Recommended Free Tools
The best chainsaw depends on the cut: a compact battery pruner suits small branches, while firewood and larger logs call for a full-size saw with enough power to pull its chain under load. This shortlist draws on Bob Vila’s category-based review, updated July 16, 2025, and identifies each saw’s intended work rather than treating different power classes as directly comparable. Battery-test findings published or updated in 2026 are labeled by date.
Bob Vila’s visible recommendations include eleven category entries, although its title promises top picks. To make this a ten-saw guide, this list combines the two light-duty garden choices into one compact-use entry. Awards below belong to the reviewers named, not to a shared head-to-head ranking.
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How to choose a chainsaw for the job
Start with the material and the largest cut you expect to make—not the highest advertised chain speed. A small pruning saw is for small branches and brush, not firewood rounds or felling. A longer bar can reach through larger material, but only if the saw has enough power to keep the chain cutting under load. The 20-inch-plus battery class is aimed at demanding work; bar length alone does not make a saw suitable for a task or operator.
The Tool Desk
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- General yard work and seasonal storm cleanup: a mid-size battery, gas, or corded saw may fit, depending on access to power, expected runtime, and the material.
- Firewood and acreage maintenance: compare a full-size saw’s loaded cutting performance, bar configuration, working weight, and run time against the wood you actually cut.
- Large logs or demanding cutting: consider the larger-bar class only if the saw is built to drive it and the work is within your training and experience.
Battery saws trade fuel handling and cord restrictions for battery runtime, charging needs, and platform compatibility. If you already own compatible batteries, a bare tool may be more practical than another kit; if not, compare the full package, including battery and charger. Gas saws suit work away from charging or electrical access but bring fuel, starting, maintenance, and noise considerations. Corded saws avoid battery runtime limits but restrict movement and require safe cord management. Follow the model’s manual for power connection requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher gas chainsaw 20 inch combines exceptional ergonomic features for easier handling and mobility with the superior power of a gas chainsaw—recommended for use with bar lengths between 13 inches (min) and 20 inches (max)
- Effortless Start-Up: Smart Start allows this Husqvarna chainsaw to quickly and easily start up with minimal effort, while the inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback
- Powerful and Efficient Engine: Gas powered chainsaw delivers superior performance with a powerful and efficient 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP X-Torq engine
- Air Injection Technology: Equipped with a centrifugal air cleaning system that expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter for improved engine life
- Easy Handling and Ergonomic Design: This 20 inch chainsaw features a soft inlay, ergonomic trigger and asymmetrical handle for increased comfort, plus LowVib technology for easier handling of recommended 13 to 20-inch chainsaw bars
Weights below are reported in different configurations and should not be treated as directly comparable unless the setup is stated. Likewise, a kit price (where current pricing is available) would not be comparable with a bare-tool price unless battery, charger, and other included items are accounted for. Current prices and availability are not established here; verify the exact variant, bar bundle, and kit contents before buying.
Ten chainsaws matched to common jobs
| Model and reviewer designation | Power and bar | Best fit | Weight or configuration | What the review establishes | Kit and limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MSA 300 C-O — Bob Vila’s “Best Overall” (2025) | Battery; 16-, 18-, or 20-inch bar options | General cutting where portability and lower noise are priorities | 36-volt battery; 14.1 lb with battery, as listed by Bob Vila | Bob Vila reports favorable test impressions for cutting performance, noise, and maneuverability. | Confirm which bar and battery configuration is included. The review’s category award is not proof of equivalent performance to a gas saw in every task. |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16-inch chainsaw kit with blower — Bob Vila’s “Best Bang for the Buck” (2025) | Battery; 16-inch bar | Buyers who can use both tools in the bundle | Not stated for a working configuration in the cited summary | Bob Vila’s award applies to the package, not just the saw. | Includes a blower; compare bundle contents with other offers, and check whether the battery and charger suit your needs. |
| Husqvarna 450 Rancher — Bob Vila’s “Upgrade Pick” (2025) | Gas; 18- or 20-inch bar configurations listed | Firewood and broader property maintenance, subject to operator skill and exact setup | 11.33 lb listed by Bob Vila; the weight basis and current configuration should be confirmed | Bob Vila identifies it as its upgrade choice. | Verify the exact model, bar bundle, and weight basis. Gas ownership involves fuel, starting, maintenance, and noise trade-offs. |
| Craftsman 16-inch 12-amp corded chainsaw — Bob Vila’s “Best Corded” (2025) | Corded electric; 16-inch bar | Yard work within reach of a suitable power connection | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila places it in the corded category. | Restricted by cord reach and management; follow the manual’s power-cord requirements and keep the cord clear of the cutting area. |
