Best Chainsaws for DIYers
For limbing, firewood, and storm cleanup, a chainsaw is the tool. Battery saws now beat many gas models for homeowner work; gas still wins for big trees and all-day cutting. Bar length sets the job.
What to look for
- ·Match bar length to the wood: 14 to 16 inches for limbs and small trees, 18 to 20 inches for firewood and larger trunks.
- ·Battery saws are quiet, start instantly, and handle most homeowner cutting. Gas suits big trees and long sessions.
- ·Safety gear is not optional: chaps, eye and ear protection, gloves, and a saw with a chain brake.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ CS2005 20 inch (Battery) | Editor's pick | $300 to $400 | The best all-around saw |
| Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss Gas | Editor's pick | $400 to $500 | Heavy firewood and property work |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas | Editor's pick | $400 to $600 | Larger trees and felling |
| Makita 18V X2 Chainsaw | Best value | $200 to $300 | LXT owners and limbing |
| Echo CS-310 Gas Chainsaw | Best value | $200 to $280 | Value gas reliability |
| Ryobi 40V Brushless Chainsaw | Best value | $180 to $250 | Value battery cutting |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V 12 inch Chainsaw | Budget pick | $120 to $160 | Pruning and small limbs |
| WORX 20V 12 inch Chainsaw | Budget pick | $90 to $140 | Budget light cutting |
| Greenworks 40V 16 inch Chainsaw | Budget pick | $120 to $180 | Lowest-cost battery saw |
Editor's pick
EGO Power+ CS2005 20 inch (Battery)
$300 to $400
A top overall chainsaw that beat gas saws in cutting tests, with a 20-inch bar and 55cc-equivalent power. Quiet, instant-start, and genuinely capable for firewood and storm work.
Best for: The best all-around saw
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss Gas
$400 to $500
A rugged gas saw built for firewood and property work, with strong torque and Stihl reliability. The pick for heavy, all-day cutting.
Best for: Heavy firewood and property work
Typically available at Stihl dealers.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas
$400 to $600
A powerful all-around gas saw popular for felling and bucking larger trees. Strong and durable for serious cutting and bigger properties.
Best for: Larger trees and felling
Typically available at Home Depot, Husqvarna dealers.
Best value
Makita 18V X2 Chainsaw
$200 to $300
A smooth, capable battery saw on two 18V LXT batteries, great if you own the platform. A strong value for limbing and small-tree work.
Best for: LXT owners and limbing
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Echo CS-310 Gas Chainsaw
$200 to $280
A reliable, easy-starting gas saw at a value price, popular for firewood and cleanup. A dependable mid-range workhorse with a long warranty.
Best for: Value gas reliability
Typically available at Home Depot.
Ryobi 40V Brushless Chainsaw
$180 to $250
A solid battery saw on the Ryobi 40V platform with a brushless motor, good for limbs and light firewood. A good value for occasional cordless cutting.
Best for: Value battery cutting
Typically available at Home Depot.
Budget pick
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 12 inch Chainsaw
$120 to $160
A compact, light battery saw on the ONE+ system for pruning and small limbs. Limited bar and power, but handy and cheap for light yard work.
Best for: Pruning and small limbs
Typically available at Home Depot.
WORX 20V 12 inch Chainsaw
$90 to $140
An affordable compact saw for branches and cleanup, with Power Share batteries shared across WORX tools. A budget pick for light cutting.
Best for: Budget light cutting
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Greenworks 40V 16 inch Chainsaw
$120 to $180
A low-cost battery saw with a 16-inch bar for occasional limbing and small firewood. Basic, but a cheap way into cordless cutting.
Best for: Lowest-cost battery saw
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Battery or gas chainsaw?+
Modern battery chainsaws now match or beat many gas saws for homeowner tasks, with instant start, no fuel mixing, and low noise. Gas saws remain best for felling large trees and extended cutting sessions where runtime and raw power matter.
What bar length do I need?+
A 14 to 16 inch bar handles limbs, pruning, and small trees. A 18 to 20 inch bar covers firewood and larger trunks. The bar should be a couple of inches longer than the diameter of what you usually cut.
Is a chainsaw safe for a beginner?+
It can be with respect and the right gear: chaps, helmet with face and ear protection, gloves, and a saw with a chain brake and low-kickback chain. Start with smaller limbs, keep firm footing, and leave large or leaning trees to pros.
How do I maintain a chainsaw?+
Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, the bar oiled, and the air filter clean. On gas saws, use fresh fuel mix. A sharp chain cuts safer and faster, so touch it up often and replace it when worn.
When should I hire a pro instead?+
For large trees, anything near power lines or structures, leaning or dead trees, and overhead limbing, hire a pro. Chainsaw and felling injuries are serious. Homeowner saws are best for limbs, firewood, and small, clear trees.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Tree Removal project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Tree Removal guide →