Best Electric Chainsaws
Chainsaws help with lots of chores. Yet, using a big, gas-powered one gets **hard and expensive**. So, choosing an electric chainsaw makes everything a breeze.
So which one should you choose? Well that depends on your needs. We’ve reviewed the ten best electric chainsaws out there and have developed a buying guide to give you all the information you need. Once you get to the end, you’ll know exactly what you need!
Contents
10 Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews
1. Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 18” guide bar.
- Self-sharpening saw.
- Instant start.
- Low noise level.
- Lightweight and balanced.
With an 18” guide bar, this is one of the largest electric chainsaws you see and has plenty of power. It’s extremely easy to use with a range of great features such as a self-sharpening saw, instant start, and a tool-free tensioner. This 18″ chainsaw is ideal for beginners as it stays sharp with very minimal maintenance required. Those already comfortable with chainsaws will love it too. It does consume a lot of oil, but that’s not rare for such a machine. All those qualities help to make it a brilliant option and our top pick.
Why we like it
- Built to last.
- Impressive cutting power.
- Brilliant sharpener.
- Tool-free tensioner.
What we don’t like
- Consumes a lot of oil.
Our Verdict
Everyone looks for the perfect balance between performance and cost. For us, this product finds that balance perfectly. The quality is exceptional without needing to break the bank. It’ll be able to get through a lot of work, and you’ll be very happy with it for years to come.
2. Greenworks 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 16” guide bar.
- Cordless.
- Brushless motor.
- Chain brake.
- Low kickback.
If you’re happy to spend a little bit extra, this Greenworks model is ideal. A problem with cordless models is they often lack power and runtime. They aren’t problems you get here as the chainsaw has an impressive level of performance.
The 16” guide bar is a good size, and the brushless motor helps it to be efficient and quiet. The low kickback and chain brake also give you peace of mind that you’ll always be in full control. The cutting action is very smooth and you’ll be able to get through your jobs in no time at all.
Why we like it
- Very easy to use.
- Automatic oiler.
- Comes fully assembled.
- Good cutting action.
What we don’t like
- Oil can leak.
Our Verdict
It’s hard to find brilliant performance from a cordless model. It’s what helps this stand out from the crowd. Everything about it is pretty much perfect. It’ll be able to handle all those jobs, a corded or gas-powered model can but with all the convenience of cordless. It’s well worth the money.
3. Sun Joe 14-inch 9-Amp Tree Limb Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw
Key Features
- 14” guide bar.
- Safety switch.
- Automatic oiler.
- 9-Amp motor.
- 7.7lbs.
Instead of investing a lot of money, you could opt for this brilliant budget option. It’s lightweight and well-balanced, which makes it easy to control. At just 7.7lbs, this is a chainsaw that everyone will be able to use.It’s simple to assemble, but it can require tightening quite often, which may be annoying for some. Apart from that, it does have great safety features and has a high-quality automatic oiler. It represents a great option for those that will only be completing smaller jobs.
Why we like it
- Simple to assemble.
- Great safety features.
- Cuts quickly.
- Lightweight and portable.
What we don’t like
- Requires constant tightening.
Our Verdict
A budget model usually means sacrificing quality. That’s not the case here as the build quality is fantastic. The power is still good enough for most jobs, and it has a range of features that make it easy to use while having that brilliant portability.
4. WEN 40417 Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 16” guide bar.
- Brushless motor.
- Two-year warranty.
- Tool-free tensioning.
- Simple tensioning wheel.
WEN is another company that has been able to make a high-powered cordless model. Its battery can run out a little quickly for some, but the power performance is impressive. The high-quality model has a high level of usability.
The quality is excellent, with a brilliant tensioning wheel, a brushless motor, and automatic lubrication. It all adds up to a brilliant product that offers a good power level with a well-balanced guide bar. The build quality is impressive and is backed by a two-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Automatic lubrication.
- Emergency brake.
- Easy to change the blade.
- Lightweight.
What we don’t like
- Battery runs out quickly.
