To determine the best electric chainsaw, we prioritized the following features — style, bar length, power, safety features, maintenance features, and weight. Once you’ve decided between a corded versus cordless model, you’ll need to think about the bar length and the motor or battery specifications — specifically amps or volts. Also, be sure to focus on safety features as you want a machine that has safeguards in place to prevent injury. Maintenance features such as tool-free chain tensioners can make servicing your chainsaw easier, while the weight will impact how easily you can maneuver with it.
After reviewing all of the above, we nominated the Worx WG303.1 16-Inch Powered Chain Saw as our Top Pick. This model features a large 16-inch bar and a 14.5-amp motor to mimic the same level power you would get from a traditional gas-powered chainsaw. Critical safety features like a kickback bar, chain brake and handguard impressed us. And ease of use features like the automatic oiler and tool-free chain tensioner helped to solidify our choice. Keep reading to learn more about other great tools in our guide.
Top 5 Best Electric Chainsaw
#1 WORX WG303.1 16” Powered Electric Chainsaw – Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: A 16-inch corded chainsaw that’s ideal for homeowners, with a 14.5-amp motor that creates the same power as a gas chainsaw and plenty of safety features for peace of mind.
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- Power equivalent to gas chainsaws
- Kickback bar & chain brake for safety
- Automatic oil lubrication to preserve chain quality
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- Oil reservoir may leak
- Not cordless
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If you’re a homeowner, you know that pruning trees and hedges can be time-consuming. But a quality electric chainsaw can make this routine task easier to complete. We’ve nominated the Worx WG303.1 16-Inch Powered Chain Saw as our Top Pick because it features a long bar which should be more than sufficient to tackle most tasks around the home and a powerful motor that has a 14.5-amp output. And the chain has a 12 meters per second speed.
Related: For those who want to measure small objects, we recommend the best digital calipers.
With that much power, you’ll feel like you’re working with a gas chainsaw. There’s also a patented auto-tension chain system that helps to prevent over-tightening. In terms of safety, you’ll like the low kickback bar and chain brake to prevent injury while operating your chainsaw. And the automatic oil lubrication helps to preserve the life of your chain by minimizing friction during operation. You’ll also like the built-in oil reservoir that features a window with a level indicator. They may not be as easy to use as the best leaf blower, but chainsaws get the job done.
#2 WORX WG304.1 18-Inch Powered Electric Chainsaw – Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: A 15-amp motor and an 18-inch bar combine to create the safest & best corded electric chainsaw that can quickly cut through standard jobs around the home.
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- Safest
- Kickback bar and chain brake for safety
- Automatic oil lubrication
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- Oil reservoir may leak
- Corded
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When you know you have to work with large-diameter objects, you need a longer chainsaw bar to safely and efficiently cut through it. The Worx WG304.1 18-Inch Powered Chain Saw is our Honorable Mention because it features a powerful 15-amp motor and an 18-inch bar. While it is one of the heaviest options in our roundup, we think the benefits far outweigh that one drawback.
Related: If you also want to work on your car’s engine, have a look at the best engine hoist.
Just like with our Top Pick (also from the same brand) you’ll get the patented auto-tension chain system to prevent over-tightening so you don’t have to worry about chain tension. For safety, this model also comes standard with a low kickback bar and chain brake. And you’ll also get the automatic oil lubrication to lengthen the lifespan of your chain. And the built-in oil reservoir has a window with a level indicator so you know when it’s time to refill the oil. Chainsaws are as easy to use as the best disc sander, but always practice safety.
#3 Remington RM1425 8 Amp 14-Inch Lightweight Corded Electric Chainsaw – Honorable Mention
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WHY WE LIKE IT: A budget-friendly corded chainsaw that’s also lightweight, packed with safety features, and ideal for small landscaping jobs around the home.
