Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Alice Benny
For me, “the best chainsaw” means what’s safe and easy for me to handle for cutting bushes and tree limbs. You should find one that will allow you to fell and buck up trees with ease, no matter your size and strength. I explain what’s important to look for when considering the best electric chainsaw.
Important: It’s not safe to use corded, electric chainsaws outdoors when it’s wet.
By eliminating harmful emissions and offering low-noise operation, many of them are good options for residential neighborhoods as well as rural areas.
Learn about five of the best electric chainsaws on the market with these reviews. I have decades of experience using chainsaws and know what is important. For these models below, I also read Amazon reviews and summarized them below.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Chainsaw
There are plenty of features to consider, from the motor’s power to the materials used for crucial parts. These are the most important things you should look for so you can safely limb, buck, and fell trees.
Motor
The first feature to always look for is the motor’s power rating to know how powerful the chainsaw is. With electric chainsaws, the motor power is expressed in amps. Typically, anything under 10 amps is best suited for thin branches, limbs, and regular vegetation. They will allow you to handle more delicate projects, such as hedge trimming.
On the other hand, chainsaws rated over 10 amps will have significantly more power. Instead of being useful for lightweight projects, they’re ideal for medium- to heavy-duty chores.
Cutting through thick stumps and branches will be easier with a more powerful unit.
Keeping safety and utility are the forefront of your purchase, it’s essential to think about the type of jobs you’ll use it for. You want to make sure you’re not buying something too powerful.
Also, if you choose too low of an amperage, you won’t tackle as many tasks as you initially thought.
Lubrication
Even though you won’t be using a gas-powered chainsaw, oil is still necessary for electric chainsaws. You must ensure the chain is sufficiently lubricated. Otherwise, it’s at risk for catastrophic failure.
Fortunately, most electric chainsaws have automatic lubrication, so you don’t need to worry. With auto-oiling, the device will make sure the chain is correctly lubricated for consistent cutting.
Without this feature, you would have to start and stop your task often to make sure the chain doesn’t break.
Another vital feature to consider with lubrication is an oil window. With an oil window, you can see when it’s time to replace the unit’s oil, which could be faster than anticipated.
Corded vs Cordless Chainsaws
The most powerful electric saws will be corded because they have access to a consistent source of power. However, they might not be the best option for every property, depending on its size.
As its name suggests, a corded electric saw needs to be continuously connected to a power outlet to use it. If you have a portable generator, you can use it to power an electric chainsaw.
Alternatively, you could opt for a cordless model. A cordless electric chainsaw runs on batteries. With modern advancements, many cordless units are equally as powerful as their corded counterparts.
Higher quality models use lithium-ion batteries rather than nickel-cadmium. Lithium-ion batteries are larger in capacity and lighter in weight. They also charge quickly. They take around an hour to recharge.
A big difference between corded and cordless electric chainsaws are that cordless chainsaws are limited to using bars 18″ and shorter.
If you know you won’t reach your property’s furthest parts, you might need to opt for cordless. Although for reliability and consistency, a corded model is a top recommendation.
Bar Length
It’s easy to look at a chainsaw and think that it seems big or small enough for your property. You’ll want to pay special attention to the correct length of the bar since it will determine what you can cut down.
A 10 – 15 inch bar gives you plenty of options with the diameter of the vegetation you’re focusing on. If you don’t have incredibly thick trees and bushes, you can get away with a smaller length.
You wouldn’t want to try to use a 15-inch chainsaw bar on a small bush because it would be too powerful. Also, the larger the bar, the heavier and more challenging the unit is to hold for extended periods.
Weight
The weight of an electric chainsaw is a frequently overlooked feature. You can never predict how long you’ll be cutting, and you won’t want to get tired quickly. This point is especially important for beginners because wielding a chainsaw can be challenging.
Ideally, your chosen model should be comfortably balanced without being too lightweight. You’ll want to know that you can maintain control over the saw without feeling like you’re carrying plastic.
Best Electric Chainsaw
1. Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw
There are a few key features that make this 15-amp chainsaw a fantastic option for your garage. If you want an electric chainsaw with plenty of power for chores around your property, this is it.
Oregon Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw Highlights
Homeowners tired of trying to start gas chainsaws will love the instant-start capability of this device. You’ll easily be able to get to cutting within a matter of seconds. There is also a built-in Lubri-Tec oiling system that ensures the chain is always perfectly lubricated.
