Best Cheap Chainsaw

Oftentimes, top-performing chainsaws can cost you hundreds of dollars. If you need a chainsaw but cannot spend such an excessive amount of money, you should check out our list below of five of the best cheap chainsaws on the market today. Though budget-friendly, they are still high in quality and can get the job done efficiently and safely.

In addition to offering reviews on our top five picks, there is a buyer’s guide that will help walk you through features to look for when searching for the best cheap chainsaw for all of your trimming and cutting needs.

List of The Best Cheap Chainsaws

BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw – Editor’s choice – $

The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Chainsaw utilizes the tool-free blade tension system that not only makes it easy to adjust but also quicker as well so that you can get back to cutting as fast as possible. This system makes the chainsaw the best fast adjusting cheap chainsaw.

It runs on a 20V max lithium-ion battery, and although it is designed to stay charged up to 5x faster than other similar models, it still does not last long enough to perform multiple tasks. Even so, it does charge up at a good speed. An advantage that comes with the battery is that you can use it on other BLACK+DECKER power tools if you have them.

This chainsaw from BLACK+DECKER does feature an oiler system for the bar and chain. However, there are numerous reports that this system is flawed and may not work at all, forcing you to manually oil everything. On the plus side though there is a clear window to help you keep an eye on the oil levels at all times.

At 10 inches and weighing just over 7lbs, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 Chainsaw is simple enough to control and maneuver. The Oregon low kickback bar and chain offer both a smoother and a faster cutting experience, so you can get the job done quickly even if the battery power may not last too long. This size also cuts back on any fatigue you may feel so that you can work longer and harder.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver.
• Light in weight.

Cons:

• The battery does not last long.
• Might have a faulty oiling system.

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WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw – Best Fast Adjusting Cheap Chainsaw – $

The WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw has a 15 amp motor that is capable of delivering a powerful cutting performance. It is designed with various features that make it the best efficient, cheap chainsaw on the market.

To begin, this chainsaw from WORX has an automatic tensioning system to prevent any over-tightening of the chain, although this feature could do a better job at tightening in the first place. No matter, there is also auto lubrication with an accompanying oil level indicator, and all-metal dogs at the base of the bar to add a layer of stability while you cut.

For further safety purposes beyond stability, the WORX Chainsaw has a built-in safety chain brake that triggers in seconds upon improper contact. This is designed to keep you safe in case the chainsaw experiences kickback.

To add to your comfort, this electric chainsaw has a full-wrap front handle that is ergonomic. Meanwhile, the rear handle is a rubber over-mold. Not only does it allow you to feel more comfortable while you work, but it also helps give you more control over the powerful chainsaw. As this is corded, it is important that you remember to have the proper extension cord if you wish to perform tasks that are a bit further away from your outlet.

Pros:

• A generously sized oil reservoir.
• Has a good amount of cutting power.

Cons:

• Chain bar oil can leak.
• Chain tightening mechanism could be better.

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Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw Tension and Auto-Oiling – Best Lightweight Cheap Chainsaw – $

The Worx WG322 Cordless Chainsaw may be an optimal choice if you want something that weighs little. At just over 6lbs, this is the best lightweight, cheap chainsaw, especially if you are not used to or comfortable with handling a chainsaw.

Although there are some issues with the chain popping off, the knob makes it easy as ever to tighten it back on. Also, to ensure there are no over-tightening issues, there is the tool-free auto chain tension system in place. Alongside the auto chain tension system, the Worx WG322 Cordless Chainsaw features auto chain lubrication. There is also an oil level indicator so that you are aware of when you need to add more.

This 10inch cordless chainsaw from Worx comes with a 20V battery that is a part of the 20V Power Share platform in which you can share the battery with other 20V Worx tools that you own. There is also a charger included, which is useful as there are some reports that see this chainsaw only running for less than an hour before the battery gives out. To help you keep an eye on that, there is a battery life indicator.

The Worx chainsaw is simple to hold as well. It features an ergonomic comfort grip design that helps reduce hand fatigue. It is more practical overall as it perhaps sees its best use performing light-duty tasks around the home, such as pruning and clean-up jobs.

Pros:

• Easy to grasp knob for chain tightening.
• Has a good balance.

Cons:

• Potential for a chain to come off.
• Slow cutting speed.

