Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want to cut a branch, a fallen limb, or even a whole tree without the noise, fumes, and pull-start hassle of a gas engine. The real challenge is finding an electric saw with enough torque and battery life or cord length to finish the job without stalling or running out of power halfway through. You need instant start, less maintenance, and cutting power you can trust when a storm hits or a branch overhangs your roof.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
If you need a lightweight pruner for high branches or a powerful cutter for logs up to a foot thick, this roundup of the electric saw for cutting trees breaks down seven real options with the specs that decide how well a saw performs in your yard.
Quick Picks
- EGO POWER+ CS1611 — Best Overall
- DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw — Top Performer
- DEHANTOOLS 16 Inch Brushless Electric Chainsaw — Best Value
- BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12 Amp Electric Chainsaw — Corded Champion
- SKIL SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw — Demolition Pick
- TROOZY Electric 2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw & — Compact Pruner
- DEWALT DCCS623B 20V 8-Inch Pruning Chainsaw — Lightweight Specialist
How To Choose The Best Electric Saw For Cutting Trees
The right electric saw depends on whether you are pruning limbs overhead, cutting firewood, or felling a mid-sized tree. The three factors that matter most are power source, chain length, and motor type. Getting those right means you do not end up with a saw that is too heavy for a ladder or too weak for a 10-inch log.
Power Source: Corded vs. Battery
A corded saw gives you unlimited runtime, so you never stop to recharge during a big cleanup. It is a solid choice if you have a long, heavy-duty extension cord and work near an outlet. A cordless saw is far more portable, letting you walk through the yard or up a ladder without dragging a cable. But battery power is limited, so check the voltage (the electrical pressure that drives the motor) — 20V/21V handles light pruning while 40V/56V can rival a gas saw for heavy cutting. Look for at least 4.0Ah (amp-hours, a measure of battery capacity) batteries so the saw lasts through a full session without needing a recharge.
Bar and Chain Length
The bar length (the metal guide the chain rides on) tells you the maximum diameter of wood the saw can cut in one pass. An 8-inch bar is enough for light trimming and tight spaces. A 16-inch bar handles logs up to about 14 inches thick, which covers most residential tree work. Longer is not always better — a longer bar adds weight and makes the saw harder to control on small branches.
Motor Type and Efficiency
Brushless motors (motors with no physical carbon brushes that wear out) are more efficient than brushed motors, meaning they deliver more torque per battery charge and last longer because there are no carbon brushes to replace. You will see higher chain speed (measured in meters per second, or m/s) with brushless designs, which translates to smoother cuts and less stalling in dense wood. A 13-amp corded motor gives you reliable power for demolition-style cutting, but a brushless battery saw at 40V or 56V can feel just as strong without the cord.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Power Source | Bar Length | Motor Amp/Volt | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ CS1611 | Gas-like power, premium cordless | 56V Battery | 16″ | 56V | Amazon |
| DongCheng 40V 16-Inch | Heavy felling, large property | 40V (2x20V) Battery | 16″ | 40V | Amazon |
| DEHANTOOLS 16″ Brushless | Best battery value, versatile | 21V Battery | 16″ | 21V | Amazon |
| Black+Decker CS1216 | Unlimited runtime, budget corded | Corded Electric | 16″ | 12 Amp | Amazon |
| SKIL SPT44A-00 | Demolition and heavy branch cutting | Corded Electric | 8″ (blade) | 13 Amp | Amazon |
| TROOZY 2-in-1 Pole Saw | High-reach pruning, lightweight | 21V Battery | 6″ | 21V | Amazon |
| DEWALT DCCS623B | Compact pruning, one-handed use | 20V Battery (tool only) | 8″ | 20V | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EGO POWER+ CS1611
The cordless that delivers a gas-saw experience without the pull-start struggle.
This is the saw you reach for when a storm puts a 12-inch limb across your driveway and you want it gone in minutes without mixing fuel. The EGO POWER+ runs on a 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery and is rated as a 40cc gas equivalent, so it has the torque to match a mid-size gas saw while staying quiet and fume-free. Chain speed reaches 20m/s (meters per second, a measure of how fast the chain moves around the bar), which is noticeably faster than many battery saws, meaning you get through clean, smooth cuts without the chain bogging down in dense wood.
It is rated for up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 with the included battery, though in real use a single charge manages about one substantial tree. Buyers report it handles a 12-inch tree easily on one battery, but they note the battery drains fast on larger material — one owner mentioned wishing it came with a larger pack. The tool-free chain tensioning system and auto-oiling reservoir (a tank that automatically lubricates the chain) make adjustments quick, and the IPX4 weather-resistant construction (it resists splashing water so you can work in light rain) means you can work in light rain without worry.
