To find the best overall chainsaw on the market, we began researching factors, including each chainsaw’s power source (electric or gas), overall power output, bar length, and weight. While some may opt for traditional gas chainsaws for their raw horsepower, others might want a more eco-friendly, quieter solution for taking care of tasks around the house. Depending on the tasks you are handling, selecting a chainsaw with the proper bar length and power output can be essential. To help you, we’ve assembled this guide to help you find the best overall chainsaw for any situation.
In our research, we found the WORX WG303.1 16” electric chainsaw to be the best overall chainsaw. This electrically powered option sports a 14.5 amp motor, driving a 16” bar, perfect for homeowners, farmers, and ranchers, looking to complete tasks such as cutting timber. The WG303.1 even features a built-in chain brake and kick bar for added safety during use. Keep reading to learn more about the best overall chainsaws on the market. Before we get started, take a quick look at other powerful tools out there.
Top 5 Best Overall Chainsaws
#1 WORX WG303.1 16” Electric Chainsaw
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: WORX provides the perfect balance of function and affordability as well as a lightweight electric chainsaw with a powerful 14.5-amp motor and a large 16-inch bar.
- Best all electric design
- Powerful 14.5 amp electric motor
- Automatic oil lubrication
- Dispense too much oil
If you have a few things that you need to take care of on your property, the WORX WG303.1 chainsaw might be your new best companion. Featuring a large 16-inch cutting bar and a powerful 14.5-amp electric motor, the WG303.1 has a chain speed of 12-meters per second. In addition to the machine’s power, it also sports a few welcomed safety features, including a low kickback bar and built-in chain brake.
We also love that the chainsaw features a built-in oil tank that automatically lubricates your chain for optimal performance. We do recommend using a thicker oil, however, as this chainsaw seems to dispense too much of the traditional oil that one would typically use. Overall, it’s the best chainsaw for firewood, and makes an excellent winter sidekick. The best nail gun also comes in handy in your tool kit.
#2 Husqvarna 20-Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a gas chainsaw with pure horsepower, this is the chainsaw for you, thanks to its 55cc engine and massive 20-inch cutting bar. With this chainsaw, you can handle whatever nature throws at you.
- Best petrol and high HP
- Extra-large 20-inch cutting bar
- Maximum horsepower with 55cc engine
- Audibly loud during usage
Need to handle your property and fight back against nature? The Husqvarna chainsaw is up to the challenge thanks to its powerful gas engine; this 55cc engine can operate at up to 9000 rpm, taking down trees as if they were butter. The included extra-large 20-inch cutting bar allows you to tackle larger tasks that smaller chainsaws might not be able to handle. As a result, the Husqvarna is the best professional chainsaw and due to its large bar, it is the best large professional chainsaw too.
Related: Check out the best parts washers.
When it comes to maintenance, the 455 does feature an automatic oiling function, as well as an easy to remove air filter. Of course, you do get power with this unit, but due to it using a conventional gas engine, just know that it’s a bit on the louder side, so we would avoid working on an early Sunday morning. For our friends in the UK, we would also recommend this product as the best petrol chainsaw available. Some projects require more precision, and the best jigsaw may be what you need there.
#3 Sun Joe SWJ807E 10-Inch Electric Pole Chainsaw
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Sun Joe chainsaw provides a versatile and affordable option for those on a budget; it sports an 8-amp motor for working on tree limbs hip to 9.5-inches thick, as well as an attachment for easy overhang limb trimming.
- Great for cutting brands thanks for extension attachment
- Reach up to 8.8-feet in the air
- Available in multiple colors
- Not the most powerful option
If you’re looking for a great affordable chainsaw option, then Sun Joe has you covered with the SWJ807E. This 2-in-1 chainsaw can convert between a standard handheld chainsaw and a more extended pole chainsaw — great for trimming overhanging tree limbs. It’s no slouch either; the pole can extend up to 8.8-feet for excellent reach.
The 10-inch Sun Joe cutting par is perfect for tackling small projects in tight spaces. We also love that the SWJ807E is available in a variety of colors, including green, black, blue, red, and purple. Just note that the SWJ807E is for smaller projects, and isn’t for anyone looking to take down large trees. The best pole saw on the other hand will help you chop tree limbs.
#4 Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
Award: BEST NO WIRES AND NO GAS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Greenworks gives you the freedom to work everywhere with the company’s cordless chainsaw; with a single charge, the 40V brushless motor can handle up to 150 cuts without needing to revisit an outlet.
