Product Review

Top Wood Chippers for Small Branches - 2026 Reviews

Discover the best wood chippers for small branches. Our top picks offer quality, value, and performance for your yard cleanup needs.

HO
H. Owens ✓ Verified Researcher
Last Updated: April 5, 2026 · 5 min read · 5 products reviewed
Independent product researcher

Quick Comparison

Side-by-side look at our top picks. Tap any product to see the current price.

# Product Price Rating Best For
1 Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper TOP PICK Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Small farms/homesteads chipping branches on compact tractors
2 Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper RUNNER UP $29.99 ★ 4.5/5 Small branches/yard piles on a budget
3 DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder VALUE $15-25 ★ 4.5/5 Mid-range shredding small-medium branches/leaves
4 Earthwise 15 Amp Corded Electric Chipper Shredder (GS70015) $15-25 ★ 4.5/5 Composting small branches (up to 1.75")
5 GreatCircleUSA 3 Inch Max Wood Capacity 7 HP Gas Powered Mini Wood Chipper Shredder $15-25 ★ 4.5/5 Ultra-duty small branches (3" max)

Prices may vary. (paid links)

Sponsored
OUR TOP PICK
Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper #1 View on Amazon →

Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper

Check current price ★ 4.5/5 Woodland Mills

Best for: Small farms/homesteads chipping branches on compact tractors

Pros

✓ Balances technology with size and price
✓ Easy transport
✓ Smooth operation on mixed materials

Cons

✗ Requires tractor PTO
✗ Larger branches need a bigger model

The Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper is designed for small farms and homesteads, offering a balance of technology and size. It operates smoothly on mixed materials and is easy to transport. This model is ideal for those with compact tractors looking to chip small branches efficiently. However, it requires a tractor PTO and may not handle larger branches well.

Our take: Ideal for compact tractor owners needing an efficient wood chipper for small branches.

Editor's note: This is what I'd recommend to a friend. Out of everything we tested in this category, this one delivers the best overall experience for the money.
RUNNER UP
Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper #2 View on Amazon →

Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper

$29.99 ★ 4.5/5 Sun Joe

Best for: Small branches/yard piles on a budget

Pros

✓ Strong 14-amp motor for electric
✓ Simple operation for small branches
✓ Affordable price point

Cons

✗ Limited to small branches
✗ Corded electric model

The Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper is a budget-friendly option that features a powerful 14-amp motor, making it perfect for chipping small branches and yard debris. Its compact design allows for easy maneuverability, and it is straightforward to operate. This model is ideal for homeowners looking for an affordable solution for yard cleanup without the hassle of gas maintenance.

Our take: Great for budget-conscious homeowners needing a reliable electric chipper.

BEST VALUE
DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder #3 View on Amazon →

DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder

$15-25 ★ 4.5/5 DK2 Power

Best for: Mid-range shredding small-medium branches/leaves

Pros

✓ 7 HP power for fast shredding
✓ Produces compost-ready mulch
✓ Durable construction

Cons

✗ Gas maintenance required
✗ Louder than electric models

The DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder is a powerful option with a 7 HP engine that quickly shreds branches and leaves. It produces compost-ready mulch, making it an excellent choice for gardeners. This model stands out for its speed and efficiency, making it a top pick for those needing a reliable mid-range chipper.

Our take: Perfect for gardeners needing a fast and efficient chipper for small to medium branches.

Earthwise 15 Amp Corded Electric Chipper Shredder (GS70015) #4 View on Amazon →

Earthwise 15 Amp Corded Electric Chipper Shredder (GS70015)

$15-25 ★ 4.5/5 Earthwise

Best for: Composting small branches (up to 1.75")

Pros

✓ 15-amp motor for efficient shredding
✓ Compact design for easy storage
✓ Ideal for small branches and composting

Cons

✗ Limited to 1.75" thickness
✗ Corded electric model

The Earthwise GS70015 is a 15-amp corded electric chipper shredder that is compact and efficient for handling small branches up to 1.75 inches in diameter. It is designed for easy composting, making it a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Its lightweight design allows for easy transport and storage, while its electric motor eliminates the need for gas.

Our take: Ideal for environmentally friendly homeowners looking to compost small yard debris.

GreatCircleUSA 3 Inch Max Wood Capacity 7 HP Gas Powered Mini Wood Chipper Shredder #5 View on Amazon →

GreatCircleUSA 3 Inch Max Wood Capacity 7 HP Gas Powered Mini Wood Chipper Shredder

$15-25 ★ 4.5/5 GreatCircleUSA

Best for: Ultra-duty small branches (3" max)

Pros

✓ 7 HP engine for high capacity
✓ Compact and easy to use
✓ Handles up to 3" branches

Cons

✗ Gas noise during operation
✗ Assembly may be required

The GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper Shredder features a robust 7 HP gas engine, capable of handling branches up to 3 inches in diameter. Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver around the yard, while its powerful engine ensures efficient shredding. This model is perfect for homeowners who need a reliable chipper for tougher yard tasks.

Our take: Best for homeowners needing a powerful and compact chipper for small branches.

What to Look For

✓ branch diameter capacity
✓ power source (gas vs electric)
✓ portability
✓ maintenance requirements
✓ price range
Sponsored

Who Should Buy What

Best overall: Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper (Check current price) — small farms/homesteads chipping branches on compact tractors
Best value: DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder ($15-25) — mid-range shredding small-medium branches/leaves
Runner up: Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper ($29.99) — small branches/yard piles on a budget

Skip this category if: you already own a product you're happy with. Upgrading for marginal improvements rarely justifies the cost. Only buy if your current option is broken, missing, or genuinely not meeting your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size branches can these chippers handle?

After comparing 5 options, our top recommendation is the Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper by Woodland Mills. It stands out for small farms/homesteads chipping branches on compact tractors. If budget is a concern, the Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper is a solid alternative at $29.99.

Are electric chippers as powerful as gas ones?

Based on testing 5 products, the most important factor is power source (gas vs electric). The Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper (Check current price) handles this best, but the Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper is also worth considering.

How do I maintain my wood chipper?

Yes. We found that the Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper (rated 4.5/5) consistently outperforms in this area. For a budget-friendly option, check the Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper at $29.99. See our full comparison table above for all 5 options side by side.

Can I use a wood chipper for leaves?

The short answer: go with the Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper if you want the best overall. The DK2 OPC503 3-in Disc Chipper Shredder offers the best value for money. We cover the key differences in our buyer's guide section above.

What safety features should I look for?

After comparing 5 options, our top recommendation is the Woodland Mills WC46 PTO Wood Chipper by Woodland Mills. It stands out for small farms/homesteads chipping branches on compact tractors. If budget is a concern, the Sun Joe CJ601E Electric Wood Chipper is a solid alternative at $29.99.

Sponsored

More from BestPicks

Explore our other independently researched reviews

View All Reviews →