A powerful chainsaw can tear into trees like a hot knife through butter, making even the toughest jobs feel easy. But with hundreds of options available, choosing the best chainsaw for you can feel much harder. The Echo CS 590 is our top pick for the most powerful gas-powered chainsaw, while the Ego Power+ CS2005 took the top spot in electric chainsaws—but other options from Husqvarna, Worx, and Stihl aren’t far behind.
Top 4 most powerful gas chainsaws on the market
Best overall: Echo CS 590
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Powerful engine – Speedy cutting – Quiet for a gas chainsaw | – Heavier chainsaw, and can feel a bit bulky – Higher price point |
Key specs
- Motor: 59.8 cc
- Speed: n/a
- Bar length: 20 in / 50.8 cm
- Weight: 21.8 lbs / 9.9kg
The Echo CS 590 delivers unmatched cutting performance thanks to it’s beefy 59.8 cc motor. This gas chainsaw combines speed, power, and torque to tackle just about any task, without all the noise associated with most gas chainsaws. For a buy-it-once pick that can go anywhere and get the job done, the Echo CS 590 is a great choice.
First runner-up: Husqvarna 440
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Easy to start – Fantastic cutting power and speed | – Expensive – Loud |
Key specs
- Motor: 40.9 cc
- Speed: 17.3 m/s
- Bar length: 18 in / 45.7 cm
- Weight: 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg
Husqvarna is well known for its chainsaws, and the 440 does not disappoint. This gas chainsaw takes second place for being a little bit louder and having a smaller motorthan the Echo CS 590, but with impressive torque and great cutting power, it’ll perform well in most applications.
Best Budget: Troy-Bilt TB4216
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Inexpensive – Large engine for its size – Anti-vibration tech goes easy on your arms | – Heavy for a 16 inch bar saw – Slightly lower build quality |
Key specs
- Motor: 42 cc
- Speed: 19.6 m/s
- Bar length: 16 in / 40.6 cm
- Weight: 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg
If cost is the main consideration in your search for the best gas chainsaw, the Troy-Bilt TB4216 is a solid budget chainsaw that packs some serious oomph. With a 16-inch bar, this chainsaw is well-suited for smaller projects but also won’t struggle to tear through thick logs thanks to its metal bucking spikes. You might not get the build quality of some of the bigger brands with this chainsaw, but you can’t beat the price.
Best lightweight: Stihl MS 180 C-BE
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Lightweight and easy to maneuver – Easy to start | – Smaller bar size may limit application – Noisy |
Key specs
- Motor: 32 cc
- Speed: n/a
- Bar length: 16 in / 40.6 cm
- Weight: 4.1 kg / 9.0 lbs
The Stihl MS 180 C-BE gas chainsaw delivers solid cutting power in a lightweight frame that won’t leave your arms aching. Though it does have a smaller bar size, this chainsaw is a great tool for most jobs around the yard.
Top 5 most powerful electric chainsaws on the market
Best overall: EGO Power+ CS2005
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Speedy cutting performance – Easy to use – Digital display | – Heavy – On the pricier side |
Key specs
- Motor: 56V
- Speed: 25 m/s
- Bar length: 20 in / 50.8 cm
- Weight: 19.1 lbs / 8.65 kg
Speedy, efficient, and incredibly powerful, this cordless chainsaw delivers the performance of a gas chainsaw while powered by a 56V lithium battery. The Ego Power+ CS2005 is designed to slice through large trees and thick branches with a brushless motor capable of 25 m/s chain speeds. A digital display provides useful information like cut speed controls, battery charge status, LED work light, and safety brake indicator, making it incredibly easy to use.
First runner-up: Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Long battery life – QuietBoost mode delivers power when you need it | – Long charge time – Smaller motor and slower cutting speed |
Key specs
- Motor: 36V
- Speed: 11.8 m/s
- Bar length: 17.7 in/45 cm
- Weight: 7.7 lb/3.5 kg
Consistently ranked as one of the best electric chainsaws on the market, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i combines powerful cutting power with quiet performance. Equipped with a one-touch boost mode to deliver more power right when you need it, this electric chainsaw is a top performer for a reason.
