The Best Electric Chainsaws For Quiet Yet Effective Cutting
Corded saws that keep the log pile topped up and cut back overgrown trees without the petrol fumes.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best electric chainsaw is the Oregon CS1400 Electric Chainsaw. It has the most powerful motor in the roundup, so it keeps working through a proper pile of logs, and it's the saw we've cut our own logs with. If you're pruning or working at awkward angles, the Makita UC3541A Electric Chainsaw is the better choice, as its lighter build is far easier to hold at arm's length.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Oregon CS1400 Electric Chainsaw
Best Overall
Oregon CS1400 Electric ChainsawRegular log cutting and bigger garden jobs that need plenty of power
- Check price of Einhell GH-EC 2040 Chainsaw
- Check price of Makita UC3541A Electric Chainsaw
Best All-Rounder
Makita UC3541A Electric ChainsawPruning and smaller logs where a light, easy-handling saw matters
- Check price of McCulloch CSE2040S Corded Chainsaw
Easiest To Use
McCulloch CSE2040S Corded ChainsawFirst-time chainsaw users who want a smooth, controlled start
- Check price of BLACK+DECKER CS2040 Chainsaw
Best Budget Runner-Up
BLACK+DECKER CS2040 ChainsawBudget buyers who want a quick chain and low vibration
- Check price of Ryobi RCS2340 Electric Chainsaw
Best Performance Runner-Up
Ryobi RCS2340 Electric ChainsawThicker logs and harder wood where speed and power count
Weight is the thing to settle first. A heavier saw with a big motor sits steady on a log pile and holds its speed in hardwood, but it tires you quickly once you're pruning above waist height, where a lighter saw with a shorter bar is far easier to control.
The cable is the other limit, tying you to a socket and an outdoor-rated extension. If that rules corded saws out, our roundup of the best cordless chainsaws covers battery models. The six below run from budget saws for the odd storm clear-up to 2,400 watt models for regular logging.
How We Tested These Electric Chainsaws
Between cutting logs for our wood-burning stove and bringing down the odd tree, we've built up plenty of experience with chainsaws. Over the years that's meant using a whole range of saws, from cheap corded models to the ones that made it into this roundup, including the Oregon CS1400 in the photo below.
The Oregon and the budget Titan were put through a mix of timber in the sizes they were designed for. The other saws in the list are judged on the manufacturers' figures and what each one offers, and we compared all of them on the following:
- Cutting performance: motor power, chain speed and cutting capacity
- Set-up: fitting the bar and chain, filling the oil and setting the tension
- Handling: weight and grip
- Build quality: the body, guards and chain brake
- Safety features: chain brakes, low kickback chains and hand guards
- Cable and reach: the length of the power lead
The budget Titan above isn't in our list, but using cheaper saws like it is how we learned what's worth paying extra for. For motor power, chain speed, bar length and warranty, we've taken the figures from each manufacturer. Accessories, warranty and price then decided where each saw sits in the list.
The Best Electric Chainsaws We Recommend
Every saw here runs from the mains and suits garden logs and branches rather than felling big trees. Pick up a bottle of chain oil with whichever one you choose, as none of them should be run dry.
Best Overall
Oregon CS1400 Electric Chainsaw
Best for: Regular log cutting and bigger garden jobs that need plenty of power
Check Price On AmazonThe Oregon CS1400 is the saw from our photos, and it's built for getting through a proper pile of logs. With 2,400 watts behind it, it has the most powerful motor in this roundup, which helps it hold its pace once the chain is buried in a thick log. Oregon quotes a chain speed of 14.7 m/s through a 40 cm low kickback bar and chain.
Tool-free tensioning keeps day-to-day upkeep simple, so you can take up slack in the chain without hunting for a spanner. The transparent oil reservoir shows exactly how much lubricant is left, and the automatic oiler keeps the bar fed while you cut. There's an integrated chain brake and a front hand guard, and the saw is relatively quiet for the power on offer. The catch is weight. At 6.6 kg it's quite heavy, and your arms will know about it after a long session.
What we like
- Most powerful motor in our roundup at 2,400 watts
- 40 cm low kickback guide bar and chain
- Chain speed of 14.7 m/s according to Oregon
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Clear oil reservoir shows the level at a glance
- Backed by a three year warranty
- Quieter than you'd expect for the power
What to know
- Weighs 6.6 kg so it's tiring over long sessions
Our verdict
Power is the Oregon's calling card, with the biggest motor in this list and an Oregon bar and chain to make the most of it. Add the three-year warranty and it's the corded saw to own if you cut logs regularly. Pruners and occasional users will find its 6.6 kg a burden, and the Makita UC3541A suits them better.
