2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

We have a chainsaw for a wide range of applications and budgets. I know the needs of consumers vary and there’s no such thing as the “best” chainsaw for everybody. Whether you have a budget of under $100 or over $300 to buy a PRO-grade chainsaw, I have options for you to consider. I never recommend chainsaws that I wouldn’t buy myself or recommend to my fiance. My first priority for this article was to help people find the best chainsaw for the money, and more specifically, to provide safe and reliable options within their budget. Ultimately I’m here to assist you and give you good recommendations. It’s that simple.

Black+Decker Chainsaws

For starters, I began this article with a photo of a classic chainsaw — and one of the best cordless models for the money. At around $200 this 40V, 12-inch cordless (LCS1240) from Black+Decker has proven to be an excellent compact chainsaw. It’s ideal for light-duty cutting of wood under 10″ in diameter. It’s relatively lightweight at 10.2 lbs., although it’s not the lightest chainsaw you can buy. Consider the WORX WG322 if you want ultra-lightweight at only 6.2 lbs (10-inch).

Believe it or not but the LCS1240 has been around for over five years. It’s affordable and refined. It’s well-balanced, as far as weight distribution goes. This makes it feel natural when you hold it and move it around as you do when pruning tree branches. If you want something a little smaller than consider its sibling, with a 10″ Oregon bar & chain and half of the power output at 20-Volts. The LCS1020B costs around $100 which makes it even more popular than the 40V. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that most homeowners want an inexpensive chainsaw, especially as we approach 2023 with in a challenging economy. Money is tight for a lot of families.

Another chainsaw I highly recommend is the Oregon CS300 because of its unique built-in chain sharpener, which no other chainsaw has. Do any of these fit your requirements? Don’t worry, I’ve barely begun this shopping journey. I have top rated models throughout the entire article which deserve to be considered for the best chainsaws of 2023.

What are the Best Chainsaws to Spend your Money On?

We cover a lot of chainsaws in this article and they’re all excellent. Unfortunately, the problem when shopping for a chainsaw or any product, is trying to pinpoint the specific model for what you need. You’re the only one who knows what you need a chainsaw for. I have no idea what your requirements are. This is why I decided to focus my recommendations into a more precise list.

I’m hoping this list of the best chainsaws will help people come to a decision quicker — I hope. It’s difficult to make definitive statements about products because it’s the context that ultimately determines which one is the most suitable for what you need. Context is everything in life, but I’m confident that if you choose any of the chainsaws in this list, you won’t be disappointed. They are all excellent, but it’s up to you to choose what’s right for you. I can’t do that for you.

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Best Heavy-Duty Gas Chainsaw : Husqvarna 455 Rancher

If you’re felling trees and cutting firewood on a regular basis then this Husqvarna 455 Rancher is one of the best gas chainsaws for homeowners. Most people don’t need this much power and a 20″ bar and chain, but for those of you who do, you can’t go wrong with this classic chainsaw. This is a true workhorse, and a timeless model.

This is not a beginner chainsaw. Ideal for experienced chainsaw users who need power. It has 55.5cc X-Torq Husqvarna engine. There’s not a lot of bells and whistles but it’s built with an inertia chain brake and an anti-vibration system, which makes this safe and relatively comfortable.

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Best Cheap Corded-Electric Chainsaw / CRAFTSMAN 16″ / 12A – CMECS600

Well under $100. The perfect chainsaw if you’re on a budget and want a reliable chainsaw, as long as you don’t mind dealing with an extension cord, then it’s an excellent buy. You will need a 16-gauge 50 ft. extension cord or a 14-gauge 100 ft. extension, if you don’t already own one.

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What’s the Best Chainsaw in 2023 for You?

“Best” is relative to your Needs. We have our top picks for : Battery, Gas & Electric

I’ll discuss both of my personal favorite chainsaws later in the article. As you can imagine, the challenge for me is that your chainsaw preferences is a little secret that I’m not privy to. You have specific wood cutting projects that are unique to you BUT I have no idea what your cutting needs are, or what your budget is. It’s my job to show you a variety of top quality chainsaws so you can make the right decision. I’m confident you’ll find the best chainsaw for you in this article — and if you don’t, then I failed at my job.

You might be surprised to hear that the Craftsman brand is making some of the best cordless chainsaws on the market. This V20 / 20V Craftsman is one of the best value small chainsaws in 2023. I highly recommend this 12″ model if you need a compact chainsaw, and you don’t need to cut wood over 10-inches.

Best 12″ Small Cordless Chainsaw : Craftsman V20 / CMCCS620M1

Well-Made, lightweight, well-balanced & Affordable.