By reducing the chain’s friction, your runtime will go down significantly to help you preserve power. Also, tackling medium-size projects will be faster.
Another exciting feature is the PowerSharp chain, which is ideal for minimizing maintenance. Using the PowerSharp chain, you can sharpen the chain on the saw within three seconds. You won’t have to worry about taking the tool to a professional repair shop for assistance.
Additionally, there isn’t any assembly required since it comes ready-to-use upon arrival. Between cuts, you’ll notice the Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw is quieter than expected. It also has a relatively low-noise operation, especially when compared to gas.
For safe chainsaw use, there is a built-in chain brake to make sure you’re always protected. The ergonomic design makes this chainsaw more comfortable to wield, especially for beginners.
It’s lightweight, around 12.9 pounds, and perfectly balanced, so you won’t feel like you have to hold a hefty tool for hours. You’ll also love the over-mold handle, which helps reduce vibration with and without gloves.
What to Like About It
This 15-amp chainsaw has enough power to tackle medium and small jobs, making it ideal for larger properties. When in use, it’s quieter than gas-powered saws, and you’ll find it’s very comfortable to manage. The chain’s performance is also notable, as it maintains its sharpness after 600 cuts.
What Not to Like About It
Proper maintenance is essential with this unit, especially in regards to lubricating the chain. You will need to lubricate it regularly to avoid catastrophic failure, especially in regards to overheating. If the saw overheats, the significant number of plastic parts will begin to melt.
Pros:
- Maintains sharpness
- Very powerful for an electric chainsaw
- Low-noise operation
- Comfortable to manage
Cons:
- A significant number of plastic parts
- The chain needs to be lubricated
- If the saw overheats, it melts the casing
2. Earthwise CVPS43010 Corded Electric Pole Saw
Packed with 7 amps of power, this convertible chainsaw would be perfect for maintaining trees in your yard. Although it’s less powerful than some of the other tools we’ll discuss, it’s very versatile. This model is a good option if you’re in the market for a moderately powered chainsaw for everyday tasks.
Earthwise Electric Pole Saw Highlights
The most impressive feature of the Earthwise Corded Electric Pole Saw is its conversion. Users will be able to decide whether they want to use it as a standalone chainsaw or an electric pole saw. You’ll find that managing overgrowth and trees has never been more straightforward with this two-in-one set.
With a 10-inch bar, you’ll be able to manage thick trunks with ease. You can also adjust the cutting head to five different angles, which helps you get into hard-to-reach areas.
With the pole saw, you’ll have seven amps of power to help you deal with logs, stumps, or branches. When fully extended, the pole reaches eight feet to get tall branches. Also, since you can adjust the chainsaw bar, you’ll find the perfect angle between -20 and 60 degrees.
Overall, general yard work will become far more efficient with the combination of these two tools. Similar to the previous chainsaw, this unit comes with an automatic oiling system.
On the outside of the casing, you’ll have an oil level window to see when it’s time for a refill. Also, you’ll love using the tool-free tension adjustment, allowing you to customize the chain.
You’re also unlikely to experience a lot of fatigue when using this chainsaw since it has an over-mold handle covered in rubber.
The rubber also encases a comfortable foam grip that molds your hand’s shape for better handling. With the protective cover for the blade, you can safely and quickly store the chainsaw during the off-season.
What to Like About It
If you have chores around your house that need to be done quickly, this is the tool for you. It’s not too heavy to use, especially the chainsaw, which makes it great for quick projects. Also, most parts are made from thick and durable plastic, with some features being metal.
What Not to Like About It
Although the chainsaw works very well, the pole saw has a couple of design flaws to consider. It’s challenging to wield in certain positions, as you can’t change the angle of the pole saw’s cutting head. Also, when you extend the pole, it doesn’t feel secure, which means it could inadvertently collapse on its own.
Pros:
- Use as a standalone chainsaw or an electric pole saw
- Perfect for hedge trimming
- Not too heavy; just under 10 pounds
- Useful for quick tasks
- High-quality plastic and metal parts
Cons:
- Difficult to hold in some positions
- Pole extension doesn’t feel secure
- Cannot change pole saw angle
3. Worx WG305.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw
There are a few high-quality features in the Worx Corded Electric Chainsaw. You’ll have 8 amps of cutting power in a small and comfortably sized tool. It’s great for consistency but is one of the top-rated chainsaws for smaller sized projects.
