A battery electric chainsaw eliminates the pull-start frustration, fuel mixing, and deafening noise of gas models while delivering instant torque the moment you squeeze the trigger. Modern brushless motors and high-voltage lithium packs now rival 40cc gas saws for limbing, bucking firewood, and even felling medium trees without the weight or maintenance headaches.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I spent hundreds of hours cross-referencing real-world cut counts, chain speeds, bar lengths, battery voltages, and customer durability reports across top brands to separate weekend-warrior tools from serious workhorses.
Whether you’re clearing storm damage or stocking the woodshed, this guide covers the most reliable options on the market and helps you find the best battery electric chainsaw for your property.
How To Choose The Best Battery Electric Chainsaw
Selecting a cordless chainsaw isn’t just about picking the highest voltage number. Real cutting performance depends on the interplay between motor design, battery capacity, bar length, and chain pitch. Here are the three most important factors serious buyers evaluate.
Bar Length and Chain Pitch
Bar length directly determines the maximum diameter you can cut in a single pass. An 8-inch pruning saw handles branches up to about 6 inches thick, while an 18-inch bar can fell trees up to 16 inches in diameter. Chain pitch — typically 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch — affects cutting speed and smoothness; narrower pitch delivers finer cuts and less kickback, while wider pitch clears chips faster on big logs.
Battery Voltage and Amp-Hour Rating
Voltage (40V, 60V, or 80V) dictates the motor’s peak power and how quickly the chain spins under load. Amp-hour (Ah) determines runtime — a 4.0Ah pack delivers roughly twice the cuts of a 2.0Ah pack at the same voltage. Premium platforms like EGO 56V and Greenworks 80V achieve gas-like cut speeds, while 40V systems are more compact and lighter for overhead trimming.
Brushless Motor and Chain Speed
Brushless motors convert more electrical energy into rotational torque, run cooler, and last significantly longer than brushed motors. Chain speed, measured in feet per second (ft/s), indicates how aggressively the saw cuts — 59 ft/s is adequate for light pruning, while 78.7 ft/s (like the Caterpillar DG631) approaches gas saw pace. Faster chain speed paired with automatic oiling prevents the bar from overheating during extended cuts.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx Nitro WG385 | Mid-Range | All-around property maintenance | 59 ft/s chain speed, 40V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| EGO Power+ CS1611 | Premium | Gas replacement, light felling | 20 m/s chain speed, 56V 2.5Ah | Amazon |
| Greenworks CS60L4R3 | Mid-Range | Heavy firewood cutting | 2.0kW output, 60V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| Caterpillar DG631 | Premium | Demanding tree care, fast cuts | 78.7 ft/s chain speed, 60V 5.0Ah | Amazon |
| Husqvarna 350i | Premium | Professional-grade cutting power | Boost Mode +25%, 40V 7.5Ah | Amazon |
| Makita XCU04CM | Premium | Dual-battery platform users | 36V (18V x2) 4.0Ah, 32cc equiv | Amazon |
| Greenworks GCS80420 | Premium | Professional tree felling | 80V platform, 42cc gas equiv | Amazon |
| Skil TH1200C-11 | Budget | Light household pruning | 27cc gas equiv, 40V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| Dewalt DCCS623B | Value | Brush clearing, small limbs | 8-inch bar, 20V tool-only | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Worx Nitro 40V 16″ Chainsaw WG385
The Worx Nitro WG385 delivers an outstanding balance of power and runtime for property owners who need a saw that handles both pruning and serious bucking. At 40V with a 4.0Ah battery, it claims up to 150 cuts on 4×4 hardwood per charge, and real-world user reports confirm it easily matches 18-inch gas saws from Husqvarna and Stihl in cutting speed. The 59 ft/s chain speed is no slouch, and the brushless motor provides instant torque without bogging down on 10-inch softwood.
The tool-free chain tensioning system is genuinely useful — turning a dial on the side lets you adjust slack in seconds without any tools. Automatic oiling extends bar and chain life, and the chain brake engages with a distinct click when kickback occurs. The battery level display on the handle gives you real-time remaining power, so you never get caught mid-cut with a dead pack.