Fact : The Craftsman brand was bought by Stanley / Black+Decker in 2017 for $900 million

In this article I’ve our decision for the best quality chainsaws for every type, including : Battery-Power, Gas, Corded-Electric and even a few chainsaw alternatives. How do you define the best chainsaw for the money in 2023? I guess it depends on how much money you want to spend, and what’s the scope of your wood cutting.

What features are you looking for? What size and type of chainsaw do you need? Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous tools you can buy so it would be wise to invest in a good quality chainsaw that is both effective at cutting wood, reliable and most importantly, safe to use.

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Best Budget Cordless Chainsaws

I know that life has been difficult for all of us since the pandemic began. Everyone has struggled in their own way, which is also why I created a more personal site called Pivot or Die, to help people navigate their way through this challenging world. I only share this because I think a lot of people are on a budget, which is why I want to start this article by recommending two inexpensive cordless chainsaws that are surprisingly high-quality.

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Choose Your Chainsaw Wisely / Be Practical

What’s best (or appropriate) for you, is not necessarily what your neighbor needs. For most homeowners, battery-power is the way to go, but if you need to fell large trees then you definitely need a quality gas chainsaw like the Husqvarna 460R, a 24″ powerhouse. We have detailed photos of every chainsaw.

“Best chainsaw?” is a very common question from homeowners, but in truth, the best chainsaw for the money is determined by the scope of your cutting projects — not just for the short-term but for what your plans are for the long-term.

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The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the best heavy-duty gas chainsaw for homeowners and the EGO 56V is one of the best gas replacement cordless chainsaw. Both are exceptional in their own way.

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Best New Cordless & Best 50cc Gas Chainsaw

This new 16″ WG385 chainsaw from WORX is a great buy. It uses their cutting edge Powershare battery technology. This is one of the best new 16″ chainsaws in 2023, and the Makita is meant for hardcore wood cutting. It’s as good as Husqvarna. It’s packed with great features.

How to Decide What Chainsaw to Buy?

Personally, and by that I mean, I am the owner of this site, which I started 8 years ago. I have researched chainsaws up and down, in every which way. We don’t recommend any chainsaws that we wouldn’t buy personally. Also, we never recommend buying cheap no-name brand chainsaws. Please don’t do that. Safety and quality should be top priorities when you choose a chainsaw for your needs. The reputation of the brand is important. You want to ensure their manufacturing standards are high.

It’s simple — Price is not an indicator of what you need. If you want to cut down 24″ trees, don’t buy a battery-powered chainsaw. You’ll be very disappointed. And don’t buy a gas chainsaw like the Husqvarna 460 if you only need to cut wood no bigger than 14″ in diameter. For most homeowners, battery-powered chainsaws are ideal for their ease of use, are lightweight, require no maintenance, and don’t produce fumes. The advantages are expansive, we even wrote an article about the differences between gas and cordless chainsaws.

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Battery, Electric or Gas?

Pick your poison — I mean, chainsaw. There’s no accounting preference so we have to look at every type of chainsaw.

In this article we go deep and recommend the best chainsaws for each category of power types — Battery, Gas and Electric. Why choose one over the other? We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you can make the appropriate decision for what you need. Maybe what you think you need is incorrect. We’re here to clear things up.

Understanding the differences will ensure you spend your money wisely. There’s no point in buying the wrong type. Each one has their strengths and weakness, not to mention the cost.

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2023 — ★ Best Rugged Battery-Powered Chainsaws

Excellent lightweight, compact battery-powered chainsaws.

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★ Editors Choice : Best Battery-Power & Gas Chainsaws

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★ Editors Choice : Best Corded-Electric Chainsaws

The Makita UC4051A is the best professional-grade corded-electric chainsaw and the Oregon CS1500 is the best inexpensive chainsaw with one very special feature — it has an integrated self-sharpening chain, making it ideal for homeowners who want a low maintenance chainsaw. Both are excellent depending on your needs.

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Detailed Chainsaw Reviews

Need A Powerful Cordless : Consider — Makita 36V / Makita XCU04PT1 / 16″

Makita 36V cordless (16″) that you see above is a perfectly balanced saw, giving you all of the conveniences of battery-power and as much power as a 32cc gas chainsaw. It’s packed with features you won’t find on other chainsaws, like extra dust & water protection (XPT). But it’s also more expensive than the average cordless chainsaw because of the quality of engineering. It deserves the title of best pro-grade cordless chainsaw, and customers will agree with me. If you want quality then you won’t do much better than Makita.

Some people still think they need a gas chainsaw but with models like this 36V Makita, you’ll be more than happy when you realize it will do all of your wood cutting. It comes with two sets of batteries which means you can cut wood all day. When you’re using the chainsaw, just make sure your second set of batteries are charging. This is at the high end of cordless chainsaws. Excellent buy!

