Best Chainsaws of 2022 Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Finding the best chainsaw is easier said than done. Yes, there are many types of chainsaws and even more features to consider. To help make your choice easier, today we are going to review some of the best chainsaws of 2022, answer some pressing questions, and provide you with a bit of a buying guide too.

Best Chainsaws Reviews

WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw

The first chainsaw we want to take a look at is this WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw, a fairly high powered yet affordable corded electric chainsaw, that isn’t too heavy and comes with some other convenient features too. For the low price it comes in at, it’s definitely one of the better chainsaws to consider.

Review

The WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is a fairly powerful chainsaw that comes with a 14.5 amp motor. Now, for those of you who don’t know, this is getting pretty close to a gas chainsaw in terms of the power it can produce. Now, it’s not quite as powerful as a gas chainsaw, but it’s getting up there. It should have way more than enough juice to power through some knotted hardwood with ease.

Next, this particular corded chainsaw features a 16 inch bar, which is decently long, especially for an electric chainsaw. In terms of the bar and chain length of the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw, it’s definitely long enough to cut down some decent size saplings, to cut apart small logs, and to trim smaller branches off of trees as well. No, it’s not designed for full scale logging operations of course, but it’s enough to deal with some fairly decent size jobs around the house.

Now, let’s keep in mind that the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is a corded chainsaw, so it does require a power cord to function. On one hand, this is not great because there is always a cord you have to watch out for. On the other hand, corded chainsaws are much more eco friendly than gas chainsaws, and they don’t force you to constantly keep an eye on battery life either.

Something else you may appreciate about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is how it comes with a rubber rear handle and an ergonomically designed wrap around handle too. This is nice because it allows for a high degree of control and versatility when sawing, thus allowing you to saw from multiple angles.

These rubber handles are also quite easy to hold onto as they provide for great grip, plus they help reduce vibrations too, which then helps to reduce fatigue. To help keep you safe while using the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw, it comes with a kickback bar as well as a chain brake too.

What also stands out about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is that it weighs only 11 pounds, which makes it a fairly lightweight chainsaw, at least when compared to gas powered chainsaws.

Perhaps one of the most convenient features which this chainsaw comes with is the automatic chain tension system which automatically maintains the ideal tension for the chain during sawing. The built in oiler which automatically lubricates the chain is another big time bonus which this saw comes with.

What’s to like about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw

What we really like about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is how it is very lightweight and also very affordable, yet it comes with more than enough power to take care of most jobs around the house. It’s quite impressive that this thing gets close to the power level of a gas chainsaw, all without having a gas motor. It’s just a great chainsaw considering how cost effective it is.

What’s not to like about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw

What definitely is not great about the WORX WG303 Powered Chain Saw is that it is corded, which in a way is a bad thing, because it does really limit mobility. With a corded chainsaw, you are limited to the length of a power cord, and moreover, that cord can sometimes get in the way and be a bit dangerous too.

PROS

• Impressive power level
• Good bar length for decent size tasks
• Auto oil and auto chain tension system
• Chain brake and kickback bar for safety
• Good grip with vibration reducing handles 

CONS

• Limited mobility according to power cord length

Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Ok, so here we are stepping things up a bit, both in terms of power and bar length. Yes, the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw is gas powered and yes, it is designed to handle some very big and tough jobs. This is the kind of chainsaw you would use to cut down real trees and for other fairly large tasks too.

It’s big and powerful, and no, it’s not the most affordable chainsaw around, but you do get what you pay for, and for a few extra dollars invested, you get a heck of a machine here.

Review

The Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw comes complete with a 55.5 cc engine, a 2 cycle engine, and of course, it’s gas powered. This is a very powerful motor for a chainsaw, even for a gas chainsaw of this size it’s quite impressive.

Simply put, as long as whatever you are cutting can fit in terms of bar length, this thing is going to have more than enough power to eat through it, like a hot knife through butter. If you are looking for a powerful chainsaw to make quick work out of the toughest of jobs, this is a great option to keep your eye on.

Next, the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw comes with a 20 inch bar and chain, although it can also be purchased with an 18 inch bar and chain.

