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You need a chainsaw that matches your biggest logs and your real usage frequency. The first decision is the power source: a gas engine gives you raw, endless power, while a battery model starts instantly with no pull cord. Your bar length must fit the thickest wood you plan to cut.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. 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.
Here are the best gas and battery-powered models that real owners praise for cutting speed, ease of use, and value. chainsaw for cutting trees.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw For Cutting Trees
Before you buy, think about the thickest log or trunk you will realistically face. The bar length is the metal rail that guides the chain, and it roughly sets the diameter of wood you can cut in one pass.
Bar Length Is Your First Filter
For limbing and small tree work, a 14-inch bar is enough. A 16-inch bar handles fencing and medium firewood, making it the balance for most homeowners. If you are dropping large trees or bucking thick trunks, a 20-inch bar gives you the reach and cutting capacity to get through them.
Gas versus Battery Power
Gas saws deliver maximum power for sustained, heavy use, but they need fuel mixing, pull-starting, and regular maintenance. Battery saws start instantly, run quieter, and need almost no upkeep, yet you must manage charge time and spare batteries for long sessions.
Chain Speed and Automatic Oiling
Chain speed, measured in meters per second or feet per minute, shows how fast the chain spins for cleaner cuts. An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated during work, which extends the life of both the chain and the bar.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bar Length | Power | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ CS1611★ Best Overall | Homeowners wanting instant starts | 16 inches | 2.3 hp / 40CC equiv | 9 lbs | Amazon |
| ReliaRoads 16″Best Value | DeWalt battery owners | 16 inches | 2 hp | 4.77 kg | Amazon |
| SUPMIXTOOLS 62ccTop Performer | Big logs on a budget | 20 inches | 4.2 hp | 14 lbs | Amazon |
| NEO-TEC 62cc | Light weight with 20″ reach | 20 inches | 3.5 hp | 17.1 lbs | Amazon |
| PROYAMA 68CC | Dual bar versatility | 24 inches | 4.5 hp | 14.5 lbs | Amazon |
| Husqvarna 130 | Trusted brand for yard work | 16 inches | 2.2 hp | 5.7 lbs | Amazon |
| Husqvarna 450 Rancher | Serious firewood cutting | 20 inches | 3.2 hp | 11.3 lbs | Amazon |
| Echo CS-590 | Heavy-duty professional use | 20 inches | 5.3 hp | 13.2 lbs | Amazon |
| EGO POWER+ CS2005 | Large battery-powered cuts | 20 inches | 55CC equiv | 30 lbs | Amazon |
| Makita XCU04PT | Wood stove owners | 16 inches | 32cc equiv | 19.2 lbs | Amazon |
| Echo CS-355T | Arborists and limbing | 14 inches | 5.3 hp | 9.9 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EGO POWER+ 16″ Battery Chainsaw (CS1611)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 600+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The cordless crowd-pleaser that starts instantly and cuts like a gas saw.
You get gas-level muscle without the pull-start frustration. The EGO CS1611 delivers power equal to a 40cc gas engine, yet it weighs just 9 pounds — noticeably lighter than the 14-pound SUPMIXTOOLS gas model above, a real relief for overhead limbing. Buyers report it slices through 8-inch limbs without stalling and describe the cutting as easy.
The 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, and the 16-inch bar with 20m/s chain speed handles small to medium trees. A tool-free chain tensioning system lets you adjust the bar quickly, and the low kickback chain design with a brake indicator keeps the saw predictable. The automatic oiler with a spill-free reservoir and an IPX4 weather-resistant build cover the practical daily concerns.
Battery life is the honest trade-off here. One session may give you around 30 cuts on a single charge, so a spare EGO battery is the standard recommendation for longer jobs. Owners agree it outpaces a Stihl gas 16″ model on convenience, noting this one is “no fuss, no gas and ready to go.”
The Instant-Start Wins
- Push-button start with minimal vibration — no joint soreness after a day of cutting
- Tool-free chain tensioning makes bar adjustments a 10-second job
- Quiet enough for suburban yards without ear protection fatigue
Plan Your Battery Strategy
- Bar oil is not included, so pick some up before your first cut
- Single 2.5Ah battery suits light work; heavy users will want a second
Reach for this if: you want a dependable, low-maintenance saw for home tree work and hate fighting a rope starter.
