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When a storm-fallen limb blocks your driveway or a tree needs trimming, you want a saw that cuts cleanly without exhausting you. This guide compares nine corded and battery-powered chainsaws, focusing on bar length, power, and battery life, so you can match the tool to your yard and your arm strength. The best all-around pick is the EGO POWER+ 16-inch saw, but your final choice hinges on whether you prefer unlimited corded run time or the portability of a battery.
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.
Find out which corded or cordless model handles thick trunks, fallen branches, and firewood duty best in this breakdown of the electric saw for cutting trees.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Electric Saw for Cutting Trees
Electric chainsaws have replaced gas models for many homeowners because they start instantly, run quietly, and skip the chore of mixing fuel. Before you pick one, you need to match the saw’s power and bar length to the size of the trees and branches on your property.
Match the Bar Length to Your Wood
The bar length is the cutting blade’s length, and it sets the maximum diameter of a single cut. A 16-inch bar handles most firewood and fallen limbs, while an 18-inch bar lets you take on larger trunks and stumps in one go. If most of your work is pruning branches under a foot thick, a 16-inch bar is plenty and keeps the saw lighter and easier to control.
Decide: Battery Freedom or Corded Power
Corded saws run as long as you have an outlet and an extension cord, perfect for big jobs but limited by the cord’s reach. Battery saws let you move freely around your yard, but the charge can die mid-job, so check the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating—a higher number means more cutting time between charges.
Check the Chain Speed for Clean Cuts
Chain speed tells you how fast the cutting links travel around the bar, and a faster chain typically means smoother, quicker cuts through wood. Budget models often sit around 20 meters per second, while high-end battery saws push past 40 feet per second. Faster is better for thick, hard wood, but it also demands a sharp chain and steady hands.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Power Source | Chain Speed | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ CS1613★ Best Overall | All-around battery power | 16 inches | 56V Battery | 20 m/s | Amazon |
| Makita UC4051ATop Performer | Professional-grade corded cutting | 16 inches | Corded Electric | — | Amazon |
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350iBoost Power Pick | Boost-mode heavy cutting | 18 inches | 40V Battery | — | Amazon |
| EGO POWER+ CS1611 | Lightweight trimming | 16 inches | 56V Battery | 20 m/s | Amazon |
| SEESII M16 Pro | Two-bar versatility | 16 & 12 inches | 40V Battery | 42 ft/s | Amazon |
| SENIX CSX6-M | Fast chain speed | 16 inches | 60V Battery | 85 ft/s | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER CS1216 | Budget-friendly corded power | 16 inches | Corded Electric | — | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Chainsaw (CS1613)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The battery saw that ends the gas-vs-electric debate by out-cutting a 40cc gas engine.
This is the pick for anyone who wants gas-level power without the pull-start, the fuel mixing, or the noise. Its brushless motor (a type of motor with no brushes to wear out, so it runs more efficiently) delivers power equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw, with a chain speed of up to 20 m/s for clean cuts. Buyers report felling two large trees plus limbs on a single charge and still having two bars of battery left, which is the kind of real-world endurance that makes it the crowd favorite.
The included 4.0Ah battery delivers up to 130 cuts on a 4×4., and the whole thing is compatible with every EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery, so if you own other EGO tools you can share batteries. The 16-inch bar uses a 3/8-inch pitch and 0.043-inch gauge chain with 56 drive links, built to chew through hardwood and softwood alike. It also carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it shrugs off light rain and splashes during outdoor work.
The catch is the weight: at 20.9 pounds with the battery, while the corded BLACK+DECKER CS1216 below weighs 10 pounds. That heft is the price of the powerful battery and motor, and a few owners note it feels heavy during long sessions. Still, the consensus is clear that what wins people over is the battery life — it simply keeps cutting as long as you need it to, and runs quietly enough that neighbors won’t complain.
