The Best Electric Chainsaws Tested in 2024

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Electric Chainsaws Tested in 2024 and hope the blog can help you.

Our top picks are ideal for anyone who needs a quiet, low-maintenance electric chainsaw to tackle outdoor DIY chores.

Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.

The best electric chainsaws allow for quick and easy cutting. Just plug the saw in or snap in a battery and you’re ready to go.

Electric chainsaws are lightweight and quieter than traditional gas models, yet they are often on par with their gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of cutting ability. Plus, electric chainsaws require very little maintenance—just an occasional sharpening of the chain and a quick topping off of the bar oil.

After researching more than 50 chainsaws from a dozen brands, we tested the top ones to help find the best options for various budgets, uses, and other features. Below are our top picks as well as some considerations shoppers looking for an electric chainsaw will want to consider before buying.

1. BEST OVERALL: Stihl MSA 140 C-B Battery-Powered Chainsaw
2. RUNNER-UP: Makita XCU03PT LXT Brushless 14-Inch Chain Saw Kit
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Oregon CS1400 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
4. UPGRADE PICK: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i With Battery Charger
5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
6. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Black+Decker LCS1020B 20V 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
7. BEST FOR PRUNING: Echo eForce DCS-2500T 56V 12-Inch Top Handle Chainsaw
8. BEST FOR HOME USE: DeWalt DCCS620P1 20V MAX XR 12-Inch Chainsaw Kit
9. BEST FOR FIREWOOD: Greenworks Pro GCS80421 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw 
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Echo eForce DCS-5000 56V 18-Inch Battery Chainsaw

How We Tested the Best Electric Chainsaws 

We researched the most sought-after electric chainsaws in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, power output, weight, and other special features. Some shoppers favor cordless electric chainsaws for their maneuverability and ease of use, while others choose corded electric chainsaws for unlimited runtime and durability. As for cutting power, our picks can complete light- to heavy-duty work, with up to 80 volts (V) or 15 amperages (amps) of power.

We selected and tested electric chainsaws from across the spectrum of types and sizes. Rather than putting them in a head-to-head competition, we evaluated each according to its intended purpose within a typical day’s work. We limited smaller chainsaws to yard cleanup, shrub removal, and branch-cutting duties, while we used the larger saws to fell several dead trees and cut them into firewood.

We evaluated each saw and scored them 1 through 5 on criteria such as aggressive cutting, low noise, low vibration, maneuverability, safety, and ease of use. Each of the saws in our test group could make a smart buy for a particular reason, or for many reasons. Anyone shopping for an electric chainsaw will find one or more reasonable choices ahead.

Our Top Picks

After previewing specifications and customer ratings online, we tested these chainsaws for ourselves. Check out the results in the following reviews. Whether looking for a small chainsaw for occasional cleanup projects or a heavy-duty tool for daily use, chances are a few good options in our lineup of the best electric chainsaws will suit your needs.

Best Overall

Stihl MSA 140 C-B Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Our top pick comes from a revered legacy brand, and it’s packed with performance details and user comforts that make it one of the best compact chainsaws—gas or electric. The Stihl MSA 140 C-B battery-powered chainsaw weighs just 8.6 pounds and comes equipped with a 12-inch guide bar. An efficient brushless motor, compact build, and efficient narrow-kerf chain make it a great choice for pruning, yard cleanup, and light tree work.

The kit includes a bar sheath, ¼-inch PM3 saw chain, AK 30 36V battery, and AL 101 battery charger. The saw runs up to 45 minutes per charge. One of the quieter saws we tested, it’s a great choice for working in neighborhoods. But it also produces high torque with very low vibration for efficient cutting and a comfortable user experience.

We enjoyed the overall performance of the MSA 140 C-B. It worked smoothly and efficiently for well over an hour per charge, including stoppage between cuts. Relative to the other saws we tested, almost no vibration transferred through the handles, and the narrow saw body gave it better balance than most of the others.

The short bar helped when working selectively around dense branch growth, and the lightweight motor made it easy to cut branches at chest height without causing excessive back and shoulder strain. This could be an excellent primary yard maintenance chainsaw for anyone, or a backup limbing saw for serious woodcutters.

