Finding the best chainsaws for your home use can be daunting, mainly because you are most likely new to this. But fear not!
Here, we tell you everything you need to consider when buying your first home chainsaw and the best chainsaws available for homeowners today.
Quick Overview
Winner
Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Perfect for heavy-duty saw work
CARB-compliant due to lower emissions
Smart Start technology
Runner-Up
WORX WG309
Combination of regular and pole chainsaw
Easy to transform
Extends up to 10 feet
Our Top 6 Choices For Best Chainsaw For Home Use
| Best Chainsaw for Home Use | Power | Bar Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | 3.49 hp | 20″ | Check Price |
| 2. WORX WG309 2-in-1 Chainsaw | 8 Amp | 10″ | Check Price |
| 3. Black + Decker Homeowner Lopper Chainsaw | 4.5 Amp | 6″ | Check Price |
| 4. Makita XCU03PT1 18V X2 | 36V | 14″ | Check Price |
| 5. Poulan Pro PR5020 | 50 cc | 20″ | Check Price |
| 6. Remington 4214 | 42 cc | 14″ | Check Price |
6 Best Chainsaw for Home Use
#1 – Winner – Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
Quick Facts
Perfect for heavy-duty saw work
CARB-compliant due to lower emissions
Smart Start technology
Performance
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas-Powered Chainsaws are the best choice for doing heavy-duty saw work with its 50.8 cm or 20-inch bar and large 3.5 HP gas engine.
It can easily cut down large trees and is considered one of the most powerful chainsaws available on the market.
Its gas-efficient X-Torq technology is built into the 3.5HP 55.5cc chain saw engine to give you the best power and torque to operate its 20-inch bar with no stalling.
It has an Automatic Tool-less Chain Tensioning System and an Automatic (Adjustable Flow) Oiler.
Design and Usability
Husqvarna chainsaws are powerful, quieter than others, and have anti-vibration technology.
It is also lightweight and well-balanced to lessen your fatigue. An added feature is the bucking spikes that let you mount chainsaws on the trunk you are cutting, so as not to tire as quickly.
Weighing only 12.8 pounds or 5.81 kg, you will not waste time starting this up because it has a full control choke and boasts spring assisted Smart Start technology.
We love the Centrifugal Air Cleaning System, which keeps large dust and debris out of the air filter. This lessens your work because your chain saw will last longer despite fewer cleanings.
Husqvarna also has excellent options with a 16-inch bar. A 14 to a 16-inch bar is ideal for cutting firewood, though the 455 Rancher is more than capable of doing the same.
A good recommendation for a chain saw with a 16-inch bar is the Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Chain saw.
Safety
The X-Torq technology is why this chain saw has been certified as compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) due to its lower gas and fume emissions.
It even has an Inertia-Activated Chain Brake, Bucking Spikes, and an Automatic (Adjustable Flow) Oiler!
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
If you need chainsaws for heavy-duty tasks, such as felling large trees in the yard or neighborhood, you cannot get any better than this gas model.
These powerful chainsaws can deliver reliable performance without tiring you throughout the day and is pimped out with every feature imaginable!
That is why the 455s are the best chainsaw for home use available on the market.
Here’s what you’ll love
Smart Start technology built-in
Ergonomic handles and better grip
Anti-vibration technology
Lightweight well-balanced saw
Chain catch and brake
Low kickback
CARB compliant and low emissions
Noise level control
Here’s what you might not like
Automatic oiler can be finicky
Overheating if fuel mixture too rich
More expensive than the 450E Husky
#2 – Runner-Up – WORX WG309 2-in-1 Chainsaw
Quick Facts
Combination of regular and pole chainsaw
Easy to transform
Extends up to 10 feet
Performance
With an 8-amp motor, this electric chainsaw is powerful when compared to other electric chainsaws. It delivers reliable and consistent performance for all the tasks that may require tackling.
This electric chainsaw comes with WORX’s promise that all their tools, including this electric chainsaw, are engineered with cutting-edge technology and above-average efficiency standards. This allows you to build an entire collection of impressive WORX tools.
Design and Usability
The WORX WG309 electric chainsaw gives you the best of both worlds. It is a 2-in-1 tool that transforms from a standard handheld electric chainsaw to a pole chainsaw with little effort.
This allows you to do more than just trim tree branches high in the air.
You can use the same electric chainsaw to cut thicker branches and wood closer to the ground. It can also cut up smaller trees into more manageable logs.
It has a 25.4 cm or 10-inch bar. With all its functions, it weighs only 10 lbs. or 4.54 kg.
