Looking for the Best Electric Chainsaw in 2023? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We have researched the best electric (battery-powered) chainsaws on the market, compared them all for Power, Durability, Price, and Performance, and then rated them accordingly.
While 5 of our Top rated electric chainsaws are cordless (battery-powered) chainsaws, our review also includes a 6th model – The Worx WG304.1 “Electric Chainsaw” – which is the best “corded” electric chainsaw, and we think a solid, affordable alternative to the battery-powered chainsaws featured here.
Are battery chainsaws any good? That would be a resounding yes! Battery-powered electric chainsaws are incredibly lightweight, portable, and surprisingly powerful tools for cutting firewood and removing unwanted trees from your property.
And, unlike their gas counterparts, battery chainsaws don’t require an extension cord, gas, oil, or spark plugs.
Keep reading to See the Best Chainsaw models and which fits your needs and budget the best.
Best Electric Chainsaw For 2023
Here are the Top Five Best Electric Chainsaws for Homeowners:
Editors Pick: EGO CS1604 – 56-volt Chainsaw
Thanks to its 56-volt battery pack, the EGO CS1604 chainsaw is our pick as the top electric chainsaw. And it’s not just because I own and use this EGO chainsaw.
Its battery size, performance, and power make it one of the best electric chainsaws on the market. For medium work that needs to be done quickly, the EGO CS1604 is a difficult option to beat.
Key features of this model:
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Battery: 56-volt lithium-ion
- Automatic lubrication system
- Tensioning knob
- Weight: 13.7 pounds
- Battery indicator light
Among available reviews of the EGO CS1604, it’s common to see users note the power and durable construction of this chainsaw. The CS1604 provides more than enough cutting power for midsize logs and trees.
This is partly thanks to the saw’s 16-inch bar, which is a good length for handling larger cuts than the typical battery-powered chainsaw is capable of.
The CS1604 is also nicely balanced, which helps offset its relatively high weight in the area of ergonomics and pushes it to the top of our best electric chainsaw for hardwood cutting.
While the balance helps, one criticism of this chainsaw is that its weight is above even some gas-powered models. However, this higher weight is unavoidable because of the large 56V battery pack.
If your goal is to find the best chain saw sale, the EGO electric chainsaw may not be your first choice. In fact, it is usually the most expensive electric chainsaw on our list
However, with the CS1604 EGO Chainsaw, you get what you pay for. The best lithium battery and warranty, with an optimum bar length, and a super helpful battery indicator.
The EGO is an excellent electric chainsaw and is our choice as the top of the battery-powered chainsaw category.
Runner Up: Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Although several great battery-powered chainsaws are on the market, some can be fairly expensive. In the best electric chainsaw for sale category, and If you’re looking for the best value for your money, we think the Greenworks 16-inch 40V cordless chainsaw is the best model to consider.
With its brushless electric motor and 40-volt battery pack, this chainsaw provides efficient power and reduced tool vibration compared with many other saws.
Key features of this model:
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Battery: 40-volt lithium-ion
- Automatic lubrication system
- Tensioning knob
- Up to 70 percent vibration reduction
- Weight: Much lighter weight at 10.4 pounds
People who have bought the Greenworks 16-inch 40V chainsaw often note both the battery life and the fast recharging capabilities of the model’s lithium-ion battery. Power is the major asset of this model, and users will have little difficulty tackling big projects with it.
This chainsaw is praised regularly for its quiet operation, resulting from its vibration-reducing design.
Like the DEWALT FLEXVOLT chainsaw, this Greenworks model has been noted to use an excessive amount of bar and chain oil. The tensioning mechanism has also received some criticism for its plastic parts.
Keep in mind this is a value chainsaw option and that not all parts should be expected to stand up to the quality of chainsaws that cost hundreds of dollars more, and Greenworks is considered a highly respected name in outdoor power tools.
Best Value: Black + Decker 40 Volt Chainsaw
Although the Black + Decker Electric Chainsaw is our Best Value, it is now “Cheap” in terms of quality. It is one of the very best-selling electric chainsaws on the market.
Key Features of this Model:
- Bar length: 12 “Oregon” brand – premium bar with Auto-Oiling System
- Battery: Powerful 40-volt Lithium-ion Battery
- The tool-free chain-tightening system
- Tensioning knob
- Full Wrap Handle for any handling position
- Lightweight: Only weighs 10.4 pounds
Reviewers of the Black + Decker chainsaw frequently comment on the saw’s long-running time, which can sometimes be enough for an hour of intermittent cutting.
