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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You have a pile of fallen branches or a tangle of overgrown brush, and you are standing there deciding between a gas saw that always needs a tune-up or a manual tool that leaves your arms sore.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are clearing storm debris or pruning a stubborn limb, the right electric chainsaw saves you time and saves your shoulders, giving you the power of a gas saw without the fumes or the fuss of a carburetor.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Electric Chainsaw
Picking the right electric chainsaw is about matching the power source and bar length to the work you actually do. Here are the three factors that matter most.
Corded vs Cordless Power
A corded chainsaw gives you unlimited runtime — you never stop because a battery died. The trade-off is that you are tied to an outlet and need a heavy-duty extension cord (typically a #10 gauge — a thick wire size — for long reaches). A cordless chainsaw runs on a battery you already own from a tool platform like Dewalt or Makita. You get total freedom of movement, but you have to plan around battery charge.
Bar Length and What It Can Cut
Bar length determines the maximum thickness of wood the saw can handle in one pass. A 6-inch bar is ideal for one-handed pruning of small branches. A 14-inch or 16-inch bar is what you want for cutting logs, storm cleanup, and felling medium trees. A general rule: the bar should be at least two inches longer than the wood you plan to cut.
Chain Speed and Motor Type
A brushless motor (a more efficient design that uses electronics instead of carbon brushes) gives you more torque per charge and a longer motor life. Chain speed, measured in feet per second, tells you how fast the chain moves around the bar — faster speeds mean smoother cuts through clean wood. An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated during use, which reduces heat and wear.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Power Source | Item Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita UC4051A★ Best Overall | Heavy-Duty Corded Cutting | 16 Inches | Corded Electric | 14 Pounds | Amazon |
| DEJUNPIOOL Mini 6+8″Smart Value | Light Pruning / Dewalt Users | 6 & 8 Inches | Battery (Dewalt 20V) | 2.7 Pounds | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER CS1216Budget Champ | Budget Corded Versatility | 16 Inches | Corded Electric | 10 Pounds | Amazon |
| Dewalt DCCS623B | Compact Pruning for Dewalt Owners | 8 Inches | Battery (Dewalt 20V) | 4.6 Pounds | Amazon |
| Greenworks CS40L2511 | Entry-Level Battery with Battery Included | 14 Inches | Battery (40V 2.5Ah) | 7.6 Pounds | Amazon |
| Dewalt DCCS621B | Mid-Size Cutting / Long Runtime | 12 Inches | Battery (Dewalt 20V) | 10 Pounds | Amazon |
| Skil PWR CORE 40 | Fast Charging / 40V Power | 14 Inches | Battery (40V 2.5Ah) | 11.5 Pounds | Amazon |
| Makita XCU14Z | One-Handed Makita Pruning | 6 Inches | Battery (18V LXT) | — | Amazon |
| EGO POWER+ CS1611 | Gas-Replacement / High Performance | 16 Inches | Battery (56V 2.5Ah) | 9 Pounds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Makita UC4051A 16-inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The corded powerhouse that replaces a gas saw without the fuss of gas.
This 16-inch Makita delivers a 14.5A motor that buyers call “really powerful,” making light work of yard cleanup and felling tasks. The tool-less (no extra wrench needed) blade and chain adjustments mean you can swap or tighten the chain in seconds. A soft start (a feature that gradually ramps up the motor speed) prevents the jolt you get from an instant start-up, and the built-in current limiter protects the motor from burnout when you push it hard.
The large oil reservoir with a view window lets you check the bar oil (the lubricant for the chain) at a glance. One thing to know: this saw demands a heavy-duty #10 gauge extension cord (a thick wire), even at 150 feet, with no power loss. At 14 pounds, it is the heaviest pick here, but that weight translates into a solid, durable feel that inspires confidence. Buyers report that the build quality is high enough to replace a gas saw permanently.
What wins people over is the raw quality and performance — quality gets the most praise by far. The saw starts every time and shuts off if overloaded, which protects both you and the tool.
The Power Edge
- 14.5A motor is gas-level strong
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Soft start and current limiter
- Visible oil reservoir
The Trade-offs
- Requires heavy-duty #10 gauge extension cord
- Heaviest model at 14 pounds
Your best bet for heavy work: This saw lives for tough, all-day jobs near an outlet. It is the most capable corded option on this list.
