Need a chainsaw for home use? You’re not alone. Chainsaws have become so great of a home and garden necessity that you can find a variety online and in hardware stores. However, which one is the best bang for your buck? Well, it really depends on how you use a chainsaw. For our expert guide, we looked at the chainsaws that were the easiest to use, moderately priced, and packed with features.
Best Chainsaws for Home Use Reviews
The following is a selection of the top 10 chainsaws for home use. Most of these are lightweight and easy-to-use for home and garden projects. Some of the differences we look for in a home use chainsaw include:
- Power and performance
- High-grade manufacturing materials
- Weight and size for maneuverability
- Easy-to-use features
- Electric or gas Note: we do like the power of gas chainsaws, but there are great benefits to electric chainsaws [Link ]
1. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V – Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw — Editor’s choice $
Black and Decker make a top-notch product with the Lithium-Ion 10-inch chainsaw. With this high-performance battery, the Black and Decker cordless chainsaw lasts up to five times as long. Due to its small size, you may not want to use this chainsaw on larger trees, but it’s a handy tool for quick landscaping of brush, bushes, debris, citrus trees, and other small trees for firewood.
This tool-free blade tension system also provides really quick adjustments for clamping and force. With just a 10-inch lightweight body, you can carry and cut this chainsaw with minimal effort. It also has a pretty effortless oiling system, and you won’t have to do much maintenance either.
One of the reasons that we liked this chainsaw was its efficiency and power. With 20V, this chainsaw is able to go through most trees that you have around the home and works perfectly as a very mobile cordless chainsaw for landscaping use.
There are some issues with this Black and Decker due to its size and low power. For one, there are some complaints that it has a bad oiler system. However, it comes with a warranty and money-back guarantee.
It takes absolutely no tools to put together this Black and Decker chainsaw. The blade is made from high-grade materials, and it works well for most cutting projects. However, due to the size, you may have issues with larger trees or getting higher quality firewood.
What we liked:
- 10-inch chainsaw.
- Lightweight and cordless.
- Easy to maneuver and hold with one hand.
- Perfect for brush, landscaping, and small trees.
2. DEWALT DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Lithium-Ion Brushless 16″ — Cordless Chainsaw — Best ergonomic – $$$$
Dewalt offers some of our favorite chainsaw products. The Flexvolt 60V Max lithium-ion cordless chainsaw is one of those tools that we think offers the best of both worlds. You get a low kick-back chainsaw that has a 16-inch bar and chain, and it has a tool-free chain tensioning system for when you need clamping force.
What we really like about this brushless chainsaw is how much power it can put out to cut through almost any tree that you have. That makes it a good product for landscaping, particularly if you have to trim trees on a weekly basis for well-manicured neighborhoods.
The Dewalt FlexVolt chainsaw offers a great amount of power. You get a decent battery life and auto-oiling as well, which means that you can use this chainsaw for long periods of time without interruption.
Dewalt always makes a great product, and the FlexVolt cordless chainsaw is no exception. With 60V battery and a longer bar, you can cut down almost any tree with this product.
What we liked:
- Easy to use.
- Electric cordless chainsaw.
- 60V battery for longer life and more power.
3. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. – Cordless Chainsaw — $$$
Ah, Dewalt products are the go-to gold standard for most folks. These low-kickback no-nonsense chainsaws offer a lightweight solution to getting it done at home. With a 12-in body and cordless features, you can use this chainsaw for most construction and outdoor cutting applications, which made it a top pick for us.
The high-efficiency motor in this chainsaw maximizes the runtime, so you can get the right cut every time. In addition, the motor life and 20V power give you the power to cut away debris, citrus trees, limbs, and up to 10-inch rated firewood. It’s also easy to operate with one hand.
If you need more force, the Dewalt cordless chainsaw comes with a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening. You simply turn the knob to get the right force and move the chainsaw down with quick, precise movements, which again comes naturally because of the compact and lightweight design.
The cordless chainsaw from Dewalt offers enough power for home use. Lightweight and backed by a money-back guarantee, you really cannot go wrong with a Dewalt product.
Just under 10 lbs and lightweight to hold, you get a lot of use out of this cordless Dewalt chainsaw. It has a chain speed of 25.2 feet per second and the shape makes it simple to carry and work with just one hand. Overall, this is a chainsaw you would keep at home and enjoy using for those everyday firewood needs.
What we liked:
- Low kickback.
- 12-inch Oregon bar and chain.
- Perfect for at-home garden and firewood use.
- 25.2 f/s.
4. Husqvarna 435EII16 SASII43516 – Gas Chainsaw — $$
Are you looking for more power in a chainsaw? Honestly, we like to have brawn in the shop just for this reason. The Husqvarna gas chainsaw earns top marks for its very fuel-efficient, gas-powered chainsaw. This chainsaw was designed to deliver power without so much smoke, which is why it’s rated for low emissions.
In addition, the Husqvarna gas chainsaw uses air injection through a centrifugal air cleaning process that takes out the larger dust particles before ever going to through the air filter. This just works so well to maintain the life of the chainsaw and reduce the number of particles that you breathe in during the job.