Users consistently praise the WG385 for its comfortable weight distribution and quiet operation compared to gas saws. The only recurring complaint is bar oil leaking from the cap when stored upright, which a side-storage position easily solves. For most homeowners wanting a single saw that does everything well, the Worx Nitro is the clear pick.
Why it’s great
- Excellent battery life — cuts 25+ pieces per charge with power to spare
- Tool-free tensioning and chain brake with distinct feel
- Matches or beats 18″ gas saws in torque and speed
Good to know
- Bar oil cap may leak if stored upright; store on its side
- Requires larger batteries than standard Worx 20V tools
2. EGO Power+ 16″ Chain Saw CS1611
EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform has earned a reputation for delivering gas-like performance with zero maintenance, and the CS1611 continues that tradition. With a 16-inch bar and chain speed of 20 m/s, it cuts as fast as a Stihl 16-inch gas saw while weighing just 9 pounds with the battery. The IPX4 weather-resistant construction means you can work in light rain without worrying about electronics.
The tool-free chain tensioning system is one of the fastest on the market — loosening or tightening the chain takes seconds without any tools. The spill-free oil reservoir is a nice touch that prevents messy leaks during transport, and the low-kickback chain design with a brake indicator adds an extra layer of safety. The included 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, sufficient for most weekend clearing tasks.
Users consistently report that the CS1611 is quieter, smoother, and far easier to start than any gas saw they’ve owned. It’s particularly recommended for older users or anyone with joint pain who struggles with pull cords. The main tradeoff is that heavy cutting will drain the battery quickly — owners who plan longer work sessions should invest in a second 5.0Ah battery.
Why it’s great
- Cuts as fast as a Stihl 16″ gas saw with no pull-start hassle
- Very lightweight at 9 lbs — excellent for overhead cuts and all-day use
- Spill-free oil reservoir and IPX4 weather resistance
Good to know
- 2.5Ah battery is adequate for light work; bigger battery recommended for full-day felling
- Does not include bar oil — purchase separately
3. Greenworks 60V 18″ Chainsaw CS60L4R3
The Greenworks 60V 18-inch CS60L4R3 packs serious torque into a gas-replacement package, boasting 20 percent more torque than a 40cc gas saw. With the included 4.0Ah battery, users report up to 150 cuts on a single charge and enough power to slice through 32-inch diameter logs without binding. The brushless motor delivers 2.0kW max output, making this a viable option for felling medium-sized trees and splitting firewood.
Setup is about as simple as it gets — no priming, no choke, no pull cord. Just insert the battery, press the safety lock, and squeeze the trigger. The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated during operation, and the heavy-duty charger with an internal fan can recharge the 4.0Ah pack in about 45 minutes. Users with existing Greenworks 60V tools will appreciate the battery cross-compatibility across trimmers, blowers, and pole saws.
Customer reports are overwhelmingly positive on cutting performance, but a few users have noted battery overheating after 10-15 minutes of hard cutting, especially in warm weather. The charger may also refuse to charge if the battery temperature drops below 6°C. Despite these quirks, the raw cutting power is exceptional for the price, earning it a top spot for firewood enthusiasts.
Why it’s great
- More torque than 40cc gas saw — cuts 16″ walnut logs with ease
- Fast charger with cooling fan recharges in ~45 minutes
- No priming, choking, or pull-start frustration
Good to know
- Battery may overheat during extended heavy cutting sessions
- Charger stops working below 6°C — store batteries indoors before winter use
4. Dewalt 20V 8″ Pruning Chainsaw DCCS623B
The Dewalt DCCS623B is a compact pruning saw that excels at clearing brush, saplings, and storm-fallen branches up to 7 inches in diameter. With an 8-inch bar and a 2.8-horsepower brushless motor running on Dewalt’s 20V Max platform, it’s incredibly lightweight at just 4.6 pounds — perfect for users who need a one-handed tool for overhead limbing. It’s sold as a tool-only unit, so existing Dewalt 20V battery owners get the best value.
Real-world users — including a 70-year-old reviewer — report that it handles thick oak and maple logs effortlessly, with battery life lasting a full weekend of moderate trimming on a single charge. The automatic oiling system keeps the chain lubricated, and the wrench stores conveniently in the scabbard for quick tension adjustments. Dewalt also recommends using biodegradable bar oil and an Oregon R34 chain for optimal performance.
