Best Chainsaw for the Money

The best chainsaw for the money is the EGO Power+ CS1611 56V with a 16-inch bar (~$249). It delivers 40cc gas-equivalent power, metal bucking spikes, tool-free tensioning, and everything a homeowner needs in one kit. Under $200, the Greenworks 40V 12-inch (~$150) is unbeatable. Under $350, the EGO CS1611 wins. Under $500, the Husqvarna 445 is the value gas standard.

Not sure which chainsaw? Try our Cut Calculator — 4 questions, one recommendation.

Bar Length Guidance

Don't overpay for bar length you don't need. A 16-inch bar handles 90% of homeowner jobs. Only go longer if you regularly cut logs over 14 inches.

Chainsaws range from $100 to $800+. The question is what you get at each price point and where the value sweet spots are.

Under $200: You're looking at compact battery saws with 12-inch bars or entry-level gas saws. The Greenworks 40V 12-inch (~$150) includes battery and charger, weighs 8.4 lbs, and handles pruning and light storm cleanup. Good for occasional use. The Stihl MS 170 (~$200) gives you gas reliability in a tiny, portable package.

At $200-$400: This is where value peaks. The EGO CS1611 (~$249) gives you 40cc gas-equivalent power, a 16-inch bar, and the full EGO build quality. The Echo CS-3510 (~$300) is the lightest gas saw in its class with easy starting. The DeWalt DCCS620P1 (~$230) is the compact all-rounder. Dollar for dollar, $250-$350 buys more chainsaw than any other range.

At $400-$600: You're paying for more power, longer bars, and premium features. The Husqvarna 445 (~$400) and 455 Rancher (~$500) are worth the premium if you need gas runtime and 18-20 inch bars. The EGO CS1800 (~$350) sits right at the value line between mid-range and premium.

Above $600: Professional territory. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher (~$600) is the entry point. Unless you're felling 20+ inch trees regularly, you don't need to spend this much.

Top 3 Picks

1Best Value Overall

EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16"

EGO · Battery · 16" bar · 9.0 lbs bare / ~12 lbs with battery

★4.2·2,195 ratings

9/10

~$249

EGO Power+ CS1611 56V 16"

Best mid-range battery chainsaw and the ideal first saw. 40cc gas-equivalent power, 16-inch bar, push-button start, and a 2.5Ah battery kit that covers most homeowner jobs. Perfect for storm cleanup, property maintenance, and learning to cut safely.

Pros
  • +40cc gas-equivalent power
  • +16-inch bar handles 90% of homeowner tasks
  • +Push-button start, auto-oiler
  • +Tool-free chain tensioning
  • +Metal bucking spikes
  • +Complete kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Cons
  • -16-inch bar limits large firewood work
  • -2.5Ah battery has shorter runtime than 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah options
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2Best Under $200

Greenworks 40V 12"

Greenworks · Battery · 12" bar · 8.4 lbs with battery

7.6/10

~$150

Greenworks 40V 12"

Best budget chainsaw under $200. 12-inch bar, 8.4 lbs, push-button start, battery and charger included. Handles pruning, light storm cleanup, and campsite wood for under $150. Hard to beat for occasional use.

Pros
  • +Under $150 with battery and charger
  • +Just 8.4 lbs, easy to handle
  • +Push-button start
  • +Quiet for residential use
  • +Good value for occasional cutting
Cons
  • -12-inch bar limits cutting capacity
  • -40V battery has less power than 56V/60V
  • -Build quality below EGO and DeWalt
  • -Shorter battery life than premium brands
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3Best Value Gas Saw

Echo CS-3510 16"

Echo · Gas · 16" bar · 8.8 lbs (powerhead)

★4.2·14,572 ratings

8/10

~$300

Echo CS-3510 16"

Lightest gas chainsaw in its class. 35.8cc engine, i-30 starting system that reduces pull-cord effort by 30%, and a 16-inch bar for storm cleanup and general cutting. Gas reliability when the power is out and batteries can't charge.

Pros
  • +Lightest gas saw in its class
  • +i-30 system reduces pull-cord effort by 30%
  • +16-inch bar for versatile homeowner use
  • +Gas reliability for emergencies
  • +Fair price for the quality
Cons
  • -35.8cc limits heavy-duty cutting
  • -Still requires gas/oil maintenance
  • -Less power than battery saws at this price
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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.

Oregon 54-059 Premium Bar & Chain Oil, 1 Gallon

Bar & Chain Oil

Oregon 54-059 Premium Bar & Chain Oil, 1 Gallon

~$32.99·★4.7·29,576

Oregon 2-Pack Replacement Chain, 18-Inch (62 Drive Links)

Replacement Chain

Oregon 2-Pack Replacement Chain, 18-Inch (62 Drive Links)

~$31.33·★4.7·8,568

Oregon Universal 7-Piece Field Sharpening Kit

Sharpener & File Kit

Oregon Universal 7-Piece Field Sharpening Kit

~$15.33·★4.7·7,768

FORESTER Apron-Style Chainsaw Chaps

Safety Chaps

FORESTER Apron-Style Chainsaw Chaps

~$53.99·★4.7·6,764

NoCry 6-in-1 Chainsaw Helmet with Face Shield & Ear Muffs

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's the best chainsaw under $200?
The Greenworks 40V 12-inch (~$150) is the best chainsaw under $200. It includes battery and charger, weighs just 8.4 lbs, and handles pruning and light storm cleanup. For gas, the Stihl MS 170 14-inch (~$200) is the most portable and reliable option.
What's the best chainsaw under $500?
The EGO CS1800 56V 18-inch (~$350) is the best value under $500. You get 45cc gas-equivalent power, an 18-inch bar, and push-button start. For gas, the Husqvarna 445 18-inch (~$400) delivers the best gas performance under $500.
Is a cheap chainsaw worth buying?
Yes, if you match the saw to your needs. A $150 Greenworks 12-inch handles pruning and light cleanup perfectly. Cheap becomes a problem when you buy too little saw for the job. A $150 saw won't process firewood efficiently. Buy enough chainsaw for your biggest regular task.
What features do you get at each chainsaw price point?
Under $200: 12-inch bar, basic motor, light duty. $200-$400: 14-16 inch bar, 35-45cc equivalent, tool-free tensioning, auto-oiler. $400-$500: 18-inch bar, 45-55cc, anti-vibration, Smart Start. $500+: 20-24 inch bar, 55-60cc, professional features, premium build.

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Best Chainsaw for HomeownersBest Chainsaw for BeginnersBest Battery ChainsawBest Gas Chainsaw