Recently, many people are switching from gas-powered chainsaws to electric saws. They are cleaner, quieter, environmentally friendly, and don’t produce an unpleasant smell.
Hence, I took time to do my research and find the best electric chainsaws for home use. These chainsaws are easy to use, durable, and boast adequate power to handle your jobs.
Here are my top five findings:
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw: Best Overall
- Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw: Best for Domestic Chores
- WORX WG303.1 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw: Most Budget-friendly
- Greenworks 24V Cordless Chainsaw: Best Value for Money
- Makita XCU04PT LXT Cordless Chainsaw: Best Ergonomically
How We Tested The Top Five Best Chainsaws for Home Use?
Back in the day, I used to be a home improvement enthusiast. I was incredibly fascinated by woodworking and even tried my hands at it.
As a woman, I was advised (occasionally) not to get too involved with technical instruments because they are “dangerous”. However, I knew it was my calling, and I had to pursue it.
One day I saw my friend cut a medium-sized tree with a cordless chainsaw. I was immediately enamored because she was working like a boss and chopping the tree with ease. And that was the day I decided to start working with chainsaws.
Since my friend was an expert, I took her advice on choosing and buying my first chainsaw. I’ve used several chainsaws since then to learn better and find the best tool for me.
My main goal was always to find a good chainsaw that a regular person could use for household work. Fortunately, I found multiple chainsaws that brought the best value for money.
So, this is how I compiled a list of the top five best chainsaws for home use. I hope you find them helpful.
What is a Chainsaw and Who Is This For?
A chainsaw is a portable electric or gas-powered saw that uses a set of teeth on a revolving chain driven along a guide bar to make cuts. This tool is used by professionals for activities like pruning branches, limbing, cutting trees, firewood and furniture wood, etc.
Modern chainsaws have made the process instantaneous and effortless. As a result, they have greatly influenced the trajectory of the woodworking and forestry industries.
The chainsaws in this article are written from the experience of a home user. Most of the saws in this article aren’t suitable for cutting down large trees and other heavy-duty jobs. In fact, they are better suited for small-medium sized jobs in your garden and yard.
So, if you have a garden and need help with trees, this guide may help.
Best Electric Chainsaws for Home Use
The best electric chainsaws (corded and cordless) for domestic use are as follows:
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw
Product Specifications
| Power source | Battery-powered/ Cordless |
| Chain length | 12-inches |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Battery and charger | Not included |
Our first product on the list is DEWALT Max XR cordless chainsaw. This efficiently designed tool can be perfect for home users as it is pretty compact and lightweight. Since it is a cordless saw, you are not bound to the power outlet and can take it anywhere in or out of the house.
With only 9 pounds, it is pretty easy to handle and allows you more control, whether chopping wood, clipping branches, or performing any other household tasks.
Additionally, it features a low kickback function. Most manufacturers these days incorporate this feature to minimize kickback and other chainsaw injuries, which is highly helpful.
Tool-less chain adjustment and bar tightening knob make adjustment easy. You are protected from splinters while cutting thicker branches thanks to the handguard.
Lastly, it has a brushless motor, which makes considerably less noise and heat but has a longer runtime and motor life.
Pros
- Portable, lightweight, and maneuverable
- Easy to handle and operate
- Perfect for domestic and construction work
- Low kickback functionality
- Greater motor efficiency
Cons
- Battery and charger will need to be bought separately, which will cost more.
2. Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Product Specifications
| Power source | Battery-powered/ Cordless |
| Chain length | 16-inches |
| Weight | 11.6 pounds |
| Battery and charger | Not included |
The second product is Greenworks, which is also a cordless chainsaw. This 16-inch tool is best suited for gardening tasks, basic wood cutting, and other yard jobs.
The tool is pretty easy to use, as you can activate the motor with a single touch of a button. Plus, you don’t have to deal with gas or unpleasant smell.
This device features a chain brake, automatic oiler, and pro-style tensioning. The chain brake is added to enhance user safety and make the process less hazardous. Automatic oiler provides efficient chain lubrication and higher output.
