Best Electric chainsaws 2026: 7 Compared (7 Sources)
What are the best electric chainsaws in 2026?
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. For budget buyers, the DeWalt 20V 12-inch kit at ~$219 delivers reliable cutting for light yard work at the lowest entry price. [src1, src2, src3]
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 7 Models Compared
| Model | Price | Bar Length | Battery | Weight | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i | ~$480 | 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 value large | Check price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" | ~$399 | 16 in. | 18V 12.0Ah | 17 lb 4 oz | Best runtime | Check price |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V 16" | ~$300 | 16 in. | 60V 3.0Ah | 13 lb 2 oz | Best mid-size | Check price |
| Greenworks 80V 18" | ~$400 | 18 in. | 80V 2.0Ah | 13 lb 13 oz | Most powerful | 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" | ~$219 | 12 in. | 20V 5.0Ah | 9 lb 2 oz | Best budget | Check price |
Best for Each Use Case
Best Overall: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i (~$480) — 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 Value (Large Bar): EGO Power+ CS1804 (~$350) — Check price
The EGO CS1804 delivers 18-inch cutting capability with a 56V system at a price roughly $130 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. The EGO Power+ CS2005 20-inch model (~$500) 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" (~$300) — Check price
The DeWalt FLEXVOLT 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 batteries are backward-compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX tools. [src3, src5]
Most Powerful: Greenworks 80V 18" (~$400) — Check price
The Greenworks 80V system 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. [src3, src5]
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 Budget: DeWalt 20V 12" (~$219) — Check price
At $219 with battery and charger included, the DeWalt 20V 12-inch is the best entry point for homeowners doing light yard work. Outdoor Life testing recorded 45 cuts on a 6-inch log and a 9.7-second cut time — slower than the $570 Echo but an "awesome bargain" for occasional pruning and storm cleanup. It shares batteries with DeWalt's massive 20V MAX tool lineup of 300+ tools. [src1, src2]
Decision Logic
If budget < $250
→ The DeWalt 20V 12-inch (~$219) is the only quality option under $250 with battery included. It handles branches up to 10 inches and light firewood duties. Skip if you need to cut logs over 12 inches. [src1]
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 ($480) or EGO CS1804 ($350) are the best choices. The EGO saves $130 with comparable performance. [src1, src2]
If user already owns tools on a specific battery platform
→ Battery compatibility often outweighs marginal performance differences. Milwaukee M18 users should get the M18 FUEL 16-inch. DeWalt 20V/60V users should get the FLEXVOLT 60V 16-inch. EGO 56V users should get the CS1804. Platform lock-in saves $100-200 on batteries. [src3, src6]
If weight is a primary concern
→ The DeWalt 20V 12-inch (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 the absolute fastest cutting, the EGO CS2005 20-inch (~$500) is the fastest battery chainsaw ever tested, surpassing 20-inch gas saws in standardized tests. [src5, src6]
Default recommendation
→ The EGO Power+ CS1804 18-inch (~$350) is the safest pick for unknown requirements. It balances an 18-inch bar, 56V power, included battery/charger, reasonable weight, and strong platform compatibility at a price $50-130 below the Husqvarna and Milwaukee. [src1, src2]
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: Street prices for quality 18-inch battery chainsaws have dropped to $350-480, down from $500-700 two years ago, driven by competition and battery cost reductions. [src1, src2]
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