Best Electric Chainsaws (2026): DeWalt vs EGO vs Ryobi vs Stihl

The EGO CS1804 is the electric chainsaw that finally made gas obsolete for residential use. Its 56V brushless motor pushes the chain at 6,800 feet per minute — fast enough to rip through hardwood logs without bogging down. The 18-inch Oregon bar handles trees up to 16 inches in a single pass. Tool-less chain tensioning and an automatic oiler keep things simple in the field.

At $349 with a 5.0Ah battery and charger, the CS1804 undercuts comparable gas saws when you factor in zero fuel costs and zero tune-ups. EGO's weather-resistant construction handles cutting in light rain — exactly when storm cleanup happens. Batteries are fully interchangeable with EGO's 56V mowers, blowers, and trimmers.

DeWalt's DCCS670X1 runs on the FLEXVOLT platform — 60 volts for high-demand tools, backward-compatible with all 20V MAX tools. One battery platform covers your chainsaw, drill, impact driver, circular saw, and 300+ tools total. The 16-inch low-kickback Oregon bar paired with a brushless motor squeezes maximum runtime from every charge.

Auto-oiler, tool-less chain tensioning, and tank-like build quality round out the package. At $329 with a 3Ah FLEXVOLT battery and charger, it's the most platform-efficient chainsaw here. If you already own DeWalt cordless tools, this is the obvious choice.

Milwaukee proves that voltage numbers don't tell the whole story. Despite running on an 18V platform, the M18 FUEL chainsaw uses advanced POWERSTATE brushless motor technology and high-output batteries (12.0Ah) to deliver cutting performance that competes with 40V-60V rivals. The 6,600 RPM chain speed tears through hardwood without hesitation. REDLINK PLUS intelligence protects against overload, overheating, and over-discharge.

The real advantage is the M18 ecosystem — over 250 tools on the same battery platform. At $549, it's the priciest option for occasional homeowner use. But for contractors and landscapers already invested in Milwaukee, the chainsaw slides into their existing kit without buying new batteries or chargers.

At $229 with a battery and charger, the Ryobi 40V HP 18" is the price-to-bar-length champion. You get the same 18-inch cutting capacity as the EGO CS1804 for $120 less. The brushless motor runs more efficiently than brushed alternatives, extracting more cuts per charge. Side-access chain tensioning requires a scrench (included) instead of a tool-less knob, but you only adjust tension once or twice per session.

The Ryobi 40V platform is Home Depot's powerhouse ecosystem with over 100 outdoor and indoor tools. If you own a Ryobi mower, blower, or trimmer, your existing batteries slide right in. For homeowners who cut firewood a few times a year and handle the occasional storm cleanup, the Ryobi delivers more than enough performance at the right price.

Stihl is the name professional arborists trust above all others, and the MSA 220 C-B brings that pedigree to the battery world. Captive bar nuts that won't get lost in the field, Stihl Oilomatic chain that stays sharp longer than aftermarket options, and an anti-vibration system that reduces fatigue during extended cuts. At 8.6 pounds bare, it's the lightest saw here with serious cutting power.

The catch? At $550 tool only (batteries $200-$400 extra), the total investment can exceed $750. Stihl sells exclusively through authorized dealers. This makes sense for professionals who need dealer service and daily-use durability. For weekend homeowners, the EGO or DeWalt deliver comparable performance at half the price.

The Makita XCU11SM1 is built for people who want a chainsaw they can grab one-handed off a shelf and use for 30 minutes without arm fatigue. At 8.6 pounds with battery, it matches the Stihl for lightest in our lineup — but comes with battery and charger included at $329. Variable speed control lets you feather the trigger for delicate pruning or go full-throttle for firewood.

The 14-inch bar handles pruning, limbing, and small-to-medium firewood. If you regularly tackle logs over 12 inches, you'll want the EGO or Ryobi. But for fruit trees, hedgerows, and occasional cleanup, the Makita's compact size makes it the most enjoyable chainsaw to actually use. The 40V max XGT platform is growing rapidly with 80+ tools and counting.