Testing 2024’s Best Chainsaws for Backyards, Firewood, and More
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Tackle landscaping, yard maintenance, and projects in the woods with a reliable chainsaw.
Yard maintenance, tree trimming, and putting up firewood will keep you busy throughout the year. It’s hard work, and you’ll need a chainsaw that’s up to the task. Finding the best chainsaw that offers plenty of power and cutting capabilities with the right size bar and value isn’t easy. That’s why we put 12 models to the test in different conditions and environments. The Stihl MSA 300 C-O 16″ Battery Chainsaw came out on top of our list thanks to its light weight, impressively quiet operation, and supreme IPX4-rated battery power.
We cut everything from brush to deadfall and large trees to find the best performers for different jobs. The range of saw sizes and uses is diverse, and we found great options for light-duty backyard tasks, medium-duty cutting, and for the heavy-duty tree felling and firewood jobs. We had more than one favorite and were impressed by both gas- and battery-powered models. In fact, the market is competitive, and several saws went head-to-head with very close results.
The following are the saws tested and awards given based on a summer of cutting and trimming.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl MSA 300 C-O 16″ Battery Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16″ Chainsaw Kit With Blower
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20″ Gas Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR FIREWOOD: Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 20″ Gas Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDED: Craftsman 16″ 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: DeWalt FlexVolt 60V MAX 16″ Battery Chainsaw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Ryobi One+ 40V HP 14″ Chainsaw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MEDIUM-DUTY: Skil PwrCore 40 Brushless 40V 14″ Chainsaw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Echo CS+590 Timber Wolf 18″ Gas Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CAMPING: Makita 18V LXT Brushless 10″ Top Handle Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR GARDENS: Greenworks 24V 6″ Brushless Battery Pruner Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ELECTRIC: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Electric Chainsaw
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 12 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $135 to $1,290 |
Our Top Picks
Based on our testing, we’ve found that these are some of the best tools that can help you manage trees, collect firewood, and more.
Best Overall
Stihl MSA 300 C-O 16" Battery Chainsaw
Photo: Ace Hardware
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 36-volt (V) battery
- Bar size: 16, 18, or 20 inches
- Weight: 14.1 pounds with battery
What We Like
- Single battery runs for several hours
- Excellent torque and cutting power for heavy-duty jobs
- Lightweight design is easy to lift and maneuver
- Cuts straight and at angles with ease
What We Don’t Like
- Battery dependent is best for day-use tasks
Performance and ease of use puts this amazing saw at the top of the list. I was thoroughly surprised by the battery-powered performance when pitted against gas-powered models. It’s quieter and lighter but offers the same power and performance. The lightweight design was a real differentiator among all of the battery-powered models. It was easier to use when lifting and making cuts in tricky positions, and I found battery-powered models in general to be more enjoyable to use on longer days in the woods. This chainsaw flat out excelled at dropping trees, delimbing, and slicing through deadfall to fill trailers with firewood.
The only downside to any battery-powered chainsaw is the ability to work for several days at a time in remote settings. With two batteries, however, I had no issue running this saw near continuously for full days in the field. The IPX4-rated battery performed extremely well and had no issues with dew or the light rain that hit one day.
Overall, it’s hard to beat this electric chainsaw. I used an 18-inch bar, and it quickly rose to my preferred option for stacking firewood and working in the woods.
Get the Stihl MSA 300 C-O chainsaw at Ace Hardware or Stihl.
Best Bang for the Buck
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16" Chainsaw Kit With Blower
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 18V battery
- Bar size: 16 inches
- Weight: 13.9 pounds
What We Like
- Very smooth and controlled cutting
- Exceptional battery quality and longevity
- Easy to handle and operate
- Packaged with a blower
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for commercial or larger jobs
You get two tools packaged in this kit. While the chainsaw is the main point of interest for us, the blower is a great addition for residential use. You can and trim then follow up to clean surfaces and dust. Both the chainsaw and blower work exceptionally well. The chainsaw held its own with the best of them and is a great overall value.
I was impressed by the high quality and powerful batteries. At 12 amp hours (Ah), the battery lasts for a very long time and delivers consistent power. I think it’s one of the best battery options available in terms of power and performance. The saw itself offered excellent cutting capabilities. I started with some light delimbing and eventually moved to cutting through deadfall for firewood. It didn’t vibrate or stick and had no problems slicing through thicker logs. It was also lightweight and very easy to start, stop, and maneuver throughout the day.
