Best Chainsaws

Best Chainsaws

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


Essential for home DIY fans, garden enthusiasts and handymen, a chainsaw serves various use cases. With the correct product, users can saw through branches and trees in their garden, design their own tables and furniture from scratch, or complete complex projects. However, choosing the perfect item for your needs isn’t always easy, which is why we created this list.

How We Compared Chainsaws

To find the right chainsaws, we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Ease of Use
  • Safety
  • Power
  • Bonus Features

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews, and comparing features to come up with this list.

Chainsaw Reviews

Bosch Cordless UniversalChain (Editor’s Choice)

This easy-to-manoeuvre chainsaw is excellent for making quick work of complex DIY jobs. Simple to use in many different positions, the device weighs only 3kg, with an 18-volt  battery included. This is universal, so it is also effective for use with a wide range of tools and comes with a Syneon chip for longer running times.

The Bosch Cordless UniversalChain device is perfect for professional and home-based tasks. There’s a stabilising grip protector and a set of specialised teeth to grip wood to ensure clean cuts with minimal branch damage in the garden. The SDS system makes the unit simple to assemble and configure, with tool-free tensioning and chain replacement options.  

Users can easily swap between jobs with this solution, from delicate pruning to cutting through firewood and waste. What’s more, the ergonomic handle makes keeping a tight grip on your device comfortable and straightforward. Plus, there’s no cord to get in the way while cutting.

Pros:

  • Large ergonomic handle for grip
  • Multiple cutting modes to choose from
  • Tool-free tensioning and chain replacement
  • Tip protector with powerful grip teeth
  • Cord-free with universal 18-volt battery

Cons:

  • The saw might be too small for some jobs
  • The battery life may be a little limited

Makita DUC353Z Twin (Luxury Choice)

This chainsaw weighs 4.04kg with a powerful cord-free performance and is excellent for heavy-duty work. The product promises low vibration and noise, so you can get through a range of tasks without discomfort. There’s a 36V DC brushless motor for sensational operating efficiency and an LED battery indicator to show how much power you have left.

The Makita DUC353Z Twin chainsaw is a high-strength device with an auto power-off function to save on power usage. There’s a metal spike bumper to help with firmly gripping wood and make cutting more controlled. Moreover, this device also comes with variable speed control, so you can precisely work on various projects.

An adjustment lever allows for simple tool-less tension adjustment for your saw chain, and there’s an oil capacity display to let you know when you need to top up. You can also leverage adjustable automatic chain lubrication features to keep the saw working at its best.

Pros:

  • Automatic lubrication with oil gauge
  • Low vibration and noise
  • Extreme protection technology to defend against damage
  • Metal spike bumper for controlled chopping
  • Excellent speed controls

Cons:

  • The saw may not be suitable for larger cutting jobs
  • The device might run out of battery quite quickly

Einhell GH-EC 2040 (Best Value)

With a 2000-watt motor for exceptional horsepower, and a high-quality rail and chain, this chainsaw delivers fantastic cutting performance. The product comes with an ergonomic handle for easy gripping when dealing with tough projects. There’s also kickback protection built-in to provide users with greater comfort and peace of mind.

Featuring a 400mm length blade, the versatile Einhell GH-EC 2040 is excellent for cutting firewood, thinning branches, and chopping through smaller trees. For ease of use, it comes with tool-less chain tensioning and automatic chain lubrication. The oil level display shows you when you need to top up. There’s a cable clip to keep the wiring out of the way while you work and a durable gearbox for long life and performance.

This product is excellent for making complicated tasks seem simple thanks to its speeds of up to 13.5m/s. The Oregon technology blade also provides a stable and precise cutting experience.

Pros:

  • Cable clip to keep wires out of the way
  • Kickback protection included
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Built-in automatic chain lubrication with display
  • Tool-less chain tensioning

Cons:

  • The instructions might be difficult to follow
  • The chain may become dull quite quickly

Seesii Handheld (Best Portable)

Lightweight and well-suited to life on the move, this chainsaw only weighs around 2.87kg. Suitable for one-hand use, the battery-powered device is faster than many other saws and comes with a pure copper motor and two 24-volt batteries for consistent work. The item can cut through a log of around 6 inches in diameter within ten seconds.

Low-noise and easy to use, the Seesii Handheld chainsaw is great for pruning trees and dealing with smaller DIY tasks. There’s a one-finger trigger for simple operation and an integrated guide plate to dissipate heat and minimise discomfort. The non-slip handle also provides peace of mind as you work. This solution also has an automatic lubrication feature, so you can keep your device running in excellent condition for longer.

This kit comes with a range of accessories – a set of work gloves, an extra battery, an additional chain and a storage box – so it offers everything a user needs to get started. There are even built-in safety features to reduce the risk of overheating and damage.

Pros:

  • Excellent lightweight design for one-handed use
  • Low noise ergonomic, with a non-slip handle
  • Wide range of accessories included
  • Two batteries for consistent power
  • Safety features to prevent overheating

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for tougher or larger jobs
  • The heat safety mechanism could sometimes kick in too quickly

Oregon CS1400 (Best for Ease of Use)

This chainsaw is suited to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike as it is equipped with a powerful 2400-watt motor. The product offers a speed of up to 14.7m/sec and an extra durable chain for more prolonged cutting. The design features a range of ergonomic elements, from a comfortable handle with an excellent grip to a low vibration performance.

