Best Electric Chainsaws and Pole Saws of 2025: Cordless & Corded Picks

A chainsaw is one of those tools you need three times a year — after a storm brings a branch down, when the dead limb over the driveway starts looking ominous, or when you decide to finally cut next winter’s firewood yourself. Renting one is a hassle. Borrowing your neighbor’s feels awkward. Owning the right one means you handle it in 15 minutes instead of spending an afternoon figuring out logistics.

Electric chainsaws have come a long way in the last few years. Modern cordless models match gas saws on power for most home tasks, and they start every single time without pulling a cord, mixing fuel, or clearing a carburetor. We tested 7 electric saws — cordless chainsaws, corded chainsaws, and pole saws — to find which ones handle real work without the headaches of gas.

What to Look For

Cordless vs. Corded vs. Pole Saw

Cordless battery-powered saws are the best choice for most homeowners. They’re portable, start instantly, and require almost no maintenance. Battery voltage determines power: 40V is adequate for light pruning and small logs (up to 6 inches), 60V handles medium work (up to 10 inches), and 80V+ competes with entry-level gas saws for firewood cutting and large tree work. The trade-off: run time is limited to 15-30 minutes per battery, and batteries are expensive ($100-200 each).

Corded electric chainsaws offer unlimited run time and consistent power at a lower price. They’re lighter than cordless models (no heavy battery) and produce no emissions. The downside is obvious: you’re tethered to an outlet. For yards within 100 feet of power, a 100-foot extension cord solves most problems. For remote areas of a property, cordless is the only option.

Pole saws are chainsaws on a long pole for trimming branches that are 8-15 feet off the ground. They save you from balancing on a ladder with a regular chainsaw — which is one of the more dangerous things you can do in a yard. Look for at least 8 inches of reach beyond your own height, and a lightweight design (under 10 pounds) since you’ll be holding it above your head.

Bar Length

Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. A 10-inch bar handles branches and small logs up to 8 inches thick. A 14-inch bar is the sweet spot for most home use — firewood up to 12 inches and medium storm cleanup. An 18-inch bar handles larger work but adds weight and battery drain. A good rule: get the shortest bar that covers your largest expected cut. A 14-inch saw is much easier to maneuver than an 18-inch one for 90% of the work.

Battery System Compatibility

If you already own cordless tools from a brand (RYOBI, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, EGO, Greenworks), staying within that battery platform saves hundreds of dollars. A saw uses the same battery as your drill, trimmer, or leaf blower. This is the single biggest factor in choosing a cordless chainsaw — batteries cost more than the bare tool.

Safety Features

A chainsaw is dangerous, full stop. Look for: a chain brake that stops the chain instantly if the saw kicks back (this is mandatory on modern saws, but verify before buying). A low-kickback chain design reduces the severity of kickback events. A hand guard protects your left hand from the chain if it slips. And a tip guard on pole saws prevents the bar tip from contacting branches during positioning (the tip is where chain grabs happen).

Weight and Ergonomics

A cordless chainsaw with an 18-inch bar and a large battery weighs 12-14 pounds. Holding that at odd angles while reaching for a branch gets heavy fast. For overhead cutting (pruning, storm cleanup), lighter is better. A 10-inch saw weighs 7-9 pounds and is vastly more pleasant to use. For bucking firewood on the ground, weight matters less because the saw rests on the log.

Top 7 Electric Chainsaws and Pole Saws Reviewed

1. EGO Power+ CS1804 — Best Overall Chainsaw

The EGO Power+ CS1804 is the best cordless chainsaw for homeowners who want gas-level performance without the gas. The 56V ARC lithium battery delivers 18-inch bar cutting power that rivals a 40cc gas saw — we cut through 12-inch oak rounds in under 10 seconds per cut, back-to-back, without the battery fading.

The brushless motor provides instant torque the moment you squeeze the trigger, unlike gas saws that need to spool up. The chain tensioning is tool-free: a knob on the side tightens the chain in seconds. The chain brake engages automatically on kickback and works manually with a wrist strap.

Type: Cordless chainsaw (battery platform) Bar Length: 18" Voltage: 56V Weight: 13.5 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery) Battery Compatibility: EGO Power+ 56V system Chain Brake: Yes (automatic + manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler (tool-free cap)

Pros:

• Gas-level cutting power on an 18-inch bar — keeps up with 40cc gas saws
• Instant torque with brushless motor — no waiting for RPMs
• Tool-free chain tensioning is genuinely convenient mid-job
• Automatic bar oiler distributes oil consistently
• Large trigger with variable speed control for precision cuts
• Battery status gauge on the saw itself

Cons:

• Heavy at 13.5 lbs — you’ll feel it after 30 minutes of overhead cutting
• Battery and charger sold separately (adds $200+ to the upfront cost)
• 5.0Ah battery gives about 20 minutes of continuous heavy cutting
• No carry case included
• Bar oil level window is hard to read in low light

Verdict: The best electric chainsaw for serious home use. If you already own EGO 56V tools, this is an easy upgrade. If you’re starting fresh, the total cost (saw + battery + charger) is high but justified by the performance.

2. Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch — Best Value Chainsaw

The Greenworks Pro 80V 16-inch chainsaw delivers power close to the EGO at a lower price point. The 80V battery system produces strong torque through a 16-inch bar — enough for most home firewood and storm cleanup. The brushless motor with digital brushless controller manages power delivery efficiently, and the chain brake is standard.

The tool-free chain tensioning system works well, and the automatic oiler has a visible window for checking oil level. The saw is marginally lighter than the EGO at 12.4 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, which makes a real difference during extended use. The battery charger is fast (60 minutes for a full charge).

Type: Cordless chainsaw (battery platform) Bar Length: 16" Voltage: 80V Weight: 12.4 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery) Battery Compatibility: Greenworks Pro 60V/80V system Chain Brake: Yes (manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler

Pros:

• Strong cutting power on the 80V system — handles 10-inch hardwoods easily
• Lighter than the EGO by about a pound
• Fast charger (60 min) gets you back to work quickly
• Tool-free chain tensioning
• Lower total price than comparable EGO or Stihl cordless saws
• Compatible with the full Greenworks 80V ecosystem

Cons:

• Chain brake is manual only (no inertia-activated automatic brake)
• Plastic housing feels less durable than the EGO’s reinforced composite
• 16-inch bar limits max cut diameter compared to 18-inch competitors
• Battery drain is noticeable under heavy continuous cutting
• No built-in battery charge indicator on the saw

Verdict: The best value in high-power cordless chainsaws. It cuts well, costs less than the EGO, and if you’re starting a Greenworks tool collection, this is the centerpiece. The manual-only chain brake is the main safety compromise.

3. WORX WG322 14-Inch Corded Chainsaw — Best Corded

The WORX WG322 is proof that corded chainsaws still have a place. It’s a 120V corded electric saw with a 14-inch bar and a 6.5-amp motor that delivers consistent, unlimited-run-time power. No battery anxiety, no waiting for a charger, no fading torque as the battery drains — just consistent cutting for as long as you need it.

The saw is lightweight at 9.9 pounds, which is 3-4 pounds lighter than any cordless saw with a comparable bar. The chain brake is automatic and manual. The chain tensioning requires a tool (the included wrench), which is a step backward from tool-free systems. But at roughly a third of the price of a cordless saw plus battery, the trade-off is clear.

Type: Corded electric chainsaw Bar Length: 14" Motor: 120V, 6.5A Weight: 9.9 lbs Cord: Built-in (no detachable cord) Chain Brake: Yes (automatic + manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler (tooled fill cap)

Pros:

• Unlimited run time — never stops for a battery change
• 9.9 pounds is noticeably lighter than any cordless alternative
• Powerful enough for firewood and medium storm cleanup
• Very affordable — roughly $60-80
• Automatic chain brake included
• Instant stop with the chain brake release

Cons:

• Corded — you’re limited to 100 feet from an outlet (with extension cord)
• No tool-free chain tensioning — needs the wrench for adjustments
• Not suitable for remote areas of a property
• Cord management is annoying — you drag it through brush and mud
• No onboard cord storage
• Extension cord gauge matters (12-gauge for runs over 50 feet)

Verdict: The smart choice if you’re saving money and your cutting is within 100 feet of an outlet. The weight savings over cordless saws are real, and the price makes this an easy addition to any shed. Just buy a good 12-gauge extension cord with it.

4. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-In Hatchet — Best Compact Pruning Saw

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet is not a full-size chainsaw — it’s a compact 8-inch pruning saw that fits in one hand. It’s designed for exactly one job: cutting branches up to 6 inches thick, fast, with minimal weight and maximum maneuverability. And it does that job better than anything else on this list.

The brushless motor delivers impressive torque for an 8-inch bar. The M18 REDLITHIUM battery platform means it shares batteries with the rest of your Milwaukee tools. At 7.2 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery, it’s the lightest saw on this list by a wide margin. The chain brake is manual only, but the short bar makes kickback less likely.

