Best Chainsaw for Your Job in 2026
The best chainsaw for most homeowners is the EGO Power+ CS1800 56V (18-inch bar, ~$350). Below are tiered picks by budget, a head-to-head comparison, and the right bar length for exactly what you're cutting.
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Best Chainsaw by Budget
Three picks that cover most buyers, from a first saw to all-day ranch work.
EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16"
~$249
16" bar · 56V / 40cc gas equivalent · 9/10
Best first chainsaw. 16-inch bar, push-button start, complete battery kit.
EGO Power+ CS1800 56V 18-Inch Chainsaw
~$350
18" bar · 56V / 45cc gas equivalent · 9.2/10
45cc gas-equivalent power, 18-inch bar. Handles firewood, storm cleanup, and felling.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20"
~$500
20" bar · 55.5cc · 8.8/10
55.5cc gas engine, 20-inch bar. The farm-and-ranch standard for all-day work.
Top Chainsaws Compared
Specs and scores for our most-recommended saws, side by side.
| Chainsaw | Type | Bar | Power | Weight | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16" | Battery | 16" | 56V / 40cc gas equivalent | 9.0 lbs bare / ~12 lbs with battery | ~$249 | 9/10 |
| EGO Power+ CS1800 56V 18-Inch Chainsaw | Battery | 18" | 56V / 45cc gas equivalent | 14.0 lbs with battery | ~$350 | 9.2/10 |
| EGO Power+ CS2005 56V 20" | Battery | 20" | 56V / 55cc gas equivalent | 15.2 lbs with battery | ~$550 | 9/10 |
| Husqvarna 445 18" | Gas | 18" | 50cc / 2.8 HP | 11.2 lbs (powerhead) | ~$400 | 8.7/10 |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20" | Gas | 20" | 55.5cc | 12.8 lbs (powerhead) | ~$500 | 8.8/10 |
Quick Bar Length Reference
Your bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of what you're cutting.
| Cutting Task | Log Diameter | Bar Length | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pruning & limbing | Under 6" | 10–12" | Best picks |
| Storm cleanup | 6–12" | 14–16" | Best picks |
| Firewood | 10–16" | 16–18" | Best picks |
| Medium tree felling | 14–20" | 18–20" | Best picks |
| Large tree felling | 20"+ | 24"+ | Best picks |
More Tools
Planning tools and cost calculators for chainsaw buyers.
Best Chainsaw For...
Every page gives you a bar length recommendation, top 3 picks with scores, and a direct answer to your specific question.
Homeowners
General property maintenance
Firewood
Processing logs and rounds
Storm Cleanup
Downed trees and branches
Pruning & Limbing
Branches and small trees
Large Trees
Felling and land clearing
Battery Powered
Best cordless chainsaws
Gas Powered
Best gas chainsaws
Best Value
Top picks at every budget
Lightweight
Easy to handle and control
Seniors
Easy start, low vibration
Ranch & Farm
All-day rural work
Camping & RV
Portable and packable
Beginners
Best first chainsaw
Bar Length Guide
What size do you need?
Complete Your Setup
Every chainsaw needs a few essentials to run safely and cut well. These are the accessories most buyers add to the cart.
Bar & Chain Oil
Oregon 54-059 Premium Bar & Chain Oil, 1 Gallon
~$32.99·★4.7·29,576
Replacement Chain
Oregon 2-Pack Replacement Chain, 18-Inch (62 Drive Links)
~$31.33·★4.7·8,568
Sharpener & File Kit
Oregon Universal 7-Piece Field Sharpening Kit
~$15.33·★4.7·7,768
Safety Chaps
FORESTER Apron-Style Chainsaw Chaps
~$53.99·★4.7·6,764
Helmet & Hearing Protection
NoCry 6-in-1 Chainsaw Helmet with Face Shield & Ear Muffs
~$36.54·★4.6·3,192
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best chainsaw to buy in 2026?
- For most homeowners the best chainsaw is the EGO Power+ CS1800 56V 18-inch (~$350). It delivers 45cc gas-equivalent power with push-button start and handles firewood, storm cleanup, and small tree felling without gas or pull cords. On a budget, the EGO CS1611 16-inch (~$249) is the best first saw. For all-day rural work, the gas Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch (~$500) is the standard.
- What size chainsaw do I need?
- Your bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of what you cut. A 12-to-14-inch bar handles pruning and small branches, a 16-to-18-inch bar covers 90% of homeowner tasks including firewood and storm cleanup, and a 20-inch-plus bar is for medium-to-large tree felling. Most buyers are best served by a 16-to-18-inch bar.
- Is a battery or gas chainsaw better?
- For occasional homeowner use, battery is better. Modern 56V and 60V battery saws match 40-55cc gas saws in cutting speed and remove pull cords, gas mixing, and carburetor maintenance. Choose gas only if you need unlimited runtime for all-day firewood processing or live somewhere charging is impractical.
- How much should I spend on a chainsaw?
- Plan on $150-$250 for a light-duty pruning or camping saw, $250-$400 for a homeowner saw that handles firewood and storm cleanup, and $400-$600 for a heavy-duty gas saw for felling and ranch work. Budget another $80-$120 for essentials like bar oil, a spare chain, a sharpening kit, and safety chaps.
- What accessories do I need with a new chainsaw?
- Every chainsaw needs bar and chain oil, a spare chain in your bar length, and a file or sharpening kit. For safety, add cut-stopping chaps and a helmet with a face shield and ear protection. These essentials keep the saw cutting well and protect you while you work.