Worx Electric Chainsaw Highlights
If you’ve found that other chainsaws are too uncomfortable to use for extended periods, this is a breath of fresh air. With 8 amps of consistent power, you’ll quickly work through relatively thick shrubbery and trees. It’s also an excellent option for small to medium-sized trunks.
Within the tool, it has a patented auto-tension chain system which is designed to prolong its effectiveness. You’ll find the chainsaw bar’s and chain’s lifespan will be extended with the auto tensioning system.
There’s also a chain lubricator with an oil indicator to tell you when to refill the chain’s oil. As an added benefit, it can hold up to four fluid ounces of oil at a time. The most notable feature is how lightweight the chainsaw is since it’s just under eight pounds.
The bar is also 14″, which is more than large enough for decently sized trees. There is a built-in chain brake for safety, which makes it more comfortable for beginners to use.
The rubberized over-grip handle is perfectly comfortable for superior stability and more comfortable experiences. The grip should absorb the majority of vibration, so you won’t have to worry about cramping and hand fatigue.
What to Like About It
Homeowners who need a light-duty chainsaw will like how easy this model is to use. The Worx WG305.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw isn’t also nearly as loud as other electric and gas-powered chainsaws. It’s also effortless to handle, primarily if you’ve never used a chainsaw in the past.
What Not to Like About It
The biggest issue with this model is that the oil may leak, especially if stored vertically. Therefore, you must remove the oil before storage to prevent leakage. You also need to tighten the chain frequently, but there isn’t a manual tightening feature.
Pros:
- Ideal for light-duty tasks
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable to handle
- Not as noisy as other models
Cons:
- Oil could leak
- No manual chain tightening
- Chain loosens quickly
4. Sun Joe SWJ599E Master Electric Handheld Chainsaw
The Sun Joe Electric Handheld Chainsaw is the perfect middle-ground for medium-sized properties. The 9 amp motor is useful for light, medium, and some heavy-duty projects. You’ll find it has plenty of the same features you’re bound to see with other electric chainsaws.
Sun Joe Chainsaw Highlights
This chainsaw is ideal for homeowners who don’t want a high-powered or low-powered saw. With 9 amps of power, you should be able to tackle an assortment of vegetation on your property. It’s most effective at cutting through branches and pruning limbs, though you can also use it for more delicate tasks. With the built-in safety switch, there’s no chance that the chainsaw will start accidentally.
Users will like the auto-oiling feature that lubricates the bar, so you don’t have to worry about it. Also, an oil window helps you keep an eye on when it’s time for a refill.
With the auto-oiler, you’ll never have to worry about stopping in the middle of a project. The tool will ensure the chain is lubricated correctly so you can take advantage of continuous cutting. You’ll find that this chainsaw can tackle 14-inch limbs with ease.
It’s just under eight pounds in terms of comfortable handling, which is perfect for lightweight use. It also features a push-to-start system, so you won’t have to worry about a ripcord. Learn how to start a chainsaw safely.
What to Like About It
One of the good thing about the Sun Joe Electric Chainsaw is that it’s easy to put together. You’ll find it feels more potent than expected, especially since it’s so lightweight (7.7 pounds) and comfortable to hold. If you’re working with smaller limbs, up to five inches, it cuts easily with little effort, and it isn’t as loud as gas chainsaws.
What Not to Like About It
Knowing how to wield this chainsaw is imperative since it can get out of hand if you cut too quickly. You might also find that the chain will get stuck on thicker limbs, so you must cut slowly. Another issue is that the chain tends to get loose faster than with other models.
Pros:
- Simple assembly
- More powerful than expected
- Lightweight and comfortable; 7.7 pounds
- Cuts limbs with little effort
- Low-noise operation
Cons:
- Can get stuck on thick limbs
- Chain loosens too frequently
- Needs to be used slowly
5. TACKLIFE Electric Chainsaw
The TACKLIFE Chainsaw ensures that you will be prepared for any job around your property. The powerful 15-amp motor offers impressive performance with high-end features that you’ll love using.
TACKLIFE Chainsaw Highlights
With this chainsaw, you’ll have a powerful tool with an incredible cutting efficiency designed explicitly for wood. The 15-amp motor is constructed using copper, helping reduce overheating from consistent cutting.
You can expect the chain to run at 13 meters per second, offering high torque cutting. With a low-recoil 18-inch Oregon chain, you’ll have a seamless cutting experience.
