Best Chainsaws

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Chainsaws are essential tools for efficiently cutting wood, making them invaluable for homeowners, landscapers, and forestry professionals tackling tasks like tree trimming, firewood cutting, and brush clearing. Electric and gas-powered chainsaws are the primary types, with electric models being quieter and easier to start, while gas-powered ones offer greater power and mobility. Battery-powered chainsaws have also improved significantly, providing a popular cordless option. When choosing a chainsaw, consider factors like bar length, engine power, weight, and safety features. The best chainsaw for you depends on the specific cutting jobs you need to handle. We tested ten top chainsaws to identify the best choices for various needs and budgets.

  • Husqvarna 445 Gas Chainsaw

    10

    We think this powerful and efficient chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who need to tackle serious tree-cutting tasks.

    10

    We think this powerful and efficient chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who need to tackle serious tree-cutting tasks.

    Pros

    • Easy to start and handle
    • Powerful 2.8-HP engine
    • Low vibration for reduced fatigue

    Cons

    • Heavier than electric models
    • Requires gas and oil mixture
    • Can be loud during operation

    When we fired up the Husqvarna 445, we were impressed by how quickly and easily it started. The Smart Start feature lived up to its name, saving us time and frustration. Once running, the 2.8-HP engine packed a serious punch, making short work of thick branches and small trees.

    We appreciated the chainsaw’s ergonomic design during extended use. The LowVib technology really helped reduce fatigue, letting us work longer without sore arms. The 18-inch bar felt just right for most jobs around our property, striking a nice balance between reach and maneuverability.

    One feature that stood out was the Air Injection system. It kept the air filter cleaner, which meant we didn’t have to stop and clean it as often. The transparent fuel indicator was also handy, letting us know at a glance when it was time to refuel. While it’s not the lightest chainsaw out there, we found its power-to-weight ratio to be excellent for its class.

  • Husqvarna 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

    9.7

    We think the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is a top pick for those needing a powerful, versatile chainsaw for regular use.

    9.7

    We think the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is a top pick for those needing a powerful, versatile chainsaw for regular use.

    Pros

    • Easy to start and handle
    • Powerful 3.2 HP engine
    • Reduced vibration for comfort

    Cons

    • Heavier than some models
    • Requires proper maintenance
    • Gas-powered, not eco-friendly

    When we tried out the Husqvarna 450 Rancher, we were impressed by how quickly it fired up. The Smart Start system lived up to its name, saving us time and effort. This saw felt solid in our hands, with its 20-inch bar ready to tackle big jobs.

    As we cut through logs, the 3.2 HP X-Torq engine showed its muscle. It sliced through wood like butter, making quick work of our test pile. The LowVib tech was a nice touch, keeping our arms from turning to jelly during longer sessions.

    We liked the air injection system that kept the filter clean. It meant less stopping to clear out debris. The chainsaw did feel a bit heavy after a while, but that’s par for the course with gas-powered tools this strong. For big jobs or frequent use, we think this saw hits the sweet spot of power and ease of use.

  • Husqvarna Power Axe 350i

    9.5

    We think the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, easy-to-use cordless chainsaw.

    9.5

    We think the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, easy-to-use cordless chainsaw.

    Pros

    • Strong cutting power
    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Expensive compared to gas models
    • Limited runtime on a single charge
    • May struggle with very large trees

    We tested the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i on a variety of trees and branches. This 18-inch cordless chainsaw impressed us with its cutting power. It sliced through 6-inch limbs like butter and even tackled a 12-inch trunk without breaking a sweat.

    The Power Axe 350i feels light in our hands. At just under 8 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and use for extended periods. We love the tool-free chain tensioning system. It makes quick work of adjusting the chain when needed.

    Battery life is good for most jobs around the yard. We got about 45 minutes of cutting time on a single charge. The included 40V battery charges up in about an hour. For bigger jobs, you might want to grab a spare battery.

  • SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw

    9.4

    We think this chainsaw is a solid choice for those needing a powerful tool for heavy-duty cutting tasks at a budget-friendly price.

    9.4

    We think this chainsaw is a solid choice for those needing a powerful tool for heavy-duty cutting tasks at a budget-friendly price.