Who might want to pass: If you need to roam far from power or prefer a lighter one-handed tool, a cordless model will suit you better.
2. DEJUNPIOOL Cordless Mini Chainsaw (6+8 Inch) for Dewalt Batteries
A tiny ripper that runs on the Dewalt battery you already have in your garage.
It comes with both a 6-inch guide bar and an 8-inch guide bar plus four total chains, so you can match the bar length to the task. The brushless motor (no carbon brushes needed, so it runs cooler and lasts longer) delivers a no-load chain speed of 36 ft/s (feet per second) for smooth, fast cuts.
You pull this tool out for smaller pruning jobs, cutting logs for a campfire, or cleaning up after a storm. It is compatible with a wide range of Dewalt 20V MAX batteries (the tool only — no battery is included), and it even has a battery level indicator right on the machine so you know how much juice is left. The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated as you work, and the safety lock button (you press it alongside the trigger) prevents accidental starts. As buyers put it, this “works great for smaller pruning and tree removal.”
The most-discussed feature is performance — and it lives up to the hype. It cuts four 8-inch branches into fireplace logs on a single battery, which is impressive for a tool this light.
Why It Wins
- Ultra-light at 2.7 lbs for one-handed use
- Comes with 2 bars and 4 chains
- Brushless motor with 36 ft/s chain speed
Consider This
- No battery or charger included
- Oil runs out quickly during heavy use
Perfect for: Homeowners already on the Dewalt 20V platform who need a light, agile saw for branches and small logs.
Not for: Large felling jobs or anyone without a spare Dewalt battery ready to go.
3. BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16-inch Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
A 16-inch bar on a budget that cuts through logs a full day without recharging.
This corded saw plugs in and runs as long as you do, making it ideal for big jobs where a battery would quit halfway. The 12-amp motor is strong enough to cut through 14-inch diameter cedar trees without bogging down, according to owners. The low-kickback bar and chain (designed to reduce the chance of the saw jerking back toward you) helps you work from any angle. Assembly is tool-free, so you tighten the chain by hand and start cutting.
The automatic oiling system feeds lubricant to the bar and chain, and a clear window lets you see the oil level. One thing to note: the chain takes about 5-6 seconds to stop after you release the trigger, so set the saw down deliberately. At 10 pounds, it is notably lighter than the 14-pound Makita, which makes it easier to carry around the yard. Owners mention it handles everything from overgrown boxwood bushes to fallen trees.
The thing everything raves about here is the raw cutting performance. For the price, you get a full 16-inch bar that can handle a 22-inch log with the right technique.
What Works
- Unlimited runtime (corded)
- 16-inch low-kickback bar
- Light at 10 lbs
What to Watch For
- Chain takes 5-6 seconds to stop
- Balance makes one-handed use cumbersome
- Some report oil leakage
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a cheap corded workhorse for weekend yard projects and doesn’t want to babysit a battery.
Consider another if: You need a lightweight tool for one-handed trimming in tight spots — this is a two-handed saw.
4. Dewalt 20V MAX 8-inch Pruning Chainsaw (DCCS623B)
The little bright-yellow demon that chews through saplings like a much bigger saw.
This Dewalt pruning saw is built for clearing saplings up to 7 inches in diameter, and owners describe it as a “demon” that cuts through tree limbs like butter. It uses the universal Dewalt 20V MAX battery platform, so if you already own any Dewalt 20V tools, you share batteries across them. The saw is tool-only (no battery or charger included), but that also means you are not paying for a battery you might already own.
At 4.6 pounds, it is heavier than the DEJUNPIOOL mini but still light enough for comfortable one-handed use. The stock blade stays sharp with normal use, and a single battery typically lasts a full weekend of moderate pruning. The trade-off is that the slower RPMs (revolutions per minute) can cause the saw to jam on small, flexible branches — this tool feels most natural on branches that are 1 inch or thicker. Buyers appreciate the common battery compatibility and the predictable cutting power. The company’s own literature claims 2.8 horsepower from the 20V system.
What people mention most is the surprising power relative to its size. This is not a toy — it is a serious pruning tool for anyone with a yard.
