A chainsaw is one of the few tools that can turn a full weekend of yard work into an afternoon, but the right pick depends on how much wood you cut and where you cut it. In this guide we break down the 8 chain saws for 2026, chosen for cutting power, safety hardware, and how easy each one is to live with over a long season. The lineup spans corded electric, battery, and gas models so you can match the saw to your property instead of overpaying for power you will never use.
Our top pick is the EGO POWER+ CS1613 for its brushless 56V motor that cuts at near gas speed while staying quiet and fume free. If you want to browse related gear first, our Tools and Home Improvement category collects more outdoor and workshop picks. Below you will find the shortlist, then a full buying guide covering power source, bar length, safety, weight, and maintenance.
Pros
- Brushless 56V motor cuts like a small gas saw
- Included battery and charger work out of the box
- Quiet, fume free, and starts with a trigger pull
- Chain brake and tool-free tensioning built in
Cons
- Runtime limited to one charge without a spare battery
- Premium price for the full kit
The EGO POWER+ CS1613 is a full size 16-inch cordless chainsaw aimed at homeowners who want gas class cutting without the noise, exhaust, or engine maintenance. The 56V brushless motor spins the chain fast enough to power through firewood rounds and storm damaged limbs, and it arrives with a 4.0Ah battery and charger so there is nothing else to buy.
In real use its biggest strengths are instant starts, quiet operation, and balance that makes it comfortable to carry between cuts. The chain brake and tool-free tensioning are the kind of hardware you usually find on pricier gas saws, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain fed without fuss.
The honest limits are runtime and price. One battery covers a solid session of yard work, but a full afternoon of felling wants a spare on the charger, and the complete kit sits at the upper end of the cordless range.
Bottom line: for most suburban and rural homeowners this is the easiest saw here to own and the one we reach for first, which is why it takes our best overall spot.
- Power source: 56V cordless battery
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Motor: brushless
- Includes: 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger
- Chain brake: yes
- Chain tensioning: tool-free
- Oiler: automatic
Ideal for homeowners cutting firewood, clearing storm damage, and pruning trees around a suburban or rural property. If you dislike engine upkeep and want a saw that starts every time, this is the pick. Full time land clearers who cut for hours daily are better served by a gas model.
Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned, top off the bar oil before each session, and store the battery indoors away from freezing temperatures. Always engage the chain brake when moving between cuts, and wear chaps, gloves, and eye and ear protection whenever the saw is running.
Pros
- Built-in self-sharpening keeps the chain cutting cleanly
- Corded power never runs out mid job
- Low buy in for an 18-inch saw
- Instant electric starts, no fuel mixing
Cons
- Tethered to an extension cord and outlet
- Not suited to remote work away from power
The Oregon CS1500 solves the most annoying part of chainsaw ownership: keeping the chain sharp. Its built-in PowerSharp system lets you touch up the chain in a few seconds by pulling a lever, with no files, no bench, and no removing the chain. For a saw that never leaves the yard, that convenience is genuinely useful.
As a corded 15-amp electric with an 18-inch bar, it delivers steady power for firewood and medium trees and never needs charging or fuel. Electric starts are instant and the automatic oiler handles lubrication, so the saw is close to grab and go.
The catch is the cord. You are limited by your extension cord length and cannot take it into the back forty, and a dragging cord takes a little getting used to. Within reach of an outlet, though, few saws offer this much bar and this little hassle for the money.
Bottom line: the self-sharpening feature and low cost of ownership make this the smartest value pick for anyone whose cutting stays near the house.
- Power source: corded electric, 15 amp
- Bar length: 18 inches
- Sharpening: built-in PowerSharp system
- Chain brake: yes
- Oiler: automatic
- Chain type: low kickback
Buy this if your cutting happens within an extension cord of a power outlet and you value low maintenance over portability. Use a heavy gauge outdoor extension cord rated for the amperage to avoid voltage drop, and keep the PowerSharp stone in good shape for the cleanest cuts.
