faster than that of the other pole saws, and it cut through branches with so much more ease as well. I used it to trim back my sycamore trees, as well as a leylandii hedge at a client’s garden, and it’s one that I will continue to use in the future.

Hyundai-52cc-Petrol-Long-Reach-Pole-Pruner-being-used

When you compare this pole saw’s power to the others that I tested, there’s no competition – this one is, by far, the most powerful. However, it was also the only petrol-powered model, so this was to be expected. Its 52cc engine offers more than enough power for both home users and professionals – this pole saw has now accompanied me on several landscaping jobs and there has been nothing that it couldn’t handle. 

At 9.25kg, this pole saw is definitely on the heavy side. This isn’t an issue for me, especially since Hyundai supplies a sturdy body harness for when the machine is being used for long periods of time, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, then consider an electric or cordless model instead. Petrol pole saws will always be weightier, but Hyundai has fitted this machine with a padded front handle to make life a little more comfortable. 

Hyundai-52cc-Petrol-Long-Reach-Pole-Pruner-ease-of-use

The only flaw was that this machine can sometimes be a little tricky to get started from cold. Even if you follow all of the instructions, you may still find yourself having to repetitively pull on the recoil start cord for a couple of minutes before things kick into action.

When it comes to safety, this pole saw’s features are pretty standard. It doesn’t particularly prioritise safety, but it’s still kitted out with a safety start button, anti-vibration technology, and a protective cover for the bar. If you’re familiar with pole saws, then this won’t be an issue, but if you’re a newbie, you may want to look for a machine that also offers anti-kickback features.

The Hyundai costs the most out of the five pole saws that I tested. However, the big question is; is it worth the money? In my opinion, yes.

It may lack a few of the features found in other models, such as a pivoting head and a longer reach, but its sheer power puts this pole saw in a class of its own – you’re really not going to get anything better at a lower price.  

If you’re looking for a lightweight pole saw for occasional use, then save yourself some money and go for a battery or electric model – they’re more than capable of tackling most garden pruning tasks. However, if power and speed are what you’re after, then the Hyundai excels. For those of you who plan on using your pole saw regularly and want a machine that can handle pretty much any type and size of branch out there, then the Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner would be an excellent choice. 

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  • Takes just 5 minutes to assemble, with everything that you need included in the box
  • Very lightweight at 3.8kg, although it does also come with a shoulder harness to make the machine feel even lighter
  • Comes with a high-quality Oregon bar and chain
  • A 20cm bar enables you to cut through branches that are 20cm in diameter
  • Its 10m/s cutting speed means that you’ll be able to get your pruning jobs done quickly
  • The extension pole gives you 4m of reach, which is longer than many of the other pole saws out there
  • Easily cuts through both evergreen and deciduous branches without leaving chewed up ends behind
  • Fitted with some important safety features designed to prevent harm to the user

  • Although the pivoting cutting head is a good thing, this one only angles to 15 degrees, which isn’t quite enough if you have a branch that’s growing at a very awkward angle
  • Slightly pricier than other electric pole saws, but well worth the money for its extra reach if you have tall trees to prune
Power Source
Corded Electric
Blade Length
20cm
Weight
3.8kg
Max. Length
4m
Power
750 W
Overall Score 4.7
Ease of Assembly
5
Design
4
Performance
5
Power
5
Ease of Use
5
Safety
5
Value For Money
4

Loved for their pro-level yet affordable garden tools, Ryobi is a brand that I’m very familiar with. The Ryobi RPP750S Pole Pruner with Extension Pole sits in Ryobi’s electric range of power tools and promises to make pruning hard-to-reach branches an easy feat. Since I had a number of overgrown sycamore trees around my farm that desperately needed to be cut back, I couldn’t wait to put this pole saw into action to find out how good it really is.

