The 10 Best Chainsaws for the Money

If you’re new to purchasing a chainsaw, every chainsaw brand might seem the same. Even deciding on the basics can make choosing the best chainsaw tougher than felling a tree. Luckily, our chainsaw reviews go over some of the top saws on the market to help you navigate which is the right one for you.

These reviews compare the best chainsaw brands such as Husqvarna, Black+Decker, and Remington. (If you’re looking for Stihl chainsaws, try one of our other lists!) We cut through some of the complexities of picking out a chainsaw with the right engine, safety features, and intended use for whatever job you want to tackle.

Whether you’re looking to do some light cutting, or need a high-powered saw for working deep in the woods; whether you want to go for an electric powered chainsaw, gas, or battery-powered; corded or cordless, we’re here to help. Our reviews will help you find a saw for your every need.

View the Best Chainsaw on the Market, Below.

• WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
• Husqvarna 455 Rancher 2-Stroke Gas-ChainSaw
• Greenworks 20222 Corded Electric Chainsaw
• DEWALT DCCS620B MAX XR Chainsaw
• Poulan Pro PR4218 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
• ECHO CS-310 Chain Saw
• BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw
• Makita XCU03PT1 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
• MILWAUKEE’S 2727-20 M18 Fuel 16 in. Chainsaw
• Ryobi RY40530 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

1. WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw

One of the Best Electric Models for Light Duty Work

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This electric chainsaw is the perfect power tool for a homeowner looking for something to use mainly on medium-sized and smaller projects. However, they still have the option of taking on larger jobs should they arise. Electric models are known for being less powerful than their gas counterparts. So if you're hoping to fell a 100-acre forest, this may not be the one for you. But if you have a lot of limbing and trimming to do and want to tackle the odd fallen tree after a storm, the WG303.1 is the best electric chainsaw for you.

Featuring a 3.5 HP 14.5 amp engine, a 16" guide bar, and a chain speed of 12 meters per second, this electric model has the power and feel of a burlier gas chainsaw. Don't let that power fool you, though.  It's still a breeze to use, operate, and maintain. You can install and tighten backup chains quickly with the tool-free, stress-free setup, while the WG303.1's side-mounted chain tensioner system means you're not at risk of over-tightening the chain. The automatic chain oiler also keeps the saw lubricated, so you don't have to spend time working with messy oils.

Marry these features with the general ease of using electric chainsaws over gas chainsaws – simple startup, no need to cool down and refuel, less mess, etc. –  and you have the perfect tool for the amateur arborist. Plus, this electric model comes with extra safety features. These include an automatic kickback prevention brake, activated when using an improper angle to cut. The ergonomic design will go a long way to helping you cut comfortably.

If electric models are more your style, go for this one. The WG303.1 from WORX offers the convenience and simplicity you'd expect from an electric chainsaw, but with the power of a gas-powered machine. It's the perfect tool for those looking to do medium and small-sized work with the option of taking on larger jobs if need be.

2. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 2-Stroke Gas-ChainSaw

A Lightweight Gas Model for Tackling Larger Projects

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The Husqvarna 455 Rancher 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw is a lightweight, heavy-duty saw that's great for anyone looking for something to handle larger jobs around the home, cottage, or farm. This powerful chainsaw packs near-professional-standard power with its 55.5 cc engine and 20-inch bar, but that doesn't mean it's too much for a homeowner to handle. Gas saws are often heavy, but the Rancher is relatively lightweight. It clocks in at just under 13 pounds. Its safety features include a decompression valve for simple start-up and ample hand protection. The Husqvarna's X-Torq engine ensures a low vibration rate. This makes it an effortless and comfortable tool to use for felling trees and other work. It also features an Inertia-activated chain brake.

While the smaller fuel tank does mean you'll need to fill it more regularly than other saws, it also features Rancher's centrifugal air cleaning system. This additional feature ensures you'll need to clean the air filters less often. It eliminates larger debris and dust particles before entering the filter. Also, the X-Torq engine is CARB-compliant. As a result, it cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent and emissions by up to 60. This makes it a more energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious purchase than other gas-powered chainsaws.

This Husqvarna model is probably a little overkill if all you're looking to do is some light pruning, or if you want to remove a few limbs here and there. But the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the best gas chainsaw if you need to regularly fall trees on a large property or prepare firewood.