Refill the bar oil reservoir before each use and confirm oil is reaching the chain. Give the chain a quick sharpen with the built-in system when cuts slow down. Keep the cord behind you and clear of the bar, and always wear protective gear including chaps, gloves, and eye and ear protection.
Pros
- High 80V voltage handles felling and limbing
- 18-inch bar tackles larger trunks
- Shares batteries across a broad 80V tool lineup
- Electronic chain brake and tool-less tensioning
Cons
- Included 2.0Ah battery is best paired with a spare for big jobs
- Heavier than smaller cordless saws
The Greenworks 80V is the cordless saw to buy when a 16-inch battery model runs out of muscle. The 80V brushless motor and 18-inch bar give it the reach and torque to fell small to mid size trees, buck firewood, and limb quickly, closing much of the gap to gas.
It anchors a large 80V platform, so the battery also runs mowers, blowers, and trimmers, which makes the system cost easier to justify if you are building out a cordless yard. The electronic chain brake and tool-less tensioning round out a well equipped package.
The trade offs are weight and battery capacity. It is heavier than a compact saw, and the included 2.0Ah pack is sized for shorter sessions, so anyone tackling a day of felling should budget for a higher capacity spare.
Bottom line: this is the best choice for a homeowner who wants cordless convenience but still needs to drop real trees.
- Power source: 80V cordless battery
- Bar length: 18 inches
- Motor: brushless
- Chain brake: electronic
- Chain tensioning: tool-less
- Includes: 2.0Ah battery and rapid charger
- Platform: 75+ compatible 80V tools
The combination of 80V torque and an 18-inch bar makes this saw well suited to dropping small and mid size trees, limbing, and cutting firewood. Plan your notch and back cut carefully, keep a spare battery charged for extended felling sessions, and never cut above shoulder height.
Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, check the automatic oiler each session, and store batteries indoors. Engage the electronic chain brake between cuts, keep the bar nose out of the cut to avoid kickback, and always wear full protective gear.
Pros
- Two included batteries extend total runtime
- Tool-free chain tensioning speeds adjustments
- Brushless motor for efficient cutting and long life
- Auto oiling reduces manual upkeep
Cons
- 40V power trails premium 56V and 80V saws on big trunks
- Twin small batteries mean more frequent swaps
The SEESII 40V is a well rounded mid price cordless saw that covers everyday yard work without the premium of the top tier brands. The 40V brushless motor and 16-inch bar handle firewood, pruning, and cleanup, and the two included 4.0Ah batteries let you keep cutting while one charges.
Tool-free chain tensioning is the standout convenience, letting you snug the chain by hand in seconds, and the automatic oiler keeps the bar lubricated. It is light enough to maneuver comfortably and simple enough for a first time saw owner.
Where it gives ground is outright power on the largest logs, where 56V and 80V saws pull ahead, and the two smaller batteries need more frequent swaps than a single large pack. For general property maintenance, though, it is a lot of capability for the price.
Bottom line: a smart mid range pick for homeowners who want cordless convenience and two batteries without paying flagship money.
- Power source: 40V cordless battery
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Motor: brushless
- Includes: two 4.0Ah batteries and charger
- Chain tensioning: tool-free
- Oiler: automatic
- Chain brake: yes
A strong fit for homeowners who want a capable cordless saw for firewood, pruning, and storm cleanup at a moderate price, and who like having a second battery in the box. Buyers dropping large mature trees should consider a higher voltage model.
Check chain tension with the tool-free knob before each session, keep the oil reservoir topped off, and store both batteries indoors. Use the chain brake between cuts, keep the bar tip clear of the cut, and wear chaps, gloves, and eye and ear protection.
Pros
- Very light and easy to run one handed
- Two batteries included for longer sessions
- Ideal for pruning and small branch work
- Compact enough to store and carry anywhere
Cons
- 6-inch bar limits it to small branches
- Not for firewood or felling
The SEESII 6-inch mini is not trying to be a felling saw, and that focus is its strength. Weighing just a few pounds, it runs comfortably in one hand for pruning fruit trees, trimming hedgerows, and clearing small branches that a full size saw would be overkill for.
