Do you need a new chainsaw, but don’t want to resort to a large and noisy gas-powered model? We will review five of the best electric chainsaws to help you find the best model for your needs.
Related Article: Best Small Chainsaw in 2023 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw |
| CHECK PRICE |
RUNNER UP | 2. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 3. Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 4. Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 5. Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Electric Chainsaw: Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw
If you need a small and portable electric chainsaw, one that is easy to maneuver and ideal for small jobs, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw might just be the right option for you. It might not be big, but for smaller stuff, it gets the job done.
Product Highlights
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw comes with the battery and charger included. The battery can be used for a variety of Black & Decker tools, a bonus no doubt. For smaller jobs, the battery should last you about an hour. However, if you are doing heavy cutting of thick and hard wood, you should expect to get 10, maybe 15 minutes out of it before it needs to be recharged. In other words, the battery life here is not exactly stellar.
Moreover, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw has a 10-inch kick bar and chain. Of course, 10 inches is not all that long, but it should be fine for stripping branches, cutting small branches, and even cutting down small trees. Just beware that it really does not have the length or power to deal with very large jobs; it’s meant for smaller cutting purposes.
The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw has a tool-less design, so you can adjust the tension of the chain without the need for tools. This electric chainsaw is a lightweight option, coming at around 7 pounds, making it ideal for smaller people, plus it helps to make it fairly portable as well. This chainsaw also comes with a wraparound bail handle for easy and comfortable holding. The oiling system with the clear oil gauge is quite the useful feature as well.
The Good
We like the fact that the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw is convenient in terms of portability and being lightweight. Moreover, not using gasoline is beneficial for the environment, plus it does not require a power cord or power outlet either. We like how this is a small and easy to use chainsaw that excels at small jobs.
The Bad
For one, we do not like how the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw has a pretty poor battery life. It is recommended to get at least 2 batteries. Moreover, the small kick bar and chain cannot handle very large jobs, which is also true for the motor.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for smaller jobs
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Short battery life
- Cannot handle big jobs
2. Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw
If you need a larger electric chainsaw with a long kick bar and chain, one meant for larger jobs, the Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw is a great option to keep in mind. It doesn’t require gas, the motor is still quite powerful, and it’s an overall user-friendly chainsaw to keep in mind.
Product Highlights
For one, the Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw comes with a full 18-inch kick bar and chain. This is combined with the fairly powerful 14.5-amp motor which makes this electric chainsaw ideal for some pretty large jobs. When it comes to functionality, it can handle mostly all jobs besides excessively large ones. Keep in mind that the motor is not the most durable, so you might want to give it a rest every now and again.
The Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw is a corded chainsaw, so you will need to get an extension cord for it. Some people like this because you never have to worry about battery life or refilling the gas tank, but on the other hand, extension cords can get in the way when you want to saw apart some wood. One thing to note is that this chainsaw weighs around 12 pounds. For its capabilities, this really is not too heavy; we would expect something like this to be even heavier.
The Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw comes with a wraparound bail handle with a fairly good grip, so it is pretty easy to hold and maneuver. When it comes to user friendliness, this electric chainsaw comes with a tool-free chain tension adjustment system; simply turn the handle to adjust the tension one way or another. The fact that it comes with an auto-oiler lubrication system is convenient because it eliminates the need for manual lubrication.
The Good
The good part about the Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw is that it is fairly large and can easily handle big jobs. The wraparound handle makes using it much easier, especially when cutting at angles. Moreover, the tool-free tension adjustment system, as well as the automatic lubrication system, are both very useful. Not using gasoline and polluting the environment is another benefit.
The Bad
The bad part about the Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw is that the motor itself is not known for being the most durable. While it works, it delivers a lot of power, but don’t use it for more than maybe 30 minutes at once, as the motor may give out on you. Besides that, just be aware that this chainsaw is fairly large, so smaller people might have trouble using it.