Features :

• Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor direct-drive system delivers power of a 32cc gas chain saw
• Two 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion batteries deliver 36V power and performance without leaving the 18V LXT® platform
• “Tool-less” chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
• Variable speed trigger and high chain speed (0-3,940 FPM) for improved cutting performance
• Adjustable automatic chain lubrication with large oil reservoir
• Large oil filling port with view window allows operator to easily add and check bar oil level
• Built-in L.E.D. on/off switch with auto power-off function; automatically shuts the saw off when operation is delayed for extended battery life
• Rubberized soft grip top handle is engineered for the user to more easily apply even cutting pressure
• Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
• Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
• 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery and charger

Recommended Package: Get the kit with two sets of 5Ah batteries:

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It’s simple — Price is not an indicator of what you need. Don’t buy a battery-powered chainsaw if you want to cut down large trees or cut a lot of firewood. You’ll be disappointed. Gas chainsaws are great when you need to cut through large trees, all day and as fast as possible. What type of chainsaw is best suited for your needs?

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Affordable Cordless : The WORX WG384 should be at the top of your list

This WORX chainsaw is under the radar but customers who buys it, generally love it. At 40V and only 11 lbs., this makes this ultra-lightweight chainsaw suitable for most people. You won’t get tired holding it to cut wood, and if you’re elderly this will matter to you. It has enough power to prune, cut firewood and fell small trees. Overall one of the best chainsaws for the money.

Features :

• Quick-stop chain brake to help prevent accidental cutting
• Twin 20V Power Share batteries deliver 40V maximum power and performance
• Highly efficient brushless motor design for longer lasting power
• Patented auto-tension chain system extends life of bar and chain
• Automatic chain lubrication with oil lever indicator for easy operation

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What are the Best Chainsaws to Spend your Money On?

We cover a lot of chainsaws in this article and they’re all excellent. Unfortunately, the problem when shopping for a chainsaw or any product, is trying to pinpoint the specific model for what you need. You’re the only one who knows what you need a chainsaw for. I have no idea what your requirements are.

I’m hoping this list of the best chainsaws will help people come to a decision quicker — I hope. It’s difficult to make definitive statements about products because it’s the context that ultimately determines which one is the most suitable for what you need. Context is everything in life, but I’m confident that if you choose any of the chainsaws in this list, you won’t be disappointed. They are all excellent, but it’s up to you to choose what’s right for you. I can’t do that for you.

Recommended Cheap Chainsaws

Best Affordable Battery Chainsaw : ►WORX WG322 —

Fast Facts :

• ✓ Cheap. Inexpensive — but well-made.
• ✓ Women love it. It’s true. Great for beginners as well.
• ✓ No maintenance
• ✓ Easy to hold and use for long periods of time. Important.
• ✓ Great value for the money.
• ✓ Perfect for pruning limbs and branches
• ✓ Automatic, tool free chain tension system
• ✓ Automatic chain Lubrication with oil lever indicator
• ✘ Battery life is always limiting. Runs out within an hour.
• ✘ Not for heavy-duty cutting, like felling large trees.

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Best Corded-Electric Chainsaw / Oregon CS1500 Review

Fast Facts :

• ✓ Pull the built-in lever. Chain sharpens in seconds!
• ✓ With PowerSharp, you can sharpen on the saw, on the job in seconds.
• ✓ Instant start. Quieter than gas. Silent between cuts.
• ✓ Easy to Hold : Light-weight and balanced. Low vibration. Comfortable handle.
• ✓ 18″ (45cm) bar
• ✓ Automatic oiler with translucent window
• ✓ 15 amps
• ✓ Weighs 12.9 lbs
• ✘ You have to deal with an extension cord.
• ✘ Limited power because it’s electric

Think about this before you buy…

Oregon chainsaws are the most underrated chainsaws on the market. Why? They have built-in chain sharpens which no other chainsaw has. Sharpening a chain is a pain in the A**. Do you really want to sharpen your chain? Most homeowners do not want to do that. Also, this is a cheap chainsaw, and by ‘cheap,’ I mean inexpensive, not low quality. Big difference.

Honestly, I can’t stress this enough. Having a built-in chain sharpener is a game-changing feature that you really need to think about. Also, it means you will NEVER have a dull chain. Ever! Cutting with a sharp chain is much safer and far more efficient. As a chain dulls it begins to snag on the wood, which can cause kickback. Not good.

Oregon also makes a more powerful battery chainsaw, which also has a built in sharpener. So, If you don’t want a corded-electric chainsaw but like the idea of a built-in sharpener, get the ►OREGON CS300 (40V, 18″ bar and chain)

Seriously. Get an Oregon — especially if you’re new to chainsaws.

Read our dedicated review of the CS1500.

