Choosing the right chainsaw can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for a perfect balance between price and performance.
Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend warrior, it’s important to invest in a reliable, durable, and affordable chainsaw that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the top 12 best chainsaws for the money, featuring expert reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get started !
How We Selected the Top 12 Best Chainsaws for the Money
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand how these chainsaws were chosen.
When compiling this list, we considered several key factors, including:
- Power and Performance: The cutting ability, motor, or engine power.
- Durability: Longevity and ability to withstand tough jobs.
- Safety Features: Important safety mechanisms like chain brakes and anti-kickback features.
- User-Friendliness: Ease of use, maintenance, weight, and balance.
- Affordability: Value for the price.
Each chainsaw on this list offers an excellent combination of these features, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Now that you know the selection criteria, let’s get into the heart of the matter—our expert reviews of the top 12 best chainsaws for the money. Each model offers a unique set of features tailored for different needs.
Top 12 Best Chainsaws for the Money
1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher
- Key Features: 60.3cc gas-powered engine, 24-inch bar, X-Torq technology for lower fuel consumption.
- Pros: Powerful for large jobs, durable build, excellent safety features.
- Cons: A bit heavy and costly for casual users.
- Price Range: $429.99 – $619.99
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a beast when it comes to power. With a 24-inch bar and a powerful engine, it’s ideal for cutting large trees. If you’re looking for professional-grade performance at a reasonable price, this is one of the top 12 best chainsaws for the money.
Up next, we have a more environmentally friendly option for homeowners who prefer battery-powered tools without the hassle of gas…
2. Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw
- Key Features: 16-inch bar, brushless motor, battery-powered.
- Pros: Lightweight, quiet, eco-friendly, no fumes.
- Cons: Limited battery life for extended jobs.
- Price Range: $349.99 – $379.00
This chainsaw is perfect for homeowners and casual users. It’s environmentally friendly and doesn’t require gas or oil, making it one of the best options for light to medium-duty tasks.
If you’re tackling larger projects and need more cutting power, check out the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf—an ideal choice for heavy-duty work…
3. Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf
- Key Features: 59.8cc engine, 20-inch bar, heavy-duty air filter.
- Pros: Excellent power, durable, great for big jobs.
- Cons: Heavier and noisier than electric models.
- Price Range:$509.99
Echo’s CS-590 is one of the most powerful chainsaws on this list, designed for heavy-duty work. It’s a fantastic choice if you need power without overspending on professional equipment.
For a smaller, more compact chainsaw that’s great for light tasks and portability, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR is a solid option…
4. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
- Key Features: 12-inch bar, low kickback, compact design.
- Pros: Lightweight, portable, great for small projects.
- Cons: Not suitable for larger jobs.
- Price Range: $549.99
For those seeking a cordless option with longer battery life and impressive performance, let’s move on to the Makita XCU03PT1…
5. Makita XCU03PT1 18V Cordless Chainsaw
- Key Features: 14-inch bar, tool-free chain adjustment, two 18V batteries.
- Pros: Lightweight, quiet, no emissions.
- Cons: Expensive compared to other cordless models.
- Price Range: $379.00
Makita’s cordless chainsaw is ideal for users seeking high performance in a portable design. With two powerful batteries, it delivers extended run time and efficiency, perfect for DIY projects.
If you’re after an affordable, gas-powered chainsaw that’s easy to start, the Remington RM4214 Rebel is a great pick…
6. Remington RM4214 Rebel
- Key Features: 42cc engine, 14-inch bar, quick-start technology.
- Pros: Lightweight and affordable, easy to start.
- Cons: Small bar limits cutting capacity.
- Price Range:$259.99
The Remington RM4214 is a great entry-level gas chainsaw. It’s affordable and perfect for homeowners needing a reliable tool for smaller trees and branches.
Looking for an electric chainsaw? The WORX WG303.1 offers low-maintenance convenience and ease of use…
7. WORX WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw
- Key Features: 16-inch bar, auto-tension system, 14.5-amp motor.
- Pros: Lightweight, low-maintenance, no need for gas or oil.
- Cons: Requires a power cord, limiting mobility.
- Price Range: $119.99
WORX’s electric chainsaw is a low-maintenance alternative for homeowners. It’s perfect for light yard work and trimming, offering convenience at a budget-friendly price.
