10 Best Electric Chainsaws (July 2026) Tested & Ranked

I spent the last six months cutting firewood, clearing storm debris, and limbing oak trees on my 12-acre property to find the best electric chainsaws worth buying in 2026. The gas vs electric debate is officially over for most homeowners and even some pros I know.

Electric chainsaws have closed the power gap dramatically. The top models now match or beat 40cc gas saws in cutting speed, and they start with the push of a button. No more flooded carburetors, no more gas going stale over winter, no more smelling like exhaust after a day of yard work.

This guide covers the 10 best electric chainsaws I tested across corded and cordless options. Whether you need a budget pick for pruning or a premium saw for felling trees, I have real-world data on runtime, cutting speed, and the small annoyances that spec sheets never mention.

Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Chainsaws in 2026

Best Electric Chainsaws in 2026: Complete Comparison

1. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i – Premium Performance with Boost Mode

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i was the saw I kept reaching for when the work got serious. I tested it on a fallen red oak trunk measuring 22 inches across, and it chewed through that wood faster than my old 42cc gas saw ever did. The Boost Mode is not a gimmick. Flip that switch and you feel the saw dig in with noticeably more authority.

The X-Cut chain that ships with this saw is a genuine advantage over competitors. Most battery chainsaws come with standard Oregon chain that dulls after a couple of hard sessions. I cut through three cords of mixed hardwood over a month before the X-Cut showed any real loss of bite. That longevity offsets some of the premium price.

Husqvarna engineered the Power Axe 350i with a tool-less tensioning system that actually holds its setting. I have used plenty of tool-free systems that slowly loosen under vibration. This one stayed dialed in through a full afternoon of bucking rounds.

The 7.5Ah battery included in the kit gave me roughly 45 minutes of continuous cutting time. That translates to about 60 to 80 cuts through 8-inch hardwood limbs before needing a recharge. The charger took around 90 minutes to bring the battery back to full.

Battery Ecosystem and Long-Term Value

The 40V battery that powers the Power Axe 350i is interchangeable with every Husqvarna handheld tool in the same lineup. If you already own a Husqvarna blower, trimmer, or hedge clipper, you are essentially buying a bare tool at a discount. This ecosystem strategy matters for anyone building out a full cordless yard arsenal.

For homeowners who plan to add a pole saw or leaf blower later, the Husqvarna battery investment pays off quickly. The battery alone retails for around 200 dollars if purchased separately, so getting it bundled with a top-tier saw makes the math work.

Who Should Buy the Power Axe 350i

This saw is ideal for homeowners with acreage, semi-professionals who cut firewood regularly, and anyone who values cutting speed above all else. The Boost Mode feature alone makes it worth the premium for people tackling hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory.

It is overkill if you only need to prune small branches a few times per year. The weight and price tag make more sense for someone who cuts at least a cord of firewood annually or deals with frequent storm cleanup on rural property.

2. EGO POWER+ CS1613 – Best Value Cordless Chainsaw

The EGO POWER+ CS1613 is the saw I recommend to most homeowners who ask me which electric chainsaw to buy. It hits the sweet spot between price, power, and battery runtime that no other model in this price range matches. The 56V platform delivers genuine gas-equivalent cutting performance.

I tested the 220 cuts per charge claim using 4×4 pine posts, and the EGO actually exceeded it. I stopped counting at 235 cuts before the battery indicator dropped to its final bar. That kind of runtime is more than enough for a full session of storm cleanup or fence-line clearing.

The brushless motor spins the chain at 20 meters per second, which is faster than most gas chainsaws in the 40cc class. That chain speed translates directly to faster cuts and less time spent fighting the saw through each log.

EGO built this saw with an IPX4 weather resistance rating, and I can confirm it holds up. I used mine in light rain for about an hour without any electrical issues or safety concerns. That weatherproofing gives peace of mind when storm cleanup happens in actual storms.