A leading corded electric chainsaw, the Oregon CS1400 is packed with intelligent components, like a built-in chain tightening system, with no need for tools. There’s an oil level window and an automatic oiler, which consistently distributes the appropriate level of lubrication. There’s also a front hand guard to protect users against flying debris.

The DuraCut saw chain cuts for up to three times longer than the average alternative, even in abrasive environments. There’s also minimal kickback, so you can continue to work in your yard for hours with minimal discomfort.

Pros:

  • Fantastic 2400-watt motor
  • High-speed performance with low kickback
  • Great ergonomic handle and hand guard
  • Oil level window and automatic oil distribution
  • Performs for up to 3 times longer than the average alternative

Cons:

  • The product may be difficult to assemble for beginners
  • The chain could begin to go blunt quite quickly

Hyundai Powered P1PE (Best for Safety Features)

This chainsaw set comes with everything users need to get to work on their projects, including an extra chain, storage bag, and a bar cover for extra protection. The device is brimming with features to enhance peace of mind, including anti-kickback, which reduces the risk of injury. Plus, there’s anti-vibration technology built in to make sawing more comfortable.

The 62cc 2-stroke Hyundai Powered P1PE is an efficient and reliable chainsaw. Lightweight, it is great for moving around the garden without an issue. The 20-inch bar and chain can also tackle larger trees and wood pieces alongside smaller jobs. There’s a side-mounted chain tensioner to make adjusting the saw quick and simple. Plus, automatic lubrication helps to reduce the risk of damage.

This product also features a unique chain catcher, which helps reduce the risk of the chain being thrown back if it breaks for any reason. What’s more, users can jump into action quickly with a soft pull recoil start system.

Pros:

  • Soft pull recoil start system
  • Anti-vibration technology for ergonomic use
  • Chain catcher and kickback protection built-in
  • Multiple accessories included
  • Tool-less chain tensioning

Cons:

  • The device may be complicated for beginners
  • The chains could dull quite quickly

Husqvarna 120 II (Best for Manoeuvrability)

This chainsaw weighs only 4.8 kilograms and provides 19 HP for excellent performance, offering a comfortable and precise cutting experience for all kinds of jobs. The 38.2cc petrol engine powers a high-strength 14-inch bar with x-torque engine technology. This model also comes with a new carburettor for a quick and simple start-up.

The Husqvarna 120 II is excellent for beginners, with a combined choke/stop control to reduce the risk of engine flooding. There’s also an air purge system for cold starting. The device also comes with reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions, thanks to a state-of-the-art engine. An air injection function reduces wear and increases working times between filter changes.

An ergonomic handle and low kickback design help protect user safety, while an inertia chain brake defends customers in case of an issue. There’s also a low vibration system to ensure a more comfortable cutting routine with light to mid-level jobs.

Pros:

  • Low vibration and ergonomic handle
  • Kickback protection and inertia chain brake
  • Lightweight design for easy movability
  • Quick start-up and cold starting functionality
  • Low emissions and fuel consumption

Cons:

  • The device may not have enough power for larger jobs
  • The oil flow might be difficult to regulate

How to Choose a Chainsaw

Chainsaws are available in a range of different shapes and sizes to suit specific needs. Some models are lightweight solutions suitable for one-hand operation when you’re dealing with simple tasks. Others are intended for more intensive work like chopping down trees. Here are some of the points you may need to consider when searching for the ideal product.

Ease of Use

One of the most important considerations for beginners, the simplicity of your chainsaw will dictate how comfortable you feel using it for various tasks. Various factors contribute to how straightforward these devices are, including an easy-to-follow instruction manual and a lightweight structure. The smaller the saw, the simpler it will be to manoeuvre.

It’s also worth looking for features that make configuring and setting the device as simple as possible. Tool-less chain tensioning is a popular feature among modern chainsaws, as is the ability to rapidly replace and sharpen chains. A quick-start function can also make life much easier for those who aren’t familiar with old-fashioned devices.

Safety 

Chainsaws can be dangerous accessories in the wrong hands. To preserve the safety of users, many manufacturers have begun to install new elements, such as an overheating prevention system and kickback protection. Some devices also come with hand guards to protect users against flying debris and “chain catching” solutions.

These products can also feel safer to use when they’re more ergonomic. A good grip and strong handle will help you move your device carefully without the risk of mistakes. Low vibration levels can also help to eliminate distracting feedback.

Power

There are two factors to consider when examining the power of a chainsaw. One component to look at is the horsepower or performance of the item and how quickly it can saw through wood and other materials. The higher the horsepower or wattage, the better the system’s strength.

Additionally, it’s worth considering whether you want your solution to be powered by an outlet via a cable or whether you’d prefer to use a wireless option with a built-in battery. While batteries might not last as long as outlets, they allow easier movement.

Bonus Features

Many of the top solutions on the market today also come with additional extras like automatic lubrication to keep the chain and saw in great condition for longer. They may also have an oil gauge on the side, so you know when to refill and an automatic power-off to save energy.

Some products also include bonus chains, extra batteries, and accessories like carrying bags to keep your device safe in transit.

Summary

Our top choice from this list is the Bosch Cordless UniversalChain, with a powerful 18-volt battery and a 3kg weight. This product is excellent for a wide range of tasks and comes with specialised teeth to help grip wood and ensure clear-cutting. There’s a simple tool-free chain tensioning component and a brilliant ergonomic handle. What’s more, there’s no cord to worry about when cutting through wood. 

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