The Best Electric Chainsaws of 2024

Electric chainsaws are better than gas chainsaws. That may feel like a controversial statement, but cordless electric saws eliminate most of the issues that make gas saws a pain.

Among the many benefits, they seriously reduce emissions by using electricity instead of oil and gas. By eliminating gas motors, they’re cheaper to run — most don’t need maintenance beyond an occasional chain sharpening. Some saws are also so quiet that not only will they be less disturbing to your neighbors and wildlife, but there’s also less of a chance they’ll impact your hearing.

Our team at GearJunkie has collectively tested dozens of these electric beasts and left no stone unturned in finding the best saws for this guide. Whether bucking logs in the yard or cutting trees while building trails, lead tester and author Berne Broudy has years of experience with both electric and gas-powered chainsaws and harnessed this wisdom and the collective knowledge of our team to bring you the streamlined selection of eight electric chainsaws you see today.

Read on to find out more about the electric chainsaws we recommend. Or, head down the page to learn more about electric chainsaws in our detailed buying advice.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on November 24, 2024, with the addition of a Price & Value section to explain cost-related considerations.

The Best Electric Chainsaws of 2024

Best Overall Electric Chainsaw: Greenworks GS181 82V 18″ Chainsaw
Best Budget Electric Chainsaw: WEN 40V Max Lithium Ion 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw
Best Value Electric Chainsaw: DeWalt XR 12″ 20V Battery Chainsaw Kit
Best Midsize Electric Chainsaw: Stihl MSA 220 C-B
Best Light-Duty Electric Chainsaw: Hart 8” Pruning Saw
Best for Hard-to-Reach Branches: Greenworks 10″ Brushless Pole Saw

Specs

Weight (with battery): 17 lbs., 4 oz.
Bar length: 18”
Bucking spikes: Steel
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Via included but no onboard tool
Warranty: 2 years

Pros

As powerful as a gas saw
Long-lasting battery
Quick charging

Cons

Batteries and chargers sold separately
No onboard chain-tightening tool
Manual chain tightening

The chainsaw that made us rethink owning a gas saw, the Greenworks 18-inch-bar GS181 ($520), can handle any task a prosumer Stihl can, from felling mature ash and maple to bucking up the log. We used it to fell and cut four cords of firewood and never missed our gas saw.

Greenworks GS181 has the power and torque of a 50cc gas engine with a more reliable, efficient, and economical brushless electric motor. It runs on a 4Ah 82V battery, the biggest battery of the saws on this list.

The battery has exceptional life. Greenworks optimized it for performance in the tool as well as efficient charging. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, so we could register it and track its performance. With Bluetooth, we always know which battery is the oldest. And when we loaned one to a neighbor, Bluetooth reminded us to get it back.

The GS181’s motor provided instant high torque, zero maintenance, and zero-exhaust cutting with decreased vibration and noise. We used this saw’s predecessor for 2 years, and while it was a fantastic second saw, it didn’t have the power to fell the largest trees. The thinner blade felt too delicate to fell big hardwoods. This tough, powerful big brother crushed any tree felling, trimming, or log sawing project we threw its way, including forestry work.

To operate this saw, we filled the clear oil reservoir with chain oil. Because the reservoir is translucent, it was easy to monitor chain oil levels on the fly. That’s important because, unlike a gas saw, we didn’t need to refill the oil. On gas saws, we typically refuel and refill the oil at the same time. The saw’s automatic oiler applied oil to the bar and chain as needed to ensure durability and smooth functioning.

When we were ready to saw, we pressed the power button above the handle and were ready to go. To start the chain spinning, release the lock on top of the saw, pull the trigger, and the saw comes to life. Your upper hand is protected by a chain brake that stops the saw instantly when engaged. Releasing the trigger also stops the blade.

The saw’s battery status and remaining charge were indicated by LED lights on the 400Ah battery. (It can also be run with Greenworks 250Ah and 500Ah batteries, and Bluetooth batteries are not required.) When the chain brake was engaged, a caution light flashed to let us know.

With the saw pressed against a tree, the steel bucking spikes bit in to give leverage and control. The high-quality chain, driven by the powerful battery and motor, ripped through wood with the same power as a gas saw, but with none of the fumes and a whole lot less noise.

Made for professional use, this saw has a metal plate protecting the bottom. It adds weight, but it also means we won’t ever crack the saw’s body. The new plate ruggedizes the saw and makes it feel even more trustworthy.