- Battery system compatible with 25 other Greenworks tools
- 150-cuts per battery charge
- 70% less vibration during use
- Chain tension needs monitoring
Electric chainsaw options can be excellent, but they can also keep you tethered to an outlet which can be frustrating. Greenworks gets rid of the extension cord and introduces the 16-inch 40V cordless chainsaw; it uses the company’s Greenworks G-Max 40V batteries to handle up to 150 cuts on a single charge.
Thanks to the brushless motor design, the chainsaw delivers up to 30% more torque than a non-brushless motor, as well as a 70% reduction in vibrations. The one bit we aren’t thrilled about is the chain tensioning mechanism, which despite being automatic, needs monitoring as it can be prone to falling off. Your garage also needs the best corded drill for your other projects.
#5 Earthwise CVP41810 7 10″ Handheld Chainsaw 4-in-1 Multi Tool
Award: MOST COMPLETE SETUP
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chainsaw set includes both a 10-inch chainsaw and a 17-inch hedge trimmer, add on the included pole and you have a versatile set of four tools for maintaining your property with ease.
- Pole and hedge trimmer, pole saw & chainsaw in one
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to swap between tools
- Underpowered for some situations
If you’re just getting started with property maintenance, then you may want to pick up the Earthwise CVP41810; it’s a 4-in-1 multi tool kit with a chainsaw and hedge trimmer. Where are the other two tools? Slap on the included pole, and you’ve now got either a pole chainsaw or a pole hedge trimmer. This all-electric kit is lightweight and easy to control, while the 10-inch chainsaw is compact and fantastic for small jobs.
When you need to switch between tools, you can do so with a click — no advanced or complex setups here. We will note that this unit is meant for smaller jobs, such as taking care of bushes and small tree branches. For anything large, you may want to look at some of the other options in our guide. You may also need the best airless paint sprayer for projects around the house.
How We Decided
When it came down to selecting the best overall chainsaw, we dove into the essential factors, including each chainsaw’s power source, overall power output, bar length, and weight. Once we identified these critical factors, we set up minimum criteria, ensuring only the best options made it to our guide. This means that no matter which chainsaw you select from our roundup, you know that you’ll end up with a quality product. From large operations to small home jobs, we’ve got a selection for every scenario.
Power sources on our list favored quieter and more affordable electric options. Still, traditional gas engines were also provided for those looking for the ultimate in horsepower — best for tackling large and challenging projects. When it came to each chainsaw’s power output, we ensured that gas engines were rated at least 55c for the ultimate performance. On the flip side, any electric chainsaws included at least a 7-amp motor for getting tasks done. That being said, we included electric options up to 14.5-amps for more challenging projects.
Bar length will help with reach, as well as cutting thicker objects. For our roundup, we ensured the smallest option was not below 10-inch; this ensures a chainsaw that will be able to tackle everyday challenges with ease. Of course, more generous options are presented, but they do come with the downside of being heavier — that brings us to the last point. For weight, we ensured that no chainsaw went over 15lbs, making them easy to control and manipulate; the heaviest option on our list is 12.8 pounds.
Best Overall Chainsaw Buyer’s Guide
Features
- Power Source: Do you prefer to work with electric or gas? Typically, chainsaws with gas engines are more powerful, but heavier and can present noise issues. On the flip, electric motors make a quieter chainsaw, but you will find yourself either tethered to a wall or limited by your device’s battery life. We generally recommend electric, but if you need to work for long periods of time, then gas might be your best friend.
- Power Output: When selecting a chainsaw, consider what you will be cutting. We recommend selecting a chainsaw with at least 32cc (if powered by gas), but tough tasks, such as large trees, might require a motor of 50cc or great. When it comes to electric, it’s a bit trickier, and we recommend checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for each unit.
- Bar Length: The length of a chainsaw bar will help to determine what you can cut. When shopping, a general recommendation is to purchase a chainsaw that is at least 2-inches larger than the thickest object you will want to cut. For small branches, small 10-inch bars are suitable, but larger and thicker trees will require a more appropriate bar length.
- Weight: How long are you going to be carrying your chainsaw around? Keep an eye on the weight of your selection — we recommend something around 10 pounds. Depending on the power of your chainsaw, you may need to select something heavier, just make sure you can handle the weight without fatiguing quickly.