It’s always a bonus when garden tools don’t require too much assembly, so this pole saw made a great first impression. With the chain already fitted around the bar, all you need to do is slot the poles together and fill the machine with oil. Ryobi supplies a small amount of oil with this pole saw, and there’s an oil display window at the side of the machine that makes it easy to keep things topped up. All in all, assembling this pole saw took about 5 minutes and, even better, it was simple enough that the instructions weren’t needed.

Ryobi-RPP750S-Pole-Pruner-with-Extension-Pole-assembly

Ryobi tools are usually decked out in the brand’s signature bright green colour palette, and this pole saw is no exception. It looks sleek and high-quality, especially once you take a closer look and see that it’s fitted with a 20cm Oregon bar and chain. Its cutting head pivots to 15 degrees, which is pretty limited compared to other pole saws, but the fact that it boasts an easily removable centre shaft, giving you 4m of reach in total, more than makes up for this.

In terms of performance and speed, this pole saw is pretty much on par with the other electric pole saws that I tested. At 10m/s, it slices through branches quickly, leaving a neat edge behind. It performed beautifully on all of my sycamore trees, and did well with the spruce branches that I tested it on too.

Its 750W motor puts this pole saw somewhere in the middle of the scale when it comes to power – the Black & Decker had a slightly larger motor, but the eSkde had a smaller one. That said, the Ryobi still felt just as powerful as the Black & Decker – it had no trouble at all slicing through thicker branches.

Ryobi-RPP750S-Pole-Pruner-with-Extension-Pole-being-used

What I really appreciated about this pole saw was its weight. At 3.8kg, it was the lightest of the mains-powered pole saws that I tested – it was even almost as light as the cordless Bosch that I reviewed, which is ideal for those of you who want to avoid aching arms.

Even better, Ryobi provides a shoulder harness with this pole saw. While you’re unlikely to need this for short pruning sessions, it’s extremely handy if you’re going to be using the machine for extended periods of time. The fact that the centre shaft is removable helps too, since you don’t need to carry all of that extra weight unless you’re pruning super-tall branches.

Safety is key when it comes to electric saws of any kind, so it was good to see that Ryobi took this into account when designing this machine. In addition to its safety guard and hand guard, it also boasts a low-kickback chain, along with a button that needs to be pressed before the trigger can be pulled, saving the machine from being accidentally turned on at any point. Just like the other pole saws that I tested, this one also comes with a plastic protective cover that easily slips over the bar and chain when the machine isn’t in use.

This pole saw is a little pricier than the other electric pole saws that I reviewed, but not by much. Is it worth paying slightly more for this machine? In my opinion, yes, mostly because of the fact that it gives you a significantly longer reach than the others offer, making it so much more versatile. It also helps that it comes with oil and a shoulder harness, meaning that everything that you need to get going with this machine is supplied in the box.

It’s easy to see why this pole saw has such a wide appeal. If you’re a beginner that’s never used a pole saw before, this one is so easy to assemble and operate. Alternatively, if you’re a professional gardener looking for a machine that will enable you to prune high, hard-to-reach branches, this one has a long-enough reach, as well as a fast-enough cutting speed, to whizz its way through thicker limbs.

Either way, if tall and mature branches are what you’re dealing with, then I would highly recommend giving the Ryobi RPP750S Pole Pruner with Extension Pole a try!

Ryobi-RPP750S-Pole-Pruner-with-Extension-Pole-design

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  • Comes with an Oregon bar and chain, which is a top quality brand for chainsaw parts
  • Has a head that pivots to 30°, enabling you to easily cut branches that are growing at awkward angles
  • The pole extends to 290cm - perfect for reaching super-high branches
  • Its bar is 12 inches in length, making it one of the longest bars of the pole saws that I tested - This enables you to cut through thicker branches
  • Performs well on both evergreen and deciduous trees, making it very versatile
  • Priced very reasonably considering its standout design features

