Best Chainsaw Brands Compared: Strengths, Weak Spots, Value
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The best chainsaw brands compared: Husqvarna, EGO, DEWALT, Milwaukee, Greenworks, Makita, WORX and RYOBI.
Shopping for a chainsaw means choosing between gas veterans like Husqvarna, battery specialists like EGO and Greenworks and tool brands like DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, RYOBI and WORX that sell chainsaws as part of larger battery platforms. Each brand has real strengths and weak spots, and the right choice depends on what you cut, how often and which batteries you already own. This guide to the best chainsaw brands compares them on reliability, power, features, support and value so you can shop with confidence.
We explain what makes a great chainsaw brand, compare the top brands at a glance, show how to choose between them and answer common questions. Every chainsaw in the table above is sold new on Amazon US. Chainsaws are dangerous tools: read the manual, wear chainsaw chaps, eye and ear protection, gloves and sturdy boots, keep bystanders well away and hire a certified arborist for large trees or anything near power lines.
What Makes a Great Chainsaw Brand?
A great chainsaw brand offers reliable engines or motors, a range of models for different jobs, easy access to replacement chains and parts, solid warranties and service support in the US. Reliability matters most, since a saw that will not start or bogs down in a cut is useless when a storm drops branches across the driveway.
Product range matters too. Brands like Husqvarna offer saws from homeowner models to professional gas saws, while battery brands like EGO, DEWALT and Greenworks cover pruning saws through full size 18 and 20 inch saws. Parts and chain availability help keep saws running for years; common bar and chain sizes from brands like Oregon and aftermarket makers fit many popular models.
Finally, support and service matter. Brands with large dealer and service networks make repairs and warranty claims easier, which is especially important for gas saws that need periodic tune ups.
Bar Length and Power Source
Bar length should match the work. Pruning saws with 8 inch bars, like the DEWALT 20V MAX pruning chainsaw, suit branches.
Compact 12 to 14 inch saws, like the RYOBI 40V 12 inch top handle and Makita XCU08PT 14 inch top handle, suit limbing and light cutting. Saws with 16 to 20 inch bars suit felling small trees and cutting firewood. Gas saws deliver the most power for long sessions, while battery saws offer quiet operation and easy starting.
Noise and Neighbor Friendliness
Gas chainsaws are loud and produce exhaust, which matters in neighborhoods with noise rules and early morning limits. Battery chainsaws run much quieter, start with a button and produce no fumes, which makes them friendlier for suburban yards. Greenworks notes push button start with no gas, fumes, carburetor, spark plug or starter rope on its 40V saw. Hearing protection is still essential with any chainsaw.
Weight and Balance
Lighter saws reduce fatigue and improve control, especially for occasional users. Compact battery saws and top handle models weigh less than full size gas saws. Balance matters as much as weight; Husqvarna highlights an offset front handle and LowVib dampeners on its 455 Rancher to reduce vibration.
Top Chainsaw Brands at a Glance
Here is a quick comparison of the brands covered below, with price ranges based on models listed in the table above.
| Brand | Known For | Price Range | Power Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna | Proven gas saws for homeowners and farms | Around $578 to $649 | Gas |
| EGO | Powerful 56V battery saws | Around $549 | Battery |
| DEWALT | 20V and 60V battery platform saws | Around $150 to $401 | Battery |
| Milwaukee | M18 Fuel saws for trades | Around $499 to $750 | Battery |
| Greenworks | Affordable 40V to 82V battery saws | Around $251 to $510 | Battery |
| Makita | Compact 18V X2 top handle saws | Around $600 | Battery |
| WORX and RYOBI | Budget friendly saws for light yard work | Around $170 to $279 | Battery |
Prices change often, so treat the ranges as a rough guide to where each brand sits. Bare tool prices exclude batteries and chargers, which can add a lot if you are new to a platform.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna is best known for gas chainsaws that suit homeowners with acreage, farms and firewood cutters. The 455 Rancher, at around $578, uses a 55cc, 3.5 HP X-TORQUE engine, Smart Start, an inertia activated chain brake and Air Injection to keep dust from the filter, according to Husqvarna. The 460 Rancher, at around $649, comes with a 24 inch bar.
Strengths are power, durability and a wide dealer network. Weak spots are noise, weight and gas maintenance. Best for heavy cutting.
Gas saws need fresh fuel mixed with two stroke oil, regular air filter cleaning and occasional spark plug changes, so factor maintenance into the choice.
EGO
EGO is a battery specialist known for saws that rival gas power. EGO says its 20 inch CS2005 delivers power equivalent to a 55cc gas saw, chain speeds up to 25 m/s, up to 135 cuts on a 6 by 6 per charge with the included 6.0Ah battery, a digital display, an LED work light and IPX4 weather resistance.
Strengths are power, quiet running and a large 56V tool lineup. The weak spot is battery cost. Best for homeowners who want gas like performance without gas.
