5 Best Chainsaw Under $200 | Starts Every Time, No Gas Fumes

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This 40V brushless saw felled a 24-inch willow tree without gas fumes or noise complaints.

This is the pick for anyone who needs serious log-cutting power without the noise and maintenance of gas. The dual 20V batteries (40V total) push a 16-inch bar through heavy trunks — buyers report it felled a 24-inch willow tree with no issues, though one noted it “eats batteries” on larger stuff. The chain speed maxes out at 14 m/s, and the maker claims up to 120 cuts through 4×4 lumber on a single charge, which is more than enough for storm cleanup or firewood. Unlike the lighter FXAFXA that is limited to branches, this DongCheng handles the whole tree.

The automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated during use, and the tool-free chain tensioning knob lets you adjust tightness in seconds without reaching for a wrench. Safety is front-and-center with an inertia-activated chain brake that stops rotation in under 0.1 seconds — faster than the ReliaRoads’ 1.5-second stop time. The charger does a full recharge in under 20 minutes, according to buyers, so you are not waiting long between battery swaps.

The catch is the battery platform — DongCheng is a smaller ecosystem than DeWalt or Milwaukee, so unless you already own one of their tools, you are starting fresh. One buyer had a faulty oiler on the first unit, but the replacement worked perfectly. It is also heavier and bulkier than a 12-inch saw, so it is overkill for simple pruning. But for the price, you get a 40V system that rivals saws costing twice as much.

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This 16-inch brushless saw runs on two DeWalt 20V MAX batteries for 40V power.

If you already have a stack of DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, this is your saw. At 16 inches with a brushless motor rated at 2 horsepower, it runs on two DeWalt batteries for 40V total power. Owners mention it felled a 25-foot palm tree that was 16 inches thick — it jammed only in the thickest sections, which says a lot about its torque. The automatic oiler supplies the bar and chain with continuous lubrication, and a clear oil tank lets you see when you need to refill without guessing.

Compared to the FXAFXA’s compact 12-inch bar, the ReliaRoads handles serious cutting jobs the smaller saw simply cannot — and it does it without needing a gas motor. The safety stop is layered: the chain stops within 1.5 seconds after releasing the trigger, and the quick-stop brake guard stops rotation in just 0.1 seconds. That is the same rapid-stop speed as the DongCheng, but added confidence when you are cutting above your head on a limb. A buyer noted the chain loosens after several cuts but is easy to adjust, and two 4Ah batteries yielded 6-7 cuts per 16-inch trunk.

The biggest strength is also the biggest limitation — it only works with DeWalt batteries, so if you are not already in that ecosystem, you have to buy two batteries and a charger separately. Also, at roughly 10.5 pounds with batteries, it is not a one-handed pruner. But for a homeowner with a garage full of DeWalt tools, this is the most logical, cost-effective purchase on the list.

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This corded 12-amp saw delivers unlimited runtime with no battery swaps needed.

This BLACK+DECKER is for the person who does not want to think about battery levels, charging cycles, or swapping packs mid-cut. The corded 12-amp motor (550 watts) draws unlimited power from the wall, so it never slows down as you work. Customers note the 16-inch bar handled 22-inch cuts with plenty of power — meaning it can handle a full day of clearing storm damage or cutting firewood without ever losing torque. At 10 pounds, it is heavier than the battery-powered FXAFXA (3.7 lbs), but that weight comes from a solid motor rather than batteries you have to recharge.

The tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling system are standard on modern saws, but BLACK+DECKER includes a clear window to easily see the oil level, so you never run it dry. The low-kickback bar and chain further reduces the risk if you cut at a weird angle. Compared to the ReliaRoads, which requires you to own DeWalt batteries, this saw works the moment you plug it in — no extra purchases, no battery investment. Reviewers mention the chain takes 5-6 seconds to stop after releasing the trigger, which is slower than the instant 0.1-second brakes on the brushless models, so you need to be more deliberate.

The cord is the main trade-off. You need an outdoor-rated extension cord, and you cannot take this saw into the middle of a field. One reviewer notes the weight and balance make one-handed operation cumbersome, and the trigger grip feels tight. But for a stationary job like cutting up a fallen tree, reviewers point out the value is tough to top.

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This kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries, gloves, and goggles, and cuts through 8-inch oak.

This DEHANTOOLS chainsaw comes with almost everything you need: two 4.0Ah 21V batteries, a charger, a guide bar, a chain, a cleaning brush, a socket wrench, work gloves, and safety goggles. The brushless motor is rated at 1500W (the maker’s claim) and spins the chain at 14 m/s, which is the same speed as the DongCheng. Shoppers say it powers through 8-inch oak, maple, and pine without bogging, and the 16-inch bar gives you reach for thicker logs. The large display shows real-time battery status, so you are never caught off guard mid-cut.

The tool-free chain tensioning uses a built-in manual tensioner — no wrench required. The automatic oiling system works through a clear oil tank, so you can spot low oil at a glance. A buyer mentioned the saw is “user-friendly” and ideal for light yard work, with battery life lasting over an hour with both packs. The reinforced metal gearbox and thick debris baffle protect your hand from flying wood chips, and the ergonomic silicone handle helps during longer sessions.

The downside is the weight — at 5.56 kilograms (12.3 pounds) with both batteries, it is the heaviest saw in this roundup. That is 3.3 pounds heavier than the BLACK+DECKER corded saw and nearly 9 pounds heavier than the FXAFXA. If you are cutting overhead or reaching into tight branches, the weight adds up quickly. Also, the chain needed tightening after initial use as it stretched, which is normal but worth noting. Overall, this is a fantastic value if you want a complete kit with spare parts.

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This 3.7-pound saw runs on a Milwaukee M18 battery and trims branches all afternoon.

The 1000W brushless motor (the maker’s peak power claim) is designed to run on a single Milwaukee M18 battery (tool only, no battery included). Buyers report that with a 5Ah battery, they got 11 cuts of a 10-inch live log plus several small cuts, which is respectable for a 12-inch bar. It is perfect for trimming branches up to 6-8 inches thick, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated without leaking, per reviewer feedback.

The tool-free chain tensioning uses a double nut design that keeps the guide plate stable, so you are not fighting the saw every time you adjust. Safety features include a lock-off switch to prevent accidental starts. The bar is only 12 inches, so it is not built for felling trees — buyers explicitly say “not for felling trees” and recommend it for pruning and logs. But for a Milwaukee M18 user, this is an incredibly affordable way to add chainsaw capability to your existing tool collection.

The biggest limitation is the bar length and the power for thicker cuts. At 3.7 pounds, the FXAFXA is 2.7x lighter than the 10-pound BLACK+DECKER, but it also has less torque for dense wood. The chain tends to slip if not tensioned properly, which a reviewer noted as a quirk. One buyer called it “ok for clean up around the farm” and had doubts about long-term durability given the plastic construction. It is a specialist tool for light trimming, not a general-purpose log splitter.