Best Chainsaws for Home Use: 6 Models Compared

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Choosing a chainsaw for home use means balancing power, bar length, and convenience. Corded electric saws offer unlimited runtime and no battery worries, while battery-powered models give you freedom from extension cords. Safety features like a kickback brake and tool-free chain tensioning also matter, especially if you are new to chainsaws. Our battery chainsaw guide explains voltage and runtime, and the bar and chain guide covers pitch, gauge, and links.

We looked at six chainsaws from WEN and Greenworks that cover a range of bar lengths and power sources. All are designed for typical yard tasks such as limbing, pruning, and cutting small trees. Before you start, remember to wear proper protective gear and keep the chain sharp and tensioned.

Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 29 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.

If you need extended reach, see our pole saw vs chainsaw comparison. For battery-powered options, read our battery chainsaw guide.

How we chose these

• Power source Corded electric saws plug into an outlet and run as long as needed; battery saws offer portability but limited runtime per charge.
• Bar length Longer bars can cut thicker wood in a single pass, while shorter bars are lighter and easier to control.
• Safety features A kickback brake and tool-free chain tensioning reduce the risk of injury and simplify adjustments.
• Ease of maintenance Automatic oilers and tool-free chain covers keep the saw running smoothly with less effort.

We selected chainsaws that represent common options for homeowners, focusing on corded electric and battery-powered models from two brands.

Comparison table

Chain speed and weight are as stated by each maker. ‘Not stated’ means the maker did not publish that specification.

1. WEN CP1518 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 15-Amp, 18-Inch: for cutting larger limbs and small trees

WEN says this 15-amp corded chainsaw has an 18-inch chain that runs at up to 41 feet per second. It features an auto-oiling system, tool-free chain tensioning, and a kickback brake. The saw requires no gasoline and includes a cable strain relief notch for the extension cord.

• Auto-oiling system lubricates the bar and chain (WEN)
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments (WEN)
• Kickback brake for safety (WEN)

Pros: Unlimited runtime; no batteries to charge; emission-free operation
Cons: Requires an extension cord and outlet; weight not stated

Check the WEN CP1518 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 15-Amp, 18-Inch on Amazon

2. WEN CP1216 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 12-Amp, 16-Inch: for general pruning and limbing

This 12-amp corded model from WEN uses a 16-inch chain that also reaches up to 41 feet per second. Like the larger version, it has an auto-oiling system, tool-free chain tensioning, and a kickback brake. The cable strain relief notch helps keep the extension cord connected.

• Auto-oiling system lubricates the bar and chain (WEN)
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments (WEN)
• Kickback brake for safety (WEN)

Pros: Unlimited runtime; no batteries to charge; lighter and more maneuverable than larger saws
Cons: Requires an extension cord and outlet; weight not stated

Check the WEN CP1216 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 12-Amp, 16-Inch on Amazon

3. WEN CP1014 Electric Chainsaw, Corded,10-Amp, 14-Inch: for light pruning and small branches

WEN’s 10-amp corded chainsaw comes with a 14-inch chain that runs at up to 34 feet per second. It includes the same auto-oiling, tool-free tensioning, and kickback brake features as the larger models. The saw is designed for emission-free operation without gasoline.

• Auto-oiling system lubricates the bar and chain (WEN)
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments (WEN)
• Kickback brake for safety (WEN)

Pros: Unlimited runtime; no batteries to charge; compact and easy to handle
Cons: Requires an extension cord and outlet; lower chain speed than the larger WEN models; weight not stated

Check the WEN CP1014 Electric Chainsaw, Corded,10-Amp, 14-Inch on Amazon

4. 40V 18″ Cordless Battery 2.0 kW Chainsaw, 8.0 Ah Battery and Charger: for cordless cutting of larger wood

Greenworks states this 40V cordless chainsaw has an 18-inch bar and chain, with a brushless motor that provides 2.0 kW of power. It can make up to 250 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge, according to the maker. The saw includes an automatic oiler and easy adjust tensioning.

• Automatic oiler delivers proper chain lubrication (Greenworks)
• Easy adjust tensioning for bar and chain maintenance (Greenworks)
• Push button start eliminates pulling a cord (Greenworks)

Pros: Cordless convenience; quiet operation; no gas or fumes; high cut count per charge
Cons: Runtime limited to 250 cuts per charge (maker’s estimate); weight not stated; warranty not stated

Check the 40V 18" Cordless Battery 2.0 kW Chainsaw, 8.0 Ah Battery and Charger on Amazon

5. 80V 16″ 2.0kW Cordless Battery Chainsaw w/ 4.0 Ah Battery & Charger: for powerful cordless cutting with faster charging

This 80V battery chainsaw from Greenworks has a 16-inch bar and a brushless motor delivering 2.0 kW. The maker says it can achieve up to 250 cuts per charge and weighs 9.5 pounds without the battery. It features push-button start and includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger.

• Brushless motor for longer runtime (Greenworks)
• Push button start eliminates pulling a cord (Greenworks)
• Charge time is 60 minutes with the included 2A charger (Greenworks)

Pros: Cordless convenience; stated weight is relatively light without battery; fast charge time
Cons: Runtime limited to 250 cuts per charge (maker’s estimate); weight with battery will be higher; warranty not stated

Check the 80V 16" 2.0kW Cordless Battery Chainsaw w/ 4.0 Ah Battery & Charger on Amazon

6. 40V 14″ Cordless Battery 1.5kW Chainsaw w/ 2.5 Ah Battery & Charger: for light cordless pruning and small jobs

Greenworks offers this 40V 14-inch chainsaw with a 1.5 kW motor. It comes with a 2.5 Ah battery and charger, and the company claims up to 55 cuts per charge. Recharging takes 75 minutes with the included 2-amp charger.

• Up to 55 cuts per charge (Greenworks)
• Recharging time is 75 minutes with the 2-amp charger (Greenworks)
• Push button start eliminates pulling a cord (Greenworks)

Pros: Cordless convenience; compact and easy to handle; includes battery and charger
Cons: Lower cut count per charge than larger battery models; weight not stated; warranty not stated

Check the 40V 14" Cordless Battery 1.5kW Chainsaw w/ 2.5 Ah Battery & Charger on Amazon

Which one fits you

Practical tips

• Choose a bar length that matches the diameter of wood you typically cut; a bar that is too long can be harder to control.
• Look for tool-free chain tensioning to make adjustments quick and easy, especially if you stop mid-job to tighten the chain.
• A kickback brake is an important safety feature, particularly for new chainsaw users.
• If you go cordless, consider buying a kit with battery and charger to ensure compatibility and avoid separate purchases.

Sources

Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 29 October 2026: WEN CP1518 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 15-Amp, 18-Inch, WEN CP1216 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 12-Amp, 16-Inch, WEN CP1014 Electric Chainsaw, Corded,10-Amp, 14-Inch, 40V 18" Cordless Battery 2.0 kW Chainsaw, 8.0 Ah Battery and Charger, 80V 16" 2.0kW Cordless Battery Chainsaw w/ 4.0 Ah Battery & Charger, 40V 14" Cordless Battery 1.5kW Chainsaw w/ 2.5 Ah Battery & Charger. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.