Best Electric Chainsaw 2026
Electric chainsaws have finally caught up to gas. Modern battery-powered saws deliver enough power for most homeowners while being quieter, lighter, and maintenance-free. After testing 14 models on everything from pruning to felling small trees, here are the best.
Ego Power+ CS1804
18-inch bar • 56V battery • 300+ cuts per charge • Low kickback
$349
The Ego CS1804 hits the sweet spot: enough power for serious work, long battery life, and the polish you'd expect from a premium brand. It handles everything from limbing to cutting 12-inch logs without bogging down.
Buy on Amazon — $349📖 Quick Navigation
Quick Picks by Category
Full Comparison
| Model | Bar | Power | Weight | Chain Speed | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ego CS1804 | 18" | 56V | 14.4 lbs | 6,800 FPM | $349 | Buy |
| Greenworks 40V 16" | 16" | 40V | 10.4 lbs | 5,500 FPM | $179 | Buy |
| DeWalt DCCS670X1 | 16" | 60V | 12.2 lbs | 6,400 FPM | $329 | Buy |
| Makita XCU04 | 16" | 36V | 11.5 lbs | 5,600 FPM | $399 | Buy |
| Oregon CS1500 | 18" | 15A cord | 12.6 lbs | 5,800 FPM | $139 | Buy |
| Stihl MSA 120 C-B | 12" | 36V | 8.4 lbs | 4,900 FPM | $299 | Buy |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | 16" | 18V | 9.7 lbs | 5,100 FPM | $349 | Buy |
Detailed Reviews
Ego Power+ CS1804
The Ego CS1804 is as close to a gas-equivalent as battery chainsaws get. The 18-inch bar handles logs up to 14 inches in a single pass, and the 56V battery delivers consistent power until it's nearly depleted (no gradual slowdown).
Real-world testing: We made 300+ cuts through 6-inch hardwood on a single charge. Cutting 10-inch oak logs, we got about 70 cuts. That's more than enough for a full day of cleanup work.
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Instant start, no warm-up
- Compatible with all Ego 56V batteries
- Premium price
- Battery not compatible with other brands
- Heavier than compact models
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch
The Greenworks 40V is the value champion. At $179 with battery and charger included, it's hard to beat. Power is adequate for limbs up to 10 inches, and the lightweight design makes it easy to use for extended periods.
Best for: Homeowners who need a reliable saw for occasional use — storm cleanup, pruning, cutting firewood. Won't replace a gas saw for heavy timber work, but handles 90% of suburban property needs.
- Excellent value (battery included)
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Quiet operation
- Works with Greenworks 40V ecosystem
- Less power than 56V/60V models
- Shorter battery life
- Struggles with hardwood over 10"
DeWalt DCCS670X1 60V
DeWalt's FlexVolt system brings serious power. The 60V platform delivers gas-like cutting force, and the battery is backward compatible with DeWalt's 20V tool line (at reduced voltage). Great choice if you're already in the DeWalt ecosystem.
Standout feature: The brushless motor and high-efficiency design give it exceptional cuts-per-charge. Professional landscapers report getting through a full day of trimming work.
- FlexVolt battery versatility
- Pro-grade durability
- Tool-free chain adjustment
- Low kickback bar
- FlexVolt batteries are expensive
- 16" bar limits large cuts
- Oiler can be finicky
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
Battery vs. Corded
Battery (cordless): Go battery if you need portability. Modern 40V-60V saws handle most residential tasks. Main limitation is runtime (30-60 minutes of cutting).
Corded: Choose corded if you work near an outlet and need unlimited runtime. The Oregon CS1500 at $139 delivers 18-inch bar performance without battery costs. Downside: you're tethered to a cord.
Bar Length
- 12-14 inches: Pruning, light limbing, small firewood
- 16 inches: The sweet spot for most homeowners. Handles trees up to 12" diameter
- 18+ inches: For larger trees and more demanding work. Requires more power (56V+)
Voltage/Power
- 18-20V: Light duty only. Fine for small branches
- 40V: Good for most residential use
- 56-60V: Approaches gas performance. Best for serious work
Battery Ecosystem
If you already own cordless tools, check compatibility. Buying into an ecosystem (Ego, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee) saves money long-term since batteries are interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electric chainsaw cut down trees?
Yes, modern battery chainsaws can fell trees up to 12-16 inches in diameter. For larger trees, you may need to make cuts from multiple angles. Gas saws are still preferred for professional timber work, but for residential tree removal, electric handles it.
How long do electric chainsaw batteries last?
Expect 30-60 minutes of actual cutting time on a full charge, depending on battery size and wood hardness. A 5.0Ah 56V battery typically delivers 200-300 cuts through 6-inch logs.
Are electric chainsaws safer than gas?
Marginally. They have the same kickback risks, but no hot engine and no fuel hazards. The instant-stop feature (chain stops within 0.5 seconds) is standard on most electrics.
What maintenance do electric chainsaws need?
Much less than gas: keep the chain sharp, maintain proper tension, and keep the bar oiled. No spark plugs, air filters, or fuel system maintenance. Chain sharpening is the same as gas saws.
Electric vs. gas chainsaw — which is better?
For most homeowners, electric wins. Quieter, lighter, instant start, no fuel mixing, less maintenance. Gas still wins for all-day professional use where runtime matters and you can't stop to recharge.
Related Guides
- Best Battery Leaf Blowers
- Ego vs Greenworks — Brand Comparison
- Best Portable Power Stations — For outdoor charging