Having a reliable chainsaw makes working with wood way easier. But finding an affordable tool that performs well can be difficult when the budget is tight. That’s why we made this guide to the best chainsaw under 200 for you!
The best budget chainsaw is BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12” Chainsaw, and the best one by overall quality is DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR12” Chainsaw.
We’ll explain to you what features we look for when choosing a chainsaw and ranking the top-rated models on the market. We’ve considered each model option carefully and compared them based on power, price, features, and ease of use.
| Preview image | Model | Features |
| BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best by price Comfortable handle High-quality, plug, and play battery Easy-to-use chain tensioner | |
| DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR 12” Cordless Chainsaw | Best quality Lightweight Safe for novices Plug-and-play with other Dewalt 20 Volt batteries | |
| Peektook Electric Mini Chainsaw 6-inch, Cordless | One of the best mini chainsaws Powerful 600W motor Long battery life Lightweight and easy to use 3-fold safety system | |
| WORX WG304.1 18-inch | 15 Amp motor & 18” bar Built-in chain brake Automatic chain lubrication system Built-in oil reservoir | |
| Oregon CS1500 18-inch 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw | Best chainsaw under 200 corded Built-in Lubri-Tec oiling system Low noise, silent between cuts Chain brake for added safety | |
| Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Battery Chainsaw | G-MAX 40V Lithium-Ion Battery Robust 16-inch steel chain 3/8-inch chain pitch Automatic oiler | |
| WEN 4017 Corded Electric Chainsaw, 16″ | Powerful 12A electric motor Lightweight design Auto-oiling system Tool-free chain changing | |
| EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw | Powerful motor (can run at up to 6800 RPM) Great cut diameter Decent safety features | |
| Husqvarna 435 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.2-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, 16” | Lightweight Effortless start-up X-Torq engine reduces emissions and increases fuel consumption efficiency Best gas chainsaw on the list | |
| Ryobi P546 – Cordless Chainsaw | Lightweight & long battery life Push-button oiler Side access chain tensioning |
Contents
- 1 Reviews
- 1.1 1. BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12-inch (the best by price)
- 1.2 2. DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR 12-inch (the best by overall quality)
- 1.3 3. Peektook Electric Mini Chainsaw (the best mini chainsaw)
- 1.4 4. WORX WG304.1 18-inch
- 1.5 5. Oregon CS1500
- 1.6 6. Greenworks Model 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw
- 1.7 7. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw 16-inch
- 1.8 8. EGO Power+ 14-inch
- 1.9 9. Husqvarna 435 16-inch Gas Chainsaw
- 1.10 10. Ryobi P546 Cordless Chainsaw
- 2 How to choose a chainsaw and what each feature means
- 3 FAQs
- 4 Conclusion
Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12-inch (the best by price)
(5 stars)
The Black and Decker LCS1240 chainsaw has a powerful 40-volt battery that can handle up to sixty 4×4 beams on a single charge and will take around five hours to fully recharge. This battery fits all the 36 or 40-volt Black+Decker tools.
The model is outfitted with a twelve-inch saw and a tool-free chain tensioning system for easy tightening without any extra tools. The saw also has an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip at any angle.
The only drawbacks of this model are its tendency to leak oil after prolonged use and its relatively short battery life compared to power output.
While it can last up to forty minutes when cutting lighter materials such as kudzu, it may only last for up to ten minutes when cutting thicker and heavier wood. Fortunately, the LCS1240 comes with an automatic chain oiler, although it may not always work perfectly.
It’s hard to name the best electric chainsaw, but this model makes our top pick as the best chainsaw under 200.
2. DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR 12-inch (the best by overall quality)
(5 stars)
This cordless chainsaw is a great choice for the average homeowner. It is lightweight (less than 9 lbs) and compact, making it easy to transport and maneuver. The powerful, brushless motor maximizes the saw’s operating life and can reach speeds of up to 25.2 feet per second.
To ensure safety, it has minimal kickback and is easy to control, but it is not designed for continuous use by professional gardeners.
The chainsaw has an adjustable bar and the chain can be tightened without any special tools. It comes with a 12-inch saw that can cut through pretty much anything the average homeowner might need to cut through.
However, it requires a 20-volt Max battery from Dewalt, so you will need to purchase one separately. 20-volt lithium-ion batteries by other manufacturers will not fit the chainsaw.
Potential drawbacks are that the unit tends to leak oil from the bar oil reservoir, and the plastic piece that holds the bar and chain is not very durable. You should avoid dropping the chainsaw as much as possible.
Additionally, you need to drain the bar and chain of oil after each use, which can be a hassle if you only use it for small tasks. Finally, opening the oil cap can be challenging, and you have to be careful not to break the pin that holds it in place.
