Best Electric Chainsaws

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 11, 2023
A chainsaw is an essential tool for any person who owns some land. And if you need it to keep your property neat and uncluttered, ...Read more
PROS

This electric chainsaw has a high-capacity 80V battery that ensures up to 30 minutes of continuous runtime and takes only 30 minutes to get fully charged. The electric motor compares to that of a 45cc gas chainsaw.

CONS

The tool is pretty heavy.

OUR VERDICT

Packing a mighty motor, the GreenWorks boasts truly powerful cutting performance and can easily compete with high-powered gas models. Capable of cutting trees from 3 to 16 inches in diameter, this electric chainsaw will come in handy both for domestic and for professional use and will be highly appreciated by farmers and experienced lumberjacks alike.

detailed parameters
Bar Length
18 inches
Type
Battery-powered
Electric Motor
80 V, 2.0 Ah
Chain Tensioning
Manual
Weight
13.7 pounds
Lubrication
Automatic
Safety
Electronic chain brake, Safety lock
Warranty

4 years

PROS

At idle speed, the oil pump will automatically stop, thus optimizing the oil consumption while the in-line motor placement makes it comfortable to perform both horizontal and vertical cuts.

CONS

The power cord is rather short.

OUR VERDICT

When it comes to quality, Makita is a winner and a solid choice. And this electric chainsaw is yet another proof for that. Built to last and covering pretty much any of your domestic wood cutting needs, this model will ensure flawless cutting performance for years to come and come in handy both for cutting firewood and for trimming your yard.

detailed parameters
Bar Length
14 inches
Type
Corded
Electric Motor
14.5 Amp
Chain Tensioning
Tool-free
Weight
12.1 pounds
Lubrication
Automatic
Safety
Electric chain brake, Overload protection, Kickback protection
Warranty

1 year

PROS

This model stands out for its ultimate ease of maintenance, thanks to the patented auto-tension chain system and automatic oil lubrication. For added convenience, the oil tank features an oil level indicator.

CONS

Instructions are not very clear.

OUR VERDICT

An electric chainsaw from Worx combines professional-grade performance with a perfectly balanced and relatively light construction. It will come in handy both for cutting wood and timber and for trimming trees and bushes. As such, it will make a great choice for farmers, ranchers, and countryside private houses owners.

detailed parameters
Bar Length

16 inches

Type

Corded

Electric Motor

14.5 Amp

Chain Tensioning

Tool-free

Weight

11 pounds

Lubrication

Automatic

Safety

Built-in chain brake, Low kickback bar, Blade cover

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Thanks to a battery charge indicator, you will have full control over your work time and know when it's time to juice up the battery. Besides, the battery can be used in other Black & Decker power tools.

CONS

The oiling system feeds too much oil onto the bar.

OUR VERDICT

If you are an avid gardener and have a lot of trees planted in a pretty large area, this electric chainsaw from Black & Decker will have you covered. Packed in a cordless design, it will let you easily reach the distant corners of your land and it is powerful enough to trim branches and cut smaller trees if needed.

detailed parameters
Bar Length
12 inches
Type
Battery-powered
Electric Motor
40 V, 2.0 Ah
Chain Tensioning
Tool-free
Weight
8.3 pounds
Lubrication
Automatic
Safety
Low kickback, Chain brake, Protection against accidental switching on
Warranty

2-year limited

PROS

The ergonomically shaped handle provides a comfortable grip for convenient horizontal and vertical cutting. And the external chain tension adjustment allows for closer and more precise operation control.

CONS

The power is somewhat low. 

OUR VERDICT

If you reside in a house with a traditional fireplace and a garden with trees, you'll hardly be able to do without a chainsaw. And though you might not need a powerful beast, a compact and lightweight model like the Remington RM1425 will come in handy. Extremely easy to operate and falling within mid-power range, it's a practical choice for any average private homeowner.

detailed parameters
Bar Length
14 inches
Type
Corded
Electric Motor
8 Amp
Chain Tensioning
Manual
Weight
6.2 pounds
Lubrication
Manual (oiler button)
Safety
Low kickback, Wraparound hand guard, Throttle lock-out
Warranty

2-year limited

Corded Power in a Cordless Design

With cordless tools, you are not bound to a power outlet and get absolute freedom of movement. In other words, you can operate the tools literally anywhere you need. The flip side of the coin, though, is usually a lower power output and for such cutting tools as chainsaws the power is essential. Yet, at GreenWorks, they managed to achieve the golden mean, with its GCS80420 battery-powered electric chainsaw.