Owners love
- Battery life is the star — long runs even after heavy cutting
- Build quality feels solid and well-made
- Chain stays sharp and cuts clean through thick wood
- Tool-free tensioning dial makes adjustments quick
Worth knowing
- Heavy at 20.9 pounds with the battery attached
- Occasional oil leakage noted by some owners
Reach for this if: you want a powerful battery saw that can handle whole trees and big storm cleanup without being tethered to a cord.
Think twice if: you need a lightweight saw for quick trimming — the battery weight will wear on your arms.
2. Makita 16” Corded Chainsaw (UC4051A)
A corded workhorse that starts instantly and keeps cutting long after battery saws give out.
If you have a big pile of firewood or a whole row of trees to take down, this Makita is the saw that never quits, because it is corded and draws endless power from your outlet. It is a true professional-grade tool that owners say cuts through wood like butter, with a 16-inch bar and a 14.5-amp motor that handles 4- to 14-inch wood without breaking a sweat. The soft start feature eases the chain into motion, which protects the motor and makes every start smooth.
At 14 pounds, it is noticeably heavier than the cordless Husqvarna Power Axe 350i, which comes in at just 7.7 pounds, but the inline motor design gives it better balance that owners appreciate. The rubberized grips keep your hands comfortable, and the tool-free blade and chain adjustments mean you can tension the chain in seconds without hunting for a wrench. A large oil reservoir with a view window lets you check bar oil levels at a glance, so the chain stays lubricated for smooth cuts.
Owners consistently praise the build quality, calling it durable enough to last many years and a worthy replacement for a gas saw entirely. The honest trade-off is that a corded saw is tied to an outlet — and knowledgeable owners recommend using a heavy 10-gauge extension cord, even up to 150 feet, to avoid power loss. A few mention that the oil hole can clog with sawdust and that the saw needs adequate outlet power to run at full strength.
Who it’s for: the serious homeowner or semi-pro who wants gas-like cutting power and unlimited run time, and who is willing to manage an extension cord for it.
The catch: you are anchored to a power outlet, so it isn’t the tool for remote parts of your property.
3. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18” Cordless Chainsaw
The featherweight 18-inch saw with a boost button for when you need a surge of power.
This is the saw for the person who wants a long 18-inch bar but hates hauling a heavy tool. At just 7.7 pounds, the Power Axe 350i is remarkably light for its cutting capacity, and its brushless motor runs quietly while delivering cutting power that owners say rivals similar gas chainsaws. The defining feature is Boost Mode: one push of a button delivers 25 percent more power right when you hit a tough spot in the wood.
The kit is complete from the start with a 40V 7.5Ah battery and charger, and the included X-Cut chain is designed to stay sharp longer while the tool-less tensioning system makes slack adjustments fast. Owners mention getting 30-45 minutes of cutting per charge, with one noting it powered through a 2-foot Douglas Fir log with excellent torque. Because the 40V batteries work across all Husqvarna handheld tools, you can build a whole battery-powered garden lineup around this one pack.
The biggest praise centers on how easy it is to start — just drop in the battery and pull the trigger, which makes it ideal for anyone who struggles with the pull-start of a gas saw. The honest downside is that a few owners hit a real snag: the plastic housing around the chain tensioner can deform if the chain pinches, requiring disassembly to fix. Between that and the cost of spare batteries, this is a saw to treat gently and reserve for moderate-duty tree work rather than daily professional abuse.
Standout traits
- Featherweight at 7.7 pounds with an 18-inch bar
- Boost Mode adds 25 percent more power on demand.
- X-Cut chain holds its sharpness well
Watch out for
- Plastic tensioner housing can warp if the chain pinches
- Spare batteries are expensive and extend the total cost
Best for: homeowners with big trimming jobs who want a light, quiet saw they can start with one hand.
skip it if: you plan heavy, daily cutting — the plastic tensioner needs careful handling.
4. EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Chainsaw (CS1611)
The same 40cc-class cutting power, trimmed down to a 9-pound frame for easier handling.