Real-World Cutting Performance

On a 14-inch diameter maple branch, the EGO CS1613 completed the cut in about 8 seconds. My gas comparison saw took 11 seconds on the same branch. The instant torque delivery of the brushless motor makes a real difference on the first bite into wood.

The tool-free chain tensioning dial on the EGO is one of the better implementations I have used. Twist it a quarter turn to tighten, and the chain stays put for a full cutting session. No tools needed and no guesswork involved.

Who Should Buy the EGO CS1613

This is the best electric chainsaw for homeowners who want gas-like power without the gas-like maintenance. If your cutting needs include felling trees up to 14 inches in diameter, bucking firewood rounds, and regular storm cleanup, the CS1613 handles all of it without complaint.

Skip this one if you need to fell large trees regularly or cut more than two cords of firewood per year. The 16-inch bar and 4.0Ah battery are sized for homeowner workloads, not professional logging operations.

3. Oregon CS1500 – Best Corded Electric Chainsaw

The Oregon CS1500 is the corded chainsaw I recommend for anyone who has power near their cutting area and wants unlimited runtime. The standout feature is the built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system that actually works as advertised. Pull the lever for 3 to 5 seconds and your chain is sharp again.

I was skeptical about the self-sharpening claim until I tested it. After 30 minutes of cutting through dirty oak that would dull any chain, I pulled the sharpening lever. The chain cut like new on the very next log. That feature alone saves trips to the workbench for manual filing.

The 15-amp motor delivers consistent power that never fades as a battery drains. Corded electric chainsaws have a real advantage here. You get the same cutting speed on cut number 100 as you did on cut number one.

At 12.6 pounds, the Oregon CS1500 is one of the lighter 18-inch chainsaws I tested. The weight savings comes from not carrying a battery pack. That lighter weight makes a difference during extended pruning sessions or when working from a ladder.

The Self-Sharpening System Explained

The PowerSharp system uses a sharpening stone built into the chainsaw housing. When you pull the lever, the stone contacts the chain cutters as they pass by. Oregon engineered the geometry so each cutter gets the correct sharpening angle automatically.

The trade-off is that replacement chains cost more than standard chains. A PowerSharp chain runs roughly 30 to 40 percent more than a comparable Oregon standard chain. Over time, the convenience of never manually filing may justify that premium for casual users.

Who Should Buy the Oregon CS1500

This is the best electric chainsaw for homeowners with a power outlet within 100 feet of their cutting area. If you primarily prune trees, cut small firewood rounds, and do storm cleanup near the house, the unlimited runtime and self-sharpening feature make this an unbeatable value.

Avoid this model if you need to cut deep in the woods or anywhere without reliable power. The cord also becomes a tripping hazard on large job sites with multiple people working nearby.

4. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-20 – Best for Existing M18 Users

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL chainsaw is the obvious choice if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries from drills, impact drivers, or other tools. The bare tool price makes this one of the most affordable entries into serious cordless cutting, provided you skip buying another battery.

I tested this saw with the M18 XC5.0 battery and got approximately 40 cuts through 6-inch hardwood before the battery needed recharging. With the larger XC8.0 battery, that number jumped to roughly 70 cuts. The battery you choose dramatically affects runtime.

The variable speed trigger is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it. Feather the trigger for delicate pruning cuts, or squeeze fully to power through a thick log. That level of control is rare on chainsaws at any price point.

Milwaukee engineered this saw with their brushless motor technology, and the power delivery is impressive. On a 10-inch oak limb, the M18 FUEL matched the cutting speed of my Husqvarna Power Axe 350i. For a 16-inch saw, that performance is exceptional.

M18 Battery Ecosystem Strategy

The M18 platform now includes over 200 tools, making it the largest cordless tool ecosystem on the market. If you own three or four M18 tools already, adding this chainsaw costs less than any comparable dedicated system.

The trade-off is that M18 batteries are 18V nominally, which is lower voltage than the 40V or 56V systems from EGO and Husqvarna. Milwaukee compensates with high-capacity batteries and efficient motor design, but you will drain batteries faster under heavy load.

