Landscaping and yard maintenance are the most important tasks for homeowners and require a handful of power tools, including the chainsaw.
Undoubtedly, the chainsaw is a versatile piece of equipment that you can use for various outdoor activities like thinning out a crowded forset or maintaining your backyard.
Now, choosing the best chainsaw is a hassle. There are different types of chainsaws and several brands with an infinite amount of products available on the market, making the selection challenging.
That said, we have crafted this list of best chainsaws 2020 with top tips and recommendations to help you choose the ideal chainsaw for your budget and requirements.
Before going into the details, let’s take a look at our expert’s recommendation for you.
Regarding price and performance Greenworks G-MAX 40V hits the sweet spot and earned the title of top pick. This particular unit is equipped with brushless motor that is much efficient than other motors and consumes less power. It causes less vibration and offers more torque than other chainsaw motors.
Similarly, loaded with other bells and whistles making it the ideal chainsaw for you.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Top 6 Best Rated Chainsaws in 2021
- Comparison of Our Favorite Products
- Types of Chainsaws
- Best Chainsaw Buying Guide
- FAQ
Top 6 Best Rated Chainsaws in 2021
The comparison chart below lists all the best chainsaws models of 2021 that we have included in this list for you to take a quick look at before going into the details.
Types of Chainsaws
Before you choose the chainsaw, you have to determine the type of chainsaw you need. Let’s look at four common types of chainsaws: corded, cordless, electric, and gas.
Gas-powered models are the most powerful and highly portable among all but not environment-friendly. Although they are the smoothest, the noise caused by the motor and regular maintenance can be a pain. Corded models are affordable, lighter, and require less maintenance, but are less powerful and you can cover only cover the distance of a cord length. Cordless models are also portable but can be used for light-duty tasks and are less potent than gas and corded models.
The brief discussion on the types of chainsaws can help you determine the right type of chainsaw you should purchase. We have listed all the types with different price ranges for different budgets and with different specs to help you choose the ideal chainsaw for your budget and requirements.
Without further ado, let’s get started…
Quickly, the Makita UC4051A is our favorite chainsaw for homeowners because it is powerful enough like a gas-powered model and doesn’t have a gas motor.
The 16-inch bar helps you quickly cut large logs and limbs, and the chain moves at the speed of 2,900 feet per minute to deliver a smooth cutting experience.
Moving on, the Makita UC4051A is loaded with a handful of features like an easy-to-start trigger switch, rubberized handle, electric chain brake, and an automatic chain oiler. Another great feature is the built-in current limiter that ensures your safety in case of motor burnout.
The best part of this chainsaw is that you can quickly replace the parts without the need for an external tool. This superiority of use gives the consumers peace of mind compared with models that require high-maintenance like gas engines.
The unit’s overall weight is 15.5 pounds, which is lighter to use but slightly heavier for comparable models. Finally, the unit comes with a one-year warranty of parts and a 30-days guarantee of customer satisfaction.
Overall, the Makita UC4051A is an incredible electric chainsaw that comes with all the bells and whistles you expect from a top chainsaw. The lightweight design and higher usability make it a great unit. The price tag is reasonable, and the performance is top-notch, making it the best electric chainsaw for this list.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Large trigger switch
- Great usability
Cons
- Short warranty
The next best chainsaw on our list is the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher designed to tackle a tremendous amount of use and abuse, thanks to the two-stroke 55.5-cc engine that runs 9,000 RPM and makes the unit powerful for several tasks.
Its popularity is the ample power and the reliability for the money you spend on it, making the owners fall in love with it.
Moving on, this gas-powered chainsaw is equipped with a low-emission X-torq engine that ensures the fuel-consumption is hugely lower and the vibration is minimal.
Other features of this chainsaw include a mounted chain tensioner, an easy-to-carry handle, an inertia-activated chain brake, and a centrifugal air-cleaning system that maintains the durability of the air filters.
