Are you looking to find the Best Chainsaw for a Homeowner? This updated guide includes the six Best Chainsaws for Homeowners, listed by Price, Power, and Overall Performance.
By the way, “Best” can mean different things to different people. Some may be looking for the most powerful chainsaw, while others may be looking for the best lightweight chainsaw.
Either way, a chainsaw can be extremely handy for cutting logs into the proper size and can be used in any home with a wood-burning fire pit or fireplace.
What is the best chainsaw for homeowners? For the best chainsaw for homeowner “value,” check out our Husqvarna 450 Rancher reviews below.
This gas-powered chainsaw features a 20-inch chainsaw bar and a 55.5 cc (3.2 HP) engine that can quickly handle nearly any size job.
Best Chainsaw Value: STIHL MS170 – 16″ – 30.1 cc Gas Powered Chainsaw
Perhaps as the best homeowner chainsaw on the market, the STIHL MS-170 is equally appreciated by homeowners with medium to larger-sized properties. Per our research, the best prices on STIHL chainsaws are at Ace Hardware.
STIHL MS 170 SPECS:
- Antivibration Handle
- Bar Length: 16 in.
- Brand Name: STIHL
- CARB Compliant: Yes
- CSA Listed: No
- Chain Brake: Yes
- Weight: 8.9 lbs.
- Engine Displacement: 30.1 cc
- Engine Type: 2 Cycle (Gas/Oil Mix)
- Maximum Cutting Diameter: 17 in.
- Model Number: MS 170
- Start Type: Pull Start
- Tension Adjustment Type: Quick-Adjust
- Powered By: Gas
STIHL – MS 170 – 16″ Gas Powered Chainsaw
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Editors Choice: Husqvarna 455 Rancher
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a powerful and versatile 20″ Chainsaw that is equal to almost any task.
Some “pros” even consider this chainsaw one of the Best Professional Chainsaws on the market due to its portable size and maneuverability in tight spaces.
While the 455 Rancher chainsaw isn’t the cheapest by any means, the Husqvarna brand’s reliability, power, and nearly perfect user size make it the best chainsaw for homeowners.
With this chainsaw, trimming and even larger trees should prove to be no problem at all.
Key features of this model:
- 20-inch bar
- 55.5 cc engine
- 3.2 horsepower
- Air injection for improved filter and engine life
- Vibration-reducing design for quiet, easy use
- 12.8-pound weight
- 2-year Warranty
- Smart Start Technology for quick starts
People who have bought and used the Husqvarna 455 Rancher almost universally comment on its incredible power and reliability.
The saw’s durable construction is also a significant plus, especially for people who have used it to tackle large woodcutting projects.
We found cutting through thick logs and even tree stumps with the Rancher 450 easy.
With its “Smart Start” technology, most users find that the chainsaw starts quickly and reliably, significantly improving the experience of cheaper saws that require excessive time and effort to crank up.
At 12.8 pounds, the Rancher 455 is even lighter than our top-performing Electric Chainsaw, the EGO CS1604, yet it still performs remarkably.
HUSQVARNA 455 RANCHER
Runner Up – Battery Powered Chainsaw: EGO CS1604
If you’re interested in owning a chainsaw that isn’t a gas and Oil-fueled chainsaw, battery-operated chainsaws have come a long way in recent years, and nowhere is that more evident than in the EGO CS1604 16-inch model.
The CS1604 is powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery, which delivers more power and runtime than most users are accustomed to from a battery-powered saw.
With its 16-inch bar, this chainsaw can handle regular medium-duty work most homeowners need to tackle.
Key Features of this Model:
- 16-inch bar- Perfect size for most work
- 56-volt lithium-ion battery rated at 5.0 amp-hours
- Brushless electric motor for higher efficiency
- Battery level indicator
- Tool-free tensioning knob
- 13.57-pound weight (battery included)
Reviews of the EGO CS1604 Chainsaw indicate that it is powerful enough to cut through small and medium-sized logs quickly and easily.
The saw’s overall construction is noted as heavy-duty, and users are pleasantly surprised by the power provided by the 56-volt battery pack.
The chainsaw’s unusually long rear handle allows users a more comfortable grip.
While not rated as powerful as the best gas-powered chainsaws, many professional timber cutters now use a battery-powered chainsaw as a go-to piece of equipment, if not a reliable backup, to their gas-powered chainsaw (that won’t start).
