The WORX WG309 is the perfect trimming, pruning and limbing chainsaw for homeowners. New for 2022, can be used a regular chainsaw (no pole) or you have the option to attach the included 8 foot pole so you can safely trim your trees on the ground, making it much more convenient.
This is an amazingly affordable 2-in-1 chainsaw. Honestly, I don’t know how Worx manages to sell their chainsaws so cheap. Worx truly makes affordable products for homeowners. Either way, a great option, depending on your needs.
Table of Contents...
- 1 Cheap Chainsaws
- 1.1 Black & Decker Alligator Lopper LP1000
- 1.2 Cheap Chainsaws Under $100
- 1.3 Value vs Cost | Cheap Chainsaws
- 1.4 Oregon 54-026 — Bar & Chain Oil
- 1.5 WORX Chainsaw — WG303.1
- 1.6 Sun Joe SWJ701E
- 1.7 GreenWorks 20232
- 1.8 Quality Cheap Chainsaws Are Hard to Find
- 1.9 Which Cheap Chainsaw should you buy?
- 1.10 WORX WG303.1
- 1.11 Scotts S20510 SYNC | Best Cheap Chainsaw
- 1.12 Related posts:
People have a lot of varying parameters when they decide to buy a chainsaw, or any product for that matter, and I’m no different than the average consumer. Sometimes I just want to buy a product to fulfill a need but I’m not necessarily interested in buying the best one and spending extra money when I don’t have to.
Recommended — 20V Greenworks Chainsaw
The Greenworks 20262 (40V battery) has been a best seller for years, which translates to a great value for you. Very easy to use and work with at only 6 lbs.
- ✓ Reliable and affordable.
- ✓ Perfect for beginners
- ✓ Light-duty cutting around the yard.
Most of the cheap chainsaws in this article are generally under (or around) $100. Prices do fluctuate. Don’t blame us for that. By cheap, we mean inexpensive, but quality typically drops with price, Although their are some exceptions.
Recommended — 40V Black+Decker : Great Value (read review)
We live in challenging economic times and not everybody can afford to spend a lot of money but you may still have a need to get some work done around the house and buying a cheap chainsaw will cost you less than hiring a professional to do the cutting for you.
Cheap Chainsaws
All of these chainsaws will cost you less than $100 (before taxes), and another common feature is all these chainsaws are electric saws. Why are they all electric? Well, gas chainsaws are more complex and are generally more expensive because of the extra parts.
The gas chainsaws available under $100 are not very good, except for the Poulan P3314 gas chainsaw, which is fairly well rated by customers. I’m not going to put anything on Chainsaw Journal that will waste your money. I refuse to put anything on this site that I wouldn’t consider buying myself. There’s nothing I hate more than wasting money, especially on poorly designed products.
▶ Under $100 in 2023 : WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw
If you’re open to spending a little more money (under $200) then you’ll be interested in reading our article entitled: Best Cheap Gas Chainsaws. Or, another insightful article is Top Rated Chainsaws in 2023. Chainsaws under $100 are quite limited, as you’ll soon see.
It’s near-impossible to find a good battery chainsaw for under $100, but for very close to that price, the WORX WG322 is a favorite with consumers.
If you’re interested in finding a good battery chainsaw I did an extensive article on them that I hope you’ll find useful. And if you want an exceptional battery chainsaw that has the equivalent power of a 45cc gas chainsaw then you must read my review of the GreenWorks 80V chainsaw.
Black & Decker Alligator Lopper LP1000
One more thing I want to mention before I get into my list of best cheap chainsaws under $100 — there are great alternatives for cutting branches or wood under 4 to 5-inches — but it actually costs a little more than $100. It’s made by Black and Decker and it’s called the Alligator Lopper — read the REVIEW.
I didn’t know there was such a thing until I stumbled upon it a couple months ago and I immediately recognized its value because it provides you the ability to trim and prune trees — just like a chainsaw — but the big plus is that it’s safer to use than a chainsaw. Good cheap chainsaws are hard to come by but thankfully manufacturers are innovating and improving upon the traditional chainsaw; making it cheaper and safer to cut wood.
