Best Electric Chain Saws

From trimming fence posts to cutting up tree limbs, electric chainsaws are handy tools for any homeowner. If you’re in the market for an electric chain saw, you may want to read this guide before jumping into a purchase.

What Is an Electric Chain Saw?

Most people are familiar with chainsaws, the loud, powerful cutting machines that can take down a tree in no time. Unlike the larger, heavier gas-powered chainsaws, an electric chain saw is relatively lightweight and quiet.

How to Use an Electric Chain Saw

One of the perks of using an electric chain saw is the ease of use. Maintenance is equally easy, just top off the bar oil and keep the chain sharp.

Safety is important, so make sure you use goggles or safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves when operating any chainsaw. We advise you to wear hearing protection, long pants, long sleeves, and steel-toed boots.

  • Start by checking the chain tension according to your user’s manual.
  • Fill the bar and chain oil reservoirs before each use.
  • Connect to the power source (cord to an outlet or a batter).
  • Start the saw and make you first cut.
  • When you finish, disconnect your chainsaw from the power source, let it cool, and store it properly.

Best Electric Chain Saws

There are many electric chain saws on the market, so it could be challenging to choose the right one for you. We compiled a list of our top five favorites to help you make a decision.

Top Overall Pick: Greenworks 16-inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood / 75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
  • 40V 16” CHAINSAW – Perfect for homeowners that need to tackle yard projects, or storm clean-up
  • TRUBRUSHLESSTM MOTOR TECHNOLOGY – 2 x more torque. Provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life
  • CHAIN BRAKE – for added safety and reduced risk of injury
  • AUTOMATIC OILER – delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity
  • PRO STYLE TENSIONING – for easy bar and chain maintenance

This chainsaw packs a punch with loads of features and awesome power. It can easily cut through 12-inch logs and keep going. It’s cordless, so it uses a 40V Lithium-ion battery and comes with a custom charger for the battery.

Pros:

  • Safety features include a chain brake, quick-release trigger, and quick-stop function.
  • Operates on a 40V Lithium-ion battery, so no cord to worry about
  • Powerful brushless motor with low kickback chain

Cons:

  • Need to refill the oil and tighten the chain frequently during heavier use

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 31 inches x 9 inches x 8.75 inches
  • Weight: 10.36 pounds
  • Power source: 40V Lithium-ion battery, rechargeable
  • Chain length: 16 inches

Runner-Up: Black+Decker 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw

Sale
BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch (LCS1240)
  • 12-INCH CORDLESS ELECTRIC CHAINSAW - 40V MAX battery-powered chainsaw with extended runtime
  • SMOOTH, FAST CUTS - OREGON low-kickback bar and chain for easy and efficient cutting
  • TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING - Quickly and easily adjust chain tension
  • ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES - Front hand guard and lock-off button for increased safety
  • 40V MAX INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY - Part of the 40V MAX outdoor system

Black+Decker consistently makes quality power tools, and this 40V cordless chainsaw is up to par, even if it’s not quite as large or powerful as the Greenworks. This chainsaw is easy to maneuver, holds a decent charge, and can handle most jobs you throw at it.

Pros:

  • Safety features include a chain brake, quick-release trigger, and quick-stop function.
  • Operates on a 40V Lithium-ion battery, so no cord to worry about
  • Powerful and versatile with low kickback chain

Cons:

  • May have some long-term durability issues if you are a heavy user

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 28.56 inches x 8.81 inches x 9.63 inches
  • Weight: 10.4 pounds
  • Power source: 40V Lithium-ion battery, rechargeable
  • Chain length: 12 inches