Strengths
- Fits the huge Dewalt 20V ecosystem
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Consistent cutting on saplings and limbs
Limitations
- Tool only — no battery included
- Jams on very small, flimsy branches
Best for: Existing Dewalt 20V owners who want a capable, compact pruning saw that shares their battery stash.
Not for: Someone who needs a battery included in the box or wants a saw for heavy felling.
5. Greenworks 40V 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (CS40L2511)
The first cordless saw that gives you a battery, a charger, and a 14-inch bar at an approachable entry point.
The Greenworks 40V CS40L2511 comes with a 2.5Ah battery and fast charger, so you are ready to cut right from the start. The 14-inch bar is a great middle-ground size — long enough for logs and storm cleanup, but not so long that the saw becomes unwieldy. The TrueBrushless motor (a high-efficiency brushless design) delivers 3.6 horsepower equivalent which translates to clean cuts through limbs up to 4 feet long.
The manufacturer states you get up to 75 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge. An automatic oiler delivers chain lubrication, and the push-button start eliminates the pull-cord hassle of gas saws. At 7.6 pounds, it is reasonably light for a 14-inch saw. Buyers who are new to chainsaws appreciate how easy it is to start and maintain. The main caveat some owners flag is that the stock 2.5Ah battery can drain quickly under heavy use — several advise buying the 6.0Ah battery for longer sessions.
What stands out in the reviews is how easy this saw makes yard work for first-time users. New owners call it “easy to use for a woman who has never used a chainsaw.”
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- 14-inch bar is versatile for most home tasks
- Push-button start, no gas
Cons
- Battery drains fast on thick wood
- Bar nut may come loose over time
Perfect starting point for: A homeowner who wants one tool that works from the box and does not require owning other batteries.
Swap it for: A corded model if you have heavy, all-day cutting ahead and do not want to manage battery swaps.
6. DEWALT 20V MAX 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw (DCCS621B)
A lightweight 12-incher that gives you up to 100 cuts from a single charge.
This Dewalt chainsaw hits a balance between the 8-inch pruning saws and the full-size 16-inch models. The 12-inch bar is long enough to handle medium tree trunks and large limbs, while the high-efficiency brushless motor (a motor type that manages power electronically for longer runtime) delivers up to 100 cuts per charge with the right battery. The low-kickback bar design reduces the risk of the saw jerking back toward you.
It weighs 10 pounds, which is a full 4 pounds lighter than many 16-inch corded models, making it much easier to maneuver overhead or for long sessions. The sealed oil cap and dust protection are upgrades over older models. Note that the saw does not come with a chain lube reservoir — you use spray lube instead. Customers note cutting over 20 trees (six of them 50-foot poplars) on larger batteries, so the runtime is genuine for the Dewalt platform.
The most-discussed positive is the overall performance and cutting ability. Some owners note mixed feelings about reliability under heavy load, but the majority find it plenty powerful for typical yard tasks.
What Impresses
- Up to 100 cuts per charge
- 12-inch bar for medium work
- Sealed oil cap, dust resistant
The Catch
- No chain lube reservoir
- Reliability reports are mixed
Grab this for: Larger pruning jobs and cutting trees up to 15 inches in diameter, especially if you already own Dewalt 20V batteries.
Pass if: You need a built-in oil tank or plan to cut trunks larger than 15 inches regularly.
7. SKIL PWR CORE 40 14-inch Brushless Chainsaw (CS4555-10)
A 14-inch saw that charges from zero to 30 percent in the time it takes to drink a coffee.
The Skil PWR CORE 40 runs on a 40V lithium battery that uses cooling wraps (material that prevents the battery from overheating, extending its life) . The included Auto PWR JUMP charger brings the 2.5Ah battery from 0 to 30 percent in just 15 minutes. The digital brushless motor (an electronically controlled motor that adjusts power on the fly) provides consistent torque for cutting through branches and stumps.
The tool-less chain tensioning dial on the side lets you tighten or loosen the chain without a wrench. The auto-lubricating system keeps friction down, and the anti-kickback brake cuts power instantly if the saw jerks back. At 11.5 pounds, it is heavier than the Greenworks but feels solid in the hands. Buyers are surprised by the power — it does not bog down when cutting, and the battery life is impressive for a 40V system. The 5-year limited warranty also gives extra confidence.
What owners consistently praise is the surprising power for an electric. It handles fallen trees and tough limbs without stalling.
