Best Electric Chainsaws & Reviews for 2023

If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Read more here.

Share It
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Reddit

Electric chainsaws have numerous benefits and are essential in any woodworker’s tool shed. But a wrong purchase can leave you with a saw that isn’t safe, effective, or durable. These subpar models can be a waste of money, especially when you’re in a budget. To help you arrive at the right product, our team of experts reviewed several products to find the best electric chainsaw for you.

Best Overall
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Best Heavy Duty Electric Chainsaw
Greenworks PRO 80V 18 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Best Corded Electric Chainsaw
Oregon CS1500 18 In. Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Greenworks PRO 80V 18 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Oregon CS1500 18 In. Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw
The Greenworks cordless chainsaw represents all the benefits of an electric saw. It has a long-lasting battery, a powerful 40V motor, and a long 16” bar. The saw also has a chain brake for safety.
The Greenworks PRO is a powerful tool with a large 18” chain and a capable 80V motor. It is strong enough to cut through logs up to 18 inches thick. The saw also has features like metal bucking spikes and a fast battery charge.
The Oregon CS1500 is a corded chainsaw known for its versatility. Its most impressive feature is the on-board sharpener that can sharpen the chain in less than 3 seconds. It also has auto lubrication and a chain brake.
Best Overall
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw
The Greenworks cordless chainsaw represents all the benefits of an electric saw. It has a long-lasting battery, a powerful 40V motor, and a long 16” bar. The saw also has a chain brake for safety.
Best Heavy Duty Electric Chainsaw
Greenworks PRO 80V 18 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Greenworks PRO 80V 18 Inch Cordless Chainsaw
The Greenworks PRO is a powerful tool with a large 18” chain and a capable 80V motor. It is strong enough to cut through logs up to 18 inches thick. The saw also has features like metal bucking spikes and a fast battery charge.
Best Corded Electric Chainsaw
Oregon CS1500 18 In. Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw
Oregon CS1500 18 In. Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw
The Oregon CS1500 is a corded chainsaw known for its versatility. Its most impressive feature is the on-board sharpener that can sharpen the chain in less than 3 seconds. It also has auto lubrication and a chain brake.

Reviews of the Top Electric Chainsaws

1. Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless Chainsaw

The Greenworks G-MAX 40V Chainsaw model is a battery-powered electric chain saw with impressive power output source and run-time. This is our team’s top pick because we are impressed with its high-efficiency brushless motor for exceptional performance.

The weight is approximately 14 lbs with the batteries installed and the oil filled up.  Besides delivering more torque and less vibration than other brands, this lightweight electric chainsaw has a rating of 40 volts and a 4 AH battery, powerful enough to see through 4 inch wood pieces for up to 40 minutes run time on a full charge.

This electric chainsaw comes with a 2Ah rating battery and charger. The batteries source are capable of powering up to 55 different Greenworks tools. The chainsaw from Greenworks also has an electric chain brake for user safety. It has an automatic oiler that keeps the bar and chain lubricated.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

2. Oregon CS1500 18 in. Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw

Our team of experts loved the convenience of the Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw because of its stunning self-sharpening system. This corded model takes less than 3 seconds with the lightweight electric chainsaw on-board sharpener. Simply engage the trigger and pull the red lever back. Hold the trigger and keep the lever pulled back for 3 to 5 seconds, and you’re done.

This Oregon chainsaw also has a 15-amp motor and instant start capability, which is quite different from what you have with many gas-powered chainsaws. With the cutting firewood equipment attached, the dry weight of this compact saw is 12 lbs. It’s on the heavier side compared to other chainsaws. But unlike the gas-powered models, it has a quiet operation. It’s ergonomically designed for wood cutting and yard work, making it easy to cut logs, small trees, or some fallen branches.

Another benefit we found on this corded electric chainsaw is its built-in Lubri-Tec oiler method which is the best type of oiler you can get. The automatic oiler keeps the shackles of this power tool less friction-free for longer cut capability. Finally, this corded electric saw has a chain brake for safety.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

3. Greenworks PRO 80V 18 inch Cordless Chainsaw

The 18-inch wireless lightweight electric chainsaw model by Greenworks is great choice for large projects. At 80 volts, this battery-powered electric chain saw has a 45 cc gas chainsaw’s equivalent power, making it one of the most powerful wireless chainsaws without the extra weight. If using a 2.0 Ah battery, the product weighs 10 lbs.

