Best Electric Chainsaws (Review and Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

If you’ve been relying on a heavy gas-powered chainsaw that spews unpleasant and strong odors while you work, it’s time…

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Best Electric Chainsaws (Review and Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance © Best Electric Chainsaws (Review and Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance
Best Choice DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw
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Best Price Sun Joe Tree Limb Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw Sun Joe Tree Limb Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw
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Premium Pick EGO Power 18 Cordless Chainsaw EGO Power+ 18" Cordless Chainsaw
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If you’ve been relying on a heavy gas-powered chainsaw that spews unpleasant and strong odors while you work, it’s time to upgrade. There’s a cleaner, easier option that packs just as much power and even more efficiency than your traditional chainsaw. Electric chainsaws are cleaner and more modern, more innovative, and more advanced, with a whole host of benefits, like a lighter weight, strong and sharp performance, and no emissions. Many even run quietly. There are plenty of electric chainsaws that can handle cutting jobs of all sizes, from simple cuts on small brush to large trees and limbs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from a gas chainsaw or simply need a new model of any kind, it’s time to go electric. Check out our picks for the best electric chainsaws below. 

The Best Electric Chainsaws

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw is a fantastic all-around electric chainsaw. It offers exactly what you need whether you’re using your chainsaw at home or on the job: great power and performance mixed with long battery life and sharp, efficient cutting. As a cordless chainsaw, you aren’t tied to nearby electrical outlets; instead, the 20-volt rechargeable battery delivers up to 90 cuts on a single charge. With a low kickback 12-inch bar and chain, you’ll have a good length that suits most outdoor cutting needs. The high-efficiency brushless motor helps maximize your battery power, and the tool-free chain tensioning and a bar tightening knob allow you to achieve just the right level of force. There’s just one drawback: You’ll have to buy the DeWalt 20V Max battery separately. Once you own this battery, though, it’s compatible with the entire line of DeWalt 20V Max power tools.

Key Features
  • Measures 25 x 9 x 9 inches
  • Battery-powered
  • 12-inch bar
  • Up to 90 cuts per charge
Specifications
  • Brand DeWalt
  • Model DCCS620B
  • Weight 8.8 pounds
PROS

Quiet operation

Lasts all day long

Slices almost effortlessly

CONS

No sight lines on either side

Goes through chain oil quickly

If you’re looking for a chainsaw that’s easy to use around your yard and doesn’t cost a ton of money, the Sun Joe Tree Limb Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw is just the right fit. This chainsaw offers great functionality and performance, and it’s quite affordable. It’ll offer excellent bang for your buck, as it makes quick and easy work of items like branches and thick brush that are up to 13.5 inches thick. The chainsaw is lightweight, weighing just 7.7 pounds, and offers a powerful 9-amp motor paired with a 14-inch bar and chain. It’s easy to maneuver, which means it’s a great companion for trimming, pruning, and more. Equipped with a safety switch that prevents accidental starts, this chainsaw also includes an easy push-button start that takes no time to get going. Other handy features, like an automatic oiler, allow you to cut continuously without worry.

Key Features
  • Measures 32.3 x 9.05 x 7.87 inches
  • 9-amp motor
  • 14-inch bar and chain
  • No gas or oil needed
Specifications
  • Brand Sun Joe
  • Model SWJ599E
  • Weight 7.7 pounds
PROS

Handles big items with ease

Easy to set up and maintain

Ideal for trees and trimming

CONS

Runs for a few seconds after shutoff

Can get stuck on bigger limbs with bad form

The Ego Power+ 18” Cordless Chainsaw is something of a beast — it’s powered by a tough motor and offers quite a long bar and chain, giving you all the power you’d expect from a gas chainsaw in a more eco-friendly package. This electric chainsaw really delivers. The 18-inch Oregon bar and chain cut sharply and quickly, and the brushless motor offers 11,000 RPMs for clean, speedy results. You’ll get the same power and performance as a 42CC gas chainsaw, but you only need the included 5 Ah 56 volt lithium battery to work. There’s also a wealth of smart features on this saw, like an automatic tensioning system and LED lights that actually illuminate what you’re cutting. Keep in mind that the high price of this chainsaw can be a drawback, but it’s also an investment for those who need more power and more features.

