The 5 Best Chainsaws

A good chainsaw is one of those tools you don’t think you need until you really, really need it. I’ve been there. After a big storm, with a downed oak limb blocking my driveway, you’ll be glad you have something more than a handsaw. I’ve spent years clearing brush, bucking firewood, and cleaning up storm damage around my property.

The biggest question used to be gas or electric. But honestly, battery technology has gotten so good that it’s a real contest now. For most jobs around the house, a powerful battery saw is quieter, lighter, and way easier to start. No more mixing fuel or yanking a pull cord until my shoulder is sore.

So, I’ve put together a list of the best chainsaws I’ve tested and researched for 2026. These are the models I’d recommend to my friends and neighbors, whether they’re cutting firewood for the winter or just cleaning up a few fallen branches.

 

 

My Picks for the Best Chainsaws of 2026

DeWalt FlexVolt DCCS670T1 60V Max 16-inch Chainsaw

The DeWalt FlexVolt saw runs about $349, and if you’re already in the DeWalt battery system, it’s a fantastic choice. This thing has some serious power for a battery saw. I was surprised at how it chewed through a 12-inch maple log without even hesitating. It feels just like a small gas saw, but without the noise and fumes.

The tool-less chain tensioning is a feature I absolutely love. You just twist a knob to tighten the chain, which is so much easier than grabbing a scrench. For general yard cleanup and even some moderate firewood cutting, this saw has all the power a homeowner really needs.

The Downside: It’s not cheap. That premium price puts it in the same bracket as some solid gas saws, so you’re paying for the convenience of battery power.

 

 

Husqvarna 440 18-inch Gas Chainsaw

For around $400, the Husqvarna 440 is for folks who need the raw power and unlimited runtime of gas. If you’re heating with wood or have a lot of large trees to manage on your property, this is the kind of saw you want. It has an 18-inch bar that can handle some pretty thick logs.

I’ve used older gas saws that were a nightmare to start, but this one is pretty reliable. It powers through hardwoods without much slowdown. It just feels like a solid, well-built tool that will last for years if you take care of it.

The Downside: The chain drive gear can get clogged with sawdust and debris, especially with wet wood. You have to stop and clean it out, which can be a pain in the middle of a big job.

 

 

Stihl MSA 300 C-O 16-inch Battery Chainsaw

Okay, the Stihl MSA 300 C-O is expensive, coming in at $600. But this is the top-tier of battery chainsaws right now. It has the power to fell medium-sized trees and is built for people who use their saw a lot. It’s surprisingly light for the power it puts out, which really reduces fatigue over a long day of cutting.

The torque on this thing is incredible. It cuts so smoothly whether you’re bucking logs straight on or making angled cuts. And it’s quiet, which is a huge plus. The battery runtime is also really impressive for the heavy jobs it can handle.

The Downside: You’re completely dependent on batteries. For really extended use, you’ll need at least one or two extra batteries, and they are not cheap.

 

 

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch Battery Chainsaw

This Husqvarna costs about $500 and it’s a beast of an all-around battery saw. It’s another great example of a quiet tool that doesn’t sacrifice performance. It cuts fast and the 18-inch bar gives you a lot of versatility for bigger jobs.

When I saw the tests where it cut twice as many disks as some other saws on a single charge, I was impressed. That means more work done and less time waiting around. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants serious cutting ability without disturbing the whole neighborhood.

The Downside: The battery takes a while to charge. If you only have one, you’ll have some forced downtime between big cutting sessions. It’s best to have a second one on hand.

 

 

Ego Power+ CS1611 16-inch Battery Chainsaw

The Ego Power+ saw is another one in the $500 range, and it’s built to tackle big stuff. If you’ve been skeptical about battery saws handling large logs, this is the one that might change your mind. It has the feel of a 40cc gas saw and just doesn’t bog down.

I’ve used it on logs over 20 inches in diameter, and it just keeps going. It has the same easy tool-less chain tensioning that I like, and the whole Ego battery platform is known for its performance. This is a real workhorse.

The Downside: It’s a bit on the heavy side. You can definitely feel the weight after using it for an hour, especially if you’re limbing branches and not just cutting on the ground.

 

 

What to Look For in a Chainsaw

The biggest decision is still gas versus battery. Gas gives you unmatched power and you can just refill the tank and keep going. But battery saws are so much easier to live with—no fumes, less noise, and no pull-starting. For most homeowners, a good 40V or 60V battery saw is more than enough.

Bar length is another thing to consider. A 16-inch or 18-inch bar is the sweet spot for most jobs around the yard. It’s big enough to handle decent-sized trees but not so long that it becomes clumsy to handle.

And please, pay attention to safety features. A chain brake is non-negotiable—it’s designed to stop the chain instantly if the saw kicks back at you. I also recommend a low-kickback chain. Using a chainsaw can be dangerous, so having these features can literally save you from a serious injury.