Comparison: Best Makita 18 Inch Electric Chainsaw (Updated | Oct 14th)

When selecting the best Makita 18-inch electric chainsaw, buyers often prioritize power, efficiency, and ease of use for tasks like limbing, pruning, or firewood cutting. This comparison highlights key models within Makita’s lineup, evaluating features such as motor performance, battery life, weight, and ergonomic design. By focusing on real-world performance and user feedback, this guide aims to help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs—whether for professional use or DIY projects. All information is presented neutrally to assist in comparing options without endorsing a single product.

Product Comparison: Best Makita 18 Inch Electric Chainsaw

Best budget

Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14" Chain Saw, Tool Only

Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 14" Chain Saw, Tool Only

Makita
  • No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts
  • High performance with low noise levels
  • Compact body rear handle design for easy maneuverability
  • Makita-built brushless motor delivers high power and increased torque
  • High torque (1,520 FPM) powers through demanding applications

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High power

Makita 40V Max XGT 5.0Ah Brushless Lithium-Ion Battery with Built-In LED On/Off Switch, 18 Inch Cordless 42CC Gas Chain Saw Kit with Active Feedback-Sensing Technology

Makita 40V Max XGT 5.0Ah Brushless Lithium-Ion Battery with Built-In LED On/Off Switch, 18 Inch Cordless 42CC Gas Chain Saw Kit with Active Feedback-Sensing Technology

Makita
  • Design: The Makita 40V Chain Saw is designed to offer a hassle-free experience. With no gas, emissions, oil mixing, or pull starts with reduced maintenance and low noise levels
  • Power: The chainsaw is equipped with a Makita-built brushless motor, delivering the power equivalent to a 42cc gas chain saw
  • Durability: The chainsaw features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), which enhances its resistance to dust and water
  • Convenience: The chainsaw offers Tool-less chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • Includes: The package comes with Brushless 18 Inch Chain Saw, 40V max XGT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah battery, a rapid optimum charger, an 18 inch guide bar, and an 18 inch saw chain

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Dual battery

Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16" Chain Saw, Tool Only

Makita XCU04Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16" Chain Saw, Tool Only

Makita
  • Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency Equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw
  • Variable speed trigger (0-3, 940 FPM) For easy operation
  • Built-in lock-off lever helps prevent the chain from accidentally engaging
  • Built-in L.E.D. On/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off when operation is delayed for extended Battery life
  • Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT platform (batteries not included)

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Complete kit

Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16" Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

Makita XCU04PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 16" Chain Saw Kit (5.0Ah)

Makita
  • Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency Equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw
  • Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3, 940 FPM) For improved cutting performance
  • "Tool-less" Chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • Built-in lock-off lever helps prevent the chain from accidentally engaging
  • Built-in L.E.D. On/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off when operation is delayed for extended Battery life

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Electric option

Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar – Sliver

Makita-UC4051A Chain Saw, Electric, 16 in. Bar - Sliver

Makita
  • "Tool-less" blade and chain adjustments for convenient operation and easy maintenance
  • Rubberized grip handles are ergonomically designed for comfort
  • Large trigger switch with soft start for smooth start-ups
  • Built-in current limiter helps protect motor from burnout by reducing power to motor when saw is overloaded
  • Large oil reservoir with view window allows operator to check bar oil level
  • Power source type: Corded-electric

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Premium build

EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 18” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 5.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1804

EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 18” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 5.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1804

EGO Power+
  • 45CC gas equivalent
  • Up to 300 cuts on a 4×4 with the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
  • 18-inch bar and chain
  • Bright LED Lights illuminate your work area
  • 11,000 RPM for clean, efficient cuts
  • IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
  • Tool-free chain tensioning system tightens the chain with the twist of a dial
  • Brushless motor extends the life of the tool

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Best overall

Makita GCU06Z 40V MAX XGT Brushless Lithium-Ion 18 in. Cordless Chain Saw (Tool Only)

Makita GCU06Z 40V MAX XGT Brushless Lithium-Ion 18 in. Cordless Chain Saw (Tool Only)

Makita
  • DESIGN : No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts with reduced maintenance and low noise levels
  • POWER : Makita-built brushless motor delivers power of a 42cc gas chain saw
  • DURABILITY : Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) engineered for improved dust and water resistance
  • CONVENIENCE : "Tool-less" chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • INCLUDES : Tool only (batteries and charger not included) with 18" guide bar and 18" saw chain
  • OUTPOWER: Makita-built brushless motor delivers power of a 42cc gas chain saw
  • OUTLAST: 27% faster chain speed at 5,020 FPM*
  • OUTLAST: Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) engineered for improved dust and water resistance

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Best value

EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 18” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Battery and Charger Not Included – CS1800

EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 18” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Battery and Charger Not Included – CS1800

