Electric Chainsaws Best Electric Chainsaws: 9 Corded and Cordless Picks
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By the Pickpedia Team
·9 picks compared
·Last verified November 2026
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Quick answer
The WORX WG311 takes top honors as a 2-in-1 pole saw and chainsaw with 10 ft reach. For cordless cutting, the Makita XCU04CM kit and the SEESII 40V both run 16-inch bars, and the RYOBI 40V is a solid tool-only option for buyers already on that battery platform.
Best Electric Chainsaws: 9 Corded and Cordless Picks at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
Electric chainsaws split into two families: corded models that plug into a standard outlet for endless runtime, and battery models that trade a cord for freedom of movement. The right pick depends on how far your cutting is from an outlet and how much work you do in a session.
We compared the supplied specs, bar lengths, motor ratings and handling features across nine saws, from compact pole saws to an 18-inch corded unit. The list below runs best first, with the decision each saw suits best.
Our top picks
The WG311 converts from a pole saw reaching up to 10 ft into a standard chainsaw once the extension is removed. An 8 Amp motor drives the chain at 28 ft/s, and the whole tool weighs 10 lbs. The 180-degree rotating rear handle lets you angle your grip for awkward cuts.
Motor8 Amp
Bar10 in.
Chain speed28 ft/s
Weight10 lbs
ReachUp to 10 ft
Handle180-degree rotating rear handle
Pros
- Two tools in one: pole saw and ground chainsaw
- Long reach reduces ladder work
- Rotating rear handle helps with odd cutting angles
Cons
- 10-inch bar limits trunk-sized work
- Cord limits mobility away from an outlet
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Makita's brushless outer rotor motor is rated to deliver the power of a 32cc gas saw. Two 18V LXT 4.0Ah batteries run the tool, and Makita states up to 150 cuts in 4x4 cedar per charge. The kit ships with two batteries, so one can charge while the other works.
MotorBrushless direct-drive
Bar16 in.
Platform18V X2 LXT (36V)
BatteriesTwo 4.0Ah included
Claimed runtimeUp to 150 cuts in 4x4 cedar
Pros
- Brushless motor rated like a 32cc gas saw
- Two batteries included in the kit
- Stays within the 18V LXT platform
Cons
- Two batteries add weight to the saw
- Charger and battery care add routine steps
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A native 40V brushless motor rated at 2000W drives the chain at 34.8 ft/s through a 16-inch bar. SEESII claims up to 90 minutes of continuous runtime from the two 4.0Ah batteries. A 150ml auto oiler keeps the chain lubricated without manual pumping.
Motor2000W brushless, 40V
Bar16 in.
Chain speed34.8 ft/s
BatteriesTwo 4.0Ah included
RuntimeUp to 90 minutes
Oiler150ml automatic
Pros
- Two batteries and a fast charger in the box
- Automatic chain oiling
- High chain speed for fast cuts
Cons
- Batteries work only with 40V tools
- Heavier build than small homeowner saws
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The longest bar here at 18 inches, paired with a 15 Amp motor turning the chain up to 41 ft/s. WEN includes a kickback brake, tool-free chain tensioning and a cable strain relief notch. A two-year warranty backs the saw.
Motor15 Amp
Bar18 in.
Chain speedUp to 41 ft/s
TensioningTool-free
SafetyKickback brake
Warranty2 years
Pros
- Longest bar and highest chain speed on the list
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Kickback brake and strain relief notch included
Cons
- Cord restricts where you can cut
- Larger bar demands more user control
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A brushless cordless saw with a 16-inch bar and chain, rated powerful as gas by RYOBI. It works with all RYOBI 40V batteries, so anyone already on that platform skips buying new power packs. This listing is the tool only.
Bar16 in.
MotorBrushless
PlatformRYOBI 40V
BatteryTool only, battery not included
Pros
- Uses any RYOBI 40V battery you already own
- 16-inch bar handles mid-size logs
- Brushless motor design
Cons
- No battery or charger in the box
- Runtime depends on which pack you own
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A 12 Amp motor in a 16-inch corded saw with a scabbard included for storage. The design keeps things basic: plug in, cut, and skip battery charging entirely. It suits light yard cleanup where the cord can reach.
Motor12 Amp
Bar16 in.
PowerCorded electric
IncludedChainsaw and scabbard
Pros
- No battery charging to manage
- 16-inch bar for branches and logs
- Scabbard included for safe storage
Cons
- Cord limits range
- Fewer listed features than premium saws
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The 12 Amp motor delivers consistent torque with no battery to recharge, so long jobs run without downtime. A 5.8 oz auto-oiling system and tool-less tensioning cut maintenance steps. Safety gear includes a trigger lockout and automatic kickback brake, and a 3-year limited warranty covers the tool.
Motor12 Amp
Bar16 in.
