The Best We Tested 15 Electric Chainsaws—Only 7 Made The CutChainsaws, According to Our Testing

If you’re looking for a chainsaw with ample cutting power and minimal maintenance requirements for grab-and-go dependability, an electric chainsaw is the right tool for the job. With new cordless chainsaws entering the market every year, it can be difficult to sort through them all. To help narrow the field, we researched more than 50 electric chainsaws from a dozen brands and tested 15 of the best-rated models in our own backyards. In this guide, we will offer the specs, pros, and cons of our top picks, along with our observations from hands-on testing. 

We chose the Echo 56-volt top-handle chainsaw as Best Overall. Granted, it’s a bit pricey, but it offered outstanding all-around cutting performance and operator comfort. But its 12-inch bar and chain may not be the right option for every scenario, so we also highlighted six other outstanding saws. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option for general yard maintenance, a mini chainsaw to help with pruning, or a bigger saw for cutting firewood, read on for several great options ahead. Later in the guide, we’ll share our thoughts on various shopping considerations to keep in mind as you choose the best electric chainsaw for your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Echo X Series DCS-2500T 12-Inch Top-Handle Chainsaw
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ryobi 14-Inch 40V Battery Chainsaw
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3. BEST CORDED: Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
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4. BEST BATTERY: Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
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5. BEST LARGE-SIZE: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Battery Chainsaw
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6. BEST MID-SIZE: Stihl MSA 60 C-B Battery Chainsaw
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7. BEST FOR PRUNING: Echo DHS-3006 56V Mini Pruning Saw
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Electric Chainsaws Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

After studying product specifications and customer ratings online, we tested these chainsaws ourselves. Check out the results in the following reviews. Whether you’re looking for a small chainsaw for occasional cleanup projects or a heavy-duty tool for daily use, chances are a few good options in this lineup will suit your needs.

Best Overall

Echo X Series DCS-2500T 12-Inch Top-Handle Chainsaw

See It

What We Like

• Professional arborist quality 
• Well-balanced for 1- or 2-handed operation
• Top-handle design makes it more compact and maneuverable
• High torque and blade speed make quick cuts

What We Don’t Like

• No tool-storage slot on the saw 
• Higher price point than most battery chainsaws
• 1-hand operation increases the chance of accidents

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Specs 

• Power source: 56V battery
• Bar length: 12 inches
• Weight: 7.3 pounds (with battery)

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5 

Top-handle chainsaws are the tool of choice for professional tree climbers who make their living pruning dense canopies. The short blade length and balanced design make navigating dense brush easier and safer. With its lightweight build and no-maintenance brushless electric motor, the Echo DCS-2500T battery-powered chainsaw is one of the best top-handle saws available. It comes equipped with a 12-inch bar and chain and weighs just 7.3 pounds. 

A 56V 2.5 amp-hour (Ah) battery powers the chainsaw, providing enough juice for an hour of tree work per charge. Chain adjustments require a chainsaw tool that comes with the kit, but with the side access tensioner, it only takes a few seconds. The saw also comes ready to climb with a built-in loop to clip onto a climbing harness. 

Although it comes at a premium price, the Echo top-handle chainsaw demonstrated top-end cutting ability in our tests. With its short bar and balanced design, it was very easy to maneuver for detailed cuts among dense branches. And it was aggressive for a small chainsaw. The saw sliced through 8-inch logs twice as fast as most of the other 10- to 14-inch chainsaws we tested.

The high torque and fast chain speed might catch inexperienced users off guard, which could lead to accidents or injuries if used carelessly. It’s best to use two hands for all cuts until you become familiar with the saw.

What our tester says: “Everything about this saw felt pro-quality when I tested it, from the perfectly balanced design to the fast, aggressive chain, to the sturdy trigger with just the right amount of resistance. It was a pleasure to work with.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Echo X Series electric chainsaw at Amazon, The Home Depot, A.M. Leonard, or Forestry Suppliers.

Best Bang for the Buck

Ryobi One+ 40V HP 14" Chainsaw Kit

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Preassembled in the box
• Built for general yard work
• Opaque chain and bar oil reservoir 

What We Don’t Like

• Light-duty saw isn’t ideal for bigger projects

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Specs 

• Power source: 40V battery
• Bar length: 14 inches
• Weight: 11.5 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5

Homeowners looking for a medium-duty chainsaw at a bargain price should consider this 14-inch saw from Ryobi. The kit includes a 4 Ah battery that powers through hundreds of cuts per charge and works with other Ryobi 40V electric tools. It’s a natural fit for anyone who has already invested in a compatible mower, blower, or string trimmer.

