Best Electric Chainsaw: 5 Electric Saws Compared
Five corded and cordless electric chainsaws compared by bar length, motor power, chain speed, weight, oiling systems and stated warranty, from a 16-inch Craftsman to compact pruning saws.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 9, 2026
Cutting firewood, clearing storm damage, and pruning tree limbs around a rural or suburban homestead demands a dependable cutting tool. The best electric chainsaw delivers instant push-button starts, quiet operation, and zero exhaust fumes compared to gas equipment. This guide evaluates five corded and cordless electric chainsaws by bar length, motor output, chain speed, weight, oiling mechanisms, and stated warranties.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall CRAFTSMAN CMECS600: CRAFTSMAN 16-inch corded saw with a 12-Amp motor, low-kickback bar and chain, tool-free tensioning and a 3 year warranty. Check price
- Best Budget Tietoc MNCS-118: Tietoc 6-inch mini saw with an 880W motor, press-button auto oiler, FCC certification and a 365-day warranty. Check price
- Lowest Weight Seesii CH500: Seesii 6-inch saw weighing 2.7 pounds, with two 21V batteries, a 900W motor and 2-year after-sales service. Check price
- Best Dual-Bar Kit Seesii M8 Max: Seesii 8-inch and 6-inch saw with a 1000W brushless motor, two 2000mAh batteries and an auxiliary handle. Check price
Compare the picks
| Model | Woodlot Score | Power source | Bar length | Motor rating | Weight | Chain oiler | Warranty (stated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 | 8.1/10 | Corded electric | 16 in | 12 Amp (3.5 hp) | 6.2 lb | Auto-oiling (window) | 3 years |
| Tietoc MNCS-118 | 7.7/10 | Battery (2000mAh) | 6 in | 880W | 3.3 lb | Press oiler tank | 365 days |
| Seesii CH500 | 7.5/10 | Battery (21V, 2000mAh) | 6 in | 900W | 2.7 lb | Manual bottle only | 2 years |
| Seesii M8 Max | 7.4/10 | Battery (2000mAh) | 8 in and 6 in | 1000W brushless | 3.2 lb | Press oiler tank | Not stated |
| DocSmart CS08B | 7.2/10 | Battery (2000mAh) | 8 in and 6 in | 1000W brushless | 3.26 lb | Press oiler tank (30ml) | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 8 October 2026. Chain speed and cutting performance claims are the brands’ own and are not directly comparable between manufacturers.
The picks
| Award | Product | Woodlot Score About the HQ ScoreThe Woodlot Score runs from 0 to 10 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
Tietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw
|
7.7/10 | Buy | |
Seesii Mini Chainsaw, 6-inch Mini Chainsaw
|
7.5/10 | Buy | |
SEESII 8 Inch & 6 Inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless
|
7.4/10 | Buy | |
8 inch Electric Mini Chainsaw for Wood Cutting
|
7.2/10 | Buy |
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch
A 16-inch corded electric chainsaw powered by a 12-Amp motor, featuring tool-free chain tensioning, an automatic oiler with viewing window, a low-kickback bar and a 3 year limited warranty.
Pros
- Powerful 12-Amp corded motor provides steady cutting with no batteries to recharge
- 16-inch low-kickback bar and chain suitable for firewood rounds and branch cleanup
- Tool-free chain tensioning simplifies adjustments during work
- 3 year limited warranty backed by an established tool manufacturer
Cons
- Corded electric operation requires a heavy-gauge extension cord and limits reach
- Spec table lists chain speed as 44 without specifying units
- Chain brake is not stated on the listing
- Listing does not include chain lubricating oil in the box
Tietoc Chainsaw 6 Inch Mini Electric Chainsaw
A compact 6-inch cordless mini chainsaw featuring an 880-watt motor, manual-pump auto lubrication system, 2000mAh battery, FCC certification and a 365-day warranty.
