6 Best Corded Chainsaws – Top Picks, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2023

We do a lot of woodcutting, and over the years, we’ve become acquainted with several chainsaws. For a long time, only gas-powered chainsaws could provide the necessary power for felling trees and cutting up logs. Today, electric chainsaws have come a long way and are a viable choice that even poses some serious advantages over their gas-powered counterparts.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and switch over to the convenience of a corded electric chainsaw, this guide is for you. We’ve done the hard work of finding and testing the best corded chainsaws available, pitting them against each other in an epic gladiator deathmatch, leaving only one standing. Actually, three were left standing after our reviews, and they’re the three that we most highly recommend.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023:

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Husqvarna 414EL 16″ Corded Electric Chainsaw	Tool-less chain tensioning system Lightweight Robust and well built	CHECK PRICE
		Makita UC4051A 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw	Built-in current limiter Easy to check bar oil Auto chain oiler	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw	Low-vibration and low-kickback Powerful 15-amp motor Tool-free chain tensioning	CHECK PRICE
		BLACK+DECKER CS1518 Corded Chainsaw	Easy to start Kickback guard Self-tightening blade	CHECK PRICE
		Worx WG304.1 Corded-Electric Chainsaw	18-inch bar provides more reach Low-kickback bar and chain Affordably priced	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Corded Chainsaws:

1. Husqvarna 414EL 16″ Corded Electric Chainsaw – Best Overall

Husqvarna is one of the biggest names in chainsaws. We’ve had great results with their saws in the past, and the 414EL 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw is no exception. This lightweight saw weighs in at just 12 pounds, but it packs a heavyweight punch that powers through any tree or log with ease. Its power is comparable to a gas chainsaw, and it never got bogged down or jammed up while we used it.

One feature we love on some gas-powered Husqvarna chainsaws missing from this one is interchangeable blades. As it is, the 16-inch bar is holding this saw back. It has the power to cut larger trees but not the reach. Unfortunately, you can’t put a larger bar on this saw. Hold the Husqvarna in your hands, and you can feel the quality. It’s a robust saw built to withstand the rigors of daily work, protected by a fitting 2-year warranty period.

In short, we think that the Husqvarna 414EL is the best overall corded chainsaw.

2. Makita UC4051A 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw

Makita is a very well-known and well-respected name in the power tool world, so it wasn’t any surprise to us when their 16-inch electric chainsaw outperformed most of the competition. It’s a smart design with features that prolong the tool’s lifespan and make your life easier. For instance, we never found a log that managed to bog this saw down, but if you do, the motor has a built-in current limiter to protect it in case of overloading.

Like most electric chainsaws, this one has an automatic chain oiler. But Makita goes a step further by letting you close it off completely, so it’s not leaking oil when not in use, which is a common complaint with electric chainsaws. When you are using it, you can easily check the viewing window to see how much bar oil is left, ensuring you never run the chain dry.

The chain adjustment mechanism is convenient, allowing for simple tool-free adjustment. It locks well and doesn’t allow the chain to loosen often like other saws we tested. But this saw is heavier than many other options. If it were lighter like the Husqvarna, it might have been a real battle for the top contender.

3. Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw – Best Value

Since it’s cheap enough for any budget and powerful enough to take down almost any tree, the Oregon CS1500 is our pick for best corded chainsaw for the money. Don’t let the low price fool you; this is a very capable tool built to a higher quality than many saws we tested that were much more expensive.

The CS1500 is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that cuts like a gas-powered saw without the noise. But it doesn’t feel like one, thanks to the low-vibration and low-kickback ControlCut Oregon chain. It made every cut feel easy and remained sharp for many hours of continuous use.

Compared to other saws we tested, this one is quite cumbersome at 15 pounds. But for the power and price, we can handle the extra weight. Plus, it has handy features like the tool-free chain tensioner that worked very well. It was easy to adjust and stayed tight when using the saw.

4. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 Corded Chainsaw

Black+Decker’s CS1518 is ideal for homeowners. It also costs less than most of the other models we looked at, and it’s simple to start and quiet to run, which is why you’re buying a corded chainsaw. It has decent power for an electric chainsaw, and if an oak drops a giant limb across your backyard during a storm, this saw will take care of that.

It has a kickback guard, and the blade stops spinning immediately when you let off the button. That makes it pretty safe. The blade also tightens itself, which makes for easy maintenance. We were pressed to come up with something we didn’t like. There wasn’t a cord cage to prevent the tool from being pulled from the extension cord plug. That’s really about it. Otherwise, this is a great saw.

5. Worx WG304.1 Corded-Electric Chainsaw

We’ve had good luck with several Worx products in the past, but the WG304.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw is not one that we’d recommend. It has some notable features, however. We liked the powerful 15-amp motor that never bogged down in the thickest cuts. The 18-inch bar also offers extended reach over many competitors, another feature we appreciated.

Our biggest gripe with this chainsaw was the chain. The chain is the worst we’ve seen included on a saw, and that’s saying something. It seemed fine at first, but it came loose very quickly. Most chains do this during break-ins, but this one continued to do so, causing us to stop to make adjustments repeatedly.

Then, we noticed that cuts started taking longer and longer. Within just a couple of hours, the chain had become nearly unusable. We used the saw on a log, but it wouldn’t cut into it, no matter how fast the chain turned. If the Worx saw had a better chain, it might have been a different story.

6. Greenworks 16” 12-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw

As one of the most affordable chainsaws on our list, we wanted to like the Greenworks 16-inch Corded Electric Chainsaw. Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s also the lightest saw we tested, weighing in at a meager 9 pounds.