It is easy to use with its Automatic Tool-less Tensioning System and Automatic (Fixed Flow) Oiler.
This electric chainsaw is among the best homeowner chainsaw models you can get because of this extra functionality. It is perfect for storm cleanups or for keeping your garden in good shape.
The electric chainsaw’s pole extension allows it to reach up to 10 feet long, giving you a lot of extra reach. For the price, its 2-in-1 functionality, and ease of use, this electric chainsaw is hard to beat.
If you are also considering the other electric chainsaws on this list, you can buy this as an additional power tool to include in your arsenal!
Safety
This electric chainsaw comes with a blade cover to keep you safe whenever you store or handle the blade.
It also has a hangar that protects you from any falling debris. The design gives you an easier and safer way to cut the branches—no matter where they are—all for the price of just one tool.
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
If your typical chainsaw work consists of cutting down trees and limbs, you can easily reach them, as well as those high up off the ground.
The WORX WG309 electric chainsaw is the best homeowner chainsaw for you. You will no longer have to fret about safely hoisting up your chainsaw or reaching the highest branches.
Here’s what you’ll love
2-in-1 tool
Easy to use, assemble, and maintain
Lightweight
Oil level window
No kickback
Easy to start/stop without lowering the saw
28 ft/sec chain speed
Handle rotates 180 degrees
Here’s what you might not like
Not designed for heavy tasks
Heavy when extended to full length
No chain brake
Needs extension cord
#3 – Black + Decker Homeowner Lopper Chainsaw
Quick Facts
Extremely lightweight
Unique alligator design
Safe and easy to use for beginners
Performance
If you require an electric chainsaw to finally get all that tree pruning done, this corded electric lopper chainsaw will let you do so both quickly and easily.
Powered by a 4.5 amp motor, it can safely cut wood with a diameter under 4 inches, which we mostly encounter in our yards anyway. Some even claim it can cut up to 5-inch diameter limbs!
The patented clamping jaws of this electric chainsaw easily and safely grab and cut tree limbs. The scissor-type action results in fast cutting in one swift and easy motion.
Design and Usability
The wrench handle design lets you cut through limbs as if you were using a pair of scissors. The razor-sharp teeth of this electric chainsaw will do the job quickly and efficiently.
It comes with a 15.24 cm or 6-inch bar and weighs only 6.5 lbs. or 2.95 kg. This chainsaw is one of the lightest on this list.
The chain remains lubricated with its Automatic (Fixed Flow) Oiler, which only needs a few drops of oil in the reservoir before each use to keep your chain correctly oiled.
Since all chains loosen over time, Black + Decker equipped this Lopper Chainsaw with an Automatic Tool-less Chain Tension System to easily set the correct chain tension for you for each use.
The corded electric chainsaw kit includes an alligator lopper, oil bottle, and wrench.
Two other models give you the same specs while offering battery-operated options. The NLP1800 is powered by Nickel-cadmium batteries, while the LLP1208B is powered by Lithium-ion Batteries.
Safety
People who are not comfortable or experienced using chainsaws should know that it can be hazardous to handle them.
And, most of the time, you may not even need a full-blown chainsaw for your home. This is where the Black + Decker Lopper Corded Electric Chainsaw comes in.
Its unique design makes it the safest model to use for beginners.
A feature common in the best chainsaws is those that prevent accidental starting. This model includes dual-hand switches that need to be activated to initiate cutting, making it safe to store and use.
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
New to using chainsaws? This is the best chainsaw for beginners as it is the easiest to use due to its design.
And if you mostly need to do tree pruning and other light-duty tasks, the Black + Decker Lopper Chainsaw is the best homeowner chainsaw model for you.
Here’s what you’ll love
Excellent for beginners
Accidental starting prevention feature
Can cut up to 4 or 5-inch branches
Fast cutting
Patented clamping jaws for easy operation
Safe to use
Also comes in battery-operated option
Here’s what you might not like
Only for smaller limbs and branches
Needs an extension cord
#4 – Makita XCU03PT1 18V X2
Quick Facts
Fast charging
Dual-port charger for simultaneous charging
Plenty of safety features
Performance
Powered by two 18V 5.0 AH batteries, the Makita CXU03PT1 is one of the best cordless chainsaw models on the market.
This configuration gives you 36V of run – time coupled with excellent performance. (I would go with the 4 batteries kit.)