For quick tasks, it’s quiet enough that we didn’t feel like we needed hearing protection. But this saw is so big and powerful, we wore it anyway.

For people who use a chainsaw frequently and depend on it for tasks of all sizes, there’s no better saw than the Greenworks 18-inch GS181. It’s somewhere between prosumer and professional in design and power. And while it’s hefty, it gives the confidence to get any job done. This is the only saw on this list suitable for professional use.

Specs

Weight (with battery): 12 lbs.
Bar length: 16"
Bucking spikes: N/A
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Tool-free
Warranty: 2 years

Pros

Budget-pricing
Proven Oregon 16" bar
40V battery provides decent torque and run-time

Cons

Cheaper plastic construction isn’t as durable
Stock chain isn’t a high-quality option

Electric chainsaws are still fairly new to the power tools market, and for those unsure about the jump, a budget option offers a low-cost-of-entry opportunity to see what the fuss is all about. The WEN 40V Max Lithium Ion 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw ($179) doesn’t ask a lot and performs on par with many of the saws we’ve tested to date.

As the ideal garden saw, the WEN is more suited to brushing out an overgrown lot than felling trees, but we had no problem using it for that task. The 40-volt battery is about the middle of the pack when it comes to e-saws, and we used the WEN for full days of trail work before it needed to be recharged.

Thankfully, WEN knows when to tag in the big guns where it counts, and the 16″ Oregon bar is a welcome sight on this saw. While not a burly unit, the lightweight bar is designed to limit kickback, and we had no issues with it overheating when running hard.

As with many power tools, it’s important to consider the brand and system you’ll be investing in, and while WEN does offer up several other 40V lawn and garden tools, the budget brand may not be the tool ecosystem you’re looking to go all in on.

For those already plugged into a big-name battery system, it may be best to spend the extra dough to keep battery cross-compatibility. But if an electric chainsaw is a one-off purchase or the beginning of your power tool collection, the WEN 40V Max Lithium Ion 16-inch Brushless Chainsaw may be the ticket. It certainly won’t take a bite out of your wallet like some other serious saws will.

Specs

Weight: 9 lbs., 5 oz.
Bar length: 12″
Bucking spikes: Plastic ridges
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Tool-free
Warranty: N/A

Pros

Compact
Lightweight
Affordable

Cons

Not great for bigger jobs
Takes longer to cut than other models

Small and light enough to carry in a backpack, this Dewlat XR 12-inch saw ($279) is our new go-to for trail work. A homestead workhorse, it cut landscaping timbers, cut down a stud wall, limbed trees, and cleaned up winter blowdown. And, at under $300, it’s a solid budget pick that still gets moderately difficult jobs done.

The 12-inch-blade saw was light and easy to handle, but it had the safety and convenience features of bigger, more expensive saws. It was the only sub-14-inch saw we tested that had a chain brake. It was self-oiling for continuous use, with a sealed reservoir that kept it from leaking when we carried the saw in a pack. All of the other saws in this class that we tested had manual oiling mechanisms, which were messy and unreliable.

The low-kickback, 12-inch Oregon bar and chain got the job done, though with a lot more vibration than larger saws. On the bright side, when the chain rattled loose, adjusting it was tool-free.

The tool is designed for smaller jobs. It had plastic ridges — not quite spikes. But that wasn’t a deal-breaker, as most of the time, we used this saw to clear branches, cut down saplings, and trim bridge planks. It could cut down a tree up to 8 or so inches, it just took longer than the larger saws we liked.

This saw is part of Dewalt’s 20V Max system of tools. The kit includes the tool plus a 5Ah 20V Max battery, charger, and a bar cover.

Specs

Weight: 12 lbs., 9 oz.
Bar length: 14″ and 16″
Bucking spikes: Plastic and metal
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Tool-free
Warranty: 3 years

Pros

Tool-free chain tensioning
Rugged and durable

Cons

Louder than other saws of similar size

Capable of felling and limbing small and medium-sized trees, and ideal for softwood projects, this light- to medium-duty 36V Stihl ($420) is the brand’s first battery-powered chainsaw with a 16-inch bar. And it’s the most powerful electric saw in the Stihl lineup.