This saw cuts smoothly on midsize stuff up to about 12 inches in diameter, and we did some aggressive branch removal to put it to the test. We found it really easy to maneuver and cut at different angles or in difficult positions. It would be perfect for post-storm cleanup or managing growth on personal properties. It worked well as a firewood support saw and for small camp wood, too.

If you are new to battery-powered chainsaws and want something for home and camp chores, this is a great entry into the market. As one of the few sub-$300 chainsaws, it’s offered at an attractive price point, and it can handle a wide range of cutting tasks. In short, this is an affordable option for general yard work or cutting campfire wood.

Get the Ryobi chainsaw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart (tool only).

Best Corded

Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw

See It

What We Like

• Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiler
• Built-in chain sharpener
• Suitable for light felling and general cleanup

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than comparable models
• Power cord restricts mobility

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Specs 

• Power source: 15A electrical outlet (15A motor)
• Bar length: 18 inches
• Weight: 12.6 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

When it comes time for heavy-duty tree cutting, a longer bar and a bigger motor are necessities. The CS1500 chainsaw from Oregon features an 18-inch guide bar and chain, a powerful 15A motor, toolless chain tensioning, a chain brake, and an automatic oiler. It uses plug-in power for unlimited runtime that’s both clean and quiet, and it comes with a durable plastic scabbard for bar and chain safety when not in use.

The saw also self-sharpens; activating the sharpener simply involves lifting a small finger-engaged lever. Oregon’s patented system sharpens the PowerSharp chain in just 3 to 5 seconds. With its power, long bar length, and automatic features, this is the most capable corded saw for heavy-duty work.

In our tests, the Oregon CS1500 stood out as a rugged saw with several notable conveniences. The saw offered plenty of power and speed to cut up a 13-inch-diameter oak log. It made vertical bucking cuts cleanly and aggressively every time, but the power cord limited maneuverability in brushy areas.

The self-sharpening feature was uniquely helpful. After cutting 40 slices off the hardened oak log, we pulled the PowerSharp lever for 3 seconds while squeezing the trigger. Then we inspected the saw teeth before attempting more cuts. The teeth were visibly sharper than before—shiny with no nicks—and the saw moved faster and produced larger sawdust shavings than prior to sharpening. For everyday wood cutting, this feature saves at least 10 minutes of hand sharpening, or $10 to $15 and a trip to the hardware store for professional sharpening.

Like other corded electric chainsaws, the price of this model was lower than that of cordless saws with similar cutting abilities. In addition to the cost savings, it was “always ready,” with no need to charge or replace batteries. The electric motor has a long life expectancy that could make it a once- or twice-in-a-lifetime purchase for many users.

What our tester says: “Battery tools are enjoying popularity these days, but this corded saw was pretty awesome. It felt more aggressive than most of the larger battery models, and I was able to make twice as many cuts in a day because there was no downtime to recharge batteries. It’s a no-frills workhorse, and it’s super affordable.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Oregon electric chainsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Battery

Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

See It

What We Like

• Suitable for big jobs like felling and bucking 
• High-torque motor and fast chain speed
• Up to 150 cuts per charge
• Charges in just 30 minutes

What We Don’t Like

• The heaviest saw among our tested group
• Chain tensioner felt somewhat flimsy

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Specs 

• Power source: 80V battery
• Bar length: 18 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds (with battery)

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

With its massive 80V battery and brushless motor, this cordless chainsaw from battery-powered tool specialist Greenworks rivals many similarly sized gas-powered chainsaws.

Proving that a small carbon footprint doesn’t equate to wimpy performance, this formidable chainsaw can make up to 150 cuts before needing a charge, which equates to about 30 minutes of work time per charge. Its 18-inch bar length enables cutting through trunks up to 16 inches in diameter, so this saw is a great option for cutting firewood.

With its rapid charge capability—it needs just 30 minutes for a full recharge—the saw can easily have batteries rotated to avoid lags in productivity. This model is loaded with performance features like steel bucking spikes and an electronic chain brake. 

In our tests, the Greenworks Pro 80V chainsaw cut quickly and aggressively, but the battery runtime was not great. At 16 pounds, it was the heaviest saw of our entire group, which was helpful when cutting thick logs into sections, but less so when we were limbing a tree canopy.

