The modern electric chainsaw gives you all the cutting power of a gas-powered chainsaw, without all the hassles that come with it. They’re quiet, quick to start, and emissions free. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about filling a gas tank again.
But what exactly is an electric chainsaw? Electric chainsaws come in either battery or corded, and each has advantages. Battery-powered electric chainsaws are easier to use because you’re not tethered to a cord, but they usually aren’t as powerful as corded saws. Corded chainsaws don’t need to be recharged, so you can keep sawing.
To help you choose the best electric chainsaw for your needs, we’ve researched dozens of models on the market to create our top 10 best picks.
Top 10 Electric Chainsaws – Reviews
1. WORX WG304.1
The WORX WG304.1 electric chainsaw combines power and portability with convenience and ease of use. It has a 15-amp motor that gives it all the strength and durability to handle tough trees. The patented tool-free chain replacement and auto-tensioning system keeps the chain blade tight and secure.
Bonus points: The WG304.1 is designed for safety and comfort with a built-in chain brake, low kickback bar, and ergonomic handles. It also has an automatic oil lubrication system to keep it in action for the long haul.
Specifications
- Power: 15 amps
- Weight: 11.3 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Powerful 15-amp motor
✓ Patented auto-tensioning system prevents over-tightening
✓ 18-inch, low kickback saw bar
Cons
✗ Some reviewers complain of gear issues
✗ Some reports of leaking oil reservoir
Where to buy:
2. Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT
The Sun Joe iON100V-18CS-CT is a battery-operated powerhouse. With 100 volts of power and an 18-inch saw bar, this unit can tackle everything from trunk to limb to branch.
This electric saw’s tool-less chain tensioning makes for easy chain tightening and the auto-oil system keeps the bar and chain lubricated during use.
Safety features like the protective hand brake and built-in safety switch prevent any accidents or mishaps. It even comes with a two-year Sun Joe warranty.
Specifications
- Power source: Battery
- Power: 100 volt
- Weight: 11.5 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Powerful battery for cordless operation
✓ Tool-less tensioning and onboard auto-oiler
✓ 2-year warranty
Cons
✗ Battery and charger sold separately
✗ Some reviewers report leaking oil reservoir
Where to buy:
3. BLACK+DECKER CS1518
The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is the best of both worlds as it offers powerful amperage at an affordable price. This 18-inch chainsaw has everything you will need for heavy-duty jobs.
This electric chainsaw’s low kickback bar and chain, made by Oregon, make it a high-quality cutting machine. It also has tool-free chain tensioning, automatic oiling, and a chain brake system for safety.
Specifications
- Power: 15 amps
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Oregon bar and chain for durability and reduced vibration
✓ Easy chain tensioning
✓ Automatic oiling
Cons
✗ Chain assembly can be difficult
✗ Uses up chain oil quickly
Where to buy:
4. Makita UC4051A
The corded Makita-UC4051A is designed for easy maintenance with tool-less blade and chain adjustments. It has a built-in current limiter to prevent overheating when the machine is being overloaded.
The only downsides? This all-around performer is on the heavier side for electric chainsaws and is pricier than much of the competition.
Bonus points: This electric chainsaw has a large oil reserve with a viewing port so that you can check the levels of the automatic oiling system.
Specifications
- Power: 14.5 amps
- Weight: 14 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Built-in current limiter to prevent burnout
✓ Powerful and efficient at 14.5 amps
✓ Large reservoir and automatic oiling
Cons
✗ More expensive than comparable models
✗ Heavier than other corded models
Where to buy:
5. Oregon CS1500
The high-powered Oregon CS1500 is the only self-sharpening corded electric chainsaw on the market. What this means: The PowerSharp chain sharpening system allows you to sharpen dulled blades, in as little as 3 seconds, by simply pulling a lever.
Specifications
- Power: 15 amps
- Weight: 13.2 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Self-sharpening chain
✓ Tool-less tensioning
✓ Automatic oiling system
Cons
✗ Reviewers report issues with overheating
✗ Replacement chains are expensive
Where to buy:
6. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600
The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the lightest and most affordable electric chainsaw on our list at just over 6 pounds, but it still packs a punch. It has a 16-inch saw bar and a 12-amp motor that gives it enough power to take down small trees. It’s also the least costly chainsaw in our top 10.
Specifications
- Power source: Cord
- Power: 12 amps
- Weight: 6.2 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Lightweight design
✓ Auto-oiling and tool-free tensioning
✓ Most affordable chainsaw on our list
Cons
✗ Less power and length than the competition
✗ Some complaints of a leaking oil reservoir
Where to buy:
7. Sun Joe SWJ701E
The Sun Joe SWJ701E electric chainsaw is perfect for thick limbs, logs, and firewood. It’s strong at 14 amps, yet still lightweight at under 10 pounds. The ergonomic handle, hand guard, and kickback brake function maximize safety and comfort.
Specifications
- Power source: Cord
- Power: 14 amps
- Weight: 9.7 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Lightweight, yet powerful
✓ Built-in safety features
✓ Affordable
Cons
✗ Some reviewers report difficulty tightening the chain
✗ Heavier than other comparable models
Where to buy:
8. Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20312
The Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20312 has a lot of good things going for it, including a lightweight design and a durable, brushless motor for less vibration and more comfortable use. It’s easy to wield at just 10.4 pounds and 16 inches long. The 40-volt lithium-ion battery gives it a 70-minute run time and is cross-compatible with at least 14 other Greenworks power tools.
