9 Best Battery Electric Chainsaw | Skip the Pull Cord for Good

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The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the benchmark for cordless cutting power, matching the speed of a 50cc gas saw without the exhaust, pull-start frustration, or altitude-related power loss. Its 18-inch bar equipped with an X-Cut chain delivers lasting sharpness through dense Douglas fir and oak, while the brushless motor runs whisper-quiet and maintenance-free. The standout feature is the Boost Mode button, which pushes an extra 25 percent torque into the cut for those moments when the chain binds mid-log. At 7.72 pounds, it is lighter than most 16-inch gas saws, making overhead limbing sessions far less fatiguing. The 7.5Ah 40V battery provides 30 to 45 minutes of nonstop cutting under heavy load—enough to fell a pair of medium-sized trees before needing a recharge. The included charger is a standard 1-amp unit (6-7 hour full recharge), so anyone planning full-day sessions should invest in a second battery and a faster charger from Husqvarna’s pro lineup.

Where this saw really separates from the competition is the cutting speed per pass. Users report dropping 2-foot-diameter logs with minimal lean-on force, which is rare for a battery saw at this price tier. The plastic housing does transmit vibration more than magnesium-cased pro units, and the plastic chain tension mechanism can deform under extreme pinch scenarios. Replacement parts for the tensioner have been back-ordered for months, which is a genuine concern for those working in remote areas without a backup saw. The chain reinstallation procedure is also finicky—the spring-loaded pin is tucked inside the cover plate, and several owners have found it impossible to reseat the chain after it jumped the bar, resulting in returns. If you are willing to accept the tensioner limitations and charger speed, this saw delivers gas-rivaling performance that few other cordless models can touch.

The Power Axe 350i slots into Husqvarna’s 40V lithium ecosystem, meaning the battery works across their trimmers, blowers, and pole saws. The X-Cut chain technology provides noticeably longer edge life compared to standard Oregon or Carlton chains included with lower-priced saws. For the homeowner who tackles heavy firewood processing or seasonal tree work and values instant-on power over the smell of premix, this is the closest a battery saw has come to replacing a gas workhorse.

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Greenworks claims up to 250 cuts through 4×4 lumber on a single charge with this 18-inch brushless saw, and real-world owners confirm it can fell two large trees across three battery swaps when paired with a high-capacity pack. The 250-watt brushless motor generates 2x more torque than the company’s 12-inch models, which is immediately noticeable when burying the bar in a 16-inch hardwood trunk. The automatic oiler delivers consistent chain lubrication without any adjustment, and the tool-free tensioning system makes bar-and-chain swaps fast. The saw ships as a tool-only unit, which is important—buyers must supply their own 40V Greenworks battery and charger. That makes the upfront cost deceptive if you are not already in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem.

The biggest real-world advantage here is the bar length-to-runtime ratio. With a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery, the saw maintains cutting speed well past the point where a 12-inch or 14-inch saw would bog down. The trade-off is battery consumption—the 18-inch bar and higher-torque motor drain a 4.0Ah pack noticeably faster than smaller Greenworks models. One verified owner reported that a single 4.0Ah battery lasted under 10 minutes under heavy 18-inch oak felling, which underscores the need for multiple high-capacity packs for serious firewood sessions. The chain tension setup is finicky during initial assembly: the tension pin must be seated back for slack, then tightened to roughly 1/4-inch deflection. Overtightening the plastic cover can strip threads.

For buyers already invested in Greenworks 40V tools, this saw is an easy upgrade path into serious felling capability. The 18-inch bar handles logs that the 12-inch version would require two passes to cut, saving significant time in storm cleanup or firewood processing. The push-button start and total absence of gas, fumes, and carburetor maintenance make it a cleaner, quieter alternative to a gas saw in residential neighborhoods.

