Electric chainsaws are a great option if you’re looking to do work around the yard and will mostly be doing light or moderate work such as limbing, pruning, or demolition work. Comparing electric chainsaws vs. gas, electric chainsaws are usually lighter, quieter, easier to handle than gas models and much easier to maintain. My team and I have reviewed the 5 best electric (corded) chainsaws for a variety of needs. If you’re not sure which kind of chainsaw is right for you, check out our chainsaw buying guide which walks you through step-by-step.
Our Top 5 Electric Chainsaw Reviews
The saw comes with a tool-less tensioner (what us regular folks call a “knob”). This is much easier than models that require a wrench. Chains tend to loosen frequently when you first use them, so make sure to tighten the tensioner regularly, especially at the beginning. It has auto oil lubrication and a window indicator so you can tell how full it is.
Some users note it seems to run through a lot of bar oil so you’ll want to make sure you don’t let it run dry. We discuss bar oil more below under the accessories section.
One negative that comes up is the stock chain that tends to dull really quickly. This may be partly due to the chain oiling system that requires you to push a bulb manually. It’s not automatic like many other saws. If you don’t do this often enough, the chain will go dull quickly.
Remington isn’t as big a name as Husqvarna but they’ve actually been around since the 1920’s and in the chainsaw business since the 1950’s so you’re getting a company behind the product.
If basic pruning is your goal, you might also want to consider the Worx JawSaw which offers great control, lets you cut directly on the ground, and can handle limbs up to 4 inches.
If you have to reach further for your pruning, consider the Greenworks 8.5 Foot Cordless Pole Saw. Remember it’s never a good idea to work above shoulder height witha chainsaw. So if you’ll be reaching up at all, a pole saw might be a better option.
The CS1500 is built for larger jobs that need more power. It’s got a 15 amp motor, right on the upper end of electric chainsaw motors. It’s also got an 18-inch bar which is longer than most electric chainsaws. This means it has the size and power to handle larger jobs like cutting up logs into firewood.
The chainsaw comes with a large chain-tensioner knob which is easy to grip with gloved hands and an automatic oiler for the chain. It also comes with Oregon’s unique PowerSharp chain sharpening system which really is self-sharpening. You just pull a lever on the side for a few seconds and it sharpens your chain on the fly in a few seconds. Honestly, most of us don’t sharpen our chains as much as we should because it’s a pain. With the PowerSharp system, you should always have a sharp chain which makes cutting easier and faster.
The only real downside here is size and weight. At 13.2 pounds (with bar and chain) and with an 18-inch bar, it’s heavier and longer than many electric chainsaws. It’s also on the more expensive end. That said, if power and quality are what you’re looking for, this might be the right electric chainsaw for you.
It’s got a moderate 9 amp motor which is plenty powerful for trimming and pruning but not ideal for larger jobs. It’s also very light at just 7.7 pounds which really makes it maneuverable and easy to handle.The chainsaw comes with standard safety features such as a kickback brake and self-lubricating chain. It also has a safety lock button to prevent accidental starts.
It’s also one of the most affordable models on the market and comes with a standard two-year warranty which is longer than many brands. Their customer service is well-regarded for being easy to access and honoring returns without a hassle.
If you don’t know the company, Sun Joe is a brand of Snow Joe, a rising star in the outdoor power tool space. The company is well-known for the Snow Joe electric snow shovel and has been getting strong reviews as they expand into other outdoor power tools.
One drawback is the lack of tooless chain tensioner (a knob you can turn by hand) which is found on many electric chainsaws. This means you have to use a wrench/screwdriver tool (which is included) to tighten the chain. Also, there is no chain brake. This means the chain will keep moving for a few seconds after you release the trigger.
That quality is noticeable throughout this chainsaw. It’s got a fairly low profile and rubberized grips that are very comfortable which can make a big difference when you’re doing a lot of cutting. There’s a lock button to prevent accidental starts and a large trigger switch with “soft start” which makes for smooth start-ups.
Like many electric models, it has a tool-less chain tensioner which has a nice design that makes it easy to turn and lock down. The oil reservoir has a view window so you can keep an eye on the chain oil.
It also has a couple of features that aren’t as common. First, it has a built-in current limiter which senses when the motor is drawing too much power and prevents overload. This is a really helpful feature on electric models where you might be doing heavier work. It’s also got a chain-brake which stops the chain within a fraction of a second once the trigger is released. This is an excellent safety feature and one not included on all electric chainsaws. Finally, the Makita UC4051A comes with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials.
There really aren’t many cons for this chainsaw except for weight and price. At 12.3 pounds it’s going to be heavier than models like the Sun Joe or Worx chainsaws, but it’s geared toward heavier work. It’s also more expensive than most other electric chainsaws, but then again the Makita is made to pro standards.
Electric Chainsaw Accessories You'll Need
Bar and Chain Oil
Outdoor Exension Cord
Safety Gear
Don’t forget safety gear including head, eye and hearing protection, gloves, chaps, and boots. Check out our recommendations for Essential Chainsaw Safety Gear.
Summary
Electric chainsaws offer a great combination of price, performance, low maintenance, and light weight. Our top pick is the WORX WG303.1 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw which offers an excellent price, dependability, low weight, and plenty of reach with its 16-inch bar.