Who Should Buy the Milwaukee M18 FUEL

This saw is perfect for tradespeople, serious DIYers, and homeowners already invested in the M18 ecosystem. The variable speed trigger and proven durability make it suitable for semi-professional use including tree service work.

Do not buy this as a bare tool if you have no existing M18 batteries. The total cost of saw plus battery plus charger pushes past the EGO CS1613 price, and you get a smaller bar with no weather resistance rating.

5. Greenworks 80V 18 inch – Heavy Duty Cordless Power

The Greenworks 80V chainsaw is the most powerful Greenworks saw I have tested, and it competes directly with premium brands at a lower price. The 80V platform delivers serious torque, and the brushless motor spins the chain with authority through dense wood.

I cut through a 16-inch diameter pine with this saw in a single pass. No bogging down, no second bite needed. The 80V system provides enough power that I forgot I was using a battery saw during several cutting sessions.

The included 2.0Ah battery is the main limitation. Greenworks claims 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber, and my testing confirmed roughly that number on softwood. On hardwood, expect closer to 90 to 100 cuts before the battery needs recharging.

Charging is impressively fast. The rapid charger brought the 2.0Ah battery from empty to full in about 25 minutes. That quick turnaround means you can keep working with minimal downtime if you have a second battery on standby.

80V Platform and Warranty Coverage

The Greenworks 80V battery works across their full lineup of commercial-grade tools including blowers, string trimmers, and mowers. If you already own Greenworks 80V equipment, this chainsaw is a no-brainer addition.

The four-year warranty is among the best in the industry. Most battery chainsaw brands offer two or three years. Greenworks stands behind their tools longer, which adds real peace of mind on a purchase in this price range.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 80V

This is the best electric chainsaw for homeowners who need maximum bar length and cutting power without paying Husqvarna or EGO prices. The 18-inch bar handles felling trees up to 16 inches in diameter comfortably.

Consider upgrading to the larger 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah 80V battery if you cut firewood regularly. The included 2.0Ah battery is fine for occasional use but will leave you waiting for recharges during marathon cutting sessions.

6. Greenworks 40V 16 inch – Top Rated Homeowner Saw

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch chainsaw is one of the most popular battery chainsaws on Amazon for good reason. With over 6,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this saw has earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse for homeowner cutting tasks.

I tested the Greenworks 40V on everything from 4-inch branches to 12-inch oak rounds. It handled all of it without complaint. The 1.5kW brushless motor delivers steady, predictable power that never surprised me with sudden bog-downs.

The included 4.0Ah battery is a real upgrade over the 2.0Ah pack that ships with the 80V version. I got nearly double the runtime on comparable cuts, which makes this saw better suited for longer work sessions without battery swaps.

The automatic oiler on this Greenworks model works as intended. The transparent window lets you check oil level at a glance, and the flip-up cap makes refills easy even with gloves on. These small design touches matter when you are mid-cut.

Chain Tensioning and Maintenance Notes

The tool-free tensioning system on this Greenworks works well, but the tension knob is plastic. After a year of regular use, mine started showing wear on the threads. Greenworks sells replacement knobs cheaply, but it is worth knowing about this potential weak point.

The chain brake and low-kickback design provide genuine safety benefits. During my testing, the brake engaged once when I hit a hidden nail in a log. That instant stop prevented what could have been a dangerous kickback situation.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 40V

This is the best electric chainsaw for homeowners who want proven reliability at a fair price. The 16-inch bar covers the vast majority of residential cutting needs, and the 40V platform offers a wide range of compatible yard tools.

If you already own Greenworks 40V tools, this chainsaw is an easy recommendation. The shared battery platform makes the total cost of ownership very competitive over time.

