The 7 Best Chainsaws of 2026, Ranked
The EGO Power+ CS1804 is our top chainsaw pick, delivering gas-like cutting power without the fumes for most homeowners. For heavy or remote jobs the gas Husqvarna 120 Mark II runs longest, while the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the pro-grade choice for fast hardwood cutting.
The quick answer: the EGO Power+ CS1804 is the best chainsaw for most homeowners, combining gas-like cutting power with clean, quiet cordless convenience. Below we rank seven strong saws across cordless, gas, and corded designs for every job and budget.
Chainsaw shopping gets confusing because the right saw depends on your power source, bar length, and how demanding your cutting really is, and a saw that is perfect for pruning can stall in thick hardwood. To rank them, we compared published specifications and recurring themes in verified owner feedback across power, runtime, weight, and safety, without staging any field tests.
The best picks, ranked
EGO Power+ CS1804
The EGO Power+ CS1804 pairs an 18-inch bar with EGO’s 56-volt battery platform, and owners report it cuts with near-gas authority while staying quiet and fume-free. Based on specifications the brushless motor and chain brake make it a confident all-rounder for firewood and storm cleanup.
Pros
- Gas-like cutting power without fumes
- Quiet operation and instant start
- Long 18-inch bar handles thicker logs
Cons
- Batteries add to the overall cost
- Heavier than smaller cordless saws
Husqvarna 120 Mark II
The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a lightweight gas saw built for homeowners who want untethered runtime for bigger jobs. Owners report easy starting and steady power, and the X-Torq engine is designed to lower fuel use and emissions compared with older two-stroke saws.
Pros
- No batteries or cords for long sessions
- Lightweight for a gas chainsaw
- Steady power for firewood and felling
Cons
- Needs fuel mixing and more maintenance
- Louder and produces exhaust fumes
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Chainsaw
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel chainsaw targets tradespeople already on the M18 battery platform, and owners report it cuts hardwood quickly with strong torque. Based on specifications the brushless motor and 16-inch bar suit demanding cleanup and cutting without stepping up to gas.
Pros
- Strong torque for hardwood cutting
- Integrates with the M18 tool battery lineup
- Fast, gas-like cutting speed
Cons
- Premium pricing versus rivals
- Runtime depends on high-capacity batteries
DeWalt DCCS620P1
The DeWalt DCCS620P1 is a compact 12-inch cordless saw that owners report is easy to handle for limbing, pruning, and light firewood. Based on specifications the tool-free chain tensioning and 20-volt battery make it a friendly pick for quick yard tasks.
Pros
- Compact and easy to maneuver
- Tool-free chain tensioning and oiling
- Fits the popular 20V MAX battery system
Cons
- Shorter bar limits large-log cutting
- Battery runtime suits lighter workloads
Oregon CS1500
The Oregon CS1500 is a corded electric saw with a built-in self-sharpening system, so owners can touch up the chain in seconds without removing it. Based on specifications the 18-inch bar and constant electric power suit steady work near a power source.
Pros
- Unlimited runtime while plugged in
- Built-in self-sharpening saves downtime
- Long 18-inch bar for the price class
Cons
- Tethered to an extension cord
- Limited range from a power outlet
Greenworks 40V Chainsaw
The Greenworks 40V chainsaw is a popular value pick for homeowners entering the cordless world, and owners report it handles pruning and modest firewood well. Based on specifications the 40-volt battery and brushless motor balance runtime and cutting for everyday yard care.
Pros
- Approachable price for a cordless saw
- Brushless motor improves efficiency
- Good fit for routine yard maintenance
Cons
- Less power than 56V or gas saws
- Best for lighter, occasional cutting
WORX WG322
The WORX WG322 is a compact 10-inch cordless saw aimed at small pruning and cleanup jobs. Owners report it is light and simple to handle, with auto-tension and a chain brake, making it a handy budget option for occasional users.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy for small jobs
- Auto-tension keeps the chain set
- Budget-friendly for occasional use
Cons
- Short bar unsuited to large logs
- Limited runtime and cutting power
How they compare
| # | Model | Power | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO Power+ CS1804 | 56V battery | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Husqvarna 120 Mark II | Gas two-stroke | Best gas chainsaw | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel Chainsaw | 18V M18 battery | Best for pros | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | DeWalt DCCS620P1 | 20V MAX battery | Best compact cordless | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Oregon CS1500 | Corded electric | Best corded electric | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Greenworks 40V Chainsaw | 40V battery | Best value cordless | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | WORX WG322 | 20V battery | Best budget for small jobs | 8.1 | Check price |
How to choose
How we compared these chainsaws We evaluated cutting power, bar length, runtime or fuel needs, weight, and safety features like chain brakes. Rather than staged field tests, we compared published specifications and recurring themes in verified owner feedback to match each saw to realistic jobs, from light pruning to firewood and storm cleanup.
