Keeping your backyard neat and tidy is an ongoing process, especially if you have trees in or around it. Strong winds can cause branches to fall, or the tree could get sick and have branches die. To keep your yard safe, you have to cut and trim away these branches so they don’t accidentally fall. It’s also much healthier for the tree itself to get rid of these branches, but this can be challenging if you don’t have the correct tools on-hand. The best chainsaw can help you cut these branches down into manageable sizes that you can haul away, store for firewood, or upcycle them into something new for your yard.
However, there are literally hundreds of brands that produce high-quality chainsaws, and this makes it hard to find the best chainsaw for your wants and needs. They come in different styles and sizes to further complicate the process. I’ve picked out 10 of the best chainsaws that all feature reputable brands for you to compare side-by-side. You can use these reviews and the buyer’s guide below them to find out what is important to consider when you shop. This way, you stand a good chance of getting the best chainsaw that can help you take on a host of projects around your home.
Everyone should have a chainsaw at them home to help them with any unexpected projects that pop up from time to time. There are so many options available that you’ll be able to find one that fits any space requirements you have without sacrificing power.
1. Oregon CS1500 Corded Electric Chainsaw
This corded electric chainsaw from Oregon is one of the best chainsaws to take on large and small projects around your home like trimming your fruit trees or keeping your hedges neat and tidy. You get an 18-inch guide bar with a PowerSharp chain that will slice through thick and thin branches while minimizing your downtime, and it will also work to sharpen your chain between uses in three seconds or less. This ensures that your chainsaw is always ready to go when you need it. The instant start capability is another bonus feature on this chainsaw because you won’t have to struggle every time you want to use it.
There is a Lubri-Tech oiling system on this best chainsaw that will keep your entire chain well oiled as it works, and this can help to reduce any friction while increasing the saw’s run time. It comes pre-assembled and ready to go out of the box, and it’s silent between cuts. The low noise output allows you to use it in suburban areas without disturbing your neighbors, and there is a chain brake built into the design to improve your safety factor. Finally, it has a very balanced and lightweight design.
Benefits:
- Built-in oiling system to reduce friction
- Very lightweight and balanced design
- Instant start capabilities
Drawbacks:
- Have to repeatedly tighten the chain
- Can have problems if you tip cut
- Not powerful enough for very large trees
2. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw
Wen’s best chainsaw is a very lightweight option that runs on a 12-amp motor. Since it requires no gasoline to operate, you get a cleaner tool because it offers emission-free operation. This is better for the environment as a whole, and it ensures you won’t get stuck with heavy gasoline or oil smells when you work. The lightweight design to this chainsaw limits your fatigue levels with short or extended use, and it has a very balanced design that gives you precision cutting power. You get a full two-year warranty from the date of purchase with this chainsaw, and this helps to protect you from defects or damages.
There is an automatic oiling system on this best chainsaw that will lubricate the chain when you use it to help increase the saw’s lifespan. It also reduces the friction levels, and this allows you to use it for longer clips without straining the saw. You’ll get tool-free chain changes that make it very fast and easy to swap out the chain with minimal interruptions to your workflow. There is a cable strain relief notch on the handle that helps keep your extension cord plugged in to power the saw.
Benefits:
- Weighs under 12 pounds
- Has a notch for an extension cord
- Doesn’t put out any emissions
Drawbacks:
- Cutting teeth spaced every two lengths
- Have to assemble it when it arrives
- Tools to tighten the chain are plastic
3. CRAFTSMAN CMECS614 Chainsaw
This best chainsaw by Craftsman comes with a powerful eight-amp motor that allows you to slice through everything from stray boxwood branches to maple trees with ease. This chainsaw uses electricity to run, and this lowers the emission rate while giving you a steady flow of power from your extension cord. The compact design is just 14-inches from end to end, and this smaller size is excellent for getting into tight spaces and up close to stray branches without having to bend or risk breaking parts of the saw in the process. The bright red and black color scheme makes it easy to locate.
