How to Choose the Best Electric Chainsaw

Choosing the best electric chainsaw depends on your specific needs, the tasks you’ll be performing, and your budget. Electric chainsaws come in two main types: corded and battery-powered (cordless), each with its own advantages. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you select the right electric chainsaw, based on key factors, performance considerations, and practical tips.
 
1. Determine Your Needs and Use Case
 
Before selecting an electric chainsaw, clarify the tasks you’ll be performing:
  • Light-duty tasks: Pruning small branches, trimming hedges, or light yard maintenance (e.g., cutting limbs up to 6–8 inches in diameter).
    • Best choice: Mini chainsaws or pruning saws with 6–12-inch bars.
  • Medium-duty tasks: Cutting firewood, felling small trees, or clearing medium-sized branches (up to 12–16 inches in diameter).
    • Best choice: Chainsaws with 12–16-inch bars.
  • Heavy-duty tasks: Felling larger trees, cutting thick logs, or frequent use (e.g., logs up to 18–24 inches in diameter).
    • Best choice: Chainsaws with 16–20-inch bars and high-power batteries or corded models.
Consider how often you’ll use the chainsaw:
  • Occasional use (a few times a year): A budget-friendly corded or mid-range cordless model may suffice.
  • Frequent use: Invest in a high-quality cordless model with a powerful battery or a professional-grade corded saw.
2. Choose Between Corded and Cordless Electric Chainsaws
 
Electric chainsaws are either corded (plugged into an outlet) or cordless (battery-powered). Each has pros and cons:
Corded Electric Chainsaws
  • Pros:
    • Unlimited runtime (no need to recharge or swap batteries).
    • Typically more powerful for the price compared to cordless models.
    • Lower upfront cost (often $100–$200).
    • Ideal for use near a power outlet (e.g., cutting firewood close to home).
  • Cons:
    • Limited mobility due to the cord (typically restricted to 100 feet with an extension cord).
    • Risk of cutting the cord during operation.
    • Less convenient for remote areas or large properties.
  • Best for: Homeowners with small to medium yards, cutting near a power source, or those on a budget.
Cordless (Battery-Powered) Electric Chainsaws
  • Pros:
    • Greater mobility (no cord to manage, ideal for large properties or remote areas).
    • Quieter and lighter than gas-powered saws, with no exhaust fumes.
    • Modern models rival gas saws in power (e.g., EGO Power+, Greenworks Pro).
    • Batteries are often compatible with other tools from the same brand.
  • Cons:
    • Limited runtime (typically 30–40 minutes per charge, though some models offer up to 100+ cuts).
    • Batteries and chargers can be expensive (a second battery is recommended for extended use).
    • Higher upfront cost (often $200–$500 with battery and charger).
    • Batteries may not perform well in wet or very cold conditions.
  • Best for: Users needing portability, working far from power outlets, or prioritizing eco-friendliness.
Tip: If you choose cordless, check if you already own compatible batteries from the same brand (e.g., DeWalt 20V, Milwaukee M18, or Greenworks 80V) to save on costs.
 
