Electric Chainsaw vs Battery: What Are the Differences?

The core difference: where the power comes from

People often use "electric chainsaw" for both types, which causes confusion. In practice the two groups are corded electric saws and battery (cordless) saws. Both use an electric motor, so neither needs fuel, a pull-start or a spark plug.

The real split is the energy source. A corded saw draws power from an outlet through an extension cord. A battery saw carries its energy in a lithium-ion pack, and you swap or recharge the pack when it runs low.

The table below shows how this plays out, using two saws from our spec sheet as examples.

Power and cutting strength

Both types can cut limbs and small firewood. The numbers you compare differ, though. Corded saws are usually rated in amps, like the 15A rating on the Oregon CS1500. Battery saws are often rated in watts, plus battery energy in Wh.

Among the battery saws in our data, the Seesii M16 Ace and the Greenworks 80V both list 2000 W. The Greenworks 40V lists 1500 W. The small Seesii M8 Boost lists 1000 W, which fits its 8 in bar and 7.5 in max cut.

Bar length matters as much as motor power. The corded Oregon has the longest bar in our data at 18 in, with a 17 in max cut. A 16 in bar covers most homeowner tasks. You can compare more models on our best battery chainsaw page.

Runtime and how long a battery lasts

Corded saws have no runtime limit, so this section is about battery saws. How long a battery lasts depends on its energy (Wh), the wood you cut, the sharpness of the chain and how hard you push the saw. A dull chain makes the motor work harder and drains the pack faster.

In our data, battery energy runs from 80 Wh to 200 Wh. The Greenworks 80V lists 200 Wh, the highest among the models that list it. The EGO CS1611 lists 140 Wh, and both the Seesii M16 Ace and Greenworks 40V list 160 Wh.

Manufacturers describe runtime in different ways, so read the wording closely. The Seesii M16 Ace listing says up to 90 minutes of continuous runtime with its two 40V 4.0Ah batteries. The EGO listing says up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 with the included 56V 2.5Ah battery. The Seesii M8 Boost listing says over 150 cuts on a single charge. These are published claims, and real results will vary with your wood and technique.

The simplest way to stretch your work time is a second battery. Two packs let you cut with one while the other charges.

• Compare Wh first, since it measures stored energy across different voltages.
• Check how many batteries come in the box.
• Keep the chain sharp and the bar oiled to reduce load.
• Avoid pushing the saw through the cut. Let the chain do the work.

Weight, handling and noise

Battery saws in our data weigh between 3.2 lb and 10.36 lb. The corded Oregon CS1500 weighs 12.6 lb. Some of that comes from its longer bar. A lighter saw is easier to control on long cuts and when you work above waist height.

The EGO CS1611 is 9 lb with a chain brake and auto-oiler. The Greenworks 80V is 9.2 lb. The Seesii M16 Ace is 10.3 lb. If you want the lightest option, the Seesii M8 Boost is 3.2 lb, though it only cuts 7.5 in.

Both types are quieter than gas saws, which is a plus around neighbors. Still, a running chainsaw is loud enough to justify hearing protection. Cordless saws also drop the cord you could trip over or cut through, which is a real handling benefit. Our best electric chainsaw page lists corded and cordless models side by side by weight.

Safety and upkeep

Neither type is safe to treat casually. Wear eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy gloves and boots. Chainsaw chaps are a good addition for cutting at ground level. Keep both hands on the saw and stand to the side of the cutting line.

With a corded saw, unplug it before you touch the chain or bar. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord and keep it clear of the cutting path. Plug into a GFCI-protected outlet, and never cut in wet conditions.

With a battery saw, remove the battery before changing the chain or clearing a jam. The EGO CS1611 lists IPX4 weather-resistant construction, but that does not make it safe to use in the rain. Avoid cutting overhead and do not cut from a ladder, because kickback can throw you off balance.

For upkeep, look for a chain brake, an automatic oiler and tool-free chain tensioning. All of the corded and battery saws in our top group list a chain brake and auto-oiler except the M8 Boost, which lists an auto-oiler only. Even with an auto-oiler, check the oil level before each session.

Which one should you choose?

Pick based on where you will cut and how long each session runs. Here is a quick guide:

• Choose corded if you cut near an outlet, want no battery to manage and can handle the extra weight.
• Choose battery if you work across a larger yard, cut brush far from the house or want a lighter saw.
• Choose a two-battery kit if you plan long sessions, such as storm cleanup or firewood.
• Choose a mini saw if you mostly prune small branches and want the lowest weight.
• Check the warranty too. The EGO CS1611 lists 5 years, the Greenworks 40V lists 3 years and the corded Oregon lists 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a 20V battery in a 40V chainsaw?

No. The Seesii M16 Ace listing says its batteries and chargers work with 40V tools only, not 20V. Always match the battery platform to the saw.

Do I still need to oil the chain on a saw with an auto-oiler?

The oiler feeds oil for you, but you still need to keep the reservoir filled. Check the level before each session and watch for dry-looking chain.

Can I leave a battery sitting unused?

Batteries can hold charge for a while. The Greenworks 40V listing claims its battery holds charge for 12 months or more. Follow the maker's storage advice and keep packs out of extreme heat or cold.

Is a battery chainsaw good for firewood?

It can be, especially a 16 in saw with a higher Wh rating or two batteries. For large amounts of wood, plan for spare batteries and keep the chain sharp.