You won’t have to prime this best chainsaw when you want to use it, and it comes with an oil window built in so you have no fears of accidentally running the saw dry and killing the motor. The bolt lock chain tensioning system will securely clamp your saw’s bar and chain in place to give you precision cutting performance, and this also lowers the number of times you have to stop to tighten the chain. It weighs in at just over seven pounds, and this makes it easy to carry from point A to point B to finish your projects.
Benefits:
- Has a very low emission rate
- Comes with an oil window built into the design
- Compact design to fit into tight spaces
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t come with chain oil
- Chain can slip off easily
- Can overheat with heavy use
4. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Chainsaw
This best chainsaw from Black+Decker comes with the choice of the tool only, a complete kit, kit with an extra battery, kit with a leaf collection bin, and more. You can tailor your choice to suit your needs, and you get 10-inches of premium Oregon low kickback chain and bar when you order. The low kickback makes it safer for you to use, and this product uses a 20-volt lithium-ion battery to run. If you purchase this model, you will have to buy a separate battery because the price is just for the tool itself. However, if you have Black+Decker equipment with batteries, you can use them with this chainsaw without an issue.
There is a tool-free blade tensioning system on this best chainsaw that makes blade tensioning very fast and easy each time you do it. The saw has an oiling system in place to ensure that there is great lubrication on the blade the whole time you use it, and this can also reduce friction. The smaller design on this saw ensures you can use it for extended periods without fatigue, and it is very balanced with an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to grip.
Benefits:
- Easy to maneuver
- Can swap batteries between Black+Decker equipment
- Available in several different kits
Drawbacks:
- Can bounce and chatter when cutting
- Not suited for heavy-duty projects
- Battery can drain quickly
5. Sun Joe Multi-Angle Pole Saw
This multi-angle pole chainsaw is the best chainsaw for anyone who wants to routinely trim the taller branches of their maple trees without having to climb up on a ladder. It works well for cutting thin logs and overhanging limbs, and the head will adjust from 0° up to 30° to give you better maneuverability when you have it working in the branches over your head. Additionally, the telescoping handle starts at 5.8-feet, but you can extend it to 8.8-feet to give yourself 14-feet of overhead reach. This is more than enough to reach those pesky branches that are hanging over your yard or garden from a safe distance.
There is an eight-emp motor on this best chainsaw that allows it to slice through branches that are up to 9.5-inches thick. The saw comes with the Sun Joe + Snow Joe customer promise, and the company will give you a full two-year warranty from the date of purchase. This is a no-questions asked warranty, and customer service is very responsive to your questions and concerns. There are four color options, and the saw comes with a self oiling feature to keep the blade lubricated.
Benefits:
- Gives you 14-feet of overhead reach
- Head can adjust angles for greater maneuverability
- Four color choices available
Drawbacks:
- Very small design with a shorter blade
- Only cuts small and medium-sized branches
- Chain can dull really fast
6. WORX WG305.1 Electric Chain Saw
Worx’s best chainsaw has an eight-amp motor that gives you consistent performance, no matter if you’re cutting through thin branches on your shrubs or larger tree branches. The oil tank capacity on this saw is four fluid ounces, and this gives you more than enough oil to power through several jobs and projects. There is also an oil level indicator that will light up when you get low so you don’t accidentally run dry, and the saw comes with an automatic chain lubrication system that will reduce the friction while keeping your saw in excellent working shape. It has a very compact and lightweight design to reduce friction.
The patented auto tension chain system on this best chainsaw reduces the times you have to stop to tighten the chain as you work, and it also helps to extend your chain and bar life. The larger handle has a very ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold for extended periods, and this is a lightweight model that you can easily transport from job to job. The chain brake safety feature is another nice point for this chainsaw, and the sleek black and orange color scheme is easy to see.
Benefits:
- Comes with an eight-amp motor
- Oil indicator light
- Automatic chain tensioning system
Drawbacks:
- Oil may leak
- Difficult to tighten the chain
- Getting in touch with customer service is challenging
7. Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw
Remington’s best chainsaw uses a durable and powerful 12-amp electric motor that will help you quickly clean an area for your newest outdoor bench idea. It has a 16-inch chain with a guide bar to help reduce your kickback and make it safer to use. This is a compact saw that doesn’t skimp on power, and it works well for taking on yard work, lawn care, wood trimming, and small or large outdoor projects. The ergonomic handle paired with the lightweight design make this saw a breeze to use for extended periods without fatiguing, and you’ll get a balanced tool with low vibrations to help keep you comfortable.