This rugged, well-designed, well-built saw has all the most important convenience and safety features. According to Stihl, its bar and chain stay lubricated while also using up to 50% less oil than conventional saws. The system works via two ramps placed in the guide bar rail that contain oil flow and channel oil to the sliding faces of the bar, the chain links, the rivets, and the driver holes.

The saw’s chain brake stopped the chain fast when we activated it with the hand. It would auto-engage if the saw kicked back. One of our favorite features of this saw was a raised and printed felling stripe, a feature not found on any of the other saws we tested. It gave a visual of where the tree we were cutting would fall, which was accurate and educational.

A clear chain oil reservoir let us continuously monitor how much was left and when I needed to refill. But the handiest feature of this saw was Stihl’s Quick Chain Adjuster, which let us tension the chain without tools.

The MSA 220 C-B uses a light and compact brushless electric motor with reduced vibration. The soft rubber on the handle was easy to grip and comfortable to hold all day. While it was quieter than a gas saw, this saw was louder than other saws we tested and required hearing protection at all times.

We ran this saw with Stihl’s AP 300 S battery — a 7.8Ah battery and the most powerful Stihl offers. The battery has 25% more capacity than the AP 300 for longer runtime as well as an enhanced power-to-weight ratio. It’s compatible with a wide range of Stihl tools, including extended-reach hedge trimmers, pole pruners, chainsaws, and blowers.

The saw comes with Stihl’s 3/8-inch PICCO super chain and a low-profile, low-kickback saw chain with a square-cornered cutter shape for minimum chain friction and a smooth, clean cut. It was one of the nicest chains of any saw we tested. It sliced through small logs like a knife through butter with the power and precision practically synonymous with the Stihl name.

Metal and plastic spikes bit into the bark to give us purchase. But when we tackled trees 8 inches or larger, despite the long bar, the saw hesitated even when we weren’t applying pressure. We tested the 16-inch bar saw. But considering its power, we’d buy this saw with the 14-inch blade instead.

Specs

Weight: 6 lbs., 8 oz.
Bar length: 8″
Bucking spikes: No
Chain brake: No
Chain tensioning: Onboard tool
Warranty: 3 years, limited

Pros

No oil required
Small and lightweight for light jobs around the house

Cons

Not great for big jobs
No chain brake

One step up from manual loppers, the no-oil-required Hart 8-inch pruning saw ($145) is a handy lawn and garden tool for light jobs around the house and relatively infrequent use. The 20V saw is powered by a 2Ah battery with a fast charger. The battery is compatible with many other Hart tools, and the saw is compatible with any Hart 20V battery.

Though the saw is light-duty, it comes with a chain-tensioning tool in the handle. There’s no chain brake, but a plastic block protects your hand.

Hart does provide a tip guard to help prevent improper sawing techniques that could lead to kickback. With the tip guard installed, the bar cover didn’t fit. The frame of the saw keeps the blade off the ground, so when we stopped to clear out the branches we had cut, it didn’t get in the dirt.

Specs

Weight: 12 lbs., 12.8 oz.
Bar length: 10”
Bucking spikes: No
Chain brake: No
Chain tensioning: Tool-free
Warranty: 4 years

Pros

Perfect for high branches
Low weight

Cons

Niche design limits use

For most people, a pole saw falls in the n+1 category, as in non-essential. But once you’ve used this pole saw, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

With a small chainsaw at the end of a three-piece pole that extends up to 10 feet, this Greenworks 10″ Brushless Pole Saw ($179) is ideal for maintaining trails and driveways, cleaning up storm damage, pruning fruit and ornamental trees, and getting to broken branches that are higher than you can reach.

The saw, which has an automatic chain oiler, is on an angle at the end of the pole. That provides a great angle for sawing overhead tree limbs and helps with precision. The angled head also directs the weight of the saw down for a gravity assist with cuts. The three-section 10-foot poles gave 11 feet of reach. It twists to adjust.

To engage the saw, we pressed on the release and pulled the trigger in the handle (at the end of the pole farthest from the saw). That’s also where the battery lives, which kept the weight low and acted as ballast to help control the saw overhead.

When we cut a limb and it got hung up in the tree, a branch hook at the base of the saw helped us pull it down. We also used the branch hook to hang the saw when alternating between the pole saw and the chainsaw.

The 10-inch Pole Saw ran on the same batteries and used the same charger as the Greenworks GS181 82V 18-inch Chainsaw. It is a great tool for an ambitious homeowner but is also capable of handling professional jobs.