The two included batteries mean you can work through a pruning session without waiting on a charge, and the compact body stores in a drawer or tote. For older users or anyone who finds a full size saw intimidating, the light weight and simple controls make quick branch work far less daunting.
Its limits are obvious and honest: the 6-inch bar tops out on small branches, and it is not the tool for firewood, thick trunks, or felling. Treat it as a dedicated pruning and cleanup saw and it earns its place.
Bottom line: the pick for one-handed pruning and light branch work, and a genuinely useful second saw to pair with a larger model.
- Power source: cordless battery
- Bar length: 6 inches
- Includes: two batteries
- Operation: one-handed
- Weight class: lightweight handheld
- Safety: front guard
Grip the saw firmly, keep your free hand well clear of the bar, and let the chain do the work on branches under a hand span thick. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar when pruning trees, and keep the chain oiled and tensioned even on a mini saw for smooth, safe cutting.
Even a mini chainsaw deserves respect: wear gloves and eye protection, keep both the chain sharp and lightly oiled, and never cut toward your body or above your head. Recharge and store the batteries indoors, and keep the safety guard in place when not cutting.
Pros
- 55cc X-Torq engine for serious felling power
- 20-inch bar handles large trunks
- All day runtime on a tank of fuel
- Inertia chain brake and side-mounted tensioner
Cons
- Requires fuel mixing and regular engine maintenance
- Loud, heavy, and produces exhaust
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the heavy hitter of this lineup, a 55cc gas saw with a 20-inch bar aimed at owners who fell mature trees, clear land, and cut large volumes of firewood. Its X-Torq engine delivers steady torque with lower fuel use and emissions than older two-cycle designs, and the 20-inch bar takes on trunks that stall smaller saws.
Practical touches make it easier to live with than a bare pro saw: Smart Start reduces pull resistance, air injection keeps the air filter cleaner longer, and a side-mounted tensioner speeds chain adjustments. The inertia chain brake adds an important safety margin on demanding cuts.
This power comes with obligations. You mix fuel, service the air filter and spark plug, and manage the noise, weight, and exhaust of a gas engine. For a casual pruner it is far more saw than needed, but for real cutting it is in a different league.
Bottom line: the pick when the job is felling and land clearing, where its runtime and torque leave battery saws behind.
- Power source: gas, two-cycle
- Engine: 55cc, 3.5 HP X-Torq
- Bar length: 20 inches
- Chain brake: inertia-activated
- Tensioner: side-mounted
- Oiler: automatic
- Features: Smart Start, air injection
Built for felling mature trees, bucking large logs, and clearing land, this saw rewards good technique. Plan your escape route, cut a proper notch and back cut, and keep the inertia chain brake ready. Its weight and torque demand two hands and steady footing on every cut.
Mix fuel to the recommended ratio, clean the air filter regularly, and check the spark plug and bar oil each session. Keep the chain sharp and tensioned. Because of its power, full protective gear is essential: chaps, gloves, helmet with face screen, and eye and ear protection.
Pros
- Gas power in an approachable homeowner size
- X-Torq engine trims fuel use and emissions
- Smart Start and air purge ease starting
- 16-inch bar covers most yard cutting
Cons
- Still needs fuel mixing and engine upkeep
- Less power than larger displacement gas saws
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II brings gas performance to homeowners who do not need a full pro saw. Its 38cc X-Torq engine and 16-inch bar cut firewood, clear storm damage, and handle general property work with the all day runtime that only gas provides, in a body light enough for weekend users.
Starting is easier than older gas saws thanks to Smart Start and an air purge that primes the carburetor, and the inertia chain brake adds a safety margin. It hits a sweet spot for owners who want fuel powered independence from batteries and cords without the bulk of a land clearing saw.