Look elsewhere if: you need to cut all day without recharging — gas still wins for marathon sessions.
2. ReliaRoads 16″ Brushless Chainsaw
A budget-friendly saw that borrows power from batteries you may already own.
If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, the ReliaRoads becomes an instant bargain. It runs on two DeWalt packs (not included, ideally 4-8Ah each) to produce 2 hp through a 16-inch bar. Owners mention it chews through 4-inch pine in 2-3 seconds and 12-14 inch lodgepole in about 15 seconds.
The brushless motor cuts the maintenance of brushed alternatives, and the automatic oil pump keeps the chain lubricated for up to 45-60 minutes of work per fill. Safety is a priority here: a rapid-stop feature halts the chain within 1.5 seconds of releasing the switch, and a quick-stop brake guard stops rotation in just 0.1 seconds. You also get two chains, a guide bar cover, a screwdriver, and a compact oil can in the box.
The package includes a 2-year warranty and a 30-day full refund policy, which softens the risk of a lesser-known brand. Customers note the assembly feels a bit plastic, and the chain can kick off more often than ideal, but the cutting speed and balanced weight win people over. Durability over the long haul remains unverified — the saw is new enough that longevity is still a question mark.
DeWalt ecosystem play: You get 16-inch cutting power at a fraction of dedicated chainsaw pricing, as long as you factor in owning the two DeWalt batteries it needs.
Who it beats: any corded electric saw on convenience and any cheap gas saw on starting frustration.
Who it does not: heavy-duty loggers need more proven longevity than this young brand has shown.
3. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw
A 20-inch gas workhorse that out-cuts big-name saws on oak and cedar.
This is the saw for serious firewood and large tree work. The SUPMIXTOOLS packs a 62cc 2-cycle engine making 4.2 hp with a 20-inch bar and an 8500 RPM chain speed. Reviewers point out slicing through 36-inch oak and 27-inch cedar with ease, claiming it outperformed their Stihl. It also carries a 2.1x horsepower gap over the ReliaRoads battery saw (4.2 hp vs 2 hp), which tells you which one is built for continuous heavy cutting.
Weighing in at 14 pounds, it is a full 56% heavier than the EGO CS1611 at 9 pounds — a fair trade when you need that extra grunt for big trunks. The ergonomic design and safety switch reduce fatigue during extended use, and the quick-stop chain brake adds confidence. Assembly is straightforward, and the included installation toolkit plus a chain sharpener are genuinely useful.
The engine starts right from the start, especially with premixed 50:1 fuel, though owners caution that regular mix can make starts harder. The recurring gripe is the chain adjuster, which a few report breaking after a couple of hours of use — treat it gently. For the price, you are getting professional-grade cutting power that holds its own against saws costing several times more.
Raw Cutting Muscle
- 4.2 hp and 62cc handle 36-inch oak logs without bogging down
- 20-inch bar gives you plenty of reach for large trunks
- Included toolkit and sharpener add real value
Gas Saw Realities
- Chain adjuster can fail under heavy use — handle it with care
- Requires mixing fuel and cleaning after each session
The standout spec mic-drop: 62cc and 20 inches of bar for big-log cutting at a budget-friendly gas price.
The single caveat: this is a real gas saw with real maintenance, not a grab-and-go tool.
4. NEO-TEC 62cc Gas Chainsaw
A 20-inch bar wrapped in a surprisingly nimble, easy-start package.
Limbing and climbing work demands a saw with balance, and the NEO-TEC delivers. Its 62cc engine produces 3.5 hp with speeds up to 8500 RPM, yet the wrap-around handle gives you maximum maneuverability during overhead cuts. Owners describe it as light with an excellent power-to-weight ratio for the price, noting it cuts through 5-inch limbs without hesitation.
The quick-start system with a choke knob gets you running in 1-2 pulls, and the chain brake plus trigger lockout add a layer of safety. A precision carburetor is tuned for fuel efficiency, so you spend more time cutting and less time at the fuel can. The 20-inch bar with a 0.325-inch pitch chain handles pruning, limbing, bucking, and felling.
