Whether you’re clearing storm damage or bucking firewood, picking the right chainsaw comes down to three things: how much power you need, how long you need to run, and whether you want gas fumes or battery convenience. We rated and compared the current crop across cordless, gas, and corded electric categories using verified test data and cut-time benchmarks.
Which Chainsaw Category Fits Your Work?
Your power source determines what the saw can handle. Cordless models (60V DeWalt, 56V Echo, 60V Ego) deliver enough power for most property tasks with zero fumes and less noise — ideal for residential neighborhoods. Gas saws like the Echo CS-590 and Stihl MS 500i run as long as you have fuel and out-cut any cordless model on big timber. Corded electric saws (Oregon CS1500, Black+Decker CS1518) offer unlimited run time with an outlet nearby but tether you to a cord.
If your budget is tight but you still need a capable gas workhorse, our selection of reliable options for affordable chainsaws under 300 dollars covers models that deliver serious cutting power without breaking your wallet.
Top Cordless Chainsaw Ratings for 2026
Battery saws have closed the performance gap with gas models in the last two years, but runtime limits remain the main trade-off.
DeWalt DCCS670T1 (60V, 16–18 in bar) — The top pick. The kit runs about $582. (Source: The Spruce)
Ego Power+ CS1815 (60V, 18 in bar) — Priced around $400–$500. A strong alternative if you already own Ego yard tools.
Echo DCS-5000 (56V, 18 in bar) — Good for users on the Echo 56V platform.
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i (40V, 16 in bar) — Premium pricing but excellent battery longevity according to testing.
| Model | Voltage | Bar Length | Key Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCCS670T1 | 60V | 16–18 in | 150 cuts, tool-less tensioning | ~$582 |
| Ego Power+ CS1815 | 60V | 18 in | 150 cuts, 15.8 lb | ~$400–500 |
| Echo DCS-5000 | 56V | 18 in | 124 cuts, compact | N/A |
| Husqvarna 350i | 40V | 16 in | 72 cuts, boost mode | Premium |
| Milwaukee M18 | 18V | 12–14 in | Value runner-up | N/A |
Best Gas Chainsaw Comparisons
Gas saws remain the standard for heavy cutting — felling large trees, splitting hardwood, or running all day. The trade-off is weight, noise, and maintenance.
Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf (59.8 cc, 18 in bar) — It outperformed everything near its price point. (Source: Consumer Reports)
Husqvarna 450 Rancher (50.1 cc, 18 in bar) — Cut time of 6.8 seconds. Close power to the Timber Wolf with slightly less torque in dense wood.
Stihl MS 500i (50.1 cc, 16–18 in bar) — Pro-grade saw with electronic fuel injection (EFI) for consistent starting and throttle response. Best for professionals who need reliability over heavy repair cycles.
Stihl MS 881 Magnum (91.2 cc, 25–30 in bar) — Made for long-bar milling and big timber. Excessive power for most homeowners.
Echo CS-3510 (34.5 cc, 16 in bar) — Best light-duty gas saw. Low vibration and manageable weight for beginners tackling small property work.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Chainsaw
Ignoring battery life for storm cleanup.
Mismatching bar length to the job. A 20-inch bar on small pruning branches is inefficient and tiring. Use 6–12 inch saws for branches under 6 inches in diameter.
Skipping chain tension checks. Even tool-less systems (DeWalt, Husqvarna) need periodic tightening. A loose chain causes poor cuts and kickback risk.
Overlooking weight. Gas saws in the 50–60 cc range weigh more than most cordless units. If you’re cutting overhead or for more than 30 minutes, a battery saw reduces fatigue significantly.
FAQs
What size chainsaw do I need for cutting firewood?
A 16 to 18-inch bar with a 40–50 cc gas engine or a 60V cordless model handles most firewood logs up to 14 inches thick. For occasional splitting, the Echo CS-590 or DeWalt DCCS670T1 both get the job done without overspending on a pro saw.
Are battery chainsaws powerful enough for trees?
Yes, for trees up to about 14 inches in diameter. The DeWalt 60V and Ego 60V models cut through hardwood at speeds close to gas saws. For larger felling or all-day runs, a gas model like the Stihl MS 500i is still the better choice.
Which chainsaw has the fastest cut time?
Among production models tested, the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf averages 4.9 seconds per cut through a 7-inch block — the fastest of any model in Consumer Reports’ 2026 testing. Professional saws like the Stihl MS 500i cut competitively but no official average is published for that model.
References & Sources
- Consumer Reports. “Best Chain Saws of the Year.” Test data for cut times and gas model rankings.
- The Spruce. “The 8 Best Battery Chainsaws of 2026.” Specifications and pricing for cordless models.
- Wirecutter (NY Times). “The Best Chainsaw.” Cordless performance data and category comparisons.