A 20 inch bar is fairly long, bordering on 2 feet, which should be enough to cut down any tree around the home, to cut large branches, and to saw apart large logs too. Although a logger might not use it to cut down a massive redwood, it’s more than big enough for anything and everything else.

Of course, seeing as this is a gas powered chainsaw, you do need to worry about keeping it fueled, but a full tank of gas can go for a very long way. No, gas powered chainsaws like this are not eco friendly and they are not quiet either, not to mention that they can be quite heavy too. However, this extra weight, a bit of added pollution, and plenty of noise are all trade offs you get when you need size and power.

These are some trade-offs you have to think about. For example, the chainsaw reviewed above was lighter and more ergonomic, certainly quieter, and definitely doesn’t produce emissions either, but it’s also not nearly as powerful as this Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw.

That being said, this particular chainsaw still comes with ergonomically designed handles, which in this case means a solid rear handle and a wrap around handle too. The wrap around handle is designed with a soft rubber grip to help increase your gripping capabilities and to reduce vibrations too.

In terms of fuel consumption and emissions, let’s keep in mind that the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw does feature x-torque technology, which does help lower emissions and fuel consumption when compared to other gas chainsaws.

Speaking of making life easier, this thing also comes with easy start tech, which makes it easier to start, but do keep in mind that you are still dealing with a rip cord here, and getting this beast to start when it’s cold is not exactly easy.

The Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw does come with an automatic chain oiler, so you don’t have to worry about lubing the chain. Something else you may appreciate here is how this chainsaw has a nice quick release air filter, which can be easily cleaned at a moment’s notice.

The fact that this unit also comes with an easy to access side mounted tension adjustment system is nice too, but keep in mind that it does require tools for adjustments.

What’s to like about the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

What we like about the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, quite simply put, is that it’s a chainsaw with a good bar length and plenty of power to take care of virtually any task you may be faced with around the home.

No, it’s not the lightest or lowest emission saw around, but this is the exchange for having lots of power and size. It’s a big chainsaw for big jobs, one that still comes with some cool tech and features, such as x-torque to lower fuel consumption.

What’s not to like about the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

What we don’t like about the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw is how it is very loud, it is quite heavy, and even with x-torque tech, you still have to deal with emissions and checking the gas tank.

Moreover, the tension adjustment system does require tools, although this is not a deal breaker. On a side note, the rear handle is not made out of the best plastic in the world.

PROS

• Plenty of power for tough wood
• X-torque for lower emissions and fuel consumption
• Side mounted tension system
• Automatic oiler
• Air intake with quick release air filter

CONS

• Quite loud

Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw

Here we are heading in the complete opposite direction from the Husqvarna chainsaw above, as this one is much lighter, smaller, less powerful, quieter, it does not produce emissions, and it’s much more affordable too.

This is a simple little chainsaw with limited power, one you would use to take care of some basic chainsaw tasks at home, such as cutting down small saplings or for trimming small branches off of trees.

Review

Alright, so the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw has an 8 amp electric motor, which is of course decidedly smaller and less powerful than either of the other saws we have looked at so far, even less than the first electric chainsaw reviewed at the beginning.

Now, this 8 amp motor is powerful enough for very small saplings, some small tree limbs, and for small branches too. No, it’s not going to have enough power to saw through very thick, hard and knotted wood, but it does the job just fine for small and basic tasks around the house.

The Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw features a 12 inch bar, so a foot in length. This is long enough to take care of small tree limbs, branches, and very small saplings, but of course, 12 inches in not all that long, which means that this thing just is not designed for very large jobs.

Yes, this is a corded chainsaw, so on one hand, you don’t have to worry about gas running out or batteries dying, and it’s much more eco friendly than a gas motor, but on the other hand, due to the cord, you are limited to how far you can move with it, plus there’s a cord that gets in the way too.

However, what really stands out about the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw is how lightweight and ergonomic it is. This chainsaw weighs 6 pounds, which is by far the lightest saw on our list today. It’s the kind of chainsaw you can use for hours on end without getting tired. This machine does come with an easy to hold rear handle, as well as a horizontal front handle too.

Now, these handles are comfortable enough, and although the front handle does feature a good rubber grip that also reduces vibration, the rear handle is just slick plastic, which is not great. Also, the front handle is only a horizontal one, not a wrap around handle, which means that you really cannot use this chainsaw sideways, only vertically.

