The 7 Best Electric Chainsaws of 2026

If you own a home with trees on your property, an electric chainsaw is a must-have tool in your yard care arsenal. Electric chainsaws have come a long way and, in most cases, closed the gap to their gas-powered cousins—they’re easy to start (just push a button or two in most cases), generate little noise, produce no fumes, and simplify maintenance. We’ve tested electric saws as big as 20 inches and they’re powerful enough to bring down a mature tree.

Saws with 24-inch bars or more are still considered gas engine territory, but that’s overkill for most homeowners. For cleaning up after storms, felling small to medium-size trees, and regular pruning or arboreal maintenance, an electric chainsaw is the ideal choice.

• Best Overall: Stihl MSA 260 C-O Battery Chainsaw​​
• Best for Most Homeowners: Husqvarna Power Ax 350i 18 in. Chainsaw​
• Best Value: Echo DCS-5000 56V 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw​
• Best for Big Trees: Makita 40V Max XGT 20-in. Chainsaw​​
• Best for Pruning: Stihl MSA 80 36V 14-Inch 36V Chainsaw​​

After researching the latest models and features, we selected the most promising chainsaws for testing. We ran them through our thorough testing process that included practical tasks as well as our cookie test. At the conclusion of testing, we selected the best chainsaws for various purposes or tasks.

Regarding the cookie test, we use it as a proxy for runtime, continually cutting discs, or cookies, at the saw’s highest setting, from logs approximately 6 inches in diameter. This allows us to compare how much work each saw can do on a single charge. In addition, each saw was used to cut various species of logs, including ash, white oak, walnut, sassafras, and beech, in diameters appropriate for the saw’s size. Finally, we used the saws for basic arboreal yard work, like cutting up downed trees and pruning limbs.

We noted how well each chainsaw endured prolonged use. Making repeated cuts can cause a chainsaw, and its battery, to heat up. If it gets too hot, it will trigger a thermal limit and the saw’s overload protection will shut it down. We also considered comfort, vibration, saw balance, and ease of use to make our final recommendations.

Stihl’s new battery-powered MSA 260 C-O tops our list of chainsaws for two main reasons: run-time and constant, consistent power. These are the two most common concerns or complaints we hear from people when it comes to electric saws. The MSA 260 C-O made significantly more cuts on one battery charge than any other saw tested. But that’s only partly attributable to the saw—it’s also due to Stihl’s new AllPro 300.0 battery. Working in concert, the battery and saw deliver power at a constant level, maintaining a chain speed through most of the saw’s runtime.

Aside from run-time and consistent power delivery, the MSA 260 C-O has the ability to chew through big, tough logs. Note that Stihl positions the MSA 260 C-O “for professional applications” so the performance does come at a cost, $770 for the 18-inch model we tested, plus another $350 for the battery. While that might seem like a lot, it’s in line with other pro battery and gas saws. So, if you’re a frequent chainsaw user, the investment is going to be worth it.

Pulling the MSA 260’s trigger and holding it down for cut after cut through the logs, I kept waiting for the chain to start slowing and the battery to start dying—but it didn’t until the charge indicator on the battery got down below about 25%. That’s pretty remarkable as many saws will start slowing a little as high as 75 percent. We cut 209 cookies on one battery charge, and averaging the area of each cookie yielded a total area of 6,412 square inches cut—54 percent higher than the next closest saw.

Read Full Stihl MSA 260 C-O Review

Husqvarna may not have been the fastest-cutting electric chainsaw we tested, but it’s at the top of our list because it does just about everything well—it operates smoothly, cuts fast (enough), and is easy to use. With the boost button engaged, it blazed through our cutting tests, slicing through an 8-inch log in about 5 seconds. It also had the fastest windup speed of any electric chainsaw that I personally tested—it was ready to cut as soon as I pulled the trigger. Even with its impressive power, this chainsaw is surprisingly quiet, producing 67 decibels at 60 feet. The Power Axe isn’t particularly light at 14.5 pounds with battery, but it’s well balanced. I had no problem holding it steady even when making cuts at waist-level height.

The Power Axe also comes with a suite of well-designed, user-friendly features. The power button and boost button are located just above the handle so they’re easier to access on the fly. You also have the ability to adjust the chain tension by hand, loosening a dial to release the tension, then rotating a dial to tighten it back up. The whole process takes seconds. There’s also a built-in chain brake to protect from injuries. It’s a well-built, high-performing electric chainsaw that still manages to come in at a reasonable price.

Real the Full Husqvarna 350i Review

Echo’s DCS-5000 gives you what you want most out of a chainsaw: raw cutting power. It may lack some of the bells and whistles you’ll find on pricier models, such as tool-less chain tensioning and power-saving settings, but its base performance is right up there with the Power Axe 350i. The DCS-5000 cut through 8-inch hardwood in less than 4 seconds. That's saying something considering that the DCS-5000 costs at least $100 less than any other saw that can do the same.

Along with its impressive cutting speed, the Echo is also relatively light at just over 12 pounds. I could feel the difference whenever I had to lift it up above shoulder-height to cut higher limbs, or while crouching down to cut a fallen 8-inch beech tree.

