Best Chainsaws for Homeowners and Pros: 7 Picks Across Gas, Battery, and Electric

A chainsaw is the tool you buy when you need to cut things that no other saw can handle. Fallen trees after a storm, firewood from logs, overgrown limbs, and land clearing all require the raw cutting power that only a chainsaw delivers. It's also the most dangerous power tool most homeowners will own, which makes choosing the right one for your skill level essential.

Here's what actually determines chainsaw performance: bar length and engine displacement (for gas) or voltage and chain speed (for electric). A 16-inch bar handles most homeowner tasks. An 18-inch bar covers serious firewood cutting. A 20-inch or larger bar is for felling trees and professional forestry. Match the bar length to your realistic needs, not your aspirations. A smaller, lighter saw that you control confidently is safer and more effective than a big saw that controls you.

We compared seven chainsaws across gas, battery, and corded electric categories to find the best option for every use case and experience level.

Quick Picks: Best Chainsaws at a Glance

• Best Overall: Husqvarna 460 Rancher. Professional-grade 60.3cc gas saw with 24" bar for serious work.
• Best Battery: EGO Power+ CS1804. 56V cordless with 18" bar, 300 cuts per charge, and instant start.
• Best for the DeWalt Ecosystem: DeWalt DCCS670T1. 60V FLEXVOLT 16" saw with cross-compatible batteries.
• Best Gas for Homeowners: Husqvarna 455 Rancher. 55.5cc engine with 20" bar at a more accessible price.
• Best Corded Electric: Oregon CS1500. Self-sharpening 18" saw with integrated PowerSharp system.
• Best Budget: WORX WG322. 20V cordless 10" saw at under $100 with auto-tension chain.
• Best Gas Value: Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. Professional 59.8cc power with 5-year consumer warranty.

What Actually Matters in a Chainsaw

Before the reviews, here's what keeps you safe and productive with a chainsaw.

Bar length determines the maximum diameter you can cut in a single pass. A 16-inch bar cuts trees up to about 14 inches in diameter (you cut from both sides on larger trees). An 18-inch bar handles most residential trees. A 20-24 inch bar is for large hardwoods and professional forestry. Longer bars are heavier and harder to control. Choose the shortest bar that handles your typical work.

Power source is the first major decision. Gas chainsaws deliver the most power and longest runtime but require fuel mixing, regular maintenance, and produce exhaust and noise. Battery chainsaws start instantly, run quietly, and need minimal maintenance but have limited runtime and less power for heavy cutting. Corded electric chainsaws offer unlimited runtime at the lowest cost but tether you to an outlet.

Chain speed determines cutting efficiency. Faster chain speed means the cutting teeth pass through the wood more frequently per second. Gas saws typically have the highest chain speeds, followed by high-voltage battery saws, then corded electric.

Safety features are non-negotiable. Every chainsaw should have a chain brake (stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs), a throttle lockout (prevents accidental activation), and low-kickback chain (reduces the severity of kickback). All seven saws in this roundup include these features.

Chain tensioning should be tool-free on any saw you buy in 2026. Adjusting chain tension with a wrench is tedious and discourages the frequent tension checks that keep you safe. Tool-free systems take seconds.

Our Top Picks

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 60.3cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Overall)

Husqvarna 460 Rancher 60.3cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Overall)

Property owners and professionals who fell trees, cut firewood, and clear land

BrandHusqvarna

TypeGas chainsaw

Power SourceGas (2-cycle, 50:1 mix)

VoltageN/A

Weight13.2 lbs (powerhead only)

Pros

• Powerful 60.3cc engine handles the most demanding cutting tasks
• 24" bar cuts the largest trees in this roundup
• X-Torq engine is fuel-efficient with reduced emissions
• LowVib anti-vibration for comfortable extended use

Cons

• Heavy at 13.2 lbs (powerhead), heavier assembled
• Requires gas/oil mixing and regular engine maintenance
• Loud at 112 dB (hearing protection mandatory)
• No tool-free chain tensioning

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The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the chainsaw you buy when you need to handle anything. The 60.3cc X-Torq engine delivers 3.6 HP with enough power to fell hardwood trees and buck logs all day. The 24-inch bar is the longest in this roundup, handling the largest trees a homeowner or semi-professional is likely to encounter.

The X-Torq engine design reduces emissions by up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20% compared to standard 2-cycle engines. That translates to less fuel consumption, longer run time per tank, and cleaner operation. Smart Start technology reduces the pull force needed to start the engine, addressing one of the most common complaints about gas chainsaws.

The Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system removes debris before it reaches the air filter, extending filter life and reducing maintenance intervals. LowVib anti-vibration technology dampens vibration through isolating mounts, reducing fatigue during extended use.

