There are times when one must cut timber and a muscle-powered hand saw just won’t do. For these tough sawing tasks, you’re going to need a good-quality, powered chainsaw that will effortlessly take that tree or branch down.

In order to help you make a more informed buying decision, we invested over 36 hours researching and comparing 80 different chainsaws to create this buyer’s guide and list of the top ten models. For your convenience, we divided this list up into 3 different categories: cordless chainsaws, corded electric chainsaws and gas-powered chainsaws. You can also go straight to our comparison chart if you’re short on time.

Best Cordless (Battery Powered) Chainsaws

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Best Overall: DeWalt DCCS690H1 Cordless Chainsaw

The DeWalt DCCS690H1 is, in our opinion, the best cordless chainsaw currently on the market. Dewalt is a household name among people who use cordless electric tools. Every battery-powered tool manufacturer seems to have its own claim to fame and for Dewalt it is power. They are one of the few cordless power tool makers that strive to deliver performance in their tools that rival their traditional versions, and they made no exception with the DeWalt DCCS690H1 chainsaw.

Coupling a powerful 40-volt motor with a 6 AH (amp hour) battery, this chainsaw can handle cutting tasks that most people would not even consider possible for a cordless chainsaw.

But perhaps the biggest selling point of the DeWalt DCCS690H1 is not the saw itself. Sure, it is a powerhouse, but its real advantage lies in its versatile battery. Dewalt boasts an entire line of yard maintenance tools that revolve around these batteries, making them capable of sharing batteries. Having the ability to use the same battery for your other DeWalt tools and vice versa is a huge convenience, especially if you own or plan to purchase many other cordless power tools.

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Oregon CS300-A6 Battery-Powered Cordless Chain Saw

Another high quality, cordless chainsaw that we recommend is the Oregon CS300-A6. Oregon has a reputation for making some of the best chainsaw chains in the industry, so it should come as no surprise that their chainsaws are just as good.

One of the best aspects of the Oregon 572625 is its automatic chain sharpening feature. This is a big deal. A really big deal. Such a big deal in fact that many people who buy this chainsaw do so mainly because of this feature. Usually, when you’re dealing with a dull chainsaw chain, you’ll have to use some kind of sharpening kit to individually touch up each tooth on the chain.

Among electric saws, it is even worse because, unlike with most gas saws, very few electric chainsaws allow a user to sharpen the chain while it is still on the saw. That means time and effort is required to remove the chain, sharpen it and then put it back on the saw and adjust it to the proper tension.

With the Oregon 572625, however, you simply run the saw for a few seconds with the sharpener engaged and your chain is touched up and ready to continue cutting. For anyone who hates the hassle of sharpening a chainsaw chain, this feature is a godsend.

One downside of the Oregon 572625 that users should be aware of, though, concerns its battery life. Someone who plans to use this tool on jobs requiring hours of constant cutting should be sure to get the extra battery to enable switching between batteries, with one powering the saw while the other is charging. Since a single charge lasts less than an hour with intensive use, the ability to switch batteries during the job is a must on projects that require a great deal of cutting.

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Best Value: GreenWorks 20312 Cordless Chainsaw

If you’re looking to get the best “bang for your buck,” look no further than the GreenWorks 20312. This cordless 40-volt chainsaw offers relatively quiet operation for anyone who needs to cut wood in areas where a great deal of noise would be problematic.

One of the best features of the GreenWorks 20312 is its sheer ability to hold a charge. And while the cutting time estimates in the marketing materials may be a tad optimistic, most users have found themselves pleasantly surprised by how long the saw can run on a single charge. Charge time, though, is pretty slow at about two hours to charge from empty to full. Because of this, anyone with a really big project may want to buy a second battery for this chainsaw.

Another great aspect of the GreenWorks 20312 is its low vibration, which gives users a greater level of control when cutting, as well as increasing user comfort and safety.

The performance, charge retention and quiet operation combine with a reasonable price tag to make the GreenWorks 20312 a great value for anyone who needs a battery powered electric chainsaw.

4 Best Budget Model: Black & Decker LCS1020 Cordless Battery-Powered Chainsaw

One glance at the Black & Decker LCS1020 will tell you that this is not a chainsaw designed for lumberjacks. The cute little 10 inch bar is a good indicator of the level of cutting this unit is designed to handle. In addition to the tiny bar, the 20V batteries do not boast hours and hours of cutting time. Expect somewhere between half an hour and an hour of actual cutting time.