Pros
- Lots of motor power
- Good length for big jobs
- Tool-free tension system
- Easy to hold handle
Cons
- May overheat with prolonged use
- Not ideal for small people
3. Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw
Going back to smaller electric chainsaws, this one is great for clearing branches from residential areas or cutting down very small trees. It’s not too big, and the motor does not deliver all that much power, but it works great for smaller jobs, is very lightweight, user-friendly, and quite cost effective too.
Product Highlights
The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw comes with a 14-inch bar and chain. It works well for smaller jobs like stripping branches, dealing with firewood, and even small trees too. Just be aware that the bar and chain are too short to cut down full-size trees. Moreover, the 8-amp motor is more than powerful enough to deal with small jobs, but it won’t be able to muster enough juice for prolonged use or for cutting through very thick and dense wood; it just isn’t meant for very large jobs.
What we like about the bar is that it is a low kickback bar, which helps to increase safety quite a bit. At the same time, it also comes with a wraparound hand guard to keep your hands safe from flying debris, although, there is no wraparound handle, which is not great if you have to cut at angles. The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw has a push button oiler, so to oil it, simply make sure the oil chamber is full, then push the button every now and again to keep it lubricated; it’s a pretty simple procedure.
The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw is very compact and lightweight, coming in at just over 6 pounds, making it one of the lightest electric chainsaws out there. It can be used by a smaller person with ease, not to mention that it is highly portable and easy to store in tight spaces. The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw also comes with a quick tension adjustment system, which helps make life easier, although it does require tools to adjust.
The Good
The good part about the Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw is that it is really lightweight, portable, easy to maneuver, and easy to store in small spaces. It can easily be used by smaller people, and it works just fine for smaller jobs. Of course, having a power cord means not having to deal with gas or batteries. Moreover, it also comes with a couple of good safety features.
The Bad
The bad part about the Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw is that it has a relatively short bar, as well as a relatively weak motor. It just cannot handle very big jobs at all. In our opinion, the tension adjustment system could use a bit of work too.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Fine for small jobs
- Push button oiler
- Good safety features
Cons
- Cannot handle big jobs
- Needs work on tension adjustment system
4. Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw
The Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw is a good option if you need something a bit larger and more powerful. When compared to previous models we reviewed today, we would say that this one sits in the middle in terms of size and power. It’s a good option for medium and medium-large jobs, plus it is pretty easy to use.
Product Highlights
One thing which stands out about the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw is that it comes with a 16-inch bar and chain which should be more than long enough for most residential needs. When it comes to cutting down smaller and medium-size trees, cutting firewood, and other such jobs, it should be long enough to get it done.
It also comes with a fairly strong 12-amp motor that can deliver quite a bit of torque and cutting power. Based on the length and power of the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw, we would say that it is ideal for all but the very largest of jobs. One thing to note is that the electric motor should probably not be engaged for more than 20 minutes at a time without rest, as it may overheat.
Something else that stands out about the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw is that it only weighs 10 pounds. All things considered, this is pretty light for a chainsaw, and allows smaller people to use it with ease; it is quite the portable chainsaw. This electric chainsaw also comes with a wraparound handle, which makes it easy to hold, plus this is ideal for cutting on angles as well. Moreover, the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw comes with an automatic oiling system, so you never have to manually oil it. The tool-free chain tension adjustment system comes in handy, as adjusting the tension is about as easy as humanly possible.
The Good
The good part about the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw is that it is fairly long and powerful, so it should be able to handle some equally large jobs. It is impressive that this electric chainsaw des not weigh more than it does, or for that matter, that it does not cost more than it does. We also like the various convenience features which this particular model comes with.
The Bad
The bad part about the Earthwise CS33016 Electric Chain Saw is that the motor, while being powerful when it works, is not the most durable or long lasting. There is a chance that it will overheat with prolonged and strenuous use. When it comes down to it, there is just nothing that can compare to a gas-powered chainsaw.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Good for fairly large jobs
- Nice wraparound handle
- Tool-free tension system
- Lightweight for its size
Cons
- Not ideal for large jobs
- Motor may overheat
5. Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw
This is another good medium-size electric chainsaw, one that comes with a fairly powerful motor, more powerful than the one we just looked at. It is a safe and easy to use, plus it is a fairly lightweight chainsaw that can handle some decent-size jobs. For what it is, it really does not cost very much either.