This is not a beginner's saw. At 13.2 lbs (powerhead only, heavier with bar, chain, and fuel), it requires upper body strength and chainsaw experience. But for the user who needs to fell 18-inch oak trees and process the firewood, no battery or electric saw matches this capability.

EGO Power+ CS1804 18" 56V Cordless Chainsaw (Best Battery)

EGO Power+ CS1804 18" 56V Cordless Chainsaw (Best Battery)

Homeowners who want gas-equivalent cutting without gas hassles

BrandEGO

TypeBattery-powered chainsaw

Power SourceCordless (56V ARC Lithium)

Voltage56V

Weight14.5 lbs (with battery)

Warranty5-year tool, 3-year battery

Pros

• Gas-equivalent cutting performance in a battery package
• 300 cuts per charge provides substantial runtime
• Instant start, zero emissions, low noise
• 5-year tool warranty is the best in its category

Cons

• 14.5 lbs with battery is heavier than some gas saws
• 56V batteries are only compatible with EGO tools
• Limited sustained runtime for all-day firewood processing
• Less raw power than 55cc+ gas saws

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The EGO CS1804 is the battery chainsaw that made homeowners stop dismissing electric chainsaws as toys. The 56V brushless motor delivers performance equivalent to a 45cc gas chainsaw, which handles firewood, storm cleanup, and tree limbing with genuine authority.

At 300 cuts on a 4x4 per charge with the included 5.0 Ah battery, runtime is substantial enough for most homeowner cutting sessions. The instant start (pull the trigger and it cuts) eliminates the yanking, flooding, and priming ritual of gas saws. Zero emissions means you can use it in enclosed spaces for storm damage, and the reduced noise won't disturb your neighbors at 7 AM.

Tool-free chain tensioning uses a twist-dial system that takes seconds. The automatic chain lubrication keeps the chain oiled. Built-in LED lights illuminate the cutting area in dim conditions. IPX4 water resistance means you can use it in rain (which is when storm cleanup usually happens).

The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty are the best in the battery chainsaw category. The 56V battery is compatible with 75+ other EGO outdoor power tools.

The limitation versus gas is sustained heavy-duty cutting. The 5.0 Ah battery won't power through an entire day of firewood processing. For that, you need a second battery or a gas saw. For the typical homeowner who needs to handle fallen branches, process occasional firewood, and maintain their property, the EGO is the ideal tool.

DeWalt DCCS670T1 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 16" Chainsaw Kit (Best for DeWalt Ecosystem)

DeWalt DCCS670T1 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 16" Chainsaw Kit (Best for DeWalt Ecosystem)

DeWalt 20V/60V MAX users who want a chainsaw that shares batteries with their existing tools

BrandDeWalt

TypeBattery-powered chainsaw kit

Power SourceCordless (60V MAX FLEXVOLT)

Voltage60V MAX

Weight~12.2 lbs (with battery)

Warranty3-year limited

Pros

• FLEXVOLT battery cross-compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX and 60V tools
• Lightweight at ~12.2 lbs with battery
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Oregon bar and chain for quality cutting components

Cons

• 16" bar limits maximum cutting diameter vs. 18-20" alternatives
• 70 cuts per charge is less than the EGO (300 cuts)
• .043" gauge chain is thinner and less durable than .050"
• 2.0 Ah battery provides limited runtime for heavy cutting

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The DeWalt DCCS670T1 is the chainsaw to buy if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT tools. The FLEXVOLT battery is backward compatible with every 20V MAX tool in your collection, which means the battery investment serves double duty. No other chainsaw brand offers this level of cross-compatibility with a professional power tool ecosystem.

The 16-inch Oregon bar and chain handle the majority of homeowner cutting tasks: fallen branches, firewood up to 14 inches in diameter, and general yard maintenance. Tool-free chain tensioning makes adjustments quick. The chain brake provides kickback protection.

Up to 70 cuts per charge on 6x6 pressure-treated pine gives you a realistic session's worth of cutting. The .043 inch gauge chain is thinner than the standard .050 inch, which means it removes less material per pass and puts less load on the motor. This improves battery efficiency at the cost of slightly less durability in heavy use.

At ~12.2 lbs with battery, it's lighter than the EGO and most gas saws. The 16-inch bar limits maximum cutting diameter compared to 18-inch or 20-inch alternatives, but covers the majority of residential tasks.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 55.5cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Gas for Homeowners)

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 55.5cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Gas for Homeowners)

Homeowners who need gas power for firewood, storm cleanup, and occasional tree felling

BrandHusqvarna

TypeGas chainsaw

Power SourceGas (2-cycle, 50:1 mix)

VoltageN/A

Weight13.2 lbs (powerhead only)

Pros

• 55.5cc engine handles serious homeowner cutting tasks
• 20" bar is the versatile sweet spot for residential use
• Same pro features as the 460 (X-Torq, Smart Start, LowVib)
• Slightly more affordable than the 460 Rancher

Cons

• Same weight as the 460 at 13.2 lbs
• Requires gas/oil mixing and regular maintenance
• Loud operation requiring hearing protection
• No tool-free chain tensioning

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The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the gas chainsaw for homeowners who know they need gas power but don't need the full 60.3cc of the 460 Rancher. The 55.5cc engine delivers 3.5 HP, enough to fell medium hardwood trees and process firewood all day.