Best Budget
Einhell GH-EC 2040 Chainsaw
Best for: Occasional log cutting and storm clear-ups on a tight budget
Check Price On AmazonEinhell has kept the price of the GH-EC 2040 down without skimping on the parts that do the cutting. It runs an Oregon bar and chain, the same brand as our top pick, driven by a 2,000 watt motor with metal gearing and a quoted chain speed of 13.5 m/s.
The bar is 406 mm long, with a usable cutting length of 375 mm, which handles garden logs and fallen branches comfortably. Chain tensioning and chain changes are both tool-free, and a mechanical chain brake gives kickback protection. The handles are shaped for a comfortable two-handed grip. You'll need to do a little assembly when it arrives, and it's a saw for lighter jobs rather than hours of heavy cutting every weekend.
What we like
- Oregon bar and chain fitted as standard
- 2,000 watt motor with metal gearing
- Tool-free chain tensioning and changing
- Mechanical chain brake for kickback protection
- 375 mm cutting length from a 406 mm bar
- Handles shaped for a comfortable two-handed grip
What to know
- Needs some assembly out of the box
- Better suited to occasional use than heavy-duty cutting
Our verdict
A few storm clear-ups a year and a winter log pile don't justify a big spend, and that's where the Einhell fits. Getting an Oregon bar and chain at this price is a real plus. Allow for a little assembly when it arrives, and don't expect it to relish hours of heavy cutting.
Best All-Rounder
Makita UC3541A Electric Chainsaw
Best for: Pruning and smaller logs where a light, easy-handling saw matters
Check Price On AmazonThe UC3541A is Makita's entry-level electric chainsaw, built around a smaller 1,800 watt motor and a 35 cm cutting capacity. That puts it below the 2,000 watt saws in this roundup on paper, yet Makita still quotes a brisk chain speed of 14.5 m/s, and the lightweight build makes it easy to carry around the garden.
A 10 metre power cable gives you more reach before you need an extension lead, and the automatic oil pump keeps the chain lubricated. Blade adjustments are tool-free, and the metal spike bumper gives the saw a pivot point against the log. Makita supplies a bar cover and instructions in the box. The shorter bar means it isn't the saw for the thickest logs.
What we like
- Lightweight design that's easy to carry
- 10 metre power cable for extra reach
- Chain speed of 14.5 m/s according to Makita
- Tool-free blade adjustments
- Automatic chain oil pump
- Metal spike bumper to pivot against the log
- Bar cover supplied in the box
What to know
- 35 cm cutting capacity is shorter than the 40 cm saws here
- 1,800 watt motor has less in reserve for hardwood logs
Our verdict
Pruning, hedge clearing and small to medium logs are the Makita's territory. Its light build helps when you're holding the saw at awkward angles, and the 10 metre cable reaches further down the garden before an extension comes out. Thick hardwood logs need more motor than its 1,800 watts.
Easiest To Use
McCulloch CSE2040S Corded Chainsaw
Best for: First-time chainsaw users who want a smooth, controlled start
Check Price On AmazonMcCulloch has aimed the CSE2040S at people who want a saw that feels calm in the hand. Its 2,000 watt motor has a soft start, so the chain picks up speed gradually rather than snatching the moment you squeeze the trigger, which is reassuring if you've not used a chainsaw before.
The quoted chain speed is 13.5 m/s, the same as the Einhell, with a 40 cm cutting capacity. Tool-less chain tensioning, an oil level window and an ergonomic grip make it simple to set up and comfortable to hold, and McCulloch adds a visible chain brake indicator and a cable clip that stops the plug pulling out of the extension mid-cut. You pay for that refinement, as it's relatively expensive for an electric chainsaw.
What we like
- Soft start motor for a smooth, controlled pick-up
- 40 cm cutting capacity
- Visible chain brake indicator
- Cable clip stops the lead pulling free
- Oil level window and tool-less chain tensioning
- Ergonomic grip for better control
What to know
- Relatively expensive for an electric chainsaw
Our verdict
Nervous first-timers are who McCulloch had in mind. The soft start takes the jolt out of pulling the trigger, the chain brake indicator shows at a glance whether the brake's on, and the cable clip keeps the lead connected. Confident users won't need that refinement and can spend less on the Einhell GH-EC 2040.
