The 10 Best Electric Chainsaws in 2024

Commerce Photo Composite — BHG / Lecia Landis

Whether you need to remove a dead limb or a branch that's getting too close to your garden shed, trimming your property's trees keeps your yard safe and tidy, and an electric chainsaw is a great tool for the task.

An electric chainsaw is usually quieter than a gas-powered option. It also doesn't require mixing oil and gas, so it's a lower-maintenance pick overall.

To help you find the best electric chainsaw for your property, we researched considerations like corded versus cordless, battery power and voltage, size, maintenance requirements, and safety features. We also talked with Robert Akins from Theyardable.com for advice on what to look for in an electric chainsaw.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw at Amazon ($182)

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Best Budget:

WEN Electric Chainsaw at Amazon ($55)

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Best Cordless:

Makita Chainsaw at Amazon ($398)

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Best Corded:

Oregon Electric Chainsaw at Amazon ($111)

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Best 18-Inch:

Worx Electric Chainsaw at Amazon ($127)

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Best Pole-Style:

Sun Joe 2-in-1 10-Inch Electric Pole Chainsaw at Amazon ($115)

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Best Heavy-Duty:

Makita UC4051A Electric Chainsaw at Amazon ($299)

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Best Lightweight:

Makita XCU06Z Cordless Top Handle Chainsaw at Amazon ($206)

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Easiest to Use:

Dewalt Brushless Chainsaw Kit at Amazon ($329)

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Best Large:

Husqvarna Brushless Battery Chainsaw at Lowe's ($479)

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Best Overall

Amazon

View On Amazon $182 View On Walmart $163 View On Greenworks

Why You Should Get It

It also has 70 percent fewer vibrations than the average chainsaw, making it more comfortable to operate.

Keep in Mind

If you want to have an extra battery on hand, be prepared to pay nearly the cost of another chainsaw.

We chose the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw as the overall best electric chainsaw because of its power, runtime, and motor life. This cordless chainsaw was designed with a brushless motor for double the torque of brushed motor options. It offers more operator comfort than gas chainsaws, too, thanks to 70 percent fewer vibrations, which also reduces noise levels. Its 16-inch bar and chain, coupled with the 40-volt motor, can handle cutting trees or branches as thick as 15 inches in diameter.

To keep operators safe, this cordless chainsaw comes with an electric chain brake to stop the chain from circling and a low kickback chain to keep users safe in case of kickback, which is when the chain gets stuck or pinched while cutting an object and the chainsaw is thrown back at the operator.

At just over 10 pounds with the battery included, it's one of the lighter options on the list as well.

For added convenience, the chainsaw comes with an automatic oiler to keep the chain maintained and a chain tensioner that doesn't require a tool.

Keep in mind that if you want an extra Greenworks 4-amp hour battery, it will cost you around $120. It may be more cost effective to purchase another Greenworks tool that includes a battery.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Cordless | Power: 40 volts | Battery: 4 amp hours | Weight: 10.36 pounds | Bar length: 16 inches

Best Budget

Amazon

View On Amazon $55 View On Target $55 View On Walmart $55

Why You Should Get It

This 16-inch saw is lightweight, making it a great pick for everyday projects.

Keep In Mind

Its 12-amp motor won’t be your best bet for larger projects like cutting down trees or processing firewood.

This is the best electric chainsaw if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that packs some quality features. It’s a corded saw that weighs about 10 pounds. At 12 amps, you may not want to use this saw for cutting trees, but its lighter weight makes it ideal for landscaping work around the house or in a smaller yard.

With its automatic oiling system and tool-free chain adjustment, the saw is a lower-maintenance choice. Safety is built right in, with a hand guard that protects you from debris as you use the saw. Plus, there’s a safety button to keep you from inadvertently starting up the saw before you’re ready. And when you’re not using it, the sheath around the bar protects you as well as the bar itself.