This chainsaw also has been designed to be very easy to start and control. You don’t have to put in any effort to get this thing revved up, and you can look at the fuel levels as you work by checking out the indicator light. This makes it easy to time your projects and gets things done fast.
The Husqvarna chainsaw offers an impeccable design for a great price. Fuel-efficient and effortless to use, you can cut through almost anything using this gas chainsaw.
Overall, we like the Husqvarna and consider it to be a top choice for anyone that seeks power and an effortless start. We like that the manufacturer chose to go with fuel efficiency in addition to power, as the engineering really does cut down on the amount of smoke and debris while on the project.
What we liked:
- High motor power.
- Fuel-efficient design.
- Start/stop switch for an effortless start.
- Simple to use even for bigger trees.
5. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2cc 2-Stroke – Gas-Powered Chain Saw — $$$$
This is another Husqvarna that we admired for its 55 X-Torq system. This chainsaw is incredibly powerful and delivers on that stroke after stroke. The X-Torq system from Husqvarna provides lower fuel consumption and reduces emissions while also providing a very low-vibration operation. This gives you a lot of maneuverability without having to worry about kickback.
In addition, the tool-less chain tensioning system on this chainsaw is very quick and easy to control. The assembling of the bar and chain is effortless because of the way that this product has been designed. You can use it for clamping down or loosening up the chain depending on what you are working on.
Want a fuel-efficient gas chainsaw? That’s exactly what you get with the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. While it is quite powerful, it only delivers a bit more power than the 435 EII and yet it’s almost double the cost. However, if you want the best, you will definitely enjoy cutting through almost any material with the power of the Rancher.
The power of the 455 Rancher is supreme in the gas-powered chainsaw category. You won’t find many other chainsaws at this price that can deliver on the same power levels.
What we liked:
- Extremely powerful.
- 20-inch 55 ½ cc chainsaw.
- 2-stroke performance.
- Smart one-push start and stop.
6. Worx WG322 20V – Cordless Chainsaw Tension and Auto-Oiling — $
Brilliantly designed and quite stylish too, the Worx cordless chainsaw is a lightweight, powerful chainsaw that runs on a lithium 20V battery and has automatic chain lubrication. For at-home use, this chainsaw provides a lot of value. The automatic, tool-free chain tension system makes it safe and easy to use. The 20V battery and charger are also included for a rather cost-efficient base price.
If you want to cut through small trees and brush, this chainsaw has the right amount of power. You can use it one-handed to make swift cuts and cut through smaller trees with only minor effort.
This tree is pretty perfect for cutting firewood at home if you have small trees nearby or if you are looking for something to use during a Christmas tree hunt. The cordless aspect makes it very easy to hold and cut.
There are some issues with the Worx that you don’t find with Black & Decker or Dewalt. For one, the battery life is not as strong, and there are some issues with the automatic oiling system. You may have to check the oil yourself, but you should be doing that before getting to the job.
If you want something easy to store and work with, this is a great home landscaping tool. You probably won’t be able to use it on larger trees and branches for firewood, however.
What we liked:
- Electric Chainsaw.
- Automatic oil lubrication.
- Decent power for most at-home applications.
- Great value.
7. Oregon 570995 CS1500 Self-Sharpening – Electric Chainsaw — $
Want a chainsaw that gets the job done every time? We like the Oregon self-sharpening electric chainsaw because it delivers with a very proficient blade and power distribution. With such a high-power, you get fast cutting from the 18-inch blade. It also has a reduced kickback guide bar and chain, which makes it very flexible to use in the field.
Overall, the feel of this chainsaw is really comfortable and lightweight. The ergonomic design makes it balanced with very little vibration. That’s partially due to the over-mold comfortable handle. It’s very easy to grip and move through most materials, particularly when landscaping through minor brush and debris.
Backed by a 2-year consumer and 1-year professional warranty, Oregon creates a top-selling chainsaw that delivers on power and value. The self-sharpening system PowerSharp is unique for this brand and makes the chainsaw much more powerful than other at-home chainsaws in this market.
There’s a lot to love about this chainsaw, but it’s the PowerSharp system and high-power motor that really make this a top-notch electric chainsaw for home and garden use.
What we liked:
- Electric-powered chainsaw.
- A self-sharpening system called PowerSharp.
- Low kickback.
- Lightweight operation.
8. Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim 8 Amp 14 Inch Electric Chainsaw — $
The Remington RM1425 is a bit of a larger electric chainsaw that offers more power for tougher applications. It works well for trees that are smaller in diameter and has a very lightweight design due to the electric operation. Most landscapers have a Remington in their utility truck because it is perfect for trimming trees, bushes, and brush around well-manicured residential areas. It’s very mobile and has an effortless operation.
The compact design and reduced kickback make it a good option for trimming around the garden and removing branches too close to your home. You also don’t have to deal with any kind of assembly. It’s ready with a push-button start as soon as you pick it up.
This is a highly efficient electric cordless chainsaw that can cut down small trees and large branches. For the size, you get a lot of value out of this chainsaw.