3. Peektook Electric Mini Chainsaw (the best mini chainsaw)
(5 stars)
The Peektook 6-inch Electric Chainsaw is one of the most powerful cordless chainsaws on the market. It comes with two high-capacity batteries for extended use time and two chains for added durability and convenience. It works on a 600W pure copper motor, capable of driving the chain to chop at a lightning speed of 34.5ft/s.
It features a threefold safety system with a safety lock, blade guard, and handle guard, plus a longer-than-average battery life of 30–45 minutes despite the high power.
Customers note this chainsaw’s power, lightweight design, and safety system.
It’s a pretty cheap chainsaw, too. This is the perfect choice for tree trimming, bush, and hedge pruning, or any other yard or garden work. This high-performance tool is the ideal solution for both experienced and novice gardeners looking for a reliable and powerful chainsaw.
We’ve chosen this model to be the best chainsaw among all mini chainsaws.
4. WORX WG304.1 18-inch
(5 stars)
If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly chainsaw, here is another option just for you. This chainsaw packs all the necessary features of a great chainsaw, and its price tag won’t put a dent in your wallet.
This model is powered by a 15 amp motor, giving you a powerful cutting performance that can easily tackle large trees. It also offers an 18-inch bar with a low-kickback feature and an inbuilt chain brake, so you can rest assured knowing you’re safe when using it.
The auto-oil lubrication system means you don’t have to worry about oiling the chain too often. Plus, the inbuilt oil reservoir includes a see-through level indicator, so you can always check how much oil is left and refill it when needed.
At the base of the bar, there are all-metal dogs which increase the stability of the chainsaw. The auto-tension system prevents over-tightening of the chain, and with just a push of a button, you can always keep it at the ideal tension.
5. Oregon CS1500
(5 stars)
If you’re searching for a reliable and powerful corded electric chainsaw, you can’t go wrong with this 18-inch model.
This electric chainsaw is built with a 15 amp high-power motor, allowing it to tackle demanding projects with ease. Plus, the motor runs silently and more quietly than a gas chainsaw, so you can get your job without too much annoyance.
The 18-inch chain bar is perfect for making larger tree cuts, while the Lubri-Tec oiling system keeps the chain friction to a minimum. In addition, a see-through window shows if the oil container needs to be refilled, and a tool-free chain tensioning system allows for easy adjustment.
This chainsaw is also designed for ease of use, as it comes fully assembled, and you can start and stop it with just the press of a button. With this electric chainsaw, you can make precise and clean cuts quickly and easily, so you can get your projects done with minimal effort.
This might be the best chainsaw under 200 that is electric and corded!
6. Greenworks Model 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw
(5 stars)
The Greenworks Brand 16-inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw is a reliable electric chainsaw powered by a 4 amp 40-volt lithium-ion battery that fits all Greenworks brand G-Max tools. This is a long-life battery, even though the power output is high enough.
At ten pounds, it’s not the lightest chainsaw on the market, but it is still easy to maneuver. This battery provides up to 160 cuts on a single charge and will not fade until it is almost out of power.
The brushless motor provides excellent power while minimizing vibrations. The chain brake provides the user with extra safety and minimizes kickback. The guard helps deflect debris being thrown up at the operator as much as possible. All of it makes this model one of the safest chainsaws on the market under this price range.
Additionally, it doesn’t leak oil and the transparent oil tank allows you to check the oil level easily.
The one minor downside of this chainsaw is that it isn’t easy to adjust the chain – you’ll need to tighten it regularly, or it could slip off.
7. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw 16-inch
(5 stars)
The WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw is perfect for slicing through even the toughest of hardwood logs. It is equipped with a powerful 12 amp motor that allows the chain to rotate at up to 44 ft/sec.
An auto-oiling system is in place to ensure that the saw is always properly lubricated. The tool-free chain change feature makes it easy to replace the saw’s chain quickly and with minimal effort.
While being pretty powerful, this model is a relatively cheap chainsaw.
Customers have spoken highly of this model for its power and convenience. The only negative moment is difficulty in adjusting the chain reported by some users. Despite this, WEN 4017 is an excellent choice for those looking for a saw that can handle even the toughest of projects.
8. EGO Power+ 14-inch
(4 stars)
This EGO Power Plus chainsaw comes with a long 14-inch bar and is well suited to cutting down small trees and making logs for the fire afterward. It uses a powerful motor that runs at speeds of up to 6800 RPM. Such power requires a 56-volt lithium-ion battery.
With this chainsaw, you’ll be able to cut through two-foot diameter logs. The unit is also unique in its weather-resistant properties, meaning it can stand up to all kinds of weather conditions. This makes it ideal for use even during storms, as long as you don’t drop it into a pool of water.