  • The assembly process is a little fiddly and time-consuming, although you don’t need any tools to put this pole saw together
  • Its 600W motor doesn’t feel quite as powerful as some of the other pole saws that I reviewed, but this won’t be an issue if your branches aren’t overly thick and dense
  • Has a plastic spike bumper, rather than a metal one. It still works well but isn’t as “grippy” as metal spikes
  • Some may find this chainsaw to be a little heavy at 5.34kg, although I personally thought that its weight worked in its favour
  • Lacks important safety features, making it unsuitable for beginners
Power Source
Corded Electric
Blade Length
30cm
Weight
5.34kg
Max. Length
2.9m
Power
600 W
Overall Score 4.1
Ease of Assembly
4
Design
5
Performance
5
Power
4
Ease of Use
5
Safety
2
Value For Money
4

It can often be tempting to want to go with a big-name company when buying new garden tools. However, sometimes, lesser-known brands produce products that are just as good, if not better, yet without the high price tag.

That’s exactly what I was hoping for with the eSkde LPCS1 Telescopic Long Reach Pole Saw. Although this brand is still making a name for itself, the power tools that they manufacture seem to be very capable, so I had high hopes that their pole saw would enable me to quickly and efficiently prune my garden trees.

Assembling this pole saw took about 15 minutes, which is a little longer than the other pole saws that I reviewed. The assembly process was a little fiddly, hence why it was more time-consuming. However, on the plus side, everything that you need to set this machine up comes in the box, from the Allen key that you use to remove the blade panel and tighten the chain to the oil that the machine needs to kick into action.

eSkde-LPCS1-Telescopic-Long-Reach-Pole-Chainsaw-assembly

Just a quick glance at the overall design of this pole saw was enough to impress me. It stands out from the others in a few different ways, most notably because of its 30cm bar, making it longer than the other electric-powered machines that I reviewed. It also extends to 290cm, making it one of the longest pole saws that I tested. Add to this its long 10m cable, its pivoting head, and its Oregon bar and chain, and you have a machine that works well pruning large trees,

When it comes to performance, this pole saw acts the part too. I used it to prune sycamore, spruce, and apple trees, and with a cutting speed of 10m/s, it sliced through all of those branches quickly and neatly.

That said, I did notice that it didn’t feel quite as powerful as some of the other pole saws that I tested. This is down to its 600W motor. This isn’t an issue if you’re cutting smaller branches, but you may need to apply a little pressure if you’re trying to cut through chunkier limbs.

eSkde-LPCS1-Telescopic-Long-Reach-Pole-Chainsaw-being-used

At 5.34kg, some may find this pole saw to be on the heavy side, especially when the branch that you’re cutting drops and you need to keep the pole saw held up and steady. However, its heavy head gives it good balance – most of the time, you can simply lean it onto a branch and just hold it in place while the blade gets to work. The extendable pole and pivoting head help with this, as they enable you to establish the perfect angle and position for each branch that you need to cut.

What lets this chainsaw down is its lack of safety features. The others that I tested all had their own safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidents from kickbacks and chain breakages, but this one didn’t have any of that. The only real safety feature was the plastic protective cover for the blade, but this is something that all pole saws come with.

Although safety seemed to be an oversight when eSkde designed this machine, it’s an easy one to forgive once you see how much (or rather, how little) this pole saw costs. It was one of the least expensive that I tested, which is surprising considering that it offers up many design features that pricier models lack. Even though it seems to run through more oil than the others that I reviewed, I would still say that this pole saw offers good value for money.