The push-button on this Remington chainsaw and the size for the price makes it a top-rated choice for at-home chainsaw use.
What we liked:
- Electric Chainsaw.
- Push-button start and stop.
- 14-inch electric chainsaw.
- Compact design.
9. Husqvarna 240 2 HP Chainsaw, 952802154 (16-Inch) — $$
The Husqvarna 240 2 HP chainsaw is a gas-powered chainsaw that will melt through trees with just a stroke. This is a 16-inch chainsaw that uses an air injection centrifugal air cleaning system. That means it’s much more efficient and comfortable to use. It also reduces the number of particles emitted as you cut through tree limbs and firewood.
The combined choke and stop control make it very easy and safe to use. You don’t have to worry about engine flooding with this chainsaw either. Throughout the use of this chainsaw, it felt very easy to maneuver and get through almost any tree size. The low vibrations allowed for a firm grip the entire time, making it one of the more steadier tools to use for cutting down large trees.
This tree-trimmer and a cut-down chainsaw is perfect for commercial or at-home use. You get a lot of power from the 2 HP motor without going overboard and making it difficult to maneuver.
For a gas-powered chainsaw, this is a top choice for the value. You get a significant amount of power, and the Husqvarna design is very unique for efficiency and safety.
What we liked:
- Very fuel-efficient chainsaw.
- 2 HP gas-powered motor.
- Air injection system for fewer emissions.
10. Worx WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp — $
This 15-amp Worx chainsaw delivers a pretty balanced and lightweight performance. The extended 18-inch bar and auto-tension chain system make sure that you always have the right tension throughout the project, providing a very stable cut. The built-in chain brake is also a new feature that makes the chainsaw safer to use.
With a larger oil tank capacity of 200 ml and automatic oil lubrication, you can continuously use this Worx electric chainsaw for all of your tree-trimming and firewood needs. It’s designed to cut through larger trees up to 18-inches in diameter, and it also has built-in mechanisms to prevent over-tightening.
The 18-inch chainsaw works for almost any wood application. It provides near-gas power while still being a lightweight chainsaw.
The Worx delivers a great electric chainsaw that has incredible power for the price and design. You have an extended bar here which is perfect for most tree-cutting applications, and the patented auto-tension system on this chainsaw makes it a great tool for at-home use.
What we liked:
- Easy to use.
- Extended bar support.
- Great power for size.
Buyer’s Guide for Chainsaws for Home Use
The most important thing to remember when purchasing a chainsaw is what you are going to use it for. You don’t want to buy a gas-powered horsepower revving chainsaw if you are simply using it for gardening and cutting small tree trims. Here are a few things that we look for in a chainsaw:
Bar Length
In general, you want the bar to be longer if you plan on using it for tree trimming. Most of these chainsaws are good for smaller trees up to 12 inches in diameter. For heavier duty projects, you want a bar length that is over 22 inches.
Applications
Generally, electric chainsaws are good for pruning and removing small tree limbs. They can cut small trees up to 14 inches in diameter and cut firewood if smaller up to 14 inches in diameter. For large hardwood trees, you will need a gas-powered chainsaw with a long bar over 22 inches.
Gas vs Electric
This is a really heavy debate between landscapers, gardeners, and construction operators. You definitely want a chainsaw that will work for the application. In that sense, you really can only judge an electric chainsaw by the power you need for that project. For small trees and cutting limbs, an electric chainsaw at home is a great idea for a number of reasons.
Cordless
Electric battery-operated chainsaws are best because you get the most mobility and freedom to move around. If you are buying a chainsaw that is electric, you definitely should make sure that it has a longer battery life and should have a voltage over 20 for cutting small trees.
Tension System
You want to be able to control the tensioning so you can clamp down for more power and control or if you want to make quick cuts, you can adjust. Some chainsaws do this with a knob to make it more efficient.
Summary
The best chainsaws have a long battery life and lots of power to get through your toughest projects. We like the chainsaws that offer lightweight and eco-friendly power, although we think the Husqvarna brand is a great choice for those who want a gas-powered chainsaw.
Our Best Choice
For at-home use, there’s nothing better than the Dewalt FlexVolt chainsaw. With incredible power and long battery life, you can get through almost any project at home, and it’s completely covered by a warranty. While it is a bit pricey, it’s going to give you a consistent cut every time.
Not an axe/ saw question but any leaf blower is much faster and quieter than a car blasting through the leaves
Best chain saw is known to be a DEWALT DCCS620B or a ‘Douche axe’ in my opinion.
The saw is generally best for home use. Also, if you are going to use a chainsaw for anything other than cutting wood, take a course on proper care. You can get a lot more burn injuries with a chainsaw than other instruments.
I’d go with a saw for home with a detachable guard, small footprint, and well rated for jobs like cutting through boards, etc.
The DEWALT DCCS670X1 is tops. Worked for my grandparents for years.
Big, old rusty chainsaw – kind of makes you feel powerful – will cut through most things.
I used a BLACK+DECKER for cutting wood, because it was the lightest and most powerful with the least amount of work required. Unfortunately, I damaged the blade, and it will never cut a pencil sharpener again.