Some owners swap in a better spark plug and remove a carb restrictor plate to open up its full potential, and the 25:1 break-in mix is a specific requirement. The flimsy choke lever and hard-to-turn caps draw occasional criticism, but the cutting performance and easy start win the day. After a year of use, shoppers say it still starts in 2 pulls cold and cuts aggressively.
Weighted reach: You get a professional 20-inch bar in a body that feels lighter than its 17.1 pounds thanks to the wrap-around handle balance.
Reach for this if: you spend your time limbing and felling smaller trees where maneuverability beats raw displacement.
Look elsewhere if: you want zero tinkering — this saw rewards owners willing to tune it properly.
5. PROYAMA 68CC Gas Chainsaw
One saw, two bars, and the displacement to tear through storm cleanup.
When a storm takes down large trees, you want reach and power. The PROYAMA comes with both 20-inch and 24-inch guide bars, so you choose the cutting length for the task. Its 68cc 2-cycle engine delivers 4.5 hp — the most in this lineup — and owners confirm it cuts through hardwood like butter with plenty of power to run that 24-inch bar.
The advanced anti-vibration system reduces hand fatigue during extended sessions, and the ergonomic handle keeps it comfortable for both homeowners and professionals. An easy-start system gets you cutting faster, and the low-maintenance design handles wood cutting, farm work, and landscaping. The One Year Warranty backs the package.
Starting performance is where opinions split. Some owners say it runs fantastic on the first pull, while others report it refusing to start after normal use — the priming bulb failing to fill seems to be the culprit. Customer service responds by sending replacement parts quickly. It is also loud, heavy, and drinks oil at a high rate, so budget for that. If you get a good unit, it is an absolute ripper; if you draw a lemon, be ready to use the support.
Two-Bar Versatility
- 24-inch bar handles the thickest logs, while the 20-inch swaps in for lighter work
- 4.5 hp gives you the top displacement in this guide
- Anti-vibration dampeners keep fatigue down on long cuts
Start-Up Roulette
- Some units fail to start after the first use due to a priming issue
- High oil consumption and loud operation are part of the deal
The decisive head-to-head: against the SUPMIXTOOLS, this one edges ahead on displacement (4.5 hp vs 4.2 hp) and adds a second bar for versatility.
Think twice if: you cannot afford a dud — the start-up reports are too split to call this one a sure thing.
6. Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw
The trusted Swedish name in a light, easy-handling 16-inch package.
Sometimes you just want a brand you know will be supported in a decade. The Husqvarna 130 runs a 38-cc 2-HP X-Torq engine that boost power even at low RPMs, and its 16-inch bar suits the recommended 14-16 inch range. Owners with decades of Husqvarna loyalty report this one is lighter and easier to maneuver for smaller tree work, cutting like butter.
Air Injection technology uses a centrifugal cleaning system to expel dust before it reaches the air filter, which extends engine life. The LowVib system uses dampeners to reduce vibration, and the fuel pump with a combined choke/stop control makes starting easier and reduces engine flooding. An inertia-activated chain brake reduces kickback injury risk.
The catch is reliability, which splits owner opinion down the middle. Some say it works fantastically, while others report a saw that stalls and needs 10-15 pulls to restart — one owner even threw it away after a week. The cutting performance is consistently praised, but this is a saw where your experience may vary. The 2 Year Warranty offers some protection, though gas saws are often hard to return once used.
The honest read: this is the saw you buy for the brand reputation and ergonomics, accepting that a small percentage of units have starting troubles.
Who this suits: homeowners who recognize the Husqvarna name and want a light saw for occasional yard tasks.
Who should skip: anyone who needs guaranteed first-pull starts every single time — the EGO battery saw above is more consistent.
7. Husqvarna 450 Rancher
A 20-inch rancher that eats storm damage for breakfast and asks for more.
For properties that regularly deal with fallen trees and firewood season, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the balance. Its 50.2-cc 3.2-HP X-Torq engine swings a 20-inch bar, and owners say it easily cut larger logs from recent storm damage. The Smart Start system gets it going with minimal effort, a feature one owner joked should exist in the age of battery drills.
The ergonomic package is genuinely refined: a soft inlay on the grip, an ergonomic trigger, and an asymmetrical handle all reduce fatigue, while LowVib technology dampens vibration for the recommended 13-20 inch bars. Air Injection keeps dust out of the filter, and the see-through fuel window is a small but appreciated touch.