Read our full review: Stihl MSA 140 C-B Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Product Specs

• Power source: 36V lithium-ion battery
• Bar length: 12 inches
• Weight: 8.6 pounds (including battery)

Pros

• Lightweight, balanced design for outstanding work stability and safety
• 5.2 amp-hour (Ah) battery powers up to 45 minutes of cutting per charge
• Efficient ¼-inch PM3 saw chain cuts quickly with low vibration
• Ideal bar size for cleaning up debris, pruning branches, or limbing fallen trees

Cons

• Undersized for heavy-duty felling and bucking of larger trees
• 3-hour recharge time with the included charger could end the workday too soon

Get the Stihl electric chainsaw at Ace Hardware or Stihl. 

Runner-Up

Makita XCU03PT LXT Brushless 14-Inch Chain Saw Kit

See It

Makita’s cordless chainsaw is an example of the brand’s innovation. It features a dual-battery 18V design, doubling the maximum power and runtime of a standard single-battery chainsaw. Despite those extra batteries, this chainsaw still weighs in at less than 12 pounds, making it easy to handle.

The brushless motor allows its batteries to distribute more power to the saw than a standard motor, making it as powerful as some gas-powered chainsaws and one of the best battery chainsaw options. With a 14-inch bar, this is a good chainsaw for cutting through trees up to 12 inches in diameter.

Makita’s rechargeable chainsaw also packs plenty of other features like an auto power-off function that shuts the saw down to save battery life when the saw is idle for too long as well as a built-in lock-off that prevents the saw blade from accidentally starting.

In our tests, the Makita’s chain speed was excellent. The tool’s overall balance was pretty good, but the battery configuration had a widening effect on the motor housing, so the center of gravity was farther from the user’s body. This made it slightly less maneuverable than our top pick, but still better than average.

Instead of a mechanical trigger-release safety switch, this saw uses an on/off power switch that would time-out after a certain period. While awake, a single press of the button activated the saw, but after a few minutes of inactivity, it required two pushes: one to wake up the electronics and the other to power the saw on or off. This was not a deal breaker by any means—just a quirk that some users might not love.

This saw offers excellent cutting power and a good size/weight balance without becoming too heavy during occasional extended use. It’s a really good pick for general work around the house.

Product Specs

• Power source: Two 18V lithium-ion batteries
• Bar length: 14 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds (with battery)

Pros

• Dual-battery design and efficient brushless motor deliver up to 30 minutes of cutting time
• Auto power-off and lock-off features help to prevent accidental startup
• Offers heavy-duty gaslike power without the pull starts, loud noises, or exhaust fumes
• Battery efficiency, plus batteries are interchangeable with all Makita LXT 18V power tools

Cons

• Battery power can drain quickly when cutting thicker branches or tree trunks
• Shorter runtime per charge compared to some of the others we tested
• On/off switch operation is not intuitive and requires extra attention

Get the Makita electric chainsaw at Amazon, The Home Depot, Acme Tools, or Makita. 

Best Bang for your Buck

Oregon CS1400 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw

See It

The Oregon CS1400 packs numerous feature upgrades for such a budget-friendly saw. As a corded electric saw, it offers unlimited runtime wherever there is access to a power outlet. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty 15-amp motor and uses a toolless chain-tensioning system, allowing you to adjust the chain to the proper tension and lock it back into place with ease. One of the best features of this rigid chainsaw is how quiet it is when cutting while still providing plenty of power to get the job done.

To preserve the bar and chain, the automatic oiler distributes oil onto the parts. This helps preserve a sharp chain, keeps the chainsaw lubricated, and prevents it from wearing out prematurely.

In terms of raw cutting power, the Oregon CS1400 performed as well as any other saw we tested. Although heavier than many of the other tested saws, the weight added stabilizing downward pressure for smooth bucking/sectioning cuts.
That being said, we also noted that the saw was not as easy to operate on its side, as is needed to fell a tree. The heavier weight and the need to manage the power cord made it less maneuverable in densely branched tree canopies, too. But, it’s a great choice for making lots of vertical cuts in a relatively clear workspace, as in cutting cordwood to length.