At 9 pounds it is not the lightest, but the balance is good, and the low-kickback chain with a brake indicator (a visual signal that the chain brake is engaged) gives you a clear safety check. It is the complete package for a homeowner who wants premium battery power that truly challenges a gas saw.
What cuts like a gas saw
- 40cc gas equivalent power with 20m/s chain speed
- IPX4 weather-resistant build for outdoor use
- Up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge
Where it pinches
- 2.5Ah battery drains fast on big logs
- Will need a spare battery for heavy felling days
Reach for this if: You want the closest battery-powered equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw for serious tree work.
Look elsewhere if: You need to cut all day without stopping — invest in a second battery first.
2. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw
A 40V workhorse that outpaces gas saws at a fraction of the upkeep cost.
If you face heavy tasks like felling dead junipers or cutting through 24-inch willow trees, this is the battery saw that can keep up without the carburetor headaches. It runs on dual 20V batteries (40V total) through a high-torque brushless motor, and the maker claims it delivers professional raw power. Unlike typical 21V cordless saws, the 40V platform gives you real staying power — one buyer used it to fell a 24-inch willow tree and reported it “worked well” for that full-day job.
The chain tension is tool-free, which means you can tighten it in the field without fumbling for a wrench. The chain brake activates in under 0.1 seconds on kickback (a sudden upward or backward motion if the chain catches on wood), adding a serious safety layer. But there is a clear trade-off: on large logs, the battery drains fast. Another owner put it bluntly, saying it “eats batteries like a fat girl eats twinkies” on the big stuff, and wished the package came with four batteries instead of two. If you plan to cut all day, buy the extra batteries.
One unit arrived with a non-working chain oiler, but the replacement worked perfectly, and most buyers praise the clean cuts and long battery life. The chainsaw is well-balanced and easy to adjust, making it a legitimate gas replacement for suburban and farm use.
The strengths
- 40V system provides gas-like torque for heavy wood
- Chain brake activates in under 0.1 seconds for safety
- Easy tool-free chain tensioning in the field
The weakness
- Two batteries run out fast on 24-inch logs
- Quality control on oiler can be inconsistent
Perfect for: Homeowners who need genuine gas-level power for tree felling and heavy cleanup without the noise and fumes.
Not ideal if: You want to do a full day of firewood cutting with no spare batteries nearby.
3. DEHANTOOLS 16 Inch Brushless Electric Chainsaw
Two big batteries and a 16-inch bar for a price that undercuts the competition.
This is the balance for someone who wants a full-size 16-inch chainsaw but does not want to spend north of on batteries. The DEHANTOOLS packs a 1500W brushless motor spinning at 5200 RPM (revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast the motor turns), giving you fast cuts through 8-inch oak, maple, and pine. Reviewers report it handles 8+ inch wood with no hesitation, and one reviewer noted it powered through 12-foot limbs using the included extension, no ladder needed.
The kit includes two 4.0Ah 21V batteries, and owners mention over an hour of runtime for pruning on a single charge. That is a meaningful advantage over lighter-duty saws that come with a single 2.5Ah or 3.0Ah pack. The automatic oiling system with a clear window lets you monitor lubricant levels without guessing. It also includes work gloves, safety goggles, and a cleaning brush — practical extras that save you a trip to the hardware store.
The 16-inch bar offers a longer reach than the 6-inch bar on compact pole saws, so you can fell small trees and buck firewood in one pass. But with the chain and bar length comes more weight, and this saw is not as maneuverable in tight branches as a mini chainsaw. It is best for general yard cutting where you want reach and power in a single tool.
Why it wins on value
- Two 4.0Ah batteries give over an hour of pruning per pack
- 1500W brushless motor at 5200 RPM for fast cuts
- Comes with gloves, goggles, and cleaning tools
The trade-off
- Heavier than compact trimmers; less agile for overhead pruning
- Chain may need tightening after first few cuts as it stretches
Best suited for: Homeowners who want a full 16-inch saw with enough battery staying power for a full afternoon of cutting.
skip it if: You only need a lightweight tool for pruning branches overhead — a shorter bar and lighter saw would serve you better.
4. BLACK+DECKER CS1216 12 Amp Electric Chainsaw
Plug it in and never worry about a dead battery mid-cut.
