Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Electric Chainsaw is the EGO Power+ CS1401.
- Electric chainsaws are a great choice because they are incredibly affordable, lightweight, and easy to use.
- With an electric chainsaw, you won’t have to saw limbs by hand, mix fuel and oil, or borrow a saw from a neighbor.
- Before you buy an electric chainsaw, it is important to consider whether it is corded or cordless, how long the bar is, how high you need to reach, and what your budget is.
Electric tools have come a long way in the past couple of decades, particularly with improved battery technology in the last year. The biggest benefactor of this new technology has to be outdoor power equipment. With the improvements came a surge in popularity, which is why we are taking a look at the best electric chainsaws.
For years, gasoline-powered chainsaws dominated the landscaping industry, and they are still very popular among commercial users. However, electric chainsaws offer plenty of power to tackle small and large jobs.
They are perfect for homeowners because you won’t need to worry about maintenance. Now, let’s look at our top picks for electric chainsaws.
- Best Overall: EGO Power+ CS1401
- Best 20V Option: Dewalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw
- Best Electric Pole Chainsaw: Sun Joe SWJ806E
- Best High-End Option: Makita-UC4051A
- Most Affordable: Greenworks 10.5 Amp 14-Inch Chainsaw
#1 Best Overall: EGO Power+ CS1401
- Chain tension adjustment
- Water-resistant construction (IPX4)
- Weighs 11.4 pounds
- Speed: 6800 RPM
Our choice for the best overall electric chainsaw has to be the EGO Power+ CS1401. We’ve covered EGO’s outdoor power equipment line extensively, especially their lineup of electric mowers.
Not only have we been thoroughly impressed, but users consistently give EGO power tools exceptional ratings. This chainsaw is not different, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
EGO is a relatively new brand of power tools compared to some of the longstanding competition. But they really made a name for themselves in outdoor power equipment. The Power+ CS1401 is a cordless chainsaw that uses EGO’s 56-volt line of batteries. Meaning you can share batteries with it and your other EGO power tools.
The bar is 14 inches long, allowing you to tackle some pretty large branches while still maintaining power and its compact size. Many of the electric chainsaws on the market use very short bars because their motors are just too small. Thanks to EGO’s 56V battery, it is able to turn a larger chain and still cut through the hardest wood.
A really nice feature of the EGO chainsaw is that it has an easy-to-adjust chain tensioner that doesn’t require any tools. It also has a kick-back brake for safety, just like a gas-powered chainsaw.
While the EGO is easily our favorite saw, it is not the cheapest option. In fact, a kit that includes a 2.5-Ah battery and charger is well over $200, making it more expensive than some gas-powered chainsaws.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes the necessary battery and charger. | Costs more than a gas-powered chainsaw. |
| Has a good size bar for an electric chainsaw. | Runtime is limited to battery size. |
| Works with other 56V EGO batteries. | Not as sturdy as other chainsaws. |
Check out the EGO Power+ CS1401 on Amazon.
Best 20V Option: Dewalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- Up to 90 cuts per charge
- 5Ah battery
- Tool-free chain tensioning
Our top pick for the best 20V electric chainsaw is the Dewalt 20V Max XR. Dewalt is an iconic power tool brand that is used by both homeowners and professionals alike.
Primarily known for tools such as drills and saws, Dewalt has branched out into outdoor power equipment in recent years. They have a wide range of outdoor power equipment, including mowers, weedeaters, and of course, chainsaws.
Like many power tool companies today, Dewalt has multiple battery lineups. But the 20V is by far the most popular because there are so many compatible tools.
The number of tools, the overall quality, and the number of people who already own Dewalt 20V products were major factors in our decision. However, the 20V Max XR is simply the best 20V chainsaw on the market.
The saw is on the small side, but it is also very compact. While the compact nature is nice, the bar is only 12 inches long. The reason for the small bar is that the 20V line just doesn’t pack enough power for anything longer.
On the bright side, it does a great job of cutting branches around your house. You could even cut smaller trees or de-limb larger ones.
Because the Dewalt 20V Max XR uses a 20V battery, you will notice that it is super lightweight. Making it the perfect choice for someone who can’t lug around a heavy saw.