If you’ve never used a chainsaw before you’ve probably already considered the fact that they can be extremely dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to use them properly. It’s best to get familiar with safe chainsaw operating procedures if you’ve never handled one before. Safety first.
You can also prune the manual way if you so desire with a tool such as the Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Lopper, but it will only cut up to 2-inches. Just another option to consider.
A similar tool to the Alligator Lopper is the Black and Decker WORX WG320 Jawsaw (again, more than $100), but it’s also a great alternative tool. This is powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, so it has a lot of power to get the job done. I’m not covering it in this article but I just want to provide you some options because there’s more than one way to cut wood.
Read my most recent REVIEW of the WORX JawSaw, the article also covers the full line of WORX chainsaws, including the WG303.1 electric chainsaw.
WORX JawSaw : SAFE
The WORX JawSaw is an excellent chainsaw replacement right around the $100 mark. It can safely cut branches up to 4 inches in diameter. Obviously, that’s the main limitation of the saw but if it fulfills your needs then I would recommend it above buying a chainsaw. It’s simpler to use, safer and easier to maintain. Don’t buy more tool then you need.
Watch the video and decide for yourself if it’s a worthy chainsaw alternative:
Learn more by visiting these articles: JawSaw Review and WORX Chainsaws.
Okay, here we go. Let’s move on to the heart of the article…
Cheap Chainsaws Under $100
[table “15” not found /]Value vs Cost | Cheap Chainsaws
These cheap chainsaws are all good chainsaws for the money and very inexpensive when you consider how much you’re getting for what you’re paying. Although, some are better than others. All of these chainsaws are highly rated with consumers, which I consider the best way to evaluate any product — by consensus.
How well does the chainsaw hold up over time with a wide range of consumers? One persons opinion is not the best way to determine which product you should buy. If you notice, when you read the Amazon reviews there are ALWAYS negative reviews, no matter how exceptional a product is. You can count on a certain percentage of chainsaws to be defective from the factory but you also have to consider that sometimes consumers buy the wrong chainsaw to match their specific needs, which leads me to my next very important point.
All of these cheap chainsaws are built for light-duty cutting, pruning, limbing and felling small-to-medium sized trees. I stress the term “light-duty” because none of these cheap chainsaws will last long if you push them to cut large trees or hardwoods. They aren’t built for that so if you need a chainsaw for medium to heavy-duty cutting then have a read of my gas chainsaw guide as any of those saws are more durable and powerful than any of these cheap chainsaws.
Battery powered chainsaws are also not built for heavy-duty cutting unless it’s the amazing GreenWorks 80V, which is very powerful as it runs off their proprietary 80V battery system. Also, the Makita HCU02C1 LXT is a very capable 36V lithium-ion battery powered chainsaw. Anyway, there are few options outside of a gas chainsaw if you truly need a powerful cutting tool. Professionals use gas chainsaws because nothing else can provide the same level of power — and they can run all day.
You have to match the chainsaw to your specific needs, so if you’re new to the world of chainsaws you should first read my guide on buying a chainsaw and then you’ll have a better idea of what to buy. The cheap chainsaws in this article are quite good (all things considered). They are inexpensive to buy and although you can certainly cut medium sized trees, or even large trees, it doesn’t mean you should.
Occasional use of these chainsaws to cut medium-sized trees is okay, but I don’t recommend it on a consistent basis. It’s too hard on these chainsaws. Remember: These cheap chainsaws are perfect for pruning, limbing, firewood cutting and felling small trees — these cheap chainsaws should last you for many seasons if you stick to light-duty cutting and perform the proper maintenance. Never force these cheap chainsaws to cut; allow the saw to do the work.
You’ll need bar and chain oil for all of these chainsaws so make sure you order some if you decide to purchase a chainsaw, or you can pick it up at your local hardware store. Here are a couple of inexpensive options.
Oregon 54-026 — Bar & Chain Oil
Learn more about chainsaw oil.
Makita 181116-A | 1-Gallon Bar & Chain Oil
On top of bar and chain oil you’ll need to get the right extension cord but I’ll recommend the right cord for each chainsaw within the appropriate section.