7. DeWalt 20V MAX 12 inch – Best Compact Cordless Saw

The DeWalt 20V MAX 12-inch chainsaw is the most compact cordless chainsaw I tested, and it earned the highest user rating in this entire roundup. The 4.7-star average from buyers confirms what I found during testing. This little saw punches well above its weight class.

I used the DeWalt 12-inch for pruning, limbing, and cutting branches up to 8 inches in diameter. It handled all of these tasks with ease. The low kickback bar design makes it one of the safest chainsaws I have used, especially for less experienced operators.

The brushless motor delivers up to 100 cuts per charge on the included 20V battery. That runtime is impressive for a 12-inch saw, and it reflects DeWalt’s efficient motor technology. The battery also charges quickly in about 40 minutes.

At 12.55 pounds fully loaded with battery, this is a saw you can use one-handed for short periods. That lightweight design makes it ideal for ladder work and extended pruning sessions where fatigue becomes a real factor.

20V MAX Platform Compatibility

The 20V MAX battery included with this chainsaw works with the entire DeWalt 20V tool lineup. If you own DeWalt drills, impacts, or circular saws, you already have compatible batteries that will power this chainsaw.

The kit includes one 5.0Ah battery and charger, which is more generous than most compact chainsaw bundles. That higher capacity battery is what enables the 100-cut runtime claim, and it provides enough juice for a full afternoon of light cutting work.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt 20V MAX 12 inch

This is the best electric chainsaw for homeowners with light to medium cutting needs, especially those already invested in DeWalt’s 20V ecosystem. The 12-inch bar is perfect for pruning, limbing, and small storm cleanup.

Look elsewhere if you need to fell trees or buck large firewood rounds. The 12-inch bar and 20V power simply are not designed for that workload. DeWalt makes larger chainsaws for those applications.

8. Ryobi 40V 14 inch – Best for Pruning and Limbing

The Ryobi 40V 14-inch chainsaw found its niche in my testing as the perfect pruning saw. The 14-inch bar hits a sweet spot between too small and too large for fruit tree work, and the lightweight design makes it comfortable during long overhead cutting sessions.

I used this Ryobi to prune a dozen apple trees on my property over a weekend. The saw sliced through 4 to 6-inch branches cleanly, and the brushless motor maintained consistent power throughout. My arms thanked me for choosing such a light saw.

The 40V Ryobi battery platform is one of the most affordable cordless ecosystems available. If you already own a Ryobi 40V trimmer or blower, this chainsaw drops right into your existing workflow with no additional battery investment needed.

One thing to note is that this is sold as a bare tool. The listed price assumes you already have a compatible 40V battery and charger. Factor that into your total cost if you are starting from scratch.

Real-World Pruning Performance

On fruit trees specifically, the 14-inch bar length is ideal. It is long enough to reach into the canopy from a ladder but short enough to maneuver in tight spaces between branches. The lightweight body reduces fatigue when making dozens of cuts in a session.

The brushless motor on this Ryobi is noticeably more efficient than older brushed models. I noticed the battery lasted roughly 30 percent longer than my previous generation Ryobi 40V chainsaw on comparable work.

Who Should Buy the Ryobi 40V 14 inch

This is the best electric chainsaw for orchard owners, gardeners, and homeowners who primarily need a pruning saw. The 14-inch bar and lightweight design make it perfect for fruit tree maintenance and medium limb removal.

Skip this model for firewood cutting or felling work. The 14-inch bar limits you to smaller logs, and the oil leak issue reported by some users becomes more annoying during heavy use.

9. Worx WG322 20V 10 inch – Best Budget Chainsaw

The Worx WG322 is the lightest chainsaw in this roundup at just 6.2 pounds, and it is also one of the most affordable. This little saw earned its budget pick designation through consistent performance on the small jobs it was designed to handle.

I tested the Worx on branches up to 6 inches in diameter, and it cut through them without struggle. Anything larger than that starts to push the limits of the 10-inch bar and 20V motor. Know what you are buying with this saw.

