How to Choose a Chainsaw for Yard and Firewood Work
EGO’s Power+ CS1804 delivers gas like cutting power from a battery, the best fit for most homeowners handling firewood and storm cleanup. Husqvarna’s 120 Mark II runs longest on remote or heavy jobs. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel cuts hardwood fastest for tradespeople already on that battery platform.
Most homeowners get the most from the EGO Power+ CS1804, which combines gas like cutting power with the convenience of a clean, quiet battery. Below, seven saws across cordless, gas and corded designs cover every job and budget.
Chainsaw shopping gets confusing because the right saw depends on your power source, bar length and how demanding the cutting really is. A saw perfect for light pruning can stall completely in thick hardwood. To rank these seven, we compared published specifications and recurring themes in verified owner feedback across power, runtime, weight and safety, without staging any field tests.
The shortlist, ranked
EGO Power+ CS1804
An 18 inch bar pairs with EGO’s 56 volt battery platform to cut firewood and storm debris with startling authority for a cordless saw. Owners describe near gas level cutting power without fumes or pull starts. A brushless motor and a chain brake round out a confident all rounder for homeowners.
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
This lightweight gas saw suits homeowners who want untethered runtime for bigger jobs, no battery limits attached. Starting comes easily and power stays steady according to owner feedback. Husqvarna’s X Torq engine is designed to cut 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
Tradespeople already on the M18 battery platform get a saw that owners describe as fast through hardwood, with real torque behind each cut. Its brushless Powerstate motor and 16 inch bar suit demanding cleanup without stepping up to gas. High output chain speed keeps pace with gas saws in the same class.
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
A compact 12 inch bar makes this cordless saw easy to handle for limbing, pruning and light firewood. Tool free chain tensioning saves time between cuts, and the 20 volt battery shares a charger with other DeWalt tools. Owners call it a friendly pick for quick yard tasks rather than heavy felling.
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
A built in self sharpening system lets owners touch up the chain in seconds without removing it from the saw. Corded electric power stays constant, which suits steady work near an outlet. Its 18 inch bar matches saws costing considerably more.
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
This 40 volt saw is a popular entry point into cordless for homeowners, handling pruning and modest firewood according to owner reports. A brushless motor balances runtime against cutting power for everyday yard care. Its 16 inch bar covers most routine jobs without excess weight.
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
A compact 10 inch bar keeps this cordless saw light and simple for small pruning and cleanup jobs. Auto tension keeps the chain set without manual adjustment, and a chain brake adds a safety margin. Owners call it a handy budget option for occasional yard work rather than daily use.
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 to pick the right one
How we compared these chainsaws We weighed cutting power, bar length, runtime or fuel needs, weight and safety features like chain brakes. Rather than staging field tests, we compared published specifications and recurring themes in verified owner feedback. That approach matched 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 deliver untethered power for big jobs but need fuel and regular maintenance. Cordless saws such as the EGO CS1804 run clean and quiet within battery limits. Corded models like the Oregon CS1500 offer unlimited runtime as long as you stay near an outlet.
Matching bar length to the job Bar length should match the wood you actually 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. Extra length beyond what you need adds weight and makes the saw harder to control safely.
Safety features and maintenance A chain brake, low kickback chain and secure handling matter before the first cut. Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, check bar oil often, and wear protection every time. Self sharpening and tool free tensioning cut downtime, but no feature replaces safe technique and steady footing.
How they stack up
| # | 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 | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel Chainsaw | 18V M18 battery | Best for pros | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | DeWalt DCCS620P1 | 20V MAX battery | Best compact cordless | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Oregon CS1500 | Corded electric | Best corded electric | 8.6 | 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 | 8.0 | Check price |
Common 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. Heavy, all day felling of large hardwood still favors a gas saw such as the Husqvarna 120 Mark II for its longer 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, 14 to 16 inches handles most firewood, and 18 inches cuts thicker logs. As a rule, the bar should run a couple 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 need less upkeep, which suits most homeowners doing routine cutting and cleanup.
How do I keep a chainsaw chain sharp?
Sharpen it regularly with a file or a self sharpening system like the one built into 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 bar oil, clear debris from the housing, and store batteries at moderate temperatures to preserve their capacity.
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. Choose a saw with a chain brake, keep both hands on the handles, and maintain firm footing to reduce kickback injuries.
How long do battery chainsaws run on a charge?
Runtime varies with battery capacity and cutting load, 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 keep working without waiting on a recharge.
Can I use a corded electric chainsaw for tree cutting?
A corded saw like the Oregon CS1500 works well 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 gets pinched. Avoid it with a low kickback chain, a sharp and properly tensioned chain, and by keeping the bar tip clear of cuts. A firm two handed grip helps too.
Which chainsaw suits a beginner best?
Beginners often do well with a compact cordless saw like the DeWalt DCCS620P1 or WORX WG322, both lighter, quieter and simpler to start. Manageable bar lengths and built in safety features make routine pruning and light firewood approachable.
Our pick
The EGO Power+ CS1804 wins this roundup overall, delivering gas like cutting power in a clean, quiet cordless package suited to most homeowners. Heavy or remote work still favors the gas powered Husqvarna 120 Mark II. Small jobs on a tight budget are covered well by the WORX WG322.