This is the EGO for the person who found the CS1613 a little heavy and wants the same trusted cutting performance in a lighter package. Weighing just 9 pounds, it pairs the 16-inch bar with the smaller 2.5Ah battery, and owners say it cuts through 8-inch limbs like butter while being compact, quiet, and fast. One owner measured its performance as matching a Stihl 16-inch gas saw, noting the low vibration means no joint soreness after a session.
The included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery delivers up to 130 cuts on a 4×4., and it works with all EGO 56V batteries, so you can swap in a larger pack for longer sessions. Owners say the 2.5Ah battery is lighter, which offsets its shorter runtime and keeps the saw nimble. A tool-free tensioning dial and push-button start make it easy to use, with one owner noting it’s ideal for older users who want to skip the strain of a pull-start gas saw.
The review consensus favors its performance, quality, and battery life, with owners calling it perfect for trimming and quick jobs around the property. The main note of caution is simply that the smaller battery means shorter run times than the 4.0Ah model — if you have a huge job, you will want a spare battery or the bigger kit. It also does not include bar oil, so budget for that separately before your first cut.
Why it stands out
- Light 9-pound design that is easy on the arms
- Power matches a 16-inch gas chainsaw
- Low vibration and quiet operation
Keep in mind
- 2.5Ah battery means shorter run time than bigger packs
- Bar oil is not included in the box
Choose this for: light-to-moderate trimming where you want EGO’s proven performance without the bulk.
Look elsewhere if: you are cutting large trees all day and need the longer runtime of a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery.
5. SEESII 16” & 12” Cordless Chainsaw (M16 Pro)
A two-in-one saw that swaps between a 16-inch and a 12-inch bar for every job size.
This SEESII stands out because it gives you two cutting sizes in one box: a 16-inch bar for thicker logs and firewood, and a 12-inch bar for pruning limbs in tight spaces. The 1600W brushless motor pushes the chain up to 42 ft/s, and the kit is remarkably complete with two 5.0Ah batteries, two fast chargers, an extra 12-inch chain and bar, safety goggles, and a guide bar sleeve. For a 72-year-old owner, the verdict was simple: it cuts through small tree branches really easily and is a joy to use.
Runtime is a strong point here, with The dual 5.0Ah batteries deliver up to 120 cuts or 60 minutes of runtime under tested conditions.. The automatic oiling system uses a large 150ml translucent tank, so you can see the oil level at a glance without stopping to guess. It also operates at as low as 75 dB, which is quiet enough for residential neighborhoods and campsites, and it runs on push-button start with no gas mixing or exhaust.
Owners call it convenient and impressive for gardening, noting it cuts 2-4 inch branches easily and cleared a row of 10 leylandii trees. The honest caveat: it suits small and medium jobs—one owner found it struggles with anything over a couple of inches thick and can overheat after about a minute of heavy use, while another saw it pause briefly after 15 minutes of continuous cutting. Treat it as a capable homeowner’s tool for regular yard maintenance, not a full-day pro saw.
Kit highlights
- Two bars (16-inch and 12-inch) for different job sizes
- Includes two 5.0Ah batteries and two fast chargers
- Runs quietly at as low as 75 dB
Limits
- Struggles with wood thicker than a couple of inches
- Can overheat under sustained heavy cutting
Reach for this if: you want one versatile kit for pruning, firewood, and storm cleanup around a typical property.
Think twice if: you regularly cut large logs — this saw is happiest on smaller-diameter wood.
6. SENIX 60V 16” Cordless Chainsaw (CSX6-M)
An 85 ft/s chain speed makes this the fastest cutter in the lineup for smooth, quick passes.
If chain speed is your priority, this SENIX holds the top number on this list: an ultra-high 85 ft/s, which translates to fast, clean cuts through tree limbs and firewood. It pairs a 60V brushless motor with an Oregon 16-inch bar, and owners say it cuts with butter-like performance, even taking down a 30-inch tree without stalling. One owner reported it beats a Husqvarna 440 on speed while weighing the same and needing no pull-start.
