Best chainsaw

Use these best chainsaws to quickly cut through wood and save yourself the hassle of manual labor.

Best chainsaw
(Image credit: @Abby Savage on Unsplash)

A powerful chainsaw is an invaluable tool to have at any home, workshop, or job site. You can use it to clear fallen trees from your driveway, cut firewood, or cut through logs for construction projects. Also, if you possess a steady hand and a desire for wood art projects, you could use a chainsaw to carve out sculptures. The market is flooded with many options ranging from pocket-friendly units to premium models. I will walk you through the best available options.

Staff pick

Greenworks Pro 80V brushless cordless chainsaw

(Image credit: Greenworks Tools)

Greenworks Pro 80V brushless cordless chainsaw

Cordless convenience

This small, lightweight saw is perfect for the average homeowner and can cut through trees up to 34 inches in diameter.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design
  • Comfortable grip
  • Longer life and more power
  • Trouble-free maintenance

Cons:

  • Awkwardly positioned power button
  • May have oil leaking issues

Promising more torque, longer runtime, and generally a longer service life than gas chainsaws, this unit belongs in your tool arsenal. It weighs less than three pounds so it won't weigh you down. It's battery-powered to maintain a compact, cordless design. On a single charge, the battery generates plenty of juice to power through tough jobs, delivering up to 150 cuts on 4-by-4 lumber. Extra features include tool-free chain tensioning and an oversize anti-vibe handle for added comfort.

A small powerhouse

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX cordless chainsaw

(Image credit: BLACK+DECKER Inc.)

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX cordless chainsaw

Designed for smooth and fast cuts

This model has a lightweight and compact design for enhanced cutting ability and maneuverability. 

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Decent battery runtime
  • Well-priced
  • Low kickback

Cons:

  • Short guide bar

Need to trim or remove a branch so tall it's shading your garden? Give the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX cordless chainsaw a try. This chainsaw features a 2 amp hour battery pack with a decent run time. Featuring a zero-emission motor with a fully encased shell, the saw is lightweight and can be easily maneuvered into awkward corners, while the 10-inch bar and chain enable fast, smooth cuts. The low noise level makes it ideal for arborists, tree services, landscapers, and homeowners looking for a safe gas alternative.

Electric option

Oregon CS1500 self-sharpening corded chainsaw

(Image credit: Amazon)

Oregon CS1500 self-sharpening corded chainsaw

High power, low noise

With its 15 Amp motor, this 18-inch electric chainsaw gives you plenty of power to get through tough jobs.

Pros:

  • Comes pre-assembled
  • Makes silent cuts
  • Self-sharpening blades

Cons:

  • On the heavy side
  • Corded design limits mobility

If you’re on a budget, then this corded option could still help you accomplish both light and heavy-duty cutting jobs. It features Oregon's automatic oiler that delivers continuous lubrication for improved performance and less wear on the motor, so you can expect trouble-free operation. The rugged design features an 18-inch bar and chain to tackle any job and a tool-free simple-tensioner for quick saw chain adjustments. 

Complete kit

Makita XCU03PT1 cordless chainsaw

(Image credit: Amazon)

Makita XCU03PT1 cordless chainsaw

Comes with four batteries, ideal for remote job sites

Bring this kit with you on your next task and cut down your trimming time significantly. 

Pros:

  • Tool-free chain adjustment
  • Dustproof casing
  • Water-resistant design

Cons:

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Poorly designed power button

Whether it's cutting down small trees or clearing out the underbrush, the Makita XCU03PT1 is ready for the job. It's fitted with a 14-inch bar and chain for total ripping power and cleaner cuts through tough lumber. To ensure all those hours of work go as efficiently as possible, especially in remote areas, this saw comes with four batteries and a dual-port charger. Best of all, it’s designed with Extreme Protection Technology to resist damage from dust and water.

Gas option

Craftsman full-crank 2-cycle chainsaw

(Image credit: Amazon)

Craftsman full-crank 2-cycle chainsaw

The model you have been waiting for

This gas-powered chainsaw has a two-cycle engine that offers decent power for large cuts.

Pros:

  • Low-vibration design
  • Easy to control
  • Cushioned handle

Cons:

  • On the heavy side
  • A bit noisier than electric models

The new Craftsman full-crank gas chainsaw is the ultimate go-anywhere saw for all cutting tasks. Whether you are working in your backyard, on a trail, or your farm this is all you need. It features a lightweight polymer chassis and a low-vibration design to reduce fatigue when used for long periods. The chain has low kickback and is more reliable at making quick cuts in comparison to electrical models. Plus, unlike most gas-powered chainsaws, this model features Easystart technology that promotes quick and smooth pull starts. 

Cut your way through a hard job quickly

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In the right hands, chainsaws can be powerful tools that can help any homeowner or handyman accomplish a wide range of tasks. There are numerous types available, so you need to consider your working environment. If you need more mobility, the Greenworks Pro cordless chainsaw is the best option. Its cordless design lets you move around easily, and it’s just as powerful as most gas-powered models. 

A gas-powered option like the Craftsman full-crank 2-cycle chainsaw is also a decent option if you are looking to cut through large trees or work faster with minimal chain wear. It has an anti-vibration design and a cushioned handle so you can work for long hours with minimal strain on your hands.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.