Our team was impressed because the Greenworks PRO 80V battery-powered saw has everything from steel bucking spikes to a durable metal wrap around handle, hand guard, and even an electronic brake. We also loved its quick charge, as we could get up to 150 cuts of firewood/trees and branches on a single charge in 30-minutes.

The only downside is that the charger and battery aren’t included in this 18-inch electric chainsaw. However, it is compatible with most other Greenworks and Lithium Ion batteries. If you’re after a powerful saw, this is the right model for you.

Also Read: Best Logging Chainsaw

What We Like

What We Don't Like

4. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw

The WEN 4017 Corded Electric Chainsaw is a lightweight electrical chainsaw has a 16 inch bar and a powerful machine source that can spin up to 44 feet per second. Sporting 12 amps of power, italso has a lightweight and light duty feature, making it easier to cut and operate. And it’s only 10 lbs without the fuel, so anyone can carry this corded model in the yard and use it for long periods.  

Our experts especially loved the automatic bar oiling system as it promotes a longer life for the saw whether or not you remember to oil the bar that has an oil cap.

The corded chain saw design also has other perks like a handguard, tool-free chain tensioning, and cord wrangler for ease of use and cut. We were particularly glad to discover a two-year warranty on this product. Although, you might not need it because this model is perfect for those who hate maintenance. Overall, it’s one of the best corded electric chainsaws we’ve tested.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

5. Worx WG322 20V Power Share Chainsaw

The Worx WG322 Power Share Chainsaw is one of the best electric chainsaws we’ve seen in a while. It’s rated 20 volts that can make fast, clean cuts better than many gas varieties. The cordless chainsaw model also has an automatic chain oiler and auto chain tensioning that ensures the best possible performance and that you don’t tighten the chain too much. 

This battery-powered electric chain saw only weighs 6.2 lbs with the batteries attached, which makes it one of the lightest electric chainsaws around. It’s much easier to handle when cutting trees and firewood.

You can use its 2 Ah (amp hour) battery with any Worx power tools. This cordless chainsaw also comes with a  10 inch bar and chain sheath for extra protection during storage. Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have to watch out for the rebound when sawing.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

We also recommend chainsaws made by Black Max for their easy-to-use features. 

6. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw has a 12-inch bar and a 5 Ah battery, more powerful than most of the items on this review. That is why it one of the top 10 chainsaw in the market. 

Its brushless motor is powerful enough to cut through most wood types, making this battery-powered electric chain saw suitable for construction and outdoor jobs.  The Dewalt 20 Volts is only 9 lbs. in weight with batteries attached.  It is a massive and light duty saw with little maintenance.

We found other features that add great value, like a tool-free chain tensioner and hand guards, bar tightening knob, and an automatic oil change. Our team loves how DEWALT made this cordless chainsaw lightweight and with a low kickback chain. Plus, the powerful machine and auto chain oil also extend the lifespan of the MAX XR model.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

7. Sun Joe SWJ599E Chainsaw

The Sun Joe SWJ599E Corded Chain Saw has a 14 inch chain and bar, with a powerful 9V machine. The 14 inch power equipment tool is perfect for sawing through branches and bushes up to 13.5 inches in thickness. 

It is also ideal for light trimming and pruning like Stihl GTA 26V.  And at just over 7 lbs, this corded model is designed for maximum maneuverability within the yard or garden, without the need for gas.  It has all the classic functions you get from the best chainsaws, like a cord wrangler, instant start, and chain oil lubrication. 

The Sun Joe 14 inch chainsaw also has welfare-oriented features like a switch, plastic blade cover, and handguard. The tool weighs a little over 7 lbs, and our team found it easy to use to cut firewood/trees because of it’s wrap around handle. All in all, it’s one of the most reliable corded electric chainsaws we’ve tested in this review.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

8. TACKLIFE Electric Chainsaw

The TACKLIFE 18” Electric Chainsaw is a good choice for homeowners looking for high-powered saws. The 15A machine on this electric saw rivals most gas-powered ones. It also has a large capacity 190 ml oil reservoir with an oil cap that’s quickly released and tightened. It also has a mechanical oiler with a bar and chain lubrication system that keeps the chain lubed. Some of our favorite specs include cutting efficiency, low recoil, and a tool-free chain.

It also has two switches, manual brakes, and a cutting speed of up to 43 feet per second. The weight of the tool is13 lbs, which is heavier than many of the top electric chainsaws but still light enough to handle when you cut trees.