The included 60V 4.0Ah battery has a charge indicator so you always know your remaining power, and The brushless motor extends runtime by 30 percent versus conventional motors.. Tool-free tensioning and automatic oiling keep maintenance simple, while an ECO Mode tune energy use for delicate pruning tasks. The kit comes with a battery and charger, backed by a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year warranty on the battery and charger.
Owners rate the cutting power and value highly, with several noting it cut 8 to 10 truckloads of trees from 3 to 13 inches in diameter over three to four sessions on roughly a cord of wood per charge. The recurring concern is replacement parts: owners warn the proprietary bar and chain can be hard to source and pricey, with one noting the chain cost around and was sold out. A couple of owners also found the chain can fall off during horizontal cuts, so keep tension adjusted.
The draw: the fastest chain speed here at 85 ft/s, plus strong battery endurance for big sessions.
The catch: replacement bars and chains are proprietary and can be hard to find, so stock up early.
7. BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16” Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
The featherweight corded saw that proves you do not need a big budget to clear your yard.
For the budget-minded homeowner, this BLACK+DECKER is the entry point that still gets real work done, cutting through small limbs and fallen trees with ease. At just 10 pounds, it is dramatically lighter than the 20.9-pound EGO CS1613, and owners say it handled three overgrown 6×6 foot boxwoods in under 30 minutes. The 12-amp motor provides enough power for branches and logs, and one owner reported cutting 14-inch cedar trunks easily.
Because it is corded, runtime is effectively unlimited — you can keep cutting as long as you have an outlet and a long enough extension cord. The low-kickback bar and chain deliver smooth operation from any cutting orientation, while tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiling system keep the maintenance simple. A clear oil window lets you see the level at a glance, and the kit includes a scabbard for safe storage.
Reviewers consistently praise its value for money, ease of use, and the fact that it starts instantly with the pull of a trigger instead of a gas cord. The main caveats are practical ones: owners note it is oil-thirsty and needs regular bar oil top-ups, and a few mention the chain can pop off if it is not kept properly tensioned. For medium-sized jobs and regular yard work, it is a genuinely excellent, wallet-friendly pick — just pair it with a proper 12/3 gauge extension cord for best performance.
Budget wins
- Lightweight at 10 pounds, easy for anyone to handle
- Unlimited run time as long as it is plugged in
- Plenty of power for limbs and medium logs
Simple trade-offs
- Uses bar oil quickly, so keep it topped up
- Chain can jump off if tension is not checked
Best for: first-time buyers and budget shoppers who need a reliable, no-fuss corded saw for regular yard cleanup.
Not ideal if: you need to roam far from an outlet — the cord will limit your reach.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length
The bar length is the cutting blade’s length, and it determines the thickest wood you can cut in one pass. A 16-inch bar suits most homeowners, handling firewood and fallen limbs, while an 18-inch bar tackles larger trunks and stumps. Remember, the usable cutting length is roughly two inches less than the bar size, so an 18-inch bar cuts about a 16-inch diameter log.
Battery Amp-Hours (Ah)
The amp-hour (Ah) rating tells you the battery’s energy capacity, and a higher number means longer run time between charges. A 2.5Ah battery is fine for quick trimming jobs, while a 5.0Ah pack can power through dozens of cuts on a single charge. If you buy a battery saw, check whether the battery and charger are included or sold separately, as this significantly affects the total cost.
FAQ
Can an electric chainsaw cut down a whole tree?
Is a corded or battery chainsaw better for cutting trees?
What size bar do I need for cutting firewood?
How long does a battery chainsaw run on one charge?
Is chain speed important in an electric chainsaw?
Do electric chainsaws need bar oil?
What does tool-free chain tensioning mean?
Are battery chainsaws as powerful as gas chainsaws?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the electric saw for cutting trees winner is the EGO POWER+ CS1613 because it delivers 40cc-gas power with a battery that outlasts the job, backed by the strongest owner loyalty in the group. If you want professional-grade corded performance for heavy firewood duty, grab the Makita UC4051A. And if you prefer the lightest tool with an 18-inch bar and a boost button, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.