There is a trade-off with the DCS-5000, though, in that it lacks any kind of quality-of-life-related features. You won’t find tool-less chain tensioning or ECO settings that conserve battery life here. It’s pretty loud, too, producing 76 decibels at 60 feet. And, finally, while I appreciated the lighter weight, I could also feel the vibrations in my arm more than electric chainsaws with more refined builds.

Still, if you don't mind the rougher feel, higher noise level, and lack of a few user-friendly features you’ll find on pricier electric chainsaws, the Echo DCS-5000 offers exceptional value.

The newest saw from Makita, the 40V Max XGT 20-inch chainsaw, is a beast. The brand claims it offers the power of a 50-cc gas saw, and we’re inclined to agree. The first pull of the trigger surprised us with the speed and sound of the chain whizzing around. And it wasn’t just the noise that was impressive—in testing, it positively tore through logs.

While we don’t time cutting speed, the 40V Max XGT quickly ripped logs—the saw does in fact cut as fast as it sounds. The 6-inch logs we use for cutting cookies—were child’s play for this saw. The 40V Max XGT cut 160 cookies, and using the average cookie diameter, we were able to calculate the total area cut at 4,155 square inches. Note that we test at the highest power/speed settings, and for a saw this big, that’s overkill on 6-inch logs. Using the three mode settings to match the power needed to the job at hand, it’s possible to greatly extend run-time.

Using the 40V Max XGT for practical tasks like felling trees, or cleaning up fallen trees after a storm, confirmed its power. I tackled logs as big as 18 inches, and the saw left nothing to be desired—it handled everything I used it on, without faltering. The 40V Max XGT chainsaw, at 20-inches, is among the biggest battery powered chainsaws we test. Our test unit came as a kit, with everything you need, including an 8.0Ah battery and charger. The kit isn’t cheap, but if you’re already on the Makita 40-volt XGT platform, you can save $500 and buy the chainsaw as a tool only.

Read Full Makita 40V Max XGT Review

The Stihl MSA 80 is an easy-to-use chainsaw that also packs impressive cutting power. Its compact build—the 14-inch saw weighs about 10 pounds—gives it a balanced feel in hand. It features a narrow bar that makes it easier to fit it into the crotches of trees for pruning than other electric chainsaws we tested like the Ego 20-inch chainsaw or Husqvarna Power Axe 350i. Likewise, it comes equipped with a thinner chain that cuts more smoothly through wood, producing less vibration. Lastly, its variable speed trigger allows you to adjust the speed of the blade to suit the job at hand.

There are several user-friendly features worth noting. Chain adjustments are effortless: Simply loosen a knob, turn the adjuster, and tighten the knob. There’s also a lubrication system to keep the chain moving with a minimal amount of bar oil.

Stihl’s chainsaws come at a premium price, and this one is no different. At $500, the MSA 80 is the most expensive electric chainsaw we tested, despite having a relatively short bar. Even so, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for professional-grade build quality and performance out of an electric chainsaw.

Echo’s DCS-2500T top-handle chainsaw is a compact model designed to be used for pruning, primarily while climbing, or in an aerial lift. But it’s also useful for pruning from the ground, particularly in large, dense shrubs or other tight tree work. Its light weight makes it easy to handle—that’s in part due to its small battery bay that will only accept a 2.5Ah battery. We were able to cut 55 cookies with the DCS-2500T, which doesn’t seem like a lot. But doing the math to compare it to the Stihl MSA 260 C-O, with a 9.0Ah battery, it cuts a similar amount, proportionally. We also noted that once the saw rested several minutes after its battery drained from the cookie test, we were able to get another 14 cuts out of that same battery.

Other than the cookie test, we used the saw as intended, for pruning, and found it to be well balanced and easy to use—both climbing in a tree and from the ground. We cut back low branches and limbs encroaching on walking paths, and in areas where the lawn transitions to wooded areas. The DCS-2500T has plenty of power and cutting speed and is a handy saw to have around for quick maintenance. As a dedicated pruning saw, the DCS-2500T is not intended for felling trees or cutting firewood—in fact, doing so would potentially be unsafe.

If you already have other Echo tools, like a leaf blower or trimmer, then you can save a little cash and purchase the DCS-2500T as a tool only.

The Ego CS-2005 is a testament to how far battery-powered yard machines have come. It sliced cookies off of 8-inch-thick hardwood in under 4 seconds, faster than any other electric chainsaw we tested. Importantly, though, it also gives you various settings to dial back all that power when you want to stretch its runtime.

There’s a price for the CS-2005’s cutting power and capacity, though—its weight. While we liked its buttery smooth operation, it weighs an arm-burning 19.3 pounds with a battery. Making cuts on limbs above the head or below the knees was a far more challenging experience than with electric chainsaws we tested that were 4 to 5 pounds lighter. The Ego CS-2005 also lacks a tool-free chain tensioning system. If you don’t mind the extra heft, the Ego CS-2005 is the high-powered electric you’ll want for really big jobs.