If you’re new to using a pole saw, then I would recommend going with a product that’s equipped with proper safety features. However, if you already know your way around pole saws, but could do with a machine that has a large cutting bar and can reach high branches on tall trees, I’d say the eSkde LPCS1 Telescopic Long Reach Pole Chainsaw is it.

eSkde-LPCS1-Telescopic-Long-Reach-Pole-Chainsaw-design

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Product Tester

Landscape Gardener

To find the best pole saws, I evaluated several pole saws, considering each model’s design, performance, power, ease of use, and safety, as well as how easy it was to assemble each and their value for money. Here’s an insight into how I tested them:

  • Ease of Assembly: I timed the assembly process from unboxing to the pole saws being fully operational – those that took 5 minutes or less were given the best marks, as these were deemed the easiest for the average use. I assessed the clarity of the assembly instructions included with each pole saw, and top marks were given to those that were clear!
  • Design: I scrutinised the design and adjustability of the telescopic pole and handle of each model to evaluate their suitability for various user heights and reach requirements – those with a more varied extendable range (such as 2.6 m to 4 m) were given the highest ratings, as this variation improved the versatility of the tool. Pole saws that doubled as a hedge trimmer were also given high marks (as long as both functions worked efficiently) as this not only improved the value for money of the product but also boasted a clever design. I also assessed each product’s balance and manoeuvrability, and any saws that came with a shoulder strap and felt well-balanced were given higher marks.
  • Performance: When it comes to performance, cutting efficiency, blade quality, and cutting length and width were the most important factors. I tried out all of the hedge trimmers on various hedge types and sizes, carefully checking the precision and quality of the cuts. Pole saws that had hardened steel blades and a cutting length of 25 cm or more were given higher marks as these were the most durable and versatile of all the products.
  • Power: Power is crucial when you’re using a pole saw to cut through tricky vegetation or using it for prolonged periods. Pole saws with 750 W power and over were given higher ratings as this level of power drastically improves performance and user experience. Cordless electric models with sufficient battery life (over 30 minutes) were also given higher ratings than those that had to continually be recharged.
  • Ease of Use: Pole saws with user-friendly controls in reachable places were rated higher than those that were difficult to control. Excessively heavy models of above 7.5 kg that weren’t effectively balanced were given lower marks. I also took a look at the adjustment mechanisms of each pole saw, assessing how convenient the adjustable cutting angles or head positions were.
  • Safety: For safety, I inspected the pole saw’s hand guards, blade covers, trigger lock and safety interlock systems, and the stability and balance of the tool. Models combining these features, as well as additional safety features to reduce kickbacks, were given the best ratings.

By considering all the aspects mentioned above and comparing this to each model’s price point, I was able to generate a star rating out of five for their value for money.

Derek's Smart Buying Tips

  1. There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the best pole saw, with one of the most important being reach. Why? Because one of the main benefits of a pole saw is to be able to prune tall, hard-to-reach branches while having both of your feet safely planted on the ground, so estimate how high your tree branches are before browsing through your options.
  2. The models that we tested extend to varying lengths, from 2.6m to 4m – the shorter your pole is, the easier the saw will be to manoeuvre, so don’t go for a longer length unless you know you’ll need it.
  3. Another aspect that plays into how easy a pole saw is to handle is weight. However, this is directly linked to how the machine is powered – petrol pole saws are significantly heavier than machines that run on cabled electricity or batteries, sometimes weighing almost three times as much. If you’re looking for something lightweight, then a 3-4kg electric or cordless model would suit you best.
  4. However, if speed and power are what you need, then nothing beats a petrol model. For large-scale or intensive jobs, petrol pole saws give you the required flexibility, consistency, and reliability.
  5. Of course, cutting length matters too. If your branches are on the smaller side, then you may not need anything longer than 15cm, which would make the head much lighter and easier to manoeuvre. However, if you have chunky, mature branches to prune, then look for something longer – our recommended pole saws go up to 30cm in length.
  6. Speaking of the head, some pivot and some don’t. Pivoting heads definitely make life much easier, especially if the branches that you’re pruning are growing at awkward angles.

With all of this in mind, along with our own extensive testing, we chose the Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18 as our top choice. It meets the mark on so many levels, from how lightweight and simple it is to use to how well it performs on all types of trees, that it’s easy to see why it has such wide appeal.