It is still a gas engine, so fuel mixing, air filter cleaning, and spark plug checks are part of ownership, and it makes less power than higher displacement saws for the biggest trunks. For most homeowner cutting, that is a fair trade.
Bottom line: the best gas pick for homeowners who want engine power and runtime in a manageable, approachable size.
- Power source: gas, two-cycle
- Engine: 38cc, 2.1 HP X-Torq
- Bar length: 16 inches
- Chain brake: inertia-activated
- Starting: Smart Start and air purge
- Oiler: automatic
Best for homeowners who want gas runtime and independence from batteries and outlets but do not fell large trees regularly. If you cut firewood, clean up after storms, and maintain a wooded lot, this size is easy to handle. Full time land clearers should step up to a larger saw.
Mix fuel correctly, clean the air filter, and check the spark plug and bar oil on a regular schedule. Keep the chain sharp and tensioned, engage the chain brake between cuts, and wear chaps, gloves, and eye and ear protection every time you cut.
Pros
- 62cc engine and 20-inch bar at a budget price
- Gas runtime without a battery or cord
- Automatic oiler included
- Handles larger cuts than most electric saws
Cons
- Build quality and finish trail premium brands
- More vibration and less refined starting
- Requires fuel mixing and regular maintenance
The SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc is the budget gas option for buyers who want the runtime and cutting capacity of a fuel powered saw without the price of a name brand. On paper the 62cc engine and 20-inch bar promise plenty of cutting muscle for firewood and larger limbs.
For occasional use, a low cost gas saw like this can make sense, especially if you only reach for it a few times a year and want the independence of fuel over batteries and cords. The automatic oiler handles chain lubrication so you can focus on cutting.
The trade offs are refinement and consistency. Fit, finish, vibration control, and starting behavior generally trail established brands, and long term durability is more variable, so plan on basic maintenance and modest expectations. Buy it for value, not for a premium experience.
Bottom line: a reasonable budget gas pick for light, occasional heavy cutting when price is the deciding factor.
- Power source: gas, two-cycle
- Engine: 62cc
- Bar length: 20 inches
- Oiler: automatic
- Design: handheld gasoline
Choose this saw if budget is your top priority and you only cut occasionally. Use fresh fuel mixed to the correct ratio, break the saw in gently, and keep the chain sharp to get the most from a value engine. Frequent or professional users should invest in a premium gas saw instead.
Mix fuel to the specified ratio, clean the air filter, and check the chain oil and tension before each use. Because budget saws can vibrate more, take breaks to reduce fatigue, keep both hands on the saw, and always wear chaps, gloves, and eye and ear protection.
Chain Saws Buying Guide
Choosing among the chain saws comes down to a handful of decisions: what powers the saw, how long a bar you need, what safety hardware protects you, how the saw feels in your hands, and how much upkeep you are willing to do. Work through the sections below in order and the right model tends to reveal itself.
Power Source
Power source is the first fork in the road. Gas saws like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher run a two cycle engine that delivers steady torque for hours, which makes them the choice for felling larger trees and clearing land far from an outlet. The trade is real maintenance: you mix fuel, clean air filters, and check spark plugs, and the engine is loud and puts out exhaust.
Battery saws such as the EGO POWER+ CS1613 and Greenworks 80V have closed most of the power gap. A high voltage brushless motor starts with a trigger pull, runs quietly, and needs almost no upkeep beyond keeping the chain sharp. Runtime is the catch, since a single charge covers roughly a half hour to an hour of cutting depending on voltage and wood density, so heavy users keep a spare battery on the charger.
Corded electric models like the Oregon CS1500 sit in between. They never run out of charge and cost the least to own, but you are tethered to an extension cord, which limits reach and rules out remote work. For a suburban yard within a cord length of an outlet, corded power is hard to beat on value.