When you have a pile of trees to cut through and you cannot afford to stop and charge batteries, the corded BLACK+DECKER CS1216 is your straightforward answer. Its 12-amp motor provides enough power to cut through branches and logs, and buyers confirm it is seriously capable — one owner reported they “easily cut nine 14-inch diameter cedar trees up to 55ft high” in one session. With a 16-inch bar, it matches the reach of the mid-range battery saws like the DEHANTOOLS, but without any runtime ceiling.
The saw features a low-kickback bar and chain for smooth operation, tool-free chain tensioning, and an automatic oiling system with a clear window so you can see the oil level at a glance. It weighs 10 pounds — the same as the EGO, but corded — so it feels solid in the hands. It also comes with a scabbard (a protective sheath) for storing the bar when not in use. However, the weight makes one-handed operation cumbersome and potentially dangerous, as a buyer noted.
It also consumes bar oil quickly — reviewers mention it is “thirsty for oil” — so keep a bottle handy during long jobs. The corded design means you are limited by the length of your extension cord (buyers recommend a 100-foot 12/3 gauge cord, a heavy-duty extension cable), so plan your work area accordingly. For the price, this is the most reliable way to get unlimited cutting power.
The corded advantage
- Unlimited runtime — cut nine cedar trees in one go without recharging
- 12-amp motor handles 16-inch bar with no problem
- Tool-free chain tensioning and clear oil window
The corded drawback
- Requires a heavy-duty extension cord; not portable far from an outlet
- Heavy and imbalanced for one-handed use
Who it fits: Anyone cutting numerous trees near an outdoor outlet who values non-stop power over the freedom of battery operation.
Who should pass: You work in remote parts of the yard without easy access to a plug.
5. SKIL SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw built for speed, not precision — and that is exactly the point.
Unlike a chainsaw, a reciprocating saw (a saw with a blade that moves back and forth rapidly) is not for felling standing trees or making clean crosscuts. But when you need to cut through a fallen branch that is wedged between other limbs, or you are pruning thick roots near the ground, the SKIL SPT44A is the tool that gets in tight spaces where a chain saw cannot fit. Its 13-amp motor is powerful, though one buyer mentioned it is not the most aggressive or powerful reciprocating saw on the market — it prioritizes control over brute force.
The standout feature is Buzzkill Technology, which the manufacturer says suppresses vibration up to 35% better than the competition. Buyers confirm the vibration is low and the cuts are smooth, with one owner saying after 1.5 years it still produces “virtually zero vibration.” The tool-less blade clamp lets you swap blades quickly without a hex key, and the oversized trigger gives you flexibility to cut in multiple positions. It weighs 9 pounds, which is similar to a light chainsaw, but owners say it feels heavy and not ideal for overhead work or tight spaces.
The body is plastic (not metal as the pictures might suggest), which surprised some buyers, but it holds up well to small and medium demolition work. It chews through pallets, plywood, nails, and even a metal shed, making it a versatile companion to have alongside a chainsaw in a storm cleanup. If you already own a chainsaw for big cuts, this reciprocating saw fills the gap for demolition and detail work.
Why it works
- Buzzkill Technology delivers noticeably low vibration
- 13-amp motor powers through nails, metal, and pallets
- Tool-less blade clamp makes swaps fast
Where it lags
- Plastic body feels less durable than it looks online
- Heavy at 9 pounds; not great for overhead pruning
Choose this for: Cutting through brush, roots, and demolition debris near ground level where a chainsaw is awkward.
Skip it for: Felling trees or making precise cuts — a chainsaw or pole saw does those jobs better.
6. TROOZY Electric 2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw & 6″ Chainsaw
A telescoping pole saw that reaches 15 feet high without lifting a ladder.
When the branches are too high to reach with a handheld saw, the TROOZY 2-in-1 converts from a pole saw to a compact 6-inch chainsaw in seconds. The pole extends from 4.2 feet to 9 feet, which with your arm gives you roughly 15 feet of reach. The head swivels 0-180 degrees so you can match the angle of horizontal, vertical, or sloped branches without repositioning the pole. The 21V 3.0Ah battery delivers the claimed 100-minute runtime, and customers note it cuts through 3 to 4-inch thick branches easily.
However, there is a notable build-quality concern. One owner reported the pole failed on the first use while controlling the mini chainsaw on branches less than half an inch thick, and the replacement pole also failed. That same reviewer noted the plastic construction feels “flimsy” and the extension mechanism is difficult to operate. The saw works well as a standalone handheld chainsaw for light trimming, which circumvents the pole issues entirely.
The 6-inch bar makes this a shorter reach than the 16-inch chainsaws like the DEHANTOOLS or EGO, so it is not for heavy felling. But for palm fronds, hedge trimming, and high branch pruning where you want to keep your feet on the ground, it is a practical tool — just check the customer service response if the pole design gives you trouble. It is best suited for regular, light pruning of new growth rather than dense hardwoods.