Specs

Weight: 13 lbs.
Bar length: 18”
Bucking spikes: Plastic
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Via onboard tool
Warranty: 5 years

Pros

Comes with carrying case
Killer price for a powerful saw

Cons

Plastic spikes instead of metal
Vulnerable battery position under saw

Powerful and aggressive, Ryobi’s 40V HP 18-inch Brushless Chainsaw ($369) rivaled more expensive saws with its ability to fell trees and cut firewood. While it wasn’t as powerful or long-lasting, it is powerful enough for small projects and semi-frequent use, and it gave us a lot of bang for the buck.

The saw’s load-sensing, brushless motor auto-adjusted the saw’s power levels to what was needed to cut. Using it, we cut a wedge from a 10-inch birch and then dropped it with confidence.

A mechanical chain brake protected us from kickback and let us disengage the chain anytime we wanted to stop the saw. It was placed comfortably so we didn’t knock it accidentally but could easily engage it when we needed it. In past Ryobi saws, some users have complained there wasn’t sufficient space between the handle and the chain brake, so it engaged unintentionally.

The clear oil reservoir was a handy window that let us keep track of our chain oil level. And the tool in the handle was handy for tightening the chain, though smaller than what’s usually specced with a chainsaw. It clips into the handle, so we always had it. But we sometimes needed to use a branch or other tool to remove it from its storage area.

This saw can handle the occasional downed mature tree, making it perfect for the homeowner who needs a saw with a longer bar. But plastic spikes, not metal ones, and the smaller battery made it best for household projects, not production work. Plastic spikes gave some purchase on rougher bark but not enough grab to leverage the saw. And the battery didn’t last long enough to buck up a whole tree.

The saw is well-balanced and has a good grip. Our only design concern is that the battery, which is on the bottom of the saw, is exposed. It’s recessed into the frame, but it feels vulnerable.

Pack the saw up, and the scabbard not only sheaths the bar and chain but also covers the bucking spikes. The scabbard inserts into the saw’s plastic carry case that transports the saw and keeps any leaked chain oil contained. It was a convenient system that also didn’t take up awkward space when we stored the case when the saw was in use.

The battery didn’t last as long as the Greenworks or Stihl batteries, but it did recharge in just under an hour, and it’s compatible with many Ryobi tools and chargers. Plus, it has a 5-year warranty.

Specs

Weight: 9 lbs.
Bar length: 16”
Bucking spikes: Plastic
Chain brake: Yes
Chain tensioning: Tool-free
Warranty: 5 years

Pros

Solid performance at a good price
Simple chain tension adjustment
Quick charging battery

Cons

Plastic bucking spikes are small and not very effective
Slow wind-up time

Quickly lop up logs for an evening fire, clear trees for a new trail, or simply keep your bushes tamed in the front yard — the Ego Power+ CS1800 ($330) is a lightweight and affordable saw. As one of the lightest e-saws on this list, and with an impressively long battery life, we were able to bring this tool deep into the woods on backcountry trail work and perform endless tasks around the house before having to put it back on to charge. For simple to moderately taxing jobs, this easy-to-use saw will have you questioning why you used gas-guzzlers in the first place.

This chainsaw is a cinch to use right out of the box, and the battery charges up lightning-fast (about 30 minutes). Throw in some chain lube, and you’re ready to go. While we wish the saw came with a case for an easier carry, we schlepped this to some remote areas for trail work, and for the power it brings, we were shocked at how easy it is to handle. Its high-efficiency brushless motor delivers 6,800 RPM with the power to cut through moderately large trees or branches, and the 56V 5Ah battery keeps it humming along for hours.

The 16-inch bar is just about perfect for most trail-building and home maintenance tasks we encounter, and the tool-free chain adjustment means we can quickly and easily make tweaks without disrupting our workflow. This isn’t the beefiest — or most powerful — saw on the market, but we were pleasantly surprised by how fast it slices through moderately large branches, and how long the battery lasts while on remote jobs.

While testing, a few cons did surface. Namely, the plastic bucking spikes aren’t very prominent or sharp and don’t bite into large logs well — meaning you don’t get the most effective pivot point to work with for large-diameter cuts. Since we generally use this for smaller logs and branches this isn’t much of an issue, but was noticeable on a couple of occasions. Additionally, it has a pretty slow wind-up time, which isn’t a dealbreaker, but does slow down workflow a bit.