3. Key Features to Evaluate
 
When comparing electric chainsaws, focus on the following features to ensure performance, safety, and ease of use:
Bar Length
  • The bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood the chainsaw can cut (typically up to twice the bar length).
  • 6–12 inches: Best for pruning, small branches, or light yard work.
  • 12–16 inches: Suitable for medium-duty tasks like cutting firewood or small trees.
  • 16–20 inches: Ideal for heavy-duty tasks like felling larger trees or cutting thick logs.
  • Note: Longer bars are heavier and harder to control, so choose the shortest bar that meets your needs.
Power and Cutting Speed
  • Corded: Measured in amps (12–15 amps is typical for powerful models). Higher amps mean more cutting power.
  • Cordless: Measured in volts (20V–80V) and amp-hours (Ah) for battery capacity. Higher voltage (e.g., 56V–80V) and Ah (e.g., 4Ah–5Ah) provide more power and longer runtime.
  • Look for brushless motors, which are more efficient, durable, and powerful than brushed motors.
  • Check chain speed (measured in feet per second, fps, or meters per second, m/s). Faster chain speeds (e.g., 44–65 fps) cut more efficiently.
Weight
  • Electric chainsaws range from 5 pounds (mini pruning saws) to 17 pounds (large cordless models with battery).
  • Lighter saws (6–10 pounds) are easier to maneuver for pruning or extended use but may lack power for heavy tasks.
  • Heavier saws (12–17 pounds) offer more power but can cause fatigue, especially for inexperienced users.
  • Tip: Ensure you can comfortably hold the saw at chest height for safe operation.
Battery Life (Cordless Only)
  • Battery life depends on voltage, amp-hours, and the task’s intensity.
  • Look for models with battery indicators to monitor charge levels.
  • Consider purchasing a second battery or a fast charger to minimize downtime.
Safety Features
  • Chain brake: Stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs.
  • Low-kickback bar and chain: Reduces the risk of kickback, ideal for beginners.
  • Trigger lockout: Prevents accidental starts.
  • Tip guard: Limits kickback on pruning saws.
  • Hand guard: Protects your hand from debris or chain slippage.
Ease of Maintenance
  • Tool-free chain tensioning: Allows quick adjustments without tools.
  • Automatic oiler: Keeps the chain lubricated during use, reducing wear.
  • Self-sharpening chains: Rare but convenient.
  • Transparent oil reservoir: Lets you monitor oil levels easily.
Noise Level
  • Electric chainsaws are quieter than gas models (typically 85–100 dB vs. 110–120 dB for gas).
  • Quieter models are better for residential areas to avoid disturbing neighbors.
  • Tip: Wear hearing protection regardless of noise level for prolonged use.
4. Consider Build Quality and Brand Reliability
  • Reputable brands: EGO, Greenworks, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Oregon, and WORX are known for durable, high-performing chainsaws.
  • Warranty: Look for at least a 2–5-year warranty on the saw and 1–3 years on the battery.
  • Customer reviews: Check for feedback on reliability, battery life, and ease of use.
  • Build quality: Look for metal bucking spikes (for better grip on wood) and ergonomic handles.
5. Budget and Value
  • Corded: $100–$200.
  • Cordless: $150–$500 (including battery and charger). Budget models are great for light tasks, while premium models excel for heavy-duty work.
  • Bare tools: If you own compatible batteries, buying a bare tool (saw only) can save $50–$150.
  • Tip: Compare the cost of additional batteries or chargers when budgeting for cordless models.
6. Test and Compare Models
  • If possible, visit a store to handle the chainsaw and assess its weight, balance, and ergonomics.
  • Check online reviews and professional tests for cutting speed, battery life, and durability comparisons.
  • Look for models tested on hardwoods like oak, as these reveal performance differences.
7. Top Recommendations for 2025
Based on recent reviews and testing, here are some of the best electric chainsaws for different needs, with Amazon product links:
Best Overall
  • EGO Power+ CS2005 (18-inch, Cordless):
    • Pros: Outperforms many gas saws, fast cutting, long battery life (100+ cuts), brushless motor, 5-year warranty.
    • Cons: Heavy (14 pounds), expensive ($350–$400 with battery).
    • Best for: Heavy-duty tasks, frequent use, or large properties.
Best for Professional Use
  • Echo DCS-2500T (12-inch, Cordless, Top-Handle):
    • Pros: Lightweight (7.3 pounds), powerful (56V), fast cutting, designed for arborists, long runtime (~1 hour).
    • Cons: Expensive (~$400), not ideal for beginners due to top-handle design.
    • Best for: Experienced users, tree climbing, or professional arborists.
Best Budget Cordless
  • Ryobi 40V 14-inch:
    • Pros: Affordable (~$200 with battery), good for medium-duty tasks, tool-free tensioning, compatible with Ryobi 40V tools.
    • Cons: Moderate power, not ideal for heavy-duty cutting.
    • Best for: Homeowners with occasional yard work.
Best Corded
  • Oregon CS1500 (18-inch):
    • Pros: Self-sharpening PowerSharp system, powerful 15-amp motor, affordable (~$120), low maintenance.
    • Cons: Cord limits mobility, no tool-free tensioning.
    • Best for: Budget-conscious users cutting near a power source.
Best for Pruning
  • DeWalt DCCS623L1 (8-inch, Cordless):
    • Pros: Lightweight (8.8 pounds), excellent ergonomics, great for small jobs, 50 cuts per charge, 20V battery compatibility.
    • Cons: Limited to small branches, not for heavy-duty tasks.
    • Best for: Pruning, light yard maintenance, or beginners.
Note: Prices and availability may vary, so check the Amazon product pages for the latest details. Some models may include batteries and chargers, while others are sold as bare tools.
 
8. Safety and Maintenance Tips
  • Safety gear: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, a helmet, and chainsaw chaps.
  • Proper handling: Keep both hands on the saw, maintain a firm grip, and avoid cutting above shoulder height.
  • Maintenance:
    • Keep the chain sharp (use a self-sharpening model or sharpen manually every 5–10 hours of use).
    • Check oil levels before each use and refill with bar and chain oil.
    • Clean the saw after use to remove sawdust and debris.
    • Store cordless batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid full discharge.