Backyard Gear Pro

Best Chainsaws for Homeowners (2026)

By the Backyard Gear Pro Editorial Team · How we test & rank

As an Amazon Associate, Backyard Gear Pro earns from qualifying purchases.

Most homeowners don't need a professional-grade saw — they need something safe, easy to start, and sized right for limbing, small trees, and firewood. The picks below cover the main types worth comparing: battery, gas, and corded electric.

We're linking to Amazon search results rather than specific listings, since exact models, prices, and availability change constantly — use these picks as a shortlist to compare current listings and specs yourself before buying.

How we picked: We compared chainsaws by power source, bar length, and safety features (chain brake, low-kickback chain, chain-catch guard), prioritizing well-known platforms with strong parts availability and specs suited to occasional homeowner use rather than daily professional cutting.

At a glance

#PickWhy it stands outPrice
EGO Power+ CS1804 (56V 18-inch Brushless)Top Pickall-around battery chainsaw for homeowners - 18-inch bar handles firewood and larger limbing jobs most battery saws can'tCheck Amazon
Makita XCU09PT1 (36V X2 LXT Brushless 16-inch)Runner-uppro-level cutting speed without gas - Dual 18V batteries deliver cutting speed closer to a small gas sawCheck Amazon
Greenworks 80V 18-inch Brushless (Bare Tool)Best Valuevalue if you're already on the 80V platform - 18-inch bar at a lower price than comparable 80V competitorsCheck Amazon
Craftsman S165 42cc 16-inch Gas ChainsawAlso greatgas option for firewood and larger properties - No battery runtime limits for extended firewood cutting sessionsCheck Amazon
WEN 4017 12-Amp 16-inch Corded ElectricAlso greatbudget pick for light, occasional use near an outlet - Lowest cost way to handle occasional limbing and small branchesCheck Amazon

The picks in detail

EGO Power+ CS1804 (56V 18-inch Brushless)

Top Pick

9.6/10Editor’s score

Best all-around battery chainsaw for homeowners

  • 18-inch bar handles firewood and larger limbing jobs most battery saws can't
  • Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic bar oiling simplify upkeep
  • No gas, oil mix, or pull-cord starting

Watch out Heavier than smaller 14-16 inch battery saws, so it's less nimble for light trimming

Check price on Amazon

Makita XCU09PT1 (36V X2 LXT Brushless 16-inch)

Runner-up

9.3/10Editor’s score

Best for pro-level cutting speed without gas

  • Dual 18V batteries deliver cutting speed closer to a small gas saw
  • Brushless motor adds efficiency and extends tool life
  • Compatible with Makita's broader 18V battery ecosystem

Watch out Requires two batteries, which adds cost if you're not already on the platform

Check price on Amazon

Greenworks 80V 18-inch Brushless (Bare Tool)

Best Value

9.0/10Editor’s score

Best value if you're already on the 80V platform

  • 18-inch bar at a lower price than comparable 80V competitors
  • Brushless motor and tool-free tensioning
  • Bare-tool pricing is a good value for existing Greenworks 80V owners

Watch out Bare tool — battery and charger are sold separately

Check price on Amazon

Craftsman S165 42cc 16-inch Gas Chainsaw

Also great

8.7/10Editor’s score

Best gas option for firewood and larger properties

  • No battery runtime limits for extended firewood cutting sessions
  • 42cc engine has enough torque for regular limbing and small-tree work
  • Widely available parts and support

Watch out Needs mixed fuel, an air filter check, and off-season stabilizer like any gas engine

Check price on Amazon

WEN 4017 12-Amp 16-inch Corded Electric

Also great

8.4/10Editor’s score

Best budget pick for light, occasional use near an outlet

  • Lowest cost way to handle occasional limbing and small branches
  • No gas, no battery to charge, and instant starts
  • Lightweight and easy for infrequent users to control

Watch out Cord length limits range, and it lacks the torque for larger trees or heavy firewood work

Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What size chainsaw do I need as a homeowner?
A 14-16 inch bar handles most residential limbing, small trees, and firewood. Only step up to an 18-inch or larger bar if you're regularly cutting larger trees or thick firewood rounds.
Should I get a battery, gas, or corded electric chainsaw?
Battery saws now handle most occasional homeowner tasks with no mixed gas or pull-cord starting. Gas remains the better choice for all-day firewood cutting or larger properties, while corded electric is the cheapest option if you're staying near an outlet.
What safety features should a chainsaw have?
Look for a chain brake, low-kickback chain, and a chain-catch guard on any saw, new or used — these features meaningfully reduce the risk of serious injury and shouldn't be treated as optional.
How much bar oil and maintenance does a chainsaw need?
Battery and gas saws both need regular bar-and-chain oil to prevent overheating and premature wear — many modern saws automate this with tool-free oilers, but the reservoir still needs regular refilling.

Keep reading

Category

Chainsaws Buying Advice