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Oregon 603352 CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw – Best Low Maintenance Cheap Chainsaw – $

This Oregon CS1500 Electric Chainsaw may be the ideal chainsaw for entry-level users due to how little you have to do to maintain it. It has a self-sharpening system known as PowerSharp, an automatic oiler, and tool-less chain tensioning system. These features make the chainsaw one of the best low-maintenance cheap chainsaws.

To focus more on the PowerSharp system, this Oregon Electric Chainsaw may be one of the few (if not the only) corded electric chainsaws that can sharpen itself. All you have to do is simply pull the red PowerSharp lever. It takes around 3-5 seconds to go from dull to sharp so you do not have to worry about spending too much time maintaining a sharper chain that is always ready to cut.

The CS1500 Electric Chainsaw also features an ergonomic design. It has an over-mold handle for additional comfort purposes, and it is both lightweight and balanced well. All of these factor into rendering fatigue nonexistent.

In between cuts, the chainsaw is silent. This can allow you to do your cutting and trimming tasks at all hours of the day without disturbing any neighbors. You can also get going faster thanks to its instant-start system. Cut speed is also improved thanks to the 15 amp, high-powered motor. For the purpose of safety, kickback is reduced, while there is an integrated chain break.

Pros:

• Good safety mechanisms.
• No tools needed for maintenance.

Cons:

• Can go through chain oil fast.
• Some difficulties are maneuvering in tight places.

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Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw – Best Basic Cheap Chainsaw – $

For small limb trimming, the Remington Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw may be your go-to option. It is compact and has minimal weight to it to handle such light-duty tasks. This chainsaw has no frills; rather, it does its job well, making it the best basic cheap chainsaw in a low-costing, electric design.

It features a 14in. Low-kickback bar and chain that is just the appropriate size at performing jobs around your home. To make trimming even easier, it uses an external chain tension adjuster. When you acquire the Limb N Trim from Remington, it comes fully assembled. Coupled with the fact that it has a fast start-up, you can begin using it right out of the box.

There are some mentions of concerns with the oil. It is simple to add the appropriate amount of oil thanks to the push-button oiler. However, the tank does not hold much, which can cause some spillage when trying to fill and cause the chainsaw to run through the oil fast. Also, this Limb N Trim is prone to leaking oil when it is stored.

The Remington Limb N Trim Electric Chainsaw does have some good safety and comfort features such as the wraparound handguard. This ensures that your hand remains away from any debris that may fly about while you are working. Its design also makes it easy to use so that you will not feel weighed down or fatigued after working for a few hours.

Pros:

• Quiet operation.
• The chain maintains sharpness well.

Cons:

• Wood chips can build up in the housing.
• A tank holds a very little amount of oil.

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The Guide to Finding a High-Quality Cheap Chainsaw

Although the reviews of the top five budget-friendly options should give you an idea as to what type of chainsaw to buy, there are still important things to consider before you settle on any particular tool.

“Cheaply” Made vs. “Cheap” in Costs

First things first: there is a difference between a product being cheap because of costs and a product being cheap because of low-quality build materials. You do not want to settle for any chainsaw that is not made with good materials or safety features. Doing so can risk damaging the chainsaw or yourself.

When you are shopping for a cheap chainsaw, be sure to investigate that it has a sturdy enough build to last you a good deal of time down the road.

Consider the Power Source

When buying a cheap chainsaw, you may have realized that one type of fuel pops up more than another. It is rare to find a low-costing gas chainsaw due to the fact that gas is naturally expensive.

You are more inclined to find cheap chainsaws that have an electric design, whether it is corded or battery-operated. Even the battery-operated ones can reach a higher price range since you have to recharge and consider replacing the batteries every now and again. Whereas with corded chainsaws, all you have to do is plug it in and go. If you see an increase in price, it is only due to having to purchase a larger extension cord.

There is no doubt that gas chainsaws are more powerful than electric ones, so you will not see any of these cheap chainsaws outperforming them anytime soon. However, it is possible to find electric chainsaws that perform adequately. At the end of the day, though, they keep costs down, which is the entire purpose of finding the best cheap chainsaw. If you are still interested in having a more powerful tool, examine the amperage and you will know just how much power it has.

Guide Bar Length: How Long Do You Need It to Be?

Since you are interested in a cheap chainsaw, it is apparent that you are not going to be doing any serious heavy-duty work. So, it is important that you focus on the type of work that you will do and select a chainsaw that has enough length to back it up.