That said, the best choice for you really depends on what you and your garden need, so scroll on to read our reviews on the five best pole saws available in the UK.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18
    best pole saws Bosch Cordless Pruner UniversalChainPole 18
    • 5
    • Cordless Electric
    • 20cm
    • 3.6kg
    • 2.6m
    • 18 V
  • Black + Decker PS7525-GB Corded Pole Saw
    best pole saws Black + Decker PS7525 GB Corded Pole Saw
    • 5
    • Corded Electric
    • 25cm
    • 4.5kg
    • 2.7m
    • 800 W
  • Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner
    best pole saws Hyundai 52cc Petrol Long Reach Pole Pruner
    • 4.6
    • Petrol
    • 26cm
    • 9.25kg
    • 2.7m
    • 52cc
  • Ryobi RPP750S Pole Pruner with Extension Pole
    best pole saws Ryobi RPP750S Pole Pruner with Extension Pole
    • 4.7
    • Corded Electric
    • 20cm
    • 3.8kg
    • 4m
    • 750 W
  • eSkde LPCS1 Telescopic Long Reach Pole Chainsaw
    best pole saws eSkde LPCS1 Telescopic Long Reach Pole Chainsaw
    • 4.1
    • Corded Electric
    • 30cm
    • 5.34kg
    • 2.9m
    • 600 W

How to Choose the Best Pole Saw

At first glance, the many different pole saws available on the market all appear pretty similar, but take a closer look and you’ll notice some key variations between them. Some are better suited to certain tasks than others, so it’s important to first identify exactly what you’re hoping to do with your pole saw before starting your search.

Once that’s done, read on to find out more about how to pick the very best pole saw for your needs.

The Benefits of Using a Pole Saw

Do you really need a pole saw or would another tool, perhaps one that you already own, do the job just as well? 

To put it simply, if you want to prune tree branches that you can’t reach from the ground without a ladder, then a pole saw would make your life so much easier. They’re not complicated tools – they’re basically a chainsaw that sits at the top of a long pole. However, that long pole is what will enable you to slice through those hard-to-reach branches from ground level, while offering up a number of additional benefits:

  • Convenience – being able to reach branches of multiple heights while standing on the ground, simply by adjusting the length of your saw’s pole, makes pruning so much more convenient
  • Safety – while you could scale a ladder with your trusty chainsaw in hand, being able to prune branches while standing on the ground, and therefore standing at a fair distance from the blade, is a much safer way to go about things
  • Ease – there’s no comparison – using a pole saw while standing on the floor makes pruning so much easier than having to precariously balance on a ladder with a chainsaw. You’ll achieve a much neater and more accurate finish.

The Different Types of Pole Saws: Battery, Mains & Petrol Power

Pole saws usually run on either petrol or electricity, with the electric machines powered by either mains electricity or batteries.

Each has its own set of pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in a moment. However, there are a few key differences between each type that will heavily influence your purchasing decision.

To start with, petrol chainsaws are usually much heavier than electricity-powered models. They can weigh between 7-10kg, sometimes more, so they’re not the way to go if you were hoping for something lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. If that’s the case, you’ll find that mains and battery pole saws are much more comfortable to handle, with their weights usually ranging between 3-5kg. 

That said, petrol pole saws shine when it comes to power and speed. Mains and battery models can’t even come close to competing with this. For some, having that extra power is worth sacrificing weight, especially if the pole saw also comes with a harness to help balance that weight.

However, don’t think that battery and mains pole saws aren’t capable machines. For the majority of home pruning tasks, they’re all you need. Models that run on mains electricity tend to be a little more powerful than battery-operated machines, but they don’t give you the same flexibility and versatility since you’ll always have to be mindful of the electric cable trailing behind you. 

Although battery-operated pole saws do require regular charging, they can sometimes offer the most convenience. Not only are they lightweight, but you can take them anywhere – you don’t need to be near an electric socket.

