Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by Barry Gray
When it comes to purchasing a chainsaw, it can be quite overwhelming with the number of options available. From gas to electric models, corded and cordless – it can often be difficult for you to find the best chainsaw to suit your needs.
Regardless of your experience level, from the DIY home-pro to the beginner, it can be a difficult decision to get right. We understand that, which is why we’ve created a guide which covers the five best chainsaws you can currently find.
If you want to find the best chainsaw for your needs, but don’t have the time at the moment; read through the models reviewed in our list below;
- Husqvarna 460 Gas Chainsaw
- WORX WG304.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw
- BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
- Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chainsaw
- Greenworks 20312 Cordless Chainsaw
My Recommendations
It can seem incredibly difficult to find the best chainsaw when there are hundreds throughout the market to choose from. It can be a deflating experience if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, and if there’s a job that’s been waiting for completion – we can understand how keen you’d be to find your dream chainsaw and get the job started.
That’s why we created this guide, to make it easy for you to find a chainsaw best suited for your needs.
Husqvarna 460 Gas Chainsaw
When comparing the best chainsaws, it’s hard to look past one of the beats of the market, the Husqvarna 460. Whatever job is in front of you, this model will help you get the job done.
It features a 60.33 CC 2-cycle engine, which will help cut through a majority of hardwoods – easily. It’ll start quickly, thanks to the smart start technology, allowing you to get into the job as quickly as possible.
If you’ve found power tools exhausting if you’re not used to them, you’d be happy to know that the Husqvarna 460 weighs 21 lbs, and is fitted with anti-vibration technology. Husqvarna aims to reduce the amount of fatigue that can often come with holding a chainsaw for long periods of time.
What else is there to love about the 460? We’ve listed a few important features, as well as the specs of this model. See for yourself if this model best fits your chainsaw need:
- 60.33 CC 2 cycle engine
- 21 lbs in weight
- Product Size; 38” x 12” x 12”
- 9000 RPM
- 0.7 US pint oil tank volume
- Automatic chain oiler
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- Quick-release air filter
- Smart-start technology
- Anti-vibration system
What’s Included?
- 1 x Husqvarna 460 Gas Chainsaw
My Favorite Feature: Chain Brake
- Inertia activated chain brake will prevent harm to yourself and damage to the chainsaw if dropped
The Husqvarna 460 is a powerful tool, and so it’s not classed as one of the best chainsaws solely based on power specs.
One prime example of this is the inertia activated chain brake feature.
This feature will automatically stop the chainsaw if it senses that it has fallen, preventing you from becoming another statistic in site injuries. It’s these features which make the Husqvarna 460 earn its place as one of the best chances, even if you’ll have to pay a little more to purchase one.
Do you think this feature would put you at ease when cutting? Let us know in the comments.
WORX WG304.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw
The WG304.1 from WORX is considerably cheaper than the Husqvarna 460, but don’t let that deter you – this is one of the best chainsaws when it comes to your value for money.
An electric corded chainsaw, you’ll no longer have to worry about your chainsaw running out of battery during your job, or breathe in any fumes that you’d find in a gas chainsaw. It’s fitted with an auto-tension chain system which prevents overtightening – so you won’t need to adjust the tension when starting the WG304.1 up.
On the weight scale, the WG304.1 is only a total of 11 lbs – so you can hold it for longer, minimizing fatigue – which is perfect for those tougher jobs, isn’t it?
There are many interesting features in this chainsaw, so we’ve listed these and the specs of the WG304.1 so you can see for yourself:
- 15 amp motor
- 11 lbs in weight
- Chainsaw size: 20.6” x 14.6” x 8.1”
- 18” Bar length
- Oil tank capacity: 200ml
- Tool-less chain replacement and adjustment
- Oil level indicator
- Auto-oiler
- Built-in safety brake
- Rubber over-molded handle
- Full-wrap front handle
What’s Included?
- 1 x WORX WG304.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw
- 1 x Scabbard
- ¼ Chain Oil
- 3 Year Warranty
My Favorite Feature: 15 Amp Motor
- 15 amp motor is reliable and will deliver considerable power throughout, matching a gas chainsaw
Who says electric can’t compare to gas chainsaws? Definitely not WORZX – and you can see why this is the case when using the WG304.1 to tackle your tough jobs. The WG304.1 is a 15 amp motor, and being corded – it’ll supply a consistent source of power, so there’s no refills or recharges.
It might not be able to tackle the jobs a professional landscaper would use day to day – but if you’re a DIYer or someone looking for a reliable model; this could be the best chainsaw for you.
What are your thoughts on corded electric models? Do you think they’re the best chainsaws?
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
The LCS1240 is the first of two cordless electric chainsaws we cover today, as we look to find the best chainsaw that aligns with your needs. Firstly, it’s important to know that the Black+Decker LCS1240 is part of the 40V Max Lithium-Ion battery platform – so if you own any Black+Deckers batteries or tools within this range – you’re saving money and space.
It features an auto-oiling system, so the bar and chain can stay constantly lubricated, preventing any sluggish cuts from happening. If you’re looking to adjust the chain’s tension, you can do this quickly and easily, thanks to the tool-less chain tensioning system.