We also appreciate that the saw includes a notched area to keep the cord plugged in while you operate it. Plus, it includes a two-year warranty for some extra peace of mind.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Corded | Power: 12 amps | Battery: N/A | Weight: 10 pounds | Bar length: 16 inches

Best Cordless

Amazon

View On Amazon $398 View On Walmart $528 View On Home Depot $469

Why You Should Get It

You can choose a kit with either 4-amp hour or 5-amp hour batteries, depending on your battery capacity needs.

Keep in Mind

This saw is on the heavier side.

If you're planning to cut down small trees that aren't near an electrical outlet, this 16-inch cordless chainsaw kit is our choice for the best cordless electric chainsaw. The chainsaw's brushless motor is comparable to a gas-powered 32cc saw's efficiency, and you can adjust the chain speed to help cut through a range of tree sizes. It's also resistant to dust and water, letting you work in a variety of weather conditions.

Safety features include a lever to keep users from inadvertently engaging the chain and auto-shutdown when the saw hasn't been in use, which is great for both safety and preserving battery life. The battery also contains power management to prevent overloading, over-discharging, and overheating, which will extend the life of the battery overall. We also like that you can choose your battery power. The 5Ah kit should provide a bit more usage time than the 4Ah, so bear this in mind if you have a project that might require more cutting time.

Keep in mind that this chainsaw is on the heavier side and could cause fatigue if you'll be using it for extended periods of time.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Cordless | Power: 36 volts | Battery: Choice of two 4- or 5-amp hour batteries | Weight: 18.56 pounds | Bar length: 16 inches

Best Corded

Oregon-self-sharpening-corded-electric-chainsaw

Amazon

View On Amazon $111 View On Walmart $104 View On Lowe's $114

Why You Should Get It

This corded chainsaw has a built-in sharpening stone, so you won't have to manually sharpen the chain.

Keep in Mind

The manufacturer recommends priming the auto oiler with the bar and chain removed before you use the chainsaw.

If most of your work is reachable with an extension cord, a corded model is an affordable electric option that doesn't require you to wait for batteries to recharge. Oregon's CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw is our choice for the best corded chainsaw.

The tool has a built-in sharpening stone that allows you to sharpen the chain in three to five seconds without the need for manual filing. The convenience of a self-sharpening chainsaw allows you to more easily keep the chain sharp, thereby extending the life of the engine, improving the quality of the cut, and increasing the safety of the tool itself.

It comes with a chain brake and a lower kickback for enhanced safety as well as tool-less tension adjustment feature so users can easily adjust the chain's tension without a trip to the toolbox. The automatic oiling system also makes this chainsaw a low-maintenance choice. Just keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends that you prime the automatic oiler with the bar and chain removed before you fire your chainsaw up for the first time.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Corded | Power: 15 amps | Battery: N/A | Weight: 12.6 pounds | Bar length: 18 inches

Best 18-Inch

Amazon

View On Amazon $127 View On Walmart View On Tractor Supply Co. $130

Why You Should Get It

At only 11.3 pounds, this chainsaw is lightweight while also having a long bar length.

Keep in Mind

This chainsaw may go through more chain oil than other chainsaws on the market.

Cutting logs from thick, felled trees requires a larger chainsaw. This 18-inch option from Worx combines with a 15-amp motor to cut through large pieces of wood. Plus, it's lightweight—11.3 pounds—for having such a long bar length. The fact that it's corded does limit its range, but that won't impact your work much if your goal is to find a chainsaw to cut logs near your home or shop to stockpile firewood.

The chainsaw comes with auto tension, which means you won't accidentally tighten the chain too much (or too little). Its automatic oiling system is a low-maintenance feature, too, though you'll want to check the oil window and fill it as needed since this chainsaw may use more chain oil than other models on this list.

