The 8 Best Chainsaws in 2026

Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 16" marries pro-grade power with cordless convenience in a way that feels genuinely useful for everyday property work. The brushless M18 FUEL motor and Oregon 16" bar and chain cut cleanly through limbs, firewood and storm debris, and the variable-speed trigger gives you tactile control when you need finesse or full power. The automatic oiler keeps the chain running smoothly without constant babysitting, and compatibility with the wider M18 battery ecosystem means you can scale runtime and torque simply by using higher-capacity packs.

It’s worth noting some practical realities: battery and charger aren’t included, so true runtime depends on what pack you pair it with, and a 16" bar is ideal for most chores but isn’t the choice for very large timber. Still, for balanced performance, durability and the day-to-day demands of property maintenance, this saw earns its Best Overall spot—reliable, capable and easy to live with.

For arborists who spend their days up in the canopy, the Echo DCS-2500T checks the right boxes: a true top-handle layout and a compact 12-inch bar make it easy to work overhead and in tight, awkward spots where a full-size saw would be cumbersome. Coming with a 56V battery and charger, it’s ready out of the box, so you skip the fuss of fuel mixing and get clean, quiet starts—handy on jobs where noise and fumes matter.

The cordless setup and short bar prioritize maneuverability and control, so pruning, limb removal, and precision cuts feel more straightforward. It’s clearly purpose-built for arborist tasks rather than heavy felling; the limited bar length and compact form are strengths for canopy work but mean it’s not intended as a replacement for larger saws on big-stump jobs. As always, consult the owner’s manual for part confirmation, installation, and safe operation, but for canopy pruning and overhead work this Echo makes a compelling, user-friendly choice.

If you’re cutting firewood regularly, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher feels made for the job. Its 50.2-cc X-Torq engine and ability to run up to a 20‑inch bar give it the muscle to chew through bigger rounds without bogging down, while Air Injection helps keep the engine breathing clean during dusty work. Smart Start and the inertia-activated chain brake mean fewer frustrating pulls and a safer response if the saw kicks back, so you spend less time fiddling and more time cutting.

Comfort and control are real strengths on long days: LowVib dampeners, an asymmetrical handle and soft inlays make the saw noticeably less fatiguing to hold and guide through multiple logs. The Rancher’s design balances power and usability, and it handles well across the recommended 13–20 inch bar range. Do expect the normal gas-saw upkeep—fueling, filter and chain maintenance and a bit more weight than battery models—but for steady firewood work this model is a reliable, workhorse choice.

If battery life is your top priority, this Greenworks Pro model really stands out. The brushless motor delivers twice the torque and is far more efficient than brushed designs, which translates into noticeably longer runtime and quieter operation. Greenworks quotes up to 150 cuts through 4x4 lumber on a single charge — performance that pushes it into gas-comparable territory and makes it believable that a single battery can handle a full day of typical yard work. The push-button start and lack of gas, carburetor, spark plug or starter rope are welcome conveniences that save time and maintenance.

The 18-inch bar gives you real cutting capacity for larger limbs and small trees, and features like the automatic oiler and easy-adjust tensioning help keep the chain running smoothly. Those latter elements are solid and practical, though not groundbreaking. Overall, the combination of brushless efficiency and an impressive single-charge cut count is why this saw ranks highly for battery performance.

Husqvarna’s Power Axe 350i earns its spot for Best Cutting Power because it actually feels like a step up from what you’d expect from a battery saw. The 18-inch bar paired with a high-efficiency brushless motor gives impressive bite, and Boost Mode delivers a noticeable 25 percent surge when a stubborn limb or thick log shows up. The X-Cut chain stays sharper longer, so you’re cutting cleanly for more of the job without constant re-sharpening, and the tool-less tensioning makes keeping the chain optimal quick and painless.

It’s also practical as an all-in-one kit with a battery and charger, and the fact that the 40V battery fits other Husqvarna tools adds real workshop flexibility. A couple of things are par for the course: battery runtime will still trail a full tank of gas for marathon cutting sessions, and the 18-inch bar is a common middle-ground size. Overall, this saw strikes a strong balance of power, ease, and durability for most heavy-duty yard work.

This Oregon CS1500 earns its place among the best corded electric saws by combining simple, homeowner-friendly power with thoughtful convenience features. The 15-amp motor and long 18-inch bar give it the muscle to handle storm cleanup and heavier DIY jobs without the fuss of gas. The real standout is the integrated PowerSharp system — being able to sharpen the chain in 3–5 seconds keeps you cutting instead of fiddling with files, which is a huge time-saver.

Everyday usability is strong: tool-free chain tensioning, automatic bar-and-chain lubrication, a lightweight build, and a chain brake all make it easy and safer to run for longer sessions. Startup is instantaneous and quieter than gas models, and arriving pre-assembled with UL certification plus a two-year warranty adds peace of mind.

A quick caveat: being corded limits mobility compared with battery or gas saws, and the 15A motor is ideal for homeowners rather than commercial loggers. Overall, it’s a practical, low-maintenance choice for most yard tasks.

The SeeSii Mini Chainsaw earns its spot in the "Best Mini Cordless" list largely because it pairs surprising power with easy handling. A 900W motor and a hardened chain promise fast cuts — the claim of slicing through roughly 6-inch (15 cm) wood in seconds speaks to real-world usefulness for pruning, firewood prep, and backyard cleanup. At just 2.7 pounds and designed for one-handed use, it’s genuinely approachable for gardeners, beginners, and people who don’t want the fatigue of a heavy gas saw.

What seals the deal is the complete, thoughtful package: two batteries for extended runtime, a protective carry case, spare chain, tools, and safety features like a double lock and low-recoil construction. A few things are average — the 2000 mAh batteries are solid but not top-of-the-line, the 6-inch bar limits it to smaller jobs, and oil isn’t included — but overall the balance of power, portability, and accessories makes this a very compelling mini cordless option.

This VEVOR 62cc 20-inch chainsaw punches above its weight for a budget gas model. The 3.8 HP engine and a 12,000 rpm max speed give it the kind of raw cutting power you don’t always expect at this price, and the 20-inch bar — able to tackle trunks up to about 18 inches — makes it a solid choice for yard cleanups, storm work, or light logging. For anyone who needs serious bite without spending big, it’s an attractive value proposition.

As a budget-oriented saw, some everyday aspects are what you’d call average: fit-and-finish, vibration damping, and fuel efficiency likely won’t match premium options, and you may need to tinker with tuning and maintenance more often. The product notes do offer customer support for startup problems, which is reassuring. Overall, if you want strong cutting performance for occasional to moderate use and can accept some budget trade-offs, this VEVOR is a pragmatic pick.