Gas-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Chainsaw: Which is Right for you?

We put a gas and battery-powered chainsaw head-to-head to find out which one comes out on top. We looked at five factors, including performance, noise, ease-of-use, price, and environmental impact. Can you guess which one outperformed the other? Follow along to our video or results below to find out!

Performance

When it comes to performance, we want to know how long each machine can run, how quickly they can cut, and the overall quality of the cut. Both chainsaws have a 16-Inch bar and a brand-new chain. We put a quarter of a tank of gas in the gas-powered chainsaw and the battery-powered chainsaw has a quarter of a charge. Next, we fired them up to see how long they cut for.

Run Time on 1/4 Tank of Gas vs. 1/4 Battery Charge

Gas-powered time results:

The gas-powered chainsaw lasted about four and a half minutes and made quite a few cuts in that time.

Battery-powered time results:

The battery-powered chainsaw didn’t last very long, barely making two cuts.

Run-Time Winner: Gas-Powered

How Quickly Can Each Chainsaw Cut through a log?

There wasn’t as much of a difference between the battery-powered chainsaw and the gas-powered chainsaw. The battery-powered chainsaw felt a little bit more difficult to get through the cut, especially considering the weight difference between the two chainsaws. They performed fairly equally, but for the sake of the test, the battery-powered chainsaw came out on top (by a hair!).

Results:
Gas Powered: Cut Speed (12-Inch Log) – 17 Seconds
Battery Powered: Cut Speed (12-Inch Log) – 21 Seconds

Cut Speed Winner: Battery-Powered Chainsaw

In terms of cut quality, there wasn’t much difference between the two. Both cuts look clean.

To sum up performance between the gas and battery-powered chainsaws, gas is definitely better suited for bigger cutting jobs, it’s powerful, rugged, and gets the job done, no problem. The battery-powered chainsaw would be fine for light yard work, but gas will make your life easier overall if you do frequent and heavier cutting.

Overall Performance Winner: Gas-Powered Chainsaw

Noise

With performance out of the way, the next factor we’re going to look at is noise. The gas-powered chainsaw is expected to be much louder, but of course, we wanted to put this to the test to find out for ourselves firsthand (check out the video to hear for yourself!).

Noise Winner: Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Overall Ease of Use

We are looking to find a balance between how well a machine performs and how easy it is to use. This is where we saw quite a big difference between the battery-powered chainsaw and gas-powered chainsaw.

While gas chainsaws tend to outperform electric, they are more work to properly maintain and use. More maintenance isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you like more control over how your chainsaw operates, but it is a factor to consider, nonetheless. Regular engine maintenance is key for it to run its best along with making sure the fuel mixture is just right. Battery-operated chainsaws do not require the same engine maintenance. All that is really needed for a battery-operated chainsaw is keeping the chain sharp and charging the batteries.

Gas chainsaws are typically heavier than their electric counterparts and harder to maneuver, so if you are doing lighter work around your yard, a battery-powered chainsaw would make it easier. When it comes to starting it, gas-powered chainsaws have a pull start which can be tricky. Battery-operated chainsaws usually start with just a push of a button, and it doesn’t get much easier than that. Overall, while battery-operated chainsaws don’t generally perform as well, they are easier to use.

Overall Ease of Use Winner: Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Price

Now let’s find out how your bank account will feel about these chainsaws. Let’s take a look at how they stack up in terms of price. Gas chainsaws are generally cheaper to buy than comparable battery-operated models, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Battery-operated chainsaws don’t always come with the battery and charger so the upfront price can be deceiving. You may have to tack on more to the overall price, especially if you want backup batteries. Your electric chainsaw is typically more expensive to repair if something goes wrong too, making the gas the winner in terms of price.

Price Winner: Gas-Powered Chainsaw

Environmental Impact

Gas-powered chainsaws, like any combustion engine, emit exhaust, so if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, an electric chainsaw may be your tool of choice. Electric chainsaws don’t create any direct emissions but keep in mind that the electricity it takes to power them does create emissions further up the supply chain.

A benefit of electric chainsaws not emitting any exhaust is that you can use them in enclosed spaces without worrying about carbon monoxide. Overall, electric chainsaws are the more environmentally friendly option.

Environmental Impact Winner: Battery-Powered Chainsaw

We can see that each chainsaw has its strengths and weaknesses but there isn’t quite a definitive answer for which one comes out on top. In the end, the chainsaw for you is going to be the one that best suits your needs. To help you figure out which chainsaw is right for you, we put together a simple pros and cons list.

Gas-Powered Vs. Battery-Powered Pros and Cons

Gas-Powered Chainsaw

Pros

• Better for heavy-duty work
• Don’t require electricity to work
• More durable in build quality
• Less expensive

Cons

• Require more maintenance
• Higher emissions
• Heavy
• Loud
• Pull-start

Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Pros

• Low maintenance
• No direct emissions
• Quiet
• Lightweight
• Easy to use (start with a push of a button)

Cons

• Not as durable
• Do not perform as well with heavy duty work
• Limited to battery life (charging takes longer than re-fueling)
• More expensive to buy and repair

We hope this breakdown of factors helps you make the decision that is best for you and your needs. Don’t forget to check out our video for a more detailed look at our findings and leave a comment letting us know which chainsaw you picked! For more household tips, repair expertise, and DIY projects, check out our YouTube Channel.

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