Safety features include a chain brake that halts the chain almost immediately in case of kickback. The chainsaw also comes with a rubberized handle that's designed for both ergonomics and safety, allowing you to maintain a tight grip even when it's damp outside.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Corded | Power: 15 amps | Battery: N/A | Weight: 11.3 pounds | Bar length: 18 inches

Best Pole-Style

Sun Joe SWJ807E 2-in-1 10-Inch Electric Pole Chainsaw

Amazon

View On Amazon $115 View On Walmart $80 View On Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

This two-in-one saw can be used as both a pole saw and a handheld saw, making it a versatile choice.

Keep in Mind

It weighs 12 pounds, which may feel heavy to some when using it as a telescoping pole saw.

When trimming tree branches, a pole-style chainsaw can be a handy option. This two-in-one convertible electric option from Sun Joe has an extendable pole. It telescopes from 8.8 feet to 15 feet, which allows you to reach higher branches that need to be trimmed.

Once the branch is safely trimmed, the saw can be converted into a handheld chainsaw to cut the branch into logs for added versatility.

The chainsaw comes with an automatic lubrication system—no need to mess with a bottle of chain oil besides when filling the chainsaw's reservoir—and it has an easy push-button start. It also has a safety switch to help stop unintentional starts. A scabbard for the bar is included to safely store the chainsaw and protect the chain.

Weighing in at 12 pounds with the pole, this chainsaw may feel heavy when using it as a pole saw for trimming tall trees, but we believe its versatility balances out its heavier weight.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Corded | Power: 8 amps | Battery: N/A | Weight: 8.4 pounds, 12 pounds with the pole attached | Bar length: 10 inches

Best Heavy-Duty

Amazon

View On Amazon $299 View On Walmart $383 View On Home Depot $299

Why You Should Get It

This chainsaw is built for cutting quickly and efficiently with a motor capable of running up to 2,900 feet per minute.

Keep in Mind

You'll need to assemble the bar and chain before use.

Heavy-duty projects call for a heavy-duty chainsaw. This corded option from Makita has a 16-inch bar and a 14.5-amp motor that can run the chain up to 2,900 FPM (feet per minute) for more intense cutting jobs, like cutting firewood from larger felled trees. To balance that power, the chainsaw includes a current limiter to protect it from burnout in case it becomes overloaded, extending the life of the motor.

Two rubber handles let you maintain a secure grip, even when the weather is humid, and a chain brake protects the user in case of kickback. Additional safety features include a front hand guard to deflect debris and a lock button to keep users from unintentionally starting the tool.

This chainsaw also has an automatic chain oiler to keep the chain running smoothly as you cut as well as a tool-less tension adjustment for the chain. You'll just need to pick up an extension cord and assemble the bar and chain before you use this chainsaw.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Corded | Power: 14.5 amps | Battery: N/A | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Bar length: 16 inches

Best Lightweight

Makita XCU06Z 10-inch cordless top handle chainsaw.

Amazon

View On Amazon $206 View On Walmart $255 View On Home Depot $259

Why You Should Get It

This chainsaw is lightweight for easy carrying, weighing only 7.2 pounds with the battery.

Keep in Mind

The battery doesn't come with the chainsaw, so you'll need to purchase one at an additional cost.

Weighing in at just 7.2 pounds including the battery, this Makita cordless chainsaw is easy to carry around your property, and you're less likely to experience arm fatigue while using it compared to heavier models.

The chainsaw features 18 volts of power and a rubberized top handle for a comfortable grip. The brushless motor offers increased efficiency that's comparable to gas-powered chainsaws in its class, allowing it to reach a chain speed of up to 4,720 feet per minute. The automatic chain lubrication system can be adjusted, and it has a sizable oil holding reserve.

The saw also has a lock-off safety feature to keep the chain from unintentionally activating, and a computer mechanist to keep the saw from overheating or overloading.

With a bar length of 10 inches, keep in mind that this chainsaw is best for light use. "The battery will likely not last very long before it needs charging but it would be ideal for small-scale pruning or cutting down a few bushes or small trees once in a while," Akins says.

