Best Electric chainsaws 2026: 8 Compared (7 Sources)
What are the best electric chainsaws in 2026?
TL;DR
Top pick: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i (~$430) — only large-bar saw that holds full power to battery cutoff (24 cuts on a 14" log). Check price.
Best value: Greenworks 80V 18" (~$240) — gas-rivaling power at a price now below most 16" kits after a 40% street-price drop. Check price.
Best budget: DEWALT 20V MAX 12" (DCCS620P1) (~$349) — lightest pick at 9 lb 2 oz, shares battery with 300+ DeWalt 20V MAX tools. Check price. [src1, src2, src5]
Summary
Battery-powered chainsaws have reached a tipping point in 2026, with top models matching or exceeding the cutting speed of comparable gas saws while delivering instant starts, zero emissions, and significantly less noise. Testing across multiple review outlets confirms that 56V-80V battery saws can make 100+ cuts through 4x4 lumber on a single charge and cut through 14-inch hardwood logs in under 30 seconds. [src1, src4]
The EGO Power+ CS1804 and Husqvarna Power Axe 350i dominate the 18-inch class, with the Husqvarna maintaining full power until battery depletion and delivering 24 cuts on a 14-inch log. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch offers gas-equivalent power with up to 150 cuts per charge, making it the runtime champion. After a 40% street-price drop in mid-2026, the Greenworks 80V 18" kit at ~$240 has displaced the DeWalt 20V 12" (~$349 after a 2026 price climb) as the value pick for budget-conscious buyers. [src1, src2, src3, src5]
The market has clearly shifted toward battery power: Consumer Reports now rates over 50 chainsaw models, with the vast majority being battery-operated. Corded electric models have been largely displaced by battery models offering comparable power without the cord limitation. [src4]
Top 8 Models Compared
| Model | Price | Bar Length | Battery | Weight | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i | ~$430 | 18 in. | 40V 7.5Ah | 13 lb 15 oz | Best overall | Check price |
| EGO Power+ CS1804 | ~$350 | 18 in. | 56V 5.0Ah | 14 lb 12 oz | Best 56V-platform pick | Check price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" | ~$399 | 16 in. | 18V 12.0Ah | 17 lb 4 oz | Best runtime | Check price |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V 16" (DCCS670T1) | ~$341 | 16 in. | 60V 2.0Ah | 13 lb 2 oz | Best mid-size | Check price |
| Greenworks 80V 18" | ~$240 | 18 in. | 80V 2.0Ah | 13 lb 13 oz | Best value (large bar) | Check price |
| Stihl MSA 220 C-B | ~$420 | 14 in. | 36V 2.6Ah | 12 lb 3 oz | Best build quality | Stihl dealers only |
| DeWalt 20V 12" (DCCS620P1) | ~$349 | 12 in. | 20V 5.0Ah | 9 lb 2 oz | Best lightweight / DeWalt platform | Check price |
| EGO Power+ CS2005 20" | ~$541 | 20 in. | 56V 6.0Ah | 16 lb 4 oz | Fastest large-bar | Check price |
Best for Each Use Case
Best Overall: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i (~$430) — Check price
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i earned the top spot for maintaining full power until battery depletion, a trait uncommon among battery chainsaws. In Outdoor Life testing, it cut a 14-inch willow log in 26.6 seconds and delivered 24 cuts before the 7.5Ah battery ran out — the best endurance of any large-bar saw tested. Its well-balanced design and brushless motor make it feel lighter than its 14-pound weight suggests. [src1, src2]
Best 56V-Platform Pick: EGO Power+ CS1804 (~$350) — Check price
The EGO CS1804 delivers 18-inch cutting capability with a 56V system at a price roughly $80 below the Husqvarna. It includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger in the kit, and the 56V platform is compatible with EGO's extensive lineup of 75+ outdoor power tools. For users on the 56V platform who already own batteries, the bare tool is even cheaper. The EGO Power+ CS2005 20-inch model (~$541) is the fastest battery chainsaw ever tested, surpassing even 20-inch gas saws, for those needing maximum bar length. [src2, src6]
Best Runtime: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" (~$399) — Check price