Homeowners will love that it feels like they’re using a professional chainsaw to get their projects done quickly. It’s straightforward to install on the bar, and you can replace the chain without the need for tools.
The entirely tool-free operation allows you to adjust the chainsaw as necessary. You won’t have to worry about over-tightening, and you can get to the perfect tension for every job.
There is also a transparent oil window that shows the remaining amount of lubrication in the unit.
Safety is one of the most notable features of the TACKLIFE Chainsaw. It has three safety switches and manual mechanical brakes for starting and stopping the chainsaw.
You will not be able to start the tool until you manually disengage the mechanical brake. Another advantage of this unit is that it has automatic lubrication. With auto-oiling, you can cut consistently without starting and stopping to protect your chain.
With that said, it’s recommended you use industrial lubricant before using it for the first time.
What to Like About It
The advantages of using the TACKLIFE Chainsaw are outstanding, whether you’re experienced or not. The chain is built using high-quality materials, allowing it to arrive extremely sharp.
All of your cuts will feel far more efficient, helping to cut back on your regular yard maintenance. You won’t have to worry about starting and stopping your project since it doesn’t appear to overheat with most vegetation.
When you hold the chainsaw, it feels balanced and is just as easy to wield as a lawn edger handle. You’ll appreciate all of the on-board safety features that help you to use and store it safely.
What Not to Like About It
The only issue with this chainsaw is that it will burn out if you misuse it. Also, you won’t want to try to cut through a 30″ tree with this tool; otherwise, you’ll burn the motor.
Pros:
- Very sharp and efficient
- Doesn’t need to start and stop
- Feels balanced
- High-quality chain
- Convenient safety features
Con:
- Can burn out with improper use
FAQs
Are electric chainsaws any good?
Electric chainsaws are booming in popularity and for a good reason. Not only do they eliminate emissions generally associated with gas-powered tools, but they’re also more comfortable to use.
In addition, unlike with gas-powered chainsaws, you can use electric chainsaws indoors, in a garage or shed.
Overall, these saws will be quieter, lighter, and vibrate less than gas models. They are often easier to use and maintain as well. An electric chainsaw won’t have the air pollutant emissions that gas-powered lawn and garden equipment do.
Most affordable electric chainsaws don’t have as much cutting power as gas ones. However, you’ll find that an electric chainsaw will be more than capable of dealing with regular tasks around your property. You will likely be able to prune, limb and buck trees.
Some of the more expensive units can also be used for professional landscaping. Their largest downfall is that you need to be connected to power the entire time, unlike gas-powered saws.
If you have a large property, you might have to buy more extended and expensive extension cords. It can also be one of many reasons to get a home generator. You can run a chainsaw with it away from your house and electricity sources.
What is the best size chainsaw for home use?
There isn’t a general chainsaw size useful for every home, as everyone has different needs. A general rule of thumb is to try to size the bar to be at least two inches larger than the debris. For example, if you have a 6-inch trunk, you’ll need an eight-inch bar at a minimum.
Are electric chainsaws as good as gas?
Electric chainsaws can be as good as gas but it depends on what you want to use it for. If you are felling wide trees, you may need a more powerful unit… this may mean a gas-powered chainsaw would be more robust.
Some electric chainsaws are formidable competitors for gas models, especially if you want a low-emissions tool. However, there is still a small gap to be bridged between the two, with gas-powered still being optimal.
If you’re working on heavy-duty projects, gas chainsaws feature more cutting power.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
Depending on the motor’s power, a 20-inch chainsaw can handle an 18″ tree. If you have a low-powered motor, around seven amps or less, cutting through an 18″ tree would be challenging.
Can electric chainsaw cut trees?
Electric chainsaws can undoubtedly cut through trees, especially some of the more high-powered models. Choosing a 15-amp chainsaw will give you more than enough cutting power to tackle thick branches and stumps.
For even larger trees, you’ll need to consider sizing up in motor power.
Best Electric Chainsaw
The TACKLIFE Electric Chainsaw is a well-rounded option as the best electric chainsaw for everyday use. With an 18-inch bar and a 15-amp motor, cutting through thick vegetation will be very efficient. It also features a copper motor to offer optimal longevity and reliability.
Remember, before you decide on one, be sure to consider your primary reason for wanting a chainsaw. What types of jobs do you want to use it for? Be sure the one you choose will meet this purpose and that it’s one you can safely handle.
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