We soon realized why this saw is so light; it has no power! It has a 12-amp motor, so we knew it wouldn’t power through the thickest trees. But to say the power was underwhelming is an understatement. Plus, we couldn’t get comfortable with the front handle that doesn’t extend over the bar. On many saws, you can grip it directly over the bar, but this one forces you to hold to the left, so you can never get the right balance.

Even worse, the bar and chain both get loose during use. We had to stop repeatedly to tighten them both. It became so constant that we were frustrated using this saw, which is why we don’t recommend the Greenworks 16-inch electric chainsaw.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Corded Chainsaw

If you’re still unsure of which corded chainsaw would be the best fit for you, then this buyer’s guide is for you. After testing so many of these saws, we’ve narrowed down the choices to the most important attributes that you should be considering when you purchase a corded electric chainsaw. But before that, let’s talk about why you would want a corded chainsaw at all, as well as some things that hold these saws back.

Advantages of Corded Electric Chainsaws

Why would you want a corded electric chainsaw in the first place? Gas-powered chainsaws have reigned king for many years, so, what advantages do electric chainsaws have over them?

Quiet Operation

Gas chainsaws are incredibly loud. Even between cuts when just the motor is running, they’re a nuisance. Neighbors hate them, and you’ll want to wear ear protection while using them. Electric chainsaws, on the other hand, are nearly silent. They make noise while cutting, but they’re silent when you aren’t pulling the trigger. Even while cutting, they’re much quieter than any gas-powered saw.

Low Maintenance

One of the biggest hassles that comes with owning a gas chainsaw is all of the required maintenance. You’ll need to mix up your fuel each time you want to use it and don’t forget regular oil changes. Plus, you’ll have to change spark plugs and air filters.

But corded electric chainsaws require none of that. They don’t use oil, except for bar oil. There are no spark plugs to change and no maintenance is needed other than regularly adding chain oil, which is even applied automatically.

Can’t Run Out of Gas

You can’t run a gas chainsaw without gas. If you run out of gas, you’re out of luck! But with an electric chainsaw, you can’t run out of gas, unless it’s plugged into a generator!

Easy to Start

Anyone who has used a gas chainsaw knows what a pain in the neck they are to start. And everything makes it worse! Cold weather, humidity, hot weather, you name it! They require priming and yanking on the pull-string; it’s a hassle.

Electric chainsaws solve all of that. Once you plug it in, it’s on. Just pull the trigger and the chain will spin. It couldn’t be easier!

Drawbacks of Corded Electric Chainsaws

While corded chainsaws have many advantages over gas chainsaws, they’re far from perfect. Let’s discuss some of the downfalls associated with electric chainsaws.

Requires Electricity

This one is obvious. An electric chainsaw needs electricity. So, what do you do if no electricity is available where you need to cut? You can use a generator, but then you still have to deal with the same problems presented by gas chainsaws.

Gas chainsaws don’t need electricity. They’ll run anywhere as long as you have gas.

Always Tied to a Cord

Since you need electricity, you’ll always be tied to an extension cord. Trees far from any plugs will be increasingly difficult to cut. The cord can really hold you back.

Not as Powerful

Though the technology has come a long way, and electric chainsaws are now comparable to smaller gas chainsaws, they still don’t have the power of a behemoth 62cc chainsaw. If you’re going to do serious work such as chainsaw milling, you will need the power of a big gas chainsaw.

What to Look For in a Corded Electric Chainsaw

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of corded chainsaws and still want the convenience of an electric saw, let’s discuss the traits you should prioritize when shopping for one.

Power

Many electric chainsaws today are powerful enough to rival small gas-powered chainsaws, but that doesn’t mean that all electric chainsaws are powerful enough to cut the trees you’re trying to bring down.

You can get a general idea of how much power a saw uses by its amp rating. The higher the amp rating, the more power the saw is pulling. So if you want to do any serious woodcutting, look for a saw with a 14-amp motor or higher.

Weight

Some electric saws we tested were as light as 9 pounds, while others were as heavy as 15 pounds. That may not seem like a lot, but after a few hours of cutting, the extra weight will leave you feeling worn out. This is especially true for smaller individuals or those with pre-existing injuries or conditions.

If you know that weight will be a concern for you, look for an electric chainsaw closer to 9 or 10 pounds. But the more powerful 14-amp and 15-amp chainsaws tend to weigh more, so you’ll have to balance the tradeoff.

Easy Adjustments

Chainsaws are in constant motion, and parts often come loose. This means that adjustments need to be made. Today, most saws feature convenient tool-free adjustment systems. But they’re not all created equal. Some are well-thought-out and easy to use, but others are a bit of a hassle or don’t work as well as hoped.

Safety

Chainsaws, regardless of make or model, are still dangerous. Look for features like a chain brake that place a premium on your own safety. Regarding safety, you’ll also want to weigh user comfort features as part of it. User comfort reduces fatigue, which is a major contributor to accidents. And, of course, don’t forget to buy a complete kit of safety equipment and use it.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to be forever done with oil changes, priming, poor starting, and excessive noise from your chainsaw, you’re probably looking for the best corded chainsaw just like us. If you read our reviews, you know we put some of the most popular options to the test to find a winner, and in the end, we found three.

Out of all the saws we tested, the Husqvarna 414EL 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw was our favorite. It has the power of a gas chainsaw without the noise. At just 12 pounds, it’s lightweight but robust and has a well-designed tool-free chain tensioning system.

The Makita 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw was our runner-up. It’s a bit cheaper but also heavier. The built-in current limiter keeps the motor safe, and a viewing window lets you check the bar oil at a glance. Best of all, you can close the automatic chain oiler to prevent leaks when not in use.

For the best value, we recommend the Oregon CS1400 Corded Electric Chainsaw. It’s affordable on almost any budget, yet it’s powerful enough to cut through any tree it reaches thanks to the stout 15-amp motor.