Best electric chainsaw 2026: the complete buying guide

For a garden with a few trees, an annual stock of firewood or regular pruning work, an electric chainsaw is often the most practical choice: no mixing petrol, no two-stroke oil, and the chain runs at the push of a button. Unlike a petrol model, an electric chainsaw starts instantly, runs quieter and needs almost no maintenance. This guide walks through the real buying criteria, from power to noise level, and covers six practical picks for different kinds of use. Not sure yet how many trees or hedges your garden has? It helps to map out your garden first on gardenworld.app before buying an electric chainsaw.

What to look for before you buy

An electric chainsaw costs, depending on power, somewhere between 60 and 250 euros, so it pays to look past the price tag.

Power (watts) Entry-level models have a motor of 1,200 to 1,600 watts, more than enough for pruning waste and thinner branches. Powerful models with 2,000 to 2,400 watts cut effortlessly through thicker trunks and heavy firewood jobs, comparable to a light petrol saw.

Bar length The bar length determines the maximum trunk diameter you can cut through in one pass. For pruning and thinner branches, 30 to 35 centimetres is enough, for firewood and medium-sized trees choose 35 to 40 centimetres, and for slightly thicker trunks a 40-centimetre bar is standard on the most powerful models.

Cable and ease of use A corded electric chainsaw offers unlimited runtime as long as you stay near an outlet. An extension cable of 20 to 30 metres gives enough freedom of movement for most gardens, though the cable remains something to keep an eye on while cutting.

Chain brake and safety Even on an electric chainsaw, a chain brake against kickback is essential. Also check for a chain catcher, a front hand guard, and a reduced-kickback bar tip that lowers the risk of kickback.

Noise level Electric chainsaws are considerably quieter than petrol models, typically between 95 and 105 decibels at the ear, versus well over 110 decibels for a petrol saw. That makes them more pleasant to use close to neighbours.

Chain lubrication An automatic oiling system that applies oil to the chain while cutting is standard on good models. Check the oil reservoir before every use, since a dry chain wears out extremely fast.

Price range Entry-level models start around 60 to 100 euros, powerful models cost 130 to 200 euros, and professional electric models with a long bar run up to 250 euros or more.

Safety first

An electric chainsaw is still a chainsaw, and kickback is the most commonly cited cause of serious injury. Always wear full protective gear: safety glasses or a visor, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, sturdy steel-toe boots and cut-resistant gloves. Never work in the rain or on wet grass without a residual current device, and always keep track of where the cable runs so you never cut through it. Check the chain tension and oil level before every use, and make sure the chain brake operates smoothly. Never cut above shoulder height and never with the bar tip in the wood, since that is the leading cause of kickback. If in doubt, leave felling larger trees to a certified arborist.

Entry-level electric chainsaw

For light pruning and thinner branches, an entry-level electric chainsaw is the obvious first choice: compact, with a power of 1,200 to 1,600 watts and more than enough force for most garden jobs.

Powerful electric chainsaw

For firewood and thicker trunks, a powerful electric chainsaw is the most popular option: with 2,000 watts or more and a bar of 35 to 40 centimetres, it cuts through heavy jobs with ease without ever mixing petrol.

Lightweight electric chainsaw

Anyone who prefers a compact, light model should pick a lightweight electric chainsaw: often under 4 kilograms, comfortable for smaller hands or occasional use.

Electric chainsaw with tool-free chain tensioning

For anyone who wants to make quick adjustments without tools, an electric chainsaw with tool-free chain tensioning is the handiest choice: you tension the chain with a dial instead of a wrench, saving time while cutting.

Electric chainsaw with a long bar

For slightly thicker trunks, an electric chainsaw with a long bar is the right choice: at 40 centimetres, it cuts through trunks in one pass where a shorter bar falls short.

Quiet electric chainsaw

For use close to neighbours or in a residential area, a quiet electric chainsaw is the most pleasant option: a lower noise level means less disturbance while cutting, without giving up power.

Maintenance for your electric chainsaw

Clean the bar and chain after every use, remove sawdust from the guide rail, and regularly check the oil reservoir of the automatic chain lubrication. Sharpen the chain on time or have it done, since a dull chain increases the risk of kickback because you need to apply more force. Check the cable for damage before use, since a damaged cable is an electrical hazard. Store the chainsaw somewhere dry, and do not let the oil reservoir run completely dry between sessions.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is choosing a model too weak for the job at hand, causing the motor to be overworked on thicker trunks. A second mistake is not keeping an eye on the cable while cutting, resulting in a cut extension cord. Finally, many users forget to check the oil reservoir, letting the chain run dry, which wears it out faster or even damages it.

Comparison

Which electric chainsaw suits your garden?

If you have a small garden with the occasional bit of pruning, an entry-level model is more than enough. For a mid-sized garden with an annual stock of firewood, a powerful model is the smartest choice. If you live in a residential area close to neighbours, a quiet model is more pleasant for the atmosphere, without giving up cutting power.

Still unsure how your garden is laid out, or how much maintenance your trees and hedges actually need? Look at your garden first on gardenworld.app to see which planting suits your soil, so you know exactly how much cutting power you need.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric chainsaw powerful enough for firewood? Yes, a powerful model of 2,000 watts or more with a bar of 35 to 40 centimetres cuts through most firewood trunks with ease, though a petrol model remains the stronger choice for very thick or hard wood types.

How much noise does an electric chainsaw make? Electric models typically sit between 95 and 105 decibels at the ear, considerably quieter than a petrol saw, which often exceeds 110 decibels.

Can I use an electric chainsaw without an extension cable? No, a corded electric chainsaw always needs an outlet or extension cable. If you regularly work far from a connection, a battery or petrol model is more practical.

How often should I sharpen the chain? With regular use, sharpening every few cutting sessions is wise, or as soon as you notice the saw producing fine dust instead of coarser chips, a sign the chain is going dull.

Conclusion

An electric chainsaw is the practical choice for anyone who regularly prunes or cuts firewood close to home, without the hassle of mixing petrol and with less noise and maintenance than a petrol model. Choose based on the work you mostly do, keep a close eye on the cable, and always wear the right protective gear. Want to know first how many trees and hedges in your garden actually generate cutting work, check your garden on gardenworld.app before choosing a model.