These slight quibbles aside, the Ego Power+ CS1800 is a budget-friendly, lightweight, and powerful e-chainsaw that is capable of handling most tasks you’ll encounter around the house or while building/maintaining a trail. It doesn’t quite stack up to some of the larger, longer saws we tested, but it performs well enough and keeps your wallet happy in the process.

Electric Chainsaws Comparison Chart

Electric Chainsaw	Price	Weight w/ Battery	Bar Length	Bucking spikes	Chain brake	Warranty
Greenworks GS181 82V 18″ Chainsaw	$520	17 lbs., 4 oz.	18″	Steel	Yes	2 years
WEN 40417 40V Max 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw	$179	12 lbs.	16″	N/A	Yes	2 years
DeWalt XR 12″ 20V Battery Chainsaw Kit	$279	9 lbs., 5 oz.	12″	Plastic ridges	Yes	N/A
Stihl MSA 220 C-B	$420	12 lbs., 9 oz.	14″ and 16″	Plastic and metal	Yes	3 years
Hart 8” Pruning Saw	$145	6 lbs., 8 oz.	8″	No	No	3 years
Greenworks 10″ Brushless Pole Saw	$179	12 lbs., 12.8 oz.	10″	No	No	4 years
Ryobi 40V HP 18” Brushless Chainsaw	$369	13 lbs.	18″	Plastic	Yes	5 years
Ego Power+ CS1800	$330	9 lbs.	16″	Plastic	Yes	5 years

Scroll right to see more specs.

Lineup of electric chainsaws — A lineup of some of the electric chainsaws we tested for this guide — and the wood they cut as a backdrop; (photo/Berne Broudy)

How We Tested the Best Electric Chainsaws

From bucking logs at a job site to amassing wood for the winter on homesteads, the GearJunkie team is no stranger to the chainsaw game. Our lead tester, Berne Broudy, has spent many a day covered in sawdust and cultivated our initial selection of six chainsaws back in March of 2021. Since then, we’ve had our finger on the pulse of the electric chainsaw market and make sure to scope out new technologies and updates as soon as they’re available.

We chopped up endless lengths of logs, cleared miles of trails, and amassed piles of firewood with each of these models, using them on rigorous jobs to truly test their mettle. We focused on the ease of use, battery power, efficiency, and durability of each saw — and each had to impress us on multiple fronts to earn any real estate in this guide.

We know the competition for the chainsaw podium is fierce, which is why we keep this guide on an iterative update schedule, ensuring the roundup you see above is the most current, deserving selection possible. Rest assured — each saw on this list will tackle your sawing tasks with ease.

Buying Guide: How to Choose an Electric Chainsaw

Electric chainsaws may not be able to tackle the same caliber of tasks as their gas-powered peers, but sure do hold their own considering their weight and simplicity; (photo/Chris Carter)

What Is the Point of an Electric Chainsaw?

There’s a feeling of power in yanking a gas-powered saw to life and hearing it rumble in your hands. Take away that allure — and remove some power — and you might be wondering what the point of an electric chainsaw would be. They don’t sound as cool, they have less tenacity, and you have to remember to keep their batteries charged.

So why buy one? Below, we’ll take a look at some of the primary pros and cons of these e-beasts, and you can decide for yourself.

Pros of Electric Chainsaws

To us, these saws’ discrete draw lies in their simplicity, weight, safety, eco-friendly nature, and financial savings. Electric chainsaws hum to life at the flick of a switch, whereas gas saws require you to pull a cord a few times to start it up — which bears the inherent danger of kickback occurring and injuring the operator. Even with electric saws, we always wear PPE, including heavy-duty work pants and work boots, along with eye and ear protection.

Gas saws also run on a blend of gas and oil, and insufficient blends can keep the motor from turning over — and require regular maintenance. Having carburetors, fuel lines, spark plugs, and air filters in the system adds a significant number of potential failure points. Additional gas and oil are also continued financial burdens.