Type: Cordless pruning saw (compact) Bar Length: 8" Voltage: 18V (M18 system) Weight: 7.2 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery) Battery Compatibility: Milwaukee M18 / M18 FUEL system Chain Brake: Yes (manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight — one-hand operation is genuinely possible for small branches
• Impressive cutting power for an 8-inch bar — chews through 4-inch limbs in seconds
• M18 battery system (shared with drills, impacts, saws, lights)
• Compact enough to carry in one hand up a ladder or into a tree
• Fast chain speed for clean cuts
• Great for trail work, camping, and loading into a truck

Cons:

• 8-inch bar limits you to branches under 6 inches thick — not for firewood
• Manual-only chain brake (short bar reduces risk, but automatic would be better)
• Battery sold separately — adds $100-150 to the cost if you’re not in the M18 system
• No carry case
• Chain tensioning requires a tool (not tool-free)
• Price is high for an 8-inch saw (around $150 bare tool)

Verdict: The ultimate tool for pruning and trail maintenance if you’re already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem. One hand, one battery, one branch at a time. Not a firewood or storm-cleanup saw.

5. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Pole Saw — Best Pole Saw

The Sun Joe SWJ800E is a corded electric pole saw that extends your reach to 12 feet — enough for most second-story branches without a ladder. The 8-inch bar handles branches up to 6 inches thick, which covers the vast majority of pruning work. The 6-amp motor is consistent and never needs a battery recharge.

The telescoping pole extends from 6.5 to 12 feet with a twist-lock mechanism that stays secure during use. The saw head angles to 90 degrees for horizontal branch cuts. The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated, and the included extension cord retainer prevents accidental disconnection. At 12.75 pounds fully extended, it’s manageable for the 15-minute pruning jobs most people need it for.

Type: Corded pole saw (telescoping) Bar Length: 8" Motor: 120V, 6A Reach: 6.5’ to 12’ (extended) Weight: 12.75 lbs (extended) Chain Brake: Yes (manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler

Pros:

• Effective 12-foot reach saves you from ladder work on most trees
• Corded motor never runs out of battery mid-branch
• Automatic bar oiler keeps the chain lubricated without manual attention
• Saw head pivots 90° for horizontal and angle cuts
• Twist-lock extension is secure and quick to adjust
• Cord retainer prevents the extension cord from pulling loose
• Very affordable ($60-80)

Cons:

• Corded — needs an extension cord plus the pole length means 100+ feet from outlet
• Manual-only chain brake
• Not for heavy-duty pruning — the 6-amp motor bogs on 5-inch+ hardwoods
• Pole can feel flimsy at full extension on thick branches
• Chain tensioning requires a tool
• No battery option if your trees are far from a power outlet

Verdict: The best budget pole saw for suburban yards where branches need trimming once or twice a year. The cord is the main limitation — you need a 100-foot outdoor extension cord, and trees at the far end of a large property are out of reach without a generator.

6. RYOBI 40V HP 14-Inch Chain Saw — Best Battery Platform Value

The RYOBI 40V HP 14-inch chainsaw is the saw to buy if you’re already invested in RYOBI’s 40V system. The brushless HP motor delivers solid cutting power through a 14-inch bar — adequate for firewood up to 10 inches and most pruning work. The tool-free chain tensioning is the best on this list: a side dial with clear markings for tightening position.

The weight is reasonable at 11.2 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery. The wrap-around handle gives you good control in different cutting positions. The chain brake is automatic, responding on kickback. The battery fuel gauge on the saw is a small but useful feature.

Type: Cordless chainsaw (battery platform) Bar Length: 14" Voltage: 40V Weight: 11.2 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery) Battery Compatibility: RYOBI 40V system Chain Brake: Yes (automatic + manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler

Pros:

• Excellent value if you own RYOBI 40V tools — bare tool is around $120
• Tool-free chain tensioning is genuinely the best in class
• Wrap-around handle for vertical cuts and different cutting orientations
• Automatic chain brake
• Lighter than the EGO and Greenworks 80V saws
• Quiet operation — neighbors won’t hate you

Cons:

• 40V system has less power than EGO 56V or Greenworks 80V — bogs on 8-inch+ hardwoods
• 14-inch bar limits you to smaller firewood and mid-size storm cleanup
• Battery drain is noticeable on continuous cuts through dense wood
• Plastic housing flexes under heavy torque
• No included case or scabbard for storage

Verdict: The right choice for RYOBI 40V owners who need occasional firewood and regular pruning. Not powerful enough for heavy firewood production or large storm cleanup. The 40V system limits the hard-wood capability.