Pros
- Integrated oil reservoir with manual press bulb simplifies chain lubrication
- 365-day warranty offered with no return required for replacement
- Lightweight 3.3-pound build with ergonomic anti-slip grip reduces user fatigue
- Equipped with FCC certification, safety start switch and splash baffles
Cons
- Battery voltage is not stated anywhere on the listing
- Comes with only one 2000mAh battery, limiting continuous field work
- Chain tensioning requires the included manual screwdriver
- Packaged in a green paper carton rather than a rigid plastic storage case
Seesii Mini Chainsaw, 6-inch Mini Chainsaw
A compact 6-inch cordless pruning saw weighing 2.7 pounds, featuring a 900-watt motor, two 21V 2000mAh batteries, two chains and a 2-year after-sales service policy.
Pros
- Supplied with two 21V 2000mAh batteries for extended cutting sessions
- Weighs only 2.7 pounds, offering the lowest weight in this lineup
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer after-sales service policy with replacement support
- Includes two chains, a charger, nut driver, screwdriver and work gloves
Cons
- No built-in oil tank, requiring manual application from the supplied squeeze bottle
- Chain speed is stated as 30 ft/s in bullets but listed as 29 ft/s in the spec table
- Weight is reported as 2.7 pounds in bullets versus 1 kg in the spec table
- Chain brake is not stated on the listing
SEESII 8 Inch & 6 Inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless
A versatile cordless pruning saw featuring a 1000-watt brushless motor, interchangeable 8-inch and 6-inch bars, two 2000mAh batteries, push-button oiling and a detachable auxiliary handle.
Pros
- Brushless 1000-watt motor delivers quiet 50 dB operation and durable performance
- Includes both 8-inch and 6-inch guide bars and chains for varied branch diameters
- Detachable screw-on auxiliary handle allows stable two-handed control
- Built-in chain oiler with press button simplifies bar lubrication
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- Listing contradicts itself by naming the model M8 Ace in bullets and M8 Max in table
- Spec table dimensions of 3 by 4 by 5 inches are physically inaccurate for an 8-inch saw
- Battery voltage is not stated anywhere on the listing
8 inch Electric Mini Chainsaw for Wood Cutting
An 8-inch cordless mini chainsaw with a 1000-watt brushless motor, 26 ft/s chain speed, 30ml oil reservoir, Makita battery compatibility, and an extra 6-inch bar and chain set.
Pros
- 1000-watt brushless motor drives the chain at a stated 26 ft/s for efficient cuts
- Includes both 8-inch and 6-inch guide bars and chains in the package
- Integrated 30ml chain lubrication tank with manual squeeze bulb
- Tool interface is compatible with Makita power tool batteries
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- Spec table omits the 6-inch bar and chain described in the package list
- Battery voltage is not stated anywhere on the listing
- Chain tensioning requires loosening two nuts before adjusting
How we scored them
Each electric chainsaw is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. Chain brakes, low-kickback bars and certified electrical listings earn safety credit. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 | 8.1 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 5 | 3 |
| Tietoc MNCS-118 | 7.7 | 28 | 20 | 22 | 4 | 2 |
| Seesii CH500 | 7.5 | 28 | 19 | 22 | 3 | 3 |
| Seesii M8 Max | 7.4 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| DocSmart CS08B | 7.2 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
Buying guide: choosing the best electric chainsaw
Corded vs battery power
Corded electric chainsaws run continuously from a household outlet, providing steady power for bucking firewood rounds and cleanup near buildings without battery recharging interruptions. However, working distance remains limited by extension cord reach. Cordless battery chainsaws offer total mobility throughout the woodlot, making them suitable for pruning, limb trimming, and remote chores, though runtime depends on battery pack capacity.
Bar length and cutting capacity
Guide bar length determines the wood diameter a chainsaw can manage in a single pass. A 16-inch bar on a corded saw tackles split-log firewood rounds and thick tree limbs. Compact handheld mini saws with 6-inch or 8-inch bars excel at pruning branches, trimming saplings, and preparing woodstove kindling with minimal user fatigue.