According to tests performed by Black + Decker, this saw can perform up to 60 cuts through pine 4×4 timbers on a single battery charge, making it one of the most impressive battery chainsaws in terms of runtime.
Many people who have purchased this chainsaw find it sufficient for larger cutting jobs that normally require a gas saw. Owing to the longevity and brand loyalty of Black + Decker products, this Chainsaw is considered one of the best chainsaws for homeowner use.
Buyers also note that the saw uses quite a bit of bar and chain oil, and the automatic lubrication system cannot be adjusted to use less oil. As a result, it may be worth buying an extra oil bottle with this chainsaw to ensure it stays properly lubricated.
Best “Compact” Chainsaw: DeWalt 12″ – 20 Volt-DCCS620P1
Very few homeowners are unaware of the Quality and Reliability of the DeWalt brand. Many DIY folks already own DeWalt power tools such as drills, saws, or Trimmers. So the fact we found the DeWalt 20 Volt chainsaw lead the pack for the best small chainsaw – was no surprise.
Besides carrying the industry-leading battery storage (5.0 Ah capacity), DeWalt also offers a “Tool-free” chain adjustment and knob tightening bar, and probably most important is a “High-Efficiency Brushless Motor.”
Key Features of this Model:
- Low Kickback – 12 “Oregon” brand – premium bar with Auto-Oiling System
- Battery: Part of the DeWalt 20 Volt Lithium-Ion Battery system
- The tool-free chain-tightening system
- Tensioning knob
- Full Wrap Handle for any handling position
- Compact and Lightweight: Only weighs 8.8 pounds!
- Chain Speed – 25.2 ft. per second
The only drawbacks we would consider are the bar length of 12″, which is rated to cut logs up to 10″ in diameter. If you’re typically falling into huge trees, this chainsaw would be undersized. That said, a 12″ chainsaw would be sufficient for 90% of the lumber cut by typical homeowners. This chainsaw does not come with a case.
Besides that, this chainsaw receives excellent customer reviews, and for a good reason – it’s a DeWalt. If you already own other Dewalt tools that run on their 20 Volt battery system – this would be a great addition to your DeWalt tool lineup.
Best Budget Pick: BLACK+DECKER LCS1020
If you’re in the market for a budget chainsaw, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 is a model that delivers decent quality without breaking the bank. Equipped with a 10-inch bar and a 20-volt battery, this model is suitable for lighter household use, particularly cutting up smaller logs, branches, and trash trees, and gets our vote as the best light-duty chainsaw.
Key features of this model are:
- Bar length: 10 inches
- Battery: 20-volt lithium-ion
- Tensioning knob
- Manual lubrication system
- Weight: 7.2 pounds
It’s also the best chainsaw for Deer Hunters who want a lightweight chainsaw to haul into the woods and build their deer blind with.
People who have purchased the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 find it a good fit for light projects and often comment on its sturdy construction standards. Thanks to its lighter weight compared to many other battery chainsaws, the LCS1020 is easy for people who are less comfortable with heavy tools to use effectively.
Although it’s only run on a 20-volt battery, buyers find that this saw provides plenty of power for small jobs, though it stands up less well when used for larger projects.
The weak point of the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 seems to be its manual lubrication system, which some users have had difficulties with right out of the box.
Buyers recommend testing the system as soon as the saw arrives to ensure the unit you receive doesn’t have any defects that could cause problems later on.
It should be noted that this defect doesn’t seem to be especially common, and most of the reviews of the LCS1020 are overwhelmingly positive.
Best “Corded” Electric Chainsaw: WORX WG304.1
Although the units on our list have all been battery-powered, it’s important to remember that some electric chainsaws run on traditional Power Cords. Of this variety of chainsaws, the best model we’ve found is the WORX WG304.1.
With an 18-inch bar and no battery to drain, this model is large and powerful enough to tackle larger jobs.
Key features of this model are:
- Bar length: 18 inches
- Motor: 15.0 amps
- Automatic tensioning system
- Automatic lubrication system
Thanks to its reasonably powerful electric motor, the WORX WG304.1 is comparable to many gas chainsaws. Several buyers report quickly using this chainsaw to cut full-grown trees on their properties.
The saw’s construction is also popular, as it can take repeated usage without suffering undue wear and tear when used correctly.
Most buyers find the WG304.1 a good value, as it is reasonably priced and delivers excellent performance.
As good as the WORX WG304.1 seems to be in all other regards, it does come equipped with a chain that could be of a little higher quality. Quick chain wear is cited by some reviewers as the major downside of this saw, though others don’t seem to have had the same problem.
