Best Chainsaw 2026: 10 Cordless, Gas & Corded Picks

Quick recommendation for a complete home-yard kit

Start with the EGO CS1613 for appropriate 16-inch cordless work

The EGO CS1613 is our starting point when you need a complete 16-inch cordless kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. Compare the newer CS1815 if an 18-inch configuration fits the work. Prefer a deliberate gas workflow? Put the current Husqvarna 450X Rancher on your shortlist.

Check EGO CS1613 kit on Amazon

Choose a chainsaw around the wood you normally cut, your experience, the power setup and the equipment you can control comfortably. A longer bar or larger engine is not automatically the right purchase. Training, protective equipment, chain condition and work-area planning belong in the decision from the start.

This US-focused guide compares 10 distinct rear-handle saws: complete cordless kits, bare tools for existing battery owners, gas configurations and a corded alternative. These are researched editorial recommendations, not claims of hands-on cut-speed testing. We keep kit contents and power requirements explicit so the headline tool price does not hide the real purchase cost.

Compare 10 chainsaws and their complete purchase setups

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Compare the exact model, included accessories, condition and seller before ordering. Prices and availability change; a listing is not a guarantee of stock or manufacturer warranty coverage.

Chainsaws worth comparing for your work

1. EGO CS1613 kit — A complete cordless starting point for home-yard wood cutting

The CS1613 is our starting recommendation for a homeowner comparing a complete cordless chainsaw setup for appropriate ground-level wood cutting. The verified kit contains a 16-inch saw, 4.0Ah EGO battery and standard charger. It avoids engine starting and fuel mixing, while retaining the chain care a saw needs.

EGO documents a brushless motor, automatic lubrication and tool-free chain tensioning. These conveniences simplify parts of ownership; they do not make a chainsaw maintenance-free or remove kickback risk. Check the oil supply, chain condition and tension according to the manual before working.

Choose it when the bar configuration suits the wood and a cordless kit fits the work pattern. For repeated larger work, compare the newer CS1815 and its complete handling requirements. A buyer with suitable existing batteries may find another bare tool more sensible. We have not measured cuts per charge on your wood or ranked this model from personal cutting tests.

Worth considering: 16-inch bar; 4.0Ah battery and standard charger.

Before you buy: Plan suitable training, protective equipment and spare power.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check EGO CS1613 kit on Amazon

2. EGO CS1815 kit — An 18-inch EGO option with a larger supplied pack

The CS1815 adds EGO’s newer 18-inch configuration to this shortlist. We matched the Amazon model and included-component fields to the CS1815 with a 6.0Ah battery and 320W charger. This is a distinct saw from the 16-inch CS1613, rather than another battery bundle counted as a separate product.

EGO lists a digital display with speed and battery-status controls, an LED work light and tool-free tensioning. The longer bar and larger supplied pack give you a different setup to evaluate. A light is useful visibility support, but it does not justify cutting when the work area cannot be seen clearly.

We would compare it for a buyer who has suitable experience and a reason to choose an 18-inch configuration. Do not buy the longest bar simply because the wood might someday be larger. Consider complete weight, charging, storage and replacement chain. Manufacturer cut-count claims use specified material and conditions; we do not convert them into a guaranteed firewood output.

Worth considering: 18-inch bar; 6.0Ah battery; digital controls.

Before you buy: Larger configuration adds handling and capacity considerations.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check EGO CS1815 kit on Amazon

3. Greenworks 20312 kit — A complete 16-inch option on the Greenworks 40V platform

The 20312 is the Greenworks kit to compare when its 40V platform fits your outdoor equipment. Both the manufacturer and matched Amazon listing identify a 16-inch brushless saw with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. We have kept this exact model distinct from similarly named Greenworks configurations.

The manufacturer documents automatic chain oiling, tool-free tensioning and a chain brake. Inspect and maintain those systems according to the instructions. Marketing language about reduced engine maintenance should not be read as permission to omit bar oil or chain servicing.

Compare its complete current offer with the EGO CS1613, particularly if you already own appropriate Greenworks 40V tools. Brand name alone does not establish battery compatibility across 24V, 40V, 60V and 80V families. Runtime depends on the wood, chain, load and battery condition. Choose around the actual system cost and your working routine instead of treating a printed voltage as a performance ranking.