Besides giving portability as a cordless device, the Greenworks chainsaw has an extended lifespan due to its brushless motor. The cutting-edge high torque motor ensures high speed and performance, longer run time, quiet operation, and durability.
Overall, there are plenty of features to admire about this saw. The only thing I don’t like is that it comes without bar oil, battery, or charger. These items must be purchased separately, which may be a bit expensive for some individuals.
Pros
- Advanced high torque motor
- Easy to start
- Maximum power and speed
- Longer run time
- Great for home-based chores
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a battery and charger with it
3. WORX WG303.1 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
Product Specifications
| Power source | Corded electric |
| Chain length | 16-inches |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds |
WORX, a 16-inch corded electric chainsaw, one of the best affordable chainsaws for home usage, comes in third on the list.
The unique selling point of this tool is its automated technologies, as the device is equipped with auto-lubrication and auto-tension patented technology.
When necessary, the auto lubrication system automatically applies oil to the chainsaw to lubricate it. With the aid of the oil indicator, you will be able to determine the oil level. And you can refill accordingly.
Meanwhile, the auto-tension patented technology stops the chain from becoming overtightened. It results in extending the lifespan of the motor, chain, and bar.
What I love the most about WORX is that it prioritizes users’ safety. It features a metal spike bumper and chain brake to prevent kickback, injuries, and accidental cutting.
In addition, it ensures that users get maximum control and flexibility. For instance, it has an ergonomic full-wrap handle that makes it easy to make vertical and horizontal cuts while having a comfortable grip. Meanwhile, the rubberized rear handle allows you to work longer without discomfort and exhaustion.
Pros
- Great tool for home tasks; can take care of user safety
- Equipped with advanced automatic technologies
- Low oil indicator
- Comfortable and rubberized handles
Cons
- Solely automatic oiling systems, not manual
4. Greenworks 24V Cordless Chainsaw
Product Specifications
| Power source | Battery-powered/ Cordless |
| Chain length | 10-inches |
| Weight | 7.85 pounds |
| Battery and charger | Included |
The fourth product on our list is the Greenworks 24V chainsaw. This brand produces a number of versatile tools to assist you in woodcutting, construction, yard, and domestic projects. Therefore, I have picked a chainsaw from the same company again.
It is a small-sized cordless chainsaw suitable for small and medium-scale jobs around the house. Due to the fact that home users aren’t used to using heavy applications, a compact device is much easier to handle.
Since it is cordless, you can take it anywhere without worrying about power. Plus, you can work for a very long time without getting tired because it only weighs 7.85 pounds.
There are many things to love about this device. However, my personal favorite is that it comes with a battery and charger in the package. And in this budget, it is pretty admirable.
Other features include tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling. You can manage chain tensioning with the toolless adjustment.
Meanwhile, the automatic oiler applies oil to the chain and bar. It keeps your chainsaw lubricated and eliminates the need to do it manually.
Pros
- Tool-less tensioning
- Transparent oil tank to determine oil levels
- Automatic bar and chain oiling system
- Battery and charger included
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks and projects
5. Makita XCU04PT LXT Cordless Chainsaw
Product Specifications
| Power source | Battery-powered/ Cordless |
| Chain length | 16-inches |
| Weight | 18.56 pounds |
| Battery and charger | Yes |
Makita LXT is the last chainsaw on our list. This cordless saw can assist you in pruning and cutting trees. You can spend all day in your yard cutting tree limbs and firewood without getting tired due to its ergonomic design.
Its padded handle, comfortable grip, and perfectly placed speed trigger ensure a user-friendly and hassle-free experience. The responsive speed trigger makes it easy to set the speed according to your project requirement.
This tool has a tonne of amazing functions, but its most notable trait is that it is powered by two 18v batteries for optimum speed, power & run time.
The longevity of the chainsaw could be easily extended, thanks to its sturdy stainless bar construction.
In addition, it features a brushless motor, tool-free chain adjustment, and an automatic oiler. You can quickly tighten the chain if it becomes slack while you are cutting something.