The EGO 16″ Chainsaw Chain is also easy to replace and of great value, as well as EGO Bar & Chain Oil.
EGO BATTERY-POWERED CHAINSAW
Best Economy Value Chainsaw: BLACK+DECKER LCS1020
What is the Best Value Small Chainsaw? Homeowners on a budget who often can’t afford or don’t need to buy a top-of-the-line professional chainsaw will find this model right in their wheelhouse.
The Black and Decker Chainsaw is undoubtedly one of the best value options. We consider the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 the best value chainsaw for homeowners.
The LCS1020 is a 20-volt battery-powered saw ideal for light work.
Key features of this model:
- 10-inch bar – Super easy to maneuver
- 20-volt lithium-ion battery
- Tool-free tensioning knob
- 7.2-pound weight
The most common advantage of the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020, according to customers who have purchased it, is its lightweight design.
The Black & Decker chainsaw is rated as the best small chainsaw on the market. It weighs just over 7 pounds, making it easy for any homeowner to use.
The 10-inch bar also helps to keep the saw manageable and maneuverable.
This model is perfect for older buyers or those who require a lighter tool to clear trees and cut up logs, but no longer feel comfortable with heavier chainsaws.
Though the battery isn’t as powerful as the 56-volt version on the EGO CS1604, the Black & Decker 20-volt electric chainsaw offers decent runtime, allowing users to quickly complete simple woodcutting projects.
BLACK & DECKER CHAINSAW
Best Lightweight “Corded” Chainsaw: WORX WG304.1
You may want an electric chainsaw’s lighter weight and reduced maintenance load but need more running time than a battery-powered model offers.
This lightweight, corded electric chainsaw, WORX WG304.1, may be your best solution.
Is it the very best homeowner chainsaw on the market? Not really, but it never runs out of power and is pretty effortless to use.
The WG304.1 is a good chainsaw for medium-duty household use and an excellent value.
Key features of this model are:
- 18-inch bar
- 15.0-amp motor
- Automatic lubrication system
- 11.3-pound weight
- Patented automatic chain tensioning system
Those who have purchased the WORX WG304.1 are consistently impressed with its ability to cut large, heavy logs and tree trunks.
The unit’s 15.0-amp motor, paired with the relatively long bar, makes the WG304.1 suitable for most non-professional cutting applications.
We also noted that the saw is quiet and very easy to use.
The automatic tensioning system appears to be a reasonably popular feature. It prevents extended breaks in cutting to adjust the chain.
We noted one disadvantage of the WORX WG304.1: the chain can wear out more quickly than on other saws.
Even though we had this issue, we noted that the saw works well when the chain is well maintained and in good shape.
WORX CHAINSAW
Best Budget Pick Chainsaw: WORX WG303.1
If you’re looking for a chainsaw on a budget, look no further than the WORX WG303.1 16-inch corded electric model. A smaller cousin of the WG304.1, the WG303.1 is a high-quality saw that is excellent for light—to medium-duty cutting.
This quality makes the WORX WG303.1 one of the best-selling chainsaw models in its price range.
Key features of this model are:
- 16-inch bar
- 14.5-amp electric motor
- Automatic lubrication system
- 11-pound weight
- Patented automatic chain tensioning system
Customers who have bought this chainsaw frequently comment on its considerable power and ability to complete light-cutting tasks quickly.
Several reviews mention that the electric motor’s quiet operation is also an advantage.
Most people find the WORX WG303.1 lightweight and ergonomic enough for extended use while still feeling well-made. The convenience of the automatic chain tensioning system also appears to be a significant plus for this model.
Several reviewers have noted that standard bar-and-chain oil is too thick for this saw. Read the manual if you buy the WORX WG303.1 to replace another chainsaw or as an alternative tool for lighter work.
Check the recommended oil weight against the lubricant you already have in your garage. Using too thick oil can cause problems.
Users also note that this saw isn’t great for heavy work, which is to be expected given its price point.
WORX ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
How To Use a Chainsaw Video – From “This Old House”
Chainsaw Buyers Guide and FAQ:
What are the Best Chainsaw Features To Look For?
The Top 4 Best Features when buying a Chainsaw:
- The Type of Power Preference: Gas-powered, Battery-powered, or Electrical Corded chainsaw.
- The Type of work you will be using a chainsaw for (heavy-duty or light-duty work)
- Your Brand Preference (Husqvarna, EGO, Black & Decker, etc.)