We really appreciated the fast chain speed and high torque. The saw didn’t bog down in any of our cutting tests, even when we levered downward on the bucking spikes to add extra pressure on the bar. It cut everything at least as fast as any of the other saws, but the heavy weight, bulky motor housing and battery, and vibration in the handles reduced its operating comfort to some degree. Still, at the modest list price, it’s a highly capable saw worth considering.

Get the Greenworks electric chainsaw at Amazon or Greenworks.

Best Large-Size

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Battery Chainsaw

See It

What We Like

• Large guide bar for general cutting tasks
• Lower vibration than the rest of the test group
• Fast, toolless chain tensioner
• Brushless motor improves battery life
• X-Cut chain retains sharpness longer

What We Don’t Like

• Bulky for light-duty cutting
• Less articulate for selective cuts

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Specs 

• Power source: 36V battery
• Bar length: 18 inches
• Weight: 14.2 pounds with chain and battery

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5 

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i offers performance, safety, and comfort features a cut above the others on the list. The 18-inch guide bar and X-cut chain complement a low-vibration brushless motor, delivering best-in-class performance. 

This saw weighs a relatively modest 14.2 pounds with the battery, bar, and chain installed. For extended battery life, push-button power-boost mode increases output for larger and harder cuts, while normal mode conserves charge for everyday cutting tasks. A tool-free chain tensioner eliminates the need for a chainsaw tool, keeping downtime to a minimum. The 7.5 Ah battery works with all Husqvarna battery tools, boosting total power efficiency. 

Even the chain is better than on other saws. The Husqvarna X-Cut chain is built to higher standards than typical saw chains in terms of material, heat treatment, and design of the individual cutters and links to maximize sharpness, cutting efficiency, and durability. It even comes prestretched to eliminate the break-in period typical of a new saw chain.

It’s difficult to describe the difference between a low-vibration chainsaw and other saws, but we felt the difference immediately in the Husqvarna Power Axe. The features that minimize vibration transfer through the handles—namely the X-cut chain and the smooth operating motor—also helped to boost battery life. This translated into a lighter, more capable saw that made more cuts per watt-hour than some of the cheaper saws built on bulkier platforms.

The Power Axe cut up seasoned oak logs into firewood lengths quickly, smoothly, and quietly. And when we were climbing up the crown of a fallen tree, we moved around at will, making all the necessary cuts. The narrow saw body and lightweight build made it much more maneuverable than other 18-inch saws, and it outworked the others in pure cutting ability, too. It gave the best overall performance of all the saws we tested, with the possible exception of our top pick, which is built for lighter work. Those in search of a high-performance saw for all types of cutting scenarios would do well to consider the Power Axe.

Get the Husqvarna electric chainsaw at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Mid-Size

Stihl MSA 60 C-B Battery Chainsaw

See It

What We Like

• Fast, smooth cutting ability
• Long runtime per charge
• Lightweight, balanced design
• Safe and easy to operate

What We Don’t Like

• Best for trimming, struggles with bucking thick logs

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Specs 

• Power source: 36V battery
• Bar length: 12 inches
• Weight: 9 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5

In suburban yards, small electric chainsaws are mostly used for maintenance pruning, storm cleanup, and removing small trees or large shrubs. The Stihl MSA 60 C-B seems to have been designed for precisely those tasks in that order. It is lightweight and well balanced for operator comfort during extended use, but it’s also equipped with a thin kerf bar and chain, so it cuts quickly and efficiently. The kit includes a battery, charger, and scabbard.

We tested this saw on two different projects: a large shrub removal and a storm cleanup. It did a fantastic job maneuvering among a 12-by-15-by-20-foot tangled mess of juniper branches. The cuts were clean, fast, and smooth, and the battery seemed like it would last forever. It did the whole project on a single charge. 

As for the storm cleanup, we had to contend with a large downed Bradford pear tree. The trunk and some branches measured up to 14 inches in diameter. This little saw did the job, but the going was slower, and we had to recharge twice to complete the work. Overall, it’s a great saw for the price—possibly the perfect choice for routine yard maintenance.