It's also worth noting that the battery does not come with the chainsaw, so you'll have to purchase one separately.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Cordless | Power: 18 volts | Battery: Not included | Weight: 7.2 pounds | Bar length: 10 inches

Easiest to Use

The Home Depot

View On Amazon $329 View On Home Depot $369 View On Toolnut.com

Why You Should Get It

This is a lightweight yet powerful chainsaw that comes with a chain brake and low kickback, making it safe for beginners and experts alike.

Keep in Mind

The 3-amp hour battery won’t provide as many hours of cutting time as some other cordless models.

Cordless electric chainsaws allow you more freedom to move around a larger outdoor space for pruning projects, but they don’t all come with a battery. One reason this model from Dewalt is one of the best electric chainsaws is it includes both a 3-amp hour battery as well as a charger, so you’ll have everything you need to operate it right out of the box.

Though 3-amp hours won’t provide endless hours of run time, the 60 volts and 16-inch bar make this a powerful saw. It weighs just over 13 pounds, so it won’t become tiresome if you have several trimming projects to complete.

You won’t need to worry about oiling the bar and chain because they’re automatically oiled, and the saw comes with a protective cover to keep the blade safe when you’re not using it. This saw doesn’t have a lot of kickback and it includes a chain brake, making it user-friendly, even for those newer to the world of electric chainsaws.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Cordless | Power: 60 volts | Battery: 3 amp hours | Weight: 13.2 pounds | Bar length: 16 inch

Best Large

Lowe's

View On Lowe's $479

Why You Should Get It

In addition to its large 18-inch bar, the saw comes with an impressive 7.5-amp hour battery.

Keep in Mind

It's the heaviest option on our list.

If you’ve got a few trees that need to come down, this chainsaw’s power and size will come in incredibly handy. It’s a cordless model with an impressive 7.5-amp hour battery, meaning you won’t need to run back to the house to recharge it every few hours. The saw comes with a 42-volt battery and charger that works with the brand’s other tools, so there’s no need to worry about buying separate batteries for each Husqvarna tool in the garage.

In total, the saw weighs 17 pounds, which is the heaviest saw on our list; if you'll be hauling this saw around your property, you may want a lighter option. You can adjust the chain without a tool, though, which means you won’t need to keep track of separate accessories. The chain brake comes with a light to indicate whether the brake is engaged or not, which is a convenient safety feature.

The 18-inch bar is excellent for trimming trees as well as processing firewood, and the brushless motor comes with “boost mode” to give you an extra 25% increase in power for tougher jobs. In addition, its cooling system works to ensure you have consistent power while also ensuring battery longevity.

Product Details: Corded or cordless: Cordless | Power: 42 volts | Battery: 7.5 amp hours | Weight: 17 pounds | Bar length: 18 inch

The Bottom Line

After comparing several options, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is our choice for the best electric chainsaw. It can cut through thick branches, comes with multiple safety features, and has an automatic bar oiling system to reduce time spent on maintenance.

What to Know About Electric Chainsaws Before Shopping

Corded vs. Cordless

With electric chainsaws, you can opt for cordless or corded models. Both types are quieter than gas-powered chainsaws and are lower maintenance, according to Akins. However, he notes that your range is more limited with corded chainsaws, because you'll have to stay close to an outlet.

With cordless chainsaws, you'll have more range but less cutting time. The run time of a cordless chainsaw "depends on the capacity (amp hours) rating of the battery you are using," Akins says. "The greater the amperage hour rating, the longer it takes to drain the battery."

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay a bit more for a cordless chainsaw. To extend its run time, you can purchase additional batteries to swap in when one starts to get low on charge.

Weight

Keep in mind that electric chainsaws will have differences in weight based on the manufacturer as well as the overall model size, power capabilities, and battery size. Akins says electric chainsaws are typically "on the heavier side or around the same weight" as comparably equipped gas-powered saws.

Corded models tend to weigh less than cordless chainsaws because they don't include the weight of the battery.