How often you’ll need to charge your batteries will depend on their size, as well as the work that you’re doing – thicker and tougher branches will drain battery life much faster than thin and spindly limbs. If you’re going down the battery route, it would be worth considering investing in a spare to give you a longer overall cutting time.

So, to sum things up – if large-scale and heavy-duty pruning is on your agenda, then a petrol-powered pole saw is what you need. However, if you’re simply doing some light pruning around your own garden, then go with an electric model, either powered by mains electricity or batteries. Which you choose will depend on a few other factors, but first, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons that come with each type of pole saw.

Petrol-Powered Pole Saw

Petrol pole saws are serious tools, suitable for tough pruning jobs. Although the branch diameter that they can cut through will depend on the size of the cutting bar, petrol pole saws can generally tackle larger branches than other types of pole saw.

Pros of a petrol-powered pole saw:
  • Heavy duty and very powerful.
  • Often suitable for professional landscapers and experienced gardeners.
  • Offer full mobility – no cable to cut through or limit where you are able to go in the garden.
  • Can be used for long periods in between fuel refills.
Cons of a petrol-powered pole saw:
  • Often too powerful for inexperienced users.
  • Tend to be very heavy which (especially combined with an extended handle) can make them difficult to support and control.
  • You’ll need to spend time prepping the machine before you use it, as well as carry out routine maintenance checks on the engine. With electric models this tends to be less time consuming.

Mains-Powered Pole Saw

Mains-powered pole saws are often relatively lightweight. In fact, they can even be lighter than battery-powered pole saws because there’s no additional battery weight. Sometimes this can help them be easier to manage – they’re lighter than petrol pole saws and better balanced than battery-powered ones (battery-powered pole saws often have the motor and battery positioned at the saw-end of the tool).

Pros of a mains-powered pole saw:
  • A good middle ground between petrol and battery powered saws in terms of power.
  • Very manageable and often lighter than petrol saws.
  • Can be better balanced than battery-powered saws because there’s no battery to support.
  • No limit on how long they can be used for.
Cons of a mains-powered electric pole saw:
  • You are limited by the length of cable, unless you purchase an extension cable separately. Not the best option for large gardens.
  • It is easy to accidentally slice through the cable.

Battery-Powered Pole Saws

Battery-powered pole saws are some of the easiest to set up and use. There’s no need for extension cables or risk of trailing wires. There’s also none of the maintenance involved with petrol-powered machines. If you buy a pole saw from a brand that you already own tools from, you can check to see if the batteries are compatible and interchangeable. This is a good way to save money as you could buy just the bare tool (without a battery or charger).

Pros of a battery-powered pole saw:
  • You are not restricted by cables – it can be used anywhere in the garden and there’s no danger that you’ll cut through the cable.
  • Both cordless and lightweight (unlike petrol models which are cordless but heavy).
  • Cheaper than petrol pole saws.
Cons of a battery-powered pole saw:
  • You have a finite period of time before the battery runs out.
  • Tougher tasks – like thicker branches – can make the battery drain faster.
  • Not always very well balanced because the battery and motor are located by the saw head.

How to Choose the Best Bar Length for Your Pole Saw

The bar refers to the “blade” of your pole saw – a longer bar will be able to slice through thicker branches. However, the longer the bar is, the heavier the head of your pole saw will be, and therefore the trickier it’ll be to manoeuvre and balance, so don’t automatically go for the longest bar that you see.

Some pole saws will offer a bar length of around 15cm, which is more than enough for mature fruit trees and hedges. However, if the trees that you need to prune have super-chunky branches, then look for something slightly longer: 20-30cm would probably do it. 

How to Choose the Best Pole Length for Your Pole Saw

While all pole saws come with a relatively long pole, the exact length of that pole will vary quite significantly. This is obviously a very important feature to pay attention to, since you don’t want to invest in a new pole saw only to find that it’s too short to reach the branches that you need to prune.