Best Budget Runner-Up
BLACK+DECKER CS2040 Chainsaw
Best for: Budget buyers who want a quick chain and low vibration
Check Price On AmazonBLACK+DECKER's CS2040 is the brand's main corded chainsaw, and it's joint fastest in this roundup with the Ryobi, at a quoted 16 m/s, so it clears wood from the cut quickly. That pace comes from a 2,000 watt motor driving a 40 cm bar, with a low kickback chain fitted as standard.
Chain tension is adjusted without tools, and the integrated auto oiling system keeps the bar lubricated so you can concentrate on the cut. An anti-vibration system takes some of the buzz out of the handles, which helps on longer jobs. Build quality is a step below the bigger-name saws, though, so we'd see it as a sound budget saw rather than one built for years of heavy use.
What we like
- Chain speed of 16 m/s according to BLACK+DECKER
- Low kickback chain on a 40 cm bar
- Anti-vibration system eases hand fatigue
- Integrated auto oiling
- Tool-less chain tensioning
What to know
- Build quality a step below the bigger-name saws
Our verdict
A fast chain and an anti-vibration system are a rare pairing on a budget saw, and that's the CS2040's appeal. It's worth comparing prices with the Einhell, as both suit occasional cutting. For years of heavy winter log cutting, the Oregon CS1400 is the sturdier investment.
Best Performance Runner-Up
Ryobi RCS2340 Electric Chainsaw
Best for: Thicker logs and harder wood where speed and power count
Check Price On AmazonThe Ryobi RCS2340 sits just behind the Oregon on power, with a 2,300 watt motor and a quoted chain speed of 16 m/s through a 40 cm bar. That combination suits thicker logs and harder timber where smaller saws start to labour.
To keep that power under control, Ryobi fits a rapid response mechanical chain brake, plus an anti-vibration system to reduce fatigue. Bar and chain lubrication is automatic, chain tension is set without tools, and a debris deflector keeps chips away from your hands. Like the Oregon, it's a heavy saw, so it's better suited to a session at the log pile than to holding at arm's length while pruning.
What we like
- 2,300 watt motor for thicker logs
- Chain speed of 16 m/s according to Ryobi
- Rapid response mechanical chain brake
- Debris deflector keeps chips off your hands
- Anti-vibration system reduces fatigue
- Automatic bar and chain lubrication
What to know
- Heavy enough to be uncomfortable over long sessions
Our verdict
Close to the Oregon on power and quicker on chain speed, the Ryobi is a strong choice for thick logs and harder wood. It's heavy, so save it for sessions at the log pile rather than pruning. The Oregon edges ahead on motor size and comes with a three-year warranty.
What To Look For In An Electric Chainsaw
Electric chainsaws look much alike on the shelf, but a few differences decide whether a saw suits your garden. Check the following before you buy.
Motor Power And Chain Speed
Motor wattage tells you how well the saw keeps its pace once the chain is buried in a log. The saws here run from 1,800 watts on the Makita up to 2,400 watts on the Oregon, and the bigger motors hold their speed better in thick or hard timber. Chain speed, measured in metres per second, affects how quickly the chain clears wood from the cut, so a faster chain gives a cleaner, quicker finish.
For pruning and small branches, a lighter 1,800 watt saw is plenty. If you're logging hardwood for a wood burner every winter, it's worth paying for 2,000 watts or more.
Bar Length And Cutting Capacity
Most of the saws in this roundup carry a 40 cm bar, while the Makita has a 35 cm cutting capacity. A longer bar lets you cut thicker logs in a single pass but adds weight at the front, which makes the saw harder to control at arm's length. As a rule of thumb, choose a bar a little longer than the thickest wood you plan to cut.
Bigger jobs, such as taking down a tree and dealing with what's left, are a different matter. Our guide on removing a tree stump with or without a grinder covers what to do once the trunk is down.
Weight And Handling
Weight matters more than most people expect. A heavy saw is steady on a log resting on a sawhorse, but it wears you out when you're cutting branches above waist height. Anti-vibration systems, like those on the Ryobi and BLACK+DECKER, help with comfort, and a soft start like the McCulloch's makes the first squeeze of the trigger less jumpy.