| DeWalt FlexVolt 60V MAX 16-inch chainsaw kit — Bob Vila’s “Most Versatile” (2025) | Battery; 16-inch bar | Owners weighing a 60V MAX platform purchase for varied yard work | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila’s category award recognizes versatility. | Check whether the listed kit includes a battery and charger, and whether those match your existing platform equipment. |
| Ryobi One+ 40V HP 14-inch kit — Bob Vila’s “Best Light-Duty” (2025) | Battery; 14-inch bar | Lighter yard cuts and occasional cleanup | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila classifies it as light-duty. | Not a substitute for a saw sized and powered for heavy logs. Confirm package contents. |
| Skil PwrCore 40 Brushless 40V 14-inch kit — Bob Vila’s “Best Medium-Duty” (2025) | Battery; 14-inch bar | Medium-duty cuts when its capacity and working weight fit the material | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila gives it a medium-duty category award. | Compare loaded weight, runtime, and cutting capacity with the job; confirm included battery and charger. |
| Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf — Bob Vila’s “Best Heavy-Duty” (2025) | Gas; 18-, 20-, or 24-inch bars named in the comparison | Heavier cutting by an appropriately trained operator | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila identifies it as its heavy-duty pick. | Verify the exact variant and bar bundle. A long bar does not make demanding cuts safe for an inexperienced operator. |
| Makita 18V LXT Brushless 10-inch top-handle saw — Bob Vila’s “Best for Camping” (2025) | Battery; 10-inch bar | Compact cutting needs such as campsite cleanup, within the saw’s capacity | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila selects it for camping. | Top-handle design is not a general-purpose ground saw; do not use it for climbing or elevated cutting without proper training. |
| Greenworks 24V 6-inch brushless battery pruner — Bob Vila’s “Best for Gardens” (2025) | Battery; 6-inch cutting attachment | Small branches and brush | Not stated in the cited summary | Bob Vila says it is too small for medium or large branches and logs. | A compact pruning tool, not a replacement for a full-size chainsaw. Confirm battery and charger contents. |
What later battery tests add
Battery chainsaw comparisons published after 2025 provide useful evidence about performance under load, but they are not part of the 2025 category awards above.
Rank #2
- High-Strength Steel: Cut trees quickly with our gas chainsaw, thanks to its high-strength steel chain and bar. The 12" bar reduces sawdust splatter, keeping your work area cleaner and safer. This chainsaw is designed to boost your efficiency and comfort on the job. If you encounter startup issues, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service for assistance.
- Flexible and Lightweight: Our gas powered chainsaw is easy to handle with its lightweight design and 25.4CC engine. It cuts through wood smoothly without any stalls. With 1.2HP power, 0.75KW/8500 RPM engine speed, and the max speed reaching up to 11500 RPM, you'll enjoy a nimble and effortless cutting experience.
- Easy Cutting: Tackle both trimming and felling tasks with ease. The gasoline powered chain saw's cutting diameter reaches 9.84"/250 mm, making it versatile for all your outdoor cutting needs.
- Easy to Handle: Weighing just 9.26 lbs/4.2 kg, this top handle gas chainsaw is comfortable to use with one hand and won't tire you out. Its ergonomic wrap-around handle ensures a secure grip, so you can work longer without discomfort.
- Durable Fuel Tank: Built with a tough outer shell, our top handle chainsaw's fuel tank withstands rough conditions and prevents leaks. With a 0.24 qt/230ml fuel tank and a 0.17 qt/160ml chain oil tank, you'll spend less time refueling and more time cutting.
Cutting performance matters more than unloaded chain speed
Project Farm’s comparison of nine cordless saws, updated August 27, 2026, examined no-load sprocket speed, acceleration, weight, several cutting tasks, stall force, runtime, and sound, using a Stihl MS 250 gas saw as a benchmark. Its cuts included laminated softwood, a weighted cut, and difficult Osage orange. Project Farm found that the fastest unloaded saws were near the bottom of some cutting tests, while its slowest-chain model tied for the strongest in a stall-force measurement. That is a reason to compare actual loaded cutting results and runtime, not to infer cutting ability from chain speed alone. Project Farm’s battery chainsaw test
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Large-bar battery saws are a separate comparison class
Concord Carpenter’s 2025 comparison evaluated five battery saws with bars of at least 20 inches: the EGO 56V CS2005, DeWalt DCCS677B, Greenworks Commercial HOG OCS800-C5DP-24, Milwaukee 2827-22, and Ryobi RY40HPCW03. Its criteria included weight, noise, cutting speed, crosscutting runtime, board milling, features, ergonomics, and value; price affected its value category, not its overall score. The CS2005’s “55cc gas-equivalent” figure is a manufacturer/review claim, not a measured engine displacement. The article describes this class as useful for demanding work, including some professional and firewood applications, not as a default homeowner size. Concord Carpenter’s 20-inch battery chainsaw comparison
Rank #3
- [Safe and Reliable Structural Design]:Gas chainsaw is equipped with dual throttle switches, which need to be pressed by you at the same time to start, which can effectively prevent accidental starting. The high-quality brake baffle can make emergency braking, which can effectively protect your hands and ensure safety during use.
- [2-Stroke Cycle Engine]: Gas chainsaw uses the latest two-stroke cycle engine, which is high efficiency, high power, reliable work, and long life.The average specific fuel consumption of the engine is lower than that of the original engine by about 10%.The chainsaws Suitable conquer tree felling, wood cutting for lumberman’s in the forest or other use.