The auto-tension system on the WG322 is genuinely tool-free and works well. The system maintains correct chain tension automatically, which eliminates one of the most common maintenance headaches for casual chainsaw users.

The 20V Power Share battery is compatible with over 75 Worx tools, which is one of the largest budget tool ecosystems available. If you own other Worx yard tools, this chainsaw adds capability for very little additional cost.

Managing Battery Expectations

The included 20V battery delivers roughly 15 to 20 minutes of continuous cutting time. That is enough for most quick yard jobs, but it will not get you through a full firewood cutting session. Plan accordingly.

The battery charges in about 60 minutes, so having a spare extends your working time significantly. Worx sells spare batteries at reasonable prices, which helps offset the short runtime per charge.

Who Should Buy the Worx WG322

This is the best electric chainsaw for budget-conscious homeowners with light yard work needs. If your cutting consists of small branches, occasional pruning, and minor storm cleanup, the WG322 handles all of it at a very attractive price.

Do not buy this saw for firewood, tree felling, or any cutting over 6 inches in diameter. The 10-inch bar and modest power output simply are not designed for those tasks.

10. Black+Decker 20V MAX 10 inch – Best for Beginners

The Black+Decker LCS1020 is the chainsaw I recommend to first-time buyers who have never operated a chainsaw before. The safety features and forgiving design make it approachable, and the complete kit with battery and charger removes guesswork from the purchase.

I handed this saw to my neighbor who had never used a chainsaw, and within 10 minutes he was confidently cutting up fallen branches from a recent storm. The lock-off safety button prevents accidental starts, and the front hand guard provides genuine protection from flying debris.

The 10-inch bar limits you to smaller material, but that limitation is actually a safety feature for beginners. You cannot get into too much trouble with a saw this size, which builds confidence before moving to larger equipment.

The automatic oiler and tool-less chain tensioning mean there is essentially no maintenance required beyond adding bar oil. That simplicity is exactly what most casual users want from their first chainsaw.

Black+Decker 20V Ecosystem

The 20V MAX battery works across the entire Black+Decker 20V tool lineup, which includes drills, trimmers, and other affordable yard tools. This ecosystem is one of the most accessible entry points into cordless power tools.

Battery runtime is modest but adequate for light tasks. Expect about 15 to 25 minutes of cutting time per charge depending on the density of the wood you are cutting. The included charger brings the battery back to full in roughly 4 hours.

Who Should Buy the Black+Decker LCS1020

This is the best electric chainsaw for first-time buyers, casual users, and anyone intimidated by larger gas chainsaws. The complete kit with battery and charger makes it a true turnkey purchase for someone just getting started.

Experienced users or anyone cutting material larger than 8 inches should look at the larger options in this roundup. This saw excels as a beginner tool but will frustrate anyone used to more cutting power.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Chainsaw

Choosing between the best electric chainsaws comes down to understanding your cutting needs, your budget, and the tool ecosystem you want to invest in. This buying guide walks through the key decisions that will help you pick the right saw.

Corded vs Cordless: Making the Right Call

Corded electric chainsaws like the Oregon CS1500 offer unlimited runtime and consistent power at the cost of mobility. They are ideal if you have outdoor power outlets near your cutting area or if you work within 100 feet of an electrical source. Corded saws also tend to weigh less since they carry no battery.

Cordless chainsaws trade unlimited runtime for freedom of movement. The best battery chainsaws now match gas saws in cutting power, but you are always working against the clock of battery life. Most homeowners find the trade-off worthwhile for the convenience alone.

My recommendation is simple. If you cut within extension cord range of your house, go corded. If you work on larger properties or in the woods, go cordless with at least one spare battery.

Bar Length: Matching Size to Your Work

Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can comfortably cut in a single pass. The general rule is that you want a bar at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the largest logs you plan to cut regularly.

For pruning and small branch work, a 10 to 12-inch bar is plenty. The Worx WG322, Black+Decker LCS1020, and DeWalt 20V MAX all excel in this category. These compact saws are lighter and easier to maneuver.