Bar Length and Cutting Capacity
Bar length sets how thick a piece you can cut in one pass. Short bars from 6 to 12 inches, like the SEESII 6-inch mini, handle pruning and branches under a hand span across. Mid length bars around 16 inches, found on the EGO and the Husqvarna 135 Mark II, cover the vast majority of homeowner jobs from firewood to storm cleanup. Long 18 to 20 inch bars on the Greenworks 80V and Husqvarna 455 Rancher take on trunks and serious felling.
A simple rule keeps you safe and efficient: pick a bar at least 2 inches longer than the widest log you expect to cut, so the chain passes through in a single controlled stroke rather than cutting from both sides. Going longer than you need adds weight and drag, which tires you faster and makes the saw harder to control. Chain design matters too, since aggressive full chisel teeth clear dense hardwood quickly while low kickback chains trade a little speed for safety. For a bench based cutting companion, our best table saws guide covers the indoor side of the workshop.
| Bar Length | Best For | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 12 inches | Pruning, small branches | SEESII 6-inch Mini |
| 16 inches | Firewood, general yard work | EGO CS1613, Husqvarna 135 |
| 18 to 20 inches | Felling, land clearing | Greenworks 80V, Husqvarna 455 |
Safety and Kickback Protection
Safety hardware is not optional with the chain saws. The single most important feature is a chain brake, a guard in front of the top handle that stops the chain in a fraction of a second if the bar tip snags and kicks back toward you. Every gas and premium battery model here, including the EGO, Greenworks, and Husqvarna saws, ships with an inertia activated brake that triggers even if your hand never touches the guard.
Kickback is the leading cause of chainsaw injuries, so pair the brake with a low kickback chain and keep the nose of the bar out of your cut whenever possible. Look for reduced vibration handles that cut fatigue and hand numbness on long jobs, plus a throttle lockout that prevents accidental starts. None of this replaces protective gear, so wear chainsaw chaps, gloves, a helmet, and eye and ear protection every time you pull the trigger.
Technique protects you as much as hardware. Read the wood before you cut, since a log under tension can pinch the bar or spring back when the fibers release. Cut compression wood first with a shallow relief pass, then finish from the tension side to keep the chain from binding. Stand slightly to the side of the bar rather than directly behind it, plant your feet, and never reach across your body or cut above shoulder height, where control drops and kickback risk climbs.
Weight, Balance, and Handling
Weight decides how long you can work before your arms give out. Mini saws like the SEESII 6-inch tip the scale at just a few pounds and run comfortably one handed on a ladder for overhead pruning. Full size 16 inch saws land in the ten to twelve pound range with a battery installed, a manageable weight for most adults across a morning of cutting.
Gas saws such as the Husqvarna 455 Rancher weigh more once fueled, and that mass actually helps stability for ground level felling while demanding two hands and good technique. Balance counts as much as raw weight, so a saw that carries its heft close to your body strains your wrists far less than a nose heavy design. If a model offers tool free chain tensioning, like the SEESII 40V, you will spend less time fussing and more time cutting.
Maintenance and Chain Care
A sharp, well oiled chain is the difference between a saw that slices and one that burns through wood and bogs down. Every model here includes an automatic bar oiler that lubricates the chain as it runs, but you still need to top off the oil reservoir and confirm oil is reaching the bar before each session. Chain tension needs a quick check too, since a chain loosens as it heats up.
Electric and battery saws keep upkeep light: sharpen the chain, check tension, and store the battery indoors. The Oregon CS1500 even sharpens its own chain with a built in guide, which is a genuine time saver for frequent users. Gas saws ask more of you, with fuel mixing, air filter cleaning, and spark plug service on top of chain care, but that routine is the price of unlimited runtime. For a broader look at how we sort tool categories, browse the full categories directory.
Do not overlook the bar itself. Every few sharpenings, clean the bar groove and oil hole so lubricant flows freely, and flip the bar end for end to spread wear evenly and roughly double its life. Watch the drive sprocket for grooving and replace it before it chews up a new chain. A worn bar or starved oiler will dull a fresh chain fast, so a few minutes of bar care protects the more expensive parts of the saw.
