Electric chainsaws, available in both corded and battery-powered models, are perfect for DIYers tackling tasks like chopping firewood, trimming small branches, felling trees, or handling lighter construction work. While gas chainsaws remain the tool of choice for most professionals, electric models are becoming increasingly popular among serious DIYers for their quieter operation, low maintenance, eco-friendliness, and ease of use.
To help you select the right model, our team looked at some of the best electric chainsaws on the market today. Here are our top picks.
Top 8 Electric Chainsaws
- Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit: Best Overall
- DEWALT 20-Volt MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw Kit: Best for Small Projects
- Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw: Best Corded Model
- Greenworks 12-inch, 40-Volt Cordless Chainsaw: Best Lightweight Model
- WEN 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw: Best Value
- Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit: Best Design
- SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit : Fastest Charging
- BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw: Best Budget Model
Compare Top Electric Chainsaws
| Product | Power | Weight | Bar Length | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw KitCheck Price | 20V battery | 13.9 lbs | 16 in. | 5-year |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR ChainsawCheck Price | 20V battery | 8.8 lbs | 12 in. | 3-year |
Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric ChainsawCheck Price | Corded | 12.6 lbs | 18 in. | 2-year |
Greenworks 12-inch, 40-Volt Cordless ChainsawCheck Price | 40V battery | 6 lbs | 12 in. | 4-year |
WEN 16-Inch Electric ChainsawCheck Price | Corded | 10 lbs | 16 in. | 2-year |
Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw KitCheck Price | 18V battery | 22 lbs | 14 in. | 2-year |
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit Check Price | 40V battery | 12 lbs | 14 in. | 5-year |
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless ChainsawCheck Price | 20V battery | 8 lbs | 10 in. | 2-year |
Best Overall
Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
This Milwaukee 16-inch chainsaw rivals the power of its 40cc gas-powered counterpart with its efficient speed that reaches full throttle in just one second. In addition to its unique variable speed trigger and automatic oiler, the chainsaw uses an intelligent battery that prevents damage incurred by overloads.
Pros and Cons of Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
- Protected by a five-year material and workmanship warranty
- Comes with overload protection
- Provides up to 150 cuts on a single charge
- Is the most expensive electric chainsaw in this review
- Weighs almost 14 pounds
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 13.9 pounds
- 16-inch bar
- Five-year material and workmanship warranty
What People Are Saying About The Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit
Many positive reviews raved about the chainsaw’s runtime, which customers said was long enough to get them through simple tasks like downing a tree or clearing limbs. Other customers liked how the battery was compatible with other Milwaukee tools. Negative reviews focused on the product’s chain, which some customers said was flimsy and prone to falling off during use.
Best for Small Projects
DEWALT 20-Volt MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw Kit
Pros and Cons of DEWALT 20-Volt MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw Kit
- Houses a brushless motor that maximizes runtime
- Includes tool-free chain tensioning and a bar-tightening knob
- Has a wireless, 8.8-pound frame
- Its battery power limits the chainsaw to small projects
- Only comes with one battery
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 8.8 pounds
- 12-inch bar
- Three-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT 20-Volt MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw Kit
Positive reviews centered around the chainsaw’s effectiveness at executing simple projects like trimming limbs and cutting down small trees. Other satisfied customers complimented the chainsaw’s battery life, with many saying it lasted multiple hours on one charge. Negative reviews focused on the chainsaw’s oil cap, which many customers said broke after minimal use.
Best Corded Model
Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
Pros and Cons of Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
- Includes a chain brake for added safety
- Comes pre-assembled
- Equipped with a built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening system
- Its small power cord requires an extension cord to increase mobility
- Many customers experienced the tool’s chain repeatedly coming loose during operation
Key Features
- Corded electric
- 12.6 pounds
- 18-inch bar
- Two-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
Many customers liked this Oregon chainsaw’s quiet and powerful performance, stating that its high efficiency came at a fair price. Negative reviews targeted the product’s chain, which many said dulled quickly.