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SKIL’s PWR CORE 40 technology is the headline act here: the included 2.5Ah battery reaches 30 percent charge in just 15 minutes, which means a short coffee break is enough to finish a half-done limbing job. The digital brushless motor delivers a claimed 3.5 horsepower output, and while that number is peak and not continuous, the saw cuts through 8-to-10-inch trunks with authority. The 14-inch bar is a smart compromise—long enough to handle medium firewood and storm debris but short enough to keep the saw nimble for overhead pruning. Tool-free chain tensioning and an anti-kickback brake round out the safety suite, and the weather-resistant construction holds up in damp conditions.

Runtime on a single 2.5Ah battery runs roughly an hour under mixed cutting—enough for a full yard cleanup but not for a day of heavy felling. Owners consistently recommend buying a second battery because the fast charger makes hot-swapping painless. The auto oiler works reliably, though the saw does drip a small amount of oil when stored on its side for extended periods. The plastic parts of the tool-free tensioning system feel a bit thin compared to the metal-geared mechanisms on premium brands, but in practice, the dial holds adjustment through a full session without slipping. The anti-kickback brake engages instantly when kickback occurs, which provides genuine confidence during angled cuts on limbs under tension.

For homeowners who need one saw that covers everything from pruning to medium firewood processing, the SKIL 14-inch hits a sweet spot in weight, power, and charging speed. The 5-year limited warranty is among the best in this category, and the PWR CORE 40 battery platform extends to SKIL’s string trimmers, blowers, and hedge shears. The lack of a chain pitch measurement on the spec sheet is annoying for replacement chain sourcing, but standard .325-inch pitch chains from Oregon fit without modification.

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The Worx WG384 is the lightest and most maneuverable saw in this list, tipping the scales at 10.4 pounds with two 20V 2.0Ah Power Share batteries installed. The 14-inch bar auto-tensions the chain—adjusting slack automatically as the chain heats and stretches during use—removing the guesswork that plagues many tool-free designs. The dynamic brushless motor punches above its weight class, cutting through 9-inch beech wood in a single pass with no noticeable bogging. The quick-stop chain brake is a two-stage mechanism that requires a deliberate pull to disengage, preventing accidental startups. Owners consistently highlight the low vibration and quiet operation, which makes extended sessions less fatiguing than any gas saw in this size class.

Battery life is the saw’s most limiting factor. The included 2.0Ah batteries deliver roughly 45 minutes of mixed cutting, and the chain sometimes pops off the bar when working through green, fibrous wood that creates pinch. The auto-tension system is clever but not infallible—several users report needing to manually check and adjust tension after heavy cuts because the mechanism doesn’t always compensate fast enough. The chain itself is a thin-gauge unit that requires more frequent sharpening than the Oregon S52 chain many owners switch to. The 40V system is actually two 20V batteries in series, which means the saw is incompatible with Worx’s 40V standalone batteries—a detail that baffles some buyers expecting a single 40V pack.

Where the Worx shines is portability and ecosystem integration. The Power Share platform spans Worx’s entire 20V and 40V tool lineup, so the same batteries power trimmers, blowers, and even the company’s innovative JawSaw. For property owners who already own Worx tools, this is the most seamless add-on purchase in the category. The auto-tension system, while not perfect, does eliminate the most common maintenance headache for casual users who would otherwise run a dangerously loose chain.

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The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 has been a staple in the cordless chainsaw category for years because it nails the basics: reliable 40V power, a low-recoil 12-inch bar, and an automatic oiler that keeps the chain lubricated without any fiddling. The included 2.0Ah battery delivers over 60 cuts through 4×4 pine lumber on a single charge, which is sufficient for most weekend pruning and storm cleanup sessions. At 10.4 pounds, it is light enough to wield with one hand while holding a branch, and the full-wrap handle provides comfortable gripping at any orientation. The battery holds a charge for up to 18 months in storage, making it a reliable emergency tool for hurricane prep or winter storm response.