First off, the model belongs to the Pro series, which calls for professional performance and it proves so in practice. Once you try it in action, the chainsaw will impress you with its truly powerful operation. Packed with an 80V battery, the tool is almost as mighty as gas-powered counterparts. An electric motor ensures the cutting performance comparable to that delivered by a 45 cc gas engine. At the same time, thanks to side-to-side motor placement, the tool is well-balanced and allows you to both cut trees and trim shrubs. Besides, the GCS80420 boasts a hefty 18-inch bar that will let you cut quite large trees with trunks of 16 inches in diameter and even bigger. So, whether you need to cut 14” dry lumber or split fresh 20” logs, this chainsaw won’t fail.

Speaking of chain tensioning, this electric chainsaw requires manual tensioning - there are 2 chain adjustment screws and you’ll need a tool to adjust it. Meanwhile, the oiling system is automatic, so, the chain is lubricated without your interference. You just need to make sure there's some oil in the tank.

When it comes to safety features, the GreenWorks Pro electric chainsaw is a reliable choice. Apart from the electronic chain brake (which shuts the tool off in case of kickback), this excellent chainsaw has a smooth trigger which allows you to pick the right cutting power. There's also a safety lock - the trigger will work and the chain will start revolving only if you turn the safety lock-off.

Long Work and Quick Charge

Lower power aside, another drawback of cordless tools is the pretty short runtime that limits your work to a certain extent. With the GreenWorks GCS80420, they solved this problem as well. The package already comes complete with a 2Ah battery and a charger, which means you don’t have to purchase it separately like with other battery-powered models. Besides, the battery is powerful enough to ensure 30 minutes of continuous runtime or to make as many as 150 cuts on 4”x4” lumber, hence, you can enjoy pretty long cutting sessions. And even if you run out of charge, it won’t take you long to juice up the battery. In about 10 minutes, it will be ready to go again. In addition, the model is also compatible with 4Ah batteries and you can get one as an extra to double the runtime for those heavy-duty cutting sessions.

All in all, with the GreenWorks GCS80420, you’ll get a powerful pro tool encased in a cordless design to meet the needs of both experienced lumberjacks and seasonal farmers.

Last updated price $349.81
Stock In stock
ASIN B00R6Z4R42

VIDEO

Solid Quality From Solid Brand

A highly reputed brand, Makita is a solid choice for experienced DIYers and seasoned professionals. And that’s for a good reason. A top-liner on the market of power tools, Makita stands out for impeccable Japanese quality and reliable performance. It’s the kind of tool that will serve you a lifetime. If you have some Makita tools, you already know that, and if you only just building your arsenal, Makita is the perfect starting point. So, whether you are seeking a replacement for your old chainsaw or choosing your first lumber cutter, you’ll never go wrong with an electric chainsaw from Makita.

Driven by a 14.5-amp motor, the Makita UC3551A 14" Electric Chain Saw yields 2900 RPM to easily cut both branches and trunks. It will cut through 12” to 14” cherry, acacia, oak, and other hardwood trunks like butter. And the corded design ensures consistent cutting performance for as long as you need. Fitted with a mid-sized 14” bar, the tool is not the best option for professionals, yet, it will perfectly cover domestic lumber cutting needs. It’s hands down the best choice for trimming garden trees and cutting firewood.

