best chainsaw for the money

Table of Contents

Chainsaw Reviews & Buying Guide
Best Rated Chainsaws (Updated List)
- 1. Remington RM4214 Chainsaw
- 2. Remington RM4216 Chainsaw
- 3. Poulan Pro PR5020 Chainsaw
- 4. Husqvarna 460 Chainsaw
- 5. Makita XCU02PT1 Chainsaw
- 6. DEWALT DCCS690M1 Chainsaw
- 7. Greenworks Pro GCS80420 Chainsaw
- 8. Greenworks 2022 Chainsaw
- 9. Remington RM1645 Chainsaw
- 10. WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw
Additional Information on the Top Rated Chainsaws
Common Chainsaw Terms to Understand
- More Features and Definitions Found on the Best Chainsaws
- Best Rated Chainsaw Brands on this List
Which of the Best Chainsaws Should You Choose?
- Comparison of the Top Rated Chainsaw Types
- Gas Chainsaw Features
- Corded Electric Chainsaw Features
- Battery Chainsaw Features
Which is the Best Rated Chainsaw for a Homeowner?
- Remington RM4214 Chainsaw
- DEWALT DCCS690M1 Chainsaw
- WORX WG304.1 18-inch Electric Chainsaw
More Top Rated Chainsaw Buyer Guides
Thanks for Reading My Chainsaw Reviews!

Updated February, 2021

Are you looking for the best chainsaws?

Do you want a simple way to compare the top chainsaws quickly?

If so, you've landed on the right page.

Whether you're just looking for the best deals or want to guarantee you're only investing in the highest rated chainsaws, this list of the top 10 chainsaws for 2021 was written specifically for you.

Here, you'll find everything you need to make the right decision on which popular chain saw to get.

By reading my chainsaw reviews below, you can skip the countless hours of research and sifting through dozens of websites just to find the best rated chainsaws that meet your specific needs.

Below, you'll see a list of the top chainsaws that continue to outsell⁠—and outperform—all of the other products on the market.

This ensures that no matter which one you choose, you'll enjoy a powerful machine that'll get the toughest wood cutting jobs done for years to come.

If you're interested in the top Stihl chainsaws of 2021, check out my guide, The Best Stihl Chainsaw 2021 here.

I've done my best to make this the best chainsaw comparison and buying guide available.

So, enjoy this list of the top rated chainsaws.

I'm sure you'll find the one that's right for you!

Chainsaw Reviews & Buying Guide

Disclosure: The chainsaws recommended below are my top favorites because they have a great combination of quality and features. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you're not charged anything extra, but I'll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find my advice helpful and discover the best chainsaw for your needs on this list.

Additional Information on the Top Rated Chainsaws

If you read through my reviews and still need more information about how to make the best choice, then this section of the guide is for you.

I've assembled a quick list of the top brands of chainsaws, additional definitions on some common features, and a few tips that can help you compare each model.

But remember, it's not about getting the most expensive or cheapest chainsaw. It's about getting the most value out of a tool that's right for you.

Common Chainsaw Terms to Understand

If you're new to chainsaws, here are a few things you should know about to better understand how each of these best chainsaws compares.

Familiarize yourself with these terms, if you don't know them already.

Guide Bar – Considered the heart of a chainsaw. It's what the chain spins around. The length of the bar determines the thickness of a limb or tree you can cut. 12 to 24 inches are the standard lengths for common jobs around the yard. The rule of thumb is to use a chainsaw bar length that's 2 inches longer than the thickness of the object you want to cut. If you can only buy one chainsaw, you'll want an 18 or 20-inch bar since they're the most versatile.
Power Source – This refers to how the chainsaw operates. You can choose between gasoline, batteries, or electricity. Gas chainsaws are the most powerful and run as long as you can fill up the tank. Battery operated chainsaws that use a Lithium-Ion battery are the second best for portability but are less powerful. Electric chainsaws are more powerful than battery models but must be plugged into a wall outlet which limits your mobility.
Type of Oiler – All chainsaw bars and chains must be oiled to reduce overheating and wear. Oilers come in three types: manual, and two automatic versions. Manual Oilers require constant attention but give you total control over the oiling of your machine; Automatic Oilers (Fixed Flow) keep things lubricated at all times without any worries; Automatic Oilers (Adjustable Flow) provide constant lubrication and give you the option to tweak the flow when you need it.
Type of Chain Brake – Chain brakes are a safety feature which stops the chain from spinning during chainsaw kickback (a sudden thrust of the bar toward the operator when the chain gets pinched or the tip strikes an object). Manual Chain Brakes work when they're pushed forward by your hand or arm during the kickback. Inertia-Activated Chain Brakes automatically engage when upward force of the bar is encountered.

