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A chainsaw under $200 used to mean haggling with a finicky gas motor at the worst possible moment. Today, that same budget buys brushless battery power that starts instantly, runs quieter than your neighbor’s leaf blower, and still slices through a 12-inch log without bogging down. The real question isn’t whether you can afford one — it’s which battery platform and bar length match the trees in your own yard.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
This breakdown of the best chainsaw under $200 focuses on chain speed (feet per second — how fast the teeth move through wood), motor power, battery compatibility, and real-world cutting endurance.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw Under $200
Picking the right saw in this price range means matching the power source and bar length to the work you actually do, not the work you imagine. Here are the three specs that separate a smart buy from a regret.
Chain Speed (ft/s) – The Real Cutting Muscle
A saw’s chain speed, measured in feet per second (ft/s), tells you how fast the cutting teeth move through wood. More speed means cleaner cuts with less push from your end. Budget saws often hover around 20 ft/s, while the stronger models in this class hit 42 to 54 ft/s — that is the difference between the saw doing the work versus you forcing it through.
Battery Platform vs. Tool-Only – The Hidden Cost
If you already own a cordless tool system (Dewalt 20V, Greenworks 40V, or similar), a tool-only saw saves money and keeps your charger collection lean. If you are starting from scratch, a kit with two batteries usually costs less in the long run than buying batteries separately later. Check the amp-hour (Ah) rating — 4.0Ah or higher gives you enough runtime for an afternoon of cutting without mid-task charging.
Bar Length and Auto-Oiler – Practical Fit
A 12-inch bar handles limbs and small logs up to about 10 inches thick. A 16-inch bar lets you fell modest trees and buck firewood but adds weight. An auto-oiler (a pump that lubricates the chain while you work) is non-negotiable at any bar length — it keeps the chain lubricated during every cut, preventing premature wear. Sawing without one means stopping every few minutes to oil manually, which nobody actually does.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Chain Speed | Bar Length | Power Source | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEHANTOOLS 12-Inch★ Best Overall | Budget-friendly full kit | 20 ft/s | 12 in | 2× 4.0Ah batteries included | Amazon |
| DEJUNPIOOL 16-InchAlso Great | Power on a budget platform | 42 ft/s | 16 in | Dewalt 20V/60V (tool only) | Amazon |
| ReliaRoads 16-Inch | Top chain speed & runtime | 54 ft/s | 16 in | 2× Dewalt 20V (tool only) | Amazon |
| DongCheng 40V 16-Inch | Full kit with long battery life | 14 m/s (≈46 ft/s) | 16 in | 2× 4.0Ah batteries included | Amazon |
| Greenworks 40V 12-Inch | Light pruning & portability | — | 12 in | 40V 2.0Ah battery included | Amazon |
| NEO-TEC 12-Inch Gas | Gas power, no battery system needed | 12,000 RPM | 12 in | 25.4cc 2-stroke gas | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. DEHANTOOLS 12 Inch Brushless Battery Chainsaw
A full 12-inch kit with two batteries and three chains at the lowest cost of entry.
If this is your first chainsaw and you are not sure how much you will use it, this kit removes every barrier: you get two 21V 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, three chains, two guide bars, safety goggles, gloves, an oil bottle, and a storage box all at once. The 1000-watt brushless motor (an efficient motor type that runs cooler and longer) runs at a chain speed of 20 ft/s — slower than the DEJUNPIOOL’s 42 ft/s or the ReliaRoads’ 54 ft/s — but still enough to cut through 8-inch trees, as multiple buyers confirmed. One reviewer wrote, “I took down several dead good size limbs this past weekend including 1 that was about 12 ft off the ground.”
The saw weighs 11.68 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a 12-incher, but the ergonomic handle and dual safety lock give you good control. The auto-oiling system (a built-in pump) keeps the chain moving smoothly. The main complaint across reviews is that the chain loosens frequently and can come off during use — one customer observed they “spend more time putting the chain back on than I do actually cutting,” though several others noted the issue resolves once the chain stretches during break-in. Tightening the chain is simple with the included screwdriver.
What you get for the price
- Complete kit with two 4.0Ah batteries, charger, spare chains, and safety gear
- 1000W brushless motor cuts through 8-inch hardwood logs (buyers confirm)
- Auto-oiling system and dual safety lock included at a budget price
Where it cuts corners
- 20 ft/s chain speed (vs. 42-54 ft/s for top-tier picks) — slower cutting effort
- Chain loosening reported during initial use; requires frequent adjustment until break-in
Best pick for: First-time chainsaw buyers who want everything in one box to start light yard work without spending on batteries later.
Not for: Anyone who needs fast, continuous cutting — the 20 ft/s speed and chain adjustment frequency will frustrate heavier users.
2. DEJUNPIOOL 16 Inch Electric Chainsaw (Tool Only)
You get a 42 ft/s chain speed — fast enough to outrun most gas saws at this price.