Similarly, the unit comes with a bar cover and a 2.6-ounce bottle of pre-mix fuel; the bar and chain oil’s additional cost can be a headache for you, though.
Other than that, the Husqvarna comes with a smart start system that makes the engine start process quick compared with other pull-and-start models. The ease-of-use makes it the best gas chainsaw for owners.
Overall, the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher is a reliable gas-powered chainsaw that is slightly heavier but powerful enough to handle all kinds of limbs and logs.
This chainsaw hits the sweet spot regarding price and performance, making it an ideal pick for our list of best chainsaws 2020.
Pros
- Smart start system
- Great usability
Cons
- Heavier
Echo is a reputed brand manufacturing several power tools, including chainsaws. This brand produces powerful and reliable chainsaws, and Echo CS-400 is one of them. This particular unit comes with an 18-inch bar and a two-stroke, 40.2-cc engine to deliver a sheer amount of power to cut down large trees of forests. The ability to cut through the wood quickly gives it high marks for usability and handling.
Furthermore, the Echo CS-400 comes with a handful of features like an automatic oiler, digital ignition, heavy-duty air filter, and an air pre-cleaner. Other than that, it comes with a side-access chain tensioner making it a professional-grade chainsaw for homeowners.
The most significant advantage of this gas-powered chainsaw is that it’s pretty easy to start than other gas chainsaws and maintain balance while using. The unit’s overall weight is 10 pounds that make it pretty lightweight, but the power it delivers makes it a heavy-duty home chainsaw.
Overall, the Echo CS-400 is a powerful gas chainsaw that is lightweight and super easy to start. It comes with premium features without breaking your bank that makes it a favorite model for this list.
Pros
- Powerful
- Best budget
Cons
- No cons
If you’re short on budget and looking for a reasonably priced yet fairly powerful chainsaw, then Worx WG303.1 is the ideal option for you.
The Worx WG303.1 is a corded electric chainsaw that offers a handful of features without costing you a dime. Features include auto-tension: A system that prevents over-tightening and maintains the durability of the motor, bar, and chain.
Similarly, the unit features auto-lubrication to ensure the smooth running of the chain around the bar. Similarly, an oil-level indicator shows the remaining amount of oil to let you know when to refill.
Moving on, the Worx WG303.1 comes with a chain brake feature to avoid accidental cutting to ensure the owner’s safety while using. On the other hand, the ergonomic handle allows you to comfortably use the chainsaw for horizontal and vertical cutting with a firm grip.
If you intend to work long hours, the rubberized read handle with an over-mold grip allows you to do the work as long as you desire without getting tired. Finally, the metal spike bumper is extremely helpful to prevent kick-back and do the more controlled cutting.
Overall, the Worx WG303.1 is an excellent budget chainsaw ideal for small DIY tasks at your home. Without breaking the bank, you can get a powerful chainsaw to handle small backyard cutting tasks with safety and comfort.
Pros
- Cheaper
- Easy to use
Cons
- Ideal for a short period of work
The Greenworks 20362 is a battery-powered cordless chainsaw that comes in an extremely reasonable price tag and offers all the bells and whistles that you expect from a right chainsaw. Compared with the above-reviewed models, the Greenworks 20362 is a smaller chainsaw used for occasional light-duty use.
Although it’s a cordless model, that means freedom to take anywhere without worrying about plugging the wire or filling the gas. But, the limited battery can last for the only couple of minutes. The 24-volt lithium-ion battery can only give you 35 cuts of thick branches or boards, and once fully drained, it can take up to 45 minutes to get fully charged.
Furthermore, the Greenworks 20362 comes with a 10-inch bar and loaded with a handful of features like tool-free tension adjustment, automatic chain oiler, and an ergonomic handle. The Translucent oil tank helps you take a quick look at the oil level.
Greenworks is a well-known name for producing a range of power tools like trimmers, pole saws, drills, chainsaws, and much more. They are known for the quality of their products, and the best parts is that every product by this brand comes with a 4-year warranty of parts and a 2-year warranty of batteries.