For medium to large jobs, consider the powerful and budget-friendly Poulan Pro PR5020…
8. Poulan Pro PR5020
- Key Features: 50cc gas engine, 20-inch bar, anti-vibration system.
- Pros: Powerful, affordable for its size.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance.
- Price Range: $249.99
This chainsaw offers the power and performance of a much more expensive model, making it one of the top 12 best chainsaws for the money when tackling medium to large jobs.
Looking for something smaller that’s perfect for quick yard maintenance? Check out the compact Black+Decker LCS1020…
9. Black+Decker LCS1020
- Key Features: 10-inch bar, 20V battery, tool-free blade tensioning.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, great for pruning.
- Cons: Short battery life, not for heavy-duty cutting.
- Price Range: $90.09
This small but mighty chainsaw is great for small cutting tasks around the yard. It’s incredibly affordable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
New to chainsaws and need something reliable to start with? The Stihl MS 170 is a perfect choice…
10. Stihl MS 170
- Key Features: 30.1cc engine, 16-inch bar, anti-vibration technology.
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, great for beginners.
- Cons: Limited to small and medium tasks.
- Price Range: $359.99
Stihl’s MS 170 is a popular choice for beginners. It’s affordable and reliable, perfect for cutting firewood or trimming small trees.
For those seeking a gas-powered saw with ease of use in mind, let’s explore the Craftsman S165…
11. Craftsman S165 Gas-Powered Chainsaw
- Key Features: 42cc engine, 16-inch bar, easy-start technology.
- Pros: Lightweight for a gas chainsaw, easy to operate.
- Cons: Small size limits power.
- Price Range: $199.99
The Craftsman S165 offers a balance between power and convenience, making it ideal for light and medium tasks at a great price.
Finally, for a chainsaw that requires minimal maintenance, the Oregon CS1500 with its self-sharpening feature might be your best bet…
12. Oregon CS1500 Electric Chainsaw
- Key Features: 18-inch bar, self-sharpening feature, 15-amp motor.
- Pros: No need to sharpen manually, quiet, powerful for an electric model.
- Cons: Requires a power source.
- Price Range: $129.99
Oregon’s electric chainsaw is perfect for users who want minimal maintenance. The built-in self-sharpening system makes this an easy-to-own tool.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for the Money
Now that we’ve covered the top 12 best chainsaws for the money, how do you pick the right one for you? Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Power Source
- Gas-Powered: Best for heavy-duty tasks. They offer more power and are great for cutting large trees, but they require more maintenance.
- Electric: These are lighter and quieter, making them ideal for small to medium tasks. The downside is that they need a constant power source.
- Battery-Powered: Perfect for smaller jobs around the yard, cordless models offer flexibility but have limited run times.
2. Bar Length
The length of the bar determines how thick of a tree or log you can cut. For basic yard work, a 10-16 inch bar will suffice. For larger trees, opt for a chainsaw with a bar length of 18-24 inches.
3. Safety Features
Safety is a top priority when using a chainsaw. Look for models with chain brakes, low kickback bars, and safety switches to reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Weight and Ergonomics
If you’ll be using your chainsaw for extended periods, choose a model that is lightweight and easy to handle. Heavier chainsaws may cause fatigue more quickly, making them harder to control.
5. Maintenance
Some chainsaws, like the Oregon CS1500, come with self-sharpening blades, making maintenance easier. Consider how often you’re willing to maintain the tool before buying.
FAQs About Chainsaws
Q1: What size chainsaw do I need for cutting large trees?
A: For large trees, choose a chainsaw with a bar length of at least 18-24 inches for efficient cutting.
Q2: How often should I sharpen my chainsaw blade?
A: Sharpen the chain after every 5-10 hours of use or if it becomes dull during a job.
Q3: Are battery-powered chainsaws as good as gas-powered ones?
A: Battery-powered chainsaws are great for light and medium tasks, but for heavy-duty jobs, gas-powered models provide more power and endurance.
Conclusion
Finding the best chainsaw for your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re a homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional, our to p 12 best chainsaws for the money provide a variety of options to suit different budgets and requirements.
Make sure to consider the power source, bar length, and safety features when making your decision.
Now it’s your turn—pick the chainsaw that fits your needs and start tackling those projects like a pro!
For more insights into maintaining your chainsaw’s performance, including troubleshooting oiling issues, visit our article on chainsaw over-oiling