For durability and safety, Makita employs Extreme Protection Technology. It protects the saw from debris, water, and rainfall.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Responsive speed trigger
- Tool-free chain adjustment
- Extreme protection technology
- Maximum power, optimal speed, and runtime
- Comes with a battery and a charging kit
Cons
- Expensive
How to Select the Best Electric Chainsaws for Home Use? Buying Guide
Chainsaws can be confusing to buy because there are so many options available. However, knowing what features you want in a chainsaw based on your projects can make choosing one easier.
In this section, we’ll take a look at some crucial factors you must consider before purchasing a chainsaw for home use.
Let’s dive in.
Chainsaw Type
Chainsaws come in three types: gas-driven, corded electric, and cordless.
The gasoline chainsaws are the most powerful. So, they are best suited if you work outdoors and have a large property to handle.
Electric chainsaws are suitable for small-medium sized jobs. Corded electric saws can be a hassle during outdoor work since they require a power outlet to run. However, they are the cheapest across all categories.
Lastly, cordless chainsaws are a bit expensive. But they come with the benefit of portability and are much easier to manage. They are the first choice of most users these days.
Safety Functions
The last thing you want to happen while using a chainsaw is getting injured. Chainsaw injuries are pretty common, which is why manufacturers have started incorporating features like chain brakes, low kickbacks, handguards, bumper spikes, etc. If you are considering buying a chainsaw, make sure to check if the tool has these features or not.
Automatic Oiler and Oil Indicator
Frequently lubricating your chainsaw bar and chain is one of the most crucial maintenance techniques. And what’s better than having an automatic oiler system to lubricate these parts? In this way, you won’t have to worry about manual oiling.
Therefore, make sure your chainsaw has an automatic oiling system for the bar and chain. You should also look for features, like a transparent oil tank or low oil indicator, to know how much bar and chain oil you have.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics play a huge role in determining the quality of a chainsaw. If the user is not even comfortable operating the tool, then what’s the point?
Hence, make sure you buy a saw that features a comfortable handle and grip. A padded rubber handle will allow you to work with ease without tiring your arms.
Bar Size
Last but not the least, the bar size is imperative. The size of the bar depends on the type of your work. A bar around 16-20 inches is best if you own a large property and have heavy-duty projects.
However, if you are a home user and need a simple chainsaw for pruning and trimming, a 14-inches bar is fine.
FAQs
1. Is an electric chainsaw any good?
Yes, electric chainsaws are fantastic in multiple aspects. They are powerful, easy to start, produce less noise, and don’t exude harmful fuel. On top of that, they are lightweight and require little maintenance, so they are easy to handle.
Hence, electric saws are indeed a pretty good choice, and anyone looking to transition to electric saws would be wise to do so.
2. What are the best cheap chainsaws?
Chainsaws could be expensive, but you don’t always have to pay a whole leg for them. Fortunately, there are multiple pocket-friendly yet quality options available in the market. Some of the two affordable chainsaws I found in my research are Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw and WORX WG303.1 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw.
Both are relatively cheaper than their competitors. You can check their detailed reviews in this article and decide.
3. What is a good size chainsaw for a homeowner?
It is essential to consider the bar size when buying a chainsaw. The bar size typically depends on the nature of your project.
For instance, if your job is pruning small trees, cutting down limbs, and maintaining the yard in general, a bar smaller than 16″ would be perfect.
But if your job involves managing a large property, cutting down large trees and thick branches, a longer bar (16-20 inches) is needed to make the process simpler and safer.
Final Verdict
So, that brings us to the end of the article. A good-quality chainsaw can be a lifesaver and simplify your projects. All it takes is knowing what type of chainsaw is suitable for your job and rest assured it will happen smoothly.
In this post, I have reviewed the five best electric chainsaws for home use. I hope you find the right product and find value in it.
Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments below what you got.
Fantastic post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thank you!
I went over this site and I believe you have a lot of wonderful info, saved to favorites (:.
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me?
Reading your article has greatly helped me, and I agree with you. But I still have some questions. Can you help me? I will pay attention to your answer. thank you.