Gas-powered models are heavier to operate and more unwieldy, which also places them on the more dangerous fringe of the spectrum. Finally, gas chainsaws transmit fumes that are toxic to the environment, and require a continual influx of fossil fuels to run. Electric chainsaws are better for the planet and are generally easier to operate.

cutting a small log with the WEN electric chainsaw — Electric chainsaws have pros and cons that should be considered before making a purchase. Here, we’re testing the affordable WEN 16-inch; (photo/Erika Courtney)

Cons of Electric Chainsaws

The primary con of electric chainsaws lies in their lack of power compared to their gas-infused cousins. While they hold their own considering their weight and simplicity, they won’t be able to handle the caliber of tasks that a gas-powered saw of the same size could. Additionally, it is more difficult to accomplish remote jobs with electric chainsaws, as you need to be close to a power source to keep your batteries charged, and bringing loads of extra batteries gets heavy, expensive, and downright frustrating.

As you can see, it boils down to personal preference and the types of jobs you plan on tackling when it comes to choosing between an electric or gas-powered chainsaw. Both have their own advantages and drawbacks, but we tend to gravitate to electric saws for moderate work that has access to an outlet. The pros seem to outweigh the cons for us in most everyday DIY tasks we encounter.

Stihl MSA 220 C-B — Electric chainsaws aren’t for everyone, but the pros far outweigh the cons for us in many scenarios; (photo/Berne Broudy)

What Other Battery-Powered Tools Do You Already Own?

The key to battery-powered tools is that many of the batteries can be used in a family of tools, not just a single tool. This can save you some major money.

If you’re already committed to a brand’s battery system, it may make sense to buy a compatible chainsaw. If you haven’t committed to a brand’s battery system, choose carefully, because you may be committing to more than just the chainsaw once you get started. The batteries in our Greenworks chainsaw also power our lawnmower, leaf blower, pole saw, and more.

Choose Your Batteries and Charger Wisely

Electric chainsaws run on quick-charging lithium-ion batteries. Many recharge in about an hour. A bigger battery will give your saw longer life. It will also weigh more. If you’re doing light yard work and using your saw infrequently, it may make sense to have multiple smaller batteries instead of big ones.

Actually, it always makes sense to have multiple batteries, because there’s nothing more frustrating than being halfway through a project and having to wait until your battery recharges, which could be 40 minutes to several hours. Some e-chainsaws have battery-charging options. If a quick recharge is important to you, spend a few extra bucks to save yourself hours of waiting.

Ryobi 40V HP 18” Brushless Chainsaw — If you plan on taking down some seriously big jobs, invest in a saw that has a large enough battery capacity to handle the task; (photo/Berne Broudy)

What Do Ah and V Numbers Mean?

When shopping for a battery-operated chainsaw, amps (A), amp-hours (Ah), and voltage (V) tell you how much work you’ll be able to do with the saw-and-battery combination.

Amps or amperage is the amount of electrical current the battery can provide. Amp-hours tells you how long the battery can provide a certain amount of current. And voltage is how much force the saw has to push current from one part of the electrical circuit to the next. More expensive saws will have higher numbers.

Weigh Your Options

Hart 8” Pruning Saw — Small chainsaws like **Hart’s 8” Pruning Saw** are light and easy to wield but aren’t great for tackling big jobs; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Smaller saws are lighter and easier to operate. Pick one large enough to get your jobs done. If you’re planning on carrying a saw for trail work, you may want the smallest, not the most powerful. If you’re using your saw to fell trees and buck up firewood for the season, power and large size are key.

Battery choice also affects the saw’s running weight. Choose batteries with enough juice you won’t be waiting for a recharge. Keep in mind that lighter batteries are usually shorter-lived but also make a saw easier to manage.

What Features Matter?

Not every saw has a chain brake, and not every saw is self-oiling. Some come standard with bucking spikes, while others leave them off. Pick a saw with the operation and safety features that are important to you. Some e-chainsaws have tool-free chain tensioning, while some have clip-in storage for a tool, etc.

Bucking Spikes — What Are They and Do You Need Them?

greenworks gs181 82v chainsaw — The **Greenworks GS181 82V 18″ Chainsaw** has beefy steel bucking spikes, which help you get solid leverage when cutting through large logs; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Bucking spikes — known by other monikers such as teeth, spikes, dawgs, or dogs — are metal or plastic plates that can be fixed to the powerhead of a chainsaw. Most chainsaws come with bucking spikes already pre-mounted, but some have mounting areas where different types of spikes can be mounted directly to the saw.

“Dawgs,” as we like to call them, provide something of a pivot point when bucking up large sections of logs, as they allow you to dig the spike into the log and use them as a point of leverage to force your bar through the log. This is extremely important when using particularly large chainsaws with long bars to cut through oversized logs.