The trade-offs are worth knowing. The chain jumps off frequently according to some reports, and durability is a concern with the saw lasting about 2 hours in one owner’s experience. Replacement chains run about 1/4-inch different from standard 20-inch chains, so buy the correct size. It also drinks fuel a bit quicker than an older Stihl 021, but owners accept that for the cutting speed.
The Rancher Advantage
- Smart Start gets you cutting without the usual gas-saw workout
- 20-inch bar handles the biggest storm damage easily
- Ergonomic handle and LowVib make long sessions comfortable
Watch the Chain
- Chain jumps off often enough to be a recurring complaint
- Fuel consumption runs higher than some rivals
The seasoned choice: this is what you reach for when you have acres of firewood to process and want a respected name behind you.
Who it is not for: occasional users who cut a few branches a month — the Husqvarna 130 is lighter and cheaper for that.
8. Echo CS-590-20AA
The professional’s workhorse that crushes a Husqvarna in a cutting contest.
When the tree is huge and the job is serious, the Echo CS-590 delivers. Its 59.8 cc engine makes 5.3 hp — the same rated horsepower as the tiny 14-inch Echo CS-355T below, but here it swings a 20-inch bar. Buyers report cutting a full F-250 truckload of firewood with gas left in the tank, and one famously described it as bringing “a gun to a gunfight” against a friend’s Husqvarna on a white oak stump.
It handled a large fallen tree that a 16-inch MS170 could not, starting reliably with the choke and decompression valve even when warm. Owners coming from a Husqvarna 460 find it less expensive with some parts that appear higher quality. The familiar starting ritual improves after break-in, and fuel economy beats a 20-year-old Husky 272xp.
Starting issues get mixed feedback — some units run great, others reportedly will not start at all, and one buyer received a clearly returned, opened package. The seller responsiveness matters here, so buy from a reputable source. When it works, it is an absolute beast that one owner trusted to cut through 18-inch mesquite trees like butter.
The pro-grade verdict: 5.3 hp and a 20-inch bar make this the logical upgrade for anyone who outgrew a homeowner saw and wants Echo’s reputation for durability.
Reach for this if: you process serious firewood volume and want professional-grade power without the Stihl price premium.
Look elsewhere if: you are buying from a third-party seller — the open-box horror stories argue for a verified retailer.
9. EGO POWER+ 20″ Battery Chainsaw (CS2005)
The battery saw that finally rivals gas displacement with a 55cc equivalent.
This is the answer for anyone who wants gas-level power without the fuel. The EGO CS2005 packs a brushless motor delivering power equivalent to a 55cc gas chainsaw with chain speeds up to 25 m/s — faster than the 16-inch CS1611’s 20m/s. Owners cut down and limbed a large oak on a couple of battery charges, and one described cutting through a 40-foot oak like butter.
The 6.0Ah battery delivers up to 135 cuts on a 6×6 and works with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. The 20-inch bar uses a full chisel tooth chain with a 3/8-inch pitch and 0.050-inch gauge, designed for large branches, stumps, and tall trees. A digital display lets you control speed select modes and check battery charge, while a bright LED work light illuminates cuts at dusk.
The honest trade-off is weight and battery life. At 30 pounds with the battery, it is as heavy as a gas saw — owners note it is “heavy as gas but no engine maintenance.” A single battery gives roughly 45 minutes of eco-powered cutting, so a second battery is essential for big jobs. The digital display and fast charger make swaps easy, but this is a premium investment.
The Tech-Forward Saw
- 55cc gas equivalent power from a clean, quiet brushless motor
- Digital display tracks battery and speed modes at a glance
- LED work light lets you cut past sunset safely
Heft and Hungry Battery
- 30 pounds with battery — no lighter than a gas equivalent
- One 6.0Ah battery lasts about 45 minutes, so budget for a spare
Reach for this if: you want to eliminate gas, oil mixing, and pull-starts while still dropping large trees.
Think twice if: weight is your main concern — the 9-pound CS1611 is far easier to carry around for light work.
10. Makita XCU04PT 16″ Chain Saw Kit
The wood-stove savior that replaced a Stihl gas saw with instant starts.