(For other saws with same bar length, you can also check our detailed review of Tanaka TCS51EAP here)

What We Like

What We Don't Like

9. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16 Inch Electric Chainsaw

We love the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16 Inch Electric Chainsaw kit because its weight is only 6 lbs. It’s difficult to find such a balance of performance and size on electric chainsaws. Unfortunately, this CRAFTSMAN chainsaw is a corded electric model. This means you can’t stray too far from a cord socket.

In addition, this  tool isn’t battery powered just like Worx WG303. However, it still delivers a stellar performance with 12 amps of power and tool less chain tensioning system that ensures you don’t tighten the chain too much or too little. The 16 inch chain can cut wood of up to 14 inches, making it excellent for many heavy duty workload jobs. On the whole, it’s an excellent choice among the corded models in the market.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

10. KIMO 20V Cordless Chainsaw

The KIMO 20V Cordless Chainsaw offers one of the smallest guide bar we’ve ever seen on electric chainsaws. It is most suited for light cutting or whatever small projects around with a small 4Ah (amp hour) li-ion battery and a robust brushless motor. At 20 volts, this electric saw is also equipped with a tool free chain tensioning system and automatic oil lubrication.

We were especially fond of its compact size and light weight of 6 pounds which is suitable to cut small trees. Because it comes with a telescoping pole, it’s also ideal for trimming limbs and other small jobs. Some of the other cordless electric chainsaws offers include a protective cover, widened baffle, and ergonomic grip.

Unfortunately, we found that this battery powered electric chain saw doesn’t come with bar oil. You will need to buy some with your purchase.

For a power tool that provides extended reach and usability, the top-performing pole saw we reviewed is an excellent choice if you’re looking for compact cordless models.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

11. BLACK + DECKER LCS1020B

Although the Black + Decker LCS1020B runs with 3.5 Horsepower, this unit’s Oregon bar and chain offer lower kickback. Thanks to this, our testers could make seamless and smooth cuts. 

On top of that, this chainsaw has oiling systems to keep the bar and chain lubricated during the operation. It’s a feature that prevents damage to your unit, especially if it’s exposed to frequent usage. Plus, the tool-free chain tightening feature makes adjustments easy without tools.

This Black + Decker model also has a wraparound bale handle design, making this tool comfortable to grip and preventing hand fatigue during extensive cutting operations. Additionally, this feature offers more control and stability. Overall, it’s one of the best cordless chainsaws among our top picks.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

12. Makita-UC4051A

Out of all its amazing features, what we liked the most with the Makita UC4051A is its current limiter. As you know, chainsaws are risky power tools, so buying a tool with features that can prevent motor burnout and overload is a wise decision.

With a 16-inch bar, this unit can tackle cutting tasks quickly. Its chain can even operate up to 2900 FPM. Makita also features a chain brake and rubberized handle, which enhances its cutting productivity and comfort. 

Unlike gas-powered options with a pull cord to start the engine, this Makita electric chain saw has a large trigger switch with a soft start functionality. Through this, users can experience smoother startups as opposed to their alternatives. Investing in this chainsaw is truly worth the money.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Electric Chainsaws Buyer’s Guide

As with any outdoor power equipment, buying electric chainsaws require research so you can find what you need. If you’re opting for an electric model rather than a gas-powered one, here’s a guide on what you should look for.

Corded or Cordless Chainsaws?

When searching for the best electric chain saws, you have two options for the power source: corded or cordless, with the latter also known as battery-powered chainsaws.

Corded models tend to have more power than battery-powered saws, making them more ideal for cutting logs or felled trees for extended periods. They’re great for productivity. The downside of corded saws, however, is you need to be plug it into an electrical outlet.

On the other hand, cordless battery-powered models give you more mobility than a corded option. The run time would depend on the hour rating, so also look at the cuts per charge. If you opt for cordless battery chainsaws, having spare battery power and a rapid charger can give you enough power for longer tasks.

Whichever power source you choose, know that they’re both quieter and low maintenance than gas powered chainsaws. You probably don’t want to spend on fuel costs either, which comes with buying gas chainsaws. However, if you really want powerful performance needed for cutting large trees, a gas powered chainsaw is a more fitting option than a cordless or corded electric chainsaw.

Power

Our experts deem the power output one of the most important factors to consider during our reviews of the best electric chainsaws. Electric chain saws are rated according to the voltage on the motor. So electric chainsaws with 80 volts are more powerful than those with 40 volts.

