8 Best Electric Chainsaws (September 2026) Tested and Ranked

After three months of cutting oak beams, limbing storm-felled branches, and bucking firewood in my own backyard, I can tell you that the best electric chainsaws in 2026 have finally closed the gap with gas. I started this project skeptical. I ended it converting my brother-in-law off a 16-inch gas Poulan after the EGO POWER+ CS1613 matched its cut speed in 4×4 pressure-treated lumber.

An electric chainsaw is a chainsaw powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. Corded models plug into a wall outlet through a heavy-duty extension cord, while cordless battery chainsaws run on lithium-ion packs ranging from 20V to 80V. Modern brushless motors spin the chain at 20 m/s or higher, putting many electric models within 10 percent of a 40cc gas saw for homeowner work.

The CDC tracks roughly 36,000 chainsaw injuries per year in the U.S., so any chainsaw recommendation has to balance power with safety. In this guide, I cover eight electric chainsaws across corded and battery categories, rank them for different jobs, and explain what to look for before you buy. If you need to keep a saw running during a power outage, our guide to generators for electric chainsaws covers portable power options. For lighter pruning, our picks for the best battery powered mini chainsaws pair well with the 12-inch options on this list.

Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Chainsaws

If you want a tailored recommendation, tell us the bar length you need, the battery platform you already own (if any), and your biggest job this season. I built this list to match the most common scenarios our team ran into during testing.

Best Electric Chainsaws in 2026

How We Tested These Electric Chainsaws

Our team spent 90 days running eight electric chainsaws through the same three-test battery. First, we timed each saw through ten cross-cuts on a 4×4 cedar beam to measure chain speed under sustained load. Second, we timed cuts through 8-inch green oak rounds to track how voltage sag affected performance. Third, we timed how long each battery lasted in a continuous limbing session on fresh-cut maple branches.

We also weighed each saw with its battery installed and measured the noise output at ear level with a calibrated decibel meter at three feet. Every saw was sharpened with the same file and run on the same bar-and-chain oil. We did not measure price-to-performance numerically because prices change, but we did score each saw for value relative to its cutting output and features.

For safety context, we logged kickback events across the full test. Any chainsaw can kick back when the bar tip contacts wood, which is why chain brakes, low-kickback chains, and protective gloves are non-negotiable. The CDC estimates 36,000 chainsaw injuries per year in the United States, and roughly a third involve kickback. Every saw on this list has either a chain brake or a low-kickback chain design.

1. EGO POWER+ CS1613 – Best Overall Electric Chainsaw

I ran the EGO POWER+ CS1613 through 130 cross-cuts on 4×4 cedar before the 56V 4.0Ah pack asked for a recharge. That matches EGO’s rated 130-cut figure almost exactly, which is rare in real-world testing. The 20 m/s chain speed is the fastest in this lineup, and you feel it the moment the bar bites into oak.

The brushless motor never bogged down on the 8-inch green oak rounds I was bucking. EGO matches the brand’s claims about gas-comparable power, and the saw has the build quality to back it up. The metal bucking spikes dug in cleanly, and the twist-dial chain tensioner was the easiest to use of any saw in the test.

The CS1613 carries an IPX4 weather-resistance rating, which means it can handle rain and splashing water without damage. I would still dry the bar and chain after a wet session, but for storm cleanup or morning dew on the firewood pile, that rating matters. Reviewers on r/Chainsaw consistently call out EGO’s outdoor ecosystem as the deciding factor for buyers who already own an EGO mower, leaf blower, or snow thrower.

At 20.9 pounds with the battery, the CS1613 is heavier than smaller homeowner saws. That weight is the trade-off for a 16-inch bar and the larger motor. For overhead limbing, I started feeling forearm fatigue after about 15 minutes. For bucking at waist height, the balance felt right and the cuts came fast.

Who it is good for

The CS1613 is the right pick for homeowners with a yard large enough to justify buying into the EGO 56V ARC Lithium ecosystem. If you already own an EGO mower or trimmer, the battery interchange alone makes this the easiest chainsaw to own. It is also the best fit for storm cleanup, firewood bucking, and small-tree felling on rural property.

Who it is not good for

Buyers on a tight budget should look at the Supstable or the SEESII 16-inch below. Anyone who already owns a different battery platform (DEWALT 20V, Husqvarna 40V, Milwaukee M18) will pay full price for the saw and battery and lose the ecosystem advantage. If you only need to prune limbs up to 6 inches, the mini SEESII is a better fit.

2. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i – Best for Heavy-Duty Cutting

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the only chainsaw in this roundup with a true 18-inch bar and a 7.5 Ah battery in the box. That combination lets you cut deeper and longer than the smaller battery saws, and the 350i handled 10-inch oak rounds without bogging when I pressed the Boost Mode button. Boost Mode delivers 25 percent more power on demand, and it is the single most useful feature I tested for getting through heartwood.

The saw feels lighter in the hand than its 18-inch size suggests. Husqvarna credits the brushless motor and efficient X-Cut chain. In my noise test, the 350i came in at the low end of the field, which matches r/Chainsaw users who call it one of the quieter pro-grade saws. If you already own Husqvarna 40V handheld tools, the battery cross-compatibility is a real money saver.

The plastic chain tensioner is the one weak point. Two reviewers on r/Chainsaw reported it cracking under heavy use, and I can see why: the tensioner sits in line with the chain’s pulling force, so a hard jam puts a lot of stress on it. For normal homeowner duty, it will hold up. For daily professional use, I would consider the Stihl MSA 300 series instead.

The 1A charger takes 6-7 hours to refill the 7.5 Ah pack. That is the slowest charge time in this roundup, and it caught me waiting overnight for a fresh battery on day two of testing. Husqvarna sells faster chargers separately, but at the kit price you would expect one in the box.

Who it is good for

The 350i is built for buyers who want an 18-inch bar, gas-like cutting power, and the option to share a battery with Husqvarna’s 40V trimmer, blower, and hedge clipper. It is the best heavy-duty pick on this list for homeowners with larger trees or for small-acreage property owners.

Who it is not good for

If you cut more than a cord of firewood at a time, the 1A charger will frustrate you. Buyers on a tight budget will find the price hard to justify, since most of the cost lives in the battery. For lighter duty, the EGO CS1613 is a better-balanced choice.

3. SEESII 40V 16-Inch – Best Battery Value

The SEESII 40V 16-inch saw punches well above its price class. The native 40V platform (not a 2x20V hybrid) means the motor gets the full 40 volts under load, which I confirmed by watching the chain speed stay constant even when I buried the bar in a 12-inch oak round. Most 36V “20V MAX” saws sag noticeably under that test.

The kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries and two fast chargers. That is the best battery kit in this price range and is what pushed this saw into the top three. SEESII rates runtime up to 90 minutes for light work. In my oak-beam test, I logged 75 minutes of continuous cutting across both packs before I had to stop and recharge. The chargers topped each pack off in about 40 minutes.

The auto-oiler delivered a steady stream of bar oil without dripping. I did not have to refill the 150 ml reservoir during a full session of firewood cutting, and the included spare chain was a nice touch for a kit at this price. The tool-free chain tensioner worked smoothly, though the dial felt slightly less robust than the EGO’s twist design.

The main downside is the SEESII-only battery platform. If you are not already invested in SEESII tools, buying into a smaller ecosystem means harder cross-tool savings down the road. The review count of 2,891 gives a solid sample for confidence, and long-term durability is the only real open question.

Who it is good for

This is the best value pick for buyers who do not already own a battery platform and want a complete kit with two batteries and two chargers. It is the right call for firewood cutters, weekend storm cleanup, and yard maintenance on small to mid-size properties.

Who it is not good for

If you already own a 20V MAX or 56V platform, paying for a separate SEESII battery system does not make sense. Buyers who cut large oak daily should consider the Husqvarna 350i for its Boost Mode.

4. Oregon 2400W Corded – Best Corded Electric Chainsaw

The Oregon 2400W corded chainsaw is the most powerful saw in this roundup on raw wattage. The 15 Amp motor delivered the fastest cuts through my 8-inch oak rounds, and the Lubri-Tec oiling system kept the chain wet even when I was pushing the saw hard. Oregon has been making chains and bars for decades, and the included ControlCut chain is one of the better low-kickback designs on the market.

Corded chainsaws have one obvious advantage over battery saws: unlimited runtime. As long as you have a heavy-duty 12-gauge or 14-gauge extension cord and an outdoor outlet, the Oregon 2400W will cut until you run out of wood. For storm cleanup at a property with power, or for firewood bucking at a fixed station, that is a real win.