The 56V ARC batteries also power EGO mowers, blowers and trimmers, which spreads the battery cost across a full yard setup.
DEWALT
DEWALT suits people already invested in its 20V MAX or 60V FLEXVOLT batteries. Options range from the 8 inch 20V MAX pruning saw at around $150 for the bare tool to the compact 20V DCCS620P1 kit at around $401 and the 60V MAX 18 inch DCCS672B at around $290 for the bare tool.
Strengths are battery sharing and durable builds. Weak spots are runtime on larger jobs with smaller batteries. Best for DEWALT tool owners.
The 60V MAX FLEXVOLT batteries also run DEWALT's larger yard and jobsite tools, which helps if you want one battery system for heavier work.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel chainsaws target contractors, arborists and serious DIYers already on the M18 platform. The 2727-21HD kit, at around $499, pairs a 16 inch saw with a high output battery.
Strengths are power and pro grade durability. Weak spots are price and weight with large batteries. Best for M18 users and trades.
Milwaukee also sells an M18 Fuel 16 inch kit bundled with a blower at around $750, which suits buyers adding several outdoor tools at once.
Greenworks
Greenworks offers affordable battery saws across 40V, 60V, 80V and 82V platforms. The 40V 16 inch brushless saw, at around $251, delivers up to 100 cuts on 4 by 4 lumber per charge, a mechanical chain brake, an automatic oiler and pro style tensioning, according to Greenworks.
Strengths are value and a broad yard tool lineup. Weak spots are less power on smaller voltages. Best for budget minded homeowners.
Greenworks says its 40V batteries work with more than 75 compatible tools, which suits homeowners building a battery yard kit on a budget.
Makita
Makita's 18V X2 system uses two 18V LXT batteries for 36V power. The XCU08PT 14 inch top handle saw kit, at around $600, suits pruning and arborist work.
Strengths are balance, compact size and a huge battery platform. Weak spots are price and top handle saws requiring experience. Best for Makita users.
Top handle saws are designed for trained users working at height; homeowners usually do better with a rear handle saw for ground level cutting.
WORX and RYOBI
WORX and RYOBI focus on budget friendly saws for light yard work. The WORX 20V JawSaw WG320, at around $170, uses an enclosed design for small limbs, while the RYOBI 40V HP 12 inch top handle saw, at around $279, includes a battery and charger.
Strengths are low prices and ease of use. Weak spots are limited power for big jobs. Best for small yards.
How to Choose Between the Best Chainsaw Brands
The specific model matters more than the brand name. Start with the job: pruning, storm cleanup, firewood or felling trees. Then choose the power source: gas for heavy, frequent cutting and battery for quieter, easier yard work. If you already own batteries from DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, RYOBI, Greenworks or EGO, stay on that platform to save money.
Check bar length, weight, chain brake and safety features. Look at warranty terms and whether service centers are nearby. Finally, budget for chains, bar oil, protective gear and extra batteries.
Consider who will use the saw. Occasional users benefit from light, easy starting battery saws with chain brakes and low kickback chains. Experienced users cutting firewood or clearing land may prefer the sustained power of gas. Hold saws in a store when possible to judge weight and balance.
Chainsaws: Your Questions Answered
How long do chainsaw batteries last?
Runtime depends on battery size and wood. EGO lists up to 135 cuts on a 6 by 6 with a 6.0Ah battery, and Greenworks lists up to 100 cuts on 4 by 4 lumber with a 4.0Ah battery. A spare battery helps for bigger jobs.
Gas or battery: which is better for a small yard?
Battery chainsaws are better for most small yards. They start instantly, run quietly, need no fuel mixing and require little maintenance. Gas saws make sense for large properties, frequent firewood cutting and remote areas.
What voltage should I choose?
Choose 18V to 20V for pruning and light limbing, 36V to 60V for general yard work and storm cleanup and 56V to 82V for larger trees and firewood. Staying with batteries you already own often matters more than voltage alone.
Higher voltage saws usually weigh more because of larger batteries, so balance power against how long you plan to hold the saw.
Is a battery chainsaw powerful enough?
Yes, for most homeowners. Premium battery saws like the EGO CS2005 are marketed as equivalent to 55cc gas saws. For daily heavy cutting or large hardwood trees, gas saws still offer more sustained power.
Battery saws also lose less time to starting problems, since there is no carburetor to gum up during storage.
Our Verdict
The best chainsaw brands depend on your work and batteries. Husqvarna leads for gas power, EGO for battery saws that rival gas, DEWALT and Milwaukee for tool platform users, Greenworks for value, Makita for compact top handle saws and WORX and RYOBI for light yard work. Choose the model that fits the job and always use proper safety gear.
For more outdoor tool guides, see the best mini chainsaws, the best cordless leaf blower vacuum, the best battery powered snow blowers and the best tool boxes for garage. Then compare current prices in the product table above.