Gas, cordless, or corded: choosing a power type Gas saws like the Husqvarna 120 Mark II offer untethered power for big jobs but need fuel and maintenance. Cordless saws such as the EGO CS1804 run clean and quiet with battery limits, while corded models like the Oregon CS1500 give unlimited runtime near an outlet.
Matching bar length to the job Bar length should suit the wood you cut. Short 10 to 12-inch bars handle pruning and limbing, 14 to 16-inch bars cover most firewood, and 18-inch bars tackle thicker logs. A bar longer than you need adds weight and can be harder to control safely.
Safety features and maintenance Look for a chain brake, low-kickback chain, and secure handling before you cut. Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, check bar oil often, and wear protection. Self-sharpening and tool-free tensioning features reduce downtime, but no feature replaces safe technique and steady footing.
Frequently asked questions
Are cordless chainsaws powerful enough for firewood?
Modern high-voltage cordless saws like the EGO Power+ CS1804 and Milwaukee M18 Fuel cut firewood capably for most homeowners. For heavy, all-day felling of large hardwood, a gas saw such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II still offers the longest untethered endurance.
What size chainsaw bar do I need?
Match the bar to the wood. A 10 to 12-inch bar suits pruning and small limbs, a 14 to 16-inch bar handles most firewood, and an 18-inch bar cuts thicker logs. As a rule, the bar should be a couple of inches longer than the log’s diameter.
Is a gas or battery chainsaw better?
It depends on the job. Gas saws deliver long, untethered runtime for big or remote work but need fuel and maintenance. Battery saws start instantly, run quietly, and require less upkeep, which suits most homeowners doing routine cutting and cleanup.
How do I keep a chainsaw chain sharp?
Sharpen the chain regularly with a file or a self-sharpening system like the one on the Oregon CS1500. A sharp chain cuts faster and safer, so touch it up when the saw produces fine dust instead of coarse chips, or when cutting slows.
Do I need to maintain a battery chainsaw?
Battery saws need less upkeep than gas, but maintenance still matters. Keep the chain sharp and tensioned, refill the bar oil, clean debris from the housing, and store batteries at moderate temperatures to preserve their capacity over time.
What safety gear should I use with a chainsaw?
Wear eye and ear protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and ideally chaps or cut-resistant leg protection. Use a saw with a chain brake, keep both hands on the handles, and maintain firm footing to reduce the risk of kickback injuries.
How long do battery chainsaws run on a charge?
Runtime varies with battery capacity and cutting load, typically ranging from a few dozen cuts to extended sessions on higher-capacity packs. Keeping a spare charged battery on hand is the simplest way to work without waiting for a recharge.
Can I use a corded electric chainsaw for tree cutting?
A corded saw like the Oregon CS1500 works well for cutting near a power source, offering unlimited runtime for firewood and cleanup. Its main limit is the extension cord, which restricts range and rules out remote work away from an outlet.
What is kickback and how do I avoid it?
Kickback is a sudden upward jerk when the bar’s tip contacts wood or pinches. To avoid it, use a low-kickback chain, keep the chain sharp and tensioned, avoid cutting with the bar tip, and maintain a firm two-handed grip.
Which chainsaw is best for a beginner?
Beginners often do well with a compact cordless saw like the DeWalt DCCS620P1 or WORX WG322, which are lighter, quieter, and simpler to start. Their manageable bar lengths and safety features make routine pruning and light firewood approachable.
The verdict
The EGO Power+ CS1804 is our overall winner, delivering gas-like cutting power in a clean, quiet cordless package suited to most homeowners. Those tackling heavy or remote work will still prefer the gas Husqvarna 120 Mark II, while the WORX WG322 covers small jobs on a budget.