    Pros

    • Starts easily and runs smoothly
    • Powerful 62cc engine handles tough jobs
    • Comfortable to use for extended periods

    Cons

    • Included felling dogs are low quality
    • May require minor adjustments out of the box
    • Long-term durability is uncertain

    When we fired up this SUPMIXTOOLS chainsaw, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly it started. The 62cc engine packs a punch, slicing through thick logs with ease. We found it handled our tree-trimming tasks without breaking a sweat.

    The 20-inch bar is great for tackling larger pieces of wood. We liked how it cut through our firewood pile much faster than expected. The ergonomic design made it comfortable to use, even during longer cutting sessions.

    We did notice the felling dogs that come with it aren’t the best quality. But at this price point, it’s not a deal-breaker. The chainsaw’s overall performance more than makes up for this small drawback. While we can’t speak to its long-term durability yet, our initial tests show it’s a capable tool for both home use and some professional tasks.

  • DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Chainsaw

    9.3

    We think this DEWALT cordless chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who need a lightweight, easy-to-use saw for small to medium jobs.

    9.3

    We think this DEWALT cordless chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who need a lightweight, easy-to-use saw for small to medium jobs.

    Pros

    • Light and easy to handle
    • Powerful for a battery-powered saw
    • No gas or oil mixing needed

    Cons

    • Limited runtime on a single charge
    • Not ideal for large, heavy-duty jobs
    • Chain oil not included in kit

    When we picked up this DEWALT chainsaw, we were struck by how light it felt. At just 9 pounds with the battery, it’s a breeze to use for extended periods. The 12-inch bar is perfect for trimming branches and cutting small logs.

    We found the battery life solid for most tasks. We got through about 90 cuts on 4×4 lumber before needing a recharge. For bigger jobs, you might want an extra battery on hand. The brushless motor seemed efficient and should last a long time.

    One thing we really liked was how quiet this saw is compared to gas models. No more waking up the neighbors! The tool-free chain tensioning made adjustments quick and easy. While it may not replace a big gas saw for major tree felling, we think it’s a great tool for most homeowners’ needs.

  • Husqvarna 455 Rancher

    9.1

    We think the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a top choice for homeowners and pros who need a powerful, reliable chainsaw for big jobs.

    9.1

    We think the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a top choice for homeowners and pros who need a powerful, reliable chainsaw for big jobs.

    Pros

    • Easy to start and handle
    • Powerful 3.5 HP engine
    • Low vibration for comfort

    Cons

    • Heavier than some models
    • Overkill for small tasks
    • Pricey for occasional users

    The 455 Rancher impressed us with its smooth start-up. We pulled the cord a few times, and it roared to life. This gas-powered saw cut through thick oak logs like butter. Its 20-inch bar tackled big trees without a hitch.

    We noticed the low vibration right away. Our hands didn’t feel numb after an hour of use. The grip felt comfy, and we could work longer without getting tired. The saw’s weight gave it stability, but it might be too heavy for some users.

    This Husqvarna isn’t just about power. It has smart features too. We liked the air cleaning system that kept the filter clean. It meant less downtime for maintenance. The side-mounted chain tensioner was handy for quick adjustments. If you need a saw for big jobs, this one’s hard to beat.

  • Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw

    9

    We think the Husqvarna 130 is a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable gas chainsaw for occasional use.

    9

    We think the Husqvarna 130 is a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable gas chainsaw for occasional use.

    Pros

    • Easy to start and handle
    • Powerful 38cc engine
    • Reduced vibrations for comfort

    Cons

    • Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
    • Requires regular maintenance
    • Heavier than electric models

    We recently tested the Husqvarna 130 gas chainsaw, and it left us impressed. This 16-inch saw starts up quickly and runs smoothly. We found it easy to use for tasks like pruning trees and cutting firewood.

    The 38cc engine packs a punch for its size. It sliced through 6-inch logs with no trouble. The LowVib system really works – our arms didn’t feel tired even after an hour of use. We liked the simple chain tensioning system too. It let us make quick adjustments without tools.

    One thing to note: this saw is best for occasional use. It’s not made for big jobs or all-day cutting. We also had to mix oil and gas, which takes extra time. But for most homeowners, we think the Husqvarna 130 hits the sweet spot of power and ease of use.

  • Husqvarna 435 16″ Gas Chainsaw

    8.7

    We think this Husqvarna chainsaw is a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable and easy-to-use tool for occasional tree trimming and firewood cutting.

    8.7

    We think this Husqvarna chainsaw is a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable and easy-to-use tool for occasional tree trimming and firewood cutting.