The only consistent complaint is the safety switch placement, which some users found slightly annoying during prolonged use. A few also noted that residual bar oil can leak if the saw is stored without draining. For anyone who already owns Dewalt 20V tools and needs a dedicated pruning solution, this compact saw punches well above its size.
Why it’s great
- Extremely lightweight at 4.6 lbs — excellent for one-handed overhead use
- Excellent battery life for a compact saw — lasts a full weekend of clearing
- Cuts 3.5″ oak and 7″ brush easily without bogging
Good to know
- Tool-only — requires existing Dewalt 20V battery and charger
- Safety switch placement may be awkward for some users
5. Caterpillar DG631 60V 18″ Chainsaw
The Caterpillar DG631 storms into the premium segment with the fastest chain speed in this lineup at 78.7 ft/s — noticeably quicker than most 18-inch battery saws. Powered by a 60V 5.0Ah battery and a Brushless Motor 2.0 that produces 40 percent more power than standard brushless motors, it feels almost gas-like in its aggressiveness when cutting. The included 5.0Ah battery provides enough runtime for demanding tree care tasks like felling and limbing.
Safety is a strong focus here: the bar nose is designed to reduce kickback, and an inertia chain brake instantly stops the chain if kickback occurs. The slim chain design reduces friction and improves cutting efficiency compared to wider chains found on other 18-inch saws. At 13.1 pounds with the battery, it’s lighter than many comparable 18-inch gas saws, reducing fatigue during longer sessions.
Users report that the DG631 outperforms the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw in cutting speed and torque. However, the supplied bar and chain have drawn criticism — some users found the chain metal too soft, leading to burrs and kickbacks, and recommend replacing the bar and chain with an Oregon 16-inch combo for immediate improvement. The battery also takes two hours to charge, so planning around charging windows is necessary.
Why it’s great
- Fastest chain speed at 78.7 ft/s — approaches gas saw pace
- Lighter than comparable 18″ gas saws at 13.1 lbs with battery
- Inertia chain brake and low-kickback bar nose for safety
Good to know
- Stock chain may have soft metal; upgrading to Oregon chain recommended
- Battery takes ~2 hours to fully charge
6. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18″ Chainsaw
Husqvarna brings its gas-engine DNA into the battery world with the Power Axe 350i. The headline feature is Boost Mode — a single button press that delivers 25 percent more power on demand, ideal for when the chain starts biting into dense hardwood. The 18-inch bar rides on an X-Cut chain designed for lasting sharpness, and the brushless motor runs quietly while delivering superior cutting power compared to comparable gas saws.
The tool-less tensioning system makes slack adjustments quick, though some users found the plastic mechanism can deform under heavy torque, requiring occasional disassembly to realign. The 40V 7.5Ah battery provides 30-45 minutes of continuous cutting, and all Husqvarna 40V batteries are compatible across their handheld tool lineup. The kit ships with both battery and charger, so you’re ready to work out of the box.
Users praise the 350i for its smooth, powerful cut and quiet operation — it’s significantly quieter than gas saws while matching 50cc gas saws in cutting speed. The main downsides are the slow 1A charger (6-7 hours for a full charge) and the price of replacement BLi30 batteries, which cost nearly as much as the saw itself. For property owners who already own Husqvarna 40V tools, this is a natural fit.
Why it’s great
- Boost Mode adds 25% power instantly for tough hardwood cuts
- Quiet operation and smooth cut — safer in fire-risk areas
- X-Cut chain stays sharp longer than standard chains
Good to know
- Included charger is slow (1A) — expect 6-7 hour charge times
- Plastic chain tension mechanism may deform under heavy use
7. Makita XCU04CM 36V (18V X2) 16″ Chainsaw
The Makita XCU04CM takes a unique approach by using two 18V LXT batteries in series to deliver 36V of power, equating to the output of a 32cc gas chainsaw. This design keeps the tool within Makita’s massive 18V LXT platform, meaning anyone with Makita batteries can use this saw without investing in a new battery ecosystem. The kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger, delivering up to 150 cuts on 4×4 cedar.