Product Specs

• Power source: 15-amp household electrical outlet (15-amp motor)
• Bar length: 16 inches
• Weight: 12.2 pounds

Pros

• Relatively affordable compared to battery models with similar features
• Can easily handle thick and dense hardwood; ideal for large yards
• Heavy-duty cutting power equivalent to that of midsize gas chainsaws
• Corded for prolonged use; no need to worry about refueling or recharging

Cons

• Requires a nearby electrical outlet and a heavy-duty extension cord (not included)
• Heavier and less maneuverable than most cordless chainsaws

Get the Oregon CS1400 electric chainsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Acme Tools, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Oregon.

Upgrade Pick

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i With Battery Charger

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 36-volt chainsaw includes performance, safety, and comfort features a cut above the others on the list. The 18-inch guide bar and X-cut chain complement a low-vibration brushless motor, delivering best-in-class performance.

This saw weighs a relatively modest 14.2 pounds with the battery, bar, and chain installed. For extended battery life, push-button power-boost mode increases output for larger, harder cuts, while normal mode preserves the charge during normal cutting tasks. A tool-free chain tensioner eliminates the need for a chainsaw tool and keeps downtime to a minimum. The 7.5Ah battery works with all Husqvarna battery tools, boosting total power efficiency.

Even the chain is better than on other saws. The Husqvarna X-Cut chain is built to higher standards than the typical saw chain in terms of material, heat treatment, and design of the individual cutters and links to maximize sharpness, cutting efficiency, and durability. It even comes prestretched to eliminate the break-in period typical of a new saw chain.

It is difficult to describe the difference between a low-vibration chainsaw and other saws, but we felt the difference immediately in the Husqvarna Power Axe. The features that minimize vibration transfer through the handles, namely the X-cut chain and the smooth operating motor, also helped to boost battery life. This translated into a lighter, more capable saw that made more cuts per watt-hour than some of the cheaper saws built on bulkier platforms.

The Power Axe cut up seasoned oak logs into firewood lengths quickly, smoothly, and quietly. And when we were climbing up the crown of a fallen tree, we moved around at will making all the necessary cuts. The narrow saw body and lightweight build made it much more maneuverable than other 18-inch saws, and it outworked the others in pure cutting ability, too. It gave the best overall performance of all the saws we tested, with the possible exception of our top pick, which is built for lighter work. Those in search of a high-performance saw for all types of cutting scenarios would do well to consider the Power Axe.

Product Specs

• Power source: 36V battery
• Bar length: 18 inches
• Weight: 14.2 pounds with chain and battery

Pros

• 18-inch guide bar is the right size for general-purpose cutting tasks
• Much lower vibration than the rest of the saws in our test group
• Fast toolless chain tensioner cuts downtime and boosts productivity
• High-efficiency brushless motor reduces vibration and improves battery life
• X-Cut chain eliminates need to break chain in; retains sharpness longer

Cons

• Heavier and more tiring than a compact chainsaw for light-duty cutting
• 18-inch bar is less articulate for selective cuts among dense branches

Get the Husqvarna electric chainsaw at Lowe’s.

Best Heavy-Duty

Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw

See It

When it comes time for heavy-duty tree cutting, a longer bar and a bigger motor are necessities. The CS1500 chainsaw from Oregon features an 18-inch guide bar and chain, a powerful 15-amp motor, toolless chain tensioning, a chain brake, and an automatic oiler. It uses plug-in power for unlimited clean and quiet runtime and comes with a durable plastic scabbard for bar and chain safety when not in use.

The saw also self-sharpens—activating the sharpener simply involves lifting a small finger-engaged lever. Oregon’s patented system sharpens the PowerSharp chain in just 3 to 5 seconds. Between the power, long bar length, and automatic features, this is the most capable corded saw on the market, meant for heavy-duty work.

In our tests, the Oregon CS1500 stood out as a rugged saw with several notable conveniences. The saw offered plenty of power and speed to cut up a 13-inch-diameter oak log. It made vertical bucking cuts cleanly and aggressively every time, but the power cord limited maneuverability in brushy areas.

The self-sharpening feature was uniquely helpfu