The high-reach advantage
- Extends to 9 feet with 180° head rotation
- Detaches to become a lightweight handheld chainsaw
- Long battery runtime reported for pruning sessions
Where it falls short
- Multiple reports of the pole failing on first use
- Plastic build quality feels less durable
Grab this for: Trimming high palm fronds and light overhead pruning without a ladder.
Think twice if: You need a rugged tool for tough, thick branches — the pole design has reliability issues reported by buyers.
7. DEWALT DCCS623B 20V 8-Inch Pruning Chainsaw
An 8-inch saw that feels like a toy but cuts like a serious power tool.
If you have ever wrestled a heavy 18-inch gas chainsaw just to trim a few low limbs, you will appreciate what the DEWALT DCCS623B brings. It is a compact pruning chainsaw with an 8-inch bar, weighing roughly 4.6 pounds (based on the 2.09 kg spec) — significantly lighter than the 10-pound BLACK+DECKER and the 7-pound TROOZY. That weight difference makes it ideal for one-handed operation in tight areas or when using a ladder. One buyer, a woman soon to be 70, reported she operated it with ease and found it manageable for trimming low limbs, even thick ones.
The saw is a tool-only model, meaning you supply your own DEWALT 20V battery. If you already own Dewalt power tools, this is a no-brainer add-on. Reviewers point out a single charge lasts a full weekend of typical yard work, and the stock blade stays sharp with proper use. It handles saplings and branches up to 7 inches in diameter, though on very small branches the slow RPMs can cause the chain to jam.
It is slower than larger chainsaws — some buyers mention it feels “like a toy” in terms of chain speed — but it is not meant for felling trees. It is a precision tool for underbrush, saplings, and yard maintenance where a heavier saw is overkill. The 8-inch bar is significantly shorter than the 16-inch options like the EGO or BLACK+DECKER, so you will not be bucking firewood with it, but for its intended role, it is tough to top for maneuverability and ease of use.
What makes it special
- Extremely lightweight and easy to handle for long sessions
- Uses Dewalt 20V batteries you may already own
- Perfect for saplings up to 7 inches in diameter
The trade-offs
- Slow RPMs can cause jamming on small, thin branches
- Tool-only — battery and charger sold separately
Best for: Homeowners who already use Dewalt tools and need a lightweight, maneuverable saw for light pruning and underbrush.
Not the right pick if: You need to fell trees or cut logs over 8 inches in diameter — get a 16-inch saw instead.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length vs. Cutting Capacity
The bar length is the metal guide the chain rides on, measured in inches. It determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in one pass. A 16-inch bar can handle logs up to roughly 14 inches thick, which covers most tree work around a house. An 8-inch bar is fine for small branches and saplings but will not reach through a medium-sized log. Go longer if you cut firewood, shorter if you prune. A 6-inch bar is specialty size, best for pole saws and tight ornamental work.
Motor Power: Amps vs. Voltage
For corded saws, motor strength is given in amps (a measure of electrical current drawn) — a 12-amp or 13-amp motor can run continuously without depleting a battery, so it is the most reliable for long sessions. For cordless saws, voltage (20V, 40V, 56V) tells you the potential power, but battery capacity (Ah, or amp-hours) tells you how long it lasts. A higher voltage like 56V delivers torque similar to a gas engine. A higher Ah (like 4.0Ah vs 2.5Ah) means longer runtime per charge. A brushless motor is more efficient and durable than a brushed motor, which matters for battery life and maintenance.
FAQ
Can an electric saw cut through a 12-inch tree trunk?
How long does a battery chainsaw last on a single charge?
Is a corded chainsaw better than a cordless one?
What does brushless mean in a chainsaw motor?
Can I use a reciprocating saw instead of a chainsaw for trees?
What size extension cord do I need for a corded electric chainsaw?
Do electric chainsaws need chain oil?
How often do I need to tighten the chain on an electric chainsaw?
Is a pole saw as powerful as a regular chainsaw?
Can I use a 20V battery saw for cutting firewood?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the electric saw for cutting trees winner is the EGO POWER+ CS1611 because it delivers gas-equivalent torque at 56V in a cordless package that starts instantly and cuts smoothly. If you want a full 16-inch saw with generous battery capacity at a better value, grab the DEHANTOOLS with its two 4.0Ah batteries. And for unlimited runtime without the battery worry, the standout is the corded BLACK+DECKER CS1216, which buyers confirm can cut through nine cedar trees in a single session.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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