But having said that, it doesn’t mean that this entry-level budget chainsaw isn’t worth buying. It may lack power, but some people may prefer this model due to the fact that it’s compact, lightweight and doesn’t require a great deal of strength to handle. And even those strong enough to handle much larger saws will find that using this machine to cut is far less fatiguing than a heavier, bulkier saw.

The Black & Decker LCS1020 is a great little saw for trimming small branches or saplings. In a pinch, it can even cut a load of firewood. Only when you get into the felling of larger trees or making several cuts through timber that is larger than a sapling do the limitations of the saw reveal themselves.

But not everyone needs a saw capable of turning a standing mature hardwood tree into a pile of firewood. For those who just need a chainsaw to do a little light cutting here and there, the Black & Decker LCS1020 should be more than adequate.

Best Corded Electric Chainsaws

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Best Overall: Makita UC4051A Corded Electric Chainsaw

Among corded electric chainsaws, the Makita UC4051A is our top pick. This high-end chainsaw is designed to handle anything from small tree limbs to full firewood logs. Makita is well known for its quality within small power tool circles, and the inline drive Makita UC4051A does nothing to diminish this well earned reputation.

The first indication of its quality is the Oregon semi-chisel chain that it comes with. Many chainsaw manufacturers equip their new saws with a cheap chain that cuts wood but tends to leave users disappointed. The Makita UC4051A’s high-quality chain offers excellent cutting qualities that reduces the need to lean on the saw excessively when cutting. It also creates less kickback than a full chisel chain and has excellent run times between sharpenings.

In addition, its automatic oil pump with easily monitored reservoir keeps its chain spinning as well as it did out of the box. For those new to using chainsaws who might not really be aware of how frequently they need to be oiled or those who know when to do it but would rather just concentrate on the task at hand without worrying about lubrication, this automatic system can be an immense time saver.

Another aspect of the Makita UC4051A that comes in very handy is the tool-less bar adjustment. Getting the right tension on the chain is a large part of ensuring that the saw cuts at optimal efficiency.

The only real complaint from users about this saw has to do with its automatic oiling system, although the issue can easily be dealt with. Some users have complained that the saw continues to drip oil even when not in use, creating a puddle wherever it is stored. In order to prevent this from happening, you’ll want to remove the cap from the oil reservoir and then put it back on. This allows pressure to escape and will reduce or eliminate any dripping issues.

Overall, this is an excellent chainsaw made by a quality company that can make quick work of those backyard trees that you’ve always wanted to take down.

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Best Value: Worx WG303.1 Electric Corded Chainsaw

Out of all the corded electric chainsaws that we looked at, the Worx WG303.1 seemed to strike the best balance between performance and price. This chainsaw is ideal for light duty yard cleanup or firewood cutting around the house.

One of the things that makes the Worx WG303.1 such a great value is its emphasis on safety. The saw features an automatic chain brake that causes the chain to stop spinning almost instantly when the trigger is released. Since one of the more common injuries related to chainsaws is when some accidentally touches the chain after it’s been set down, this a must have feature.

Additionally, there is a kickback brake on the saw that must be held in the “cutting” position for the chain to even start spinning and shuts it down immediately when not in the proper position. This addresses the second big injury risk when using a chainsaw. When a saw suddenly grabs and kicks back, the person using it now has something that is capable of cutting down a tree flying toward his or her body. Even with the kickback brake, the kickback could still cause the saw to hit you, but the big difference is that if it does, the chain will not be spinning.

There are, however, a couple of downsides of the Worx WG303.1 that potential buyers should consider. The first is that the automatic oiling system is very aggressive, meaning that the saw uses up a lot of oil. While it is a good thing to have plenty of lubrication to prolong the life of the saw, it also means the relatively small bottle of chain oil that comes with the Worx is going to disappear rather quickly. Buying a good supply of oil when purchasing the saw will allow continued operation.

The second issue is the extension cord used to get power to the Worx WG303.1. All corded electric chainsaws can be damaged by a cord that does not supply enough electricity. The Worx seems a bit more sensitive to this issue than other models. Fooled into thinking a light extension cord would be sufficient for its two prong cord, some users have learned the hard way that it often times is not. Because of this, the Worx WG303.1 should only be used with a quality, heavy gauge drop cord.

All things considered, however, the Worx WG303.1 is a very good chainsaw that offers a terrific combination of performance and reliability at a reasonable price.