Best Lightweight Model
Greenworks 12-inch, 40-Volt Cordless Chainsaw
This cordless chainsaw from Greenworks uses a 40-volt battery to deliver a powerful cut for trimming small tree limbs and branches. The chainsaw weighs just six pounds and contains a 12-inch steel chain with tool-less tensioning for quick and painless adjustments. The tool also has an automatic oiler and a wrap-around handle for added durability and control.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks 12-inch, 40-Volt Cordless Chainsaw
- Comes with a battery and charger
- Equipped with an ergonomic handle for multi-positional cutting
- Has an automatic oiler
- Doesn’t include a brushless motor to adapt to specific loads
- Some customers complained about the chainsaw’s weak cutting power
Key Features
- 40-volt battery
- 6 pounds
- 12-inch bar
- Four-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks 12-inch, 40-Volt Cordless Chainsaw
Positive reviews focused on the product’s lightweight and effective design that produced little noise during use. Negative reviews centered around the chainsaw’s slender frame that some customers saw break after minimal use.
Best Value
WEN 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw
At under $100, this affordable chainsaw offers a powerful motor capable of tackling outdoor DIY projects. The electric chainsaw has an auto-oiling system and a lightweight design that removes some of the legwork required to operate gas-powered models. Additionally, the chainsaw uses a tool-free chain replacement to decrease downtime between projects.
Pros and Cons of WEN 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw
- Is the most affordable chainsaw in this review
- Delivers a chain rotation of up to 44 feet per second
- Is protected under a two-year warranty
- Requires an extension cord
- Doesn’t arrive pre-assembled
Key Features
- Corded electric
- 10 pounds
- 16-inch bar
- Two-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The WEN 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Many positive reviews centered around the chainsaw’s design, which customers found simple to control and assemble. Additional positive reviews noted the chainsaw’s effectiveness in dealing with small projects like lopping limbs or cutting down small trees. Negative reviews focused on the chainsaw’s automatic oiler, which many customers said didn’t work properly.
Best Design
Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit
This top-handle chainsaw is powered by two 18-volt batteries. It features a brushless motor with Makita’s direct-drive system, which provides ample power and efficiency. We like that this chainsaw comes with a built-in LED on/off switch and a lock that prevents the blade from accidentally engaging.
Pros and Cons of Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit
- Features variable speed control
- Has a low noise level of 100 A-weighted decibels (dBA)
- Is engineered for improved dust and water resistance
- Has a lower voltage than some other high-end models
- Has a relatively high price point
Key Features
- 18-volt battery
- 22 pounds
- 14-inch bar
- Two-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw Kit
Our team finds that customers who like this chainsaw say it’s easily maneuverable and lightweight. Others are impressed with its capable power for its compact size, and many reviewers like that it’s durable and well-built. However, some customers feel this chainsaw runs out of battery quickly, and others feel that the on/off button is inconveniently placed.
Fastest Charging
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit
This chainsaw provides 40 volts of power and a high-performance digital brushless motor. Additionally, it can recharge in just 15 minutes, allowing you to finish large projects more quickly than with other models.
Pros and Cons of SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit
- Uses intelligent power management to keep the machine running safely and optimize battery life
- Comes with an auto-lubricating chain
- Has an anti-kickback brake for additional safety
- Has a shorter battery life than some other models
- Isn’t the best option for especially thick branches or heavy-duty projects
Key Features
- 40-volt battery
- 12 pounds
- 14-inch bar
- Five-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw Kit
Customers who are impressed with this chainsaw like that it’s lightweight and easy to handle. Others like that it’s durable and long-lasting. On the other hand, some customers find this saw’s battery life to be lacking, and others say it has issues with leaking bar oil.
Best Budget Model
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
For those seeking a basic chainsaw for small, quick tasks, such as day-to-day landscaping, we recommend this model from BLACK+DECKER. We like that this chainsaw provides 20 volts of power with a 10-inch chain and tool-free tensioning, all at a significantly lower price than many other similar chainsaws on the market.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
- Weighs less than 8 pounds
- Has an automatic oiler
- Includes a low-kickback bar and chain
- Is not designed for large tasks
- Has a limited battery life
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 8 pounds
- 10-inch bar
- Two-year limited warranty
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
Our research shows that customers who are impressed with this chainsaw often comment on its long-lasting battery, light weight, and sturdy design. However, we also see some customers who feel that sharpening this saw is challenging, and others say they have issues with the automatic oiler not working properly.
Buying Guide To Electric Chainsaws
An electric chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful tool that doesn’t require a pull cord or gasoline. Read this buying guide to learn about important factors to consider before purchasing an electric chainsaw.