    Pros

    • Easy to start and handle
    • Fuel-efficient engine
    • Effective anti-vibration system

    Cons

    • May lack power for heavy-duty jobs
    • Slightly heavier than some competitors
    • Higher price point

    When we fired up the Husqvarna 435, we were pleased by how quickly and easily it started. The Smart Start feature really makes a difference, especially on chilly mornings. We found the 16-inch bar to be just right for most of our yard work tasks.

    The X-Torq engine impressed us with its fuel efficiency. We didn’t have to refill as often as we expected, which meant less downtime during longer jobs. The chainsaw felt well-balanced in our hands, and the LowVib technology helped reduce fatigue during extended use.

    We appreciated the air injection system that kept the filter cleaner for longer. This meant we spent less time on maintenance and more time cutting. While it handled most of our tasks well, we did notice it struggled a bit with thicker logs. For typical homeowner use though, it’s got plenty of oomph.

  • EGO Power+ 16″ Cordless Chainsaw

    8.7

    We think this powerful battery-powered chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who want gas-like performance without the hassle.

    8.7

    We think this powerful battery-powered chainsaw is a great choice for homeowners who want gas-like performance without the hassle.

    Pros

    • Impressive cutting power for a cordless saw
    • Easy to use with tool-free chain tensioning
    • Long battery life for most home jobs

    Cons

    • Heavier than some gas models
    • May need extra batteries for big jobs
    • Higher upfront cost than gas saws

    When we fired up the EGO Power+ chainsaw, we were blown away by its raw cutting power. This beast sliced through 4×4 posts like they were made of butter. We couldn’t believe a battery-powered saw could match the muscle of a gas model.

    The 16-inch bar was perfect for most of our yard work. We tackled fallen branches and small trees with ease. The chain speed kept up with our cutting pace, and we never felt like it was slowing us down.

    We loved how quiet this saw was compared to gas models. Our neighbors didn’t even notice we were doing yard work! The lack of fumes was also a big plus. We didn’t have to deal with the smell of gas on our clothes or worry about proper fuel storage.

    The tool-free chain tensioning was a nice touch. We could quickly adjust the chain without hunting for a wrench. The automatic oiling system kept things running smoothly, and we didn’t have to stop to add oil during our work.

    Battery life was solid for most jobs around the house. We got through a lot of cutting on a single charge. For bigger projects, we’d suggest having a spare battery on hand.

  • Oregon CS1500 Electric Chainsaw

    8.6

    We think the Oregon CS1500 is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, low-maintenance electric chainsaw.

    8.6

    We think the Oregon CS1500 is a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, low-maintenance electric chainsaw.

    Pros

    • Instant start with no gas mixing
    • Built-in chain sharpening system
    • Tool-free chain tensioning

    Cons

    • Limited by cord length
    • Not as powerful as gas models
    • May struggle with very large trees

    The Oregon CS1500 impressed us with its ease of use. We plugged it in and it started right up, with no pulling on a starter cord or mixing fuel. The 15-amp motor gave us plenty of power for most yard work. We cut through branches and small trees with no problem.

    One feature we really liked was the built-in PowerSharp system. When the chain got dull, we just pulled a lever for a few seconds and it was sharp again. This saved us a lot of time compared to manually sharpening the chain.

    Adjusting the chain tension was simple too. We just turned a knob on the side – no tools needed. The automatic oiler kept things running smoothly. We did have to refill the oil now and then, but it wasn’t a big deal. The 18-inch bar was long enough for most of our cuts.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a chainsaw, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve broken down the most important features to look for:

Power Source

Chainsaws come in three main types:

  • Gas-powered
  • Electric (corded)
  • Battery-powered

Gas models offer the most power but are louder and require more maintenance. Electric and battery options are quieter and easier to use.

Bar Length

The bar length determines how thick of wood you can cut:

Bar LengthBest For
10-14 inchesPruning, light cutting
16-20 inchesFelling small trees, cutting firewood
20+ inchesLarge trees, professional use

Safety Features

Look for chainsaws with:

  • Chain brakes
  • Low-kickback chains
  • Vibration reduction
  • Automatic chain oilers

These features help prevent accidents and make the saw easier to control.

Weight

A lighter chainsaw is easier to maneuver but may lack power. We suggest trying out different weights to find what’s comfortable for you.

Ease of Use

Consider features like tool-free chain tensioning and easy-start systems. These can make your chainsaw more convenient to use and maintain.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right chainsaw for your needs.