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Best Budget Model: Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Corded Electric Chainsaw

The Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim is a very affordable, light-duty chainsaw. Keep in mind that this is not a machine that is designed for cutting down 10 inch trees into firewood for the Winter. The Limb N Trim is designed more for the people who plan to use it to take down small saplings or to lop off small limbs from trees in the yard.

While the Remington RM1425 does lack power compared to some of the better, more expensive models, it does have a single large advantage over the competition, which is that it’s light and compact.

At around 6 pounds, this saw weighs only about half as much as your typical chainsaw. This light weight means it is a viable tool for people who might not be able to handle a more robust chainsaw. Additionally, many people have had success attaching the unit to a pole and using it to cut limbs they couldn’t otherwise reach. Using any chainsaw while on a ladder can be a risky proposition, so the pole option is attractive to many buyers.

If you need to clear a 100 year old oak tree that was felled by a storm, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you just need an inexpensive tool to keep the yard looking neat and saplings/tree limbs under control, the Remington RM1425 could be just the low cost solution you need.

Best Gas-Powered Chainsaws

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Best Overall: Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas-Powered Chainsaw

When it comes to gas-powered chainsaws, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is quite easily the best out there. Husqvarna, or ‘Husky’ to those who talk about saws on a daily basis, is a legendary name in chainsaws. Known for their ruggedness and power, these chainsaws are a favorite among those who use chainsaws daily as a part of their profession. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a professional quality chainsaw that is engineered in keeping with the reputation. Among those who are fortunate enough to own one, the most commonly used word to describe this machine is “beast”.

With a powerful 60.3cc two-stroke engine and 20-inch bar, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher will breeze through just about any wood sawing task it comes across, outside of a professional logging operation. The saw is also a beast in terms of construction. Weighing about 13 pounds, this is an extremely solid and sturdy tool, not a flimsy toy disguised as a chainsaw.

However, there is a price to be paid to get the kind of power the Husqvarna 460 Rancher brings to the table, albeit minor they may be. Compared to lesser gas-powered chainsaws, the Husqvarna does consume a bit more fuel. Also, in spite of the air purge feature, it can take a pretty mighty tug to get the saw powered up.

But if you want to cut down a tree and want to do it as quickly and as pain-free as possible, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the chainsaw you want.

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Best Value: Poulan Pro PP5020AV Gas-Powered Chain Saw

A glance under the hood of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV reveals a pleasant surprise – the saw is made by Husqvarna! Getting a Husqvarna quality chainsaw for the price of a Poulan pretty much ensures that you’re getting a great value.

The Poulan Pro PP5020AV boasts an impressive 50cc engine that is plenty capable of handling any task a chainsaw that ships with a 20-inch bar would be expected to conquer. The automatic chain oiling system helps ensure that all that power is delivered smoothly and consistently.

There is, however, one caveat to keep in mind with this terrific value buy: the carburetor is shipped from the factory at a setting that burns a slightly more fuel rich mix than is optimal. This is done so the first few uses of the chainsaw serve to break the engine in. After this, the Poulan Pro PP5020AV’s carburetor should be adjusted to a more normal setting. Because of this, it’s a good idea to buy a carb adjustment tool along with the saw.

The Poulan Pro PP5020AV is more than capable of handling heavy-duty sawing tasks around the home, or even light professional sawing. Getting such quality and power at such an attractive price is what makes it such a good value.

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Best Budget Model: Remington RM5118R Rodeo Gas Chainsaw

If you’re looking for a good quality gas chainsaw that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Remington RM5118R Rodeo. Like many products on the market, there are arguments abound about the different brand names when dealing with chainsaws. In such an environment, it can be difficult for a relative newcomer like Remington to make an impact because anyone who asks for a recommendation will be told to buy one of the leading brands.

To compete, a newcomer to the market must make it easy for people to try their product with as little investment as possible. Translation: the price is a bargain for what you get. But the fact that the Remington RM5118R Rodeo is so cheap does not mean that it’s without its features. Its 51cc engine and 18-inch bar the saw ships with are competitive with other chainsaws designed for non-professional power sawing.

One nice and surprising feature on this budget chainsaw is the start assist, which gives the pull start an electric boost with every tug, making the notoriously difficult task of starting a 2-stroke engine a little easier.

