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Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Review

A top-tier battery-powered model that cuts even faster with a setting that increases power delivery
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Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Review
Credit: Ross Patton
Price:  $480 List
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Manufacturer:   Husqvarna
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 2, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 13
  • Saw Performance - 35% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 30% 8.0
  • Battery - 25% 7.0
  • Noise - 5% 7.6
  • Weight - 5% 6.3

Our Verdict

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i wholly lives up to its name. It is one of the top performers in its standard setting, but with “boost mode” enabled, it cuts even faster. The tool-free tightening system helps to ensure that your chain is always at the proper degree of tension, and the controls are very straightforward and intuitive. All chainsaws are loud, but for this level of performance, we were surprised that this model is on the quieter end of the spectrum. Our main complaint with the Power Axe is that the battery takes a long time to charge, but it is one of the longest-lasting batteries that we've tested. See our best chainsaw review to see how this model stacks up against the competition.
REASONS TO BUY
Phenomenal sawing performance
Quiet for high performance
Simple operation
Boost mode
REASONS TO AVOID
Long charge time
Pricey
Editor's Note: On April 2, 2024, we updated our assessment of this saw. The 350i is no longer the top battery chainsaw in our side-by-side tests. That title now belongs to the EGO Power+ CS2005, which is faster than any similar-sized saw: gas or electric. That said, the 350i is still an amazing saw and is much lighter than the CS2005.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Battery Chainsaw
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Quick Battery Charging
Top Pick Award
Best 20V Model
Price $480 List
$379.00 at Amazon
$600 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
80
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A battery-powered model with exceptional cutting performance and boost modeThe champion of our dimensional wood-cutting time trialsIf you want an easy-to-use cordless electric chainsaw with a long-lasting battery and a long bar this is the oneIf you want a saw with a battery that charges in a matter of minutes, then this is the oneIf you're in the market for a 20 volt model, this saw does the trick for quick and small jobs
Rating Categories Husqvarna Power Axe... EGO Power+ CS2005 Ego Power+ CS1800 Greenworks Pro 80V Worx WG322
Saw Performance (35%)
9.0
10.0
8.5
8.5
5.5
Ease of Use (30%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Battery (25%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
Noise (5%)
7.6
5.0
6.6
6.9
7.9
Weight (5%)
6.3
4.4
6.2
6.0
9.4
Specs Husqvarna Power Axe... EGO Power+ CS2005 Ego Power+ CS1800 Greenworks Pro 80V Worx WG322
Model Number 350i CS2005 CS1800 GCS80420 WG322
Bar Length 18 inches 20 inches 18 inches 18 inches 10 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time 7.07 seconds 3.45 seconds 5.876 seconds 5.32 seconds 38.382 seconds
Measured Battery Charge Time 2.75 hr 1.25 hr 1.5 hr .5 hr 3 hr
Measured Weight 14 lbs, 6 oz 19 lbs, 1 oz 14 lbs, 11 oz 15 lbs, 2 oz 6 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Battery Weight 4 lbs, 2 oz 6lbs, 5 oz 4 lbs, 13 oz 3 lbs, 8 oz 1 lbs, 10 oz
Measured Body Dimesions 18.5 x 8 x 6 inches 18 x 8 x 7 inches 16x9x8 inches 14x9x7.5 inches 13x8x7.5 inches
Included Battery Size 7.7Ah 6 Ah 5 Ah 2 Ah 2 Ah
Nominal Voltage 36V 56V 56V 80V 20V
Measured Runtime 51 minutes 35 minutes 60 minutes 27 minutes 22 minutes
Measured Run Time Eco Mode 67 mins 47 mins n/a n/a n/a
Measured Wind Up Time .25 seconds Instant 1.25 seconds 1.15 seconds 2 seconds
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in 82.1 dBa 99.1 dBa 88.8 dBa 86.8 dBa 80.0 dBa
Control Type Electronic button, palm safety, and chain brake Side safety w/ chain brake Side safety w/ chain brake Electronic button, side safety, and brake Thumb safety
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type Tool free Included Tool Tool Free Tool free Tool free
Metal Bucking Spikes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Oil Conservation 9 10 8 6 8
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type Side Side Side, Screen Top Top

Our Analysis and Test Results

A world-renowned brand in the world of chainsaws, Husqvarna has outdone themselves with the Power Axe 350i. So as not to fall behind in the cordless electric tool revolution, this model is designed to perform on-par with, or better than gas-powered consumer models with similar power outputs but without the fumes and idling noise. Its tool-free chain tensioning system is simplistic and intuitive and it has many thoughtful features such as metal bucking spikes and a see-through oil tank. Where this model really stands apart from the rest is its “boost mode.” With the touch of a button, the motor draws substantially more power from the battery for those extra stubborn cuts.

Performance Comparison


The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i cuts exceptionally well for a battery-powered chainsaw.
Credit: Ross Patton

Saw Performance


To kick our review process off, we tested how well each model performs its sole purpose — cutting wood. The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i immediately proved itself to be a top-tier model when it comes to consumer-level chainsaws.

