8 Best Chainsaws (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right chainsaw can feel overwhelming when you are staring at dozens of models claiming to be the best. I have spent months testing gas, battery, and corded chainsaws to cut through the noise and give you honest, hands-on recommendations. Whether you need a saw for weekend firewood duty, storm cleanup, or daily professional use, this guide covers the best chainsaws you can buy right now in 2026.

Our team looked at cutting power, ease of use, safety features, weight, and long-term reliability across eight top-rated models. We compared battery runtime against gas endurance, tested cold starts, and evaluated how each saw handles hardwood versus softwood. The result is a straightforward breakdown that helps you pick the right tool without second-guessing.

From lightweight battery-powered saws that start with a button to heavy-duty gas machines built for felling large trees, we cover every category. If you are a homeowner who needs something reliable for occasional trimming, or a landowner who cuts cords of firewood each season, there is a chainsaw on this list that fits your situation and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws in 2026

Best Chainsaws in 2026 – Quick Comparison

1. EGO Power+ CS1611 – Best Overall Chainsaw

I have used the EGO Power+ CS1611 for everything from bucking fallen oak limbs to pruning overgrown maples, and it consistently impresses me. The 56V ARC Lithium battery delivers power that genuinely rivals small gas chainsaws. I was cutting through 10-inch hardwood branches without the saw bogging down or losing chain speed, which is something I did not expect from a battery-powered model at this weight.

The push-button start is a game changer if you have ever struggled with a temperamental pull cord on a cold morning. You press the button, squeeze the trigger, and the chain is spinning. There is no gas to mix, no carburetor to adjust, and no exhaust fumes in your face. At just 9 pounds, I could use this saw overhead for limbing without my arms shaking after five minutes.

One thing that stood out during my testing was the lack of vibration. Gas saws transmit constant engine rumble through your hands, but the EGO is smooth. I cut firewood for about 45 minutes straight and my wrists felt fine afterward. The tool-free chain tensioning system works well too — just turn a dial to tighten the chain without reaching for a scrench.

The main trade-off is battery capacity. The included 2.5Ah battery gives you about 130 cuts on a 4×4 piece of lumber, which is solid for weekend projects but will fall short if you are processing an entire cord of wood. I recommend picking up a 5.0Ah or 7.5Ah battery if you plan on longer sessions. Also, note that bar oil is not included, so pick up a bottle before your first cut.

Who Should Buy the EGO Power+ CS1611

This is the ideal chainsaw for homeowners and light-duty property owners who want gas-like cutting power without the hassle of fuel, oil mixing, and pull starts. If you already own other EGO Power+ tools, the shared 56V battery system makes this an even smarter buy since you can swap batteries between your mower, blower, and chainsaw.

It is also a great fit for anyone dealing with storm cleanup, routine tree maintenance, or occasional firewood cutting on a suburban property. The quiet operation means you will not disturb neighbors, and the low vibration makes it comfortable for users who might find gas saws intimidating.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you are a professional who needs to cut hardwood all day, every day, a gas chainsaw like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher will serve you better for sustained heavy work. The 16-inch bar also limits you on larger tree felling jobs. Users who need to cut trees wider than 14 inches in diameter on a regular basis should consider an 18-inch or larger bar option.

2. Oregon CS1500 – Best Corded Electric Chainsaw

The Oregon CS1500 stands out because of one feature that no other chainsaw on this list has: a built-in self-sharpening system. You pull a lever for three to five seconds while the chain is running, and it sharpens the cutters right on the bar. I was skeptical until I tried it myself on a chain that had been dulled from hitting dirt. After a quick sharpen, it was cutting like new again. That feature alone saves you the time and frustration of hand-filing or taking the chain to a shop.

At 12.6 pounds with an 18-inch bar and a powerful 15-amp motor, this saw handles serious cutting tasks. I used it to buck several fallen pine logs up to 16 inches in diameter, and it powered through without stalling. The corded electric motor means you get consistent power with no battery fade and no fuel to mix. As long as you are within reach of a heavy-duty extension cord, you have unlimited runtime.

The tool-free chain tensioning is another feature I appreciated during testing. You turn a dial on the side of the saw to adjust chain tension, no tools required. It takes about 10 seconds. The automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated without you having to think about it, though you do need to keep an eye on the oil reservoir during extended sessions because it can run dry faster than expected.

Out of the box, this saw is ready to go. There is zero assembly required, which I cannot say for most gas chainsaws. Plug it in, fill the oil reservoir, and start cutting. For the number of features and the performance you get, the Oregon CS1500 represents one of the strongest values in the chainsaw market.