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Get a battery chainsaw > If you want — light-duty cutting (under 16-inches), no maintenance, quiet(er), clean energy.

If you don’t like to manage an extension cord, DO NOT buy a corded-electric.

The only reason to buy a gas chainsaw in 2023 is if you have a NEED to cut thick wood, fast or large-volumes of wood. Other than that, you don’t need a gas chainsaw.

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Honestly, I feel that the majority of homeowners should buy a battery-powered chainsaw — unless you don’t have a lot of money to spend, and in that case, buy a corded-electric like the Oregon CS1500 (self-sharpening). This is ideal for cutting branches and wood under about 12-inches.

Battery chainsaws give you the best of both worlds nowadays. They are quite powerful, if you spend the extra money, and you don’t have to waste your time and energy on maintenance. They start instantly, don’t pollute, etc.

I think Oregon chainsaws are great for homeowners because they have built-in chain sharpeners. No other chainsaws have this feature. Who wants to sharpen their chainsaw? Few homeowners know how and it takes a lot of effort for a beginner. Skip the frustration and just buy an Oregon, like the 40V CS300.

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But, these are not the only chainsaws you should consider. Below you’ll see some top rated chainsaws in 2023.

When I hear the question “What’s the best chainsaw for the money?” I interpret that as : What’s an inexpensive chainsaw that’s reliable, well-constructed and worth your money? Most people choose their favorite brand, which is a good strategy if you know your brands. Ultimately, when choosing a chainsaw look at the average score that actual buying customers give and read what they have to say. The average opinion of thousands of people is far more accurate then just listening to one opinion. You can’t argue with historical data, although some people will try.

You might have noticed that in online reviews the loudest voices are usually from those who received a defective unit or didn’t get an immediate response from customer support. No company is perfect, so don’t focus on a few negative reviews. I consider a score over 4.25 stars worth buying. Find out what people are complaining about and then decide what to buy. We’ve done most of the work for you as we never recommend products that are unreliable or poorly made.

Inside the Oregon CS1500 ► Self-Sharpening System

Best Older Chainsaws

Before we get into my breakdown of the best chainsaw for the money it’s important think about what you truly need. What type of cutting do you plan on doing?

Some questions to ask yourself:

• What type of cutting will you be doing? Pruning, limbing, felling trees, firewood?
• What’s the largest diameter of wood that you need to cut?
• What type of wood will you be primarily cutting? Hardwood or softwood?
• Does loud noise bother you? Will it annoy your neighbors?
• How long will you need to use your chainsaw when working?
• Will you be working close to an electrical outlet?
• Do you value convenience, power or price?

By thinking about the questions above you’ll be able to make a better decision about which chainsaw you should spend your hard-earned money on. Forget about what your neighbor uses or what friends recommend. You don’t need a gas chainsaw if all the wood you’ll be cutting is under 12-inches. An expensive chainsaw would be overkill for you in that case, unless you love collecting chainsaws. But, in truth, not all homeowners need to fell 30 inch trees on a regular basis.

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Top Pick ⋆ Best Chainsaw / Oregon CS300-A6

On the other hand, if you need to spend hours at a time cutting large hardwood trees then a battery or electric chainsaw will be useless to you — and a waste of money. So, back to the question : What’s the best chainsaw for the money? It depends…sorry, I know some people want a definitive answer, but there is no such thing “one size fits all” when it comes to chainsaws, but if I would have to choose just one chainsaw, I would recommend the Oregon CS300-A6 (see below) — a 40V battery-powered chainsaw with a built-in sharpener.

A sharp chain makes it safer to cut wood. I love this design.

Features :

• Brushless motor provides increased efficiency and power output
• PowerSharp chain minimizes downtime by allowing you to sharpen your saw right on the chain within seconds
• Lightweight for comfort and ease of use
• Silent between cuts
• Chainsaw starts with the pull of a trigger – no pull cords
• Battery can be recharged up to 1,000 times
• Make up 400 2-3 inch cuts when the 4.0 Ah battery is fully charged
• The chain stays oiled using the built-in Lubri-Tec oiling system which reduces chain friction and increases the saw’s run time
• Overload protection – motor shuts off automatically if chainsaw is pushed too hard
• Easy to assemble. All you need to do is put the tensioner on the guide bar and then put the bar and chain on the saw.
• Chainsaw is CARB compliant and can be shipped to California

For the average person, this is the perfect chainsaw because most people do not know how nor do they want to, sharpen the chain. This isn’t trivial. I think for most people, this is the perfect chainsaw and Oregon owns the market when it comes to self-sharpening chainsaws.

Now let’s look at the other top chainsaws for 2023. In this article I’ll recommend the target applications of each chainsaw to help you decide.