Specifications
- Power source: Battery
- Power: 40 volts
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Automatic oiling and chain tensioning
✓ Low-vibration brushless motor
✓ Cross-compatible battery
Cons
✗ Struggles with heavy-duty jobs
✗ Some reviewers complain that the chain falls off its track too often
Where to buy:
9. Husqvarna 967256101 414EL
The corded Husqvarna 967256101 414EL is one of the strongest electric chainsaws on our list with its 120 volts and 15 amps of power. The slim body design also has an air injection cleaning system that helps to prolong the life of the tool. Anti-vibration dampeners and an ergonomic front handle give it both comfort and maneuverability. The only drawback is that it’s the most expensive unit in our top 10.
Specifications
- Power source: Cord
- Power: 15 amps
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 16 inches
Pros
✓ Powerful motor in a slim design
✓ Air injection cleaning system
✓ Auto-tensioning
Cons
✗ Expensive
Where to buy:
10. Greenworks Pro GCS80420 80v
The Greenworks Pro GCS80420 is a powerful machine featuring a DigiPro brushless motor and 80 volts of power for an 18-inch saw bar. It has metal bucking spikes and a metal wraparound handle for durability. The electronic chain brake system ensures safety. This model includes a 2.0 Ah battery and a 30-minute rapid charger.
Specifications
- Power source: Battery
- Power: 80 volts
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Saw bar length: 18 inches
Pros
✓ Metal bucking spikes
✓ Electronic chain brake
✓ Includes a 30-minute rapid charger
Cons
✗ Expensive
✗ The 2.0 Ah battery has below-average battery life
Where to buy:
Buyers Guide
Not all electric chainsaws are created equal. Not all yard work is either. The right chainsaw for you will depend largely on the type of yard work you’re doing and what you want out of your chainsaw experience.
If you’re new to chainsaws (like my editor), let’s define what we mean by an electric chainsaw and explain some key terms:
Battery vs. corded
Electric chainsaws come in either battery or corded options. While battery-powered electric chainsaws give you much more mobility and eliminate the risk of getting tangled up in an extension cord, they usually aren’t as powerful and are limited by battery run time.
Some users also complain that batteries will lose power over time and are expensive to replace when they do.
If you don’t mind being tethered to an outlet, corded electric chainsaws are a great option. These machines are typically more powerful than battery-powered chainsaws and they won’t be limited to the life of a battery.
You’ll need a heavy-duty extension cord, but otherwise, these models are as easy as plug and play. They’re also typically much lighter than battery options.
Chain oil
Chainsaws require oil to keep things running smoothly and avoid overheating. Many modern chainsaws have an automatic oiling system that continuously releases oil onto the saw bar to keep things lubricated.
Just keep the onboard oil reservoir full and the saw will do the oiling work for you.
If you decide to go with an older model chainsaw without an automatic oiler, you’ll need to manually oil your chainsaw to avoid damaging it.
Chain tensioning
Temperature and force can cause your saw’s chain to stretch during use. This means that you need to monitor the chain tension in the chain to keep it from over-expanding and jumping off the guide bar.
Some chainsaws have automatic chain adjustments or a “tool-less” chain tensioning system that makes tensioning easy.
Other models will require you to keep a tool handy so that you can tighten the chain when needed.
Safety features
Chainsaws are inherently dangerous. They can cause serious injury if used improperly. Safety features should be an important consideration when looking for a chainsaw.
One important safety feature is a chain brake that allows you to quickly stop the chain from spinning if it breaks or jumps off the bar. Some models include a manual lever or have these built into a trigger, others will do this automatically.
Kickback occurs when the tip of the saw catches on something and causes the machine to “kick” back at the user. Low kickback chains and bars are specifically designed to reduce kickback or “bucking” to protect chainsaw users.
Check out this video for tips on how to safely operate a chainsaw:
FAQs About Electric Chainsaws
This depends on the type of work you’re looking to do with your chainsaw.
Many modern electric models have as much power as some gas models and can handle most light-duty or moderate chainsaw work. They’re also much quieter, require far less maintenance, and don’t have any of the toxic emissions of gas models.
If you need a tool for felling large trees or other heavy-duty work, an electric motor might not be enough. A gas chainsaw will give you more power and be better suited for extended periods of difficult cutting.
Consider where you’ll be using your chainsaw. Is there an easily accessible outlet or are you better suited with a cordless chainsaw? Do you have all the tools necessary to tighten and maintain your chain or would a tool-less chain tensioner and automatic oiling system make life easier?
How experienced are you with chainsaws? For those with less experience, safety features should be an important factor.
A general rule for chainsaw length is that you want a bar that is at least 2-3 inches longer than the width of what you’re cutting. For example, if you’re cutting trees or limbs that are 14 inches wide, you’ll need a chainsaw that is at least 16 inches long.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reviewed our list of the best electric chainsaws and our buyers guide, you’re ready to get the best wood cutter that’s right for you. Neither trunk nor tree limb will be a match for you once you’re armed with the perfect electric chainsaw.
Or if you’d rather leave the chainsaws to the professionals, you can call a tree trimming crew near you and trade any worries about sawing logs for a more relaxing weekend watching logs burn in your fireplace.
LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
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