Our Verdict
This WEN model missed out on our best overall pick just because the battery life can be a little short. It’s still decent and all the other qualities make this a great choice. If you already have a WEN-compatible battery, it makes it an outstanding choice.
5. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 12” guide bar.
- Automatic oiling.
- Tool-free adjustments.
- Wrap-around design.
- Cordless design.
Compactness is an underrated feature, as it can allow you to work safely and efficiently in tighter spots. Not everyone needs to cut down huge trees, and the 12” guide bar here works very well and allows for quick and easy performance. The wrap-around handle will give you a lot of confidence when using the saw. The features here make it perfect for anyone who may be a little apprehensive about using a chainsaw. The runtime is excellent for a cordless model, and it’s very simple to use and maintain.
Why we like it
- Decent runtime.
- Highly portable.
- Value for money.
- Impressive power level.
What we don’t like
- Consumes a lot of oil.
Our Verdict
If this article was a list of the best compact chainsaws, this would claim the top spot. The power is still impressive, which gives this chainsaw epic usability. It’s ideal for those either looking for a smaller chainsaw or those who are a little apprehensive about using a larger model.
6. WORX WG305.1 Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- Auto-tensioning.
- 8-Amp motor.
- 14” guide bar.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Chain brake.
WORX is another company that you can trust to make excellent tools. That’s seen here with this 14” chainsaw that is both compact and lightweight. It doesn’t lose anything in terms of performance and is simple and easy to use.
The auto-tensioning is a great feature and helps to make this great value for money. Some users have reported oil leaking, but this isn’t uncommon for chainsaws that lubricate themselves. Overall it packs a punch for its size, with performance you won’t be disappointed by.
Why we like it
- Easy to adjust.
- Great value for money.
- Impressive power.
- Simple to use.
What we don’t like
- Some oil leaking.
Our Verdict
Design is important. If this product appeals to you, then you’re not going to be disappointed. It has excellent power while being well-balanced and easy to operate.
7. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- Low kickback.
- 12” guide bar.
- Brushless motor.
- Tool-free tensioning.
- Only 8.8lbs.
This model can go through a lot of oil in a short space of time. It can hold the oil well and ensure the chainsaw is lubricated. This means a minimal amount of downtime and more efficient cutting.The balance is fantastic, and you’ll always feel as though you’re in full control of it. The runtime is also outstanding and will allow you to complete large jobs from start to finish. The usability is excellent and helps to make it great value for money.
Why we like it
- Plenty of power.
- Good runtime.
- Well-balanced.
- Very easy to use.
What we don’t like
- Uses a lot of oil.
Our Verdict
Balance is an under-appreciated aspect of power tools as you need to feel fully in control at all times. You get that here as it allows you to feel very safe. Added to that, the performance is excellent with impressive runtime.
8. Scotts 16 in. 13-Amp Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 16” guide bar.
- 13-Amp motor.
- Fast cutting.
- Automatic oiling.
- Large handle.
We’ve looked at a few compact models here, but this one has a 16” guide bar and a great range of performance. The 13 amp motor is very powerful and will allow you to make light work of tasks that other chainsaws may struggle with.
The large handle on this 16-inch chainsaw lets you feel in control, even with the fast cutting action. The build quality is impressive, but the bar spikes could be a little more prominent as there are some slipping issues. That being said, it is easy to maintain and use.
Why we like it
- Impressive durability.
- Easy to carry.
- High build quality.
- Simple to maintain.
What we don’t like
- Thin spikes.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a corded 16” model, then this will be a great option. It’s quite impressive and fairly easy to use in a wide variety of different situations. The fast cutting means you’ll be finished with your jobs in no time at all.
9. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 12” guide bar.
- Tool-less tensioning.
- Automatic oiler.
- Minimal kickback.
- Large battery.
This Greenworks model ticks all the boxes; it is simple and easy to use. The tool-less tensioning is very good, and there is minimal kickback. It also features an automatic oiler with a quiet operation when compared to other models.
The only downside is that it doesn’t quite have the cutting speed of some of its rivals. It’s suitable for those who will only ever do smaller jobs. The large battery has a long runtime that many people are going to love.