Now that you have those basic terms in mind, you can make a better-informed chainsaw comparison between the models reviewed above.

More Features and Definitions Found on the Best Chainsaws

Guide Bar Length – This is the length of the chainsaw bar that holds the chain. It determines the types of jobs you can perform with the tool.

Chainsaw bar lengths increase in increments of 2 inches. The shortest bar length you'll find is 6 inches. The longest bar length for non-professional use is technically 20 inches, but some experienced homeowners can use a chain saw comfortably with a 24-inch bar.

Shorter chainsaw bars are designed for pruning and cleaning up tree branches, while longer bars are made for cutting thick tree trunks and splitting firewood. The rule of thumb is to choose a bar length that's 2 inches longer than the width of the wood you want to cut. That gives you enough clearance at the tip of the chain for a safer cut and reduces the chance of kickback.

If you want a chainsaw that's on the bigger side, but you don't plan on using it very often, then a 14-inch chainsaw is the most popular choice. 14-inch bars provide enough length for most jobs around the house, like cutting small trees, and can save you a good bit of money compared to larger models.

16 to 20 inches are in the mid-range of chainsaw bars and are good for people who have a lot of heavy duty wood cutting jobs to do. Chainsaws of this length are more powerful than smaller chainsaws and give you a wider range of projects to tackle. Technically, this range of bars is built for taking down medium-sized trees and cutting up firewood, but you can also trim and prune small branches with them if you're careful.

20 to 24 inches is where you start to move into professional-grade chainsaws. These chainsaws have the most power and can cut very thick trees in a single pass. For larger trees, you can cut up to double the bar length if you make two opposite cuts. Keep in mind that professional chainsaws of this size are quite heavy and can cause operator fatigue when used for long periods of time.

Gas Chainsaw – A chainsaw that's powered by gasoline. They come in two types: 2-cycle and 4-cycle. A 2-cycle chain saw runs on fuel that's mixed at a ratio of 40:1 or 50:1 with oil. A 4-cycle chain saw runs on just gasoline and has a separate tank for the oil.

Battery (Cordless) Chainsaw – A chainsaw that's powered by Lithium-Ion batteries. The advantages of this type of chainsaw are that it's portable, doesn't produce fuel emissions, and is quieter than gas powered saws. The tradeoff is that they're less powerful and the largest bar length you'll find is 18 inches.

Electric Chainsaw – A chainsaw that's powered by electricity and must be plugged into a power outlet with a cord. They're more powerful than battery operated chainsaws but less powerful than gas chainsaws. The biggest limitation with electric chainsaws is that they're not as portable. The distance you use a chain saw like this from your house is limited by the length of the power cord.

Manual Chain Brake – A safety mechanism that helps prevent injuries during chain saw kickback. This larger bar is located between the top handlebar and the bar with chain. When kickback occurs, the chain brake bar should come into contact with your top hand (or arm) and instantly stop the spinning of the chain so it doesn't cut you.

Inertia-Activated Chain Brake – A more sophisticated version of a chain brake that's activated by the force of inertia (not physical contact with a bar). When sudden kickback occurs, the force stops the chain from spinning. This is the safest form of a chain brake.

Bucking Spikes – These are metal spikes on the front of a chainsaw at the base of the bar. They serve two purposes: first, to allow more controlled sawing by jabbing the spikes into the tree trunk or log so you can pivot the saw blade downward for a clean cut; second, as a safety feature to grip onto a log or tree trunk in the event of kickback to prevent injury.

Manual Chain Oiler – A method for oiling the chainsaw bar. Operated through a push button. You control the amount of lubrication and when it happens. Good for people who want precise control over the oiling process.

Automatic Chain Oiler (Fixed Flow) – Another method for chainsaw bar oiling. It automatically delivers lubricant at a fixed rate of flow. You never have to touch a thing to ensure that proper oiling is taking place.

Automatic Chain Oiler (Adjustable Flow) – The best of both worlds for chainsaw oiling. Provides a constant stream of oil to the chain saw bar while also giving you the option to adjust the rate of flow. A great combination of manual and automatic oilers.

Side-Mounted Chain Tensioning System – Allows you to quickly adjust the tightness of the chainsaw chain on the fly. Most versions are tool-less designs where you can easily adjust the chain tension without using a special tool.