What do you think of the LCS1240 so far? Do you think it lives up to being one of the best chainsaws available? If you’re unsure, read through the specs and features below:
- 10 lbs in weight
- 40V Max Lithium-Ion Battery
- Chainsaw size: 28.56” x 8.81” x 9.63”
- 12” Oregon low-kickback bar and chain
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Auto-oiling system
- 4-5 hours per charge
What’s Included?
- 1 x BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
- 1 x Battery Charger Bar
- 1 x Chain Scabbard
My Favorite Feature: Lightweight Design
- Weighing only 10 lbs, you’ll minimize fatigue considerably during your sessions
Holding a chainsaw can be difficult work – especially if you’re not used to the weight or how to use one in the first place. Heavy chainsaws can cause even the fittest of people stress when working, and the last thing you want is for a time-out due to injury.
To prevent this, the LCS1240 weighs a light 10 lbs – which will give you the ability to use it for longer. It’s also equipped with a full wrap around the handle – so no matter which way you’re holding the chainsaw, you’ll have a comfortable cut when doing so.
Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chainsaw
The Poulan Pro PR5020 brings a lot to the table and is perfect for all jobs and experience levels. A 20” low kickback bar and chain makes the PR5020 perfect for cutting limbs of trees, from medium to large.
Some chainsaws can be difficult to start off, and we know how annoying this can be. The PR5020 won’t fall into this category, as it’s fitted with a spring-assisted pull cord. Combined with the purge bulb, you’ll be able to start the chainsaw off with fewer pulls.
The PR5020 also features an anti-vibration system, which will lessen fatigue when in use, and will provide superior comfort when held – making it one of the best chainsaws when looking at working ergonomically.
So that’s a little more about the PR5020. If you want to read a list of the interesting specs and features that make this one of the best chainsaws available, read below – we’ve got you covered.
- Weight of 17 lbs
- Chainsaw size 12” x 16” x 11.8”
- 50CC 2-cycle engine
- 20” bar and chain
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- Tool-free changes
- Anti-vibration system
- In-handle tool storage
- Pull-start tech
What’s Included?
- 1 x Poulan Pro PR5020 Gas Chainsaw
- 2 Year Warranty
My Favorite Feature: OxyPower Engine
- Exclusive to Poulan Pro and combining immense power with efficient fuel consumption
If you’re reading through this today, there’s a chance you’re going to need your chainsaw to cut through thick tree limbs. To do so, you’ll require a bit of extra power.
This is what you’ll get with the PR5020 – extra power, for any task you may be working on. The OxyPower Engine will give you an engine capable of performing powerfully but with 20% lower fuel consumption than alternative chainsaws, and 70% fewer emissions.
Greenworks 20312 Cordless Chainsaw
The last of the five best chainsaws to be reviewed today is the 20312 from Greenworks. This cordless chainsaw holds some innovative features, providing you with longer run-time, without reducing power or torque.
You’ll be able to interchange the 20312 throughout the Greenworks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion battery sharing platform – giving you more tools and batteries to choose from if you favor Greenworks.
The 20312 10.4 lbs – which is one of the lightest in the market, and can hold up to 150 cuts per charge, which normally last for 4-5 hours, pending on the application and type of wood you’re cutting.
There are more features to love about the 20312 cordless chainsaw from Greenworks – so we’ve listed them below, as well as all the specs you need to be aware of:
- Weight of 10.4 lbs
- Chainsaw size 31” x 9” x 8.5”
- 16” bar length
- 0.375 chain pitch
- Brushless motor
- Auto chain tensioning
- Compatible with Greenworks G-Max 40V system
- Chain Brake
- Up to 150 cuts per charge
- Automatic oiler
What’s Included?
- 1 x Greenworks 20312 Cordless Chainsaw
- 1 x Battery
- 4-year Limited Warranty
My Favorite Feature: Brushless Motor
- Increased user comfort and cutting performance thanks to the brushless motor design
Brushless motors are superior to their brushed counterparts in cordless tools, due to their lack of physical brushes, which can become damaged and dirty over time. In the long run, this greatly affects the performance of your chainsaw, and this isn’t what you’d originally hope to part your cash with.
The brushless motor dismisses these issues and will provide a lifespan that is 80% longer than brushes models. It will provide up to 30% more torque, and you’ll also notice a significantly quieter model – with vibration reduced by up to 70%.
These are aspects that are incredibly important when working, don’t you think? Let us know which of these features are your favorite by dropping your thoughts in the comments below.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see that these models are definitely the best chainsaws on the market at this time. If you’re looking for a new model or it’s your first, one of these five chainsaws would be best suited for you – regardless of your budget and experience level.
For us, it’s hard to look past the impressive Husqvarna 460 Gas Chainsaw. It’s definitely pricier than all of the models we’ve looked at – but it’s the best chainsaw out of the five, thanks to its 60.33 CC 2-cycle engine delivering speeds of 9000 RPMs and feature-loaded design.
We know this may be out of your price range if you’ve got a budget to work with, and the alternative chainsaws will definitely aid you in getting the job done. Do you agree with our choices today? Let us know by leaving your thoughts below.