A saving grace here is that the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw features a hand guard at the front, just to add a bit of extra protection for your hands.

What you may like about the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw is that it does come with an automatic chain oiler, so it will lube the chain and bar all on its own.

On that same note, this model also comes with an easy to use chain tension adjustment system that is located on the side of the Remington RM1425 Electric Chainsaw, although it does require tools to make adjustments to the tension.

What’s to like about the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw

What we like about the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw is how small, lightweight, and convenient it is. This is the kind of chainsaw you can bust out of the garage for a few minutes of easy sawing.

Plug it in and press play. It’s definitely a nice chainsaw to use for small tasks around the home that don’t require a large or powerful chainsaw. There is also the fact that this chainsaw is one of the most affordable ones around. No, it’s not the best chainsaw in the world, but for the rock bottom price there’s not much to complain about.

What’s not to like about the Remington RM1645 Electric Chainsaw

Alright, so of course there is the fact that because this thing is corded, you are limited in terms of how far you can move with it. It all depends on the power cord. Moreover, to be fair, this thing just doesn’t have enough power or the size required for large sawing tasks, plus the fact that it doesn’t have a wrap around handle is not great either.

PROS

• Quite lightweight
• Ergonomic design
• Perfect for small tasks
• Easy chain tension adjustments
• Automatic oiling

CONS

• No wrap around handle

BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw

Here we are switching gears once again, as this is the first cordless battery powered chainsaw on our list today. Of course, being battery powered has both its advantages and disadvantages, but it is a feature which many will find to be quite convenient.

Although this is a battery powered model, it still has some cool features, and it does actually have a fairly impressive amount of power in spite of being a cordless chainsaw. Let’s take a closer look at the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw to see what it is all about.

Review

The first thing that needs to be talked about here has to do with the battery life. Now, being battery powered means that the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw does have a limited runtime. On a single charge, when cutting through 4 x 4 foot pine wood, this chainsaw can make approximately 60 cuts.

While the runtime on a single charge is of course nothing like that of a gas chainsaw or a corded chainsaw, when compared to other battery operated models, it’s not too bad. That being said, if you plan on using this thing for hours on end, you may want to invest in the bundle which comes with an extra battery.

Now, being battery powered does mean that this BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw is much more versatile and mobile than a corded chainsaw, and moreover, it’s also much quieter and produces less pollution than a gas powered saw. However, the fact that you will run out of battery life, probably sooner rather than later, is always something to think about.

The 40V lithium ion battery does produce a stunning amount of power, considering that it is a battery. We would compare the power of the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw to the best corded chainsaws that we have reviewed today, although that power is going to last as long as the battery has a relatively full charge. That said, on a full charge, this chainsaw can easily make its way through some pretty thick and tough pieces of wood.

Now, what’s really cool about the 40v battery used to power the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw is that it can also be used for other compatible Black & Decker 40v battery powered tools. That is right, you can use 1 battery to power Black & Decker chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and more.

Moreover, this is also thanks to the 12 inch bar and chain. No, 12 inches is not huge, but it is large enough for some small saplings, small logs, and small branches too. All things considered, especially that this is a battery powered saw, its performance is rather impressive.

No, it’s definitely not going to perform like the gas Husqvarna saw we looked at, but it can still hold its own. The fact that this chainsaw comes with a tool-free chain tension adjustment system is definitely a convenience factor.

The BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw comes with a nice rear handle, one with a rubber cover that provides solid grip for safety and also helps to reduce vibrations. The same can be said for the full length wrap around handle, which also provides good grip and helps reduce vibrations.

The advantage of a wrap around handle is of course that you can hold the chainsaw sideways for increased mobility. Moreover, the automatic chain oiling system is something else that can help make life easier too.

What’s to like about the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw

What we like about the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw is that it is mobile and versatile, which is thanks to the lightweight design of it, the ergonomic design complete with a wrap around handle, and of course due to the fact that it is battery powered.

Yes, it does also come with other convenient features, such as the tool-free tension system and the automatic chain oiler. The fact that this 40V battery can be used for other Black & Decker tools is awesome too.

