10 Best Cordless Electric Chainsaws: Updated Review in 2020

Choosing best cordless electric chainsaws isn’t easy. You need to keep in mind many buying indicators and budget. Our review team done the research. Greenworks chainsaw awarded as best cordless electric chainsaw. Although Black+Decker cordless chainsaw isn’t far behind in terms of quality. You may quick look these products to get an idea. 

Whether for :

• Cut firewood for the fireplace
• Cut down fruit or ornamental trees that become invasive
• Delimbing or pruning branches

Our favorite electric chainsaws:

The situations in which the chainsaw is used are very varied. And like the great diversity of cutting needs for an individual, these machines are the subject of a very wide choice. Electric (wired or wireless) or thermal, chainsaws have the same operating principle, while having their particularities.

In this guide, we will focus on the chainsaw, and give you an update on all the information necessary to find the machine that best suits your cutting needs, frequency of use and your budget.

1. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Light, handy and affordable: a must

Power : 1800 W
Blade length : 30 cm
Weight : 4.6 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Easy to use, powerful and handy
 Excellent value

Against :
 Not suitable for heavy work

2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw

Professional quality Makita

Power : 1800 W
Blade length : 30 cm
Weight : 4.6 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Good quality and beautiful finishes
 Perfect for pruning and as an auxiliary chainsaw

Against :
 Large engine block
 Gourmet in oil

3. EGO Power+ CS1400 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chainsaw

Powerful

Power : 2200 W
Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 5.6 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Power and engine torque at the rendezvous
 Solid construction

Against :
 Slightly light oil tank
 A bit heavy for work at height

4. Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw

A must in the range

Power : 2200 W
Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 5.3 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Powerful motor
 Ideal for small cutting jobs

Against :
 Slightly dangerous guide and chain assembly

5. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Surely the most handy on the market

Power : 1900 W
Blade length : 45 cm
Weight : 3.7 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Lightweight with unmatched maneuverability
 Ideal for pruning

Against :
 Assembly not very obvious for a beginner
 Excessive oil consumption

6. DEWALT DCCS690M1 40V 4AH Lithium Ion XR Brushless Chainsaw

Robust and reliable

Power : 2400 W
Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 7.4 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Good ergonomics
 Silent

Against :
 One of the heaviest on the market
 Does not replace a thermal

7. Oregon Cordless 16-inch Self-Sharpening Chainsaw

Power and maneuverability

Power : 2000 W
Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 3.7 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Effective, powerful and enduring
 Tool-free chain tension adjustment

Against :
 Not very detailed notice

8. Zombi ZCS5817 16-Inch 58-Volt 4Ah Lithium Cordless Electric Chainsaw

Break away from wire constraints

Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 4.1 kg without battery
Power supply : 40 V lithium-ion battery

For :
 (Very) appreciable wireless operation
 Greenworks product quality

Against :
 High price
 No battery or charger included!

9. Earthwise LCS35814 14-Inch 58-Volt Cordless Brushless Motor Chainsaw

An electric chainsaw that has it under the hood

Power : 2300 W
Blade length : 40 cm
Weight : 5.7 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Good power
 Very easy adjustments and cuts

Against :
 Requires a very fluid specific lubrication oil
 Slightly plastic finishes 

10. Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw

Black & Decker still at the rendezvous

Power : 1800 W
Blade length : 35 cm
Weight : 4.66 kg
Power supply : Wired electric

For :
 Excellent value
 Handy and efficient 

For :
 Excellent value
 Handy and efficient 

How to choose the right electric chainsaw?

So, you made your mind about buying an electric chainsaw. Although you have to assess all 10 brands and be aware of what features are they offering? Which feature you will be needing the most. You have made your choice according to your budget.

Unlike other tools, the chainsaw is a dangerous tool to operate. You must have to take precautions. You need to have a strong brand awareness before buying the product. Luckily, we have to make a list of essential buying guide and comprehensive product information so you can make your best decision.

Inventory of intended uses

As we mentioned previously, the chainsaw can do many works, including pruning and limbing. If the technical specifications are well balanced it can handle many tasks. Power and durability is the main feature to look for.

If you are planning to do heavy saw works with your chainsaw, choose power between 1500 W to 2500 W. You also have to keep in mind the length should be between 40-45 cm. Within this range, a chainsaw can perform almost all the heavy-duty tasks.

Meanwhile, flexibility is also an important feature to look for, if you want to cut down branches perfectly. If you prune trees often then you should consider lightweight and flexible chainsaws that support using it from the ladder.

Wired or wireless

If you want to enjoy the flexibility and want to move your tools easily, a cordless chainsaw is a definite answer for you. Although, making a perfect buying decision isn’t easy as it sounds. If you define your needs, as you don’t use your chainsaw often and normally use for small tasks, you may choose a bit less powerful chainsaws to range between 600-1000 W.

Ease of transportation and noise is another feature to be sure of before making any final decision. Wire saws are normally designed for heavy duties and tough situations. First, you have to know are you a heavy user or not? For small garden or house yard, less powerful chainsaws like 600-1000 W will do the trick for you.