The single biggest complaint across hundreds of verified reviews is the slow charger. The included LCS436 charger takes roughly 5 hours to fully recharge the 2.0Ah battery, while the optional LCS36 fast charger cuts that to 1.5 hours. Many owners upgrade to the fast charger and never look back. The automatic oiler consumes oil faster than expected—one user measured 12 ounces in 20 minutes of cutting—so keeping a quart of bar oil on hand is essential. The saw also jams with wood chips near the clutch cover on certain cuts, requiring a quick stop to clear debris. Replacement batteries are expensive, and bars are increasingly hard to find in retail stores.

For the homeowner who owns a single property and needs a chainsaw for occasional limbing, storm cleanup, and campfire wood, the LCS1240 is the most straightforward, no-regret purchase in this lineup. The battery compatibility with older BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX tools means long-time users can drop their existing packs into this saw and get to work immediately. It won’t win any speed contests against brushless 16-inch saws, but its reliability, low vibration, and quiet operation make it the class leader for light-to-medium residential work.

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The Dong Cheng 40V chainsaw punches far above its price point with a 16-inch bar and two 4.0Ah batteries that deliver up to 150 cuts through 4×4 lumber per charge. The brushless motor produces 550 watts of cutting power—enough to bury the bar in dead juniper and oak without stalling. The tool-free chain tensioning knob lives on the side of the housing for quick field adjustments, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain running smoothly during extended sessions. The inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds during kickback, which is the same safety spec found on saws costing twice as much. Owners consistently report that the saw outperforms their old gas saws in cutting speed and ease of use.

Quality control is the main concern with this brand. Multiple buyers received units with faulty chain oilers that had to be replaced under warranty before the saw would cut properly. The batteries charge very quickly—under 20 minutes for a full charge—but the battery housing clips feel flimsy compared to DeWalt or Milwaukee packs. The chain tensioner works well when it is engaged properly, but the threading on the adjustment knob can strip if overtightened. One owner noted that the included chain dulled faster than expected and recommended upgrading to a higher-quality Oregon chain immediately. The saw is also on the heavier side at roughly 15 pounds with both batteries installed, which matters during extended overhead work.

For the budget-conscious buyer who needs serious 16-inch cutting capacity and refuses to pay premium brand markup, the Dong Cheng is a compelling option. The dual-battery system means you can hot-swap indefinitely as long as you keep one pack on the charger. The 40V platform is compatible with other Dong Cheng tools, though the brand’s ecosystem is much smaller than Greenworks or Worx. If you are willing to accept a slightly higher defect rate and replace the chain early, you get gas-style cutting power for a fraction of the usual cost.

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The V-MODEST chainsaw sets itself apart by bundling two 6.0Ah 40V batteries—the largest capacity in this lineup—along with a fast charger. The brushless motor generates an advertised 2.5 horsepower, translating to a chain speed of 32.8 ft/s that cuts through 5-inch wood effortlessly. The automatic oiling system uses a transparent oil window so you can monitor levels without stopping to pop the cap. Tool-free chain tensioning is standard, and the dual safety start buttons plus chain brake provide confident operation for beginners and experienced users alike. At 10 pounds without batteries, the saw is reasonably light for a 16-inch model, and the balanced weight distribution reduces arm fatigue during longer sessions.

The biggest issue with the V-MODEST is the quality control across units. One verified buyer received a unit with a broken chain guard and a faulty charger on the first delivery; the replacement worked perfectly. Another owner had a battery that stopped accepting a charge after three months, though the company’s customer service did replace it promptly. The included instructions are poorly organized—the parts diagram mislabels the chain tension knob, and the chain installation guide is confusing enough that some owners gave up and watched YouTube videos instead. After assembly, the saw cuts cleanly and the large batteries provide extended runtime, but one user reported that the chain dulled after about three months of weekend use, requiring a replacement to restore cutting performance.