Overall, the GreenWorks 20362 is a versatile and compact chainsaw used for indoor and outdoor DIY projects. It comes with great features, and the price tag is relatively reasonable, making this chainsaw the solid pick for this article.
Pros
- Compact
- Best for indoor and outdoor projects
Cons
- No cons
If you’re looking for something powerful in budget price, then Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20322 is the pick for you. This battery-powered chainsaw by Greenworks weighs 11.6 pounds, which is relatively lightweight and features a brushless motor that offers longer run-time on the battery, allowing you to do continuous work without getting interrupted by the drained battery.
The most significant advantage of a brushless motor is that it consumers less power and lasts longer than usual motors; plus, the reduced wear and tear increases its efficiency. It consumes less battery, but it offers 30% more torque than other motors that increase the unit’s cutting performance.
You may know that the motor inside the unit causes the vibrations. This chainsaw offers minimal vibrations, thanks to the brushless motor making the operations comfortable for seniors.
Moving on, the Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20322 is loaded with a handful of features like chain brake, handguard, quick release trigger. All these user safety features safeguard you against any dangerous attempt caused by the chainsaw.
As mentioned earlier, the Greenworks products are backed by a 4-year warranty of parts and 2-year warranty of batteries, and the same is the case with the Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20322. This chainsaw is compatible only with G-Max 40V batter models 29472 and 29462 and G-MAX Charger model 29482.
Overall, the Greenworks 20322 is a reliable cordless chainsaw equipped with a powerful brushless motor that enhances the chainsaw’s efficiency and consumes less power. It’s the best chainsaw for the quick work of complex projects. The only drawback is that you have to separately purchase the battery and charger, which is an unwise decision by this brand. The Greenworks G-MAX 40V 20322 hits the sweet spot that makes it a respected machine for this article regarding performance and price.
Pros
- Mighty motor
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Battery and charger are sold separately
Best Chainsaw Buying Guide
Chainsaws are indispensable labor-saving tools only if they are selected with complete know-how and handled with comprehensive care. It’s your best friend when you’re working with bushes and woods in your backyard, lawn, or any other personal space.
To cut through the branches of trees, pruning, bucking, felling, or cutting the firewood, you always need a reliable chainsaw. They help you multiple times to time and save you a lot of energy and labor cost.
Although opting for a reliable chainsaw is always convenient, but only when you select the right one for your needs. That’s where the problem begins; you end up with the wrong chainsaw and loss your money, time, and energy.
Chainsaws are available in different sizes and various types as Electric, Gas-powered, Pole, and Battery Powered Chainsaws. To save you from the hassle of selecting, here’s a complete buying guide so you can decide knowingly.
Before moving any further, here are the things that you need to consider.
Things to Consider Before Selecting a Chainsaw
What are you going to target?
Different lands and different owners have varying needs, and not one chainsaw can fit in all categories. That’s why knowing about your needs always comes in handy before making a selection.
A gas chainsaw makes the right choice for a heavily-stuffed large area as it packs more power than electric ones. Conversely, for light pruning and cutting in a modest space, both battery-powered and a light gas chainsaw can work efficiently. Furthermore, if you need to use the chainsaw within a premise like a wood workshop, electric chainsaws with corded restriction also make an excellent choice.
What kind of Yard maintenance are you up to?
If you love to cut and prune every little branch to maintain that perfect-looking yard, Battery-Powered Saw makes sense as they are suitable for daily work. If you are more of a person that cuts weekly or monthly, you should go for a gas-powered Chainsaw.
How much maintenance cost can you handle?
Every chainsaw comes with its specific needs and requirements. The electric or battery-operated chainsaws don’t require any particular maintenance, but they’re unreliable as the electric items can go out of order anytime.