WORX Chainsaw — WG303.1
16-inch / 11 lbs / 14.5 Amp / Electric
Read our comprehensive review that covers the full line-up of WORX chainsaws, including the WORX JawSaw.
The WORX WG303.1 is at the top of my list because you get a lot for your money with this quality cheap chainsaw. For starters it’s the most powerful chainsaw on the list with a 14.5 amp motor — which is fantastic for under $100. It has some important features such as a chain brake which is a safety protection mechanism that shuts off the chainsaw if kickback occurs. If you’ve never used a chainsaw before I think it’s essential to have a chain brake.
It has a very respectable 16″ bar and chain, and also comes with a very convenient auto-tension system which maintains the proper chain tension automatically, which means you can focus on the work that needs to get done rather than fiddling with chain tension. And it also prevents over-tightening of the chain, which extends the life of your chain. It has the useful feature of metal bucking spikes which increases stability when cutting; and also safer to work with.
This is the heaviest cheap chainsaw on my list but still lightweight at 11lbs. It’s very ergonomic and easy to hold for extended periods of time, with a rubber over-molded rear handle and full-wrap front handle for great comfort. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have anti-vibration but at this price point you won’t find it. Another feature you’ll appreciate is the easy-to-lubricate sprocket situated on the bar nose and has a translucent oil level window so you’ll always know when to add oil.
Watch the video of the WORX chainsaw:
This chainsaw has great safety features making it the best choice for anyone. Let’s face it, even if you’re experienced with chainsaws, safety features should always be your number one priority. On top of that, it’s well-made, durable, powerful and easy-to-use. What more could you want for under $100. It’s not the cheapest on the list but it’s the best. It’s extremely highly-rated on Amazon with a plethora of customer reviews and very high customer satisfaction.
As far as extension cords go you’ll need a 14 gauge cord, so if you don’t already have one, either pick one up locally or purchase this 50-foot Coleman cable.
This is my top pick for the best cheap chainsaw that money can buy. If you can find a better chainsaw model at this price then please let me know. WORKX also makes a slightly more powerful electric chainsaw (15 Amp) with an 18″ bar and chain for about $30 more: WORX 304.1.
Features:
- Powerful chainsaw with 3.5 HP and 14.5 amp motor.
- Patented auto-tension system that automatically maintains the proper chain tension.
- WORX tool-free chain replacement.
- Easy to keep the chain lubricated.
- Very fast-acting chain brake.
- Easy-to-read oil level window.
Remington > Limb N’ Trim Chainsaw — RM1415A
14-inch / 6.25 lbs / 8 Amp / Electric
The Remington RM1415A Limb N’ Trim chainsaw is very lightweight chainsaw at 6.25 lbs making it very easy to handle and use for extended periods of time. It has a 14″ low-kickback bar and chain and a very convenient oiling system that enables you to lubricate the chain by using the integrated squeeze bulb.
If you want a cheap chainsaw then this is the best you can get for so little money. It costs under $50 which is 1/2 the price of the WORX 303.1 but you don’t get the great safety features. For example, this Remington doesn’t have a chain brake, making it less safe to use. Is your health and safety worth an extra $50? I think so. I’ll always choose safety over price but I know many people out there are very comfortable using a chainsaw so they’re less concerned because of their experience level. The choice is yours to make.
It comes fully assembled, which is nice — less headache for you. Unpack it, put in oil, plug it in, and start cutting. This is also a very well reviewed chainsaw.
This is an 8 Amp chainsaw which is almost 1/2 as powerful as the WORX 303.1, so keep that in mind. This is ideal for cutting wood up to 12-inches, so it’s still very capable but it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more refined (and expensive) chainsaws. This is an excellent homeowner saw for light to medium-duty cutting and clean-up around the home.
For the Remington Limb N’ Trim you need a 16-gauge extension cord.
The Remington RM1635W Versa chainsaw is also a good option that you might want to consider for a little more money ($15+). Read more about it later in the article.