Anyone who needs good performance at an extremely affordable price and is not married to a certain brand name of chainsaw should give the Remington RM5118R Rodeo some serious consideration.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Chainsaw

Types of Chainsaws

The first, and most crucial, decision you’ll need to make when shopping for a chainsaw is what type you’re going to buy. There are 3 different types:

  • Gas Powered
  • Corded Electric
  • Cordless (Battery-Powered) Electric

Gas Powered

The gas powered chainsaw is the traditional choice of professional timber cutters. The torque and cut time such an engine can produce are unmatched. This choice is the right one for anyone who needs a great deal of power or who will be cutting massive quantities of material. There are a couple of disadvantages to the gas powered chainsaw, though.

First, they are loud. Virtually all gas powered chainsaws use a two stroke engine. Now, four stroke chainsaws which are much quieter than two strokes do exist, but the amount of power they can produce is far less. Since this is the case, someone who needs a quieter chainsaw would probably be better off with an electric chainsaw.

Additionally, two stroke engines are difficult to start compared to similarly sized four stroke engines. The higher power in a smaller package of a two stroke versus a four stroke results in a higher compression engine. Pulling the start cord means fighting this compression. Beyond this, they are even more difficult to start when they are hot, so turning the saw off frequently during a job is a path to much more effort.

Lastly, they require oil to be mixed into the fuel at a certain ratio for the chainsaw to perform well and last.

Gas powered chainsaws need to be frequently used. If allowed to sit for more than a month, even with fuel preservatives added, they tend to require a lot of servicing to start. A good way to somewhat alleviate this problem is to make it a policy to drain the fuel from the saw and run it until it burns out the fuel remaining in the engine itself. Doing so will minimize the chance of old fuel gumming up the system and preventing the saw from starting the next time it is needed.

Corded Electric

Corded electric chainsaws retain most of the power of a gas powered chainsaw without the hassle of dealing with an engine.

Plugged into a household outlet, a corded electric chainsaw can produce power approaching that of a similarly sized gas powered chainsaw, but does so in a much quieter manner.

The downside of these types of chainsaws, however, is that since it is a high amperage corded power tool, a corded electric chainsaw can only really be used within about 100 feet or so of an outlet. In other words, taking it off into the woods to cut timber will probably mean having to drag along a gas powered generator to provide power.

Cordless (Battery-Powered) Electric

Cordless electric chainsaws are the most recent addition to the family of chainsaws. These chainsaws use an attached battery to power the saw through cutting tasks. Like any other battery operated tool, there is a trade-off between battery life and performance. In other words, such a chainsaw will cut powerfully for a relatively brief period or less strongly for an extended time, depending on the model in question.

What cordless electric chainsaws bring to the table is the absolute portability of a gas powered model without the hassle of getting such a saw started. This type of chainsaw has found favor with those who need a chainsaw in the vehicle at all times to handle brief tasks, like clearing fallen timber from trails. Also, those who professionally use chainsaws often keep a cordless saw on board to deal with tasks that are small enough that it is not worth jumping through all the hoops of starting a gas powered chainsaw.

Both corded and cordless electric chainsaws have one advantage over their gas powered relatives. They can be stored indefinitely without worrying about whether they start when needed. This makes them the perfect option for those who rarely need to use a chainsaw.

Other Factors to Consider

Beyond the type of chainsaw to use, there are a few other things you should consider when selecting a chainsaw:

  • Manual or Automatic Oiling
  • Ease of Sharpening and Bar Adjustment
  • Chain Brake System
  • Chain and Bar Versatility

Manual or Automatic Oiling

Chainsaws require adequate lubrication of the chain and bar to keep heat down and make them last as long as possible.

With automatic oiling systems, a reservoir on the saw is filled with oil and the chainsaw self lubricates as it cuts. While this option does offer the peace of mind of not worrying about whether the chain needs to be lubricated at any given time, experienced chainsaw users often feel that the automated oiling systems waste oil, lubricating more than necessary.

Also, automated systems are well known among chainsaw enthusiasts as a likely cause of puddles of oil wherever the saw is stored. Depending on the individual saw, there are workarounds, like emptying the reservoir before storage, but the bottom line is a chainsaw with an automated oiling mechanism is almost certain to make more of a mess than one without.

Manual Oiling systems can mean no system at all, where the person using the saw just periodically squirts oil onto the saw during use, or a reservoir with a manual activation. While the person using a saw without automated oiling does have the control to determine how often and how thoroughly to lubricate, it does mean a person using such a saw should be experienced enough to know when to lubricate.