Best Corded Electric Chainsaw: Oregon CS1400 Corded Electric Chainsaw

Sale
Oregon CS1400 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw, Powerful Corded Electric Saw with 16-Inch Guide Bar & ControlCut Saw Chain, Quiet & Low Kickback, 2-Year Warranty by Oregon (603348)
  • Powerful performance: 15 amp electric chainsaw with integrated chain brake. Ideal saw for professionals and homeowners who cut wood in harsh environments. Low vibration, low kickback saw
  • ControlCut Saw Chain: This Oregon chainsaw comes with a low maintenance chain included, which produces a smooth cut every time and stays sharper for longer
  • Clever design: 16in chainsaw with built-in chain tightening system doesn't require any tools. Other features include oil level window and front hand guard to protect from flying debris. Silent between cuts
  • Automatic oiler: The automatic oiler distributes oil on the bar and chain while on the saw, keeping your chainsaw lubricated and preventing premature wear
  • Ergonomic: Lightweight and balanced, low vibration, over-mold comfortable handle. 2 year warranty included. Includes 1 x electric chainsaw, 16 inch guide bar and chain

This chainsaw packs a punch with loads of features and awesome power. It can easily cut through 12-inch logs and keep going. It’s cordless, so it uses a 40V Lithium-ion battery and comes with a custom charger for the battery.

Pros:

  • Safety features include a chain brake
  • Features a Lubri-Tec oiling system to keep the chain oiled and reduce friction
  • Extremely quiet with an extended run time

Cons:

  • May not be as durable as some competitors

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 34 inches x 11 inches x 10 inches
  • Weight: 11.58
  • Power source: corded, 15 amp motor
  • Chain length: 16 inches

Best Budget – Worx WG305.1 14-inch Corded Electric Chainsaw

Sale
Worx WG305.1 8 Amp 14" Electric Chainsaw
  • Power Source Type: Corded
  • Patented auto-tension chain system for extended Bar & chain life
  • Chain Lubrication with oil lever indicator
  • Compact and light weight design

When you need a budget-friendly chainsaw that performs well under most circumstances, this Worx corded electric chainsaw fits the bill. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some of the others do, but it is lightweight and handles medium cutting tasks.

Pros:

  • Safety features include a chain brake and safety lock switch
  • Patented automatic tension chain extends the life of the bar and chain
  • Powerful 8 amp motor

Cons:

  • May have some quality control issues

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 16 inches x 10 inches x 8 inches
  • Weight: 7.94 pounds
  • Power source: corded, 8 amp motor
  • Chain length: 14 inches

Best Mini: Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw

Sale
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw Kit, 10 inch, Battery and Charger Included (LCS1020)
  • Tool free blade tension system for improved ease of use & quick adjustments
  • Lightweight design for ease of maneuverability & reduced fatigue
  • Improved oiling system with clear window to gauge oil level

If you need a versatile chainsaw for small jobs, it’s tough to overlook a Black+Decker product, and this cordless chainsaw is no exception. It’s versatile and tough for smaller projects and home use.

Pros:

  • Safety features include a lock button and guard to protect your hand from flying debris.
  • Tool-free blade makes tension adjustments quick and easy
  • Ergonomic design makes operation comfortable

Cons:

  • May not be enough power for some common purposes

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 16.7 inches x 8.81 inches x 9.63 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 pounds
  • Power source: 20V Lithium-ion battery, rechargeable
  • Chain length: 10 inches

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Electric Chain Saw

These are our favorite electric chain saws, but we want you to pick the best option for you. To do so, make sure you consider the most important features of each product before making a decision.

Corded vs Cordless

Electric chain saws give you a choice between a corded model or cordless, battery-operated saw. The decision comes down to personal preference and how much mobility you need. If you have access to a power source, a cordless model could work. Otherwise, you may want to look at cordless models.

Size

Chain saw sizes vary, even on our list. You can go with a smaller blade that’s ten to twelve inches, but it may not be able to handle bigger jobs. For a more versatile electric chain saw, you may want to go with a fourteen or sixteen-inch blade.

Safety Features

Like any other power tool, chainsaws can be dangerous. Safety features, like chain brakes, can help protect you. It’s a good idea to look for a low kickback chain (like the ones on our list) because it prevents the saw from kicking back toward you when you strike wood for the first time.