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A New Era from Husqvarna — 120 Mark II (Review)

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Recommended Budget Chainsaws

Here we go. My picks for the Best Chainsaw for the Money in a variety of categories.

Remember, this isn’t a list of the cheapest chainsaws, although I’ve already written articles on that in the past, such as chainsaws — under $100 and gas chainsaws under $200. These are chainsaws that will give you the ‘most bang for your buck.’

If you want the absolute best chainsaw then just buy a professional STIHL or Husqvarna chainsaw like the heavy-duty Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II, but for homeowners it doesn’t make any sense to do that.

This list is comprised of all consumer grade chainsaws, not professional-grade. I have the Husqvarna 450 Rancher on my list for those of you who require the power to fell larger trees.  It’s an exceptional all-around gas chainsaw, capable of handling big jobs with ease. And all things considered, it’s very reasonably priced.

I hope you find this list useful. If you have any comments or have any personal recommendations then send me a message and let me know. I love hearing from readers.

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WORX WG303.1 | Great Electric Chainsaw

16″ Bar & Chain / 14.5 Amp / 11 lbs

Features:

• Tool-less tensioning system prevents over-tightening.
• Designed with an effective chain brake for added safety.
• Automatic oil lubrication and built-in oil reservoir with level indicator.
• Ergonomic design.
• 3/8″ pitch reduced kickback chain.
• 3 year warranty.

Best for: Light to medium-duty cutting under 12 inches. Limbing, pruning and firewood. Felling small trees.

Downside: You’ll have to manage an extension cord. Not suitable for heavy-duty cutting.

Overview

The WORX WG303.1 is an impressive electric chainsaw for less than $100. It’s been designed with homeowners in mind as it comes with an easy to use automatic chain tensioning system. It has an over-sized knob that’s used to secure the bar and chain, while simultaneously maintaining the proper chain tension as you work. This also removes the risk of over-tightening the chain, which increases the longevity of your chain.

It’s quite powerful for an electric, being driven by a 14.5 Amp motor. It’s capable of cutting trees up to 14 inches in diameter but ideally it’s better suited for cutting wood under 12 inches. Like all chainsaws, this can cut wood larger than what it’s designed for but the problem is when you cut above the capability of your saw the motor begins to bog down and may struggle to cut the wood effectively. You also increase your risk of injury if you push a saw beyond its power ability.

So, yes, you can cut wood 20″ in diameter occasionally but I would NOT recommend this saw if you need to consistently cut wood that wide. Choose one of the gas chainsaws on the list if you’re tackling heavy-duty projects on a regular basis. For most homeowners this WORX model is an excellent all-around chainsaw that’s well-made and easy to use.

Most people are surprised at how effective the WORX WG303.1 is at cutting because it is electric. Modern electric chainsaws are much better than they used to be. Also, it’s low maintenance and relatively quiet. It won’t annoy your neighbors as much as a gas chainsaw.

It has a chain brake that will stop the chain quickly if kickback occurs and at only 11lbs it’s comfortable to work with for long periods of time.

You’ll need a 12 gauge extension cord for this chainsaw. If you don’t already own one then the US Wire 74100 is well-priced and will ensure you get the optimal power from your chainsaw. Learn more about cords in our article entitled: Buying the Right Extension Cord.

12 Gauge Extension >  15A Tools : AmazonBasics 12/3 SJTW

If you need a little more power then you can get the more powerful WORX WG304.1. All the features are the same except that it has an 18″ bar and chain and it’s powered by a 15 Amp motor.

View or download the MANUAL for the WORX WG303.1 chainsaw.

Technical Specifications:

• Volts: 120 V~60 Hz
• Power: 14.5 Amps
• Peak Power: 3.5 Hp
• Bar Length: 16″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″
• Chain Gauge: .50″
• Oil Tank: 6.75 oz
• Dry Weight: 11 lbs

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Poulan Pro PP5020AV | Cheap Gas Chainsaw

20″ Bar & Chain / 50.8cc / 15.5 lbs

Features:

• 20″ bar and chain.
• Durable 50cc stratified 2-stroke engine.
• Super clean air filter system.
• Double-acting chain break.n
• Easy to start pull starting system.
• Anti-vibration handles.
• Automatic chain oiling system.
• Tool-less access to air filter and spark plug.
• Built-in scrench holder and carrying case.
• Weight 15.5 lbs.

Best for: Cutting wood up to 24″ in diameter. Excellent for medium to heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting firewood, felling trees.

Downside: Heavy (15.5 lbs). Too heavy for excessive pruning or limbing.

A Smarter Choice is the PR5020

Overview

The Poulan Pro PP5020AV is another gas chainsaw for homeowners who want to maximize their budget and get the best chainsaw for the money. I recently wrote an in-depth review of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV which will give you a few more details but I’ll cover the most important points in this article.