Features:
- 8-Amp, Limb N’ Trim chainsaw is a lightweight and convenient saw, suitable for homeowners.
- Quite a cheap chainsaw at under $50.
- 14-inch low-kickback bar and chain.
- Ergonomic and lightweight design makes it easy to use.
- Push-button oiler (squeeze bulb) provides right amount of oil whenever you need it.
- Comes fully assembled
- Protective hand guard.
Remington RM1635W Versa Chainsaw
16-inch / 9.2 lbs / 12 Amp / Electric
The Remington RM1635W Versa Saw is perfectly suited for moderate use on small to medium tree limbs and for on-ground cutting. The automatic bar oiler ensures that your chain is always lubricated. Comfortable to hold with its soft touch handle.
For under $100 this is decent little saw that should only be used for cutting pruning and limbing branches under 6 inches in diameter. I know that people like to push their tools to see what they can do but in the case of cheap chainsaws it’s best not to push the saw beyond its capabilities. Why? Because if you do push, rather than let the chainsaw do the cutting, you’ll burn out your motor prematurely.
If you want want a more durable chainsaw then explore these articles: Best Chainsaw for the Money and Best Chainsaw for Homeowners. If you just want raw power then you’ll love the GreenWorks 80V battery chainsaw and the Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
View or download the MANUAL for the Remington RM1635W.
Features:
- 16″ low-kickback bar and chain.
- Adjust chain tension by tightening the external screw.
- Automatic chain oiling system.
- Easy to read the oil level.
- Wraparound hand guard allows you quickly switch grip for awkward angles.
- 12 amp electric motor.
- Cord lock prevents cord from accidentally disconnecting.
- Arrives fully assembled in box.
- 2-year limited warranty.
Specs (Remington RM1635W):
- Weight: 9.2 Lbs. (4.17 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 32.8L x 9.8W x 8.8H
- Chain & Bar Included: Yes
- Bar Length: 16″
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Tool-less Chain Tensioning: No
- Chain Brake: No
- Min Bar Length: 16 Inches
- Bar Sprocket: No
- Motor Amps: 12 Amps
- Fuel Capacity: 9 oz
Sun Joe SWJ701E
18-inch / 9.7 lbs / 14 Amp / Electric
The Sun Joe Saw Joe SWJ701E is an 18-inch corded electric chainsaw with a 14-amp motor. It gives you the power, performance and flexibility to tackle those cutting tasks around the house with ease.
It’s powerful 14-amp motor starts instantly with the simple push of a button. Will cut through tree limbs, firewood, logs and branches like butter, but not too thick. Best suited for wood up to 10″ in diameter. Yest, it can handle larger wood sizes but the saw will bog down..
As with all electric chainsaws the Sun Joe SWJ701E is eco-friendly and performs reliably without having to mess with gas or oil or pollute the environment with toxic hydrocarbon emissions.
Its lightweight design (9.7 lbs) and adjustable ergonomic handle allow you to work comfortably and minimize fatigue. Safety features are modest. It has a hand guard with kickback brake and a switch to prevent accidental starting.
You’ll need an extension cord. I recommend a 12 gauge cord (Coleman Cable 02589) if you want a 100 foot cord and a 14 gauge cord (Coleman Cable 02408) for a 50 foot cord. Read our article called: Buying the Right Extension Cord.
Features (Sun Joe SWJ701E – 18″):
- Best use: limbing, firewood and pruning.
- Effective 14-amp motor tackles tough cutting jobs.
- 18-inch self-lubricating Oregon bar and chain.
- Hand guard with kickback brake function.
- Ergonomic design allows you to work longer in comfort.
- CSA approved; Full 2-year warranty
- Weight: 9.7 lbs
Sun Joe SWJ698E 12″
12-inch / 7.3 lbs / 12 Amp / Electric
The Sun Joe SWJ698E is the smaller brother (or sister) of 18″ Sun Joe SWJ701E. They share all the features so they are identical except for the obvious — size and overall power.
Sun Joe SWJ698E has a 12″ bar and chain, powered by a 9 Amp motor. It’s also lighter at 7.3 lbs making it ultra-compact and easy to work with for long hours. It’s doubtful that you’ll ever fatigue from using this saw.