Who Should Buy the Oregon CS1500

This chainsaw is perfect for homeowners who want maximum cutting power near their house, garage, or workshop where an extension cord can reach. If you primarily cut firewood in your backyard, prune trees on your property, or need a reliable saw for storm cleanup within 100 feet of an outlet, the unlimited runtime of a corded model is hard to beat.

The self-sharpening system makes this especially appealing for beginners who have never manually sharpened a chain. It removes one of the most common maintenance barriers that keeps people from using their chainsaw regularly. You get professional-grade cutting performance without the learning curve.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to cut trees far from a power source, this saw will not work for you. Running a 200-foot extension cord through the woods is impractical and potentially dangerous. The cord can also get tangled in brush and fallen branches, which becomes a real annoyance when you are working in overgrown areas.

3. Husqvarna 460 Rancher – Best Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a serious piece of equipment designed for people who need to fell large trees and process serious amounts of firewood. The 60.3cc X-Torq engine produces 3.6 horsepower and delivers aggressive cutting power through a 24-inch bar. I used this saw to buck a 22-inch diameter oak log, and it chewed through the hardwood without hesitation. This is the kind of saw that makes quick work of jobs that would stall a smaller machine.

Husqvarna’s Smart Start technology makes a real difference in the pull-start experience. The resistance on the starter cord is noticeably reduced compared to older gas saws I have used. Combined with the combined choke and stop control, the risk of flooding the engine is much lower. Once I got the starting sequence down (choke, pull twice, push choke in, pull to start), it fired up reliably every time.

The Air Injection system is a centrifugal air cleaner that expels dust and debris before it reaches the air filter. In practice, this means less frequent filter cleaning, which matters a lot if you are cutting dry wood in dusty conditions. The LowVib technology uses dampeners between the engine and the handles, which reduces the vibration that causes hand and arm fatigue during long cutting sessions.

The adjustable automatic oil pump is another professional-grade feature. It delivers oil to the bar and chain based on engine speed, so you get more oil during aggressive cuts and less when idling. This is a step up from the fixed-flow oilers on most homeowner saws. You can also swap the 24-inch bar for anything from 13 to 24 inches, making this saw versatile enough for everything from limbing to felling.

Who Should Buy the Husqvarna 460 Rancher

This saw is built for landowners, farmers, and firewood cutters who process several cords of wood per season. If you regularly fell trees over 18 inches in diameter or cut hardwood like oak and hickory, the 60.3cc engine and 24-inch bar give you the reach and power to handle those tasks efficiently. Professional users who need a dependable backup saw also appreciate the Rancher’s reliability.

Anyone who works far from power sources and needs maximum cutting performance without being tethered to a cord or limited by a battery will benefit from this gas-powered machine. The X-Torq engine also delivers better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional two-stroke engines.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you only need a chainsaw for occasional pruning or light trimming, this saw is more power and weight than you need. At 13.2 pounds plus fuel and bar oil, it gets heavy during extended overhead cutting. The gas engine also requires regular maintenance including air filter cleaning, spark plug checks, and proper fuel mixing at a 50:1 ratio. Users who are not comfortable with basic small engine maintenance should consider a battery-powered option instead.

4. Greenworks 80V 18-Inch – Best Battery Chainsaw for Homeowners

The Greenworks 80V chainsaw sits in a sweet spot between homeowner convenience and professional capability. The brushless motor delivers power comparable to a 42CC gas engine, and the 18-inch bar is long enough to handle most trees you will encounter on a residential property. I cut through 14-inch maple trunks with this saw, and it maintained chain speed throughout the cut without bogging down.

The push-button start is a blessing for anyone tired of fighting with pull cords. No fuel mixing, no carburetor adjustments, no winterizing. You charge the battery, push the button, and cut. The 30-minute rapid charger is one of the fastest in this class, which means less downtime between sessions. When the battery runs out, you can top it off while you take a water break and be back to cutting shortly after.

Greenworks backs this saw with a 4-year warranty, which is double what most competitors offer. That kind of warranty coverage tells me the company has confidence in the product’s durability. The automatic oiler keeps the chain properly lubricated, and the easy-adjust tensioning system lets you tighten the chain without tools during a cutting session.

The main limitation is the included 2.0Ah battery. It delivers up to 150 cuts on 4×4 lumber, but under continuous heavy cutting in hardwood, you are looking at 5 to 10 minutes of actual cutting time. For light homeowner tasks like pruning and limbing, that is plenty. But if you are processing firewood for the winter, you will want to invest in a larger 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery for the Greenworks 80V system.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 80V

This is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to ditch the gas can without giving up cutting power. The 18-inch bar handles medium-to-large trees, and the push-button start eliminates the most frustrating part of gas saw ownership. If you value quiet operation and zero emissions, this saw delivers on both fronts while still producing gas-level cutting performance.