The brushless outer rotor motor provides direct-drive efficiency with reduced maintenance and noise levels. Tool-less chain adjustment makes bar and chain maintenance fast, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated through long cuts. Makita backs the tool, batteries, and charger with a 3-year limited warranty, which is one of the longest in the battery chainsaw category.
User reports are largely excellent — the saw cuts comparably to an 18-inch Husqvarna gas saw while being much more convenient for occasional homeowner use. It’s best suited for medium-duty tasks rather than prolonged commercial felling.
Why it’s great
- Uses existing Makita 18V batteries — no separate battery platform needed
- Up to 150 cuts per charge with included 4.0Ah batteries
- 3-year warranty on tool, batteries, and charger
Good to know
- Requires careful use — running flat out for over an hour may overheat motor
- Regular cleaning and bar greasing essential to prevent clogging
8. Greenworks 80V 18″ Chainsaw GCS80420
Greenworks’ 80V Pro series pushes battery chainsaw performance into territory usually reserved for 42cc gas saws. The GCS80420 features an 18-inch bar, brushless motor with 2x more torque than brushed alternatives, and an automatic oiler for consistent chain lubrication. It delivers up to 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge, making it a legitimate option for tree felling, limbing, and firewood production.
Startup is instantaneous — no gas fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, no starter rope. The push-button operation is ideal for users who want to grab the saw and start cutting without prep work. The battery is compatible with all 75+ Greenworks 80V tools, which includes trimmers, blowers, and pole saws, making it a scalable investment for anyone building out a yard tool ecosystem.
Users report that the saw is quiet, powerful, and convenient, rivaling gas saws under in cutting performance. However, the stock chain has been criticized as poor quality, with several users recommending immediate replacement with an Oregon chain. The saw is also relatively heavy (similar to large gas saws), and the safety button on the handle can be annoying during extended use. It’s a capable saw best suited for those who prioritize power over portability.
Why it’s great
- Comparable power to 42cc gas saws in a battery package
- Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 80V tools for ecosystem flexibility
- Instant push-button start with zero fumes or pull-cord hassle
Good to know
- Stock chain quality is poor — budget for an Oregon chain replacement
- Heavier than similar 18″ battery saws; safety button can be cumbersome
9. Skil PWR CORE 40 12″ Chainsaw TH1200C-11
The Skil PWR CORE 40 12-inch chainsaw is the entry-level champion for homeowners who need a lightweight, reliable saw for light to moderate work. With a 12-inch bar and 1/4-inch pitch chain, it delivers 27cc gas equivalent power in a compact, easy-to-maneuver package. The included 40V 2.0Ah battery provides about an hour of runtime, and the IPX4 weather resistance adds durability for outdoor use.
Tool-free chain tensioning is handled by a convenient dial on the side of the tool — no wrenches needed. The auto-lubricating chain extends chain life, and the brushless motor delivers smooth, consistent power. Skil’s PWR CORE 40 battery technology wraps each cell with cooling material, which the company claims provides 25 percent longer runtime and 2X battery life compared to standard packs.
Users consistently report being surprised by how much power this small saw has — it handles fallen trees and storm damage cleanup without bogging down. For light pruning, branch trimming, and occasional storm cleanup, the Skil is an outstanding budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on cutting quality.
Why it’s great
- Excellent value for light to moderate household cutting tasks
- Lightweight and compact for easy maneuverability in tight spaces
- IPX4 weather resistance adds outdoor durability
Good to know
- 12″ bar limits maximum cut diameter; not suitable for large trees
- Battery lasts ~1 hour — a second battery is recommended for longer work
FAQ
How many cuts can I expect per charge on a battery chainsaw?
What is the difference between a brushless and brushed chainsaw motor?
Can I use a smaller gauge chain on my battery chainsaw?
Why does bar oil leak from my battery chainsaw when stored?
What safety features do battery chainsaws have that gas saws lack?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best battery electric chainsaw winner is the Worx Nitro WG385 because it delivers outstanding cutting power, excellent battery life, and user-friendly features in a well-balanced package ideal for property maintenance. If you want the smoothest, quietest gas replacement with weather resistance, grab the EGO Power+ CS1611. And for the fastest chain speed and most aggressive cutting — approaching real gas saw territory — nothing beats the Caterpillar DG631.