Key Features
  • Measures 34 x 9.9 x 9.5 inches
  • 18-inch bar and chain
  • Up to 300 cuts per charge
  • 5.0 Ah lithium battery
Specifications
  • Brand Ego Power+
  • Model CS1804
  • Weight 22.4 pounds
PROS

Large oil tank

Quiet operation

Long-lasting battery life

CONS

Can leak oil

If you’re new to using a chainsaw, you need a tool that’s easy to work with — and that’s exactly what you’ll get if you choose the Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw. This electric chainsaw, which runs on a 20-volt lithium ion battery, is lightweight and easy to maneuver. That light build also helps prevent fatigue while you work, and the handle is designed to increase your grip and comfort. The chainsaw features a 10-inch bar and chain, and it delivers smooth, fast cuts with low kickback. A tool-free blade tension system allows for quick adjustments on the job, putting control in your hands. The oiling system makes it easy to add lubrication and check your oil level thanks to a clear window and easy-access cap. This is a great electric chainsaw to learn on, and it’s also quite handy for yard work and tree trimming.

Key Features
  • Measures 16.7 x 8.81 x 9.63 inches
  • 10-inch bar and chain
  • 2 Ah lithium battery
  • Lightweight
Specifications
  • Brand Black+Decker
  • Model LCS1020
  • Weight 7.2 pounds
PROS

Easy to master and use

Ideal for first-time chainsaw users

Well-constructed

CONS

Chain requires manual lubrication

The Oregon 18 in. Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw is the perfect tool to choose if you want a saw that’s easy to maintain and consistent in its performance. You can rely on this electric chainsaw throughout many uses and over many years — it’s actually designed to keep itself in tip-top shape. Weighing 12.6 pounds and offering an 18-inch bar and chain, it’s equipped with one of Oregon’s special PowerSharp chains. These chains sharpen themselves while your saw runs, ensuring you’re able to get a freshly sharp cutting tool in just three to five seconds every use. The instart-start capability gets you working in just seconds, and the built-in automatic Lubri-Tec system oils your saw while it runs to reduce friction and increase its lifespan. Just keep in mind that this chainsaw does include a power cord, so you’ll have to be near an outlet during use.

Key Features
  • Measures 18 x 37.5 x 10.5 inches
  • 18-inch guide bar
  • Tool-less chain tensioning system
  • Built-in sharpening system
Specifications
  • Brand Oregon
  • Model 603352
  • Weight 12.6 pounds
PROS

Powerful yet quiet operation

Stays sharp for longer

Handles large jobs easily

CONS

Chain prone to popping off

Requires constant monitoring for lubrication and heat

Cordless electric chainsaws can be just as powerful as your average gas-powered model — just take a look at the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw. This impressively powerful tool is slim and lightweight in its design, but it packs quite the punch. The 40-volt lithium ion battery that powers this chainsaw delivers high performance results, offering fade-free power with no memory loss after charging. Equipped with a tough 12-inch steel bar and chain, this saw uses tool-less chain tensioning so you can get the best cutting performance with little effort and the right adjustments. A 3/8 inch chain pitch is perfect for trimming tree limbs, and minimal kickback helps keep you a bit safer. You’ll also get great performance thanks to the automatic oiler, which lubricates the bar and chain automatically as needed to keep your saw working flawlessly.

Key Features
  • Measures 26.4 x 8.1 x 11 inches
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • 12-inch bar and chain
  • Includes automatic oiler
Specifications
  • Brand Greenworks
  • Model 20262
  • Weight 6 pounds
PROS

Well-constructed

Great power and performance

Easy to operate

CONS

Can run out of battery quickly

Some batteries may be defective

If you need an electric chainsaw that’s up for some seriously hard jobs, you’re going to want to buy the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Max Chainsaw Kit. With a weight of 12.2 pounds and a 16-inch bar and chain, this cordless electric chainsaw runs on a 60-volt lithium ion battery. That battery delivers impressive power, giving you enough of a supply for up to 70 cuts per charge on 6 x 6 inch pressure-treated pine wood. A high-efficiency brushless motor maximizes your battery power so you get just the right amount of runtime. That means you’ll have plenty of power as you work with tough, sizable cuts and woods. Even when you put this saw through its paces, it’ll require less maintenance thanks to its automatic Lubrilink and Lubriwell oiling components. It operates with low noise, and there’s even a chain brake included for kickback protection.