With up to 150 cuts per charge using the HD 12.0Ah battery, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL delivers unmatched runtime among battery chainsaws. Bob Vila testing confirmed it is "just about as close to gas power as a battery chainsaw can get," with the M18 REDLITHIUM High Output battery operating 50% cooler than standard packs. At 17.3 pounds with battery, it is the heaviest saw on the list, but its 33-35 minutes of sustained runtime rivals gas saws. [src3, src7]
Best Mid-Size: DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V 16" DCCS670T1 (~$341) — Check price
The DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V system delivers strong mid-range performance with a brushless motor, electronic chain brake, and auto-oiling. Bob Vila testing found it "easily spit out wood chips" with well-balanced handling and approximately 30 minutes of runtime per charge. The tool-free chain adjustment and auto-oiling reduce maintenance hassle. The FLEXVOLT 60V batteries are backward-compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools (running at 9Ah equivalent in 20V mode). As of mid-2026, DeWalt's standalone listing on Amazon is the DCCS670T1 (2.0Ah) kit at ~$341; the 3.0Ah DCCS670X1 is sold primarily as a string-trimmer combo kit. [src3, src5]
Best Value (Large Bar): Greenworks 80V 18" (~$240) — Check price
After a ~40% street-price drop in 2026, the Greenworks 80V 18" is now the price leader for 18-inch battery chainsaws — cheaper than most 16-inch kits. It delivers the highest voltage in this comparison, translating to power that rivals gas chainsaws in real-world cutting. GearJunkie testing confirmed it handles professional-grade tasks like felling mature hardwoods. The brushless motor, steel bucking spikes, and electronic chain brake are standard. Battery life (~20 minutes continuous) is shorter than competitors due to the higher power draw, but a 30-minute rapid charger mitigates downtime. The 80V platform now spans 75+ tools, making this a strong platform anchor. [src3, src5]
Fastest Large-Bar Cutting: EGO Power+ CS2005 20" (~$541) — Check price
The EGO Power+ CS2005 is the fastest battery chainsaw GearJunkie and Family Handyman have ever tested — surpassing even 20-inch gas saws in standardized cutting trials. The 20-inch bar lets you complete single-pass cuts on logs up to ~18 inches diameter, eliminating the rolling/wedge work needed on shorter saws. The included 6.0Ah 56V battery delivers roughly 25-30 cuts on a 14-inch hardwood log before recharge. At ~$541 it costs ~$110 more than the Husqvarna for an extra 2 inches of bar; only buy this if you regularly cut logs over 14 inches diameter. [src5, src6]
Best Build Quality: Stihl MSA 220 C-B (~$420) — Stihl dealers only
The Stihl MSA 220 C-B is the first Stihl battery chainsaw with a 16-inch bar option, built with the brand's signature Austrian manufacturing quality. Outdoor Life testing praised its superior construction and dependable performance, cutting a 12-inch log in 22.3 seconds. Runtime reaches up to 40 minutes with the AP 300 S battery. The trade-off is Stihl's dealer-only sales model — no online purchasing. [src1, src7]
Best Lightweight / DeWalt Platform: DeWalt 20V 12" DCCS620P1 (~$349) — Check price
At 9 lb 2 oz with battery, the DeWalt 20V 12-inch (DCCS620P1) is the lightest pick on this list — ideal for overhead pruning, ladder work, and storm-cleanup tasks where weight fatigue is the bottleneck. Outdoor Life testing recorded 45 cuts on a 6-inch log and a 9.7-second cut time. Note: the street price has climbed from ~$219 in early 2026 to ~$349 in mid-2026 as inventory tightened, so it is no longer the absolute "best budget" pick. Buy it primarily for the weight advantage or because you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries (300+ compatible tools). For pure budget shoppers, the Greenworks 80V 18" at ~$240 is now the better value. [src1, src2]
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i vs EGO Power+ CS1804
Both are 18-inch large-bar battery saws within ~$80 of each other (Husqvarna ~$430, EGO ~$350). The Husqvarna wins on testing: it cut a 14-inch willow log in 26.6 seconds and was the only large-bar saw to maintain full power until battery cutoff. The EGO is lighter on the wallet and plugs into a much larger consumer ecosystem (75+ EGO 56V outdoor tools vs Husqvarna's ~20 40V tools). [src1, src2]
Pick Husqvarna if: you cut hardwood firewood weekly and want the most consistent power curve; you value Husqvarna's pro-grade build and dealer service network.
