Best Chainsaws for 2026: Gas and Cordless Picks From Husqvarna, EGO, and More

Choosing a chainsaw comes down to three questions: gas or battery, how long a bar you need, and how much weight you want to hold. Big brands also differ in where you can buy them. Stihl and Echo sell through dealers, so this guide focuses on saws you can buy directly on Amazon.

The Picks at a Glance

The Picks

Husqvarna 450S Rancher - Our Pick

Per Husqvarna, the 450S has a 50.2cc engine rated at 3.2 hp, weighs 11 pounds, and runs a 20-inch bar. That combination handles firewood, storm cleanup, and felling small to medium trees. It is sold by Amazon. For the full Husqvarna lineup, including the 455 and 460 Rancher, see our Husqvarna chainsaw guide.

EGO CS1611 - Our Cordless Pick

Per EGO, the CS1611 kit includes a 56V 2.5Ah battery, runs a 16-inch bar at 20 meters per second, and carries a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 3-year limited battery warranty. The Amazon listing adds tool-free chain tensioning, IPX4 weather resistance, and a claim of up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 per charge. A battery saw starts at the push of a trigger and needs no fuel mixing, which suits occasional yard work.

Husqvarna 440 - Lighter Gas Saw

Per Husqvarna, the 440 has a 40.9cc, 2.4 hp engine, weighs 9.78 pounds, and runs an 18-inch bar. It includes Smart Start. It gives up some power compared with the 450S in exchange for less weight.

EGO CS1815 - Most Cordless Power

EGO lists chain speeds up to 22 meters per second for the CS1815. The Amazon listing calls it the power equivalent of a 50cc gas saw and says it has a 2,500W brushless motor, an 18-inch bar, a 6.0Ah battery, up to 330 cuts on a 4x4, a color display, and an LED work light. EGO's own page mentions both 5.0Ah and 6.0Ah batteries, so check which battery the kit you buy includes.

Greenworks 48V 16" - Budget Cordless

Per the listing, this kit pairs a brushless motor with a 16-inch bar and chain and runs on two 24V batteries; two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger come in the box. It has an automatic oiler and easy-adjust tensioning, and Greenworks rates it for up to 150 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge. It is sold by Amazon.

Husqvarna 120 Mark III - Budget Gas

Per Husqvarna, the 120 has a 38cc, 1.88 hp engine, weighs 10.7 pounds, and runs a 16-inch bar. It suits limbing and small firewood jobs.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16" - For M18 Owners

Per Milwaukee, the 2727-21HD kit includes an M18 HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 battery and a Rapid Charger, and Milwaukee claims up to 150 cuts per charge. If you already own M18 batteries, the tool-only version is an option. See our Milwaukee chainsaw guide.

What About Stihl and Echo?

Stihl sells through its dealer network, and Echo tells buyers to purchase only from authorized dealers or retailers, warning that other sellers may leave you without warranty coverage. If you want one of those brands, buy from a dealer. Our Stihl vs Husqvarna comparison and Stihl lineup guide cover the details.

How to Choose

Bar length: a longer bar cuts bigger wood but adds weight and is harder to control. Sixteen to 18 inches is a common choice for yard and firewood work, and 20 inches suits larger firewood and felling. Gas or battery: gas gives longer run time and more power for heavy cutting; battery saws are quieter, start instantly, and need no fuel mixing or storage. Upkeep: any saw needs a sharp chain and bar oil. See our chainsaw sharpener guide and chainsaw maintenance guide.

Common Questions

What size chainsaw do I need for firewood?

Match the bar to the wood you cut most often. A 16- to 18-inch saw is a common choice for homeowner firewood, and a 20-inch saw like the 450S suits larger rounds.

Are battery chainsaws strong enough?

For limbing, storm cleanup, and smaller firewood, the higher-voltage models here are built for that work. For all-day cutting of large hardwood, gas still has the edge in run time.

Bottom Line

The Husqvarna 450S for most gas buyers, the EGO CS1611 for cordless, the 440 if you want lighter, the EGO CS1815 for the most battery power, and the Greenworks or 120 Mark III on a budget. Add chaps, and see our chainsaw safety gear guide.