Best electric chainsaw

Cut through tough lawn care jobs with an electric chainsaw.

electric chainsaw
(Image credit: Greenworks)

Traditional handsaws are so much weaker than electric chainsaws. Instead of working harder, work smarter by upgrading this amazing tool. The electric versions are better for the environment, only require a power outlet to charge them, and prevent the need for storing gasoline. Selecting a model can be difficult, and it truly depends on what sort of work you're tackling. However, we think we can help with our collection of the best electric chainsaws.

Best overall

DEWALT MAX XR chainsaw

(Image credit: Amazon)

DEWALT MAX XR chainsaw

Performs up to 90 cuts per charge

This heavy-duty chainsaw gets a lot of work done in between charges Its handle design allows for comfort and precision in each cut.

Pros:

  • Only 9 pounds
  • Tool-free tensioner
  • Low kickback won't tire you out

Cons:

  • Battery and charger not included
  • Difficult to oil

While it's hard to consider any chainsaw as "compact," this model only weighs 9 pounds. It's easy to maneuver around your construction projects or landscaping due to the ergonomic handle. While this model doesn't come with a battery or charger, we think allowing you to select how much juice you'll need is a good option. The battery size also decides how much weight you'll add to the machine. However, do watch out for the oil trails it may leave behind.

Best value

Oregon self-sharpening electric chainsaw

(Image credit: Oregon Products)

Oregon self-sharpening electric chainsaw

Less chain swap-outs required

The Oregon electric chainsaw is perfect for tackling smaller jobs around your yard. This corded machine is super easy to maintain.

Pros:

  • Corded power
  • Auto oiling
  • Instant start

Cons:

  • Chain may slip
  • Complex maintenance

When you feel the chain has lost its edge, you can sharpen it on the machine in just a few seconds. The chain's tension can also be adjusted without the need for tools, and it has auto oiling, too. It's easy to get going with its instant start and is surprisingly low on the noise scale.

Best cordless

electric chainsaw

(Image credit: Greenworks Tools)

Greenworks cordless chainsaw

Part of a family of tools

Pick up this cordless chainsaw by Greenworks that includes a battery and charger. It easily handles up to 65 cuts per charge.

Pros:

  • Large handle
  • Handguard to prevent accidents
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Slow cutting
  • Chain may slip

The family of Greenworks tools is incredibly large, and lots of the battery packs are interchangeable for your convenience. While it doesn't use gas, it still needs oil. You'll always know when the oil is getting low thanks to the transparent container. This model weighs only 6 pounds, so your arms won't tire as quickly as with traditional gas models. The low weight does come with a drawback, though: it cuts a bit slowly. 

Best corded

Greenworks 14in corded chainsaw

(Image credit: Greenworks)

Greenworks corded chainsaw

Offers a comfortable grip

Plugging in their Greenworks chainsaw means you don't have to stop and recharge. Just keep working until the job is done.

Pros:

  • Oil window
  • Angled handle
  • Battery-free

Cons:

  • Over oils
  • Chain doesn't keep tension

The long cord lets you move about the yard and reach pretty far. There's a safety lock near the start button to prevent accidents, but once engaged, it will start instantly. This model will also auto-oil the chain, which can be adjusted without tools, though it still tends to use a bit more oil than needed. The angled handle gives you more control and a comfortable grip on the machine as you work.

Best handheld

Wiscky mini chainsaw

(Image credit: Wiscky)

Wiscky mini chainsaw

Single-hand cutting power

You can operate the Wiscky chainsaw with one hand while stabilizing thin branches or palm fronds with your other. 

Pros:

  • Two batteries included
  • Very light
  • Eco-friendly

Cons:

  • May get hot with use
  • Short battery life

This mini chainsaw has a built-in battery indicator so you know when it's time to swap it out or charge it up. Two batteries are included as well as a charger, so there isn't a lot of downtime while you work. The batteries don't hold a long charge, which is okay since this machine isn't designed to tackle large jobs. it does tend to get a little hot during use.

A tough cut

It's time to pick which electric chainsaw will be conquering yard work and small projects for you. For most people, we think the DEWALT MAX XR chainsaw is a great option. It's quite powerful considering it doesn't run on gasoline, and the amount of cutting you can accomplish per charge is impressive. The kickback isn't too rough on your arms, either.

Our second pick is in a league of its own. The Wiscky mini chainsaw can get into all those small spots you'd normally have to reach with a manual tool. It weighs less than 4 pounds and is designed to be controlled with one hand. We were also surprised that it has a battery indicator built-in and comes with two batteries to make tasks more convenient. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

About the author: Nicole Cozma

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.