If your winter revolves around keeping a woodstove burning, the Makita XCU04PT is the tool you want in the shed. Its Makita-built outer rotor brushless motor is equivalent to a 32cc gas chainsaw, and owners mention handling 7-10 inch solid oak branches without issue. One owner felled a 14-inch oak and still had 25% charge left on the batteries.
The kit includes two 18V 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, giving you roughly 10-15 cuts or 30 minutes of trimming per charge. A variable speed trigger and high chain speed of 0-3,940 FPM deliver clean cuts, while the tool-less chain adjustment makes maintenance simple. The built-in lock-off lever prevents accidental engagement, and an LED with auto power-off extends battery life.
The 16-inch bar suits firewood and small tree work, but it is not for all-day heavy use. Owners note the bar and chain feel a bit light, throwing the chain more often than expected, and the narrow kerf chain teeth are vulnerable to pebbles and hard wood. The charger’s indicator lights confuse some owners, and battery life runs shorter than claimed in real use. Still, the 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery, and charger provides real confidence.
The gas-replacement story: instant start, no fumes, no maintenance, and enough power for a winter’s worth of firewood splitting.
Reach for this if: you already own Makita 18V tools and want a chainsaw that shares their batteries.
Who it is not for: anyone processing large logs daily — consider the Echo CS-590 for that workload.
11. Echo CS-355T-14 Top Handle
A featherweight top-handle that felled three 60-foot trees without breaking a sweat.
For arborist work, climbing, and limbing, the top-handle design is the professional standard — and the Echo CS-355T nails it. Its 35.8 cc engine produces 5.3 hp, an astonishing output for a 14-inch bar, and customers note felling three 60-foot trees easily. The lightweight build starts cold with a two-finger pull, making it a favorite camp saw and tree-trimming companion.
The Oregon safety chain handles pine, poplar, birch, and cherry up to 8 inches, with good torque on logs. Owners moving from a Homelite Super XL2 find it lighter, more powerful, and faster cutting, starting in 3 pulls even at 25°F. Fuel efficiency is strong, and the Echo name carries a 5-year consumer warranty that speaks to durability.
The caution here is real: one owner suffered a 9-stitch injury using it one-handed, so this is not a toy. The top handle also draws mixed durability feedback, with a few reporting the handle breaking within minutes of use. For careful users, it outperforms a Poulan 18-inch with ease and costs half what a comparable Stihl top-handle runs.
Climbing Champion
- The top handle is purpose-built for one-handed limbing in trees
- 5.3 hp in a 14-inch package is remarkable power density
- 5-year consumer warranty reflects Echo’s confidence
Handle With Care
- Top handle durability is mixed — a few units break early
- Kickback risk demands two-handed use, always
The arborist verdict: this is the saw you grab when you are up in the canopy, where weight matters and power must be instant.
Who should skip: ground-level homeowners who rarely climb — you are paying for a specialty design you will not use.
Understanding the Specs
Bar Length and Chain Speed
The bar length is the metal rail that guides the chain, and it sets the maximum diameter log you can cut in one pass. A longer bar lets you reach through thicker trunks, but it adds weight. Chain speed, measured in meters per second or feet per minute, shows how fast the teeth spin — a faster chain produces cleaner, quicker cuts through dense wood.
Horsepower vs. Battery Equipment
Gas saws rate their engines in horsepower (hp) and cubic centimeters (cc) of displacement — more cc generally means more torque for big logs. Battery saws often list a gas-equivalent figure so you can compare roughly. A 40CC gas equivalent battery saw will handle light to medium work, while a 55CC equivalent approaches gas performance.
FAQ
What bar length do I need to cut down a tree?
Is a gas or battery chainsaw better for cutting trees?
How long does a chainsaw battery last?
Will a DeWalt battery work with any chainsaw?
What does an automatic oiler do on a chainsaw?
How much horsepower do I need in a chainsaw?
Is a top-handle chainsaw safe for beginners?
How often does a chainsaw chain need sharpening?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the chainsaw for cutting trees winner is the EGO POWER+ CS1611 because it delivers gas-level power in a 9-pound cordless body with instant starts and no maintenance headaches. If you want maximum displacement for big logs on a budget, grab the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc. And for serious firewood volume with a trusted name, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the one to reach for.
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 August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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