As new models come out, we can’t keep all the models we test on our recommended list. But some of these older models and runners-up are still worth considering. Here are a few:

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw: Don’t be fooled by the Milwaukee’s lower voltage, this saw has plenty of power for quickly cutting up large limbs or felling medium-sized trees. It’s a good saw, but we’d mostly recommend it to folks already on Milwaukee’s M18 platform, so you can buy it as a tool only and save some money.

Stihl GTA 26: While folks often refer to tools like this as “mini chain saws”, Stihl bills the GTA 26 as a garden pruner. Intended specifically for pruning shrubs and small branches, the GTA 26 combines light weight and a pistol-like configuration to make an easy-to-handle tool. Think of it as a power loppers, with greater size capability.

Worx Nitro WG385 40V 16-Inch Chainsaw: At less than $300, the Worx Nitro WG385 can get the job done. It’s lighter and easier to maneuver than other similarly sized saws, but it’s also a little less powerful, with a little less run-time. Still, with some patience we were able to find it useful for basic property maintenance. For the price, the Worx Nitro WG385 is a good cost-effective option for occasional use.

Power

At the heart of an electric chainsaw is its motor and battery, which need to work in concert to perform well. The longer the chainsaw bar, the bigger the log or tree you can cut. So, the motor has to have enough torque and speed, while the battery has to be able to deliver the power needed to sustain that torque and speed. This is one reason why bigger saws can cost a lot more than smaller ones. Batteries are a significant factor in the price of a saw, and bigger batteries cost more. Battery size is typically measured in amp-hours (Ah), and larger saws will typically have 8 to 12 Ah batteries.

Mini chainsaws, made for pruning and other small jobs, feature a one-handed design with a small cutting bar—4 to 8 inches—and a small battery. If you need to break down large branches from trees, opt for a smaller full-size chainsaw with a 12- to 14-inch cutting bar. For something professional-grade, consider a large chainsaw with a 16- to 20-inch cutting bar and larger battery.

Among electric chainsaws with comparable bar lengths, those with larger batteries will typically have more ripping power, which means they’ll cut through limbs and logs more quickly, allowing you to get the job done faster. Just keep in mind that a more powerful chainsaw is also often a heavier chainsaw.

Runtime

An electric chainsaw’s runtime depends on the capacity of its battery, in amp-hours. Broadly speaking, more capacity means more juice, but larger saws draw more power per second, so it’s not uncommon to find large chainsaws with large batteries getting comparable battery life to their smaller, more efficient counterparts.

Since your chainsaw only uses power when you’re using it to cut, its true runtime comes down to how many cuts it can make on a single charge. The Popular Mechanics test team tests runtime by checking how many times each model cuts through a 6-inch log on a single charge. Depending on battery size and chainsaw power, that number can vary quite a bit—from as low as 50 to as high as 300.

Cutting Bar Length

The “cutting bar” is the business end of the chainsaw—the long, rounded metal guide that the chain spins around to create a blade. The length of the bar, which is measured from the base of the chainsaw’s head to the tip of the cutting bar, determines the maximum thickness of the wood that your chainsaw can cut through in a single pass. Generally speaking, your chainsaw can safely cut through limbs with a diameter up to 2 inches less than the length of the bar. For example, a 12-inch chainsaw can cut through a limb up to 10 inches in diameter in a single pass.

For a long time, going electric meant settling for a chainsaw with a shorter bar, but that’s no longer the case. While gas engines offer more power, especially in larger saws, there are electric options with professional-length cutting bars. For instance, a 20-inch electric chainsaw has the power to bring down mature trees.

Need is an important distinction here. We don’t recommend picking the most powerful saw with the longest cutting bar within your budget. A longer bar will give you more cutting capacity, but it’s also heavier and more difficult to handle safely. We recommend buying the tool that’s just big enough for the cutting tasks you’ll perform regularly. If you’re looking to trim small limbs and branches, a pruning saw with a 4- to 8-inch bar such as the Stihl GTA 26 is going to be the best choice. If you’re taking down trees and breaking them down for firewood, you may need something longer.

Weight

It’s important that you feel comfortable handling the weight of your chainsaw. If it’s too heavy to hold at chest height, then you can’t use it safely.

With electric chainsaws, weight is directly related to the length of the cutting bar. The longer the cutting bar, the heavier the chainsaw. A mini chainsaw with an 8-inch bar will weigh around 5 pounds, while a large 18-inch chainsaw can weigh as much as 15 pounds.

One thing to keep in mind: Many manufacturers list the “bare” weight of their cordless chainsaws without the battery, so when you do add that in, it can mean an extra 1 to 3 pounds to the load.

Safety

Chainsaws are among the most dangerous power tools you can put your hands on: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some 36,000 people ends up in the hospital with chainsaw-related injuries each year.

That is why it’s crucial to always take every step you can to ensure the safest possible conditions when using a chainsaw. A good electric chainsaw should have built-in safety features to minimize the possibility of an accident: First, look for a trigger lock, which requires you to maintain pressure on a button near the handle to keep the chain spinning. Most will also have a chain brake at the front of the handle, which disengages the chain if the chainsaw kicks back.