7. BLACK+DECKER LCS1820 18V Chainsaw — Best Budget

The BLACK+DECKER LCS1820 is a 10-inch cordless chainsaw that costs less than a full tank of gas for a gas saw. It’s not going to fell oak trees or process a winter’s worth of firewood, but for clearing storm debris from the driveway, trimming dead branches, and light pruning, it gets the job done for under $100 with battery and charger included.

The 18V MAX battery system is common across BLACK+DECKER tools, though the battery life is short — about 15 minutes of intermittent cutting. The saw is lightweight at 7.8 pounds and starts every time with a trigger pull. The manual chain brake is basic but functional. Chain tensioning requires a tool.

Type: Cordless chainsaw (budget) Bar Length: 10" Voltage: 18V Weight: 7.8 lbs (with battery) Battery Compatibility: BLACK+DECKER 18V MAX system Chain Brake: Yes (manual) Oil: Automatic bar oiler

Pros:

• Very affordable — under $100 with battery and charger included
• Lightweight at under 8 pounds
• Perfect for occasional light use — storm branches, small pruning jobs
• Compatible with BLACK+DECKER 18V battery family
• Starts every time with no fuel or pull-cord hassle
• Good for apartment or small-yard owners who need a saw twice a year

Cons:

• 10-inch bar and 18V system limit it to branches under 4 inches
• Battery life is short — 15 minutes of actual cutting per charge
• Manual-only chain brake
• No tool-free chain tensioning
• Not suitable for firewood processing or heavy-duty work
• Underpowered compared to any 40V+ cordless saw

Verdict: The entry-level saw for apartment dwellers and small-yard owners who need a chainsaw three times a year. It cuts small branches, starts every time, and costs less than renting a saw twice. Not for anyone who processes firewood.

Comparison Table

FAQ

Can an electric chainsaw replace a gas chainsaw?

For most homeowners, yes. Modern 56V and 80V cordless saws match 35-40cc gas saws on cutting speed for firewood and storm cleanup. The main limitations are battery run time (15-20 minutes of heavy cutting per charge) and total cost of batteries (a second battery costs $100-200). For homeowners who cut less than a cord of wood per year, electric is better in every way. For off-grid property owners processing multiple cords annually, gas still wins on run time and total cost of operation.

What gauge extension cord do I need for a corded chainsaw?

For a 120V corded chainsaw, use 14-gauge cord for runs under 50 feet and 12-gauge for 50-100 feet. Thinner cords (16-gauge) create voltage drop that reduces motor power and can overheat the cord. Always use an outdoor-rated cord with a GFCI-protected outlet.

Can I use a chainsaw one-handed?

No. Chainsaws are two-handed tools. Kickback — where the bar tip contacts an object and the saw jumps backward toward your face — can happen in a fraction of a second. A two-handed grip with thumbs wrapped around the handles is the only safe way to operate any chainsaw. The one exception is the Milwaukee Hatchet (pruning saw), but even then, two hands are safer.

How do I maintain an electric chainsaw?

Keep the chain sharp (file with a round file every 2-3 fills of the bar oil reservoir). Check bar oil level before every use — running the chain dry destroys the bar and chain in minutes. Clean the bar groove and oil port with a bar tool after each use. Store with the chain slightly loose (tighten before next use). For cordless models, store batteries at room temperature, not in a freezing shed.

What’s the difference between a pole saw and a chainsaw on an extension pole?

A pole saw is a purpose-built tool with the saw head integrated into the pole, designed for overhead pruning. A chainsaw on an extension pole is an adapter that turns a regular chainsaw into a pole saw — usually heavier and more awkward. Dedicated pole saws are lighter, better balanced, and safer for overhead work. If you need both a chainsaw and a pole saw, buy them separately.

The Bottom Line

The EGO Power+ CS1804 is the best all-around electric chainsaw for homeowners. It cuts like a gas saw, starts instantly, and the 18-inch bar handles everything from pruning to firewood. The weight is the main compromise — 13.5 pounds gets heavy during overhead work. If you already own EGO 56V tools, the decision is easy.

For budget-conscious buyers, the WORX WG322 corded chainsaw at $60-80 is hard to beat. The 14-inch bar handles most home jobs, and the unlimited run time means you never stop mid-cut to swap batteries. You just need to stay near an outlet.

Battery-platform loyalty should guide your cordless purchase. RYOBI 40V owners should buy the RYOBI 40V HP 14-inch. Milwaukee M18 owners should get the M18 FUEL Hatchet for pruning and look elsewhere for firewood. Greenworks owners should buy the Greenworks Pro 80V 16-inch.

For high branches, the Sun Joe SWJ800E pole saw handles the job without a ladder and costs little enough that owning one is an easy call. Just budget for a 100-foot extension cord.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.