Worth considering: 16-inch bar; 4.0Ah battery and charger; tool-free tensioning.

Before you buy: Greenworks 40V packs are separate from its other voltage systems.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Greenworks 20312 kit on Amazon

4. DeWalt DCCS672X1 FLEXVOLT kit — An 18-inch kit for an appropriate FLEXVOLT setup

The DCCS672X1 is the DeWalt 18-inch battery-and-charger kit in this guide. DeWalt specifies the DCCS672 saw, DCB609 FLEXVOLT battery, charger, bar sheath and tensioning tool. Confirm the exact X1 package rather than assuming a DCCS672B bare-tool offer includes the same power equipment.

This model uses tooled chain tensioning with an onboard wrench, automatic lubrication and a chain brake. Tooled adjustment is a configuration choice, not evidence that maintenance is difficult or that tool-free designs are less secure. The correct procedure and inspection matter in either case.

Choose it if the FLEXVOLT setup and 18-inch configuration suit your work. Ordinary 20V MAX-only packs should not be assumed to power a 60V MAX tool. The manufacturer publishes performance comparisons under specific conditions; we do not turn them into claims of universally faster cutting or all-day runtime. Include the complete weight, spare power and chain-care supplies in the decision.

Worth considering: 18-inch bar; DCB609 battery and charger; tooled tensioning.

Before you buy: Requires the correct FLEXVOLT battery, not an ordinary 20V-only pack.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check DeWalt DCCS672X1 FLEXVOLT kit on Amazon

5. Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL — Existing M18 owners needing a 16-inch rear-handle saw

The 2727-20 is the Milwaukee bare-tool choice to compare when you already own a suitable M18 power setup. Milwaukee lists a 16-inch bar and chain, automatic oiler, dual-stud bar retention, onboard scrench storage and variable trigger. The linked offer does not include a battery or charger.

Battery compatibility and suitable working configuration are different questions. Milwaukee recommends high-output or FORGE packs for the best power and runtime in demanding use. Add that equipment to the cost comparison if your existing packs are not appropriate for the planned work.

We would choose this saw for a reader already committed to the platform rather than automatically recommend a new battery system. The 16-inch configuration is also distinct from Milwaukee’s top-handle arborist saws and dual-battery models. Avoid transferring features between them. We have not tested the manufacturer’s gas-performance comparisons or guaranteed a fixed number of cuts from a compact battery.

Worth considering: 16-inch bar; automatic oiler; dual-stud retention.

Before you buy: Bare tool: choose a suitable high-output battery and charger.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 FUEL on Amazon

6. Makita XCU04Z LXT — Two-battery LXT owners comparing a 16-inch saw

The XCU04Z is the Makita rear-handle option for users sharing two compatible 18V LXT batteries. The Z package is the bare tool. Makita specifies a 16-inch bar, variable trigger, tool-free chain adjustment and adjustable automatic lubrication, with a view window for checking the oil supply.

Its two-battery requirement is central to the buying decision. Include both packs and the charging arrangement if you do not already own them. Compare the complete operating weight rather than a bare-saw weight against another brand’s battery-equipped figure.

Choose this model for a dedicated saw on the LXT platform when that equipment investment is useful. It is not a one-battery 18V saw, an XGT model or a top-handle arborist tool. A familiar battery ecosystem can be a practical advantage, but it does not decide bar size, chain condition or safe technique. Check the exact approved replacement bar and chain instead of buying by length alone.

Worth considering: 16-inch bar; two 18V LXT packs; adjustable automatic oiling.

Before you buy: Two compatible batteries and charger are separate purchases.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Makita XCU04Z LXT on Amazon

7. Husqvarna 450X Rancher 20-inch — A current gas option for an experienced rural-property workflow

The 450X Rancher is the current gas model we would compare first for a reader deliberately choosing engine-powered property work. The verified Amazon item is the 20-inch configuration with product number 970702450, matching Husqvarna’s US specification. It has a 50.2cc engine and AutoTune engine adjustment.

The manufacturer lists side-mounted tensioning, captured bar nuts and a quick-release air filter among its practical features. Automatic engine adjustment does not remove the need for the correct fuel, air-filter care, chain maintenance or the prescribed starting procedure.