Power Source
Electric chainsaws are available in both corded and cordless models. Mobility is the main factor to consider when deciding between the two, as a cordless electric chainsaw removes the limitations set by a cord’s length and eliminates the risk of cutting the cord during use. However, cordless chainsaws possess less cutting power than their corded counterparts, making them less effective at heavy-duty cutting jobs.
Size
The size of a chainsaw is typically determined by the length of its bar or the piece of the chainsaw that supports the chain. Chainsaws with long bars may be a good choice for customers who need to cut down large trees or bulky branches. Chainsaws with shorter bars can only cut through small tree branches, but they’re lighter and more manageable than ones with long bars.
Power
The power of a chainsaw is measured in amperes or amps. The number of provided amps you need in a chainsaw is determined by your intended use. If you need a heavy-duty electric chainsaw that can cut dense wood without slowing down, you’ll want to purchase an electric model with around 15 amps. Conversely, an 8- or 10-amp model should do the job if you need a chainsaw for cutting small limbs.
Note: A battery-powered chainsaw’s power output is measured in volts. The battery’s ampere-hour rating is important for understanding the length of time a chainsaw can run at a particular power output. For example, a 2Ah battery pack can power the same 20-volt tool for longer than a 1Ah battery pack.
Safety Features
When operating a powerful tool like an electric chainsaw, taking advantage of safety features can help prevent dangerous and life-threatening accidents. For example, some electric chainsaws include a chain brake on the handle that’s used to stop the chain’s rotation in emergencies. Some models even come with a safety switch to prevent accidental starting.
How To Stay Safe While Using a Chainsaw
Using any type of chainsaw can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. Take note of the following tips to ensure you stay safe while using these power tools.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
When using a chainsaw, it’s essential to wear safety glasses or a helmet to protect your eyes and face, plus hearing protection to guard your ears. Additionally, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect your skin.
Look for Safety Features
Most modern chainsaws offer a variety of safety features that offer peace of mind regardless of your experience level. Some of the most important features to look for include a blade guard for when the chainsaw isn’t in use, manual chain brakes, a low-kickback chain, and an adjustment knob to manage chain tightness.
Inspect the Tool Before Turning It On
Before using a chainsaw, examine it thoroughly to ensure it’s not damaged and doesn’t have any loose parts that could become safety hazards.
Be Prepared for Kickback
When kickback occurs, ensure that the chainsaw’s nose is kept away from your body. Additionally, ensure the chain is properly sharpened and tensioned before use. This will help reduce kickbacks and minimize accident risk.
Electric Chainsaw FAQs
Are electric chainsaws more dangerous than gas-powered models?
Both electric- and gas-powered chainsaws present the same hazard during use, as both models utilize a sharp, spinning chain to cut down trees, firewood, and other items. While electric chainsaws may seem safer than their powerful gas counterparts, their lightweight and mobile nature makes them prone to mishandling.
When operating an electric- or gas-powered chainsaw, take extra precautions to ensure your safety, like wearing safety glasses and close-toed shoes and reading the owner’s manual to learn proper handling.
Why is my electric chainsaw not cutting?
A chainsaw that isn’t cutting can be caused by a number of issues, including a dull chain, an improperly adjusted chain, or a bent chain bar. Before use, conduct regular maintenance on your chainsaw to prevent your tool from breaking down.
How do you start an electric chainsaw?
Unlike a gas-powered chainsaw that requires users to crank a pull cord to start the engine, electric chainsaws start once they’re connected to a battery or electrical source and a switch is flipped.
What are the best chainsaw brands?
There are dozens of brands that make electric chainsaws, but purchasing one from a well-recognized company can help ensure you’re getting a quality product. Some of the most trusted brands for chainsaws include the following:
- BLACK+DECKER
- DEWALT
- Makita
- Echo
- EGO POWER
- Greenworks Pro
- Husqvarna
- Milwaukee
- Oregon
- Ryobi
- Worx
- SKIL
- Stihl
How long does the average battery chainsaw last?
The average time a battery chainsaw lasts before needing a charge is 20–30 minutes. However, that time will change based on the unit’s make and model, the hardness of the wood being cut, whether you run the machine continuously, and the chainsaw’s battery size.
Do you have to sharpen a chainsaw?
Keeping a chainsaw sharp will help it last longer and ensure it runs safely.
How We Selected the Best Electric Chainsaws
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of chainsaws with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.