With all the power it offers, this chainsaw from Makita is perfectly balanced since tool design is yet another strong side of this brand. The in-line motor placement makes the model equally comfortable for making both horizontal and vertical cuts and you can conveniently maneuver it as you wish. With a weight of 12.1 lbs, the Makita is not the lightest chainsaw out there, yet, this weight is rather an advantage. It adds stability while cutting dense wood or larger logs, as the tool won’t wobble or vibrate and you’ll be able to make precise cuts. Meanwhile, the provided ergonomically shaped rubberized handles ensure a tight grip and give you full control of the bar when sawing, so the weight doesn’t affect the ease of handling too much. And we can’t help but mention the automatic oiling and tool-less tensioning systems that make tool adjustment and maintenance a cinch.

Thought-out Details

All chainsaws are equipped with a number of safety features. And that’s not only to protect the user during work but also to protect the tool from damage and prolong its service life to the maximum. The Makita UC3551A really shines in this aspect. Similar to other models, the chainsaw has kickback protection. If the cutting bar kicks back, the chain brake will immediately stop the chain rotation. Some electric chainsaws might burn due to overloading but this won't happen to Makita. To protect the motor, the tool has a built-in current limiter that will reduce the power in case of overloads. Other than that, at idle speed, the oiling will automatically stop to optimize the oil consumption and save you the need to refill the oil reservoir too often.

To resume, if you need a reliable chainsaw that will become your fail-free helping hand in handling home wood cutting and tree trimming tasks, the Makita UC3551A will meet your demands to the finest.

Last updated price $225.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00YFTA1BU

Affordable Balance of Power and Convenience

When choosing a chainsaw, a heavy-duty cutting tool, we look for power to tackle a variety of jobs and convenience to perform those jobs in comfort. One more aspect to consider is that surely the price and premium brands that offer high performance embodied in well-designed tools most often appear rather expensive. And what if your budget is not that stretchy and you want a balance of power and convenience at an affordable price? This is where the WORX electric chainsaw will come into play to hit that sweet spot you are looking for.

First things first, once you hold the WORX chainsaw in your hands, you’ll immediately appreciate the comfort and convenience it lends. The whole construction is ergonomically built and meticulously balanced to minimize fatigue during work, reduce vibration, and help you cut through thicker logs smoothly and without too much effort. A hefty non-slip handle provides a secure and firm grip and at 11 lbs, this chainsaw is noticeably lighter than many other premium models. It’s light enough for prolonged sawing sessions and heavy enough for secure stability while cutting.

As comfortable in use as it is, the tool also generates decent power comparable to that of gas models. The 14.5-amp motor rotates the chain at high speed and delivers enough force (3.5 HP at its peak) to cover the majority of cutting jobs around your yard or garden. The motor power paired with a strong 16” bar will let you easily cut soft and hardwoods alike or split trunks up to 12” in diameter without a hassle. Though this model from WORX is not appropriate for professional tasks and will hardly help you fell some larger trees, it is an excellent match for small and medium-duty tasks such as limbing, trimming, and firewood cutting.

Get the Best of Automation

Extremely efficient in cutting wood and a necessity for gardeners and farmers, chainsaws are one of the most dangerous electric tools. Hence, safety features are especially important and this is where cheaper models often trail behind. Yet, it’s not the case with the WORX WG303.1. The tool uses the best of automation capabilities to make your work both comfy and safe.

Owing to a built-in chain brake, the saw will automatically stop if a kickback occurs. And metal bucking spikes are included to ensure better wood grip and better balance for safer operation, especially when it comes to novices who have little to no experience with this type of cutting tool. To proceed, the WORX boasts an auto-tensioning system usually found in pricier models. It will work on its own, thus, saving you the fuss of manually tightening the chain and eliminating the risk of overtightening that might cause tool damage. The lubrication system is automatic as well and a level indicator on the oil tank will give you a hint when it’s time to refill.

All things considered. thoughtfully designed and smartly engineered, the WORX WG303.1 electric chainsaw is an excellent tool that won’t hit your budget, will perfectly meet home needs, and make a good choice for both beginners and more experienced users.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.70
Stock In stock
ASIN B004NITD9O

Best Gardener Helper

A good chainsaw is one of the must-have power tools for pretty much any private household, especially ones with a garden around. Whether you use firewood to feed a woodstove or need to prune and trim your trees on a seasonal basis or simply cut through some fallen trunks after a windstorm, a chainsaw will make those tasks a piece of cake. And if you are not eager to go for a gas model to freely get into each and every corner of your garden or need an addition to your heavy-duty woodcutter, the Black and Decker LCS1240 will suit you just right.