The smaller battery packs also keep the saw well-balanced. Finally, it has a number of great features, like tool-free chain tensioning and removal, plus a chain brake.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chainsaw is well-made and a name brand. | One of the weakest electric chainsaws. |
| Works with Dewalt 20V batteries. | Has a very short 8-inch bar. |
| Comes with a 3-year warranty. | Very expensive and batteries are not included. |
Check out the Dewalt 20V Max XR Chainsaw on Amazon.
Best Electric Pole Chainsaw: Sun Joe SWJ806E
- Easily converts to a handheld chainsaw
- Blade made from high-speed steel (HSS)
- 7.5-amp motor
The best electric pole chainsaw is the Sun Joe SWJ806E. Most electric chainsaws loosely resemble their gas-powered counterparts. But some jobs require a little more height than you could reach with just a ladder. This is where an electric pole chainsaw comes into play because it provides that extra length while you stay at a safe distance.
There are a ton of different pole saw options and configurations available, with some even attaching to the end of a gas-powered weedeater. Additionally, many power tool manufacturers make battery-powered pole chainsaws. But if you need an affordable option to cut high branches, then you can’t go wrong with the Sun Joe SWJ806E.
It provides up to 8.6 feet of reach to cut branches that you otherwise couldn’t. In addition to being a pole saw, it also operates as a traditional chain saw. The saw portion is removable, so you can use it to cut lower branches and limbs around your yard. Then when you need to cut a higher branch, simply pull out the pole and attach the saw to it.
The pole is equipped with a cord and a separate switch so you can control it from the ground. It is not battery-operated, so you will need to have an extension cord long enough to reach an outlet. The saw itself only has an 8-inch bar, so you can only cut small branches. However, the Sun Joe SWJ806E is the perfect choice to cut high branches with ease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s a very low price for a pole saw. | The bar is quite small at 8 inches. |
| Features 2 in 1 versatility. | The saw, by itself, feels very “cheap.” |
| It’s compact and lightweight. | Requires an outlet nearby. |
Check out the Sun Joe SWJ806E on Amazon.
Best High-End Option: Makita-UC4051A
- Rubberized grip handles
- Large trigger switch
- Built-in current limiter
- Chain adjustments for convenient operation
The best professional electric chainsaw has to be the Makita UC4051A. While there are a lot of great affordable electric chainsaws for homeowners, there are surprisingly few designed for professionals. Electric chainsaws are great for pros because they are silent, meaning landscapers won’t disturb property owners with noisy tools while still using a high-quality product.
Makita is synonymous with high quality, and its tools are the choice of many contractors and tradesmen. Their chainsaw is no different, as it uses a premium Makita electric motor.
In addition, the bar is a good length at 16 inches, exceeding many other electric chainsaws. But what really sets the Makita apart, besides its build quality, is its design.
Looking at the saw, you will notice it looks a little different than many of the other models we’ve covered. One reason for that is that it is not cordless, so you will need an outlet close by. But the other reason is that the handle positions are also different, thanks to a longer body. This keeps the dust away, but it is also more ergonomic.
Of course, It has many of the same features as the competition, such as a hand brake, an easily adjustable bar, and a visible oil reservoir. After taking off the side cover though, you may be surprised to see a conventional clutch system.
Some of the cheaper saws do not use this, but it protects the bar if it runs out of oil. With that said, the hand brake actually disconnects power to the motor, as well as the clutch.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features good build quality. | The tensioner is plastic and feels cheap. |
| It’s one of the best power tool brands. | It’s extremely expensive. |
| Has an ergonomic handle. | It’s corded rather than cordless. |
Check out the Makita-UC4051A on Amazon.
Most Affordable: Greenworks 10.5 Amp 14-Inch Chainsaw
- 10.5 amp electric motor
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Wrap around handle
- Weighs 8 pounds
Finally, our pick for the most affordable electric chainsaw is the Greenworks Greenworks 10.5 Amp 14-Inch. The average homeowner doesn’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a chainsaw. But, at the same time, they probably don’t want to cut limbs by hand. Electric chainsaws like the one from Greenworks are surprisingly affordable and do a great job.