Get the Stihl electric chainsaw at Ace Hardware or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best for Pruning

Echo DHS-3006 56V Mini Pruning Saw

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight for 1-handed use
• Extra-long runtime per charge
• Blade guard minimizes kickback risk
• Short bar for easy maneuverability

What We Don’t Like

• Price comparable to midsize saws
• Too heavy to utilize belt loop

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Specs 

• Power source: 56V battery
• Bar length: 6 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

General landscape maintenance sometimes involves making many small cuts through dense foliage. The Echo electric pruning saw comes equipped with a 6-inch blade to make these jobs a lot easier. Just like a high-quality full-size saw, it includes an automatic oiling system, tool-free chain tensioning, opaque bar and chain oil reservoir, and a powerful brushless motor. It is designed for single-handed operation, leaving the other hand free to move branches out of the way or to place on top of the motor for extra control.

We appreciated the aggressive cutting action and low vibration this mini chainsaw displayed. It had no trouble trimming through branches up to 6 inches in diameter, including oak that was old, dry, and hardened. The small blade made it easy to reach most of the required cuts without causing collateral damage. For a small, aggressive saw like this, we were glad to have the included hand guard in front of the trigger area and the hinged guard above the blade. The blade guard prevented kickback and collateral damage, although it also made it more difficult to make undercuts before cutting branches off. 

Although the saw was very lightweight for a chainsaw, it was a bit too heavy to comfortably carry on a belt for an extended period. As such, we only used the belt loop as a temporary convenience while moving branches between cuts.

Get the Echo mini electric chainsaw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Electric Chainsaws 

We researched the technical specs and read through loads of user comments on the top-ranked electric chainsaws before choosing saws to test. Some shoppers favor cordless rechargeable chainsaws for their maneuverability and ease of use, while others prefer corded electric chainsaws for their unlimited runtime and durability. Chain and bar measurements depended largely on the scope of work. As for cutting power, our picks can complete light- to heavy-duty work, with up to 80 volts (V) or 15 amperes (amps) of power.

For testing, we selected good electric chainsaws in various types and sizes. Rather than putting them in a head-to-head competition, we evaluated each according to its intended purpose within a typical day’s work. We limited smaller chainsaws to yard cleanup, shrub removal, and branch-cutting duties, while we used the larger saws to fell dead trees and cut logs into shorter lengths.

We evaluated each saw and scored them 1 through 5 on criteria such as ease of use, cutting performance, maneuverability, noise, and overall value. 

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Chainsaw 

Lumberjacks aren’t the only ones who need to have a chainsaw in their tool kit. Many homeowners need them, too, especially if they have a yard with tree branches in need of regular trimming. Shoppers will benefit from having a good understanding of the options available ahead of buying one. Here’s a primer.

Corded vs. Cordless

Deciding whether to go cord-free is a high priority when choosing a handheld electric chainsaw. Shoppers looking to buy one will want to think about the size of the property and how the saw will be used.

If it’ll mainly be used to fell trees back in the woods, a battery-operated saw will be a great choice. Most battery-powered electric chainsaws typically have a charge of up to 2 hours.

A corded saw will do the job if it is used mostly to cut firewood rounds in the driveway. While cord lengths vary, this option is generally a bit more limited, requiring you to stay close to a power outlet.

Size

When it comes to electric chainsaw sizes, the big difference is the length of the bar. The bar—sometimes referred to as the blade—is the part of the saw that supports the chain, which actually does the cutting. A small electric chainsaw might have a bar as short as 6 inches. The largest models max out at about 18 inches long.

Small saws are lightweight and easy to use all day. They’re useful for trimming limbs and small trees. They’re also handy on a campsite for cutting firewood to length (if allowed, of course). Larger bars are most helpful for felling trees and cutting firewood. They’re heavier and less convenient for limbing trees than a smaller saw, though. For general DIY use, many consider the sweet spot for chainsaws to be around 14 or 16 inches.

Motor Power

A corded electric saw’s motor power is rated in amps. The amp rating describes how much power the saw can safely draw without risking damage to its internal components. An 8-amp electric chainsaw is best for light-duty jobs, while a 12-amp is meant for medium-duty work. A 15-amp is the heaviest-duty type.

With battery-powered saws, the power rating is usually based on voltage, not the amp-hour rating. A battery’s Ah rating has more to do with how long the battery will run than the power output. For prolonged uses (felling trees or cutting logs into firewood rounds), a DIYer will want to look for batteries with higher ratings in the 6 Ah or 8 Ah range. For quick jobs, a 4 Ah battery should provide plenty of runtime.

Oiling System

Bar oil helps the chain run smoothly in the bar’s grooves without overheating. Oiling prevents the bar and chain from overheating and wearing out prematurely. It also allows the saw to run at optimal speeds for the fastest cutting.