What’s not to like about the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw

What we definitely don’t like about the BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw is how you are limited to making about 60 cuts on a full battery. This means that you either have to invest in a second battery or just wait to recharge the battery once it runs out. On a side note, the automatic chain oiler does not always work very well.

PROS

• Vibration reducing wrap around handles
• Quick charging + batteries included
• Battery can be used for other 4V B&D tools
• Tool free tension adjustment
• Automatic chain oiler

CONS

• Cannot handle very large tasks

Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw

If you need a small and affordable battery powered chainsaw that is compact, lightweight, and quite versatile, the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw is a great option to keep in mind. No, it doesn’t have a lot of power or size to it, but it works well for small and quick sawing tasks around the house, and it’s quite affordable too. It might not be the biggest player on the block, but it is one of the hardest workers.

Review

Yes, the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw is definitely a compact chainsaw that comes with a 10 inch bar. Based on this, you can guess that this saw is designed for small sawing tasks, for things like cutting very small limbs and branches off of trees, cutting apart small branches, and for things like making kindlin.

Moreover, this is a 24V saw, whereas the above was a 40V saw, so you can probably guess where this is going in terms of power. No, it’s not the most powerful chainsaw around, and probably the least powerful on the list today. Once again, this makes it fine for basic cutting tasks and for sawing through small branches and pieces of wood, but it’s not something you want to use to take down a whole tree, nor could it.

All of that being said, being so small and lightweight does of course have some advantages, mainly that it’s easy to carry and hold for a long period of time without getting tired. It’s the kind of chainsaw you can easily carry with a single hand and maybe even climb a ladder with for some small tree maintenance tasks. It’s definitely ergonomically designed in this sense, plus it comes with 2 nice handles as well.

The rear handle is quite solid and covered with rubber, thus allowing for much better grip, plus it helps reduce vibrations and therefore fatigue. Moreover, there is also a full wrap around handle included here, which also has a rubber cover for great gripping abilities and vibration reduction capabilities. The wrap around handle is of course also quite convenient because it means being able to hold the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw sideways during use.

Speaking of convenient, the tool free chain tension adjustment system is about as easy to use as it gets, and thanks to the automatic chain oiler, you don’t have to worry about lubing up the chain either. The Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw also comes with a simple electric start, so that’s easy too.

Now, what does need to be mentioned here is the battery life of the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw, which simply put, is just not very good at all. This machine comes with a 24 volt battery that’s going to last for about 35 cuts, fairly small cuts, before it dies, which is admittedly not very impressive.

It’s the kind of saw you would get to make a few quick cuts, and for anything past that, you will want to invest in a backup battery, so you have a second one ready to go when the first battery dies.

However, the cool part here is that this same 24V battery can be used for other 24V Greenworks tools. This interchangeable battery system is a reason why many people go for this line of Greenworks tools. On a side note, this battery does feature fade free power, so it performs as well on the last cut as on the first.

What’s to like about the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw

What we like about the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw is how convenient and versatile it is. No, it can’t handle big jobs, not in the least, and it won’t run for long on a single charge either.

However, the fact that it features such a lightweight and ergonomic design is a big bonus, it comes with an interchangeable battery that can be used for other Greenworks tools, and it does just fine for small tasks too. It’s just a convenient little battery powered chainsaw.

What’s not to like about the Greenworks 10-Inch 24V Cordless Chainsaw

Alright, so what we don’t like here, for one, is of course the battery life. Simply put, a single fully charged battery just won’t get you very far here. Moreover, the limited motor power combined with a small bar means that it just cannot handle very large tasks, not in the least.

PROS

• Tool free tension adjustments
• Automatic chain oiler
• Easy start
• Interchangeable batteries
• Vibration reducing 

CONS

• Limited battery life

BUYER’S GUIDE

Before you go out and buy any one chainsaw, no matter what, there are a few important factors which you should be aware of. The following are the main purchasing considerations you should keep in mind before buying a chainsaw.

1. Type of Chainsaw

The first thing you need to think about is the type of chainsaw you are looking to get. Here we are talking about gas, corded, or battery powered (otherwise known as cordless). There are certain advantages and disadvantages with each of these. Let’s take a quick look at all 3.