For those who are new to chainsaw setup, this one comes preassembled and only needs the chain adjusted to finalize assembly. Add oil, charge the battery, and you are ready to work. It’s a great deal for a very smooth and powerful chainsaw.
Get the Milwaukee chainsaw at The Home Depot or Ace Hardware (chainsaw only).
Upgrade Pick
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20" Gas Chainsaw
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Noise 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas engine
- Bar size: 18 or 20 inches
- Weight: 11.33 pounds
What We Like
- Consistent and smooth cutting saw
- Excellent power and torque for larger logs
- Easy-starting and smooth-running gas engine
- Does exceptionally well cutting at angles
What We Don’t Like
- Overpowered for small backyard tasks
Husqvarna is an industry leader in the power tool and small engine market, so it’s no surprise that they have a great selection of chainsaws. I actually used to run this model on a regular basis, so I was already familiar with its performance. The saw has a ton of torque and is one of my favorite all-time models for dropping trees and working through bigger rounds.
The 50.2-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine is easy to start and warm up. It seems less finicky and requires less tuning than other saws at variable elevations as well. This makes it especially nice for those who work on the move and have some geographical range. The 20-inch bar is excellent for working in the woods and doing just about everything short of commercial work.
I also find that this saw feels pretty mellow in the hand. It has little vibration and is easy to control. If you have a property that requires regular tree work or you spend time working in the woods, this is a great chainsaw to use. It’s reliable and hardworking. I managed to put up a cord of wood in pretty fast order with the Rancher and did plenty of camp cutting as well.
Get the Husqvarna 450 Rancher chainsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Firewood
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 20" Gas Chainsaw
Photo: Ace Hardware
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Noise 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas engine
- Bar size: 18 or 20 inches
- Weight: 12.3 pounds
What We Like
- High-powered saw capable of most jobs
- Runs great when properly tuned
- Can last a lifetime with proper maintenance
- Excellent customer support and resources
What We Don’t Like
- Runs best when tuned properly; might require expert assistance
While the Stihl electric model took our top spot, this remains as my top chainsaw for firewood when camping and running several days in a row. There are times when charging batteries simply isn’t feasible, and it’s nice to have a reliable gas engine that can run all day.
Stihl engineering is among the best in the world, and that means you’ll want to tune this chainsaw properly—or have it tuned by a Stihl rep for the most efficient performance. Luckily, mine was dialed in and started immediately, requiring no extra steps to fine-tune everything.
I had used this saw in the past as well and was familiar with how it ran. As with previous experiences, it delivered smooth performance across long cutting periods. While I didn’t have a means of monitoring fuel economy, this saw seems to eat a little less than other models. When it comes to chainsaws, many people are either loyal to Stihl or Husqvarna. The Husqvarna feels like it has a bit more torque while the Stihl is supersmooth and holds the line while cutting.
Everyone has to choose for themselves, and I think you can’t go wrong with this Stihl for firewood, property work, and even some commercial applications.
Get the Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw at Ace Hardware.
Best Corded
Craftsman 16" 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.8/5; Performance 3.5/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Noise 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric cord
- Bar size: 16 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
What We Like
- Can run endlessly with a power outlet available
- Extremely lightweight and easy to use
- Has plenty of torque and power for small- to medium-size jobs
What We Don’t Like
- Limited range due to power cord requirement
While a cord-connected chainsaw isn’t for everyone, it’s worth considering if you work within reasonable range of a power outlet. I actually took this saw into the woods and plugged it into the inverter on my camper battery. I was able to set up a load of firewood around camp in short order, but it’s best used at home where it won’t drain battery systems.
The lack of a battery does make this a very affordable option, and it’s a very capable saw for small- and medium-duty tasks. I wouldn’t drop a big pine tree with this model, but I did run it through a few moderately sized logs, and it cut really well. If you have wood on the ground or need to trim around your property, this chainsaw is a great option.
While having a cord comes with some limitations, I did enjoy the performance and think the Craftsman 16-inch 12-amp can serve property owners well when they need a capable chainsaw on occasion but don’t want to bother with engines or batteries for jobs beyond the reach of power outlets.