The Best Chainsaws
If you have to finish some work in the field, to cut large shrubs, trees or similar tasks, a chainsaw can help you with that.
Chainsaws come as the heavy-duty units or those intended for lighter work.
Some are gas-powered, while others work on lithium-ion batteries.
Before you get the chainsaw, think about the work you plan to do with it and compare it with the model features.
Also, some models are easier to handle, while others require professional knowledge.
To help you find the most suitable tool for your landscape job, check our list of top ten chainsaws.
You can learn more about these units in our buying guide just below the reviews.
Highest Rated Chainsaws (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Husqvarna 460 24-Inch Rancher Chain Saw 60cc 966048324
- 2Poulan Pro 967061501 50cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Chain Saw
- 3Poulan 967669301 Handheld Gas Chainsaw
- 4WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension, Chain Brake
- 5DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw Kit Bare Tool with Brushless Motor
- 6EGO Power+ CS1600 56V Li-Ion Cordless 16″ Brushless Chain Saw Bare Tool
- 7DEWALT DCCS620P1 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw Kit with Brushless Motor
- 8GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
- 9BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
- 10BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
1
Husqvarna 460 24-Inch Rancher Chain Saw 60cc 966048324
This chainsaw from Husqvarna is suitable for tasks where you need a longer bar.
It operates with the 2-cycle engine, with inertia-activated brake for improved safety.
The oil tank capacity is 0.7 pints, and the oil pump capacity goes from 6 to 17 ml/min.
The design is convenient due to the side-mounted chain tensioning system, and you can easily adjust it while working.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Safety brake
- Powerful operation
- Easy start
Cons
- Heavier
Jake's TakeThis Husqvarna chainsaw is reliable, it features an easy start and it will never fail you.
It is suitable for hardwoods as well, but you will have to sharpen the chain a bit more often.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Poulan Pro 967061501 50cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Chain Saw
This Poulan Pro 17 inches chainsaw weigh 17 pounds.
It starts with an effortless pulling start system, that reduces the wear on the item for 30 percent and provides a quick and easy start.
It uses OxyPower engine technology that gives you more power to finish even the hardest work.
The rear handle is integrated with the combi tool for convenience.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy control – choke/stop
- Minimal cord-pulling for start
- Reduced fuel consumption
Cons
- Heavy
Jake's TakeThis Poulan Pro machine is easy to use but can make you tired soon.
However, it has excellent performance in all landscape tasks.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Poulan 967669301 Handheld Gas Chainsaw
This compact Poulan chainsaw has an 18 inches long bar.
It has a 2-stroke engine and automatic gear-driven oiler, which means less maintenance.
The chainsaw comes with the bonus chain and scrench and 1-year limited warranty.
The Poulan chainsaw weighs just over 13 pounds.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Suitable for smaller and softer trees
- Easy to use
- Simple maintenance
Cons
- Can use too much oil
Jake's TakeIf you need a chainsaw that is compact and suitable for light works, this Poulan might be the right choice.
There is almost no maintenance, and it won’t take much space in the basement or garage when you are not using it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension, Chain Brake
This Worx chainsaw comes with the 16 inches long bar and 14.5 Amp motor.
It has a specific patented auto tightening system, that holds the chain in the right position for a long time.
This is an electric chainsaw with a chain speed of 12 meters per second.
It includes automatic oil lubrication and a built-in oil tank with a transparent window.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Auto-lubrication
- A durable and lightweight machine
- Comfort grip handle
Cons
- Can be hard to cut in straight lines
Jake's TakeThis chainsaw weight 11 pounds and is easy to use for a variety of fieldwork.
The ergonomic design and soft-grip handle makes it easier to maneuver with the device.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw Kit Bare Tool with Brushless Motor
This Dewalt cordless chainsaw features high-efficiency brushless motor.
The chainsaw is compact and lightweight, with only 8.8 pounds.
It has a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knobs, which enable proper bar clamping force.
The chainsaw comes with a moderate price tag.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Complex battery replacement
Jake's TakeThis Dewalt chainsaw is a useful household appliance.
It is a budget-friendly chainsaw with excellent performance.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
EGO Power+ CS1600 56V Li-Ion Cordless 16″ Brushless Chain Saw Bare Tool
This Ego Power+ chainsaw is a durable and strong machine for getting the hard work done.