Greenworks is another brand that we’ve covered extensively, and they commonly rank pretty high among consumers. This chainsaw is no different, as it works exactly as described and comes in at an astounding price.
Typically, it sells for under $100, but it occasionally goes on sale for under $60. At that price, it is one of the cheapest outdoor power tools you can buy.
One caveat that comes with the low price is the fact that it is corded, so you will need an extension cord to use it. At this price point, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But Greenworks also offers a number of cordless options at low prices, which work with their other battery lines. When you first look at the saw, it does look small compared to other electric chainsaws.
However, it actually has a 14-inch bar, which is comparable to other chainsaws. It is also powered by a 10.5 amp electric motor which does provide enough power to tackle small stumps and limbs.
One thing we really like about the saw is the oil location, which is actually filled from the top rather than the side. Additionally, its three-year warranty beats most of the competition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features a decent length bar, considering the price. | It’s weaker than some more expensive models. |
| It’s one of the cheapest electric chainsaws. | It requires an electrical outlet nearby. |
| It comes with a 3-year warranty. | It’s not very rugged. |
Check out the Greenworks 10.5 Amp 14-Inch Chainsaw on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Electric Chainsaw: Step by Step
When choosing the best electric chainsaw, there are four main considerations for most buyers.
- Power
- Bar Length
- Price
- Reach
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Power
First, let’s start with power because it is a common concern for people buying an electric chainsaw. An electric chainsaw will not deliver the raw power needed cut large branches.
However, they are good for the average homeowner, and you actually have two different options. You can either go with a cordless model, which can even share batteries with other power tools. Or, you can get a corded chainsaw.
Bar Length
Once you determine whether to buy a corded or cordless saw, you will want to consider how big of branches you can cut. Bar length is essentially the thickness of a branch you can cut.
Because power is limited, electric chainsaws have shorter bars than gas-powered ones. Take a look at the trees around your home and decide if you need a longer bar or if a shorter one will suffice.
Price
Price is always a major factor in any purchase decision, and you probably already have a budget in mind. Try to do some research on different chainsaws as well as what each has to offer before setting a budget.
You may find that a cheap saw will easily accomplish necessary tasks, but it may be better to spend a little more for a cordless model if you are already invested in a battery line.
Reach
Lastly, you should consider how high of branches you need to reach. If you just want to cut some bushes, then a standard chainsaw will be fine.
But you may quickly find out that a pole saw would be more useful for tree limbs. Take a careful look at the trees around your property to see how high the branches are to figure out whether it is worth going with a pole saw.
What to Know Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw
There are a lot of misconceptions about electric outdoor power equipment, especially chainsaws. One of the major ones is that they are less powerful.
While it is true that electric chainsaws are less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts, they are still very capable of cutting branches. Just make sure that you purchase one that has a long enough bar.
Another misconception is that you don’t have to perform any maintenance on an electric chainsaw. It is true that there is substantially less maintenance, and you don’t have to worry about an engine.
However, you will still have to keep the saw filled with bar and chain oil to keep it lubricated. Additionally, the chain will require sharpening or replacement after a period of use.
Using an Electric Chainsaw: What it’s Like
The benefit of an electric chainsaw is that you don’t have to mix fuel and oil, plus you will never struggle to get it started. This is great for a tool like a chainsaw that doesn’t see constant use.
Just plug in the saw, or connect a battery and pull the trigger to start cutting. But before you start cutting, there are a couple of things you should know.
People often think that electric chainsaws are safer than gas ones. While there is some truth to that, they are still inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Not to mention, cutting branches always presents a risk of property damage or injury. Because of these factors, you should always read over the instruction manual carefully before use and wear proper safety equipment.
As for using the actual saw, it is a nice experience to cut large branches without the loud noise of gas. Additionally, electric chainsaws are lightweight, which makes them easy to use.
The only fluid you have is bar and chain oil, so there is no mixing of fluids or keeping a carburetor clean. But the biggest benefit is being able to cut your own branches without having to borrow a saw or use a handsaw.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Olha Solodenko/Shutterstock.com.