To properly use a chainsaw dawg, use the rotation of your chain to help you jam the spikes into the log when you begin your cut. This allows you to use the sticking point to pivot your chainsaw bar down into the log. After you have cut through a significant portion of the log, you can pull the dawgs out of the log and continue cutting as normal. If it is a particularly large log, you can continue jamming the spikes back into the log for multiple pivot cuts.

We have noted if each of the electric chainsaws above has bucking spikes or not in the specs chart.

You Get What You Pay For

DeWalt XR 12 in. 20-volt Battery Chainsaw Kit — Electric chainsaws can be a hefty investment but are worth it for long-term durability; (photo/Berne Broudy)

Electric chainsaws are like most other tools: You get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap saw, expect that it won’t have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive saw, and the battery likely won’t be as powerful or long-lasting.

Not everyone needs a pro-grade saw, but for us, features like a chain brake and automatic chain oiler are non-negotiable. Chainsawing safety is paramount, and an auto-oiler will keep your saw in tip-top shape.

Caring for Electric Chainsaws

“Take care of your tools, and they’ll take care of you” — a maxim we’ve probably all heard our dads mutter in the past. While electric chainsaws are much easier to maintain, clean, and operate than gas-powered models, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind before you leave the job site at the end of a long day.

First and foremost, it is vital to ensure your oil tank is filled with quality bar and chain lubricant before each use. Operating any electric chainsaw without chain oil or when the oil level is below the minimum mark will result in long-term damage to the saw. We’ve been using a premium oil-free lubricant from EGO Power+ and have had solid results with it.

Electric chainsaws are relatively simple tools, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to remember to keep the most essential ingredient — bar and chain lubricant — topped up; (photo/Chris Carter)

After each use, it’s a good idea to clean debris like dirt and wood chips from the chain and guide bar with a soft brush. You should also wipe the saw surface with a clean, damp cloth soaked in a mild soap solution or mechanic’s wipes. Make sure you have removed the battery before cleaning your saw.

After you have done this, remove the side cover, and use your soft brush, paper towels, or even an old toothbrush to clear debris from the guide bar, saw chain, and sprocket under the cover. Sawdust and gunk build up fast in here, so it’s important to stay on top of this! If the buildup is difficult to remove, add a bit of carb cleaner to your toothbrush or cloth to help break it up.

Next, make sure that the body of your saw is clear of sawdust and dirt, such as your battery compartment and connections, and vent areas. Over time you will need to sharpen or replace your chain and perform heavier maintenance tasks, but keeping it clean after each use will greatly prolong the life of your saw.

After each use, it’s a good idea to remove the side cover and clear the guide bar, saw chain, and sprocket of sawdust and gunk. The **Ego Power+ CS1800** makes this a quick and easy task; (photo/Chris Carter)

Safety Considerations When Using Electric Chainsaws

Just because these are electric chainsaws, doesn’t mean they are any less dangerous than their gas-guzzling counterparts. Chainsaw work is, by definition, extremely risky, and even lightweight 10″ “yard-work” saws could lop your finger off as easily as they trim the bushes. Electric chainsaws are sometimes also considered even more dangerous than gas-powered saws, as there is no rumble of the motor to remind you that the saw is operational.

It’s important to read the instructions and owner’s manual completely for any electric chainsaw you decide to go with and remove the battery before checking and adjusting chain tension or refilling bar oil. Make sure to learn how to safely use a chainsaw from someone you trust who has experience in the craft before setting off on your own. Additionally, stock up on all of the appropriate safety gear before working with these tools. They have the potential to seriously injure you, but there are steps you can take — and apparel you can wear — to mitigate the risk.

Price & Value

There is a fairly wide range in price for electric chainsaws, and we’ve found that there’s a pretty direct correlation between cost, quality, and performance. How much you should spend really comes down to how much you’re going to use it and the cutting projects you intend to undertake with it.

Budget

At the lower end of the price spectrum, we mostly find pruning saws or models from less established brands. These types of saws work well for light-duty tasks like pruning or cutting smaller-diameter logs and limbs around the yard or out on the trail. Saws like this tend to be a bit less powerful, and the construction also feels a bit less robust than saws that cost more.

The Hart 8” Pruning Saw ($145) is the least expensive model we tested. This isn’t too surprising, given its short 8-inch bar and relatively simple design. This is a light-duty saw for pruning, small jobs around the house, and less frequent use, and in that context, it works well.