Best splurge: Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Incredible cutting power – Convenient top-handle design – Quiet | – Costly – Heavy compared to similar models – High oil use – Smaller bar size |
Key specs
- Motor: 18V
- Speed: 12.7 m/s
- Bar length: 16 in / 40.6 cm
- Weight: 13.9 lb / 6.3 kg
If you’re looking to splurge on an electric chainsaw that delivers the power of gas, the Milwaukee Tool M18 is a beautiful piece of equipment. Its 18V brushless motor provides efficient, long-lasting performance and maintains peak cutting power even under heavy loads. The M18 fuel technology provides a quick startup, reaching maximum cutting speeds in less than a second, letting you get to work quickly (and quietly).
Best budget: Oregon CS1500
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Great basic chainsaw, well-suited to most small jobs – Handles well – Fast cutting speed with self-sharpening chain – Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system | – Corded chainsaws can limit applications – Cutting bar can seem thin and flimsy |
Key specs
- Motor: 15 amp
- Speed: 14.6 m/s
- Bar length: 16 in / 45.72 cm
- Weight: 17 lbs / 7.7 kg
For smaller jobs or occasional home use, the Oregon CS1500 is a great chainsaw. It’s light, simple to use, and easy to handle, performing well on jobs where you just want to plug it in and get started. With a cutting speed almost as fast as some of the top gas chainsaws, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently without running out of fuel.
Best lightweight: Worx WG322
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Small, light, and quiet – Tool-free auto-tensioning system | – Short battery life – Not suitable for larger projects |
Key specs
- Motor: 20V
- Speed: 3.8 m/s
- Bar length: 10 inches / 25.4 cm
- Weight: 6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg
The Worx WG322 electric chainsaw is light enough to take on long overhead tasks without straining your arms and shoulders, and its compact 10-inch bar can get into tight spots with ease. This saw sacrifices a bit of power and battery life to get its slim, six-pound weight, but if a small, lightweight chainsaw is what you’re looking for, this is a great pick.
Choosing the right chainsaw
Finding the best chainsaw for you means considering several factors: what you’ll use it for, where you’ll be working, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Primary use
This is perhaps the biggest determining factor in choosing the best chainsaw. Will you be felling giant oak trees or trimming backyard branches? Working in remote locations or in the backyard? Figuring out what you’ll be using your chainsaw for most often will help you narrow down your options.
If you plan to tackle big projects, look for powerful chainsaws with larger motors and faster cutting speeds. Choosing a chainsaw that’s relatively lightweight for its power class can help ease the strain on your arms and shoulders.
If you plan to use your chainsaw primarily for cutting firewood or pruning trees, a smaller, lighter model will help get the job done without the higher price tag.
Gas, cordless, or corded?
Chainsaws are divided into two main categories: gas and electric. Electric models can be cordless (powered by a rechargeable battery) or corded (powered by plugging into an outlet). Each power method has pros and cons.
Gas
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – More powerful – Longer run time – Portable and easy to use in remote applications | – Louder and typically heavier – Require more maintenance and have more complex motors – Can’t operate indoors due to fumes |
Cordless
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Easy to start – Quieter, no emissions – Better for the environment | – Limited run time – Downtime while waiting for the battery to recharge (sometimes up to two hours) |
Corded
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Easy to start – No downtime waiting for batteries to recharge – No need to purchase gas or replace batteries | – Need to be near an outlet can limit applications – Cords can be cumbersome tripping hazards |
Convenience and safety features
Moving beyond power, speed, and weight, there are a variety of convenience features you can look for to help make your job easier. Antivibration systems can help reduce user fatigue, while ergonomic handles provide improved grip and comfort. Automatic oiling and easy-start mechanisms are great additions to gas chainsaws, and some electric chainsaws offer digital displays with battery life and performance indicators.
Safety features are critical to reducing chainsaw accidents. To ensure your safety, choose models with chain brakes to prevent injuries from kickbacks, and safety triggers and throttle locks that can help avoid accidental starts and activations. Hand guards and chain catchers can protect your hands and body in case of flying debris or a chain break.
Focus on your must-have features, ideal application, and price point to find the best chainsaw for you, letting you slice, chop, and saw with ease.