Why we like it
- Great build quality.
- Easy to use.
- Nice and quiet.
- Good battery life.
What we don’t like
- Low cutting speed.
Our Verdict
The thought of using a chainsaw scares a lot of people. If that applies to you then this would be the ideal model to put your mind at ease. It’s very comfortable to use while having the quality required to make those cuts as simple as possible.
10. Remington 8 Amp 14-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Key Features
- 14” guide bar.
- 8-Amp motor.
- Just over 6lbs.
- Low kickback.
- Quick tensioning.
Remington has been able to make a chainsaw that is just over 6lbs. That’s incredibly light and makes it very easy to pick up. As well as being light, it’s also very quiet, and you’ll love just how simple it is and portable it is to use. It starts very quickly, and the performance is quite impressive. The features also give it a high level of usability with low kickback and quick tensioning. It can leak a little bit of oil, but it does keep the chain well lubricated throughout your cutting.
Why we like it
- Reliable motor.
- Easy and quick starting.
- Nice and quiet.
- Lightweight and portable.
What we don’t like
- Can leak oil.
Our Verdict
If you struggle with carrying bulky items or have a condition such as arthritis, then this could be perfect for you. It’s ultralight and will allow you to easily cut anything that you want as the power level is also quite impressive.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
Power
Before thinking about getting an electric chainsaw, it’s a good idea to know what you’re going to be using it for. If you have higher demands, then you will need to get one with higher power output and a large guide bar. For most domestic uses, such as cutting firewood, only a moderate amount of power is going to be required.
Weight and Balance
The weight is a crucial aspect of a chainsaw as you want to be able to be in full control of it. Make sure you’re not overstretching yourself. It needs to be well-balanced too, and this comes from having a centralized weight and a lightweight guide bar. Other features, such as the size and position of the handle can also have a significant impact on comfort.
Additional Features
- Low kickback – Kickback is the recoil that you can get and can be very dangerous. This is reduced by proper technique but also the design.
- Auto tensioning – It’s important that your chain has the right amount of tension as they can loosen over time. Having automatic or tool-free tension will help to make your life a lot easier.
- Oiling – Your chain needs oil to lubricate the chain and prevent it from getting too hot. Using a model that will automatically feed that oil to your chain will prevent you from needing to do it manually constantly.
- Self-sharpening – This is usually a feature you’ll see on higher-end models. Your chain will go dull after a while, but a self-sharpening chainsaw is great for keeping it at its effective best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Electric Chainsaws Noisy?
One of the benefits is that they are quiet when they are not cutting, especially compared to gas-powered models. As with any type of sawing action, once those blades hit the wood, it will become quite noisy.
Which is Better Gas, Corded or Cordless?
The type of electric model you’ll choose comes down to simple preference. A corded model allows constant power without worrying about a battery, but then you have the safety element of tripping over a cord. If you’re only ever cutting in a stable and solid position, cordless can be better as you don’t have to worry about runtime. If you want higher portability and safety, a cordless model would be better.
Gas-powered models are the ultimate in power and what professionals would use. The downsides are weight, ongoing costs, maintenance, fumes, and initial costs. If you need power, then you’d be happy to put up with those downsides. The power output of modern electric chainsaws means that for most people, electric is the ideal choice.
What is the Perfect Bar Length?
For basic yard work, 18” would be more than enough for your needs, but often a 12” bar is all you need. Bar sizes can get up to 20-inches in bigger chainsaws. You just need to think about what capability you’d need. You can increase the bar size, but this should be done with caution and expert advice, as to whether you could do this would depend on the power level.
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Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at a brilliant range of options here, but for us, the best electric chainsaw out there is the Oregon CS1500 18”. It offers an excellent level of power with a large guide bar, while still being brilliant value for money.
If you’re looking for a cordless model or perhaps something a little smaller, there are other options here for you to look at. Make sure you’re choosing one with specifications and features that match your needs. Once you do, you’ll be able to make those cuts cleanly, safely, and efficiently.