Matching the Saw to the Job
The best chainsaw is the one that fits your actual workload. For light pruning and shaping a few trees a year, a mini or compact cordless saw is plenty and far safer for a casual user. For firewood, storm cleanup, and general property upkeep, a 16 inch corded or battery saw hits the sweet spot of power and simplicity.
If you regularly fell mature trees or clear brush on acreage, step up to a high voltage battery or gas saw with an 18 to 20 inch bar and the torque to match. Buying more saw than you need means hauling extra weight and doing extra maintenance for capacity that sits idle, so be honest about the trees on your property before you choose.
Where you cut matters as much as what you cut. On a tight suburban lot with close neighbors, the quiet of a battery or corded saw lets you work early without complaints, and some areas restrict gas engine hours or noise. On open rural property where runtime and refueling in the field decide the day, a gas saw is often the practical answer. Match the saw to your surroundings and you will actually enjoy using it rather than dreading the noise, fumes, or dead battery.
Why You Should Trust Us
We build our chain saws rankings from aggregated owner reviews, published specifications, and manufacturer safety ratings, then weigh each model against how it performs for its intended buyer rather than against a single universal winner. We read through thousands of verified customer reviews to surface the reliability issues and quirks that only show up after months of real use.
We do not claim hands on trials of every saw, and we say so plainly. Our job is to synthesize the data that already exists, cross check it against safety standards, and translate it into clear advice. You can see how we approach every roundup on our articles hub, where we keep our methodology consistent across categories.
Final Thoughts
After weighing the 8 chain saws, the EGO POWER+ CS1613 earns our best overall pick. Its brushless 56V motor cuts with the confidence of a small gas saw, the included battery and charger get you working out of the box, and the near silent operation makes it the easiest saw here to reach for on a Saturday morning.
For best value, the Oregon CS1500 is tough to beat. The corded design never leaves you charging a battery, the built in sharpener keeps the chain cutting cleanly, and the low buy in makes it a smart first saw for anyone with a yard inside an extension cord of an outlet. If you need serious muscle, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher handles felling and land clearing that would stall lighter saws, while the SEESII 6-inch mini is the pick for one handed pruning and quick branch work.
Whatever you choose, size the bar to your trees, respect the chain brake, and gear up before every cut. For more workshop and outdoor tool picks, keep browsing our Tools and Home Improvement category as we expand the lineup.
FAQs
What is the best chain saws in 2026?
The best all around chainsaw in 2026 is the EGO POWER+ CS1613 for most homeowners, thanks to its brushless 56V power, 16 inch bar, and fume free cordless convenience. Heavy users clearing large trees may prefer the gas Husqvarna 455 Rancher, while budget shoppers get the most for their money from the corded Oregon CS1500.
Gas or battery chainsaw: which is better?
Battery saws are better for most homeowners because they start instantly, run quietly, and skip fuel mixing and engine upkeep. Gas saws remain the better choice when you need all day runtime far from an outlet or the raw torque to fell mature trees, which is exactly where a model like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher shines.
How do I choose the right bar length?
Pick a bar about 2 inches longer than the widest log you plan to cut. A 12 to 16 inch bar covers pruning and firewood for most yards, while an 18 to 20 inch bar suits felling and land clearing. Shorter bars are lighter, easier to control, and safer for beginners.
Are cordless chainsaws powerful enough for thick branches?
Yes. High voltage brushless models like the EGO 56V and Greenworks 80V cut branches and small trunks up to roughly 14 inches with ease, provided the chain stays sharp. For occasional heavy work you can pair one with a spare battery to match a full morning of cutting. If you also work with lumber, our table saws review pairs well with a good chainsaw.
How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
Sharpen the chain after every two to three hours of cutting, or sooner if the saw starts producing fine sawdust instead of coarse chips. A self sharpening model like the Oregon CS1500 stretches that interval, but every chain eventually needs a file gauge matched to its pitch for the correct tooth angle.
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