This doesn’t mean that a longer pole is automatically better – the longer your pole is, the harder it’ll be to manoeuvre the pole saw, making it important to have some idea of how tall your branches are before you choose your new pole saw. If your trees are relatively low-growing, then a 2-3 metre reach may be all you need. However, if you’ve set your sights on taller branches, then you may need to go with a pole that extends up to 3-4 metres. 

Some poles will have extension shafts that enable you to add on extra length when needed, and then remove them to shorten the pole when you’re trimming lower branches. If your branches are at varying heights, then a model like this would be ideal for you.

We’ve also written a separate page about the Best Telescopic Tree Pruners which are useful for trimming small, high-up branches.

Comparing Chain Speeds

If you’re looking into electric-powered pole saws, whether they run on mains or batteries, then you’ll notice that each model displays a chain speed, such as 5m/s or 10m/s. This stands for metres per second. This tells you how fast the chain rotates around the bar, which basically determines how quickly a pole saw will be able to slice through a branch.

If you’re only going to be occasionally pruning a few trees at home, then chain speed isn’t so important. However, if you’re hoping to cut your way through as many branches as possible in a limited amount of time, then you’ll want a chain speed on the higher end of the scale, ideally at least 10m/s. This isn’t easy to find on cordless battery models, so you may find that a pole saw powered by mains electricity or petrol is more suitable for you.

Deciding Whether You Need a Pivoting Head

One game-changing feature that many of the newer pole saw models now offer is a pivoting head. This means that you’re able to angle the cutting head in different directions, which makes it so much easier to accurately slice through a branch that’s growing in an awkward way.

How much a cutting head pivots varies based on the model. Some won’t pivot at all, whereas others will just give you a 15 degree leeway. However, there’ll be some that take things much further, capable of angling themselves to 120 degrees. This makes them so much more versatile – no branch will be able to hide from a saw like that!

Weight Directly Impacts Ease of Use

When operating a pole saw you have to support the pole whilst cutting high above you. A chainsaw positioned on a pole 1 m away from you will feel twice as heavy as one held close to your body.

Petrol-powered pole saws often weigh in excess of 7 kg.

Mains-powered pole saws tend to weigh between 4 – 5 kg.

Battery-powered pole saws can weigh around 4 – 6 kg.

If you can’t support the weight of the pole saw, the best advice is not to get one. It’s important to be fully in control of such a powerful machine. Many units come with harnesses or shoulder straps which can help distribute the weight better and make the machine more manageable. Look out for these, or consider buying a harness separately to make your life easier.

Pole Saw FAQs

In the UK, you don’t need a licence for a petrol chainsaw if you’re not a professional. However, you may still need to complete a course to prove you are able to safely operate the machine. If you don’t feel comfortable using any type of chainsaw, consider going on a course anyway, even if it isn’t mandatory – you’ll be able to use the tools much more safely and competently afterwards.

Chainsaws should not be used by anyone under the age of 16.

The first step when it comes to safely operating your chain saw is to wear the right clothing. Protective clothing such as ear defenders and a helmet are essential. This is especially critical with petrol-powered pole saws which can be very loud.

You should wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and avoid loose trailing clothing.

Ensure you have a clear working space, and don’t reach so far with the pole saw that you lose your balance. You should always have two feet on the ground and a strong stance.

Finally, ensure your pole saw is well maintained. Keep the chain sharp and fix any issues before using the machine again.

The most common reason your pole saw may not be cutting is that the chain may not have the right amount of tension. If the adjustment screw is loose, the chain won’t make strong enough contact with the wood. If the chain is too tight, it may not rotate at the proper speed and the chain may not cut properly.

You may also need to sharpen or replace the cutting chain. Ideally, this should never be allowed to become blunt. Check to see if the teeth are broken or unevenly worn. If you hear any rattling while your pole saw is in use, this is another indication that the chain needs looking at.

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