The automatic chain oiler on this best chainsaw helps to keep the proper amount of lubrication on the chain to help your saw cut safely, smoothly, and cleanly every time. In turn, you get precision cutting power to help give neat cuts and a tidy finished look. The external tensioning system allows you to easily adjust the chain without interrupting your workflow, and keeping the chain at the optimal tension will keep the product running in peak condition. It has a corded electric design to give you a steady stream of power as long as you plug it in.
Benefits:
- External tensioning system
- Low vibrations with good balance
- Guard bar reduces kickback to keep you safe
Drawbacks:
- Gears are plastic
- Oil can leak all over
- Slightly heavier design
8. Poulan Pro Gas Chainsaw
This best chainsaw from Poulan Pro comes with OxyPower engine technology that allows it to have 20% less fuel consumption and 70% less emissions each time you run it to make it healthier for you and for the environment. The pull starting system is very easy to operate, and it can reduce your pull force by as much as 30%. In turn, this reduces the wear and tear on the starter mechanism, and this means that your chainsaw can last much longer with hard use. You also get a user-friendly stop control/choke combination that gives you excellent reliability with faster starting power because it reduces engine flooding.
The rear handle on this best chainsaw has a combi tool integrated into it, and this makes it be in easy reach if you need to perform routine maintenance. There is a purge bulb that gives the carburetor fuel, and this makes it much easier to start using far less pulls. It’s also protected to reduce the risk of damaging it. There is a filtering system on this saw that helps to reduce the fuel consumption while ensuring the air filter lasts much longer than it normally would without it.
Benefits:
- Produces 70% less emissions
- Has an easy-pull start system
- Integrated combi tool
Drawbacks:
- Slightly less cutting power
- Not very balanced
- Can stall under large cutting loads
9. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
This is the best chainsaw if you’re looking for a solid all-around model to help you complete jobs that require you to have a longer bar. This is a 60.3cc, 24-inch gas chainsaw that comes with a chain and guide bar to help you clear your yard to set up space for your croquet set to have friendly competitions when you invite people over. There is a two-cycle engine that has an inertia-activated chain brake that keeps you safe while the saw is in operation, and the oil tank will hold a maximum quantity of 0.7 US pints. The oil pump capacity is 17 ml/min, and you get two-cycle fuel with a bar cover included in the initial purchase.
You do have to buy the chain and bar oil separately when you purchase this best chainsaw, but it comes loaded with features that help make up for this. You’ll get an automatic chain oiler that delivers a steady lubrication amount to reduce friction and a quick-release air filter that makes it easy to clean and replace it when needed. The side-mounted chain tensioning system lets you make very fast adjustments to your chain while you work with minimal interruptions.
Benefits:
- Quick-release air filter
- Side-mounted chain tensioning system
- Two-cycle engine
Drawbacks:
- Clutch tends to burn out
- Can stall and die often
- Challenging to start
10. Greenworks Pro Cordless Chainsaw
The final product on the list of the best chainsaws comes from Greenworks. This is a cordless model that will give you up to 150 cuts when your 2Ah battery is fully charged, and you get one battery when you order the saw. The DigiPro Brushless motors are very reliable, and they’re powerful enough to give you the same performance level that you’d get with a 45cc gas engine. This means that you can use this saw on small and large projects without overdoing it. This machine is a combination of hard plastic and metal to give you a durable but lightweight design that runs for hours.
You can quickly charge the battery on this best chainsaw in 30 minutes to help keep your project moving on track. It has steel buckling spikes with a durable metal handle that has a wraparound design to give you a nice grip for those larger projects. The electronic chain brake gives you a safe operation, and you can use several different battery models with this saw without a problem. If you don’t need the batteries, you can purchase a tool-only package to save money.