Also, replacing batteries can cost a lot. Gas Chainsaws demand a precise mixing of gasoline and oil that needed to be handled with caution. These saw demand fuel filter and spark plug replacement.
Adding on, excessive gasoline cannot be stored in the saw tank. Overall, these saw demand cautious use, but they are worth it.
By now, when you have an idea of your prime concerns, let’s dig deep to know what are the other features to look for;
Know the type and Choose Accordingly
Chainsaws are available in different types, some of them are most common, and some are least. Commonly, there’re;
- Gas-Powered Saw: They cut quickly and precisely and require less energy input by the user. They are the best choice even for heavy workloads. As with all other gas-powered equipment, they also generate fumes, so they cannot be used indoor. These saw demand a hard yank on the pull cord to start.
- Corded-Electric Chainsaw: They feature a restricted use due to the corded system but start effortlessly. Saw speed is usually slower and suitable for light maintenance and pruning. They’re good for indoor use.
- Battery-Powered Chainsaw: The battery system has its limitations. Their performance is as good as gas-powered saws and sometimes, even better. The Volts of the battery determines the run time. They’re efficient and robust contender as a powerful chainsaw.
- Electric Loppers: This saw makes the best choice for those who need to cut but fear the running blade as its blade is mounted about 2 feet away from the grip. They work well for light to mid-range tasks.
Some Quality Features worth Paying for
Every chainsaw comes with a unique set of features, and some of them are worth paying extra bucks. Some exceptional safety and convenience features of Chainsaws are;
- Manual Chain Brake: It prevents any mishap or injury when the chainsaw kicks back. It stops the chain’s spinning so it cannot cut the hand or arm of the user.
- Inertia-Activated Chain Brake: That’s even safer as this chain brake is controlled with the force of inertia, so when kick-back occurs, this force stops the chain even from spinning. That’s why it’s the safest type of chain brake.
- Bucking Spikes: Spikes plays a pivot role in controlled and clean cutting. They grip the blade in the right direction to make clean cuts as needed. Also, due to their provided grip, they restrict kick-back and prevent injury.
- Manual Chain Oiler: Manual oiler gives the user complete control over chain lubrication to avoid excessive usage, but it becomes tricky when you forget to lubricate on time as dried chain can cause trouble.
- Automatic Chain Oiler: This technique continuously provides lubrication at a fixed flow rate or at a controlled flow rate to assure constant and fluent sawing. It doesn’t demand any human interaction and let the saw work at its pace. Among all types of oiling techniques, the adjustable or controlled automatic chain oiler works best for everyone and every situation.
- Anti-Vibration System: Not every chainsaw is silent when it works. The voices can be typically annoying, especially for others. Choose a chainsaw that comes with a sound muffling quality or anti-vibration system so you can experience a better grip over the saw and over the cuts you make.
- Chain Catcher: A chain catcher is a small metal piece placed right in front of the clutch and works best as a safety feature. It catches the kick-back chain and restricts its contact with the user’s hand, arm, or body.
FAQ
Which brand of chainsaw is the best?
Well, there are a handful of brands manufacturing chainsaws, but Husqvarna and Stihl both are regarded as the best brands for chainsaws.
What is the best chainsaw for home use?
There are plenty of options suitable for home use, it all boils down to your budget and requirements.
What is the best chainsaw 2020?
The best chainsaw 2020 is Greenworks G-MAX 40V because it comes in a cheaper price tag and offers better performance than any other chainsaw on the market, thanks to the brushless motor.
Conclusion:
There are plenty of types of Chainsaws, and every chainsaw comes with a unique set of features that set best for several requirements. Before choosing a chainsaw, be clear of what you want and what you expect from a chainsaw.
Search properly and know about all the features before making a choice.
Some features are worth paying for, and contrarily, sometimes, paying extra bucks for a feature is just a waste of money if you don’t need that service.
Neither expensive nor bigger is always better.
Do a good search, know about the features, and select the chainsaw’s size and type that best suits your needs.