Key Features
  • Measures 10 x 35 x 9 inches
  • Up to 70 cuts per charge
  • Battery works at 20 or 60 volts
  • Tool-free chain tensioning
Specifications
  • Brand DeWalt
  • Model DCCS670X1
  • Weight 12.2 pounds
PROS

Easy to wield and use

Strong against large trees

Long-lasting battery

CONS

May leak oil if stored improperly

A good electric chainsaw can take all of the hard physical labor out of wielding a chainsaw — and the Wen 4017 Electric Chainsaw does exactly that. This 10-pound electric model reduces fatigue while you work, helping you stay comfortable and in control even after many cuts and hours of work. It’s powered by a 12-amp motor, which moves the 16-inch Oregon chain up to 44 feet per second to deliver quick, smooth cuts. You’ll turn trees, branches, and bushes into easy jobs with this saw, and you’ll never need to stop to recharge or refuel. This corded electric chainsaw does need to be near a power outlet, but it offers other perks that are quite worthwhile. The tool-free chain tensioning system is easy to adjust, and the auto-oiling system allows the saw to lubricate itself. With no emissions and less noise, it’s also more enjoyable to operate.

Key Features
  • Measures 31 x 10 x 6.5 pounds
  • 12 amps of power
  • 16-inch chain
  • Two-year warranty
Specifications
  • Brand Wen
  • Model 4017
  • Weight 10 pounds
PROS

Quick, simple assembly

Quiet while in use

Reliable, consistent performance

CONS

Not built with the good-quality construction

Problems can appear after a few uses

If you’re searching for an electric chainsaw that can tackle a number of different uses and offer beneficial features, then the Worx 14-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw could be the perfect product to pick. This corded model does require an electrical outlet to operate, but it’s compact and lightweight. It weighs less than 7 pounds and features a 14-inch bar and chain. The 8-amp motor is consistent, delivering reliable performance each time it’s turned on. This chainsaw also features an auto-tension chain system, which helps keep the chain at just the right tension to make the saw more durable over time. An easy-prime oil pump makes it easy to lubricate when needed, and there’s even an oil level indicator built right in so you can quickly check your amount. This feature also helps reduce the amount of maintenance you have to perform, making this chainsaw even easier to use.

Key Features
  • Measures 10 x 16 x 8 inches
  • 14-inch bar and chain
  • 8-amp motor
  • Auto-tension chain system
Specifications
  • Brand Worx
  • Model WG304.1
  • Weight 6.6 pounds
PROS

Works hard despite its size

Reduced kickback

Great for smaller trees and brush

CONS

Can leak lubricant

Gums up easily

The Makita UC4051A Electric Chain Saw is one well-constructed power tool — it’s comfortable to hold, solid and sturdy in hand, and really delivers when it comes to performance and power. Engineered just for fast and efficient cutting, this 14-pound chainsaw works smoothly with its 16-inch bar and chain. The motor delivers chain speeds of up to 2,900 FPM, and a built-in current limiter protects against motor burnout. A larger trigger switch with a soft start makes getting your saw up and running smooth, and the rubberized grip and handles give you a comfortable place to hold. When it comes to adjustments and tension, you can make tool-less blade and chain adjustments easily. A large oil reservoir with a window makes checking your lubricant easy too. You’ll have no problem working through jobs that require heavy, continuous cutting thanks to its solid saw design.

Key Features
  • Measures 10 x 24.2 x 10.5 inches
  • 16-inch bar and chain
  • Automatic chain oiler
  • Large oil reservoir
Specifications
  • Brand Makita
  • Model UC4051A
  • Weight 14 pounds
PROS

Low kickback from chain

Stays sharper for longer

Impressively easy maintenance

CONS

Takes some getting used to

A bit heavy in hand

Best Electric Chainsaws Buying Guide

Choosing and using an electric chainsaw isn’t too different from choosing any other kind of chainsaw. It’s always important to consider different models, think about how you plan to use your power tool, and look at critical features and details. But as electric chainsaws have become increasingly more popular and more advanced, determining which models are the best of the bunch has become trickier.

If you’re wondering where to start looking for the best electric chainsaws, start right here. We’ll walk you through the details you need to know in order to pick out the perfect power tool, regardless of what you’re trying to cut or the projects you need to tackle. Let our buying guide’s advice lead you to just the right electric chainsaw for your needs. 

The Advantages of Owning an Electric Chainsaw

Cordless electric chainsaw offers more freedom and flexibility than a corded model.

You might think that gas chainsaws are the biggest, best, and most powerful chainsaws out there — and you certainly aren’t alone — but electric chainsaws will surprise you. An electric chainsaw offers impressive power and performance, often in a smaller, lighter package that’s easier to wield. They’re simple and easy to understand, and they make it easy for the average homeowner to master a chainsaw for the first time. Depending on the electric model you choose, you’ll even be able to tackle large and small items in need of cutting.