Power120V corded
Oiler5.8 oz automatic
TensioningTool-less
Warranty3-year limited
Pros
- Unlimited runtime from a standard outlet
- Auto-oiling and tool-less tensioning
- Trigger lockout and kickback brake
Cons
- Needs a 120V outlet nearby
- Cord management on large yards
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The telescoping pole extends to 9.4 ft for up to 15 ft of overhead reach. A multi-angle head cuts at 0, 15 and 30 degrees, and an 8-inch Oregon bar with automatic lubrication handles branches up to 7.5 inches thick. The 6.5 Amp motor runs at 6000 rpm no-load speed.
Motor6.5 Amp
Bar8 in. Oregon
ReachUp to 15 ft overhead
Head angles0, 15, 30 degrees
Cut capacityBranches up to 7.5 in.
Warranty2 years
Pros
- Reaches high limbs from the ground
- Adjustable head for angled cuts
- Automatic bar and chain lubrication
Cons
- Small bar limits ground-level log work
- Pole length makes control harder at full extension
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A 5 lb saw with a 1000W pure copper brushless motor and 13 m/s chain speed. It runs on Milwaukee M18 18V batteries, sold separately. The bundle adds two 12-inch chains, gloves, a storage bag and a protective cover, plus a safety lock against accidental starts.
Motor1000W brushless
Bar12 in.
Chain speed13 m/s
Weight5 lbs
PlatformMilwaukee M18 18V
BatteryTool only, not included
Pros
- Light 5 lb build eases fatigue
- Extra chain, gloves and bag included
- Safety lock prevents accidental starts
Cons
- Short 12-inch bar suits light trimming only
- No battery or charger included
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What to look for
Corded or cordless: pick by distance to an outlet
Corded saws like the WEN CP1518 and SENIX CSE12-M run as long as you need, which suits storm cleanup and long sessions. Cordless saws such as the Makita XCU04CM and SEESII 40V free you from the cord but depend on battery charge. Match the choice to where the wood actually sits on your property.
Bar length sets the size of wood you can cut
An 8-inch bar on a pole saw handles branches, while 16 and 18-inch bars take on logs and felled limbs. The WEN CP1518 carries the longest bar here at 18 inches. Going longer adds weight and demands more control, so size the bar to the work rather than to the spec sheet.
Weight and handle design matter for control
The compact 12-inch saw weighs 5 lbs and the WORX pole saw weighs 10 lbs, a meaningful gap when you hold the tool overhead. A rotating rear handle, as on the WORX WG311, lets you keep a natural grip on angled cuts. Lighter saws tire the arms less during extended trimming.
Battery platform and maintenance routines
Battery saws only make sense if the packs fit tools you already own, as with the RYOBI 40V tool-only listing or the M18-compatible 12-inch saw. Check whether batteries and chargers are included, since several listings are tool only. Automatic oilers and tool-less tensioning, found on the SEESII and SENIX, cut routine upkeep.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cordless electric chainsaw a good choice for beginners?
Yes, if the saw is light and the battery platform is simple. The 5 lb 12-inch saw and the 16-inch RYOBI 40V are easy to handle, but remember that tool-only listings need batteries and a charger before first use.
What should I look for if I have a sloped yard?
Weight and cord management matter most on slopes. A cordless saw removes trip hazards from a trailing cord, and a lighter build like the 5 lb compact model is easier to control on uneven ground.
Can a corded chainsaw handle long storm cleanup jobs?
It can, because runtime never runs out. The SENIX CSE12-M and WEN CP1518 both run from a standard outlet with no recharging, so the only limit is how far your extension cord reaches.
Which saw is best for reaching high branches?
A pole saw. The Sun Joe SWJ802E extends for up to 15 ft of overhead reach, and the WORX WG311 reaches up to 10 ft and converts to a standard chainsaw for ground work.
Do these saws come with batteries and chargers?
It varies. The Makita XCU04CM and SEESII 40V include batteries and chargers, while the RYOBI 40V and the 12-inch M18-compatible saw are tool only. Confirm what is in the box before you commit.
How much bar length do I need for firewood cutting?
For logs and firewood, a 16-inch bar covers most homeowner work, and the 18-inch WEN CP1518 offers more capacity. A 12-inch bar is better suited to limbing and light trimming than to firewood.
What safety features should I check for?
Look for a kickback brake, a trigger lockout and a chain guard or scabbard. The WEN, SENIX and Sun Joe models list kickback brakes, and the compact 12-inch saw includes a safety lock against accidental starts.
How do I keep the chain cutting well?
Use the automatic oiler where fitted and check chain tension regularly. The SEESII has a 150ml auto oiler, the SENIX uses a 5.8 oz system, and tool-less tensioning on the SENIX and WEN makes adjustments quick.
The verdict
WORX Electric Chainsaw
9.2/10/10
The WORX WG311 earns the top spot by covering both high branches and ground-level cutting in one 10 lb tool. If you would rather cut without a cord, the Makita XCU04CM kit and the SEESII 40V bring two batteries each, while the WEN CP1518 is the pick for the largest logs within reach of an outlet.
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Our top pick, secure checkout via Amazon
Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.