Power

We try to explain the power with W or KW. You should not come to a conclusion only power capability of a chainsaw. Other important factors such as hardness, durability, nature, and frequency of work should influence your decision. 

Length of the guide bar

Chainsaw length normally between 11-120 cm. This length guide will help you to choose the right one for you. Which length will be better for me? The answer lies in the nature of your work, density, and hardness, etc.

If any chainsaw offers more than 40 cm, it can be considered good to go. Although, for intensive works, We would advise you to choose something above 45 cm.

Wood type and density, what you need to know

The opposite resistance varies greatly from one type of tree to another and is a function of density. If the cherry, the chestnut, and the fruit trees have an average density, the birch, poplar, and other alder have the characteristic to oppose a very weak resistance because very little dense when you attack them with a chainsaw: a length of guide about 30-35 cm will do the trick.

In contrast, very hardwood or softwoods require that you use a powerful chainsaw with a long guide length (40 cm and more). In other words, if you want to attack beech, oak, fir, ash, and maritime pine, you have to bet on power and a long length of the guide bar. 

Chain speed

Your cutting efficiency depends on the speed of the blade. On the market, there are many choices available such as 12m/s to 22m/s. The high-speed chainsaw will limit tearing the bark, one of the many advantages that you would get with a high-speed saw.

Other things to consider

When deciding on the purchase of your chainsaw, you must also take into account the accessories and systems provided to facilitate the use of the tool. These include the integration of asymmetrical, anti-vibration handles, an automatic return choke (or semi-automatic), force optimization systems, chain lubrication, but also ” an electronic fuel management mechanism.

Tips for use: security and protection

Whether electric or thermal, the chainsaw is a tool that must be used with care. Manufacturers do not fail to equip their machines with devices ranging from the simple double start command – to prevent unintentional starting – to the blade holder case – to ensure your protection when you transport or store the chain saw.

But these measures are not enough to work in complete serenity. To do this, you need to have certain protections: helmet with mesh visor, ear protection, solid shoes – if possible safety -, gloves or other well-fitting clothes.

Once properly equipped with these protections, before using your chainsaw, make sure that the casing nuts are tight. Also, check that there is no resin or oil on the machine.

Some bans are also required to avoid any unpleasant surprises. It is therefore not recommended to use a chainsaw high to cut wood. No stepladder or ladder, therefore. Generally speaking, avoid handling this tool over your shoulder.

How to maintain your electric chainsaw

After each use of your chainsaw, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure its long life. This must target the main elements of the machine: chain, guide, drive sprocket, but also the hood.

You are not without knowing it, the chain is of crucial importance for the chainsaw. Since it heats up when it rotates at high speed around the guide, this component can deteriorate. That is why it is recommended to lubricate it regularly with vegetable oil.

The latter must simply be introduced into the oil tank integrated into the tool. Most often, electric chainsaws are equipped with an indicator that allows you to monitor the oil level. So remember to check the amount of oil remaining from time to time.

In addition, checking the chain tension and taking into account the manufacturer’s instructions are essential for using the chain saw properly and safely.

Sharpening

The chain of a chainsaw is subject to wear and you have to sharpen or completely change it depending on the level of deterioration. You can carry out these operations yourself or hire a professional. There are a few signs to let you know when to replace or sharpen the chain:

It no longer sinks directly into the wood and you necessarily need a force ahead

1. Its wear marks are reached
2. The cup warps in one direction
3. Hopping or browsing while cutting

Chain replacement

When it comes to replacing and sharpening the chain itself, you need to start by dismantling the chain, a relatively simple operation that requires a key. After unscrewing the bolts, you will access the pinion retaining the chain and the guide. Remove the latter from the sprocket, then the chain by removing the fasteners. Be careful, the teeth of the chain are sharp and can cut you.

To sharpen the chain, you must first tension it more firmly than usual (do not forget to set the correct tension at the end of the operation). Using a round file, sharpen the gouges in the chain, making sure they are all the same length (a gouge is usually provided for reference). Also, make sure that the sharpening angle is correct (30 °).

Sharpening the chain of a chainsaw also involves checking – and possibly correcting (by filing the tops of the teeth at the very top) – the chip thickness limiter. Also, you must check that everything is in order at the level of the chain guide, as well as the motor sprocket.

As for changing the chain, it is not at all complicated: you just have to install the new one following the direction of rotation of the motor on the guide.

Whether you have sharpened or replaced the chain, it is essential that you replace the housing and the bolts. Then, don’t forget to check the chain tension, and adjust it if necessary with the tip of the key.

Conclusion

We are at the end of our guide dedicated to the electric chainsaw. We hope you have found it useful to find out about the model that best suits your cutting needs and to find your way into the flowering of electric chainsaws currently available on the market.

Leave no selection criteria aside and always take into account the intended uses. In addition, the advice on use, safety, protection and maintenance of our editorial staff will be of great help to quickly familiarize yourself with this gardening machine and use it properly.