Sound on! The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is one of the fastest battery-powered chainsaws in regular mode, but with “Boost Mode” enabled, the motor draws extra power from the battery.
Credit: Ross Patton

To gain some objective data, we constructed a “fake log” by strapping four Douglas Fir 4"x4"s to a sawbuck in order to create a controlled and repeatable dimension of wood. We then timed five cuts per saw and averaged the three fastest times. The Power Axe 350i put up an impressive average cut time of 7.07 seconds. While this isn't the fastest average time we've seen out of a battery-powered chainsaw, when we enabled “boost mode,” the quickest we were able to slice through the lumber dropped to an incredible 5 seconds. We also timed how long it takes each chainsaw to wind up to full speed when the trigger is pulled. The Power Axe's wind-up time was nearly instantaneous .25 seconds — the fastest time we've ever seen out of a battery-powered model.

husqvarna power axe 350i - the husqvarna power axe 350i is ideal for nasty projects thanks to...
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is ideal for nasty projects thanks to its size and well-balanced weight distribution.
Credit: Ross Patton

For the second part of this metric, we factored in the ergonomics of the saw by subjectively judging the balance and feel of each model. We then went to work on some sorely needed fire suppression on a large parcel covered in Pinyon Pines to see how they performed in a real-world situation when the position of the saws isn't as straightforward as when cutting on a sawbuck. Our team agreed that the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is one of the most well-balanced and comfortable models that we've tested. The handles are in just the right location in regard to the overall weight and the slender design of the motor housing allows you to squeeze the saw into some tight places under and in between branches.

Ease of Use


Next, we examined the various buttons, switches, dials, and controls to determine if any features made the saws easier or more difficult to use than the competition. The Power Axe 350i, again, did very well in this portion of our review.

The Power Axe 350i is incredibly simple and easy to use.
Credit: Ross Patton

The controls on the 350i are very intuitive to operate. With the chain brake disengaged, the only thing you have to do to get the saw ready to cut is push the power button, move the grip safety forward with the palm of your hand, and then pull the trigger.

husqvarna power axe 350i - the power axe has a chain tensioning system that is a no-brainer to...
The Power Axe has a chain tensioning system that is a no-brainer to use.
Credit: Ross Patton

When it comes to chain tensioning systems, the Husqvarna 350i is one of our favorites. A lever that is integrated into the saw case folds out with the push of a button that helps turn the dial that clamps the bar and chain in place. With the dial loosened, a small wheel to the left allows you to tighten the bar and chain to the exact tension you want, then you simply crank the dial back down and fold the lever back into its place.

Between the fold-out lever on the cap and the plastic window, the...
Between the fold-out lever on the cap and the plastic window, the oil system on the Power Axe 350i is one of our favorites.
Unlike corded electric and gas-powered models, battery versions...
Unlike corded electric and gas-powered models, battery versions include everything you need to get slicing and dicing.
The indicator lights on the Power Axe 350i let you know if the saw...
The indicator lights on the Power Axe 350i let you know if the saw is powered on and whether or not you're using boost mode.

The bar and chain oil tank on the Power Axe is located on the lower left of the front of the saw. With the saw laid on its side, a lever folds out of the cap to give you some extra twisting power. We found this cap to be one of the easiest to use that we've ever tested, and we were even able to refill oil with leather gloves on. The tank also has a see-through section so that you can check your saw's oil levels without having to remove the cap.

Battery


For the next portion of our overall score, we ran each model at full speed in its standard setting with a full charge until they ran out of juice and timed the process. We then timed how long each fully drained battery takes to charge to 100%. When it comes to runtime, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is one of the longest-lasting battery-powered models in our review at an incredible 51 minutes. However, it should be noted that if you decide to use “boost mode”, this time will be reduced depending on how much you use this feature because it the motor draws more power from the battery.


Where the Power Axe 350i lost points for this metric is when it comes to its charge time. With a charge time of two hours and forty-five minutes, you'd better get your task done on a single charge or have an additional battery, otherwise, you're going to be taking a pretty long lunch break.


Noise


Finally, we measured noise. Using a sound pressure level meter, we read decibel levels from a distance of 48 inches while each saw was running at full speed. We also used a panel of judges to note whether the saws created a sound that was unusually annoying or harsh on the ears.

The Husqvarna emitted 82.1 decibels during our test. While this is still incredibly loud, and you should always certainly wear ear protection while operating this tool, this is drastically quieter than the majority of chainsaws of any type that we've ever tested. If you have some residential projects that require a lot of power and you're hoping to disturb your neighbors or family as little as possible, the Power Axe 350i is the way to go.

Should You Buy The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i?


If you want a battery-powered high-performance chainsaw, we highly recommend the Power Axe 350i. It offers phenomenal cutting power that is amplified when using “boost mode.” It's incredibly easy to operate, the bar and chain are tightened sans tools with one of our favorite systems, and the oil can be filled with gloves on. The battery is long-lasting, and you'll always know the current levels with the easy-to-read indicator light. One of our favorite elements of the Power Axe is that it's quieter than models that have a fraction of the power.

husqvarna power axe 350i - the husqvarna power axe 350i was an immediate hit with our testing...
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i was an immediate hit with our testing team.
Credit: Ross Patton

What Other Chainsaw Should You Consider?


If you want battery performance above all else, the EGO Power+ CS2005 is our top recommendation. It is only a little more expensive and cuts much faster; however, it is also about 25% heavier. If the price of this model is out of your range, the EGO Power+ CS1800 is an affordable model that displayed fantastic overall performance during our assessment. There are also a lot more Ego battery tools than Husky tools. For those who don't want to wait around for hours for their battery to charge before getting back to work, the Greenworks Pro 80V performs well and has a faster-charging battery than any other model that we've tested. If you have some lighter-duty jobs to get done and you just want something better than a human-powered hand saw, the 20-volt Worx WG322 is the way to go.

husqvarna power axe 350i - the power axe is ready for use in your backyard, your camping trip...
The Power Axe is ready for use in your backyard, your camping trip, or the job site.
Credit: Ross Patton

Ross Patton
 

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