- Your Budget (Chainsaws are priced as low as $70 and up to $460 in our review above)
What is the Best Chainsaw Bar Length?
Chainsaw Bar Length determines the jobs the chainsaw can effectively handle. The longer the bar, the larger the logs it can safely cut.
Remember that you can cut larger trees with shorter bars by simply making more cuts, but doing so will involve much extra work and strain on the chainsaw.
A chainsaw bar that is too short also increases the likelihood of the saw binding inside a large tree or log. Generally, a 16-inch bar is the best size chainsaw for homeowner use.
You may consider upgrading to a larger chainsaw bar if you have large trees and a lot of property.
What is the Best Type of Chainsaw To Buy?
Chainsaws run on gas engines, corded electricity, or battery power. Gas engines provide the highest power, making them the best for heavy cutting.
Corded electric chainsaws are convenient because they can run as long as needed without refueling and provide ample power, but many users find dragging a cord inconvenient.
Since the electrical cord has to be plugged in, corded chainsaws are also not practical for use on larger properties. Corded electric chainsaws are lighter than gas or battery-powered models.
Battery-powered chainsaws are more convenient than electric chainsaws but typically provide less power than gas or corded alternatives. Battery chainsaws, however, will have an unlimited range of use around your yard.
How much does a Chainsaw Weigh?
Weight is critical when choosing a chainsaw, as a model that’s too heavy will be challenging to use for extended periods. If you aren’t comfortable handling heavy tools, a lightweight electric chainsaw is likely the best option.
A typical gas-powered chainsaw weighs 10-12 Lbs, and a battery-powered chainsaw weighs similarly.
If you want a lightweight chainsaw, consider a shorter-length bar (12″) or a small electric (Corded) chainsaw, which will weigh 8-10 Lbs.
On the other hand, If you don’t mind some added heft, a heavier, more powerful chainsaw will let you tackle larger jobs more efficiently.
How Do You Lubricate a Chainsaw?
Most chainsaws lubricate their chains automatically by drawing oil from an internal reservoir. Be aware, though, that some manual models still exist.
Manual lubrication systems require you to press a button on the chainsaw to eject oil onto the chain.
If you’re comfortable working with power equipment and regularly do so, a manual chainsaw lubrication system should be no problem.
If you don’t think you will remember, an automatic lubrication system is a much better option.
How Do You Adjust the Chain Tension on a Chainsaw?
Some Chainsaws include tool-less chain tensioning systems, while other brands may require a tool to tighten the chain.
Most chainsaws have an automatic tensioner built in. While tool-free tensioning systems are very convenient, people experienced with power equipment should have no trouble using a tool-dependent model.
Which Type of Chainsaw Should I Buy?
For most homeowners, the “easiest” type of chainsaw is a battery-powered one.
While battery-powered chainsaws don’t possess as much power as gas-powered chainsaws, their maintenance is limited to a fully powered battery and, of course, a well-sharpened chain.
Gas-powered chainsaws are the most powerful chainsaws on the market. Our Editor’s pick – Husqvarna Chainsaw 455 Rancher, offers an outstanding 3.2 HP and an ideal 20″ chainsaw blade for any residential or light commercial application.
While the typical chainsaw described in this article is efficient, other “chainsaw applications” can be met with another tool: the Pole Saw.
Gas, battery, and even electric (corded) power options are now available as Pole Saws.
A pole saw is essentially a chainsaw on a pole, with Pole Saws allowing you to reach and trim limbs and branches as far as 15 feet above the ground.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best homeowner chainsaw for your personal needs, one of these five models may be best for you.
Thanks to its power, bar size, and overall construction quality, the Husqvarna Rancher 455 is our top pick. However, the best model for you will depend on the project you need to tackle and your level of comfort with chainsaws.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and one of the best small chainsaws on the market, we highly recommend the Black + Decker LCS1020.
Compare the features of these models, and you should quickly be able to determine the best option for you.
Thanks for visiting – Please check out more “Gear” for Your Home at BestHomeGear.com!
References and Additional Resources:
- Chainsaw Safety Video For Homeowners – Youtube.com
- The 10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners – Manual or Electric – Besthomegear.com
- How to Use a Chainsaw to Remove a Tree Stump – Besthomegear.com
- Should I Cut Wood or Use a Chainsaw in the Rain?- hlsprosports.com
- Tips for Chainsaw Chain Maintenance – BobVilla.com