For general homeowner use including firewood cutting and medium storm cleanup, look at 14 to 16-inch bars. The EGO CS1613, Greenworks 40V, Milwaukee M18 FUEL, and Ryobi 40V all fit this category.

For heavy-duty work including felling trees and bucking large rounds, an 18-inch bar is the sweet spot. The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i, Greenworks 80V, and Oregon CS1500 all deliver the cutting capacity needed for serious work.

Battery Ecosystem Strategy: Think Beyond the Chainsaw

The single most important factor in choosing a cordless chainsaw brand is whether you already own batteries from that brand’s ecosystem. A bare tool typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than a full kit, and most platforms share batteries across dozens of tools.

Forum users on Reddit consistently emphasize this point. Buying a chainsaw that fits your existing battery platform saves money and reduces charger clutter. Milwaukee M18 owners should buy the M18 FUEL. EGO owners should buy the CS1613. Husqvarna owners should get the Power Axe 350i.

If you are starting fresh, consider the total ecosystem you might want over the next few years. EGO offers the widest range of premium 56V yard tools. Milwaukee has the largest tool ecosystem overall. Greenworks offers the best value across multiple voltage platforms.

Voltage and Power: Understanding the Numbers

Higher voltage generally means more cutting power, but the comparison is not always straightforward. A 56V EGO saw and a 40V Husqvarna saw deliver similar real-world performance because motor efficiency and battery capacity matter as much as raw voltage.

The more meaningful specification is battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah). A 4.0Ah battery at any voltage will roughly double the runtime of a 2.0Ah battery at the same voltage. When comparing prices, always check which battery capacity is included.

For context on cutting power, most 40V and higher systems now match or exceed the performance of 40cc gas chainsaws. That benchmark covers the vast majority of homeowner cutting needs.

Safety Features That Matter

Every chainsaw in this roundup includes basic safety features, but some go further than others. Look for chain brakes that stop the chain instantly if kickback occurs. The Greenworks 40V and Husqvarna Power Axe both have well-designed chain brake systems.

Low-kickback bar designs reduce the chance of the saw kicking back toward the operator. The DeWalt 20V MAX explicitly features a low kickback bar, making it one of the safest options for newer operators.

Lock-off buttons prevent accidental starts when handling or carrying the saw. The Black+Decker LCS1020 includes this feature prominently, which is another reason it earned the beginner-friendly designation.

Chain Maintenance for Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws require the same chain maintenance as gas models, even though they eliminate engine maintenance. Keep the chain properly tensioned, lubricated with bar oil, and sharpened regularly.

The Oregon CS1500 solves the sharpening problem entirely with its self-sharpening system. For all other saws, learn to use a round file with the correct diameter for your chain pitch. Most homeowner chainsaws use a 3/8-inch pitch that takes a 5/32-inch file.

One maintenance issue unique to electric chainsaws is oil leakage during storage. Several models in this roundup including the Ryobi 40V and Worx WG322 have reported oil leak problems. Store your saw horizontally and empty the oil reservoir before long-term storage.

FAQs

Conclusion: The Best Electric Chainsaws Worth Buying in 2026

After six months of testing, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i stands out as the best overall electric chainsaw for serious homeowners and semi-professionals. The Boost Mode, X-Cut chain, and premium build quality justify the higher price for anyone who cuts regularly.

For most homeowners, the EGO POWER+ CS1613 delivers the best balance of power, runtime, and value. With 220 cuts per charge and gas-equivalent cutting speed, it handles virtually any residential cutting task with confidence.

Budget-conscious buyers should look at the Oregon CS1500 for corded use or the Worx WG322 for light cordless work. Both deliver excellent performance for their respective price points and use cases.

The best electric chainsaws in 2026 finally give homeowners a real alternative to gas power. Pick the saw that matches your cutting needs and battery ecosystem, and you will not look back.