If you plan to wield a chainsaw for hours at a time or you'll be hiking around your property with it, consider how heavy of a chainsaw you'll be able to handle for that period of time.

Power and Bar Length

Be sure to consider the chain size and power you'll need when selecting the best electric chainsaw for your property.

Akins says most cordless chainsaws use 18- or 20-volt batteries that have a 4- or 5-amp hour capacity. He notes this is usually sufficient for light-duty tasks such as occasional pruning. For heavier-duty work, like cutting down small- or medium-sized trees, he recommends at least 36 volts and an 8- to 10-amp hour capacity with a 14- to 16-inch bar.

When choosing a corded electric chainsaw, pay attention to amperages. Akins prefers corded chainsaws with at least a 12-amp motor and 14- to 16-inch bar but suggests at least 15 amps and a 16-inch bar for heavier duty projects like processing firewood.

Safety

Electric chainsaws may not be as loud as gas-powered models, but that doesn't mean they don't have some of the same safety risks. You still need to follow standard safety precautions, like wearing personal protective equipment.

Keeping up with maintenance, like oiling the bar, is another safety consideration. "Running the chainsaw without oil will overheat the bar and with no time, ruin it," Akins says. He notes that many chainsaw options do have an automatic bar oiling system, so be sure to look for this feature if you want a lower-maintenance chainsaw.

You may also want to consider whether a chainsaw has additional safety features, like a chain brake, safety switch, hand guard, and a tool-less chain adjustment.

Your Questions, Answered

How much do electric chainsaws cost?

In general, electric chainsaws are cheaper than their gas counterparts. Typically, cordless electric chainsaws are going to be more expensive than corded saws. With cordless models, you’ll want to factor in the cost of a battery if it’s not included with the saw.

Beyond that, electric chainsaws will vary in price based on features, size, and manufacturer. You’ll be able to buy an electric chainsaw for less than $100, or for as much as several hundred dollars. Price is an important consideration, but you’ll also want to take into account what features you need in a chainsaw to be sure you select the best option.

What size chainsaw do I need?

The size of chainsaw you need depends on how you plan to use it. For lighter landscaping duties, you may want to consider a corded chainsaw because they typically weigh a bit less than cordless. Akins notes that he tends to prefer a 12-amp or larger motor for corded saws.

When it comes to cutting down trees, Akins says electric chainsaws are "absolutely" up to the job. "Electric chainsaws, especially battery-powered ones, can be used to cut down small- to medium-sized trees up to 12 inches in diameter," he says. However, he advises against using corded chainsaws for cutting down trees because the cord can quickly become a safety hazard.

If you plan to cut down trees, be sure to look for chainsaws that are 36 volts or more and have an 8- to 10-amp hour capacity, plus a bar size of 14 to 16 inches, according to Akins. Smaller bar sizes are better suited for smaller landscaping projects, like trimming shrubs.

What are the benefits of an electric chainsaw?

Electric chainsaws are much quieter than gas-powered chainsaws. This is important for hearing safety but is also something to consider if you're using a chainsaw with neighbors nearby, Akins notes.

In addition, electric chainsaws can be started by pushing a button and require less maintenance overall. Akins points out they don't require mixing gas and oil, and you may be able to mix and match the batteries of a cordless chainsaw with other power tools of the same brand.

Do electric chainsaws need oil?

Unless specifically noted by the manufacturer that it doesn't, almost all electric chainsaws do need oil, though it's used differently than in a gas-powered chainsaw. Electric chainsaws require oil for the chain and bar to keep things in good working condition. However, electric chainsaws don't run on gas, so you won't need to add a gas and oil blend as you might with gas-powered versions.

Who We Are

This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance lifestyle and travel writer whose work has been published with several Meredith brands. To create this list of the best electric chainsaws, she compared corded and cordless models, battery power and voltage, size, maintenance requirements, and safety features. She also talked with Robert Akins from Theyardable.com.