The best best 16 inch electric chainsaw is the CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 Amp. It delivers the most reliable, no-nonsense power for homeowners who need a saw that starts every time without mixing gas or pulling a cord. Its decisive advantage is consistent 12-amp corded torque that never runs out of battery.
Want a cordless option instead? The EGO POWER+ CS1613 gets you there, as long as you can live with a 4.0Ah battery runtime for medium-sized yard work.
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If you are planning to fell large oaks or work for hours away from an outlet, you should skip electric saws entirely. That group gets its own honest section at the end.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, specs, and each product's owner track record. We have not physically tested these saws in a workshop.
Quick Answer: The Best 16 Inch Electric Chainsaw
The Craftsman CMECS600 is our top pick for most homeowners. Here is the full ranked lineup:
- CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 (Best Overall Corded): Reliable 12-amp motor, low maintenance, great value.
- Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw 16 (Best Heavy-Duty Corded): High 2400W power, Oregon chain and bar quality.
- EGO POWER+ Chain Saw CS1613 (Best Premium Cordless): High-end 56V system, excellent runtime and power.
- Greenworks 48V 16 Electric Chainsaw (Best Value Twin Battery): Comes with two 48V batteries and charger.
- EGO POWER+ Chain Saw CS1611 (Best Lightweight Cordless): Same 56V power with lighter 2.5Ah battery.
Thinking about tackling dense logging or all-day clearing projects? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here is the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 | Best Overall Corded | 8.7/10 | Check price → |
 | Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw 16 | Best Heavy-Duty Corded | 8.4/10 | Check price → |
 | EGO POWER+ Chain Saw | Best Premium Cordless | 9.0/10 | Check price → |
 | Greenworks 48V 16 Electric Chainsaw | Best Value Twin Battery | 7.5/10 | Check price → |
 | EGO POWER+ Chain Saw | Best Lightweight Cordless | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12: Best Overall for Homeowners
Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw 16: Best High-Power Corded Saw
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw: Best Premium Cordless Chainsaw
Greenworks 48V 16 Electric Chainsaw: Best Value Twin Battery Kit
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw: Best Lightweight Cordless Option
Buying Guide: Power Source, Runtime, Bar Length and Budget
Picking the right 16 inch electric chainsaw comes down to three main decisions: corded versus cordless, battery voltage and capacity, and what kind of cutting you actually do. We have covered all five options above, so this guide helps you triangulate your personal choice.
Corded or cordless: which one suits your yard?
A corded saw like the CRAFTSMAN or Oregon gives you unlimited runtime at a lower price. You only have to buy an extension cord. The trade-off is that you cannot walk more than 100 feet from an outlet without a heavy gauge cord.
For homeowners with a small to medium yard and accessible power, corded is the smarter value.
A cordless saw like the EGO or Greenworks lets you move freely around the property without a tether. The premium you pay for batteries is offset by convenience. If you have a large lot or frequently work far from the house, cordless is the way to go.
Just remember that battery performance drops in cold weather.
Battery voltage and capacity
The 56V EGO saws produce more torque than the 48V Greenworks, which is why the EGO saws score higher on power. Capacity (Ah) determines runtime. The EGO CS1613 with 4.0Ah battery can make around 80 cuts in 4-inch hardwood per charge, based on aggregate owner reports.
The 2.5Ah version gives about half that. The Greenworks twin battery kit lets you swap packs, effectively doubling runtime, but each pack is less powerful than the EGO's.
Bar length and blade quality
All five saws here have a 16-inch bar, which is the sweet spot for homeowner use. It handles logs up to about 14 inches thick in one pass. Oregon bars and chains are generally considered the industry standard for aftermarket durability.
The Oregon 2400W saw uses its own genuine components, which is a plus.
Budget and long-term value
The corded CRAFTSMAN and Oregon saws are the most budget-friendly upfront because you are not paying for batteries. The EGO CS1611 is the most affordable entry into the 56V ecosystem, while the CS1613 gives you the best runtime-to-weight balance. The Greenworks offers the most battery capacity per dollar.
If you are already invested in a battery platform, stick with it. If you are starting fresh, consider which brand also makes the lawn mower or trimmer you might want later. The correct fluid level is something to check on any gas powered machine, but with electric saws you skip that maintenance entirely.
To see how these factors play out on real picks, compare the CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12, Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw 16 and the EGO POWER+ Chain Saw reviewed above.
Who Should NOT Buy Best 16 Inch Electric Chainsaw
This category is the wrong purchase for a few kinds of buyers. Here is who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Need to Fell Large Trees or Work All Day
A 16-inch electric saw, even a powerful corded one, is not designed for felling mature oaks or processing a full cord of firewood in one session. The motor can overheat with prolonged heavy use, and the chain speed is slower than a gas saw. Gas saws from brands like Stihl or Husqvarna with 18-inch to 20-inch bars handle this work better.
They also offer the mobility of a fuel tank. If you are cutting firewood for the season, borrow a gas saw.
You Need Extreme Portability with No Cord
If your property is a wooded acreage with no power outlets nearby, a corded saw will frustrate you with extension cord management. And while cordless electric saws offer freedom, their runtime is limited. A gas powered saw with a 2-stroke engine gives you instant refueling and no battery anxiety.
It is heavier, louder, and needs a routine upkeep, but it is the right tool for remote, heavy duty work.
You Only Cut Thin Branches and Small Limbs
If most of your cutting is just 2-inch to 4-inch limbs, a 16-inch electric saw is overkill. A battery powered pole saw or a small electric pruner will be lighter, safer, and cheaper. The CRAFTSMAN and Oregon saws are still fine for this, but you might be paying for bar length you do not use.
Final Verdict
The best 16 inch electric chainsaw for the vast majority of homeowners is the CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 Amp. It combines reliable corded power, a lightweight feel, and a fair price that does not require an extra battery investment. It starts every time and handles storm cleanup and firewood cutting with ease.
Want cordless convenience and top tier performance? The EGO POWER+ CS1613 is the premium pick, with excellent runtime and brushless motor efficiency. Need to save money while getting two batteries?
The Greenworks 48V twin battery kit offers decent power for light trimming.
If you are tackling large scale logging or working far from power, head up to the Who Should NOT Buy section. For everyone else, any of these picks will handle the job well.
FAQ
What is the best 16 inch electric chainsaw overall?
The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is our top recommendation for most homeowners. Its 12 amp motor provides steady power, it is easy to use, and it costs less than battery models without sacrificing performance.
Can I use a 16 inch electric chainsaw for cutting firewood?
Yes, for moderate firewood cutting. A 16 inch bar handles logs up to about 14 inches in diameter. For processing a full cord in one day, consider a gas saw or the Oregon 2400W corded model for faster cuts.
How long does the battery last on a cordless 16 inch chainsaw?
It depends on the battery. The EGO CS1613 with a 4.0Ah battery typically runs for 45, 60 minutes of intermittent cutting. The 2.5Ah version runs about half that.
The Greenworks twin battery kit lets you swap packs for extended runtime.
Do electric chainsaws need bar oil?
Yes. All electric chainsaws require bar and chain oil to lubricate the chain around the bar. Most models, including every one on this list, have an automatic oiler that you fill before use.
Running the saw dry will damage the bar and chain.
Is a corded or cordless 16 inch chainsaw better for home use?
Corded is better if you have outlets near your cutting area, because you get unlimited runtime and lower cost. Cordless is better if you need to roam the yard or work far from the house. Look at tools that measure humidity to keep your workshop safe, but that is a separate topic.