The chainsaw has sturdy, water-resistant construction and convenient handle design.
It has 16 inches long bar and weighs less than nine pounds.
The safety features and control rely on the chain kickback brake.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight but powerful
- Easy to control
- Quiet
Cons
- High price tag
Jake's TakeDespite being lightweight, this strong machine is powerful enough to work with the hardwoods as well.
It produces less noise and fumes, but it is up there in price.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
DEWALT DCCS620P1 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw Kit with Brushless Motor
This Dewalt chainsaw model DCCS620P1 has a 12 inches Oregan bar with a speed of 25.2 feet per second.
It compact, so it gives you more control to do the precise cutting.
The chainsaw has an auto system that maintains the good condition of the chainsaw and simplifies the maintenance.
Despite being cordless and compact chainsaw, it is very powerful.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Compact
- Simple maintenance
- Suitable for remodeling and framing
Cons
- Complex instructions
Jake's TakeThis Dewalt chainsaw makes a great choice for occasional works and lighter duty cutting.
However, it is powerful, but it can take time to finish.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
The Greenworks 16 inches chainsaw has a motor with longer run time, more power and more torque.
It has a brushless motor and translucent oil tank which makes it easier to see when is the time to refill the oil.
The Greenworks unit has an electric start and auto oiler.
It provides smooth operation with less noise.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to maneuver
- Provides less vibration
Cons
- Can be hard to find the replacement chain
Jake's TakeThis Greenworks chainsaw has excellent performance and the brushless motor is a fine touch.
Because of the less vibration, the chainsaw is more comfortable to use.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
This Black+Decker chainsaw uses a 40V Lithium-ion battery, which has a long-running time and can last for longer charging cycles.
The chainsaw is compatible with batteries from other Black+Decker appliances.
It has a 12 inches Oregon bar which features a low kickback.
The handle comes in a full wrap-around style for safety and better control.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Long battery life
- Convenient handle design
- Easy chain adjustment
Cons
- A bit slower
Jake's TakeThis Black+Decker chainsaw has great performance, but it is a bit slower than some larger and more powerful chainsaws.
The battery life is exceptional, and that is what makes this machine stand out.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V MAX Lithium Ion Chainsaw
The Black+Decker chainsaw model LCS1020 is a cordless chainsaw with 10 inches Oregon bar.
It uses 20 V lithium-ion battery and stays charged five times longer.
Because it has a tool-free blade tension system, it is easy to adjust it for any work you need to finish.
The machine weighs over 7 pounds.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust and work
- Long battery time
Cons
- More suitable for light-duty tasks
Jake's TakeThis Black+Decker chainsaw is light and compact, and makes a useful household appliance,
It is easy to use and adjust.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Chainsaws Buying Guide
A chainsaw is a handy household appliance and much-need for farmers and people with many trees in their yards.
If you pick it well, it can significantly save you a lot of manual labor, time and efforts to finish field works.
For example, a chainsaw can be useful after a storm, to cut the fallen trees and clean the yard.
On the other hand, farmers need a chainsaw to maintain their trees by regular pruning.
Whatever your needs are, our buying guide will help to find it.
It will focus on different types of a chainsaw, the bar length, and capacities, the power, etc.
Keep reading and learn how to choose chainsaw suitable for your needs.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Chainsaw
You are not buying a chainsaw to look at it, but to use it and to get the work done.
Therefore, here are a few things you should analyze to determine the chainsaw type you need.
Power Source
Chainsaws come with a different power source that determines their practicality and efficiency in finishing specific tasks.
Those are gas, electrical and cordless or battery-powered chainsaws.
Gas-Powered Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws are portable and powerful.
They operate using a gas tank, which can be simple to replace.
It has a two-cycle engine and starts with a pull-off movement.
Sometimes the start can be unreliable, so you might have to repeat it a few times to get the unit to work.
After it starts working, it will provide you with more hours of reliable and powerful operation, than battery-powered chainsaws.
It is the best choice for heavy-duty tasks and professionals.
Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are easy to work with and come with the cord.
Those are an excellent choice for small and light works around the yard – for trimming, cutting and small pruning.