You should know that the Poulan Pro brand is owned by Husqvarna and some of the components from other Husqvarna saws are used in this chainsaw. No, it’s not a Husqvarna but it retains much of the quality of the Husqvarna brand, at a cheaper price. Again, not as good as Husqvarna but still a great value for the price.

Powered by a 50cc engine, it has plenty of power to handle your large cutting projects. This is a very capable chainsaw that can fell large trees and cut firewood with ease. I don’t recommend this for limbing or pruning as it’s too heavy but you can obviously use it for short periods of time to do so when needed.

One of the best features of this saw is the anti-vibration technology behind it, which is borrowed from Husqvarna so you know you’re getting an excellent anti-vibration system to protect your health as you work. I still recommend anti-vibration gloves when using any chainsaw because it’s important to do whatever you can to protect yourself. Also, you’ll be more comfortable when you’re working for long periods of time.

Some other great features are the Super Clean air filter system, aluminum Professional style clutch cover, automatic gear driven oil pump, tool-less access to the air filter and spark plug, an easy pull starting system, a double post chain brake, and an on-board locking wrench holder in the rear handle.

It comes fully assembled and includes a hard carrying case. I also recommend upgrading the bar and chain.

Overall, this is one of the best chainsaws for the money if you have some serious cutting jobs to do. This is not meant for casual limbing or pruning but it’s perfect for felling medium to large trees and cutting firewood.

• View or download the MANUAL Poulan Pro PP5020AV.
• View or download the PARTS LIST Poulan Pro PP5020AV.

This Poulan Pro chainsaw has been on the market for years. I don’t know exactly when it was released but it’s been available for at least 5 years. This is a good thing because it’s been proven to be reliable over time. There’s no need to change something that isn’t faulty. We live in a day and age when we replace our smartphones every year and replace our gadgets as soon as they break but this wasn’t always the case. Chainsaws still harken back to our past when we held on to things fixed them when they broke down. The Husqvarna 450, which I mentioned earlier, is in the same category. These are machines that work as they were designed to do — for cutting down trees, and pruning and limbing branches.

The Poulan Pro is an excellent chainsaw — and it’s affordable.

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GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX 40V | Best Cheap Battery Chainsaw

16″ Bar & Chain / 40V Amp / 12 lbs

Features:

• DigiPro brushless motor will provide you up to 100 cuts on a single charge.
• Compatible with GreenWorks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion System.
• 16″ Oregon Bar and Chain.
• Brushless motor delivers up to 30% more torque & 70% less vibration.
• Chain brake and low kickback chain for greater protection.
• Instant start.
• Fast-release trigger. Chains stops when you release the trigger.
• Quick & easy tool-less chain tensioning.

Best for: Cutting wood up to 10″ in diameter. Excellent for small-duty tasks, such as pruning, limbing, firewood and small trees. Best used to cut softwoods.

Downside: Working time is limited by battery. Extra battery is expensive.

Overview

The GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX is a battery powered chainsaw that packs quite a punch considering it’s running from a battery. Well, to be fair, it’s powered by a 40V battery, which is impressive. You’ll notice that lithium-ion tools are more expensive than gas or corded tools for one simple reason — the battery is expensive and that’s why this chainsaw is on my list for the “best chainsaw for the money.” You get a lot of chainsaw in this package.

Thankfully, GreenWorks seems to have figured out a way to design an excellent Lithium-ion chainsaw that’s capable of handling medium-sized cutting jobs around the yard — at an affordable price. That’s the challenge that I had when putting this list together. I wasn’t just looking for great chainsaws but they also had to be inexpensive to maximize your budget. That was my focus and I hope I’ve succeeded in providing you with some reasonable options.

✓ A chainsaw women love > read customer reviews on Amazon 💬

First, let me just say that you get a 4 year warranty with this battery chainsaw. That’s unheard of. Can you think of another tool manufacturer that gives you a 4 year warranty out-of-the box? If you find one, let me know. Either way, it’s rare and further proof that GreenWorks stands behind their products, offering the longest warranty that you’ll find when buying a chainsaw.

And to top that, the brushless motor has a 10 year warranty on it. I don’t know about you but when I buy a product I also consider how long I’ll be covered in case it breaks down and needs repair. Clearly, GreenWorks has you covered in the warranty department.

Okay, but is the GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX any good?

Yes! Overall, this is a great battery chainsaw for small tasks around the yard. It’s perfect for pruning and cutting down small trees, as well as firewood. At only 12 lbs this chainsaw will be relatively easy to handle for most people.