For example, if you are looking to limb and cut small trees, you may not require anything that is over 14in. The same can be said for simple trimming around the yard. For the sake of pruning, you can go even smaller and find a guide bar length that is around 10in.-12in.

Anything that scales past 16in. is in the realm of firewood cutting, which most people do not typically do much of with a cheaper chainsaw.

Ease of Use

It may not benefit anyone to find the right cheap chainsaw, only for it to be difficult to use. Thankfully, most quality cheap chainsaws are designed to be user-friendly. They have several interesting features, such as ergonomic handle designs with a rubber over-mold. This helps reduce fatigue and make the cutting experience more comfortable overall.

Other ease of use features includes finding a cheap chainsaw that requires minimal maintenance. You may not wish to spend most of your time readjusting the chain, lubricating it, etc. This can be fixed by finding a chainsaw with features such as an automatic oiler and an automatic tensioning system.

Lastly, how user-friendly the chainsaw is can depend on its size and weight. Something that is compact and light in weight will be easier to maneuver. When you have greater maneuverability, you may have better control of the chainsaw throughout your cutting experience.

Take a Look at Safety Features

There is the chance that some cheap chainsaws may cut some corners in the sense that they do not offer as many features as the more expensive brands. Even so, it may be in your benefit to make sure that they still have the proper amount of safety features before you buy one.

Standard safety features include the following:

• Low kickback bar: Not every cheap chainsaw may have this feature, but it is useful. It just helps keep kickback to a minimum and prevent you from getting hurt in case your chainsaw goes through with it. This is done by having a bar with a narrower tip that limits the cutting area.
• Tool-free chain tensioning: This system is not only more convenient, but it also adds a layer of safety while you use the chainsaw. It ensures that there is a proper tightening of the chain as too much or too little can damage the chain, possibly making it come off and risking your safety.
• Chain brake: One of the most vital safety features that any chainsaw can have no matter its price is a chain brake mechanism. This forces the chain to stop in the event that either the chainsaw experiences any kickback, or the front handguard pushes forward.
• Stability elements: There are some design choices that can add stability to your performance so that you can keep a stronger grip no matter what. You can find some cheap chainsaws with all-metal dogs below the bar for stability purposes. Or you can also find chainsaws with anti-vibration features.

Think About Your Oil

We mentioned before automatic oilers, but that is not the only thing to consider about your oil. Buying chain bar oil can get expensive over time, so it may help to find a chainsaw that does not go through it so quickly. A chainsaw that has a large enough oil reservoir will make sure that you are not stopping to refill it so often, saving you more on oil down the road.

Also, something to make a note of is that most chainsaws do leak oil in storage. To resolve this, consider the way you store your chainsaw. Be sure that the oil reservoir is upright to stop any leakage from occurring.

Additional Features to Look For

Though cheap chainsaws may not have all the extra features that some more expensive kind have, there are still some things to look for that may benefit your particular situation.

There are cheap chainsaws that are made with an easy start system. With an easy start system, you can start the chainsaw up in a matter of mere seconds without much effort at all. This system is more commonly found in electronic chainsaws both corded and battery-powered.

Another quality feature is the wraparound handle. With a wrap design, the handle can save your hand from getting hit with debris while you work. It also helps ensure that your hand remains in the proper position for comfort and safety purposes.

Wrap Up

Not everyone is capable of spending hundreds of dollars to buy a chainsaw, but thankfully, there are numerous cheap chainsaws that are reliable and effective at light to medium-duty tasks around the yard. Be sure that you do not settle on a product that is cheaply made as it may not last you very long.

Low-costing chainsaws can still have high-quality materials and features that make them stand out among the others. With any luck, our guide and reviews will help you make a decision on which chainsaw to purchase.

Our Best Choice

Looking at the top five picks for cheap chainsaws, we must consider the WORX WG304.1 Chainsaw to be the best cheap chainsaw. Though it is low in cost, it still performs at a high quality that you would expect from a product that is well in the hundreds of dollars price range. It lubricates well, there is plenty of room for a good amount of oil, and the cutting power is exceptional for an electric chainsaw.

There are also good safety features such as the built-in chain brake and low kickback bar design. It offers good reliability so that you can perform light to medium-duty tasks around the yard with no issues. There is also a great level of stability thanks to the all-metal dogs at the base of the bar.