Husqvarna's 455 Rancher is a heavy-duty, but user-friendly gas-powered saw. It's one of the best gas chainsaws for larger jobs around your property such as tackling large tree limbs and preparing firewood. This is a professional-grade saw for the homeowner who needs it.

3. Greenworks 20222 Corded Electric Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw for Your Budget

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Greenworks provides one of the best models for clean, low emissions, and a quiet experience, making it perfectly suitable for urban and suburban yards or gardens. Its corded electric power provides incredible operation. Electric chainsaws are known for having stronger electric motor power than battery-powered models and are competitive with their gas counterparts. This saw is no exception.

Additionally, it's an ideal choice for those seeking low fatigue or low vibration options. Thanks to its ergonomic construction, it's great for all ages. This Greenworks chainsaw, complete with its sharp chain, is perfect for light-duty use. Experience a toolless chain tensioner for ease. Good bar lengths are important, and this one features one that's 14 inches.

The price tag is incredible for the combined features and power capacity — you won't be disappointed! The best chainsaws aren't always gas. If electric models are more for you, consider Greenworks! They offer the best chainsaws for light-duty use.

4. DEWALT DCCS620B MAX XR Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw for Quick and Light Work

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This is the perfect model for when you want to get a lot done— and quickly! Dewalt's lightweight battery-powered model is easy to wield and run. It has enough power for plenty of cuts per charge as well as tons of time to work through small or moderate jobs. Swap between Dewalt's different amperage batteries for varying operation levels. Experience less fatigue and burden removing limbs and branches.

In addition, with the brushless motor, your Dewalt chainsaw will run far quieter, more efficiently, and last much longer than most other chainsaws in the competition. There's no reason why you shouldn't pick up this power tool.

5. Poulan Pro PR4218 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw for Maximum Cut Diameter and Bar Length

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This is one of the best gas chainsaws for cutting capability. The Poulan Pro can cut through the largest-sized logs with both convenience and power— thanks to its long bar length! Reach higher and tougher branches. Gas power makes this Poulan Pro bring tough jobs to completion using both efficiency and speed, plus fantastic bonus features.

This model includes a carrying case, storage case, and other tools for making working with the Poulan Pro the most incredible experience possible. It's the closest professional homeowners can get. And that's no surprise, considering Poulan Pro is one of the best chainsaw brands on the market.

6. ECHO CS-310 Chain Saw

Best Chainsaw for Affordable Features

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Echo chainsaws are known for their quality and this model is no exception. Get tons of features and extras with this hefty and impressive gas-powered chainsaw. It comes with a guide bar, chain, 2-stroke oil, high engine power, plus a vibration handle for less fatigue. It also features an automatic oiler to keep up the Echo tool’s longevity— so you can keep enjoying it for years and years to come.

The handle and weight of the tool make it very easy to maneuver and wield. Even one-handed use in high places or positions, such as logging or tree jobs, is well-suited. You can also use two hands, thanks to two anti-vibration and low fatigue handles.

7. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw for Durability, Quality, and Product Longevity

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Get great power for small jobs. This Black+Decker cordless model features amazing quality that goes above and beyond a homeowner’s needs. You know it will get any job done! It has a limited sawing ability for thick limbs but does well with quickness, efficiency, and expedient capacity.

This saw also comes with a dust hood and hose adaptor, so you have a clean, neat experience anywhere you saw. You won’t find a better quality saw for residential needs and small cutting tasks. Its quality surpasses even some of the most professional chainsaw models and even gas counterparts.

8. Makita XCU03PT1 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw with Best Features and Overall Value

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You'll find a fantastic appearance and amazing safety features in this beautiful Makita. You'll pay a much higher price for this model, but it comes with outstanding extras. These include reduced chain accidents with better safety. Plus amazing precision, control, and fatigue reduction with the chainsaw's ergonomic variable speed trigger. You'll also get the usual features that come with most chainsaws.

LED lights light up built-in switches, along with an automatic power shut-off. When you're not using the chainsaw, you can optimize and save on your battery life. That's what makes this one of the best chainsaws on the market.