The pros of electric chainsaw include easy operation, easy start, light weightiness, and durability.
The downsides are the fact that you need to have an electrical outlet nearby and low performance for heavy-duty tasks.
Battery-Powered Chainsaws
Cordless or battery-powered chainsaws are convenient and practical.
Continuous operation depends on battery power.
Therefore, you should always look at the battery specifications to learn how long the can chainsaw can perform charging.
Charging a battery requires time and you should think ahead and do it before you get to work.
Compared to an electric corded chainsaw, it is significantly heavier because of the battery.
Sometimes, it is handy to have two batteries, and you can replace a battery without the need to stop working and wait for a recharge.
If you need a battery-powered chainsaw and you have other garden appliances, it can be a good idea to get the chainsaw from the same manufacturer.
Often, the manufacturer produces more devices that use the same battery and charger.
Therefore, you can purchase only the chainsaw without the battery and charger and save money.
On the other hand, you can get a full deal, and always have a replacement battery.
Your Trees
For yards that have many kinds of wood, you will need something more powerful.
Gas chainsaws are powerful enough to cut even the hardwood and work for hours.
In general, it is more powerful than electric and battery-powered one.
If you have a yard with fewer trees and you don’t need something so potent and efficient, electric and cordless chainsaws will do the trick.
The chainsaws with a cord can go up to 100 feet from an outlet.
For large yards, the gas chainsaw will be the most appropriate choice.
Your Habits
You might wonder what your habits have to do with the choice of a chainsaw.
Well, if you regularly prune your trees, you can work with the battery chainsaw.
It can give you a few hours of work, which is more than enough for people who maintain their trees regularly.
On the other hand, if you tend to forget it and neglect the pruning, you will come to a point where you need a whole weekend to finish the work.
In those cases, pick a gas chainsaw.
It’s more powerful and provides you with more hours of continuous operation.
Also, you don’t have to wait for it to charge, you can replace the gas tank when it is empty and continue to work.
Chainsaw Features
Chainsaws come with some handy features that can ease your work, make you finish it easier and make you less tired.
Here is a list of all useful chainsaw features you should look for when buying a chainsaw.
Anti-Vibration
If the chain feature and anti-vibration design, it will be much easier to work with, especially when you need to work long hours.
The user will get less fatigued and the whole cutting process will be more comfortable.
Automatic Oiler
Chainsaws with an automatic oiler require less maintenance compared to those without it.
It will automatically lubricate the chain to ensure the best performance, but also safe and efficient use.
If you get the one with an automatic oiler, you will have to oil the chain by yourself regularly.
Chain Brake
A chain brake serves to stop the chain when it gets to an abruptness.
That way it will stop working keeping you safe and the chainsaw from breakage.
Quick Chain Adjuster
Adjusting the chain quickly and easily saves time and makes you more productive.
Older models of chainsaw needed tools to adjust the tension of the chain.
With a newer model, you can easily do it with a knob.
Carrying Case
A carrying case is a convenient way to store and move your chainsaw.
Usually, professional chainsaws designed for heavy-duty tasks come ith case, but you can find it sometimes even with lighter devices.
Safety
Working with a chainsaw can be tricky and risky.
Therefore look for a chainsaw that has a few safety features such as low-kickback brake and trigger lockout.
Low-kickback brake ensures that you cannot be pushed back when the chain comes to a hard obstacle.
It will stop working automatically.
Trigger lockout ensures that a chainsaw cannot start by accident, because you have to press a trigger with separate palm.
Conclusion
The choice of a chainsaw depends on your needs.
There are three main categories of chainsaws, according to their power source and purpose.
Gas-powered chainsaws are designed for heavy-duty tasks and are more powerful and capable to work with hardwood.
Battery-powered units are portable and easy to work with, but they can weigh more than electric chainsaws.
Electric chainsaws are light and can work for pruning and trimming, but you have to have an electrical outlet nearby.
When it comes to other features, there are a few that can simplify your work.
Those are automatic oiler, low kickback, easy chain adjustment, etc.
However, when working with chainsaw make sure to follow the safety guidelines and always wear safety equipment such as helmet, leg protection, glasses, and gloves.
What's your take on Chainsaws? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