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- Lightweight; only 6.25 pounds
- 8-amp electric motor
- Kickback bar & wraparound handguard
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- Chain tensioner difficult to operate
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Maybe you realize that you need a chainsaw, but you’re not quite ready to bite the bullet and buy one of the more expensive models in our recommendation list. In that case, our Best Budget nomination — the Remington 8-Amp 14-Inch Lightweight Corded Electric Chainsaw is a great option for you. It’s ideal for simple landscaping tasks such as pruning or trimming small branches.
You’ll like that it only weighs 6.25 pounds, making it easy to operate with minimal risk of premature hand fatigue. This corded electric chainsaw comes with an eight-amp electric motor. And as is fairly standard with these types of chainsaws, safety is a priority thanks to a kickback bar and a wraparound handguard. The Remington model also has a push-button oiler and an external tension adjuster. The best hacksaw can do some of the jobs that are too delicate for the chainsaw.
#4 DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Compact Cordless Electric Chainsaw – Best Brushless Motor
WHY WE LIKE IT: A compact 12-inch cordless chainsaw from a recognizable leader in tools that’s ideal for construction or outdoor cutting projects where mobility is a priority.
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- Compact design for improved control
- Lightweight 8.8lbs
- 12” blade
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- Battery sold separately
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If you care about the brand as much as the quality, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that you own a Dewalt tool. This 20-Volt Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw is perfect if you need to use a chainsaw, but can’t be hampered by cords and power outlets. This 12-inch cordless chainsaw is easy to maneuver thanks to it only weighing 8.8 pounds.
And the brushless motor is designed to be highly efficient, with a chain speed of 25.2 feet per second. While the battery is sold separately, you’ll still enjoy many features that are standard for this style of a chainsaw. This includes tool-free chain tensioning, a handguard, and automatic oil lubrication. The best sliding miter saw is another tool that will see a lot of use in your shop.
#5 Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Electric Chainsaw – Best Quality
WHY WE LIKE IT: A cordless and powerful 40-volt chainsaw that promises 75 cuts per full charge, while weighing a mere 6 pounds, with a 12-inch bar makes this perfect for even beginners.
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- Best cordless
- 75 cuts per charge & very lightweight
- Auto chain tensioning, electric start & automatic oiler
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- Expensive
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Cordless chainsaws are ideal for people who need to freely maneuver around a project. And if money is not an issue, our Best Quality recommendation from Greenworks should be on your shortlist. Greenworks’ 12-inch 40-Volt Cordless Chainsaw has a lot to offer for someone who needs to work on small projects around the house. As compared to our #4 pick, this model comes with a lithium-ion battery that promises to give you 75 cuts per full charge. If you’re trying to take your whole toolbox cordless, along with your chainsaw take a look at the best cordless drill too.
This chainsaw features many of the features you’ve seen on other models we’ve highlighted. This includes an automatic oiler, automatic chain tensioning, and a large handguard for added protection. But you’ll like that this model also comes with the battery charger and an instant electric start so that you can be on your way with your projects. Don’t forget the best bench vise for those projects.
Note: Other notable/best electric chainsaws worth mentioning that aren’t on our electric chainsaw reviews are the Earthwise CS33016 Corded Electric chainsaws with an automatic oiling system, and the Black Decker LCS 1020 gas powered chainsaws compatible with other 20V power tools. The automatic bar oil feature on corded chainsaws keeps the lubrication of the chain continuous. Lastly, there’s the Oregon CS1500 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw (one of the leading makers of chains and guide bars), and then the Greenworks 16-inch battery powered chainsaw.
How We Decided
There are a wide range of chainsaws to choose from. So, for this guide, we narrowed the field to electric models and then considered the following essential factors — style, bar length, power, safety features, maintenance features, and weight. For more of your yard cleanup needs, take a look at the best string trimmer too.
First, we considered whether a recommendation was corded or cordless. Our Top Pick, Honorable Mention, and Best Budget choices are all corded while our #4 and Best Quality are cordless models. While there are benefits and drawbacks to each, you’ll note that if you’re focused on budget, corded options are usually significantly cheaper than cordless electric chainsaws. And with that in mind, when shopping for a cordless option, take note of whether the battery is included. Of the two cordless models in our guide, #4 does not come with a battery while the Best Value comes with a battery and charger.
