Best Electric Chainsaws of 2022

1. Why buy an electric chainsaw?

Previously, you may have seen only gas chainsaws on the market. There’s nothing wrong with a gas-powered chainsaw, but modern electric chainsaws are full of extra perks.

Electric vs. gas chainsaws

1. Electric saws are far quieter.
2. They save you money on gasoline.
3. They tend to require less money (and time) in maintenance.
4. They’re easier to start (if you’ve ever yanked fruitlessly on the pull-start of a gas chainsaw, you know what we mean).

Electric chainsaws are a more cost-effective, versatile option for many people who work with trees. However, there are a myriad of options on the market with a range of prices, features, and capabilities. You’ll need to compare factors like guide bar size, power, and corded vs. cordless design to make an educated decision on the best electric chainsaw for you.

2. Corded vs. cordless electric chainsaws

The first question to ask yourself is whether a corded or cordless model is a better fit for you. Each one comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Corded electric chainsaws

Chainsaws with a power cord are almost always less expensive. They also tend to be lightweight, which is great for high-up jobs and extended projects.

The downside? It goes without saying that they keep you tied to your outlet, so jobs far away from the house may also require several extension cords.

Cordless electric chainsaws

Cordless saws, predictably, run on battery power. That means no cord leash keeping you close to the house (an uncontested plus), but it also means they come with a higher price tag.

However, they do need to be charged pretty frequently (charges can last as little as 20 minutes), and they can be less powerful than their corded counterparts.

3. The right chainsaw bar length

Your guide bar is the log-shaped protrusion that houses your chain. Its length is measured from tip to motor housing, and will generally range between 6 and 32 inches (15 to 81 cm).

The length of your guide bar corresponds directly to the length of wood you can cut in one pass, just like with pole saws. Of course, if you have a 6-inch (15 cm) guide bar, you can still cut a 12-inch piece of wood—you’ll just need two or more passes to do so.

The projects you’re most likely to tackle will determine the guide bar length you need. If you’ll mostly be handling 10-inch pieces of wood, a guide bar that’s 14 inches (35 cm) in length or shorter will suit you just fine. That’s true even if you might want to tackle the occasional tree—don’t invest in an unwieldy machine for “what-ifs”. A smaller machine is perfectly capable of cutting larger pieces with a little patience.

However, if you have a forest of tear-down trees on your to-do list, you’re better off going with a large guide bar that can handle anything you throw at it.

Feeling overwhelmed? We don’t blame you. Use the chart below as a rough guide to determining the right guide bar length for you.

4. Chainsaw power or speed

However, chainsaw choice can’t be chalked up to guide bar size alone. The best electric chainsaw for you will also depend on how much power it packs. Now, guide bar length and power (in amperage or volts) are loosely related—in other words, chainsaws with a larger guide bar tend to pack more power, too.

It’s important to note that, although your chainsaw power will be advertised in amps or volts, those two measurements do not directly correlate to power; however, higher voltage in batteries and higher amperage in corded products does generally denote more power in a machine. 

Small jobs generally require less power. So, for trimming and pruning, less power will suit you fine. But, if you’re cutting a small to medium-sized tree, you’ll need a large (and powerful) electric chainsaw.

Keep in mind that corded electric chainsaws are limited in and of themselves because they can only pack as much amperage as your electrical socket can accept—in most cases, 15 amps. So, for jumbo jobs (old trees), you’ll absolutely need a gas-powered chainsaw.

Remember that more power tends to mean a larger machine, which makes for a more cumbersome cutting experience. Getting only as much power as you need will contribute to a safer and easier chainsaw experience.

5. Rear vs. top handles on electric chainsaws

Of course, comfort matters in your chainsaw, too. The differences between these two types of electric chainsaws are simple but drastic.

• Rear-handled chainsaws are used for cutting on the ground—we’re talking logs and other pre-cut products, as well as cuts you make in live trees from earth.
• Top-handle chainsaws are really only for the pros. They’re the kind you need if you’re cutting while standing in, or suspended from, a tree. Don’t use them unless you’ve received the proper training.

6. Electric chainsaw safety features

Unlike most power tools, the cutting mechanism (chain) on chainsaws must be completely exposed to do its job, so chainsaws have earned a reputation as the most dangerous power tool on the market. Luckily, modern electric chainsaws are equipped with a range of safety features to minimize the risk of injury.

Useful safety features found on chainsaws:

• Anti-vibration: This one is an absolute must-have…period. Low vibration means greater safety and accuracy.
• Kickback reduction: If you’re a first-time chainsaw buyer, you may not know that kickback (or a sudden jolting of the jigsaw) is the cause of thousands of injuries every year. Features like extra chain links help reduce the likelihood of kickback.
• Chain brake: This stops the chain from moving in the case of kickback, further reducing the chances of injury. Some models let you activate this feature manually, too.
• Chain catcher: This keeps the chain from flying toward you (and hurting you) if it comes off the guide bar.
• Trigger lockout: This feature keeps you safe with an additional “verification” feature. You have to press a button before the power trigger will work, which reduces the chance of it engaging by accident.

Features like these are essential for novices, but they’re useful in maximizing safety across all levels of chainsaw experience.

7. Additional chainsaw features

Sometimes, a machine is more than just the sum of its parts. And that’s definitely true for chainsaws. The “extra” features many of the best electric chainsaws include can really make or break your success as a saw operator.

• Automatic chain oiler: Normally, chains need to be oiled to prevent wear and keep users safe. This oils the chain as you go so you don’t have to stop working periodically to do so.
• Spikes: These are near the motor-end of the bar and plunge into your log or workpiece to keep your saw stable while you pivot the bar. We like metal ones better than plastic ones because they’re sharper and firmer.
• Tool-free chain adjuster: If you’ve used a chain saw, you know that manually adding or removing tension from the chain with tools can be a headache. A tool-free adjuster usually comes in an easy-to-turn knob.
• A case: This is a no-brainer for many items, but it’s particularly useful for sharp tools. A case will protect your saw from damage and keep you from injuring yourself with it during transport.

8. Buying tips

Your intended application and required level of versatility will help determine the best electric chainsaw for your needs. But there are a few crucial features that make even a budget chainsaw worthwhile, as well as some bonus features that set a chainsaw apart from the pack and some top-notch features that earn them a spot as industry leaders.

Must-have features for a budget electric chainsaw

• A guide bar around 12’’ (30 cm) is perfect for small trim jobs and mid-sized branches.
• Choose a corded jigsaw to save a few bucks for close-to-home jobs.
• Be on the lookout for a model with kickback reduction for increased safety.
• Low-vibration models are a must for safety and the success of your project.

Good to have features in a great value chainsaw

• Go for a guide bar around 16’’ (40 cm) if you want to cut everything from logs to limbs.
• Aim for a cordless model—a few extra dollars earns you endless freedom.
• Features like chain breaks and chain catchers add an extra layer of safety.

Great-to-have features for the best chainsaws on the market

• Automatic chain oilers will save you countless hours of labor.
• Remove a trying step of the maintenance process with tool-free chain adjustment.
• For untethered versatility, splurge on a 20’’ (50 cm)+ guide bar (if you can carry it comfortably).