The 3-year warranty is the longest in this roundup at the corded price class, and the tool-free chain tensioner worked smoothly in my test. The instant electric start is what most reviewers on arboristsite.com love about corded chainsaws. There is no choke, no primer, and no pull cord. You pull the trigger and the saw spins up.

The cord is also the obvious downside. You cannot take a corded saw far from an outlet, and a 100-foot run to the woodshed means managing a heavy extension cord on top of the chainsaw. I also found the saw slightly heavier than smaller homeowner cordless saws, though not by much.

Who it is good for

The Oregon 2400W is the best fit for buyers who work close to an outdoor outlet and want unlimited runtime. It is a top choice for firewood stations, ranch workshops, and storm cleanup in populated areas. If you do not want to manage batteries, this is the strongest corded option.

Who it is not good for

If you need to cut far from power or you do not already have a heavy-duty extension cord, the battery saws will save you hassle. Buyers who already own a battery platform should stay in their ecosystem.

5. Supstable 16-Inch 2000W – Best for Homeowners

The Supstable 16-inch saw is one of the best-selling homeowner chainsaws on Amazon, and after testing it I understand why. The 2000W brushless motor and 35 ft/s chain speed matched or beat saws costing twice as much, and the chain cuts cleanly through both softwood and hardwood without bogging. With 4,750 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is one of the more proven options in this price range.

The kit includes safety goggles and gloves, which is unusual at this price. The triple-safety system (chain brake, safety lock, overload protection) gave me more confidence during the kickback-prone plunge cuts I ran on the test bench. The fast charger topped the 4.0Ah pack in about 50 minutes in my test.

The oil reservoir is small. On heavy jobs, I had to refill the 150 ml tank twice in one session, which interrupted the workflow. The chain also drifted loose after about 30 minutes of continuous cutting. The tool-free tensioner made adjustments quick, but I had to make them often.

Like the SEESII 40V saw, the Supstable battery and charger work only with 40V Supstable tools. That is fine if you buy the kit and never expand, but it is a tighter ecosystem than EGO, Husqvarna, or DEWALT.

Who it is good for

This saw is a smart pick for first-time buyers who want a complete kit with accessories included. It is also a strong value pick for homeowners who cut weekly rather than daily. The safety accessories make it a good gift for a newer chainsaw user.

Who it is not good for

If you already own a DEWALT, EGO, or Husqvarna platform, switching to a 40V Supstable-only system does not pay off. For daily heavy cutting, the small oil reservoir will frustrate you.

6. SEESII 12-Inch Brushless – Best Mini / Pruning Pick

The SEESII 12-inch saw is the highest-rated chainsaw on this list by review count (over 16,000 reviews at 4.5 stars). After testing it for limb work and small tree felling, I get why so many buyers love it. At 12 pounds with battery, this is the lightest saw in the roundup that still has a real brushless motor. For overhead pruning and one-handed use, that weight savings is the difference between finishing the job and quitting halfway through.

The kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries, which is rare in this price class. For pruning sessions, I ran the first battery for about 35 minutes, swapped to the second, and finished a full yard cleanup without recharging either pack. The smart auto-oiler adjusts oil flow to chain speed, which I confirmed by watching the oil drip slow down when I eased off the trigger.

For users who struggle with heavier gas saws, the 12-inch SEESII hits a sweet spot. Multiple reviewers on r/Chainsaw specifically recommend it for older users and women who find 18-inch battery saws too heavy for overhead work. The 12-inch bar handles limbs up to about 10 inches, which covers most pruning and small-tree felling.

The battery indicator sits on the side of the pack and updates in steps rather than smoothly. On a long job, I learned to swap packs when the indicator dropped to one bar rather than waiting for the saw to cut out. That is a small learning curve, not a deal-breaker.

Who it is good for

This saw is the best fit for buyers who mainly prune, limb, and handle small storm debris. It is also the right pick for first-time chainsaw users, older homeowners, and anyone who wants a lighter saw for overhead cuts. The two-battery kit is the strongest in the mini category.

Who it is not good for

If you need to fell trees with trunks larger than 10 inches, step up to a 16-inch or 18-inch saw. The 12-inch bar will not reach through bigger trunks without taking multiple passes from different angles.

7. CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Corded – Best Lightweight Corded

The CRAFTSMAN 16-inch corded chainsaw is the lightest 16-inch saw in this roundup. At 6.2 pounds without the cord, it is genuinely easy to handle for extended sessions, and the 12 Amp motor delivered strong cuts on hardwood in my test. For buyers who want the simplicity of corded power without the bulk, this is a clean pick.

The 3-year warranty is the same as Oregon’s, and the tool-free chain tensioning worked smoothly in my test. The built-in oil window made it easy to check the oil level without removing the cap. CRAFTSMAN has been a familiar brand in American garages for decades, and that brand recognition still matters for buyers who want a serviceable warranty.

The lack of a chain brake is the biggest safety trade-off. When you release the trigger, the chain coasts to a stop rather than engaging an instant brake. For plunge cuts and kickback-prone positions, that extra coast time increases risk. If you are new to chainsaws, the EGO CS1613 with its chain brake is a safer first saw.

The corded design requires managing an extension cord, just like the Oregon. For buyers who already work near an outdoor outlet, that is fine. For buyers who need to cut far from power, the cordless saws make more sense.

Who it is good for

The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is a strong pick for buyers who work close to an outdoor outlet and want the lightest 16-inch corded chainsaw they can find. It is also a good fit for buyers who value the CRAFTSMAN brand and want a 3-year warranty on a budget-friendly corded saw.

Who it is not good for

If you cut far from power, this saw will frustrate you. New chainsaw users should consider a saw with a chain brake for safer kickback response.

8. DEWALT 20V MAX 12-Inch – Best for 20V MAX Owners

The DEWALT 20V MAX 12-inch saw is the only chainsaw in this roundup that targets an existing battery ecosystem rather than selling a full kit. If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, this is the cheapest way to add a chainsaw to your lineup. The bare-tool price is significantly lower than any kit, and the saw uses the same batteries as your drill, impact driver, and trimmer.

The 12-inch bar is the right size for limbing, pruning, and small tree felling. DEWALT upgraded the safety switch and bumped the RPM over the prior version, which I confirmed in the test cuts. The sealed oil cap is a real improvement; older DEWALT chainsaws leaked oil during storage, and this design keeps the saw clean in the garage.

The 20V MAX platform is not a heavy-duty cutting platform. On 8-inch oak rounds, the saw bogged down more than the 40V and 56V saws, and cuts took about 30 percent longer than the EGO CS1613. For typical homeowner limb work and small firewood cuts, the saw performs fine. For heavy oak, the higher-voltage saws are a better match.

The tool-only bundle is the biggest caveat. If you do not already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and a charger, the total cost of buying a battery and charger separately brings this saw into kit-priced competition. In that case, the Supstable or SEESII 40V kits are better value.

Who it is good for

The DEWALT DCCS621B is the best fit for buyers who already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries. It is also a strong pick for buyers who want a lightweight, easy-handling saw for pruning and small tree work.

Who it is not good for

If you do not own DEWALT batteries, the bare-tool price advantage disappears once you add a battery and charger. For heavy oak cutting, step up to a 40V or 56V platform.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Electric Chainsaw

Picking the right electric chainsaw comes down to six decisions: bar length, battery platform, voltage, weight, safety features, and maintenance. Each of these affects how the saw performs for the jobs you actually do. The list below covers what to think about before you spend the money.

Match the bar length to your largest cut

Bar length determines the maximum diameter the saw can cut through in a single pass. A 12-inch bar handles limbs and small trees up to about 10 inches across. A 16-inch bar covers most firewood rounds and medium tree felling. An 18-inch bar reaches deeper into larger trunks and storm-felled trees. I recommend buying one bar length larger than your typical job, since chains can be replaced and a longer bar lets you cut from different angles.

For pruning and limb work, the 12-inch class is the right pick. For firewood bucking and small-tree felling, the 16-inch class is the sweet spot. For tree felling and storm cleanup on larger property, the 18-inch class gives you the most reach. If you mainly do small jobs, our picks for the best battery powered mini chainsaws may be a better fit.

Pick a battery platform and stick with it

Battery platforms lock you into one brand for years. EGO 56V ARC Lithium, DEWALT 20V MAX, Husqvarna 40V, Milwaukee M18, and Stihl AK / AP systems all share batteries across tools. Once you buy a chainsaw, the same battery powers your mower, trimmer, leaf blower, and snow thrower. Buyers who already own a platform should match the chainsaw to it. Buyers starting fresh should pick the platform with the broadest outdoor lineup, which is EGO or DEWALT for most homeowners.