The most convenient way to go is with an automatic oiler, which will continuously lubricate the bar during use, as long as users remember to keep the onboard reservoir full. Older options include a manual oiler (a thumb-operated plunger that releases oil onto the bar) and, most rudimentary, pouring oil over the bar by hand. These outdated systems are less likely to be found nowadays.

Chain Tensioning

The links of chainsaw chains tend to stretch with use due to a combination of temperature change and centrifugal force. New chains stretch quite a bit due to the same factors as well as simply “breaking in,” and that’s totally acceptable. However, when a chain stretches, it can fit loosely on the bar or even skip off of the bar altogether—annoying, if not dangerous.

To account for stretching, chainsaw bars have a back-and-forward adjustment that takes the slack out of the chain. The most easily adjusted models come with toolless tensioning systems that allow you to loosen a knob on the side of the bar by hand, twist the adjustment knob until the slack is gone, and tighten the bar up again—all without pulling out a single hand tool.

Safety Features

Any chainsaw can be dangerous if it’s not operated correctly (here are guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Fortunately, when comparing electric and gas chainsaw models, the same safety features are available.

Manual chain brakes mounted in front of the grip keep the top hand protected and allow you to engage the brake quickly by rotating your wrist forward. Some saws also come with clutches that quickly disengage the chain when the trigger is released, preventing a free-spinning chain from catching you off guard after the cut.

Low-kickback chains are also available. “Kickback” happens when the uppermost portion of the bar’s tip makes contact with a log, causing the saw to “kick” back towards you, potentially making contact between you and the spinning chain. To avoid this, the tip of the saw should never be used to make cuts.

Tips for Using an Electric Chainsaw

Learning how to use and take care of your chainsaw properly is crucial, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Wearing protective clothing (long-sleeve shirts and pants), safety goggles, gloves, chainsaw chaps, a helmet, and boots to prevent injury are all important. Operators will also want to consider wearing hearing protection as chainsaws tend to be loud, especially when cutting through hard materials. Here are a few additional tips to ensure safe use:

• Check the chain tension before use to ensure the chain doesn’t come loose or detach while operating the electric chainsaw. Many models come with tool-free chain tensioning, but users can also pull the chain down from the guide bar and then release it. If the chain returns to its position, it is ready to use. If not, the chain is too loose.
• The bar and chain should be oiled to ensure the chains flow through the guide properly.
• Use light pressure while cutting.
• After use, always set the safety lock.

FAQs 

Though in this guide we’ve tried to cover all the bases relating to electric chainsaws, sometimes, questions about safety, use, and maintenance remain, especially among shoppers looking for the best electric chainsaw to trim or fell trees in their yards. Here are our answers to the most commonly asked questions about electric chainsaws.

Q. Are electric chainsaws safer than gas chainsaws?

Yes, electric chainsaws are safer. They have shorter bars (18 inches at most) and slower chain speeds, reducing the odds of dangerous kickbacks. They also run only while cutting.

Q. Can electric chainsaws cut trees?

Electric chainsaws are usually best suited for cutting tree limbs and pruning. Larger models (around 16 inches) can also cut down small trees.

Q. How lightweight do chainsaws come?

Small chainsaws weigh anywhere between 6 and 20 pounds. The weight depends on their power source, the number of batteries they use, and the materials used in their construction.

Q. How do I choose a chainsaw size?

A 10- or 12-inch chainsaw works best for pruning branches or removing small trees. A 16-inch or 18-inch chainsaw is a better choice for larger ones.

Q. How long do electric chainsaw batteries last?

Depending on the model, most electric chainsaws will run for 20 minutes to up to 2 hours. Rechargeable batteries lose efficiency over time. They will need to be replaced after about 500 charge cycles, or between 5 and 10 years, depending on storage and use patterns. 

Q. How do you lubricate an electric chainsaw?

Place the electric chainsaw—powered off, unplugged, and cool—on a flat surface. Remove the oil filler cap and insert the funnel. Then, pour the oil until it reaches the filler mark.

Q. How do I maintain a chainsaw?

To maintain a chainsaw:
Check the bar oil regularly, ensuring it’s lubricated.
Keep the chain sharp and maintain the proper chain tension. 
Clean the saw chain, guide bar, and drive sprocket after each use.
Tighten loose nuts, bolts, and screws.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He reviews the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

 

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