The 20-inch bar is a versatile all-around size. It handles trees up to roughly 18 inches in diameter from one side (or larger from both sides), bucking logs for firewood, and limbing branches. For most residential properties, a 20-inch bar covers every scenario.

The same Smart Start, Air Injection, X-Torq, and LowVib technologies from the 460 are present here. The practical difference is 5cc less displacement and 0.1 HP less power. For trees under 18 inches in diameter and standard firewood processing, you won't notice the difference.

At roughly $50 less than the 460, the savings is modest. The real reason to choose the 455 over the 460 is the 20-inch bar: it's shorter, lighter, and easier to control. If you don't regularly fell trees larger than 18 inches, the 455 is the smarter choice.

Oregon CS1500 15-Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw (Best Corded Electric)

Oregon CS1500 15-Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Chainsaw (Best Corded Electric)

Homeowners who want the lowest-maintenance chainsaw with unlimited runtime near an outlet

BrandOregon

TypeCorded electric chainsaw

Power SourceCorded (120V)

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight12.6 lbs

Warranty2-year

Pros

• Self-sharpening PowerSharp system is unique and time-saving
• Unlimited runtime (corded, no battery to drain)
• 18" bar handles substantial cutting at a budget price
• Very affordable at ~$109

Cons

• Extension cord limits mobility and working range
• 12.6 lbs is heavy for a corded electric saw
• Less powerful than gas or top-tier battery saws
• Cord management during cutting can be hazardous

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The Oregon CS1500 has one feature that no other chainsaw offers: integrated self-sharpening. The built-in PowerSharp system sharpens the chain in 3 seconds by pulling a lever while the saw is running. No removing the chain, no filing individual teeth, no expensive sharpening tools. Pull the lever, run the saw for 3 seconds, and the chain is sharp again.

This feature alone makes the Oregon the best choice for homeowners who don't want to learn chain sharpening (which is most homeowners). A dull chain is dangerous: it causes the operator to push harder, which increases kickback risk. The PowerSharp system keeps the chain consistently sharp with zero skill required.

The 15-amp motor and 18-inch bar provide enough cutting power for fallen branches, small tree felling, and firewood processing within extension cord reach. Instant start, zero emissions, and much lower noise than gas saws add to the convenience.

The limitation is the cord. You need a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord, and your working radius is limited. For cutting within 100 feet of an outlet, that's fine. For remote property work, go battery or gas.

WORX WG322 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Chainsaw (Best Budget)

WORX WG322 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Chainsaw (Best Budget)

Homeowners who need a lightweight chainsaw for branches, light pruning, and small cleanup tasks

BrandWORX

TypeCompact cordless chainsaw

Power SourceCordless (20V Power Share)

Voltage20V

Weight6.2 lbs

Warranty3-year limited

Pros

• Complete kit under $100 with battery and charger
• Ultra-lightweight at 6.2 lbs for fatigue-free use
• Auto-tension chain system requires zero maintenance
• Compatible with 75+ WORX Power Share tools

Cons

• 10" bar severely limits cutting capacity
• 20V motor lacks power for serious cutting
• Slow chain speed compared to larger saws
• Not suitable for tree felling or heavy firewood processing

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The WORX WG322 is the entry point for cordless chainsaws, and at $99 with battery and charger included, it's an accessible one. The patented auto-tension chain system keeps the chain at optimal tension automatically, eliminating the most common maintenance task and the most common safety concern for inexperienced users.

At 6.2 lbs, it's the lightest chainsaw in this roundup by a wide margin. One-handed operation is comfortable for extended periods. The 10-inch bar handles branches up to about 8 inches in diameter, storm debris, and light pruning. The automatic chain lubrication with oil level indicator keeps the chain oiled.

The WORX Power Share battery is compatible with 75+ tools across the 20V, 40V, and 80V ecosystem. The 3-year warranty provides confidence in the purchase.

The limitations are clear: a 10-inch bar and 20V motor cannot fell trees or process large firewood. The chain speed is slow compared to larger saws. This is a branch saw and a cleanup tool, not a logging tool. Within that scope, it's well-built and well-priced.

Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf 59.8cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Gas Value)

Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf 59.8cc Gas Chainsaw (Best Gas Value)

Users who want professional-grade gas power at a consumer-friendly price with the best warranty

BrandEcho

TypeGas chainsaw

Power SourceGas (2-stroke)

VoltageN/A

Weight13.2 lbs (dry)

Warranty5-year consumer / 1-year commercial

Pros

• 5-year consumer warranty is the best for any gas chainsaw
• 4.02 HP engine is the most powerful in this roundup
• Clutch-driven oiler reduces oil waste
• Tool-free chain tensioning on a gas saw is uncommon

Cons

• Heavy at 13.2 lbs (standard for this displacement class)
• Requires gas/oil mixing and standard 2-stroke maintenance
• Loud during operation (hearing protection required)
• Less brand recognition than Husqvarna in some markets

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The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf delivers professional-grade power (59.8cc, 4.02 HP) at a consumer-friendly price with the best warranty in the gas chainsaw market: 5 years for consumer use. That warranty is longer than anything Husqvarna, Stihl, or any other gas chainsaw manufacturer offers in this class.

The G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner reduces filter maintenance. The decompression valve makes starting easier. The clutch-driven oiler is a smart engineering detail: it only pumps oil when the chain is moving, reducing oil waste compared to constant-flow oilers on most competitors.

Tool-free chain tensioning on a gas chainsaw is uncommon, and the Echo includes it. The side-access tensioner makes adjustments quick and easy. Dual post chain brake provides kickback protection.

The 20-inch bar is available in 18-inch and 24-inch configurations, giving you flexibility to match the bar to your specific tasks. The 4.02 HP engine actually exceeds the Husqvarna 460 Rancher's 3.6 HP, making the Echo the most powerful saw per dollar in this roundup.

Chainsaw Buying Guide: How to Choose

Match the saw to your tasks

• Light pruning and branch cleanup (under 8" diameter): The WORX WG322 ($99) or Oregon CS1500 ($109) handles the work.
• Firewood processing and storm cleanup: The EGO CS1804 ($279) or DeWalt DCCS670T1 ($329) deliver battery convenience with real cutting power.
• Regular firewood and medium tree felling: The Husqvarna 455 Rancher ($499) or Echo CS-590 ($449) provide all-day gas power.
• Large tree felling and professional work: The Husqvarna 460 Rancher ($549) with its 24" bar handles the biggest jobs.

Safety is not optional

Chainsaw safety gear is essential, not optional: hearing protection (for gas saws), safety chaps or pants (protects your legs from chain contact), eye protection, and work gloves. The chaps alone have prevented countless serious injuries. Budget $100-150 for basic safety gear with any chainsaw purchase.

Maintain the chain

A sharp chain is a safe chain. A dull chain requires more force from the operator, which increases fatigue and kickback risk. Learn to sharpen your chain with a file guide ($15-20) or use the Oregon CS1500's self-sharpening system. Sharpen after every few hours of use, or whenever cutting slows noticeably.

Common Questions

Gas vs. battery chainsaw: which is better?

For most homeowners, a battery chainsaw (like the EGO CS1804) is the better choice. Instant start, minimal maintenance, low noise, and no exhaust make it more practical for residential use. Gas chainsaws are better for professional use, all-day cutting, and remote locations without charging access.

What size chainsaw do I need for firewood?

A 16-18 inch bar handles most firewood. If you're processing logs from large trees, a 20-inch bar gives you more cutting capacity. Match the bar length to the typical diameter of wood you'll be cutting.

How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?

Sharpen after every tank of gas (for gas saws) or every battery charge cycle (for battery saws) as a baseline. Sharpen sooner if the saw produces sawdust instead of chips, requires excessive force, or cuts crooked. A sharp chain is the single most important factor in safe, efficient chainsaw operation.

Can I cut wet wood with a chainsaw?

Yes. Wet wood is actually easier to cut than dry wood because the moisture lubricates the chain. Just ensure you dry the saw and chain after use to prevent rust. Gas chainsaws handle wet conditions better than battery models (though the EGO's IPX4 rating provides rain resistance).

Final Thoughts

For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ CS1804 at $279 is the chainsaw to buy. The 56V battery delivers gas-equivalent cutting for residential tasks, the 300-cut runtime covers most cutting sessions, and the instant start, zero emissions, and minimal maintenance make it the most practical daily-use chainsaw.

If you need gas power for heavy-duty work, the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf at $449 delivers professional-grade 4.02 HP with the best warranty in the gas chainsaw market (5 years). For the absolute most capability, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher at $549 with its 24-inch bar handles any tree you'll encounter.

For the lowest entry point, the WORX WG322 at $99 (complete kit) handles branches and light cleanup, while the Oregon CS1500 at $109 adds self-sharpening convenience with unlimited corded runtime.

And if you're already invested in DeWalt tools, the DCCS670T1 at $329 uses the same FLEXVOLT batteries as your circular saw, miter saw, and drill. One battery system, one charger, every tool.