EGO Power+
  • 45CC GAS EQUIVALENT – This EGO chainsaw features a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers power equivalent to a 45cc gas chainsaw with up to 11,000 RPM for clean, efficient cuts
  • UP TO 300 CUTS PER CHARGE – Battery chainsaw delivers up to 300 cuts on a 4×4 with a recommended 5.0Ah battery (available separately); compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
  • 18-INCH BAR AND CHAIN – Featuring a 3/8-inch pitch, 0.050-inch gauge chain with 69 drive links designed for taking down large branches, stumps, and tall trees
  • LED WORK LIGHT – A bright LED work light on the front of the cordless chainsaw illuminates your cut when working at dusk or in emergencies without access to lights; IPX4-rated weather-resistance adds durability for work in various conditions

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Multi-battery kit

Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 16" Chain Saw Kit with 4 Batteries (5.0Ah)

Makita XCU04PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 16" Chain Saw Kit with 4 Batteries (5.0Ah)

Makita
  • No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts with reduced maintenance and low noise levels
  • Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system delivers power of a 32cc gas chain saw
  • Two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries deliver power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT platform
  • Tool-less chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3,940 FPM) for improved cutting performance

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Gas equivalent

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Brushless Motor and Quiet Superior Cutting Power, 40V Lithium-Ion 7.5 Ah Battery and Charger Included. 970601202

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 18 Inch Chainsaw with Brushless Motor and Quiet Superior Cutting Power, 40V Lithium-Ion 7.5 Ah Battery and Charger Included. 970601202

Husqvarna
  • ALL IN ONE KIT: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Cordless Electric Chainsaw with battery and charger included
  • MORE CUTTING POWER THAN GAS: Battery Chainsaw is a lightweight 18 inch chainsaw that delivers superior cutting power compared to similar gas chainsaws
  • LASTING SHARPNESS: Battery powered chainsaw is equipped with an X-Cut chain to deliver top-of-the-line performance and sharpness that lasts, plus a tool-less tensioning system that makes slack adjustments easy
  • EFFICIENT BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Husqvarna chainsaw electric model has a brushless motor for durability, high efficiency and quiet operation
  • BOOST MODE: With the simple push of a button, Boost Mode delivers 25 percent more power right when you need it
  • ONE BATTERY FITS All: Battery chainsaw with battery and charger has everything you need to get to work; Husqvarna 40V lithium-ion batteries are compatible with all Husqvarna handheld tools

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Best makita 18 inch electric chainsaw

Power Source & Battery

  • Choose between cordless (battery-powered) or corded models based on mobility needs
  • For cordless, check battery voltage (40V Max or 36V X2) and amp-hour capacity
  • Consider battery compatibility with existing Makita tools to save costs

Performance & Cutting Power

  • Look for brushless motors for higher efficiency and longer lifespan
  • Compare chain speed (FPM) for faster cutting in tougher materials
  • Check gas-equivalent power ratings (e.g., 42cc) for heavy-duty tasks

Bar & Chain Features

  • Ensure an 18-inch bar for cutting larger branches and trimming tall trees
  • Verify tool-less chain adjustment for easy maintenance
  • Check chain pitch and gauge for compatibility with replacement parts

Durability & Safety

  • Opt for models with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for dust/water resistance
  • Look for built-in safety features like lock-off levers and auto power-off
  • Rubberized handles and ergonomic design reduce user fatigue

Ease of Use & Maintenance

  • Prioritize lightweight designs for reduced strain during extended use
  • Check oil reservoir visibility for easy monitoring
  • Evaluate noise levels for quieter operation in residential areas

Included Accessories

  • Confirm if batteries, chargers, or bar oil are included with the purchase
  • Look for kits with multiple batteries for uninterrupted workflow
  • Verify compatibility with aftermarket parts for future upgrades

FAQs

Which Makita 18-inch chainsaw is cordless?

The Makita GCU06Z (B0BTRXDR22) is an 18-inch 40V MAX XGT cordless chain saw.

Are there electric corded options in this list?

Yes, the Makita UC4051A (B00YFTA84U) is an 18-inch electric corded chainsaw.

Which models use 18V batteries?

The XCU11Z (B0BNSK5DC9) and XCU04Z/XCU04PT/XCU04PT1 (B07781633N, B0777ZS4J5, B08D1Y6Y58) use 18V or 36V (18V X2) batteries.

What brushless models are available?

The XCU11Z (B0BNSK5DC9), XCU04Z/XCU04PT/XCU04PT1 (B07781633N, B0777ZS4J5, B084ZVL534), and GCU06Z (B0BTRXDR22) feature brushless motors.

Which has the longest bar length?

The GCU06Z (B0BTRXDR22) and EGO models (B07YLXDK5K, B08D1Y6Y58) have 18-inch bars.

Are any kits included in the list?

Yes, the XCU04PT (B0777ZS4J5) and XCU04PT1 (B084ZVL534) are cordless kits with batteries.

Which models are tool-only (no battery)?

The XCU11Z (B0BNSK5DC9), XCU04Z (B07781633N), and GCU06Z (B0BTRXDR22) are tool-only.

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