The 4-year warranty provides peace of mind that is rare in the battery chainsaw category. Users who already own Greenworks 80V tools like mowers or blowers can share batteries across their entire outdoor power equipment lineup.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Heavy users who need to cut for hours at a time will find the 2.0Ah battery frustrating. Even with a spare battery, the total runtime may not be enough for large firewood processing jobs. Some users have also reported that the battery system loses capacity after 1 to 2 years of regular use, so factor in a replacement battery cost if you plan to use this saw frequently over multiple seasons.

5. DEWALT 60V MAX DCCS672B – Best Professional Cordless Chainsaw

The DEWALT DCCS672B packs a serious punch for a cordless saw. DeWALT claims 26% more peak power and up to 2.5 times the torque of a 40.9CC gas chainsaw, and in my testing, those numbers translate to real-world performance. I was cutting through dense hardwood logs and this saw barely slowed down. The 18-inch bar gives you enough reach for felling medium-sized trees and bucking larger logs.

The low vibration design makes a noticeable difference during extended use. Unlike gas chainsaws that rattle your hands and wrists for the entire cutting session, the DEWALT is smooth and controlled. The auto-oiling feature keeps the chain lubricated continuously, and the onboard wrench allows for quick chain adjustments in the field without carrying extra tools.

One important detail: this is sold as a tool only, meaning the battery and charger are not included. If you already own DeWALT 60V MAX tools, you can share batteries and save money. If this is your first DeWALT 60V tool, you will need to factor in the cost of a battery and charger, which can add significantly to the total investment.

The chain brake provides limited kickback protection, which is standard for this class. During testing, the bar oil consumption was higher than I expected, so keep an eye on the oil reservoir during longer sessions. The chain can also loosen and occasionally derail under heavy use, so frequent tension checks are part of the routine with this saw.

Who Should Buy the DEWALT 60V MAX

This saw is built for professionals and serious DIYers who want cordless convenience without sacrificing gas-level performance. If you already use DeWALT 60V tools on the job site, adding this chainsaw to your lineup is a natural choice since the batteries are interchangeable. Landscapers, arborists who need a supplemental saw for pruning, and property managers maintaining large grounds will all benefit from the power and portability.

Users who value low noise and zero emissions while still needing professional-grade cutting power will find this saw hits the mark. It is also a good fit for indoor or semi-enclosed cutting work where running a gas saw would be unsafe due to exhaust.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you do not already own DeWALT 60V batteries, the total cost with battery and charger pushes this into premium territory. Some users have reported chain tensioner failures under heavy torque loads, so this may not be the best choice if you need a saw that takes abuse day in and day out without any issues. The high bar oil consumption is also something to consider if you are cutting for long stretches.

6. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i – Best Premium Battery Chainsaw

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i represents the next generation of battery-powered chainsaws. Husqvarna claims it delivers more cutting power than comparable gas chainsaws, and my testing supports that for the light-to-medium duty range. The brushless motor runs quiet and produces zero emissions, while the included 7.5Ah battery gives you enough runtime for most homeowner cutting tasks without needing a recharge.

The standout feature is Boost Mode, which delivers 25% more power on demand. When I hit a dense section of hardwood that was slowing the chain, I activated Boost Mode and the saw powered through without hesitation. It is like having a turbo button for tough cuts. The X-Cut chain that comes with the saw holds its edge impressively well, and Husqvarna’s tool-less chain tensioning system makes adjustments quick and straightforward.

At 7.72 pounds without the battery, this is one of the lightest 18-inch chainsaws available from any brand in the battery category. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for overhead limbing and extended pruning sessions. The 40V battery is also compatible with all other Husqvarna 40V handheld tools, so you can build a cordless outdoor equipment system around one battery platform.

The biggest drawback is the battery situation. While the included 7.5Ah battery is generous, it takes 6 to 7 hours to fully charge from empty. That means if you drain the battery in the morning, you are done for the day unless you have a spare. Replacement batteries run about $310 each, which is a significant investment if you need a backup for longer cutting sessions.

Who Should Buy the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i

This saw is ideal for homeowners and property owners who want Husqvarna quality in a battery-powered package. If you value quiet operation, zero maintenance compared to gas, and the convenience of push-button starting, the Power Axe 350i delivers all of that with genuine Husqvarna engineering behind it. The Boost Mode makes it surprisingly capable for a cordless saw.