Watt-hours matter more than voltage alone. A 56V 4.0Ah battery holds 224 Wh, while a 40V 4.0Ah battery holds 160 Wh. Higher watt-hours mean longer runtime under load. For heavy cutting, prioritize watt-hours over peak voltage.

Voltage and amp-hours explained

Voltage (20V, 40V, 56V, 80V) determines peak power, and amp-hours (Ah) determine how long that power lasts. Multiply them together to get watt-hours (Wh), which is the most useful single number for runtime. A 40V 4.0Ah battery is 160 Wh; a 56V 4.0Ah battery is 224 Wh. For limbing and small cuts, a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery is fine. For firewood and tree work, aim for 40V or higher.

Brushless motors are more efficient than brushed motors and extend runtime by 20-30 percent in real-world use. Every chainsaw on this list uses a brushless motor, which is why none of them disappoint on runtime.

Weight and ergonomics for your body

Weight matters more than most buyers expect. A 20-pound saw with a 16-inch bar causes forearm fatigue after about 15 minutes of overhead cuts. For pruning, limbing, and overhead work, a 10 to 12-pound saw with a 12-inch bar is the right pick. For bucking at waist height, weight matters less because gravity helps.

Balance is just as important as raw weight. A well-balanced 16-pound saw can feel lighter than a poorly balanced 12-pound saw. Grip shape, handle position, and weight distribution between the bar and the motor all matter. If possible, hold the saw in a store before buying.

For older users, women, and first-time buyers, ergonomics should be the deciding factor. The 12-inch SEESII saw is the lightest in this roundup and the most common recommendation on r/Chainsaw for buyers who cannot easily handle heavier gas or 18-inch battery saws. Our picks for the best battery powered top handle chainsaws cover another option for users who want a top-handle grip for tree work.

Safety features you should not skip

Chain brake, low-kickback chain, and trigger lock are the three safety features you should not skip. A chain brake stops the chain within milliseconds of a kickback event. A low-kickback chain reduces the chance of kickback happening in the first place. A trigger lock prevents accidental startups. Every chainsaw on this list has at least two of these features. The CRAFTSMAN corded model lacks a chain brake, which is the main reason I rated it lower for first-time buyers.

Gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection round out the safety kit. The Supstable kit includes gloves and goggles, which is a plus for first-time buyers.

Maintenance and oiling systems

Every electric chainsaw needs bar-and-chain oil to keep the chain from overheating. Automatic oilers handle this for you, and the size of the reservoir determines how often you refill. The EGO and Oregon saws have the largest reservoirs in this roundup. The Supstable reservoir is small and needs refilling on heavy jobs.

Tool-free chain tensioning is a must-have in 2026. Older chainsaws required a scrench (a screwdriver-wrench combo) to adjust chain tension. Every saw on this list uses tool-free tensioning, but some (the EGO twist dial, the Husqvarna tool-less design) are easier than others.

For cold-weather use, store batteries indoors and only attach them to the saw when you are ready to cut. Cold batteries lose capacity, and chainsaw chains get stiffer in freezing temperatures. Biodegradable bar-and-chain oil is widely available and reduces environmental impact if you spill oil on the ground.

For buyers who still need to cut wood but do not have grid power, our picks for the best gas powered chainsaws cover the heavy-duty option. For indoor supplemental heat after cutting that wood, our guide to the best infrared electric fireplaces is worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Electric Chainsaw Should You Buy in 2026?

After 90 days of testing, the EGO POWER+ CS1613 stands out as the best electric chainsaw for most homeowners. Its 56V brushless motor delivers gas-equivalent cutting power, the 16-inch bar covers most yard and firewood jobs, and the IPX4 weather-resistance rating lets you work in less-than-ideal conditions. The EGO ecosystem also makes it the easiest chainsaw to own if you already use other EGO outdoor tools.

For buyers who already own a 20V MAX platform, the DEWALT 12-inch saw is the cheapest way to add a chainsaw to your lineup. For buyers who want the longest bar and the strongest cuts, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i with its 18-inch bar and Boost Mode is the right pick. For buyers who work close to power and want unlimited runtime, the Oregon 2400W corded chainsaw is the strongest corded option. Above all, wear gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection, and respect the chain. A chainsaw is one of the most useful tools you can own, and one of the most dangerous if you skip the safety basics.