I recommend you buy this chainsaw if the majority of your cutting will be with branches under 6 inches. Yes, you can cut up to 9″ but it has a small 9-Amp motor so I don’t suggest that you push it beyond its limits. When you force a small motor to work at its peak consistently you will shorten its lifespan. And when you’re working with this chainsaw, especially cheap chainsaws, you have to be patient and let the chainsaw do the work. Never force it.
There’s a big difference in the quality of components between a cheap chainsaw and an expensive chainsaw, like the GreenWorks 80V. The parts on a higher end model can withstand more stress, heat and resistance. Homeowners too often make the mistake of pushing their chainsaws beyond their capacity and then go online and complain, writing ad nauseam about how horrible their chainsaw is.
I hate to say this, but for the most part, new chainsaw owners don’t understand how to use a chainsaw properly and they inadvertently abuse it, which shortens the lifespan. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of poorly designed chainsaws on the market but as a homeowner you have to match your needs with the right chainsaw. Try our Chainsaw Buying Guide if you’re new to chainsaws.
If you need to cut 16″ trees on a regular basis then get the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. If you want a powerful battery chainsaw then get the GreenWorks 80V. If you want a highly durable electric chainsaw then buy the Makita UC4030A or UC3530A. Yes, these chainsaws are more expensive but they will also last longer and have better safety features and are more ergonomic and user friendly.
The 12″ Sun Joe SWJ698E is a good ‘little’ inexpensive chainsaw that can prune, trim and limb those small branches around the yard. If your needs are small then this is a good option for you.
It comes with a full two-year warranty.
View or download the MANUAL for the Sun Joe SWJ698E.
As with all chainsaws, I recommend using anti-vibration gloves for extra protection.
Features:
- Efficient 9-amp motor cuts branches up to 9″ (23 cm) thick — but far more effective at cutting up to 6″ branches.
- Ideal for trimming and pruning.
- Automatic chain lubrication system.
- No maintenance required.
- Weight: 7.3 lbs.
- Full 2-year warranty.
GreenWorks 20232
16-inch / 11.6 lbs / 12 Amp / Electric
Features:
- Powerful 12 amp motor with 16″ bar and Oregon chain.
- Tool-less chain tension adjustment system with quick adjustment knob.
- Rear handle design provides excellent control, especially during overhead use.
- Metal bucking spikes provides added grip while felling a tree.
- Over-molded handle for increased user comfort.
- 12 Amp, 3 HP 6000 RPM Motor.
- Automatic chain oiling system.
- Metal bucking spikes provides added support when cutting.
- Over-molded handle provides superior comfort.
- Translucent oil window for instant feedback on oil levels.
- Easy to adjust chain tensioning system.
- A simple turn of a bolt keeps chain running smoothly
- 4 Year Factory Warranty
- Includes scabbard to protect bar and chain.
Specs:
- Weight: 11.6 lbs.
- Amperage: 12A
- Bar Length: 16″
- Chain Gauge: 0.050 in.
- Chain Pitch: 3/8 in.
- No-Load Speed (RPM): 6,000
- Voltage: 120V
The GreenWorks 20012 comes with either a 14″ or 16″ bar and chain. The difference between the two models is only $10, so it’s neglible. It’s very lightweight at 6.82 lbs making it easy to use for long periods of time. It does have an automatic chain oiling system which owners will appreciate and it’s powered by a 9 Amp motor.
This GreenWorks saw is quite similar to the Poulan PLN1514 chainsaw. I know the GreenWorks does have a lot of metal internal parts, as you can see in the photo below. Metal is good. Plastic is bad when it comes to gears and such. This is a well-reviewed saw as well, as they all are.
The same problem persists with this chainsaw as with the other really cheap chainsaws, and that’s the lack of safety features. There’s no chain brake here. Nothing fancy about this chainsaw. It’s a basic power tool that will handle light-duty cutting at an affordable price. I will say that the one great feature of this particular chainsaw is that is has a 4-year warranty. Good to see the manufacturer stand behind their product.
