The 8 Best Small Chainsaws of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The 8 Best Small Chainsaws of 2024, Tested and Reviewed and hope the blog can help you.
For cutting firewood and maintaining a property, these small chainsaws made the cut in our real-life tests.
Folks with a few trees on their property may very well need a chainsaw at some point. Whether it’s because a storm knocked down some branches or a little more sunlight will benefit the garden, these woodcutting power tools can be a big help. Today’s chainsaws are available as gas- or battery-powered as well as corded models. We tested a range of options on the market, with the Worx WG284 model coming out on top for our tester thanks to its lightweight size and power; it’s great for some cleanup and pruning.
While a professional model isn’t usually needed for the average residence, that doesn’t mean any smaller saw will do. Ahead, we outline important features to think about when searching for a small chainsaw—criteria we used in hands-on testing for the following models. Keep reading for our detailed performance reviews to help identify the best small chainsaw for your property.
- BEST OVERALL: Worx WG384 40V Power Share 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Makita UC3551A 14-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx WG322 20V Power Share 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Jump to Review - BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Makita XCU03PT 36V LXT Brushless 14-Inch Chainsaw
Jump to Review - BEST CORDED: Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Jump to Review - BEST GAS: Echo CS-310 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Jump to Review - BEST MINI: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet 6-Inch Pruning Chainsaw
Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Ego Power+ CS1401 14-inch Chainsaw
Jump to Review
Before You Buy the Best Small Chainsaw
Whether a small chainsaw will work for a yard depends on its intended use and the property’s size. If the goal is to cut lots of firewood, then a larger, more powerful chainsaw may be better suited for the job. If it’s a large yard with mature trees, a windfall might be challenging to cut with a chainsaw bar smaller than 20 inches.
However, if the yard is relatively modest and the plan is essential maintenance, then a small chainsaw should suffice. It will be able to cut fallen branches easily and clear stubborn bushes without an issue.
The best small chainsaws are lighter than larger models, and they can be a bit less intimidating to users. They’re easy to handle, won’t tire the sawyer as quickly, and they’re usually the least expensive within a brand’s lineup. But it’s important to remember that even a small chainsaw can cause serious injury quickly, so personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe behavior are essential during use.
How We Tested the Best Small Chainsaws
In order to test these chainsaws in ways most homeowners would use them, we assembled nine logs of various types and sizes ranging from about 4 to 12 inches in diameter. Moving from one log to the next, we used each chainsaw to cut rounds of every size off the ends, observing power, speed, accuracy, noise, vibration, and overall user comfort. For the battery-powered saws, we continued cycling through the different log sizes until the battery was depleted, counting the number of cuts. We did the same with the gas saw until it ran out of fuel.
In a second, less formal test, we simply cleared some brush piles with the saws. In this setting, we were better able to judge which models were more or less capable of working in dense vegetation. Of course, the deck was sort of loaded here: The best saws in this scenario were the short-bladed, cordless models.
After field testing, we scored each of the small chainsaws according to a rubric that compared objective measurements and answers to subjective questions according to the tester’s experience. This allowed us to compare and contrast the different models, generate our lists of pros and cons, and assign award titles.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 8 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $100 to $430 |
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Worx WG384 40V Power Share 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.3/5; Comfort 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: (2) 20V 2Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Bar length: 14 inches
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
What We Like
- Good power and size for occasional cleanup and pruning
- Value price point
- Lightweight and easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Bar oil reservoir may leak during storage
- Inconsistent automatic chain tensioning
Powered by two 40V 2-amp hour (Ah) lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the Worx WG384 cordless chainsaw features a 14-inch bar that is just the right size for small and midsize pruning and cleanup jobs. It boasts toolless automatic chain tensioning, automatic chain lubrication, and includes a safety chain brake. The efficient brushless motor extends battery life, and the batteries are compatible with all Worx Power Share 20V, 40V, and 80V tools.
In our tests, we appreciated the WG384’s performance quality as a basic backyard-worthy chainsaw for DIYers. The lightweight chainsaw proved to cut very well without binding in the wood, and the batteries lasted through 68 cuts, ranging from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. On the downside, the bar oil reservoir leaked a little when not in use, the automatic chain tensioner needed occasional manual adjustment, and it simply didn’t operate quite as comfortably and aggressively as our best battery chainsaw pick. But we found it more than adequate for occasional use at an attractive price to boot.
Get the Worx WG384 small chainsaw at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Runner-Up
Makita UC3551A 14-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Comfort 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 14.5-amp corded electric motor
- Bar length: 14 inches
- Weight: 12.1 pounds
What We Like
- Comfortable to work with
- Smooth operation
- Metal bucking spikes grip wood
- Extra-large bar oil reservoir
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price point
- Oil leaks from the reservoir in storage
The Makita UC3551A corded electric chainsaw cuts fast, operates efficiently, and keeps maintenance to minimum. The 14.5-amp motor has a built-in current limiter that protects the motor from burnout by reducing power when the saw is overloaded. The saw features a toolless chain-tensioning system, an electric chain brake, and an automatic chain oiler for heavy continuous cutting. There’s an ample oil reservoir, a large trigger switch with soft start for smooth start-ups, and ergonomic rubberized grip handles. Large metal bucking spikes grip material for safer, more efficient cutting.
