Best Chainsaws — Buying Guide & Top Picks

Whether you're felling a 30-inch oak, bucking firewood on a cold Saturday, or cleaning up storm damage, the wrong chainsaw wastes time and money. We tested gas, battery, and corded models back-to-back — measuring real-world cut speed, chain brake response, and vibration at the handle — so you can skip the guesswork and buy with confidence.

Not sure where to start? Use this table to match bar length and cc rating to your actual workload — then dive into the full reviews below.

The MS 271 is the saw most homeowners with a half-acre or more should buy and never think about again. The 50.2cc engine pulls hard through hardwood without bogging, the 18-inch bar handles the vast majority of residential trees, and STIHL's pre-separation air filter system means longer runs between cleanings. The inertia-activated chain brake is fast and confidence-inspiring. It's not the lightest saw on this list at 12.3 lbs, but that weight translates directly into less vibration over a long afternoon of firewood splitting.

If $399 is more than you want to spend, the Echo CS-400 at roughly $279 delivers 90% of that performance for homeowners who cut a few cords a year. The 40.2cc engine runs clean on the 16-inch bar, the G-Force engine air pre-cleaner extends filter life, and Echo's 5-year consumer warranty is the best coverage in this price tier. It's a touch lighter at 10.1 lbs, which your shoulders will notice by hour two.

Gas chainsaws still win on raw power-to-weight for sustained cutting. A 50cc gas saw will run all day on two tanks of fuel, fells trees with torque a battery can't match at the same price point, and works in freezing temperatures without battery capacity loss. If you're cutting more than 30 minutes at a stretch or working timber over 16 inches regularly, get a gas saw.

Battery chainsaws have closed the gap dramatically at 80V. The Greenworks 80V Pro cuts through 12-inch hardwood cleanly, starts instantly with no choke ritual, and weighs less than most gas saws. For homeowners pruning limbs, cutting the occasional fallen branch, or working in a noise-sensitive neighborhood, an 80V platform makes real sense — especially if you're already invested in that battery ecosystem.