9. MILWAUKEE’S 2727-20 M18 Fuel 16 in. Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw (Battery-Powered) with Features Competitive to Gas-Powered

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Milwaukee brand chainsaws are ahead of the curve thanks to their M18 patented batteries, providing more power and running time than any other competition. In fact, it makes these chainsaws more than competitive with gas-powered models— and they're near professional-grade luggers, too! If you hauled this beast to the jobsite, no one would blink an eye. You get an incredible number of cuts per charge— more than other battery-powered chainsaw models provide.

The 16" chainsaw bar makes inaccessible or high places easier to reach. There's a reason why Milwaukee is one of the best chainsaw brands on the market.

10. Ryobi RY40530 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

Best Chainsaw (Battery-Powered) with Engine Power Comparable to Gas-Powered

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If you’re looking for more diverse battery-powered options with the capabilities of a gas-powered model, look no further than the Ryobi RY40530. Users and manufacturers both claim that Ryobi can slice through hardwood with more engine power and quickness than most gas-powered chainsaws!

Its brushless motor adds to this power and efficiency, giving you a quiet and emission-free experience, too. Easily tighten and change out old chains for new ones without having to use tools at all. Chain tensioning becomes a breeze.

Buyers Guide Questions

Are Chainsaw Blades Interchangeable?

You can swap chainsaw guide bars and chains for different sizes so long as the parts match the machine. Different saws have different designs, so you must ensure that the guide and chain are designed to work in your saw. Many saws, however, power a specific guide and chain, so sizing up is not always the best option. A smaller chainsaw motor might not give you the drive you need to run a large bar on a taxing project.

It’s always best to check the specific capabilities of your saw to ensure you’re getting the best use out of your tools if you opt for a change.

A suspected leak is often just the result of residual oil in the oiling mechanism or on the guide or chain. To minimize these phantom “leaks,” you should disassemble and clean your equipment when you’re finished using it. If you think your saw is actually leaking – and not just siphoning out through the oiler mechanism – again, disassemble and clean the saw. Make sure to flush out the oil reservoir. You can then refill it with oil and sit it out on a dry piece of cardboard. This way, it should be fairly easy to tell if your saw is leaking and from where.

Are Electric Chainsaws as Good as Gas Chainsaws?

This question depends mainly on what you’ll be using the chainsaw for. Gas chainsaws are the standard for professional arborists and those who use their chainsaws frequently. While not as powerful or capable as gas-powered saws, most homeowners generally prefer electric chainsaws. These lighter-duty tools are perfectly equipped for general yard work. In addition, electric chainsaws can often also perform most of the more burdensome tasks you may need to carry out on your property.

Corded electric and battery-powered chainsaws can be far less trouble than gas chainsaws that require messy fuel mixing and replenishing, often difficult startup procedures, and loud operation.

Portability can be an issue for electric chainsaws, as the power cord can make using them frustrating, regardless of how much power they offer. You might have to use multiple extension cords just to get your electric chainsaws to reach! But with so many battery-powered options now on the market, you can pair the ease of use that electric saws allow with the freedom gas models provide, no problem.

Of course, whether specific corded electric chainsaws are as good as gas-powered ones varies between tools. With advancements in developments, some professional-grade chainsaws are now electric. We’ve even featured them in our chainsaw reviews. Hopefully, our reviews will shine some light on the differences.

Do Chainsaws Leak Oil?

All chainsaws need to be oiled regularly. While many models come with auto-oil systems and convenient infrastructure for filling and refilling, spills and leaks can and will happen. The best way to avoid this is to make sure that you’re following the instructions that come with your new saw. Make sure you’re properly cleaning your machine to identify any wear that could be causing leaks.

Do Chainsaw Chains Stretch?

Chainsaw Chains can wear out over time and will begin to “stretch” out. If your saw isn’t getting enough oil, the friction of the chain rubbing against the guide can heat it up. This will wear it down more quickly. It’s important to make sure that you’re adjusting to let enough oil onto your blade to prolong the life of your chain.

Most chainsaws have bar lengths of 10 inches and up. Some even have bar lengths of 18 inches and over, as included in the above list. Remember that larger guides, chains, and chainsaw bars will require more oil. You’ll also have to up the output if you’re cutting particularly dry wood or dirty bark.

Another problem that can cause a chain to “stretch” is a worn-out sprocket. If your chain is no longer gripping the sprocket as it should, this can make for a loose fit along with the guide. Check out the manufacturer’s instructions for help with changing your chain or sprocket and for more tips on avoiding unnecessary wear. It will differ for different bar lengths.