I covered the GreenWorks 20012 chainsaw in my guide for buying an electric chainsaw, so if you’re interested in learning more about it, and discovering other models that are available to you, then have a look at that article.
If you want to spend more money and get a better quality saw from GreenWorks then here’s a good example of a powerful battery operated chainsaw, but it’s not cheap — it will cost you over $200 but in all fairness, you do get a lot for your money: GreenWorks 80V and 40V (20312) Reviewed
The GreenWorks 20012 is a well-made saw for the price. I should mention that it also has a built-in automatic brake which means that the chain stops moving when you release your finger from the trigger. That’s a nice safety feature, coupled with an impressive 4-year warranty. A good cheap chainsaw but not the best that you can buy with your money.
For the 20012 GreenWorks chainsaw, the 16-gauge extension cord is what you need:
Features:
- 9 Amp, 6000 RPM Motor
- 14″ or 16″ bar length: Quality OREGON chain.
- Automatic Chain Oiler. Clear window enables you to see how much oil you have remaining.
- Easy-Adjust Chain Tensioning System requires a screwdriver to adjust.
- Includes a Scabbard for your safety and to protect the bar and chain.
- 4 Year Warranty.
Quality Cheap Chainsaws Are Hard to Find
Well, if you ask me I think I’ve made it clear which chainsaw you should buy — the WORX WG303.1 is my number one pick because you get a good quality chainsaw with a lot of fantastic safety features and all for under $100. You do get a lot for your money with the WORX chainsaw. But, if you don’t care about safety features and just want to save money then the Remington RM1415A Limb N’ Trim is a very good chainsaw for very little money.
Either way, the choice is yours. Just remember that a cheap chainsaw is only suitable for light to medium duty cutting, which includes: limbing, pruning, bucking (firewood), and felling trees. Keep it light and your saw will last.
And don’t forget to keep your oil topped up to ensure your chain is always well lubricated. Maintenance matters. If you want a powerful chainsaw then check out our article on gas chainsaws for homeowners.
Which Cheap Chainsaw should you buy?
If you actually read this entire article you might be overwhelmed and still unsure about which cheap chainsaw to buy so that’s why I’m going to give you my honest opinion. Based on all the research there are two chainsaws that stand out to me.
WORX WG303.1
Number one Best Cheap Chainsaw
My number one recommendation for the best cheap chainsaw is the WORX WG303.1. It’s such a clear winner that I’d be a fool not to recommend it to you. It’s packed with a lot of features and it’s very well made. It truly is a bargain and I can wholeheartedly recommend the WORX WG303.1 as the best cheap chainsaw.
Scotts S20510 SYNC | Best Cheap Chainsaw
no longer available 🙁 Goodbye
And my number 2 pick for the best cheap chainsaw is the Scotts S20510 SYNC. An innovative 20V lithium-ion battery chainsaw. It’s not the most powerful chainsaw but it’s a versatile chainsaw with an excellent battery system and enough power to tackle small pruning and limbing tasks around the yard.
I love battery powered tools and Scotts has accomplished the near impossible — create a quality battery powered chainsaw for around $100. Yes, this one is a few dollars above the $100 mark but who cares. Close enough! It’s their only chainsaw and it’s perfect for homeowners who love to free from cords and gas fumes.
And my third place pick would have to go the Sun Joe SWJ701E.
If you liked this article, you’ll also be interested in:
- Best Chainsaw for your Money
- GreenWorks 80V and 40V Chainsaw Review
- Best Electric Chainsaws
- Best Gas Chainsaw
- Makita UC4030A / UC3530A | Corded Electric Chainsaws
- Cheap Electric Chainsaws
- Chainsaw Buying Guide for Homeowners
- Best Battery Chainsaws
- Top Concrete Chainsaws
- Top Handle Chainsaws for Homeowners
- Husqvarna 445 Review
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher
- Poulan Pro 5020AV
- WORX JawSaw
- WORX WG303.1
- Black & Decker Alligator Lopper
- Oregon PowerNow CS1500
- Cheap Gas Chainsaws
- Blue Max Chainsaw Reviews