Packed in a battery-powered design, the tool will in no way limit you by tangling cords. Just remember to keep the battery charged and you are free to use it anywhere. The 40V 2.0 Ah battery the model is equipped with delivers up to 30 minutes of cordless operation until it’s drained and allows the tool to make about 60 cuts per single charge. The motor speeds up the chain up to 5 m/s to make smooth and fast cuts in fresh or dry, soft or hard wood. It's, of course, slower than a gas chainsaw, but this electric tool is designed for minor backyard and garden operations, so, you’ll find it suitable for trimming branches and shrubs, cutting small trees and firewood, etc. A 12” long bar is not the longest one available, yet, this length will suffice for cutting trunks and lumber up to 12” in diameter. And some users even claimed that it worked fine on 14” to 15” logs as well.

What makes the Black and Decker chainsaw stand out in addition to portability and decent cutting performance is its ultimate convenience of use. In contrast to other models within the same power range, this tool is truly lightweight. It weighs only 8.3 lbs and is very maneuverable, which will let you cut at different angles without fatigue. The automatic oiling system and tool-free chain tensioning contribute to the extreme ease of use and maintenance while kickback protection and a special lock-off button that prevents accidental switching ensure solid user safety.

Build Your Perfect Tool Arsenal

Unlike many other cordless models, the Black and Decker chainsaw comes packed with a battery. As we’ve mentioned above, it’s a 40V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Notably, it is compatible not only with this chainsaw but with all power tools from the Black and Decker 40V series. So, if you are about to build your cordless garden tool arsenal, you can do it with Black and Decker. That series also includes a lawnmower, leaf-blower, hedge trimmer, and a string trimmer. Buying a bare tool without a battery, you will cut down its final cost. Besides, you can get a spare battery to keep it charged for longer operating sessions.

In brief, if you need a lightweight, portable, and reliable tool from a well-know brand for smaller tasks, minor garden cleanups, and tree trimming jobs, the Black and Decker LCS1240 is a good-to-go choice.

Last updated price $199.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00N8PQCE2

VIDEO

Practical Tool for Basic Jobs

If you don’t need a chainsaw to cut down trees and rather are looking for a compact and easy-to-handle model to tackle minor cutting tasks such as cleaning off the limbs of fallen trees or cutting firewood, the RM1425 Limb N Trim electric chainsaw from Remington will definitely catch your fancy.

As the name suggests, the tool was specifically engineered for basic cutting tasks and home use. The Remington RM1425 is a compact corded electric chainsaw with an 8-amp motor. The manufacturer has created this model primarily for trimming limbs and branches. The 14” cutting bar is more than sufficient for that purpose. It will smoothly cut through branches and saplings from 3 to 6 inches thick. Though the bar is pretty long, it is not suitable for cutting larger trees and trunks due to its low-powered motor. So, it’s recommended to refrain from doing that to avoid damaging the tool.

In contrast to pricey top-liners, the Remington chainsaw has manual chain tensioning and a manual oiling system. However, the tool doesn’t cost a fortune, which is not the last thing to consider, and for the price you pay, you can’t expect more. Besides, it’s not as difficult as it might seem to accomplish these tasks. The designers at Remington did their best to make those adjustments as quick and simple as possible. So, to keep the chain at ideal tension for flawless cuts, you just need to tighten the external screws with a wrench. And to lubricate the chain for a smooth run, you simply need to fill the oil and push a special oiler button several times to pump it. Just do it every now and then to maintain your chainsaw and keep it ready for work.

Cut Without Fatigue

An advantage of the Remington RM1425 that shouldn’t be overlooked is its extremely lightweight construction. At 6.2 lbs, the tool is really a breeze to handle and maneuver. You’ll be able even to conveniently cut at heights and reach any branches and limbs you need to trim. And you can do it without fatigue. Models that are meant for heavy-duty jobs are often pretty heavy and use the weight to counterbalance the cutting bar and compensate vibrations. Designed for smaller tasks, the Remington doesn’t need that added weight. So, even after longer cutting sessions, your hands and arms won’t feel strained or tired. Meanwhile, a low-kickback bar will prevent accidents and a wraparound hand guard will keep away debris while cutting.