Ease of Sharpening and Bar Adjustment

Much of whether someone is happy with a chainsaw is determined by how much trouble it is to sharpen the chain and adjust the bar. Most gas powered chainsaws, for example, allow the owner to sharpen the chain while it is on the saw. Most electric models, on the other hand, require the chain to be removed for sharpening. Since a sharp chain is essential to quick, safe cutting, knowing what you are getting in to is a good idea.

The concept applies to making bar adjustments, too. Adjusting the bar is necessary to fine tune how tightly the chain rests on the saw. Too loose and the chainsaw will cut poorly and be more likely to throw the chain off the bar. Too tight and the saw loses power and adds a great deal of wear to the chain and bar, making them need replacement too often.

Like automatic oiling, opinion is split on whether tool free adjustment systems are a good thing. They definitely are easier to make adjustments with and do not require the owner to keep track of an adjustment tool. On the other hand, many feel that the tool free systems do not maintain tension as well as tooled systems, resulting in more frequent adjusting.

Chain Brake System

The type of chain brake system on a saw will largely determine how dangerous the saw is in the hands of an unskilled user. There are two general chain brake features: the kind that stops the chain when the trigger is released and the kind that stops the chain when the saw isn’t held in a certain position.

The first type is designed to prevent injuries when the saw is not being used. A shocking number of chainsaw injuries have been caused because someone took a break, set the chainsaw down and later leaned against the still spinning chain. The chain stopping instantly is practically a universal feature on electric chainsaws, but more rare on gas powered models.

The second type of chain brake is designed to prevent injuries when the saw is actually cutting. Occasionally when cutting, the saw will bind or hit a knot or nail embedded in the wood, stopping the chain dead and causing the chainsaw to buck. This is called kickback. Chain brakes that deal with kickback involve a moving handle on the chainsaw with a sensor that activates the brake when the saw is not in the proper cutting grip. In the event of a saw kicking back toward the user, having the chain still spinning is a bad thing.

Chain and Bar Versatility

There is a vast array of bar sizes and chain configurations available for chainsaws. Whether a given saw allows them to be used determines how versatile, and sometimes costly, the saw is to own. Gas powered saws are the kings of this category. Virtually any gas powered chainsaw will allow the use of different bars and chains. Electric chainsaws are often more limited. The ability to easily change the bar and chain allows the chainsaw owner to use a specialty setup or simply switch over to a combination for which the local hardware store carries parts.

There is really only one crucial consideration when buying a chainsaw: what type to buy. Those who need a portable powerhouse that can make hundreds of cuts a day through heavy timber want a gas powered model. People who desire nearly as much power in a quieter model for tasks around the house might prefer a corded electric chainsaw. Anyone who wants a completely portable option that can be deployed at a moment’s notice with no effort could be looking for a cordless chainsaw.

Comparison Chart

Best Cordless Chainsaw

Price Level
$$$$$
Bar Length
16″
Power (Amp Hour)
6.0 AH
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
13 lbs.
3 Year Warranty

Best Corded Chainsaw

Price Level
$$$
Bar Length
16″
Power (Amps)
14.5 Amps
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
12 lbs.
3 Year Warranty

Best Gas Chainsaw

Price Level
$$$$$
Bar Length
20″
Power (cc)
60.3 cc
Automatic Oiling
Yes (adjustable)
Weight
13 lbs.
2 Year Warranty

Best Value Cordless

Price Level
$$$
Bar Length
16″
Power (Amp Hour)
4.0 AH
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
7 lbs.
4 Year Warranty

Best Value Corded

Price Level
$$
Bar Length
16″
Power (Amps)
14.5 Amps
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
11 lbs.
3 Year Warranty

Best Value Gas

Price Level
$$$
Bar Length
20″
Power (cc)
50 cc
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
10 lbs.
2 Year Warranty

Best Budget Cordless

Price Level
$$
Bar Length
10″
Power (Amp Hour)
2.0 AH
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
7 lbs.
2 Year Warranty

Best Budget Corded

Price Level
$
Bar Length
14″
Power (Amps)
8 Amps
Automatic Oiling
No
Weight
6 lbs.
2 Year Warranty

Best Budget Gas

Price Level
$$$
Bar Length
18″
Power (cc)
51 cc
Automatic Oiling
Yes (adjustable)
Weight
16 lbs.
2 Year Warranty

Top Rated Cordless

Price Level
$$$$
Bar Length
16″
Power (Amp Hour)
4.0 AH
Automatic Oiling
Yes
Weight
12 lbs.
3 Year Warranty