Compare it with the 460 Rancher if the work calls for a different size class, and with cordless options if shorter sessions and charging fit better. We include the new 450X rather than carrying over all claims from the older 450 Rancher. Neither model name nor engine displacement is a reason to attempt felling or storm-damaged cutting beyond your training.

Worth considering: 50.2cc engine; AutoTune; matched 20-inch configuration.

Before you buy: Fuel, servicing, complete weight and starting remain part of ownership.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Husqvarna 450X Rancher 20-inch on Amazon

8. Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24-inch — A larger gas configuration for suitable experienced users

The 460 Rancher is the larger gas choice in this comparison. Husqvarna’s current US listing specifies a 60.3cc engine, and the matched Amazon offer is the 24-inch configuration. The manufacturer lists a decompression valve and vibration-damping features alongside the engine and cutting equipment.

A longer bar is not a universal upgrade. It changes handling, chain requirements and the amount of cutting equipment to control. Choose it only when the actual work and your experience justify the configuration. Compare a shorter approved setup or a different saw when most cutting is smaller.

We would shortlist the 460 for a deliberate larger gas workflow, with servicing and appropriate protective equipment budgeted from the start. Do not assume the purchase makes large-tree felling, tensioned limbs or damaged-tree cleanup straightforward. For occasional yard wood, a more modest cordless or gas saw may be a better fit. We have not measured a duty-cycle advantage or ranked this tool on owner star ratings.

Worth considering: 60.3cc engine; matched 24-inch bar configuration.

Before you buy: Longer bar and complete weight need a clear task-based justification.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24-inch on Amazon

9. Husqvarna 130 16-inch — A smaller gas saw to compare for home-property work

The Husqvarna 130 gives this list a smaller gas configuration. The manufacturer and matched offer specify a 38cc engine and 16-inch bar. Husqvarna documents vibration damping, air purge for starting and automatic chain lubrication.

Compare it when you prefer a gas workflow but do not need the larger Rancher configurations. Its size class is a reason to assess the intended wood and handling, not a promise that any beginner can operate it safely. Fuel management and engine maintenance still apply even when use is occasional.

We would put its complete ownership cost beside a 16-inch cordless kit before buying. Include servicing supplies, protective equipment and spare chain, not just the saw price. A compact gas tool may fit some routines, while battery starting and storage may suit others. Check the exact bar-and-chain setup and current seller instead of assuming every Husqvarna 130 listing supplies identical accessories.

Worth considering: 38cc engine; matched 16-inch bar; automatic lubrication.

Before you buy: Still needs fuel management, chain care and the correct starting procedure.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Husqvarna 130 16-inch on Amazon

10. Oregon CS1500 corded saw — Wood cutting within a suitable outlet and cord route

The Oregon CS1500 is the corded choice when a suitable outlet and clear cable route are available. Oregon specifies an 18-inch bar, 15-amp motor, automatic lubrication, tool-free tensioning and an integrated PowerSharp sharpening system.

PowerSharp works with the matching sharpening components and chain. It should not be treated as a feature that sharpens any replacement chain installed on the saw. Check replacement availability and the manufacturer procedure before deciding that the system fits your maintenance preference.

Compare this saw for appropriate ground-level cutting near power, rather than remote property work or locations where a cable would interfere with movement. Follow the manual’s extension-cord and electrical requirements. An outlet avoids battery charging, but it does not remove inspection, bar oil or safe handling. Choose it for the particular corded workflow and sharpening arrangement, not a claim that it is maintenance-free or suited to every tree-cutting job.

Worth considering: 18-inch bar; 15-amp motor; integrated PowerSharp system.

Before you buy: PowerSharp needs its compatible chain and sharpening components.

Check the manufacturer specifications

Check Oregon CS1500 corded saw on Amazon

How to choose a chainsaw for home-yard and firewood tasks

Define the ordinary job before the occasional extreme one

List the wood you normally cut, its approximate size, how often you work and how far you are from charging or an outlet. Cutting prepared logs is a different situation from pruning, felling or dealing with storm damage. A saw that suits frequent manageable tasks may be a better purchase than a large machine selected for one hypothetical job.