To wrap the things up, though not suitable for extensive use and large-scale cutting tasks, the Remington RM1425 offers a perfect combo of power and lightweight design for those minor cutting jobs you need to cope with around your yard or garden from time to time.

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000VOECSG

VIDEO

What Is an Electric Chainsaw?

Whether you are a seasoned hobbyist, an avid gardener or just a diligent homeowner who strives to take care of the household and the yard or land around your home to make the whole property look neat and spruced up, a chainsaw is one of the basic tools you need to have in your arsenal. While gas models offer mobility and power, they also exude smelly fumes, need gasoline refills on a regular basis, and are often pretty hard to start up. This is where an electric chainsaw will come to help.

Packed with electric motors, electric chainsaws are environmentally friendly and produce no exhaust fumes. Besides, electric models are usually more compact and lightweight than gas models that host hefty gas engines and start very smoothly from the very first press of a trigger. In addition, if you seek true portability, you can choose a battery-powered model and if you need consistent power and longer runtime, a standard corded model will be the best option.

Somewhat less powerful than gas counterparts, electric chainsaws are great for cutting trees, trimming shrubs, splitting wood for a fireplace, and for minor garden cleanups. Other than that, an electric chainsaw will be most suitable at a construction site, for cutting wood beams.

Yet, if you think an electric chainsaw lacks the power and cutting force to cover your needs, pay attention to our review of the best gas chainsaws.

Best Electric Chainsaws

What Features to Compare

Performance

The first and, probably, the most important feature to consider when you're going to buy an electric chainsaw is the performance which, in its turn, depends on the power of the electric motor and the length of the bar. The power (which is very often indicated by the Amperage and Voltage the engine operates on) is crucial for the cutting capabilities of a chainsaw. If you are choosing a model for minor backyard work, you can pick a small model with a short bar, but if you need a chainsaw able to cut large trees - a powerful electric chainsaw should be picked. The bar length determines the size of the tree a chainsaw will be able to cut. Chainsaws with bars of around 12-14 inches will be perfect for small trees, while medium ones will require the bars of 16-18 inches long and really big trees will require a bar of at least 18 inches long. Also, make sure to tension the chain or the chain might slip off and hurt you. As usual, modern electric chainsaws boast a tool-free chain tensioning system: there's a special lever on the chainsaw - you turn it clockwise or counterclockwise in order to tension the chain. There are also electric chainsaws with a manual chain tensioning system which means you need a tool to tighten the chain up.

Sawing Convenience

The next step to make is to consider the sawing convenience which depends on how easy using an electric chainsaw is. No doubt, the weight of the chainsaw really matters - if it's too heavy, you won't feel comfortable to use it for a long time. Also, not everybody is strong enough to operate a chainsaw for several hours in a row. So, make sure to know how heavy a tool is. Also, keep in mind that there are 2 major types of motor placement - lateral or side-to-side. Electric chainsaws with a side-to-side motor placement are less well-balanced and are suited for cutting vertically whereas a lateral placement is better for maneuvering around. Also, any machine requires lubrication, i.e. oiling and an electric chainsaw isn't an exception. Make sure to check what oiling system is used - manual (which require tools for tensioning the chain). Keep in mind that lubrication not only makes the cutting easier but also prolongs the lifespan of an electric chainsaw.

Safety

Finally, consider the safety of every electric chainsaw since this tool is quite dangerous for inexperienced users. So, make sure to check if an electric chainsaw has a safety lock which protects you from an accidental pushing of the trigger. Next, a good chainsaw has a chain brake that stops the spinning of a chain in case of a kickback. For those who're going to use an electric chainsaw for a long time, check if the tool has overload protection; it prevents the motor from overheating and prolongs its lifespan. Some electric chainsaws also have hand guards, which provide additional protection for your hands.

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