• First off you have your good old gas chainsaw. Yes, if you are looking for size and power, this is the way to go. In terms of power and size, there’s nothing that can come close to a gas powered chainsaw. On the other hand, these are of course quite heavy, they pollute the air, and they are super loud too, plus they vibrate a lot.
• Next you have your corded chainsaw. In terms of size and power, this is the next step down from the gas powered chainsaw. Corded chainsaws are great for tasks around the house, for small and medium size tasks. No, they won’t run out of power as long as they are plugged in, and they’re more eco friendly too, but you are limited in range by the length of the power cord.
• Finally, you have your battery powered chainsaw. These tend to be the smallest and most compact, designed for small tasks around the home. These are more versatile than corded saws as you are not limited by cord length, but on the other hand, both the runtime and the power due suffer.

2. Power

Yes, this is related to the above point, but the power of the chainsaw is important to consider. If you are planning to cut through some small branches and softwood, then a corded or battery powered saw will do just fine. However, when it comes to sawing through hardwood, knotted wood, and a decent pace, you need the power of a gas chainsaw.

3. Guide Bar Length

Yes, you do also need to pay attention to the length of the guide bar. Simply put, the longer that bar is, the larger of a tree or branch you will be able to saw through. So, what you need to consider here is whether you need a saw to cut down whole trees, to trim some branches, or to make kindlin. The guide bar length is very important indeed, as it will dictate what size of tasks the chainsaw in question can handle.

4. Safety Features

No, chainsaws are not toys, they are dangerous machines. This means that any safety feature you can get is important. For one, any good chainsaw needs to have a kickback bar. This is perhaps the most important safety feature. Second, a chain brake to stop the chain from moving when you let go of the power lever helps keep you safe as well. If you have a saw with a wrap around handle, you also want to look for a decent hand guard.

5. Handles

The next thing to look out for here is the handles on the chainsaw in question. First off, there should be a solid rear handle that is comfortable to hold, and preferably has some kind of cover with a texture to provide additional grip, as well as vibration reduction too. The best chainsaws also have wrap around handles, which are very convenient because this type of handle allows you to hold the chainsaw at an angle or totally sideways to make those difficult cuts.

6. Size & Weight

Yes, the size and weight of the chainsaw in question should also be taken into account. Simply put, the larger and heavier it is, the harder it will be to operate for a prolonged period of time. However, bigger and heavier chainsaws also tend to be more powerful than smaller and lighter ones.

7. Price

Well, in terms of price, we think that this can be neatly summed up by saying that you get what you pay for. If you expect a powerful saw with lots of great features, you will have to pay for it.

F.A.Q.s

How to use a Chainsaw?

Using a chainsaw properly and safely is not as simple as turning it on and hitting the power lever to move the chain. There is a little more to it than that. Below we have an instructional video on the right way to use a chainsaw.

Do Chainsaws Overheat?

Yes, this is something you must look out for. Chainsaws run at very high speeds and often require a lot of power to cut through tough logs and trees. This means that they quickly and easily get hot, especially during the summertime, and especially if you are using a gas chainsaw. Important is to keep the air intake clean and clear, as well as the exhaust too, to allow for maximum airflow.

Does Chainsaw need Oil?

Yes, in one way or another, all chainsaws need oil. Gas powered chainsaws require engine oil to keep everything running smoothly. Moreover, all chainsaws require lubrication for the bar and chain. This is to prevent large amounts of friction occurring when the chain moves along the bar.

What are the most common reasons a chainsaw won’t cut?

Some of the most common reasons why a chainsaw won’t cut is because the chain is old and worn out (dull teeth), the chain has been lengthened due to prolonged use, and because the chain is not tightened properly. There may also be an issue with the gears, or in other words, the motor is running empty and not actually spinning the chain as much as it should be.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Sharpen My Chain?

You know that the chain needs to be sharpened if the teeth look dull and worn out, if your engine is constantly overheating due to the chain not cutting fast and efficiently enough, if it is taking you much longer to make a cut than before, and if you are having difficulty position the chain in such a way that it cuts into the wood.

FINAL VERDICT

The most important thing for you to consider before buying the best chainsaw for your needs is whether you wand a battery, gas, or corded chainsaw. Just consider the tasks you need the saw to perform and then go from there.