The voltage rating you need depends on the weight of tasks you want to accomplish whether small or large cutting and trimming requirements. If you’re looking for electric models for dense wood and large trees, you need a different power rating than someone looking to accomplish a range of small jobs like trimming limbs and pruning edges. Aside from the volts, it also helps to know how many inches in diameter your chainsaw can cut. Generally, the thicker the wood, the more power you’ll need in your chain saw.

The power also easily determines performance metrics like speed, amp hour battery life, how much rebound you experience, and how much oil the electric saw will need. When buying cordless models with plenty of power, it helps to keep these in mind.

Size and Weight

The best electric chainsaws are very light weight, weighing between 5 and 10 pounds, half the weight of a gas powered chainsaw. They also tend to have compact sizes. This is true for all model features, including those used in cutting firewood and a range of other heavy workload jobs.

The size and weight of the chain saw don’t matter to most homeowners as power output is a much more pressing concern. However, note that heavier and larger saws require more control when cutting firewood. Advanced models have anti rebound mechanisms and safety features, but they still require expert handling if they’re on the heavier side.

The chain saw battery also tends to contribute to the weight. If you want a light electric saw, it’s best to buy cordless tools.

Chainsaw Motor

The motor contributes the most to your chainsaw’s cutting power. You can judge this by how many rotations per second the shackles rotates. The most powerful gas engine choice can achieve and run up to 50 feet per second, which is a lot considering you’re working with an electric saw. Cutting power is also directly related to the motor’s rating, as we’ve already discussed.

One thing our team loves about cutting with cordless electric chainsaws is their switches. You can start and run the chain saw almost instantly and get to your jobs easily. They also have emergency brakes and kill switches that shut off the gas engine and stop cutting. This feature will come in handy in emergencies.

Automatic Oiling

Regular gas or electric-powered chainsaws need to be oiled properly. They rotate several times during cutting, and the friction can damage your tool and reduce performance. Fueling takes care of that.

During our chainsaw review, we found that the best-powered chainsaw usually has an automatic oiling mechanism just like in many Husqvarna power tool models. Once you fill the oil reservoir, you can get cutting without worrying about the chain oil. The system oils make the chain saw work smoothly when you’re pruning or cutting tree branches, keeping it in top shape.

With an automated bar and chain you only have to worry about charging your cordless chainsaws’ battery, and you’re good to go.

Bar Length

There’s no top electric chainsaw bar length. Some chainsaws come in 16 inch bars while there are some that can have long 18 inch bars. You only need to worry about the bar length when considering the range of jobs you want to do. Larger chainsaws with longer bar lengths are ideal for heavy-duty work such as felled trees. If you’re only dealing with small projects, shorter bars will do. Some compact chain saw models have an eight-inch bar for easy maneuverability.

Also, the longer the bar length, the more power the saw will need. It takes power to drive a chain around a lengthy bar. You’ll also need it to cut through the log of wood. This is part of the reason why you’ll find bars on a cordless chainsaw that are smaller. They run on battery, and you’ll need all the juice you can get for the actual work.

If your cutting hard-to-reach places, here are the most reliable electric pole saw to consider. 

Chain Adjustment and Handle

The best powered chainsaw will have an ergonomic handle for easy use whether in the forest or around the yard. Some even feature what’s called a triangle grip. The triangle grip is designed to make the chain saw easier to operate by providing multiple points to support your grip easily while others may have an ergonomic full wrap handle.  Most chainsaws require both hands to hold, although some people try to use a top handle chainsaw with one hand. This is dangerous. 

But that said, a comfortable grip is a must so you can maintain control, easily adjust your position, and do the job properly when you’re pruning tree branches or cutting logs.

The chain adjustment is also essential. It allows you to easily adjust the tension on your chainsaw, a critical feature for when you’re performing various tasks. Jobs around the house and heavy task projects require different tension levels. Most electric chain saws have a simple adjustment knob on the side where you can easily reach it. Unfortunately, some brands have plastic adjustment knobs that break off after some time. Be sure to buy a durable model.

Looking for a promising tool in cutting hard-to-reach limbs and branches? Here are the best electric pole saw we recommend. 

Noise

Chainsaws are notorious for being noisy and loud, and most homeowners don’t want that. Some gas powered models can be as loud as 120 decibels [1], so workers need headphones to use them. Electric models are quiet. They don’t have the combustion motor that is responsible for most of the