Best Electric Chainsaw for Cutting Trees: 5 Saws Compared

Finding the best electric chainsaw for cutting trees depends on matching the tool to the size of the wood and how far you work from a wall outlet. For yard cleanup, pruning storm damage, and bucking downed trunks into firewood, electric models eliminate fuel mixing, carburetor adjustments, and pull-cord starting. This guide compares five corded and cordless electric chainsaws by motor power, bar length, weight, safety features, and manufacturer warranty.

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Compare the picks

Model	Woodlot Score	Power Source	Bar	Weight (listed)	Chain brake	Warranty (stated)
Oregon CS1400 16-Inch	7.9/10	Corded (15A, 2400W)	16 in	Not stated	Not stated	3 years (2 years in table)
Seesii 40V 16-Inch	7.9/10	Cordless (40V, 2x 4.0Ah)	16 in	10.3 lb	Responsive brake	Not stated
Black+Decker CS1216	7.5/10	Corded (12A)	16 in	10 lb	Not stated	2 years
Boltrise 21V 12-Inch	6.7/10	Cordless (21V, 2x 4000mAh)	12 in	4.8 lb (9.3 lb in table)	Not stated	15 months
FXAFXA 20V 12-Inch	6.5/10	Cordless (20V, 2x 4.0Ah)	12 in	3.71 kg	Not stated	Not stated

Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 9 October 2026. Weights are as listed and may or may not include the battery or cord. Three of these listings state a manufacturer warranty term.

The picks

How we scored them

Each saw is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page.

Product	Woodlot Score	Perf. /35	Build /25	Value /25	Safety /10	Warranty /5
Oregon CS1400 16-Inch	7.9	30	20	21	5	3
Seesii 40V 16-Inch	7.9	32	21	22	7	0
Black+Decker CS1216	7.5	28	20	20	4	3
Boltrise 21V 12-Inch	6.7	26	16	19	4	2
FXAFXA 20V 12-Inch	6.5	26	16	19	4	0

Buying guide: choosing the best electric chainsaw for cutting trees

Corded vs cordless: reach and runtime

A corded electric chainsaw provides steady, continuous power without battery charging or fade, making it practical for bucking downed limbs and logs near a garage or outdoor receptacle. Its working range is bounded by an extension cord. A cordless battery chainsaw delivers complete mobility around a yard, woodlot, or property boundary. However, runtime depends on battery capacity, and cutting thick hardwood rounds drains charge more quickly than light trimming. Having two batteries in rotation allows continuous work while one battery charges.

Bar length and cutting capacity

Match bar length to the diameter of the branches and logs you cut. A 16 in bar handles most storm-downed branches, small yard trees, and firewood rounds within its cutting length with a single clean cut. For pruning, limbing, and light cleanup, a 12 in bar is lighter, easier to maneuver in dense brush, and places less demand on smaller battery systems. While electric saws can cut larger logs using overlapping cuts from opposite sides, bucking wood close to the bar length is smoother and less strenuous on the motor.

Motor power: amps, watts and voltage

Corded saws are rated in amps or motor wattage. A 12 Amp to 15 Amp corded motor draws substantial continuous power, generating the torque needed to pull a 16 in chain through green wood without stalling. Cordless saws are rated by battery voltage and motor wattage. Brushless motors operating at 20V to 40V offer higher efficiency, lower heat buildup, and greater sustained torque than brushed designs. High-voltage platforms provide faster chain speeds, which produce cleaner cuts and reduce the tendency of the chain to bind in the cut.

Safety features and protective gear

Cutting trees with any chainsaw carries serious kickback risks. Look for an active chain brake, which stops the spinning chain quickly if kickback forces the guide bar upward into the front hand guard. Low-kickback chains, safety lock triggers, and wide hand guards provide extra operational protection. Never operate a chainsaw without personal protective equipment: wear cut-resistant chainsaw chaps, a logging helmet equipped with a face screen and hearing protection, heavy leather gloves, and steel-toe work boots. Citing guidelines from the OSHA logging eTool, always maintain secure footing, keep both hands firmly on the saw handles, and never cut alone. Felling standing trees is inherently hazardous; for large, leaning, or compromised trees near structures, always hire a certified arborist or professional tree service rather than attempting felling yourself.

Chain tensioning and lubrication

Continuous chain lubrication is essential for electric saws to prevent friction, heat discoloration, and premature chain dulling. Automatic oilers pump bar and chain oil directly to the guide bar groove during operation. Look for models with a translucent oil reservoir or a clear window to check oil levels before each work session. Tool-free chain tensioning mechanisms simplify maintenance, allowing you to snug the chain directly in the field without searching for a wrench or screwdriver. Check chain tension frequently during the first few cuts, as new chains stretch slightly under initial load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best electric chainsaw brand?

Reputable outdoor power equipment brands like Oregon and Black+Decker provide established engineering, readily available replacement chains, and stated manufacturer warranties for corded models. In the cordless category, emerging manufacturers such as Seesii offer high-voltage brushless systems with multi-battery kits and mechanical chain brakes for homeowner tree cleanup.

Does an electric chainsaw need oil?

Yes. While an electric chainsaw requires no engine oil or two-stroke fuel mix, it requires bar and chain oil to lubricate the guide bar and cutting chain. Operating an electric saw without bar oil will quickly overheat the bar, dull the cutters, and potentially damage the drive motor.

How to operate an electric chainsaw?

Before operating, fill the oil reservoir with bar and chain oil and check that the chain is properly tensioned. Put on all required protective gear, including chaps, safety helmet, hearing protection, gloves, and boots. Grip the saw with two hands, position your body to the side of the cutting line rather than directly behind it, press the safety lock button, and squeeze the throttle trigger to bring the chain to full speed before contacting the wood. Let the weight and teeth of the saw do the cutting without forcing the bar.

How to clean an electric chainsaw?

After disconnecting the power cord or removing the battery pack, loosen the chain tensioner and remove the side cover. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clear accumulated wood chips, sawdust, and dried oil from around the drive sprocket, chain brake mechanism, and bar mount. Clean the guide bar groove with a putty knife or groove cleaner, wipe down the exterior housing with a damp cloth, and verify that the oil discharge port is free of debris.

Can an electric chainsaw cut down a tree?

A 16 in electric chainsaw can cut through small trees and saplings within its bar capacity. However, directional tree felling involves complex hazards, including tree lean, internal rot, tension wood, and severe kickback risks. We do not provide tree felling instructions. For cutting down standing trees of substantial size, or any tree near buildings, fences, or utility lines, hire a certified arborist or professional tree care company.

Related guides

Explore our chainsaw hub and battery chainsaws to compare cordless options across different yard tasks. If you are comparing specific models, read our guides on the best electric chainsaw, the best battery chainsaw for homeowners, and the best 16 inch chainsaw. For maintenance and replacement parts, see our reviews of the best chainsaw chain, the best 16 inch chainsaw chain, and the best chainsaw sharpener. Safety is vital when operating cutting tools; learn how to check if your chainsaw or log splitter is recalled and review our report on the Milwaukee top handle chainsaw recall. Once your tree limbs are bucked, prepare them for firewood using the best log splitter for home use, a dedicated best splitting maul, or a reliable best splitting axe.

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