With a 35.56 cm or 14 – inch bar, you can use this small chainsaw for almost any task or chore. The brushless motor delivers a lot of power while preserving battery life to prolong your use.
Makita even claims it can match the power of a 32cc gas chainsaw. This makes it more than capable of taking down small trees and chopping dense firewood, such as oak and maple.
You can even leave it while you take a lunch break and return with your batteries charged!
Design and Usability
This cordless chainsaw uses a tool-less chain adjustment system. You need only turn the knob on the side of the saw to achieve the chain tension you desire.
It also has an automatic oiler and view window, which will allow you to ensure your chain and bar are oiled adequately.
The kit includes a dual-port charger that can charge both batteries rapidly and simultaneously. With this chainsaw, you can bet you will not be emitting harmful gases or chemicals in the air.
Safety
To operate this saw, you need to keep the built-in safety button engaged at all times; this reduces the chances of getting an injury to virtually zero.
There is also an included lock-off lever that stops the chain from accidentally engaging.
These features make this Makita chainsaw one of the safest medium-seized chainsaws available on the market.
It is also perfect for homes where children may accidentally play with your power tools, though we still suggest storing it in a safe place!
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
This Makita model is the best homeowner chainsaw for you if you have a particular need for battery-operated chainsaws for continuous work.
This chainsaw offers a lot of power and fantastic cutting speeds. The 14 – inch bar makes it suitable for all home needs, and its added safety features will make sure you and your family remain injury-free!
Here’s what you’ll love
No spark plug replacement costs
Fast charging battery
Channels debris and moisture away
Higher motor life
Very portable
High cutting speeds
Low volume levels
Fast charging
Here’s what you might not like
4 – second automatic shut – off may be too short
Redundant power button
#5 – Poulan Pro PR5020
Quick Facts
Reasonable price
70% fewer emissions
20% lower fuel consumption
Performance
If you require a gas chainsaw that requires more oomph than the ones we have recommended for suburban homeowners, the Poulan Pro PR5020 is your best bet.
The PR5020 has a 50.8 cm or 20-inch bar that will let you use a gas chainsaw just below professional-grade chainsaws. A massive 50 cc engine size provides enough power for everyone.
This is one model built correctly for felling trees, bucking trunks, and splitting firewood.
Its 20-inch bar is excellent for several medium and a few heavy tasks. Despite its power, it comes at a reasonable price.
It isn’t just the upfront cost that will keep your wallet happy, but also its long-term costs.
The Special OxyPower Engine Technology allows you to save money. It creates 70% fewer emissions and 20% lower fuel consumption than other gas chainsaw models in the long term, which is a considerable saving.
Design and Usability
The Poulan Pro PR5020 also has a purge bulb, which supplies the carburetor with fuel and makes this gas-powered chainsaw easier to start with fewer pulls.
To protect this essential part, Poulan designed its chainsaws to protect the purge bulb and reduce the risk of its damage.
Note that its Side-Mounted Chain Tensioning System requires a unique tool (known as a scrench) for quick chain adjustments. However, it will not be challenging to do that because it is integrated into its rear handle.
It uses an Automatic (Fixed Flow) Oiler to keep your gas-powered chainsaw well-lubricated. However, some may prefer an oiler with adjustable flow. It is up to your preference on how you proceed.
With its user-friendly combination choke/stop control, it allows you to start this gas chainsaw faster.
This feature will ensure you are given excellent reliability by lowering the engine flooding risk if any stalling occurs.
Safety
The lower emissions are good for both the environment and you.
Since the emissions are lower, the air you will breathe in will also be cleaner, allowing you to breathe more easily and avoiding adverse long-term effects of inhaling all those fumes.
As a plus, it helps to filter air out more efficiently, lessening the time and effort required to clean it!
It doesn’t stop there. The Poulan Pro PR5020 includes an Inertia-Activated Chain Brake to keep you safe during use.
It also has an effortless pull starting system that reduces the pull force you will need to use by as much as 30%.
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
User reviews have praised this gas-powered chainsaw for its excellent value.
Despite its flaws, this is the best chainsaw for you if you want excellent value for your money and need a reliable chainsaw without having to step into the professional chain saw market.
Here’s what you’ll love
70% fewer emissions
20% more fuel efficiency
Effortless pull system
Easy start-up
Purge bulb is protected
Here’s what you might not like
Manual Tensioning System
Prone to flooding
No adjustable flow oiler
#6 – Remington 4214
Quick Facts
Durable die-cast chassis
Anti-vibration technology
Perfect for trimming small to medium-sized limbs
Performance
Most homeowners and casual suburban lumberjacks will find a gas chainsaw is all they need.