The only downside to GreenWorks 20312 is the fact that you can’t work for long periods of time due to the fact that it’s battery powered. The harder you push it the faster the battery will drain. It’s not about the length of time but rather how much of a demand you place upon the chainsaw. Because of that, I suggest you buy an extra battery (GreenWorks 29472 40V 4 Ah Li-ion) because you’ll likely need it, especially if you have a lot of work to do.

I always recommend an extra battery with tools because tasks always take more time than you expect so it’s better to have a fully charged battery waiting for you while you’re working. Another great thing about having two batteries is that once you deplete one battery you can immediately start charging it — and then you can switch to your fully charged back-up. This allows you to work longer if you need to.

I know an extra battery is expensive but if you have work to do then you need the extra power. Otherwise, I suggest you buy either the WORX WG303.1 or the OREGON CS1500. They’re both corded electric chainsaws but you won’t have to worry about batteries. Or you can buy a gas chainsaw, but it’s louder, pollutes and requires more maintenance but you can run it all day and night if you want to — all you need is gas.

If you don’t need to do heavy-duty cutting then I suggest you stick with an electric or battery-powered chainsaws. Although, I know that there are many people out there who just love the smell and power of a gas chainsaw. I understand that you probably have your own personal preference, so go with what you’re most comfortable with.

Another great thing about this GreenWorks 20312 DigiPro G-MAX chainsaw is that the battery is compatible with a wide range of GreenWorks products, so if already own a G-MAX power tool then you’re ahead of the game as you can use the battery from your other tool as your back-up battery. Or, you can slowly build-up your inventory of GreenWorks power tools and then you can think of buying an extra battery as an investment.

The 40V G-MAX battery is compatible with all G-Max tools from GreenWorks. Visit their Amazon store to see their full line of lawn and garden products.

The GreenWorks 20312 chainsaw deserves a spot on the list for the best chainsaw for the money. You get the complete freedom and mobility of an impressive 40V battery powered chainsaw, as well as a 4 year warranty just in case something goes wrong. Power + Reliability + Peace of Mind = Best Chainsaw for the Money!

What’s included? 16-inch 40V DigiPro chainsaw, 16″ bar & chain, 40V (4Ah) Lithium-ion battery, charger, carrying bag, owner’s manual.

View or download the MANUAL GreenWorks 20312 40V chainsaw.

Technical Specifications:

• Bar Length : 16″
• Chain Brake: Yes
• Compatible Battery: Model 29662 : 40V 4Ah Li-ION Battery
• Weight with Battery: 12 lbs
• Hand/Chain Guard: Yes
• Chain Tensioning: Tool-less Adjustment

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Black & Decker LCS1020 | Best Cheap 20V Battery Chainsaw

10″ Bar & Chain / 20V / 7.2 lbs

Features:

• 20V MAX Lithium-ion Battery.
• 10″ OREGON low-kickback bar and chain.
• Oiling system for consistent bar & chain lubrication.
• Tool-less chain tensioner.

Best for: Cutting wood up to 6″ in diameter. Excellent for pruning, limbing and cleaning up after a storm. Small light-duty jobs.

Downside: Lacks power. Don’t expect it to do too tackle big cutting jobs. It’s not designed for that.

Overview

The Black & Decker LCS1020 is on this list of the best chainsaw for the money because it’s very good at what it’s designed for — tackling small jobs around the yard. Light enough, small enough and powerful enough to make this a great chainsaw for anyone to use.

It has a large over-sized knob to tighten the chain. No need to bring out a wrench. Also, it has a manual oil lubrication mechanism which means it’s up to you to keep the chain lubricated. Here’s how it works:

This chainsaw is equipped with a manual oiling system that keeps the saw chain and
guide bar lubricated. Slowly press the primer bulb on the oil cap three times before making each cut.

The beauty of Black & Decker LCS1020 is in its simplicity. It’s considered the best chainsaw for the money because it’s quiet, effective and extremely light at 7.2 lbs, making it easy to use without straining yourself. It has enough power to handle small jobs and nothing more. It’s the type of tool that you leave on the patio and pick-up effortlessly whenever you want to do some trimming. It’s straightforward and accessible to anyone.

I recommend you buy an extra battery (LB2X4020-OPE 4.0 Ah) — with double the battery life — and the Black & Decker Fast Charger to maximize your usage of the Black & Decker LCS1020. Obviously, it’s up to you what you want to do but batteries don’t last long if you do a lot of cutting.

And, if you really want to get the most out of this chainsaw then get the fast charger, which allows you to charge your 20V batteries in under 40 minutes.

View of download the MANUAL for the Black & Decker LCS1020 chainsaw.