Anti-Vibration System – A special design that separates the chainsaw rear handle from having contact with the engine. This reduces vibration on the hand and lowers operator fatigue so you can use a chain saw for longer periods of time.

Chain Catcher – A piece of metal on the bottom of a chainsaw that's in front of the clutch. It acts as a safety feature by helping reduce the risk of being injured if the chain breaks or derails.

Best Rated Chainsaw Brands on this List

Here are the manufacturers of the best chainsaws reviewed on this page:

DEWALT
Greenworks
Husqvarna
Poulan Pro
Makita
Remington
WORX

Which of the Best Chainsaws Should You Choose?

Today, the top chainsaws come in three types: Gas, Corded Electric, and Battery operated. And each kind excels in different areas, which can make it hard for some people to make a final choice.

If you're having trouble picking the best chainsaw, don't worry.

Below, are some pros and cons about each type of chainsaw to help you narrow down your options.

Comparison of the Top Rated Chainsaw Types

Gas Chainsaw Features

Most powerful
Highly portable (no batteries to charge or cords to plug in)
Lasts a long time on each tank of gasoline (1 gallon of fuel can last you a whole day of continuous cutting)
2-cycle engines require a mixture of gasoline and oil; pre-mixed fuel is available
Produces fuel emissions
Bar lengths go above 24 inches
Can be harder to start over time
Requires maintenance like any other gas-powered tool
Heaviest type of chain saw
Loudest type of chain saw

Corded Electric Chainsaw Features

Second most powerful type
Powered by electricity; must be plugged into a power outlet
Only as portable as the length of the power cord
Runs forever with no time limit on cutting
Good for a lot of repetitive tasks like pruning and cutting a large number of logs
No fuel emissions
Less maintenance than gas chainsaws
Lightest type of chain saw
Quieter than gas chainsaws
Bar lengths don't go above 18 inches

Battery Chainsaw Features

Least powerful type of chain saw
Powered by Lithium-Ion batteries
Batteries last between 30 minutes to one hour of cutting time
Just as portable as gas chainsaws
No fuel emissions
Less maintenance than gas chainsaws
Quieter than gas chainsaws
Lighter than gas chainsaws but heavier than electric chainsaws
Bar lengths don't go above 18 inches

Which is the Best Rated Chainsaw for a Homeowner?

If you've read through this guide, you know that there's a lot to chainsaws.

Just between the bar length, type of oiler, and how it's powered, there's a ton of combinations out there.

While the best rated chainsaws listed at the top of this guide are the most popular when it comes to homeowner chainsaws, some of you may be looking for a bit more guidance on which one to select.

If that's the case, then this section is for you.

Something you should think about when buying a chain saw are the types of projects you're going to do most with the tool.

Once you know that, you can better match a chain saw to those kinds of tasks. The chain saw with the most value is one that does what you need it to without wasting money on features you don't need.

With that being said, here's a short sub-list of the best chainsaws for homeowners.

More Top Rated Chainsaw Buyer Guides

Below are some additional buyer guides I've been working on that include the most popular chain saws for particular categories.

Take a look if you haven't found what you're looking for on this page.

Best Gas Chainsaws
Best Battery Powered Chainsaws
Best Electric Chainsaws
Best Cheap Budget Chainsaws
Best Homeowner Chainsaws
Best Small Lightweight Chainsaws
Best All Around Chainsaws
Best 16 inch Chainsaws
Best 18 inch Chainsaws
Best Chainsaws for Firewood
Best Pole Saws
Best Chainsaw Protective Gear
Best Chainsaw Pants & Chaps
Best Chainsaw Gloves
Best Chainsaw Sharpeners (Electric & Manual)

Thanks for Reading My Chainsaw Reviews!

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best rated chainsaws and found the information about how to select the right tool to be useful.

As you've come to learn in the chainsaw reviews above, there's no one-size-fits-all chain saw for everyone.

Clearly, each person has their own preference on things like how the tool is powered, the amount of control they want over oiling the bar, the type of chain brake it uses, the length of the bar, etc.

The best thing you can do is pick one of the top rated chainsaws above that has the features that meet your individual needs and the cutting length to get the range of work you need to getdone.

Once you do that, you'll be more than happy with any one of the popular and best chainsaws listed above since it'll satisfy your needs now, and into the future.

If you were hoping to find some Stihl chainsaws listed, check out my guide dedicated on my top picks for Best Stihl Chainsaw here.