Benefits:
- Battery charges in 30 minutes
- Can give you 150 cuts on one charge
- Ergonomic and lightweight design
Drawbacks:
- Plastic parts aren’t as durable
- Can pull power from the battery quickly
- Throws the chain a lot
Best Chainsaw Buying Guide
Now that you know what some of the best chainsaws look like and their brands, you may wonder which buying considerations you need to pay attention to when you start comparing products. The best chainsaws are a nice blend of functionality and durability, and this buying guide will help you narrow down your choices and pick the one that will help you with the most projects around your yard or garden.
Picking out the best chainsaw type right when you start shopping can help you narrow down your choices right away, and this makes comparing the various saws you see that much easier. Your personal preferences will come into play here, but it’s also important to consider the types of projects you want to accomplish with it.
Picking a Chainsaw Type
When it comes to the best chainsaws, you get three broad categories to choose from, and some will work better than others for your needs. The three categories include:
- Battery – Battery powered chainsaws use a battery pack to run. They don’t put out emissions like other types, but they’re slightly restricted in how long they run. These chainsaws are good for taking on small projects around your yard like trimming overgrown hedges or cutting small branches.
- Corded Electric – Corded electric chainsaws are exactly what they sound like. You’ll plug an extension cord into your chainsaw and plug it into an outlet. This gives you a steady supply of power, but it also limits you as to how far you can go before you need another cord.
- Gas – Gasoline-powered chainsaws are very traditional and extremely popular. These are heavy-duty machines that use gas and oil to run, but you can easily take them out into rural areas to help you tackle big jobs. They come in standard and professional models in varying lengths.
Reduced Kickback Features
A reduced kickback chain is a nice safety feature to have when you use your chainsaw. This type of chain comes with extra guard links installed with a slightly less aggressive cutting profile that helps prevent the saw from taking too long to bite and kickback. Many of the best chainsaws also come equipped with a bar with a narrow tip that can limit your cutting area where the most kickback gets generated from. .
You want your chainsaw to have as many safety features as possible because accidents do happen. With a host of safety features and diligence on your part, you can greatly reduce the chances of having an accident when you work.
Automatic Oiling System
If you’re taking on a large project like building an extension, you could find yourself using your chainsaw for long periods of time. To help reduce the friction and keep the chain lubricated, you need an automatic oiling system. This feature allows you to keep cutting without having to stop and manually pump and plunger to keep it lubricated. This system can stop your saw from overheating, and it can help prevent premature wear and tear that can lead to chain breaks.
Tool-Free Chain Adjustment
If you have this type of adjustment system on your saw, it’s a wheel-and-crank mechanism that you operate by hand. This will unlock the lock the chain bar, and it also helps move it out and in so you can easily adjust your chain tensioning without having to use a screwdriver or wrench. You’ll be able to make your adjustments very quickly and easily without compromising your safety.
Vibration Minimization Features
A lot of gas chainsaws come with metal springs or rubber bushings between the saw’s engine, chain, bar, and the handle to help minimize the vibration levels you feel when you cut into something. Without them in place, you can get fatigued very quickly, and it also makes it challenging to keep a firm grip on the saw as it runs. In turn, this can put you in danger of making mistakes or getting injured.
If you have a chainsaw that vibrates all of the time, this can lead to user fatigue. It can also remove your ability to cut cleanly, and this can result in you having to go back and redo parts of your project to get the neat look you want.
Brand
The best chainsaws come from reputable brands because these brands are more likely to use durable materials and have a responsive customer service team on-hand to answer any questions or concerns. A few of the best chainsaw brands include Stihl, Husquvarna, Worx, Craftsman, Echo, Remington, and Greenworks. Buying from these brands increases the chances that you’ll get a versatile chainsaw you can use for years to help clear out a spot for your kid’s playground set, flower garden, or new garage.
Bottom Line
The best chainsaws are very durable and versatile pieces of equipment that help you tackle a broad range of projects around your home and garden. The 10 on our list are excellent examples of the best chainsaws available on the current market, and the short buyer’s guide can help you choose the best one for your wants and needs without breaking the bank.