Assess experience alongside tool size. A saw recommendation is not a felling plan or instructions for handling tensioned wood. If the job involves unstable trees, overhead hazards or electrical lines, arrange qualified help. The tool budget should reflect the tasks you can undertake appropriately, rather than encourage a more hazardous project to justify a larger saw.

Bar length is only one part of the cutting system

Compare approved bar-and-chain configurations and the tool’s intended work. A longer bar changes reach, handling and load; it does not independently establish the largest tree you should cut. For routine smaller wood, a manageable configuration can be more useful than excess length. Avoid fitting an unapproved bar to turn a saw into another size class.

Replacement chain must match the bar, pitch, gauge and drive-link count. The printed bar length alone is insufficient. Identify the actual chain installed and the manufacturer’s replacement specification before ordering. A sharpening system such as PowerSharp adds another compatibility requirement. Keep those consumable costs in the comparison rather than discovering them after purchase.

Compare cordless, gas and corded ownership

Cordless saws simplify starting and avoid fuel mixing, but they still need lubrication and chain care. Appropriate batteries, charging time, complete weight and spares matter. A kit can be a better purchase for a newcomer; a bare tool can make sense with existing suitable packs. Do not transfer kit contents into a bare-tool description.

Gas saws add starting, correct fuel and engine maintenance. They can suit work where charging is inconvenient, but occasional ownership still needs a storage plan. Corded saws suit cutting near appropriate power when the cable can remain clear of the work and movement. Compare the entire working arrangement instead of calling one power source best for all property sizes.

Choose the battery configuration deliberately

A voltage label is not a controlled cut-speed or runtime test. Consider the specific platform, recommended battery type, pack capacity and the wood you expect to cut. Batteries that physically fit a system may give different working results. Include the charger and appropriate spare pack in a sustained-work comparison.

Makita XCU04Z uses two compatible LXT batteries together; DeWalt’s DCCS672 uses appropriate FLEXVOLT power. Greenworks voltage families are separate systems. Milwaukee recommends higher-output packs for demanding work. Do not assume existing drill batteries or a similarly labeled pack from another brand provide the complete outdoor setup.

Evaluate adjustment, lubrication and handling

Tool-free tensioning is convenient, while tooled designs give another adjustment arrangement. Both require the exact procedure and regular inspection. An automatic oiler supplies lubricant during operation, but the reservoir still needs attention and the system must function correctly. A chain brake is an important feature, not a guarantee that kickback cannot happen.

Compare the complete weight and handle arrangement, including battery or fuel and cutting equipment. Manufacturer weight figures may exclude different components. A saw that is awkward to control can be the wrong purchase even when its specification list looks stronger. Consider storage, transport, local servicing and consumable availability alongside cutting-system features.

Budget beyond the saw

Allow for appropriate protective equipment, instruction, bar-and-chain oil, the correct spare chain and sharpening supplies. Gas models add approved fuel and service items; corded models add a suitable outdoor extension cord if required. Include these in the total before comparing a bare tool with a complete kit.

Check seller, condition and package contents in the current offer. A marketplace listing alone does not establish an authorized-dealer relationship or manufacturer warranty coverage. For equipment you will use regularly, access to parts and service can matter as much as a small initial price difference. We avoid fixed Amazon prices because offers and contents can change.

Chainsaw setup, care and work planning

Prepare the work and inspect the saw

OSHA emphasizes a clear work area, stable movement paths, appropriate protective equipment and inspection before starting. Check controls, handles, fasteners, chain condition and tension using the manual. Identify overhead hazards and electrical lines; keep other people outside the work area. Do not work alone.

The required protective setup includes appropriate hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection. Maintain a stable stance and use both handles. Chainsaw cutting requires more preparation than ordinary yard trimming. These points support purchase planning; they do not replace training or the model’s complete operating instructions.

Treat lubrication and tension as routine tasks

Check the oil supply and verify lubrication by the manufacturer procedure. Use the stated bar-and-chain lubricant; engine fuel or a battery power source does not lubricate the cutting system. Inspect for blocked passages or damage when servicing as directed. Stop and address a malfunction instead of continuing until the chain or bar is overheated.