Pick EGO if: you already own or plan to own other EGO 56V tools (mower, blower, trimmer); $80 savings matters; you cut softwood or storm-cleanup logs.
Greenworks 80V 18" vs EGO Power+ CS1804
At ~$240 (Greenworks) vs ~$350 (EGO) the Greenworks is now $110 cheaper for the same 18-inch bar after a 2026 price drop. The Greenworks 80V delivers more raw cutting power per cut, but its 2.0Ah battery yields shorter runtime (~20 minutes continuous) vs the EGO's 5.0Ah. EGO's 56V platform is broader for consumer outdoor tools; Greenworks 80V has ~75 tools and trends more pro-grade. [src3, src5]
Pick Greenworks if: you prioritize price; you cut occasionally rather than daily; you want max cutting power per cut and don't mind a spare battery.
Pick EGO if: you need longer single-charge runtime; you want a more refined trigger/balance; you're invested in or attracted to EGO's larger outdoor-tool platform.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" vs DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V 16" (DCCS670T1)
Both are 16-inch pro-platform saws at similar price (Milwaukee ~$399, DeWalt ~$341). Milwaukee's 12.0Ah HD pack delivers up to 150 cuts per charge — best-in-class runtime — but the kit weighs 17+ lb. DeWalt's FLEXVOLT 60V cuts well and weighs 13 lb 2 oz, but the standalone DCCS670T1 kit ships with a 2.0Ah battery so total runtime is roughly half the Milwaukee's. Both batteries cross-compatible with massive tool ecosystems (Milwaukee M18: 200+, DeWalt 20V/60V: 300+). [src3, src7]
Pick Milwaukee if: runtime matters more than weight; you already own Milwaukee M18 tools; you do extended firewood sessions.
Pick DeWalt if: weight matters; you already own DeWalt 20V or 60V tools; you want a lower entry price and can buy a spare battery.
Greenworks 80V 18" vs Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
After Greenworks' 2026 price drop, the Greenworks is now ~$190 cheaper than the Husqvarna for the same 18-inch bar. The Husqvarna still wins on build quality, power consistency to battery cutoff, and runtime per charge. The Greenworks wins on price and raw power-per-cut. [src1, src3, src5]
Pick Greenworks if: budget is the primary constraint; you cut occasionally; you want to dip into battery chainsaws before committing $400+.
Pick Husqvarna if: this saw will be your primary firewood/storm-cleanup tool for years; you value the Husqvarna brand's dealer network for chains, bars, and warranty work.