Those who think corded outdoor power equipment is cumbersome or outdated might want to check out the Makita UC3551A chainsaw. In our experience, the comfortable ergonomic grip and oversize trigger plus the smooth start-up feature make it a pleasure to work with. While the chain moves much faster on this saw than most of the other electric chainsaws we tested, both corded and battery-powered, the comfort features and smooth-running electric motor made this model feel securely under control. The large bar oil reservoir allowed us to work steadily for more than an hour between fill-ups, and the engine showed no signs of stress. Those staying close to the house who need a hardworking saw will find this Makita a great choice.
Best Bang for the Buck
Worx WG322 20V Power Share 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.6/5; Comfort 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 20V 2Ah lithium-ion battery
- Bar length: 10 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
What We Like
- Very lightweight
- Compact size is easy to maneuver
- Value price point
What We Don’t Like
- Slow to recharge (about 4 hours)
- Cutting large material reduces battery life
The Worx WG322 helps reduce user fatigue, weighing in at a little more than 6 pounds, and it features a wallet-friendly price tag to match. This 10-inch saw is powered by a 20V 2Ah battery. Automatic chain oiler and chain-tensioner systems keep the saw running smoothly and extend the chain and bar life. This model is sold in a kit that includes a 20V 2Ah battery, a charger, and a blade guard for safe storage, all at a value price.
During testing, the shorter 10-inch bar came in especially handy for removing branches among densely congested growth. The compact size and freedom of movement (no worrying about an extension cord or pull-start) made it safer and easier to maneuver than a 14-inch saw. This Worx model lacked runtime, though, making just 43 cuts on 3-inch to 8-inch material on a single charge. Like most of the others we tested, this saw leaks bar oil when not in use, so it’s best to empty the reservoir at the end of the project. The lightweight, compact size and convenient battery operation make this a great choice for seasonal pruning projects and quick, occasional tasks like making the fresh cut on the bottom of the Christmas tree. And the low price? A cut above!
Get the Worx WG322 small chainsaw at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Battery-Powered
Makita XCU03PT 36V LXT Brushless 14-Inch Chainsaw
Photo: homedepot.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: (2) 18V 5Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Bar length: 14 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
What We Like
- Fast charging and extended runtime
- Powerful and efficient brushless motor
- Quality bar and chain
- Includes a second set of batteries
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price point
- Blade cover not included
Battery-powered chainsaws have come quite a long way, and we consider the Makita XCU03PT to be the king of the woodpile. This 14-inch bar chainsaw comes with a double charger and four 5.0Ah batteries, as the saw uses two batteries at a time. The brushless motor efficiently delivers a lot of power while also preserving battery life. The XCU03PT has as much power as a 32cc gasoline engine, making it capable of taking down small trees and cutting dense firewood like oak and maple. The chain adjustment is toolless, requiring the user to simply turn the knob on the side of the saw for the desired tension. It also has an automatic oiler and a view window to make sure there’s enough oil for the project at hand.
Our tests confirmed that this Makita cordless chainsaw is the right choice for top-end battery power and extended runtime. We made 83 cuts of 4-inch to 12-inch material on a single battery charge, and the second set of batteries was ready to go when the first set ran out. The depleted batteries recharged in less than 50 minutes on the dual charger, a rate that could have kept us rotating batteries and working steadily all day. The handle and trigger configuration were very comfortable and well-balanced. Of course, high-level performance comes at a premium price, but those who need a hardworking battery-powered chainsaw will appreciate this one.
Get the Makita XCU03PT small chainsaw at The Home Depot.
Best Corded
Oregon CS1500 18-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Comfort 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 15-amp corded electric motor
- Bar length: 18 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
What We Like
- Self-sharpening chain
- Great for large cuts
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Value price point
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than other saws
- Limited by power-cord length
Cutting firewood with a dull saw is not fun. To make it easier to maintain a sharp tool, Oregon created a self-sharpening electric chainsaw with plenty of power to boot. The CS1500 has an 18-inch bar and a self-sharpening lever that grinds a fresh edge onto the chain’s cutting teeth in 3 to 5 seconds. It has a 15-amp motor, an automatic oiler, and a reservoir view window for bar lube. It also uses a toolless chain tensioning system, which allows the user to adjust the chain to the proper tension and lock it back into place with ease.
We were really wowed in testing by the self-sharpening chain, a true game changer. To make sure the feature lives up to the hype, we spent a little extra time testing the Oregon CS1500, dulling the chain in order to put the self-sharpener through its paces. The biggest saw in our lineup, it easily cut through the largest 12-inch to 14-inch material that we had on hand with zero chain binding or motor bogging down. While the saw is heavier than most of those we tested, the extra weight helped balance the saw body and bar length, plus it added to the downward pressure for cutting large material.
When the blade finally did need sharpening, it only took about 5 seconds to grind a fresh edge with just the push of a lever (conveniently located near the index finger of the nontriggering hand). That feature saves 10 minutes of sharpening with a file per hour of cutting. This is a powerful electric saw conveniently and comfortably built for big jobs.
Get the Oregon CS1500 small chainsaw at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Gas
Echo CS-2511T 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Comfort 4/5<