Chain lubrication systems
Continuous lubrication reduces friction, prevents bar wear, and prevents chain binding. Some saws feature automatic oilers that pump lubricant continuously while the motor runs, often paired with an oil level viewing window. Other compact pruning saws incorporate an on-board oil tank with a manual squeeze bulb or button, while basic models require operators to apply bar oil manually from an external bottle.
Chain tensioning and maintenance
Chains stretch during initial use and require routine tension adjustments. Tool-free tensioning dials allow quick adjustments without carrying extra wrenches, which proves convenient when working outdoors. Conventional tensioning systems rely on screwdrivers or nut drivers. Keeping cutters sharp ensures clean cuts and reduces strain on electric motors; consider using a dedicated chainsaw sharpener to maintain proper cutter tooth geometry.
Safety features and personal protective equipment
Chainsaw operation carries kickback risks whenever the moving chain tip contacts wood unexpectedly. Look for low-kickback bars and chains, safety throttle locks, hand guards, and pivoting splash baffles. When operating any chainsaw, personal protective equipment is essential: wear chainsaw chaps, a helmet equipped with a face screen and hearing protection, heavy cut-resistant gloves, and sturdy boots. Never cut alone, always maintain firm footing, and hire certified tree service professionals for hazardous tree felling rather than felling trees yourself.
Wear cut-resistant chaps, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, gloves and sturdy boots. Know where the kickback zone is (the upper tip of the bar), keep the chain brake working and the chain sharp, and never cut alone in the woods. Felling trees is hazardous work: hire a professional for large, leaning or storm-damaged trees, especially near buildings or power lines. See OSHA logging safety for chain saw operators. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric chainsaw better than gas?
Electric chainsaws offer push-button starts, quiet operation, zero exhaust fumes, and virtually no engine maintenance compared to gas saws. Gas chainsaws deliver higher power for large-timber felling and remote forest work where recharging batteries is impractical. For firewood bucking near the house and yard trimming, electric saws provide a practical, low-hassle option.
Do electric chainsaws need oil?
Yes. Electric chainsaws require bar and chain oil to lubricate the guide bar groove and reduce friction on the cutting chain. While electric motors do not require engine oil or fuel mixing, operating a dry cutting chain can overheat the bar, dull cutters rapidly, and damage the drive motor.
What is a good electric chainsaw?
A good electric chainsaw balances motor power, reliable chain lubrication, dependable safety controls, and a solid manufacturer warranty. Full-size corded saws suit sustained firewood cutting on a woodpile, while compact brushless battery saws provide convenient pruning portability around the homestead.
How do you use an electric chainsaw sharpener?
Mount the electric sharpener securely on a workbench or bar clamp, set the vise angle to match the chain cutter tooth specifications, and gently lower the grinding wheel against each tooth. Advance the chain link by link, grinding equal amounts from each cutter to keep the chain balanced and cutting straight.
How do you fix common electric chainsaw issues?
Common issues include chain binding, poor cutting progress, and oil delivery failure. Clean packed sawdust from beneath the sprocket cover, verify that oil ports are clear, adjust chain tension so the drive links stay seated in the bar groove, and sharpen dull cutters. For electrical malfunctions, verify outlet power or inspect battery charge contacts.
Related guides
Explore our complete chainsaws hub, including battery chainsaws and gas chainsaws for heavy woodcutting. Keep your cutters in peak condition with the best chainsaw sharpener, and equip yourself with proper protective gear from our chainsaw gear section. For bucking cords of firewood, compare dedicated saws in our best chainsaw for firewood guide, and see our recommendations for battery chainsaws for homeowners. If you are shopping for a wood burner, browse our gifts for firewood cutters. Check equipment safety records with our guide on how to check if your chainsaw or log splitter is recalled. For splitting your cut firewood, compare options in our gas vs electric log splitters guide.
About the author
The FirewoodGearHQ editorial team researches firewood and wood heating equipment from published specifications, ratings and warranty terms, and scores every pick the same way. We do not run our own product trials.