If you already own Dewalt 20V or 60V MAX batteries, this tool-only saw is your smartest money. Its 1200-watt brushless motor (an efficient motor type that runs cooler and longer than older brushed designs) delivers a chain speed of 42 ft/s — compared to the DEHANTOOLS kit’s 20 ft/s below — so branches and small trees get cut cleanly without you having to lean into the saw. The auto-oiler (a built-in pump) keeps the chain lubricated throughout every cut, removing the need to stop and oil manually. Buyers report they “used it to clear out some small trees and shrubs and it worked like a beast,” which lines up with the 4.6-star average from 615 ratings.
The package includes three chains, a guide bar, safety goggles, and gloves, though you will need to supply your own lubricating oil. One detail that matters on a 16-inch bar: the rated cutting diameter goes up to 13 inches, so it handles fallen limbs and modest firewood logs without straining. The battery level screen on the side lets you see remaining power at a glance, which helps you avoid getting stuck mid-cut.
What pushes it ahead
- 42 ft/s chain speed — fast enough to rival gas saws in this class
- Tool-free chain tensioning with a rotary knob makes adjustments easy
- Compatible with both Dewalt 20V and 60V MAX batteries (uses existing platform)
Where it compromises
- Tool only — no battery or charger included; requires high-capacity (4000 mAh+) Dewalt battery for longer runs
- Lubricating oil not included in the package
Reach for this if: You already have Dewalt batteries and want the fastest-cutting saw in this budget tier.
Look elsewhere if: You need a complete kit with batteries and a charger from the start.
3. ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw (Tool Only)
You get the highest chain speed in this roundup at 54 ft/s from a 2 HP brushless motor.
This saw runs on two Dewalt 20V MAX batteries at once, effectively creating a 40V system. It achieves a chain speed of 54 ft/s — 12 ft/s faster than the DEJUNPIOOL’s 42 ft/s — meaning it glides through dense wood with less resistance. The brushless motor (an efficient motor type that runs cooler) is rated at 2 horsepower, so it handles 16-inch palm trunks and oak limbs without bogging. One reviewer noted they “took down 25′ tall/16″ thick palm tree and then chopped it into manageable pieces” with this saw, which gives you a real sense of its capacity.
The auto-oiler (a built-in pump) delivers uninterrupted lubrication for up to 45 to 60 minutes per fill, which is generous for a saw at this price. Safety specs are strong: the chain stops in 0.1 seconds when you engage the brake guard, and the rapid-stop feature halts rotation within 1.5 seconds of releasing the trigger. The trade-off is that the chain needs frequent tightening — several buyers mentioned having to adjust it often during a session. At 4.77 kg (roughly 10.5 lbs), it is heavier than the Greenworks offering, but the extra mass helps stabilize longer cuts.
Speed leader verdict: The fastest chain speed (54 ft/s) in this budget class makes it the best pick for heavy-duty cutting if you already have Dewalt batteries and do not mind periodic chain adjustments.
Who it fits: Homeowners facing frequent storm cleanup or firewood processing who want battery convenience with near-gas cutting speed.
Who might pass: Light users who prune a few branches a year and would prefer less maintenance fuss.
4. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
You get two 4.0Ah batteries and a 16-inch bar at a price that undercuts brand-name kits.
This is the balance for anyone starting fresh with no existing battery system. The saw runs on dual 20V batteries (40V total) and delivers up to 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber on a single charge. That endurance outlasts the Greenworks saw’s 50 cuts, giving you a full afternoon of work without reaching for the charger. The brushless motor (an efficient motor type that runs cooler) is rated at 550 watts, and while that is lower than the DEJUNPIOOL’s 1200-watt motor, the chain speed of 14 m/s (about 46 ft/s) keeps cuts smooth and fast for typical homeowner tasks.
Buyers praise the tool-free chain tensioning (an adjustment knob you turn by hand, no tools needed) and the inertia-activated chain brake (a safety device that stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds if the saw kicks back toward you). One detailed review mentioned using it to bring down dead 20-foot juniper trees across two three-hour sessions, calling it “a workhorse” and noting it beat their old gas saw hands-down. The included 4.0Ah batteries (amp-hour — a measure of energy capacity) also work with other DongCheng 20V and 40V tools, which helps if you expand your cordless lineup later.
What you get in the box
- Two 4.0Ah batteries plus charger — no extra investment needed
- Up to 120 cuts per charge on 4×4 lumber, verified by buyers
- Automatic oiling system keeps chain lubricated without manual stops
What to watch
- Motor power (550W) is lower than the DEJUNPIOOL or ReliaRoads — less headroom for dense hardwoods
- Battery ecosystem is DongCheng-specific, not cross-compatible with Dewalt or other major brands
Grab this if: You want a complete ready-to-run kit with long battery life and no need to buy anything else.
skip it if: You already own Dewalt batteries and want more raw cutting power from a tool-only saw.
5. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Compact Chainsaw
At 10.89 pounds with the battery, this is the lightest saw here — it doubles as a phone charger when you are camping.
This is noticeably lighter than the ReliaRoads and DongCheng 16-inchers, making it the go-to saw for trimming branches overhead or tossing in the truck for storm cleanup on short notice. The 12-inch low-recoil chain (a chain designed to reduce kickback) handles limbs up to about 8 to 10 inches thick, and the 40V 2.0Ah battery delivers up to 50 cuts through 4×4 treated wood per charge. One buyer mentioned they used it to replace a failing gas saw and “made quick work of limbs up to 7″ in diameter” without any struggle.
The battery doubles as a portable power bank for charging phones or tablets — a thoughtful extra during power outages or camping trips. The tool-free auto-tensioning (a knob you turn by hand) lets you adjust chain tightness without any tools, and the dual safety start (lock button plus trigger) prevents accidental startups. Greenworks backs it with a 3-year warranty on both the tool and battery, which is the strongest coverage in this group. The trade-off: the 2.0Ah battery is smaller than the 4.0Ah packs in the DongCheng kit, so heavy users will want a spare.
Light-duty specialist: Perfect for homeowners who prune a few times a year and want a saw that starts every time without mixing gas — just keep a second battery on hand for bigger jobs.
Best for: Ladder work, camping trips, and infrequent pruning where weight and instant start matter more than raw power.
Not for: Felling moderate trees or cutting hours of firewood — that needs a 16-inch bar and larger batteries.
6. NEO-TEC 12 Inch Top Handle Gas Chainsaw
A 1.2 HP gas engine that starts on one pull — no batteries to charge.
This is the only gas-powered saw in the lineup, and it exists for buyers who want to avoid battery platforms entirely. The 25.4cc 2-stroke engine (a simple gas engine that needs oil mixed into the fuel) spins up to 12,000 RPM and delivers 1.2 horsepower — comparable to the brushless motors above but without any battery swapping. At 8.2 pounds including the 12-inch bar, it is lighter than the DongCheng and ReliaRoads saws, which makes it a strong choice for tree-climbing work. The wrap-around handle reduces vibration, and the metal lanyard ring lets you clip it to a harness for overhead cutting.
Owners mention it “fires up super easily” right from the start, and one owner reported they “cut 3 acres of trees with it from 2″ to 12”” without any issues. The chain brake (a safety device) works reliably, and the two-nut bar hold is sturdier than the single-nut setups on some pricier name-brand saws. The catch is that the choke knob protrudes enough that tree climbers might catch it on branches, and the chain is a professional-style cut — faster but less forgiving than safety chain for new users. You also need to mix gas and oil at the specified 25:1 ratio.
Gas-only benefits
- No batteries to recharge or replace — refuel and keep cutting all day
- 1.2 HP engine delivers consistent power without voltage sag
- Lightest saw here at 8.2 lbs with bar and chain
Gas-only trade-offs
- Requires mixing fuel (25:1 gas-to-oil) and regular engine maintenance
- Louder and produces fumes — not neighbor-friendly in suburban yards
Choose this if: You never want to worry about battery charge levels and prefer the refuel-and-go simplicity of gas.
Avoid it if: You cut near your home, hate mixing fuel, or want instant push-button starting.
Understanding the Specs
Chain Speed (ft/s or m/s)
This is the single best predictor of how easily a saw cuts. Higher feet-per-second numbers mean the chain teeth move through wood faster, so you do not need to apply downward force. Look for at least 40 ft/s for comfortable cutting on 8-to-12-inch logs. Budget saws at 20 ft/s will still cut, but you will feel the difference in your arms at the end of a session.
Auto-Oiler
An automatic oiling system continuously lubricates the chain while the saw runs. Without it, the chain overheats, dulls quickly, and can seize on the bar. Every saw in this guide except the NEO-TEC gas model includes an auto-oiler — that is intentional. For gas saws you typically oil manually before each use, so keep a bottle of chain oil handy.
FAQ
Can I use a Dewalt battery in a chainsaw that says tool-only?
How many cuts will a 4.0Ah battery give me on a single charge?
Is a 12-inch bar enough for cutting firewood?
Why does my new chainsaw chain keep coming off?
Should I buy a gas or battery chainsaw under $200?
Does a tool-only saw really save money?
What does the chain brake do?
How long do battery chainsaw batteries last before needing replacement?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best chainsaw under $200 is the DEJUNPIOOL 16-inch because its 42 ft/s chain speed and Dewalt battery compatibility give you gas-like cutting power without the hassles of fuel. If you want the fastest chain speed available in this budget range, grab the ReliaRoads 16-inch. And for a complete ready-to-run kit that lasts through a full afternoon of cutting, the DongCheng 40V 16-inch delivers the best battery endurance at this price point.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.