For buyers who prioritize maximum runtime between charges above all else, the V-MODEST delivers with the 6.0Ah dual-battery system. The 16-inch bar paired with the torquey brushless motor handles firewood cutting and storm debris with authority. The saw comes with an extra chain, bar cover, and screwdriver—everything needed except bar oil. The 1-year warranty provides some peace of mind, but the mixed initial quality means this pick is best suited to buyers comfortable with potential early hiccups and the hassle of a return if a defective unit arrives.

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The ReliaRoads chainsaw is engineered specifically for owners of DeWalt 20V MAX tools who want to leverage their existing battery collection without buying into a separate 40V platform. The saw runs on two DeWalt 20V MAX batteries (not included) wired in series to deliver 40V of power to the brushless motor. The 16-inch bar cuts through 8-inch limbs and 15-inch green elm with authority, and the automatic oil pump system provides up to 60 minutes of continuous lubrication per fill. The rapid-stop feature halts the chain within 1.5 seconds of releasing the trigger, and the quick-stop brake guard stops rotation in 0.1 seconds. The kit includes two chains, a guide bar cover, a screwdriver, and a compact oil can.

Cutting performance is genuinely impressive for a saw this affordable. The brushless motor delivers gas-like power without the fumes or noise, and the saw feels well-balanced during extended use. The biggest downside is the constant chain tension maintenance—multiple owners report needing to tighten the chain after every several cuts because the tensioning mechanism does not hold as securely as name-brand designs. Battery consumption is also higher than expected; the saw chews through a pair of 5.0Ah DeWalt batteries in roughly 45 minutes of heavy cutting. The included chain is adequate but not exceptional, and some owners replaced it immediately with a higher-quality aftermarket chain for cleaner cuts. The fit and finish of the plastic housing is acceptable for the price tier but noticeably less refined than DeWalt’s own tools.

For the DeWalt ecosystem user who needs a 16-inch cordless saw without spending on a DeWalt-branded unit, the ReliaRoads is a brilliant value proposition. The two-year warranty and lifetime customer support provide a safety net that cheap generic imports often lack. Just factor in the cost of fresh DeWalt batteries if your existing packs are older than two years, as depleted batteries will not deliver the sustained current the brushless motor demands. This saw is not a daily-driver for professional use, but for property maintenance and storm prep, it gets the job done at a fraction of the platform cost.

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At just 6 pounds, the Greenworks 40V 12-inch compact chainsaw is the lightest model in this entire guide—lighter than many corded drills. The low weight makes it the go-to choice for ladder work, one-handed pruning in tight shrubs, and tossing into a camping rig for trail clearing. The 12-inch low-recoil bar handles logs up to 10 inches, and the 2.0Ah battery delivers 50 cuts through 4×4 treated wood on a single charge. The dual safety start (lock button plus trigger) prevents accidental startups, and the tool-free auto-tensioning system adjusts the chain in seconds without any tools. The battery doubles as a portable power bank capable of charging phones and iPads, which is a genuinely useful feature for camping trips.

This saw is explicitly designed for light-duty intermittent use—it is not built for felling large trees or processing cords of firewood. The chain speed is slower than 16-inch brushless models, and the motor bogs down noticeably in hardwood logs larger than 8 inches. The chain loosens more frequently than larger saws, requiring periodic retensioning during a session. Some owners report that the chain tensioner does not hold as securely as the one on the larger Greenworks 18-inch model. The plastic construction is lightweight but does not inspire confidence for heavy brush work. The included 2.0Ah battery is sufficient for a quick pruning session but runs out in 40 to 60 minutes under continuous use.

Where this saw excels is accessibility. For seniors, small-statured users, or anyone who finds traditional chainsaws intimidating due to weight or kickback risk, the Greenworks compact removes every barrier. The carrying case keeps everything organized for transport, and the 3-year tool and battery warranty is generous for an entry-level product. It is also the best battery-powered option for campers who need a quiet, lightweight saw that fits in a tote bin. If your cutting needs never exceed pruning limbs and processing small storm debris, this is the most comfortable battery chainsaw you can buy.