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Husqvarna 450 | Best Classic Gas Chainsaw

18″ Bar & Chain / 50.2cc / 10.8 lbs (without bar & chain)

Features:

• Centrifugal air cleaning system. Work longer between filter cleanings.
• 3.2 HP X-Torq Engine: Improved fuel efficiency and less exhaust emission levels.
• Quick-release air filter: Easier to clean and replace your air filter.
• Ergonomic rear handle and trigger.
• Felling marks: Improved felling guide.
• Combined choke/stop control. Easy to start and minimize chance of flooding.
• Snap-lock cylinder cover saves time when changing spark plugs and cleaning.
• Three-piece crankshaft: Forged 3-piece crankshaft for greater longevity.
• Visible fuel level.
• Inertia chain brake.
• Anti-Vibration handles.
• Easy start.
• CARB Compliant.

View or download the MANUAL for the Husqvarna 450.

Best for: Cutting wood up to 24″ in diameter. Excellent for medium to heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting firewood, felling trees, limbing, pruning, and cleaning up after a storm.

Downside: On the expensive side in the eyes of consumers but it’s worth the price if you have a need for power and efficiency.

If you’re curious as to the differences between the regular 450 model and the Husqvarna 450 Rancher, read our breakdown. Husqvarna has done a good job confusing their customers by having two versions of the same chainsaw with only minor changes.

Overview

So here we are. My bonus pick for my list of the Best Chainsaw for the Money! I decided to include the Husqvarna 450 gas chainsaw because, although it’s the most expensive chainsaw on this list, it’s still an exceptional package filled with professional grade features within a price range that consumers can afford.

What’s so impressive about the Husqvarna 450 is how light they’ve managed to make it. It’s only 10.8 lbs (without bar & chain) which makes it quite lightweight and easy for most people to work with for long periods of time. Comparatively the Remington RM5118R Rodeo is 17.5 lbs and the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is 15.5 lbs — and they’re about the same in engine power. How did Husqvarna manage to create such a powerful gas chainsaw and keep it so light?

Well folks, that’s engineering. The Husqvarna 450 is an extremely well-balanced chainsaw that has proven itself over time. It’s been tested and refined over the years and what remains is a powerful chainsaw that remains ergonomic, easy to start and comfortable to hold in your hands.

It has excellent anti-vibration technology that protects you as you work. You don’t have to worry about feeling numb after using the Husqvarna 450, although anti-vibration gloves are still beneficial. It has an effective inertia chain brake that will protect you from injury if and when kickback occurs. There’s a long list of features that you can read below so I won’t go over them here.

Husqvarna 450 Features

You get what you pay for and in this case you pay a little more money for a chainsaw that will last you many years to come. Now, I don’t recommend this gas chainsaw for anybody. This is a serious professional-grade chainsaw that should be handled by someone who knows how to use a chainsaw and has a need for heavy-duty cutting.

You don’t need a Husqvarna 450 if all you want to do is some limbing and pruning. You don’t need the Husqvarana 450 to fell small trees under 12 inches. For the average homeowner this chainsaw would be overkill but if you do a lot of cutting and need to consistently cut wood over 16″ in diameter and you have the budget then you cannot go wrong with the Husqvarna 450.

The 450 has proven itself over time as one of the top chainsaws for your money? Should you buy the Husqvarna 450. Absolutely! — as long as you need power and don’t mind the fumes and noise. Those are the drawbacks of gas power. If you want a little more power then go for the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. Same great quality, but capable of handling larger trees with its bigger engine and 20″ bar and chain.

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Chainsaw Safety Gear

Whether you’re a chainsaw expert or if you’ve never used a chainsaw before; it’s essential that you protect yourself with chainsaw safety gear. Chainsaws are the most dangerous power tool for homeowners and therefore it’s imperative that you practice safety at all times.

You can learn more about the specific safety gear in these articles:

• Chainsaw Chaps
• Husqvarna Pro Forest Helmet
• Anti-Vibration Gloves
• Chainsaw Gloves

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What’s The Best Chainsaw for the Money?

Well, I’ve given you many excellent choices for the best chainsaw for the money in 2023. The beginning of this article focused on the newest chainsaws and the second half of this article was focused on the best older chainsaws that are still worth buying today. Everyone has their preferences so you can imagine how challenging it is to write a chainsaw buying guide. It hasn’t been easy, and we continue to refine it as chainsaws come and go.

If you can’t decide upon one then perhaps you still need to figure out what your needs are. The best chainsaw for you stems from what you want to do with it. How much cutting will you be doing and how large (in diameter) will the wood be that you need to cut? Also, you need to factor in if you’re someone who wants to do chainsaw maintenance or prefers the simplicity of a cordless chainsaw. For most homeowners, I recommend a quality cordless model. It’s simple. Once you know those things then you’ll be ready to choose the best chainsaw that fits within your budget.

I hope you found this guide useful.

If you disagree with my choices then send me your own recommendations for chainsaws to include in this article. Use our Contact page.