Product Highlights
The Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw comes with a 16-inch bar and chain, which is of a moderate size. It should be able to deal with most basic tasks like clearing residential areas, cutting branches, dealing with firewood, and other such things. It might be too small to deal with full-size trees, but other than that, it should perform just fine. Moreover, the Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw comes with a 14.5-amp motor; it can make pretty quick work out most types and sizes of wood, but once again, not the very largest and densest of wood.
The Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw comes with an automatic tension system, which keeps the chain tension at an ideal level for hundreds of uses. With that being said, manually adjusting the tension can be a bit of a drag. The Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw also comes with an automatic lubrication system, as well as an oil gauge with a clear window so you always know how much oil is left.
The Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw comes with a low kickback bar to increase user safety. Moreover, the wraparound handle is convenient; it is easy to hold onto, plus it makes cutting at an angle fairly comfortable. This electric chainsaw weighs around 11 pounds, which is not very heavy; the Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw is therefore fairly easy to maneuver and quite portable as well.
The Good
The good part about the Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw is that it has a fairly long cutting section, as well as a fairly powerful motor. Besides the very largest of jobs, it should be able to handle most tasks with ease. The automatic lubrication system, the wraparound handle, and the automatic tension system are all neat additions as well.
The Bad
One thing which we do not like about the Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw is that the motor just doesn’t compare to a gas engine. While it can handle most jobs, it won’t be able to deal with running for hours on end without overheating. It’s not meant for excessively large jobs. Also, adjusting the tension can be a bit of a drag sometimes.
Pros
- Fairly powerful motor
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Good safety features
- Fairly convenient
Cons
- Not meant for large jobs
- Brushed motors won’t last
Electric Chainsaw Buying Guide
Before you go out and buy an electric chainsaw, there are a couple of key features that you should always look for.
Amps
The first is how many amps the motor of the chainsaw in question delivers. Smaller chainsaws might have an 8-amp motor, while larger ones might come with a 12-, 14-, or 16-amp motor, but usually not much more than that. The longer you want to use the saw, and the denser the materials you are cutting, the more power it needs to have.
Length
Another important aspect is how long the bar and chain are. Simply put, the longer the bar and chain are, the larger jobs it will be able to handle. As you can see from above, some electric chainsaws can be as short as 8 or 10 inches, with others being 18 inches or longer. It really depends on what your needs are.
The Handle
Some electric chainsaws, smaller and more basic ones, come with a simple straight handle. This is fine if you are cutting straight down or horizontally. However, if you think that you will be cutting on angles, you should look for one that has a wraparound bail handle.
Lubrication
Yet another feature to look for is an automatic lubrication system that will keep the chainsaw lubricated without you having to perform this task manually. It’s just a convenient feature that will help make life a bit easier for you.
Weight
There is no getting around the fact that chainsaws do have some weight to them, but there are lighter and heavier ones. Lighter ones are easier to maneuver, but they will usually have less power; it is a bit of a tradeoff.
FAQ
Do all chainsaws require oil?
Yes, all chainsaws, whether gas or electric, require the bar and chain to be lubricated at all times.
Which is more powerful, gas or electric?
While electric chainsaws can muster some power, there is just no comparing to the power provided by a gas engine.
How many amps does an electric chainsaw need?
At the very least, a small electric chainsaw will use 4 amps, while the larger ones may use up to 16 amps.
Are electric chainsaws quiet?
Generally speaking, no they are not quiet. These machines make a lot of noise no matter which way you look at it. However, they do make less noise than a gas-powered chainsaw.
What about using an electric chainsaw in the rain?
You will want to avoid using an electric chainsaw in the rain, as the need for a power cord creates some risk when moisture is involved.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, if you need something fairly large and powerful, we would recommend the Greenworks 20332 Corded Chainsaw. For an electric chainsaw, it is impressively powerful and can handle some fairly large jobs. If you want something a bit smaller, either the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw or the Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw are products we would recommend.