The manual chain tensioning knob requires you to do the tightening yourself, rather than having it done automatically as with many other models. With a 0.043-inch chain gauge and 3/8–inch pitch, the chainsaw delivers impressive performance. Additionally, it is equipped with a basic chain kickback brake for extra safety.
Filling the oil tank is quite simple, but the oil feed tube may sometimes get kinked, preventing the chainsaw from being lubricated and causing it to overheat even when the battery life hasn’t run out.
9. Husqvarna 435 16-inch Gas Chainsaw
(4 stars)
Remember that this is a budget chainsaw list – that’s why the best gas chainsaw is at the end of it.
But the Husqvarna 435 Gas Chainsaw is a great option when it comes to efficiency and ease of use. It is ideal for everyday work and is recommended for bar lengths between 13 inches and 18 inches.
Its 40-cc, 2.2-HP X-Torq engine is designed to reduce emissions and increase fuel consumption efficiency, and the inertia-activated chain brake helps minimize the risk of injury due to kickback.
Furthermore, the centrifugal air cleaning system helps eliminate larger dust and debris particles before they make their way to the air filter, ultimately extending the life of the engine.
With consistent and reliable power, this is truly a gas chainsaw that you can rely on. This one makes our best chainsaw powered by gas on the list.
10. Ryobi P546 Cordless Chainsaw
(3 stars)
For those looking for an affordable yet reliable battery-powered chainsaw, this 10-inch model is a suitable option.
Its 10-inch blade is perfect for trimming branches, while its push-button oiler is easy to control and leaks less than other models. Plus, this cordless chainsaw runs on battery power, eliminating the need to mix gas and oil or to use a cord.
The first downside here is that you have to keep the chain lubricated manually. The second downside is that the battery and charger don’t come with the chainsaw, which means you’ll have to purchase them separately. But, if you’re willing to shell out a bit more, you won’t regret getting this affordable yet powerful chainsaw.
Despite being low on our list, this is definitely not the worst chainsaw under $200 out there.
How to choose a chainsaw and what each feature means
If you are confused about all the different chainsaw types and specs, this section will help you summarize the basic knowledge needed to pick a proper model for you.
3 types of chainsaws
There are three main types of chainsaws: gas-powered, cordless electric powered, and corded electric-powered. We will describe them all and point out the differences below.
Gas powered chainsaw
Gas-powered chainsaws are the go-to choice for professional chainsaw users who need to complete heavy-duty tasks like cutting down trees or trimming branches off larger trees. While these saws are incredibly powerful and reliable, they have some downsides that need to be taken into consideration.
For one, the noise level is incredibly high, and you must make sure to wear appropriate ear protection when operating one of these saws.
Additionally, if something goes wrong with your gas-powered chainsaw, it can be incredibly dangerous since it’s not safe to simply switch it off and let go in a hazardous situation.
However, the pros of gas-powered chainsaws outweigh the cons. Fuel and oil mixtures are widely available, making this type of saw relatively easy to maintain.
Moreover, gas-powered chainsaws have a huge amount of power due to their higher RPMs (rounds per minute) compared to cordless chainsaws which run on batteries.
Corded electric chainsaw
Electric chainsaws offer an array of advantages that make them the perfect choice for those needing a powerful and reliable saw with limited mobility
Unlike gas chainsaws, electric chainsaws require only electricity to power their motors instead of gas, making them a more economical choice. Plus, electric models come with an automatic chain oiling system that relieves the user of the need to manually oil the saw.
Safety is a key benefit of using an electric chainsaw as well; the lack of sparks and flames minimizes the risk of injury. Electric chainsaws are incredibly easy to operate, making them ideal for beginners, and they don’t require special maintenance like their gas-powered counterparts.
The main drawback of using an electric chainsaw is the lack of power when compared to gasoline chainsaws. This can greatly limit the reach of the saw, making it difficult to cut through larger pieces of wood without an extra tool like a belt saw. Electric chainsaws cannot handle more challenging tasks than gas chainsaws are built to do.
Electric cordless (battery-powered chainsaw)
If you’re looking for something more portable than a typical electric or gas-powered chainsaw, then a cordless chainsaw may be the perfect choice for you.
These innovative tools are designed to work without a physical connection to the power source, so all you need to do is attach the battery, and you’re good to go! This makes them ideal for jobs in places where there may not be a readily available power outlet.
The main disadvantage of using cordless chainsaws is that they require a good battery and some time to charge. In addition, they are typically not as powerful as their gasoline-powered counterparts.
However, cordless chainsaws offer convenience and portability that electric or gas-powered ones cannot match, making them a great choice for non-professional homeowners.
Wood type and uses
The type of wood you will be cutting is a key factor when it comes to choosing the right chainsaw. Not all saws are suitable for cutting soft and thick wood, so it’s important to make sure what types of wood you will be cutting.