For work above head height, a chainsaw is the wrong tool altogether. A pole saw or one of the best long reach hedge trimmers keeps your feet on the ground and the blade well away from your face.
Safety Features
A chain brake stops the chain almost instantly if the saw kicks back, so make sure your saw has one. Look for a low kickback chain and a front hand guard too, and check that the chain tensioning is easy, since a loose chain is more likely to jump off the bar. Wear chainsaw gloves, eye protection and ear defenders, and keep the cable behind you so it never crosses the cutting line.
Running Costs And Upkeep
An electric chainsaw costs very little to run, but it does need chain oil. With an automatic oiler, all you need to do is keep the reservoir topped up and check the flow before each session. A blunt chain produces fine dust instead of chips and makes the saw work harder, so sharpen it or swap it for a spare, like the two chains in our Oregon photo.
Once the logs are cut, the smaller branches and twigs are best dealt with by one of the best garden shredders, which turns the brash into mulch for the borders.
Common Questions About Electric Chainsaws
Are electric chainsaws any good for cutting logs?
Yes, a corded electric chainsaw handles garden logs and firewood well, as long as the wood fits within the bar length. A saw with a 2,000 watt motor or more and a 40 cm bar, such as the Oregon CS1400, copes with the logs most homeowners cut for a wood burner. For felling large trees or cutting far from a socket, a petrol saw is the better tool.
Do electric chainsaws need oil?
Electric chainsaws need chain oil but not fuel or engine oil. The chain oil lubricates the bar and chain, cutting friction and wear, and saws such as the Oregon CS1400 and Makita UC3541A have an automatic oiler that feeds it from a reservoir. Top it up before each session and check the oil is reaching the bar, as running a chain dry will damage it quickly.
Can you use an extension lead with an electric chainsaw?
You can use an extension lead with an electric chainsaw, but it should be an outdoor-rated lead rated for the saw's wattage, plugged into an RCD-protected socket. Fully unwind a reel extension so the cable doesn't overheat. Keep the lead behind you while cutting, and use a cable clip like the one on the McCulloch CSE2040S to stop the plug pulling apart.
Is a corded or cordless chainsaw better for a garden?
A corded chainsaw is better if you work near the house and want steady power for long log-cutting sessions at a lower price. A cordless chainsaw is better for bigger gardens, allotments and jobs far from a socket, since there's no cable to drag about. Battery saws cost more once you add batteries and a charger, and their run time depends on the battery size.
Is the Oregon CS1400 too heavy for pruning?
Yes, at 6.6 kg the Oregon CS1400 is a burden for pruning, and your arms notice it after a long session. It's built for working through a pile of logs. For cutting branches and small logs, the lighter Makita UC3541A is the easier saw to live with, with a 10 metre cable that reaches further before you need an extension lead.
Which of these saws would you pick for a first chainsaw?
The McCulloch CSE2040S is the one for a first-timer. Its soft start brings the chain up to speed gradually instead of snatching, and a visible chain brake indicator shows whether the brake is on. A cable clip stops the lead pulling free from the extension. It's relatively expensive, so confident users can save money with the Einhell GH-EC 2040.
Is the Ryobi RCS2340 worth choosing over the Oregon CS1400?
The Ryobi RCS2340 suits thick logs and harder wood, with a 2,300 watt motor and a quoted 16 m/s chain speed. The Oregon CS1400 has the bigger 2,400 watt motor, a quoted 14.7 m/s chain and a three-year warranty. Both are heavy saws, so we'd choose the Oregon for regular log cutting and the Ryobi if chain speed matters more.
Will the Einhell GH-EC 2040 get through a winter's log pile?
The Einhell GH-EC 2040 handles an occasional winter log pile, not hours of heavy cutting every weekend. It has a 2,000 watt motor and a 406 mm bar with a 375 mm usable cutting length, which suits garden logs and fallen branches. For regular logging, step up to the Oregon CS1400. Allow for a little assembly when it arrives.
Our Electric Chainsaw Recommendation
The Oregon CS1400 is the electric chainsaw we'd buy again, with the most power in this roundup, a 40 cm bar and a three-year warranty to back it up. Just be ready for its weight. If you'd like something lighter for pruning and smaller logs, the Makita UC3541A is the easier saw to live with, and the Einhell GH-EC 2040 covers occasional jobs on a budget.
If the cable is a sticking point, take a look at our pick of the best cordless chainsaws for unrestricted cutting before you buy.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.