Since replacement chains can be a bit hard to find in stores, buying a backup chain with this saw may be worthwhile when you order it.
Tips on Using a Chainsaw:
New to Using a Chainsaw Or looking for Chainsaw Safety Tips? Check out this Helpful Chainsaw Safety Video from “This Old House”
Buyers Guide and FAQ – Electric Chainsaws:
Electric chainsaws aren’t something people buy often, but they are certainly handy around the house when you need them.
If you’re unsure how to choose a chainsaw, the best place to start is by figuring out what features and capabilities best suit your needs.
Here Are the Top Features To Consider – Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw:
Before we jump into our electric chainsaw ratings, let’s clarify whether electric chainsaws are any good. Many years ago, electric chainsaws, particularly those that run on batteries, were seen as low-powered and suitable only for light work. However, this is no longer the case thanks to improvements in technology and engineering.
While most Gas chainsaws remain more powerful overall, electric chainsaws now offer more than enough power to tackle medium-duty and even some heavy-duty cutting projects and cut with fantastic efficiency.
For most homeowners and non-professionals, electric chainsaws provide plenty of cutting power without the need for maintenance that comes with a gas-powered engine. So let’s find out who makes the Best Chainsaw on the Market.
What is the Best Type – Electrical Corded or Battery-Powered Chainsaw?
Both corded and battery-powered cordless chainsaws have their advantages, but the best chainsaw electrical power option for your needs will depend on how and where you expect to use your saw.
If you have a larger property and may need to go cut trees or brush more than a couple of hundred feet away from your house, a battery-powered model will be preferable.
If your property is smaller, a corded chainsaw can be more convenient, especially if there are large trees close to your house that may require cutting.
What is the Best Chainsaw Bar Length?
The longer the chainsaw bar is, the larger the piece of wood you can cut. For most homeowner needs, the 16″ Chainsaw bar is our best overall length.
Again, the length of the bar you’re using will depend heavily on what kind of trees you have on your property and what type of work you plan to do with it.
For more huge trees, an 18-inch bar will be more suitable. If your property only contains brush piles and small trees, a 10-inch bar may be sufficient for your needs and will typically provide a lighter-weight tool for long-term use.
How Do Lubrication and Tensioning Systems work on Chainsaws?
All chainsaws require tension and oil on their bars to operate properly. For this reason, the tensioning and lubrication systems that your chainsaw is equipped with will considerably impact your user experience.
As you can tell from the list above, most chainsaws today have automatic lubrication systems and simple tensioning knobs that can be adjusted without using tools.
Always be sure that you check the specifications on any unit you’re looking at since some models still include older manual systems.
For example, the WORX Brand and BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 featured above require manual lubrication.
Though there’s nothing wrong with manual systems, you must keep more things in mind while using your chainsaw. If you prefer greater convenience and passive use, stick to automatic lubrication systems and tool-free tension adjustment knobs.
What Is The Best Weight For a Chainsaw?
Regardless of which electric chain saw you pick, your model must have a comfortable weight. If you choose a saw that’s too heavy, you’ll find it challenging to hold for extended use and hard to maneuver, especially if you have a good amount of cutting.
For instance, the EGO Chainsaw weighs over 13 lbs. The Greenworks Model is around 10 lbs. The Black & Decker is very lightweight at just over 7 lbs.
Most buyers won’t have too much of a problem with weight, but if you have trouble controlling heavy tools over time or are a buyer for whom too much weight could be an issue, it may be better to stick to lighter models.
How Do You Sharpen Chainsaw Blade?
The fastest way to sharpen chainsaw blades is to buy either an electric chainsaw blade sharpener – or one of the more inexpensive manual chainsaw blade filing kits. You can check out the ten best chainsaw sharpeners here.
Conclusion
For lightweight chores around the house, like cutting up firewood, having a chainsaw around is extremely convenient. As mentioned above, we found the EGO CS1604 to be the best electric-powered chainsaw option because of its ideal 16″ bar and longer-lasting high-performance power.
By comparing the models listed above, we hope we’ve helped you consider their best features and make an informed buying decision. Based on your budget and the property size, you should now be able to pick the right chainsaw for your needs.
Thanks for visiting BestHomeGear.Com, and Good Luck with Your Chainsaw Selection!
Additional Reference & Resources:
- How To Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade Manually – HomeDepot.com
- The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
- Safety Tips On How To Operate A Chainsaw – Wikihow.com
- How to Cut and Remove a Tree Stump with a Chainsaw – Besthomegear.com