Decision Logic
If budget < $250
→ The Greenworks 80V 18" (~$240) is now the only quality 18-inch battery chainsaw available under $250 after its 2026 price drop. It includes a 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger. Add a spare battery (~$130) if you need more than 20 minutes of continuous cutting. The older DeWalt 20V 12" kit has climbed to ~$349 and is no longer the budget pick. [src3, src5]
If primary use is firewood and storm cleanup
→ Prioritize 18-inch bar length over battery runtime because larger logs require a single-pass cut. The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i ($430) holds power most consistently to battery cutoff; the Greenworks 80V 18" ($240) saves ~$190 with comparable raw cutting power. EGO CS1804 ($350) is the safer middle pick if you want EGO platform compatibility. [src1, src2, src5]
If user already owns tools on a specific battery platform
→ Battery compatibility usually outweighs marginal performance differences. Milwaukee M18 users → M18 FUEL 16". DeWalt 20V/60V users → FLEXVOLT 60V 16" (DCCS670T1) or 20V 12" (DCCS620P1). EGO 56V users → CS1804 (18") or CS2005 (20"). Husqvarna 40V users → Power Axe 350i. Greenworks 80V users → 80V 18". Platform lock-in saves $100-200 on batteries. [src3, src6]
If weight is a primary concern (ladder work, overhead pruning)
→ The DeWalt 20V 12-inch DCCS620P1 (9 lb 2 oz) and Stihl MSA 220 C-B (12 lb 3 oz) are the lightest options. Avoid the Milwaukee M18 FUEL (17+ lbs) if extended overhead or sustained use is needed. [src1, src3]
If maximum cutting power is needed
→ The Greenworks 80V 18-inch delivers the highest voltage and gas-rivaling power for under $250. For the absolute fastest cutting on logs over 14 inches diameter, the EGO CS2005 20-inch (~$541) is the fastest battery chainsaw ever tested, surpassing 20-inch gas saws in standardized tests. [src5, src6]
If maximum runtime is needed
→ The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" (~$399) with HD 12.0Ah battery delivers up to 150 cuts per charge — the longest runtime of any battery chainsaw on this list. Choose this for all-day clearing jobs where stopping to swap batteries is the bigger cost than tool weight. [src3, src7]
Default recommendation
→ If you are starting fresh with no battery platform and want one safe pick, the Greenworks 80V 18" (~$240) now offers the best price-to-cutting-power ratio after its 2026 price drop. If brand quality and consistent power matter more than price, step up to the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i (~$430). [src1, src3, src5]
Key Market Trends (2026)
- Battery chainsaws now match gas performance: Top 56V-80V models cut as fast or faster than equivalent gas saws in head-to-head tests, with the EGO CS2005 20-inch outperforming 20-inch gas chainsaws in standardized cutting. [src2, src6]
- Runtime has reached practical thresholds: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL delivers 150 cuts per charge, eliminating the historic runtime disadvantage of battery saws for all but professional all-day logging. [src3]
- Corded electric is effectively dead: Consumer Reports notes that the overwhelming majority of electric chainsaws in its ratings are now battery-operated, with corded models largely displaced. [src4]
- Platform ecosystems drive purchase decisions: EGO (75+ tools), Milwaukee M18 (200+ tools), and DeWalt 20V/60V (300+ tools) all offer expansive battery-compatible tool ecosystems, making the battery platform choice as important as the saw itself. [src3, src6]
- Price compression and volatility: Street prices for quality 18-inch battery chainsaws now range from ~$240 (Greenworks 80V) to ~$430 (Husqvarna 350i), down from $500-700 two years ago. Mid-2026 saw a ~40% drop on the Greenworks 80V and a ~$130 jump on the DeWalt 20V 12" kit, illustrating how volatile this category remains. [src1, src2, src5]
Important Caveats
- Prices are approximate US street prices as of March 2026; MSRP is often 20-40% higher and sales events can reduce prices further
- Runtime claims vary dramatically with wood species, log diameter, chain sharpness, and temperature; manufacturer cuts-per-charge numbers use softwood under ideal conditions
- Stihl MSA 220 C-B is not available on Amazon or any major online retailer; it must be purchased through authorized Stihl dealers
- All battery chainsaws still require bar-and-chain oil; maintenance is reduced vs. gas but not eliminated
- Weight figures include battery; tool-only weights are typically 4-6 pounds lighter
- Professional arborist saws like the Echo DCS-2500T ($570) are excluded from this comparison as they require specialized training