Highlights
- Fast partial charging (15 min to 30%)
- Anti-kickback brake
- 5-year limited warranty
Lowlights
- Battery can overheat on very hot days
- Oil may leak slightly when stored
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a fast-charging cordless 40V saw and values the extra safety of an anti-kickback brake.
Not for: Those who need a full day of heavy cutting — consider a spare battery or a corded model.
8. Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT 6-inch Pruning Saw (Tool Only)
The perfectly balanced one-handed pruner for climbing up a tree and snipping limbs with real power.
This Makita pruning saw is designed for one-handed use from a ladder or in a tree canopy. The Makita-built brushless motor delivers optimum cutting performance for branches up to 4 inches or so. The manufacturer says you can get up to 140 cuts in 2-inch cedar with an 18V LXT 2.0Ah battery (not included). The retractable guard provides a safety barrier over the saw chain when you are not actively cutting.
It runs on the 18V LXT platform, the same battery system as dozens of other Makita tools. The tool-free chain adjustment (spring-loaded, no screw needed) makes maintenance quick. The saw is amazingly light and well-balanced, but owners note that the automatic tensioner can be tricky — if the chain jams, the spring can loosen. The blade guard on top is a safety feature, not a hindrance. For best results, pair this saw with a hand pruner for the tiniest branches.
The biggest praise buyers give is the battery efficiency — a single charge cuts a lot of wood before the Makita LXT battery runs dry.
Strengths
- Up to 140 cuts per 2.0Ah charge
- Retractable blade guard for safety
- Great for one-handed climbing pruning
Weaknesses
- Tool only — battery not included
- Ergonomics are tight for large hands
- Stalls if pushed too hard
Best for: Makita 18V owners who need a dedicated lightweight pruner for branches up to 6 inches.
skip it if: You have large hands or need a saw with a variable-speed trigger for delicate work.
9. EGO POWER+ 16-inch Battery Powered Chainsaw (CS1611)
The 56V cordless that delivers gas-like power and claims 130 cuts on a single 4×4.
EGO claims this 16-inch saw delivers the equivalent of a 40cc gas engine, which is impressive for a battery-powered tool. It runs on a 56V ARC Lithium battery (included with a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger) and can make up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge. The chain speed of 20 m/s (meters per second) is fast enough to rip through logs smoothly. The tool-free chain tensioning system and automatic oiler simplify adjustments and maintenance.
The saw has IPX4 weather-resistant construction (meaning it can handle splashes from any direction), a low-kickback chain with a brake indicator, and a spill-free oil reservoir. It weighs only 9 pounds, which is remarkably light for a 16-inch saw — lighter than the corded Black+Decker with a shorter bar. Reviewers point out it cuts through 8-inch limbs easily and has almost no vibration, which prevents the joint soreness you get from gas saws. One owner used a single 2.5Ah battery to take down a 25-foot tree with a 12-inch diameter.
What everyone raves about is the performance and quality — the most-discussed aspects by a wide margin. The saw starts every time and is simply easier to use than any gas alternative.
Flagship Features
- 40cc gas equivalent performance
- 130 cuts per charge on 4×4
- Only 9 pounds for a 16-inch saw
- IPX4 weather resistant
Considerations
- Premium price point
- Bar oil not included
Buy this if: You want the closest thing to a gas saw without the fuel, the pull cord, or the vibration. It is the most capable battery-powered model here.
Think twice if: You are on a strict budget or are not ready to invest in the EGO 56V battery platform.
Understanding the Specs
Chain Speed / Motor Power
Chain speed is measured in feet per second (ft/s) or meters per second (m/s) — it tells you how fast the cutting teeth move around the bar. Faster speeds mean cleaner, faster cuts through clean wood. The motor power is often listed as amp draw for corded saws (like 12A or 14.5A) or as horsepower for battery saws. A higher amp draw generally means more cutting torque. For battery saws, brushless motors (a design that uses electronics instead of carbon brushes) are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors.
Automatic Oiler / View Window
An automatic oiler pumps bar oil (a special lubricant) onto the chain as you cut, reducing friction and preventing the chain from overheating or wearing out quickly. A view window is a small transparent panel on the saw body that lets you see the oil level at a glance without opening the cap. Running a chainsaw without oil will ruin the bar and chain quickly — always check the window before you start.