Moving just a bit higher in price, we find the WEN 40417 40V Max 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw ($179). With a longer 16-inch bar and a bit more power, this saw is capable of cutting larger wood than a pruning saw, but it’s still best for light to medium-duty cutting tasks. That said, it doesn’t hold a candle to the bigger names, nor does it have the same ecosystem of tools to choose from. But, if you need a saw for occasional use around the house, the WEN is up to the task without emptying your wallet.

Mid-Tier

Moving up a price tier, moderately priced electric chainsaws come from some of the more reputable and established e-power tool brands like DeWalt and EGO. Here we find varying sizes of saws with different intended uses, but the builds are generally higher quality, with better features and more developed tool ecosystems to buy into.

The DeWalt XR 12″ 20V Battery Chainsaw Kit ($279) is our pick as the best value. DeWalt is well-known for its quality tools of all kinds, and the XR 12″ is no different. With a 12-inch bar, it’s easy to handle, making it great for projects around the house. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry into the woods for trail work. We appreciate the tool-free chain tensioner, self-oiling, and chain brake features. We also like that the batteries are cross-compatible with all of DeWalt’s 20V tools.

Similarly, the EGO Power+ CS1800 ($330) is a solid option for a moderate price. With good power, a long battery life, and a 16-inch bar, this is still a homeowner-oriented saw, but it’s a bit more capable of cutting larger wood. It’s light enough to be easy to carry and handle yet powerful enough to saw through moderate-size logs with a battery that lasts longer between charges. It’s also super quiet, and the battery can be used with EGO’s other tools, like leaf blowers and string trimmers.

Premium

As we get into the high end of the electric chainsaw market, we find heavy-duty saws that can perform alongside their gas-powered counterparts. These saws have rugged constructions, more powerful motors and batteries, and features like metal bucking spikes. You’ll spend over $400, but you’ll get an electric chainsaw that’s truly capable of felling large trees and bucking lots of rounds. If you drop trees regularly or heat your home with wood, then a higher-end saw will likely serve you better.

The most expensive saw we tested is the Greenworks GS181 82V 18″ Chainsaw ($520), which is a commercial-grade tool that can handle some serious cutting tasks. Dropping and bucking mature hardwoods is no problem with its 18-inch bar, powerful motor, and long-lasting battery. You’ll pay more for it, but this saw’s performance, features, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious chainsaw users.

Stihl is a well-known brand in chainsaws, and its Stihl MSA 220 C-B ($420) lives up to this reputation as our favorite mid-size electric chainsaw. From the rugged build to the high-quality chain, this saw reinforces the idea that spending more for a quality product the first time is worth it in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Part of the allure of electric chainsaws is how easy they are to operate. Generally speaking, they are much more straightforward than gas-powered saws and require you to simply charge up the battery and fire it up with the flick of a switch. Make sure to fill the saw with bar oil before operating it — but aside from that, no additional fluids are needed.

Each saw is slightly different in its own regard, so be sure to thumb through the owner’s manual before ripping into branches to make sure you understand how it works, and how to stay safe while using it.

We cover a handful of the pros and cons of electric chainsaws in our buyer’s guide above, but it truly does boil down to personal preference and the task at hand. Some remote jobs would be better served by a more powerful gas chainsaw, as they don’t require you to be close to an outlet or carry loads of extra batteries. However, gas-powered saws can be more expensive and maintenance-intensive over the long run, and aren’t quite as eco-friendly.

Electric chainsaws are easy to use, better for the environment, quieter, safer, and more affordable over time. For us, electric chainsaws make the most sense for the majority of light to moderately demanding jobs we encounter day to day.

We have highlighted a number of different categories of saws in this guide, and one might better suit your needs over another. As an all-around workhorse capable of tackling a diverse array of jobs, we narrowed in on the Greenworks GS181 82V 18″ Chainsaw for our best overall award.

This may not be the best saw for you personally, however, and something like Hart’s 8” Pruning Saw or Greenworks’ 10″ Brushless Pole Saw could be perfect if you just need light tasks done around the house, as opposed to big ol’ bucking jobs in the backcountry.

Consider the full scope of objectives you want to accomplish before dialing in on the electric chainsaw you end up buying.

Electric chainsaws can be efficient, quiet, environmentally friendly tools to add to your lumberjack loadout; (photo/Chris Carter)

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