Read Also: 10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

Do Chainsaws Overheat?

Yes, even the best chainsaws can overheat. Like many power tools, Chainsaws have powerful engines that can run at very high temperatures. This makes them overheat, particularly during the summer months. However, regular maintenance and cleaning of your chainsaw can help to prevent overheating. Air intake areas on saws can become clogged with dust, debris, or oil buildup. The best chainsaws feature an air filter to combat this.

The engine, guide bar, and chain should also be kept clean (fueled with a non-ethanol fuel mixture for gas-powered saws) and lubricated to reduce friction that can overheat the saw. If your chainsaw isn’t working, it may not be because it has overheated. Make sure to check other things too, from the blades to the spark plug.

How to Use a Chainsaw

Every chainsaw works differently. The startup, stopping, and operational features and procedures can vary greatly between gas and electric chainsaws. Many chainsaws will come with a manual. It’s important that you carefully read the operating instructions to ensure safe operation. You need to familiarize yourself with things like the power output, cutting speed and cutting power, chain brakes, and the saw blade.

Every single chain saw will be different and include different features. Does yours come with a vibration dampening system? A side-access chain tensioner for tackling chain tension? Knowing your chain saw in and out is imperative. Safety features are essential, too. Check that your saw comes with a chain brake. This type of feature prevents movement of the cutting chain. This ensures you won’t get cut by those dangerous metal spikes.

Also, consider purchasing a saw with a chain catcher. This will stop any accidents if your chain flies off. If you’re purchasing a new chainsaw, you need to find the right size and weight of the chainsaw you feel comfortable using.

The basics for using a variety of different saws are fundamentally the same, though. Before you start any chainsaw, you must make sure that you’re wearing the proper safety equipment and clothing needed to run the saw safely. This includes chainsaw chaps, safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection, as well as a hard hat, and steel-toed shoes.

What follows are general instructions for starting a gas-powered chainsaw to give you an idea of the operating procedure. But, again, make sure you consult the instruction manual for specific tools as the operation will vary between chain saws. Also, make sure you’re not using a dull chainsaw, as using one that needs sharpening can damage your tool.

Once you’re in your gear, you’ll need to start up the saw. This will likely entail pulling the start/choke control out to the on position. If you have to pull on, make sure always to use your left hand to hold the handle in place and your right hand to pull. Stand your right foot on the rear of the handle to stabilize the saw. Pull the starter handle until the chain saw fires. You’ll then need to push the choke back in and pull again. Now, when the saw starts, give the throttle a quick squeeze to disengage from its idle.

To cut, hold the front handle firmly with your left hand – knuckles facing outward and your thumb underneath – then grab the rear handle with your right hand. You should position yourself with your legs spread comfortably apart for stability and should cut at waist level, standing slightly to the side of where you’re cutting. Make sure to keep others at a safe distance while using your saw. A good rule of thumb is fifteen feet or double the height of a tree you’re working to fall. Next, pull back the chain brake to disengage it and squeeze the throttle.

It’s important not to make your cuts with the tip of the chainsaw bar. Using the tip to cut can cause kickback, or your chain saw to jump. This can be dangerous, especially when unexpected. You can cut down through the wood using the bottom of the bar – using a pushing chain – or you can pull the top of the bar upward through the wood – using a pulling chain.

Does a Chainsaw Need Oil?

Yes, yes, and yes. Even the best chainsaws need lots of oil. Although electric chainsaws don’t need oil to run, proper lubrication of both your gas and electric chainsaws will keep them running smoothly, reducing overheating and wear over time. Most saws come with auto-lubrication systems. As long as you make sure you have plenty of oil in the tank and regularly clean your equipment, you should maximize your chainsaw’s lifespan.

Conclusion

Hopefully, our reviews of the best chainsaws have helped you decide which type of chainsaw is right for you. It’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever choice you make. This is a powerful tool and can, of course, be dangerous if misused.

Whether you’re looking at electric chainsaws, battery-powered chainsaws, or the best gas-powered chainsaw, you need to be sure that you’re purchasing something you’re comfortable using. Remember, the best chainsaws are not necessarily always the most powerful; they’re the ones you can use safely and efficiently to get the job done.