It’s best to opt for a tool with enough power to handle all your tasks, so if you need to do hard work daily, choosing a gas chainsaw is recommended. If you only need occasional uses in your garden, then something cheaper and electric-powered is the better option.
Chain length
The length of the bar and chain is also an important part of the buying decision. The size of the chainsaw will determine the diameter of the trunks and the size of the trees you can cut.
A larger saw allows you to cut larger and thicker trees, but it will also be heavier and more cumbersome.
On the other hand, if you don’t need to cut large trees, then you can opt for smaller saws which usually have cheaper chains and electric motors.
These are ideal for tasks such as tending a garden, chopping wood, or pruning trees and can be operated with just one hand. One such mini chainsaw is on our list above.
Chainsaw weight
Lighter tools are more comfortable to work with, making them great for those who are new to the practice, as they absorb vibrations better and are easier to handle and maneuver.
However, lighter chainsaws are generally less powerful than heavier ones, so if you need to do professional forest work, you should opt for a heavier, well-balanced model that will provide greater stability.
Engine power
When shopping for a chainsaw, engine performance, and size are two key factors to consider. Obviously, chainsaws with a higher power output are usually better suited for larger pieces of wood, while those with a lower power output are better for cutting smaller branches.
If you’re buying a gas-powered chainsaw, make sure it has an engine of at least 42cc that is a two-cycle engine for easier cutting.
Battery
If you’re looking for a cordless, battery-powered chainsaw, you need to make sure that it has a long-lasting battery with plenty of power that won’t run out quickly.
Lithium-ion batteries are particularly strong and will last much longer than other types of batteries out there. Most of the battery-powered chainsaws on our list use this type of battery.
Start & stop feature
The chainsaw should also have a start and stop feature to prevent accidental starts and to keep the saw from turning on when not in use. This feature should be easy to access, like a button at the handle or tip of the saw.
Additionally, it should have an instant starting feature that shortens the time it takes for the saw to start up.
Automatic oiler
For a more efficient operation, the saw should also have an automatic oiler that applies oil to the bar and chain, so you don’t have to do it manually, helping to maintain performance and reduce friction.
Chain tensioning system
Finally, the best chainsaw should have a tool-free chain tensioning system, which prevents the blade from coming into contact with the ground when it is unadjusted, thus protecting the operator.
Tensioning can be either manual or automatic. Manual systems require manual tightening, while automatic ones have a spring-loaded system that does the job on its own.
FAQs
What is the best chainsaw under 200? What is the best budget chainsaw?
Two good budget chainsaws fall into that price range: that is DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR 12-inch chainsaw and Peektook Electric Mini Chainsaw. Both of them are on the top of our list and are best suited to the general yard and garden tasks that average homeowners might do.
What is a good chainsaw for money?
When shopping for a chainsaw, it’s important to find one that offers excellent performance, usability, and dependability for a reasonable price. If the chainsaw has high ratings in all these areas and comes at a cost-effective rate, then it is worth considering as a practical option.
One such chainsaw is BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12-inch, which we’ve chosen to be the best saw by price according to the criteria above.
Which chainsaw brand is most reliable?
There are plenty of chainsaw brands with a good reputation among general customers and professional workers.
They include DeWalt, Oregon, Black&Decker, WORX, Remington, Greenworks, Ryobi, and others.
Are electric chainsaws no worse than gas ones?
Electric chainsaws are more lightweight and quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts, but they lack the power of the latter.
Electric chainsaws may be suitable for light to medium tasks, but in terms of performance and power output, they are not as good as gas-powered chainsaws. For tough jobs, gas-powered chainsaws are always the superior choice.
Conclusion
Cordless, battery-powered chainsaws have become increasingly more powerful, but a gas-powered chainsaw is often the better choice for large projects. That’s why we have included a top-of-the-line gas chainsaw under $200 on our list.
Before buying, make sure you have an understanding of what you need and want from the chainsaw, so you can find the best model for your application and budget, which could be considered the best chainsaw under 200 for many people.
We have found that the best budget chainsaws under 200 are BLACK+DECKER 40V Max 12-inch and DEWALT 20V DCCS620B MAX XR 12-inch. Both of them have great reviews and high overall quality.
One of the best mini chainsaws is Peektook Electric Mini Chainsaw. Despite being a mini saw, it is pretty powerful and at the same time, it offers long battery life. It also has a 3-fold safety system, which makes it easy and safe to use even for housewives.
My name is Alex Mashinsky
I am an enthusiastic woodworking hobbyist who created topwoodworkingtools.com to provide helpful information and advice to fellow woodworkers.
The goal of the website is to help readers make informed decisions about woodworking tools and materials, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that they achieve the best possible results from their projects.
My main focus is on offering accurate, honest, and well-reasoned opinions and advice to help readers choose the most suitable tools and materials for their particular needs.