But the advantages of going electric don’t end there. When you own and use an electric chainsaw, you’ll also get benefits like:

  • Simple operation and maintenance, with built-in features like automatic chain tensioning systems, lubrication, and more
  • Lower operating costs, as you won’t need to refuel your chainsaw or spend as much to maintain the tool itself over time
  • Quieter operation so you can run your chainsaw without ruining your hearing (or upsetting the whole neighborhood)
  • Increased safety, as electric chainsaws tend to have less kickback and lower operating speeds
  • No harmful emissions or unpleasant fumes, meaning your chainsaw is more environmentally friendly

Different Kinds of Electric Chainsaws

While all electric chainsaws do the same work and tackle the same kinds of tasks, there are differences between different models. From the length of the bar and chain to the power and performance, it’s important to start with the basics when you’re choosing one of these chainsaws. And that means deciding which kind of electric chainsaw is best for you.

There are two types of electric chainsaws: corded or cordless. Here’s what you need to know about each variety.

Corded

Corded electric chainsaws have a cord — which means you need to plug it in order to power up your saw. The average corded electric chainsaw comes with a lengthy cord that can extend up to 100 feet long. But it does mean you’ll be a bit limited in how far you can travel with your saw; you’ll have to be close enough to a power source to avoid yanking on the cord.

One of the biggest perks of using a corded electric chainsaw is these models offer increased power. They’re the best for slicing through bigger, harder logs as well as branches and trees, and they’ll really deliver performance-wise. A corded model will also allow you to work as long as needed, as it’ll never run out of power.

Cordless

A CORDLESS ELECTRIC CHAINSAW offers more freedom and flexibility than a corded model. It eliminates the cord completely — these saws are battery-powered, meaning you can take them anywhere. When you’re out of power, you can easily recharge the saw’s battery and get back to work within a few hours. Because of this, cordless electric models are wonderfully portable.

However, because they run on limited power, cordless electric saws do have a few disadvantages. They’re often less powerful than corded models, and they’re better suited for small jobs like cutting branches or trimming tree limbs. Also, battery life spans tend to average just a few hours, which can be limiting. 

Features to Look for in Electric Chainsaw

Electric chainsaws have become increasingly more popular — and more advanced.

There are two critically important features you’ll want to make sure to look for as you’re choosing an electric chainsaw: motor size and chainsaw size. These two details directly affect the power, performance, and capability of your chainsaw. So, it’s important to make sure these factors and features allow you to tackle exactly the kinds of jobs you’ll need to do most frequently.

Motor size tells you just how powerful a chainsaw is. The motor powers the cutting blade, so it determines how quickly and efficiently the saw will work — and whether or not it can handle big, tough items. Most electric models have motors between 12 and 15 amps.

Chainsaw size is also important because it affects how deeply your saw can cut. The bigger the blade, the bigger the trees and lumber you’ll be able to tackle. Electric models typically have chainsaw blades between 14 and 18 inches long. While a shorter blade may be best for some jobs, others may require the longest blade available.

Best Electric Chainsaws FAQs

Have questions during your search for the best electric chainsaw? We have answers. You can find the answers to some of the most common questions about working with and choosing a chainsaw below.

Q: What is the best electric chainsaw?

We like the DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw, which is lightweight, versatile, and well-suited for a variety of different cutting needs. 

Q: Do electric chainsaws work well?

Electric chainsaws work perfectly well. They deliver great power and performance, and you can choose smaller or larger models depending on what you cut most often. With an array of motor sizes and power options, you can easily find one that’ll meet your needs.

Q: Can electric chainsaws cut trees?

Most electric chainsaws can cut trees. Smaller, lighter-power models are best for small trees and branches. You’ll want to choose a chainsaw with a larger motor and longer blade if you’re tackling bigger trees and branches. 

Q: Are electric chainsaws dangerous?

Like any other chainsaw, an electric chainsaw is inherently dangerous. These models are a bit safer than gas chainsaws, as they typically feature less kickback. But it’s important to practice proper safety techniques when you’re using any chainsaw.

Our Top Pick

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw is a great choice for those who want to have a quality electric chainsaw in their tool kit. With its 12-inch bar and chain, it’s a fantastic option for yard cleanup and quick cutting. Light and easy to maneuver, it makes trimming simple work. It’s powered by a high-efficiency motor and includes functions that make it incredibly easy to maintain and use. This chainsaw offers a lasting battery and tool-free tensioning, which are two features that give you the flexibility you need.  

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-rounded electric chainsaw, the DeWalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw is a great light-duty option that packs a solid punch of power. Another standout option is the Sun Joe Tree Limb Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw, an affordable electric saw that’s perfect for light duty and yard work. 

Sources:

  1. Chainsaw – Wikipedia
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