In terms of bar length, we’ve highlighted a range of lengths from 12 to 18 inches. This range is ideal for most homeowners, with 12 inches being perfect for truly lightweight tasks and 18 inches being better for more intensive cutting projects.
For power, the ratings vary based on whether you’re reviewing corded or cordless models. While corded models focus on motor amps, cordless models reference battery voltage. Our corded models ranged in power from eight to 15 amps, while our cordless options ranged from 20 to 40 volts. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the number (whether amps or volts), the more power you’ll get from your chainsaw.
Considering that chainsaws can be a dangerous tool, safety should be a priority. You’ll find that common safety features include a kickback bar, chain brake, and handguard. In our guide, only the Top Pick and Honorable Mention come standard with all three of these items. However, you should always use protective safety gear when operating a chainsaw — regardless of which safety features are built into it.
Next, we looked at maintenance features. The two most common features we saw across brands were the tool-free chain tensioner and the automatic oil lubrication. The tool-free tensioner will make adjusting the tension on your chainsaw’s bar significantly easier. And the automatic oil lubrication saves you the trouble of having to manually manage this maintenance task.
And finally, we looked at the overall weight of each chainsaw. First-time users or those who need a lightweight option should focus on our Best Quality and Best Budget recommendations as they are six and 6.25 pounds respectively. Our heaviest option is our Honorable Mention, an 18-inch chainsaw that weighs slightly more than 11 pounds.
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Corded vs Cordless
Depending on where you plan on operating an electric chainsaw, you’ll need to determine whether you want a cordless or corded chainsaw. A cordless chainsaw will give you more mobility, however, you’ll be limited by the runtime on the battery. And with a corded electric chainsaw, you’ll need to ensure that you’re using the right extension cord to properly power it. - Bar Length
The bar is where the chain is attached. And bar lengths can vary from as little as 12 inches to 36 inches or more. If you plan to use an electric chainsaw occasionally, opt for a smaller bar between 14 to 16 inches. However, if you’re cutting large-diameter objects, look for bars that are 18 to 20 inches long. - Battery & Runtime
Specifically, if you opt for a cordless electric chainsaw, you’ll need to prioritize the battery. The bigger your battery, the longer you’ll be able to run your machine. When possible, prioritize lithium-ion batteries because they often feature faster charging. And that can help reduce downtime. - Power
Ideally, look for models with a brushless motor. These types of motors are more efficient, tend to offer more torque and last longer than other types of motors. The higher the RPMs, the more power you’ll have to cut through materials. Yet, you’ll need to consider weight, because as the motor gets larger, that will add to the weight and may encourage premature fatigue. - Handles
Chainsaws can make quick work of cutting projects, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not holding them properly. Look for models that feature extra rear handles. This will help to improve your grip and create a safer working environment. Also, look for handles that are padded or feature an ergonomic shape to help reduce hand fatigue. - Weight
You need to keep in mind that you want to be able to comfortably handle a chainsaw. Often, you don’t need the heaviest chainsaw to properly finish a project. Look for a model that you can hold and maneuver with no issues. Typically, corded electric chainsaws tend to be more lightweight than cordless models. - Self-oiled Chains
One of the quickest ways to wear out the chain on your chainsaw is by creating friction between the blade and whatever object your cutting. A self-oiled chain works to preserve the life of your chainsaw by minimizing that friction. - Chain Adjustments
There might come a time where you need to increase the tension on your chain. Tool-less chain adjustments are an easier way to do this. - Safety
Look for critical features such as a chain brake that stops the chain as soon as kickback is detected or a low-kickback chain to help minimize the chance of accidents. Other features like a chain catcher can prevent a chain from flying off the saw if for some reason the chain breaks.