- [Professional Gas Saw Chain]：Saw chain is an important part of forest cutting saws, and its performance affects the efficiency of sawing, fuel consumption and labor intensity directly. Saw chain has the characteristics of high quality, sharp edge, fast cutting, extreme wear resistance, long service life, etc. coupled with a comfortable handle, can improve your efficiency and long-term use is not easy to fatigue.
- [Automatic oil injection lubrication] : The automatic oil supply system can automatically spray oil for lubrication during the operation of the machine, reducing the wear of the chain and parts, and improving the service life of the chain and the guide plate.(Note :some oil will residue on chains and back flow on the bottom of clutch then drip oil. This is a common phenomenon for all kinds of chainsaws, not defective).
- [Easy Purchase Decision]: Gas Chainsaw has the advantages of high power, high efficiency, small size and light weight. Besides, Gas Chainsaw are backed by our 1-Year Warranty,This is an Extremely Easy Purchase Decision.12 months Guarantee Period.During the Guarantee Period ,you could contact us to solve your problems,like Technical Support,Missing parts,Damaged Parts,Parts wear and tear and so on.If there is something problems with accessories ,we will sent you a new parts.
Later model-level options
Pro Tool Reviews’ 2026 guide lists the Ryobi Gen 2 RY40HPCW03 as a runner-up: a 20-inch bar, a claimed 52cc gas equivalent, 13.1 lb bare, and 17.2 lb with an 8.0Ah battery. It notes value and cutting capability alongside fewer features than competitors. The same guide lists the EGO CS1611 as a value option for general tree maintenance and seasonal storm cleanup, with a 16-inch bar, 9 lb bare, and 13.7 lb with a 4.0Ah battery. These are figures and assessments reported by that outlet, not independent measurements in this guide. Pro Tool Reviews’ 2026 battery chainsaw guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Safety is part of the buying decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says approximately 36,000 people are treated in hospital emergency departments each year for chainsaw injuries; its safety page is dated August 26, 2026, and the figure is an annual estimate, not a confirmed count for calendar year 2026. The CDC recommends matching saw size to the task and considering a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher, and spark arrester. These features do not replace training, protective equipment, or safe technique. CDC chainsaw safety guidance
Rank #4
- High-Strength Steel: Cut trees quickly with our gas chainsaw, thanks to its high-strength steel chain and bar. The 18" bar reduces sawdust splatter, keeping your work area cleaner and safer. This chainsaw is designed to boost your efficiency and comfort on the job. If you encounter startup issues, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service for assistance.
- Powerful Performance: Featuring a 52CC engine, our gas powered chainsaw cuts through wood smoothly without any stalls. With 2.55HP power, 1.9KW/8500 RPM engine speed, and the max speed reaching up to 12000 RPM, you'll enjoy the ultimate sense of operation brought by strong power.
- Comfortable and Stable: Enjoy a stable and comfortable cutting experience with the built-in shock absorber. It reduces vibrations, extends the life of your gasoline powered chain saw, and lowers maintenance costs, making your work more enjoyable.
- Easy Cutting: Tackle both trimming and felling tasks with ease. The gasoline powered chain saw's cutting diameter reaches 16.93"/430 mm, making it versatile for all your outdoor cutting needs.
- Durable Fuel Tank: Built with a tough outer shell, our top handle chainsaw's fuel tank withstands rough conditions and prevents leaks. With a 0.58 qt/550ml fuel tank and a 0.27 qt/260ml chain oil tank, you'll spend less time refueling and more time cutting.
OSHA’s workplace fact sheet advises operators to use proper protective equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, inspect the saw before use, start it on firm support with the brake engaged, keep both hands on the handles, maintain secure footing, and avoid the kickback zone and overhead cuts. It also warns against work beyond the operator’s skill, including unstable or leaning trees, rotten trees, and work from ladders or at height. OSHA’s material is workplace guidance, not a substitute for hands-on training, the saw’s manual, or local requirements. OSHA: Working Safely with Chainsaws
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 14 INCH BAR: 120 Mark III Chainsaw with 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauage is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient cutting tool
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT: 38-cc Husqvarna chainsaws with X-Torq engine delivers a great power and torque thanks to highly efficient combustion
- INERTIA ACTIVATED CHAIN BRAKE: intertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
- LOWVIB TECHNOLOGY: Dampeners between the engine and chassis significantly reduce vibrations so you can work more comfortably
- SEPARATE CHOKE/STOP SWITCH CONTROLS: Stop switch automatically resets when the choke is pulled out to help prevent accidental flooding
- Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, cut-resistant legwear from waist to top of foot, and boots covering the ankles, as recommended by CDC.
- Check controls, chain tension, bolts, handles, and chain lubrication before cutting; keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned as directed by the manual.
- Use a stable stance, two hands, and the chain brake as instructed. Keep bystanders away from the work area.
- Do not treat storm-damaged, tensioned, unstable, overhead, or elevated cutting as a beginner task.
- Use the owner’s manual or verified manufacturer information for oil type, chain pitch and gauge, drive-link count, and replacement bar; these specifications vary by model.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