Users who already own Husqvarna 40V tools like hedge trimmers or blowers will appreciate the cross-compatibility. The lightweight design also makes this a good option for older users or anyone who finds traditional gas chainsaws too heavy for comfortable use.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you cut firewood for hours at a stretch, the long battery charge time and expensive replacement batteries make this a costly option. Some users have also reported that the plastic chain tension mechanism can fail under heavy torque, particularly when the chain pinches in a cut. Professional users who need absolute reliability under heavy daily use may want to consider the gas-powered Husqvarna 460 Rancher instead.

7. SKIL PWR CORE 20 – Best Budget Chainsaw

The SKIL PWR CORE 20 is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a capable chainsaw. This 12-inch battery-powered saw is lightweight enough for one-handed operation, yet powerful enough to handle trees up to 6 or 7 inches in diameter without struggling. I used it to clear a line of small cedar trees and saplings, and it breezed through them with consistent chain speed and zero bogs.

The digital brushless motor is efficient and delivers solid power for the 20V platform. The included 4.0Ah battery lasts surprisingly long, often getting me through multiple days of light cutting before needing a recharge. The auto-lubricating system keeps the chain running smoothly without manual oiling, and the tool-free chain tensioning dial on the side is quick and intuitive to use.

At under 10 pounds with the battery installed, this is one of the most portable chainsaws I have tested. You can carry it up a ladder for pruning work without feeling like you are hauling a boat anchor. The anti-kickback brake provides a safety net that is especially valuable for newer chainsaw users who are still learning proper technique.

The trade-off for the low weight and compact size is cutting capacity. The 12-inch bar means you are limited to trees roughly 10 inches in diameter for comfortable cutting. Anything larger requires multiple passes from different angles, which is slow and less safe. The charger is also noticeably slower than competitors, so plan for overnight charging between sessions.

Who Should Buy the SKIL PWR CORE 20

This is the perfect chainsaw for homeowners who need something for light pruning, limbing small branches, and clearing saplings. If your chainsaw tasks are mostly under 10 inches in diameter, this saw handles them easily at a fraction of the cost of larger models. Beginners who want a low-risk, easy-to-use entry point into chainsaw ownership will also appreciate the lightweight design and safety features.

Anyone who already owns SKIL PWR CORE 20 tools can share the battery, making this an affordable addition to an existing cordless tool collection. It is also a great second saw to keep in the shed for quick trimming jobs when you do not want to drag out a larger saw.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to fell trees larger than 12 inches in diameter, process firewood from mature hardwoods, or tackle any heavy-duty cutting tasks, this saw is too small. The 20V system simply does not have the power or bar length for serious woodcutting. Users who plan to cut regularly for hours should also consider a saw with a faster charger and longer battery life.

8. Husqvarna 120 Mark III – Best Entry-Level Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is the most accessible entry point into Husqvarna’s gas chainsaw lineup. The 38cc X-Torq engine produces 1.88 horsepower and provides enough power for tree pruning, limbing, and felling small to medium trees. I used it to cut through 12-inch softwood trunks, and it handled the task with authority for its displacement class.

The Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system is a carry-over feature from Husqvarna’s professional saws, and it does a good job of keeping dust and debris away from the air filter. The LowVib dampeners reduce engine vibration, which makes a noticeable difference during longer cutting sessions compared to budget gas saws without vibration isolation.

The air purge system and combined choke and stop control are designed to make starting easier. In warm weather with a warm engine, it starts within a few pulls. However, I did find that cold starts required more effort and a specific technique. Once you learn the starting sequence and the saw is broken in after the first few tanks of fuel, starting becomes more reliable.

The automatic oiler handles chain lubrication without intervention, but the reservoir depletes faster than expected. Some users have reported oil leaks from the sprocket area, which appears to be a quality control issue on some units. The 16-inch bar is a good size for homeowner tasks, and Husqvarna recommends using 14 to 18-inch bars with this powerhead, giving you some flexibility.

Who Should Buy the Husqvarna 120 Mark III

This saw is ideal for homeowners who want a gas-powered chainsaw with the reliability of the Husqvarna brand but do not need the power or size of the larger Rancher models. If you cut firewood occasionally, maintain a few acres of wooded property, or need a dependable saw for seasonal pruning and tree care, the 120 Mark III delivers Husqvarna quality at an accessible level.

It is also a good starter gas saw for someone who wants to learn proper chainsaw technique on a manageable, lighter machine. The 16-inch bar is forgiving for new users while still being long enough for most residential tree work. The X-Torq engine also produces lower emissions and better fuel economy than conventional two-stroke engines.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you live in a cold climate and need a saw that starts reliably in freezing temperatures, the 120 Mark III may test your patience. Cold starting difficulties are a common complaint, and gas saws require more maintenance than battery alternatives. Users who are not willing to learn proper starting technique and perform regular maintenance should look at the EGO Power+ or Greenworks battery options instead for a simpler ownership experience.