Follow the exact cold and operating-temperature tension instructions. A new or warmed chain may require attention, but generic visual shortcuts do not replace the manual. Isolate power before adjustment or touching the chain. For a cordless saw remove batteries; for a corded saw disconnect power; for gas follow the shutdown and ignition-isolation procedure.

Keep the chain matched and maintained

Inspect the chain and bar for damage and wear. Sharpen with the correct tools, file size and specifications for the installed chain. A dull or damaged chain is not a reason to force the saw through wood. When sharpening or replacing components is outside your experience, use a suitable service provider.

Match pitch, gauge and drive links before purchasing replacements. Special systems require compatible parts: Oregon PowerSharp is not a general sharpener for arbitrary chains. Keep the guide-bar and sprocket inspection schedule from the manual. Do not fit an improvised bar or aggressive chain simply to chase a performance claim.

Plan starting, transport and storage

Use the prescribed starting procedure on firm support. Gas saws require the correct fuel and a cooled, stopped engine for refueling. Keep ignition sources away. Follow the manual for carrying, brake use, bar cover and shutdown. Secure the tool during transport and keep the cutting system protected from contact.

For seasonal storage, follow battery, charger, fuel and lubrication instructions for the specific equipment. Do not assume one fuel mixture or reservoir-storage instruction applies to every saw. Store the saw where children or unauthorized users cannot operate it. A tool that starts conveniently still needs deliberate power isolation during service and storage.

Chainsaw buying questions

What is the best chainsaw for a homeowner?

The EGO CS1613 is our complete cordless starting point when a 16-inch configuration suits the work. Existing batteries, repeated larger work or a planned gas workflow can make another option more appropriate. Choose around the ordinary task, experience and complete equipment cost.

Are battery chainsaws powerful enough for firewood?

They can suit appropriate firewood tasks with the right model, battery and cutting system. Wood size, species, condition, chain sharpness and work volume change the result. Manufacturer cut counts do not establish a fixed number of hours or a cord of firewood per charge.

Does a longer bar mean a better chainsaw?

No. It changes reach, handling and cutting-system load. Use an approved configuration suited to the task and your experience. Bar length alone is not a safe cutting-capacity recommendation.

Do electric chainsaws still need oil?

Yes. The cutting system needs the specified bar-and-chain lubrication even though there is no gas engine. An automatic oiler still needs a suitable oil supply, inspection and maintenance.

Can I use any chain with the same bar length?

No. Check bar compatibility, chain pitch, gauge and drive-link count, plus any special system requirements. Identify the installed chain and the manufacturer replacement specification before ordering.

Is a tool-free tensioner better than a tooled one?

It is a convenience difference rather than a universal quality ranking. Both need correct adjustment and inspection. Choose around the complete saw, maintainability and the procedure you will follow.

Should I buy a gas saw for occasional yard work?

Compare a cordless kit first if charging and the planned work fit. Gas can make sense for a deliberate engine-powered routine, but fuel and storage care still apply when it is used infrequently.

Can a chainsaw guide teach me to cut storm-damaged trees?

This buying guide does not provide a storm-cleanup or felling procedure. Damaged trees, overhead hazards, tensioned wood and nearby electrical lines can require qualified professional help. Tool selection does not establish that a hazardous job is appropriate to undertake.

Which chainsaw should you buy?

For a complete cordless start, compare the EGO CS1613 around the wood and working routine. The newer CS1815 offers a distinct 18-inch setup. Existing M18 or two-battery LXT owners should include their suitable power equipment when comparing the Milwaukee 2727-20 and Makita XCU04Z.

For a planned gas workflow, the current 450X Rancher is the first model we would compare, with the 130 and 460 serving different size classes. The Oregon CS1500 is the corded alternative when cable routing is practical. Buy the configuration you can use and maintain appropriately, including training and protective equipment in the complete cost.

Research and selection notes

Researched and refreshed in October 2026 using manufacturer specifications, operating information, OSHA guidance and matched Amazon listings. The shortlist adds current EGO CS1815 and Husqvarna 450X Rancher models and separates bare tools from kits. We excluded an inconsistent WEN offer whose visible title and model field disagreed. We have not claimed personal tests, copied review ratings, displayed fixed prices or used Amazon product photographs.

OSHA: working safely with chainsaws

Milwaukee: chainsaw operator instructions

DeWalt: DCCS672 operating instructions