How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for Your Needs

Picking the right chainsaw comes down to three decisions: power source, bar length, and how often you plan to use it. Each power source has strengths and trade-offs that matter depending on your specific situation. Here is how I break it down for people who ask me for advice.

Gas vs Battery vs Corded Electric

Gas chainsaws like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher and 120 Mark III deliver maximum cutting power and unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel. They are the right choice for heavy-duty work far from power outlets. The trade-off is more maintenance, louder operation, exhaust fumes, and the hassle of mixing fuel at precise ratios.

Battery-powered chainsaws from EGO, Greenworks, DEWALT, and Husqvarna have closed the power gap significantly. They start instantly, produce zero emissions, run quietly, and require minimal maintenance. The limitation is runtime. Even the best batteries run out, and replacement batteries can be expensive. For most homeowners doing occasional cutting, a battery saw is the most practical choice in 2026.

Corded electric chainsaws like the Oregon CS1500 offer unlimited runtime and consistent power as long as you are within extension cord range. They are the most affordable option, require almost no maintenance, and are the quietest of the three types. The cord is the main limitation. If all your cutting happens near your house or garage, a corded saw is hard to beat for value.

Bar Length – What Size Do You Need

The bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. For pruning and limbing, a 12 to 14-inch bar is sufficient. For general homeowner firewood cutting and tree felling, 16 to 18 inches is the sweet spot. For professional logging or felling large trees over 20 inches in diameter, you want a 20 to 24-inch bar.

A common mistake is buying a bar that is too long for the saw’s power. An underpowered saw with a long bar will bog down in cuts and be frustrating to use. Match the bar length to the motor size and your typical cutting tasks. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher pairs its 60.3cc engine with a 24-inch bar because the motor can drive that chain through hardwood. A 38cc saw with a 24-inch bar would struggle.

Safety Features to Look For

Every chainsaw on this list includes a chain brake, which is the most important safety feature. The chain brake stops the chain almost instantly if kickback occurs, preventing the chain from contacting the operator. Inertia-activated chain brakes, like those on the Husqvarna models, engage automatically when the saw jerks suddenly.

Tool-free chain tensioning systems make it easier to maintain proper chain tension, which reduces kickback risk. A loose chain is more likely to derail or cause kickback, so easy tensioning encourages users to keep the chain properly adjusted. Low kickback chains, like the EGO’s brake indicator system and Oregon’s low-kickback design, add another layer of protection.

Other safety considerations include vibration reduction systems, which prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome during extended use, and automatic oilers that keep the chain lubricated to prevent binding and kickback. Always wear proper safety gear including chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection when operating any chainsaw.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership

Gas chainsaws require the most maintenance. You need to mix fuel at the correct ratio (usually 50:1), clean or replace air filters regularly, check spark plugs, and winterize the engine if you store it during the off-season. The trade-off is that gas saws can last for decades with proper care, and they never need battery replacements.

Battery chainsaws need minimal maintenance beyond chain sharpening, bar oil refills, and occasional chain tension adjustments. The main long-term cost is battery replacement. Most lithium-ion batteries last 3 to 5 years with regular use before they lose significant capacity. Factor this replacement cost into your total ownership calculation.

Corded electric saws sit in the middle. They need chain maintenance and bar oil like any chainsaw, but there is no engine maintenance or battery degradation to worry about. The Oregon CS1500’s self-sharpening system further reduces maintenance by eliminating the need for manual chain filing.

FAQs

Our Final Verdict on the Best Chainsaws

After testing all eight of these chainsaws across different cutting scenarios, our top recommendation remains the EGO Power+ CS1611 for most people. It delivers genuine gas-level cutting performance in a lightweight, quiet, and easy-to-use battery package. The push-button start and virtually zero vibration make it accessible for homeowners who want power without the hassle of gas.

For heavy-duty work, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the best gas chainsaw on this list with its powerful 60.3cc engine and 24-inch bar. If budget is your primary concern, the Oregon CS1500 offers incredible value with its self-sharpening system and unlimited corded runtime, while the SKIL PWR CORE 20 is the most affordable way to get into battery-powered cutting.

Whatever your cutting needs in 2026, the best chainsaws combine the right power source, bar length, and safety features for your specific tasks. Match the saw to your workload, not the other way around, and you will have a reliable tool that lasts for years.