I mean, let’s face it: the trees you will likely find in your suburban neighborhood will not be thick enough to require a giant chainsaw.
The 14-inch bar and chain in the Remington 4214 make it an excellent gas chainsaw for trimming small to medium-sized limbs and cutting down small trees.
Despite its shorter blade length, it is still capable of felling or bucking a large 28-inch trunk if you take two opposite passes with the blade on either side.
Design and Usability
Remington’s QuickStart technology allows you to continuously work without having to waste time starting your saw.
With its Automatic (Adjustable Flow) Oiler, your bar and chain will be well lubricated.
Besides its stellar performance and all these features, it even includes an anti-vibration feature! The Remington 4214 is one of the best chainsaws available for home users.
Everything is protected in a lightweight, compact, and durable die-cast chassis robust enough to last you for years to come.
Safety
Safety-wise, the manual chain brake protects you from kickbacks, and the bucking spikes allow you to easily mount the chainsaw on the trees you’ll be cutting. The Remington 4214 has got your back.
Is This the Best Chainsaw for You?
If you are a casual lumberjack or typically use your chainsaw in your yard, there is no point in spending lots of cash on a top-tier commercial-grade gas-powered chainsaw.
The Remington 4214 is more than capable of accomplishing all your yard work and is comfortable with its anti-vibration technology, making this the go-to gas chainsaw for any suburban homeowner.
Here’s what you’ll love
Warranty for two years
Smooth and fast start-up
5-point Anti-Vibration system
Manual Chain Brake
Bucking Spikes
Side-mounted tensioner adjustment
Compact
Durable
Affordable
Here’s what you might not like
Overheating due to clogged air filter
Heavy for its chain and bar length
Some users report receiving faulty items
What Should You Ask Yourself Before Buying a Chainsaw for Your Home?
The decision to buy a chainsaw, especially if it is your first time, can be a daunting one. This is a powerful tool that can cause many injuries when not handled correctly, and you need to keep in mind the safety informations.
Below are a few questions you should consider carefully before deciding on your chainsaw purchase and determine the best home chainsaw for you.
Why Do I Want a Chainsaw?
Your intended use for your chainsaw is a critical factor in deciding the right chainsaw for you.
This will affect the chainsaw you will get (gas, electric, or battery), the right bar and chain length for you, and the specs you need.
For example, if you only plan to use it for trimming jobs, a small chainsaw with a 6 to 12-inch bar and chain and a light-duty motor will be sufficient. However, a 6 to 12-inch bar and chain will not work for jobs that involve cutting down large trees.
Determine what you will mostly use your chainsaw for, then compare it with the motor, bar and chain length, chainsaw type, power output, and aspects of the chainsaw models in this guide to find the perfect one for you.
How Often Will I Be Using the Chainsaw?
If you need to use your chainsaw a lot throughout the year, a gas chainsaw may be best for you as it is more powerful and can keep up more with your tasks.
Unlike battery-operated chainsaws, you will not have to worry about charging anything.
However, if you will only use your chainsaw occasionally for small jobs, an electric or battery chainsaw will be the best option for you.
These models also require little maintenance, so keeping them stored while waiting for the right time to use them will be no problem.
Does the Noise Level of the Chainsaw Matter?
Chainsaws can make a lot of noise, which is why we recommend you always wear ear protection along with other safety gear. However, one important consideration is your family and neighbors.
If you live in the suburbs where you have many neighbors, a gas chainsaw probably is not the best choice for you as they are the noisiest among the three types of chainsaws.
Find out if you have noise ordinances in your area. You wouldn’t want to get in any trouble or make enemies of the people who live near to you!
Do I Have Prior Training and/or Experience in Handling a Chainsaw?
The answer to this question is a critical factor in choosing your chainsaw. Remember, one small mistake with handling a chainsaw can cause the loss of limbs or significant injuries.
So be honest with yourself. There is no shame in admitting that you are new to using chainsaws.
There, we recommend you start with a smaller, less powerful model as they are easier to handle. You can always upgrade to a bigger model later on after you have had enough practice.
Look for additions such as low kickback, chain brakes, and other specs to make the chainsaw safer for you. We suggest opting for tool-less tensioning or electric or battery chainsaws with keypads.
If you are an experienced worker, though, you can pick whichever chainsaw you like.
What Type of Chainsaw Do You Need?
Gas – Powered
Most people think of chainsaws, and the gas-powered model immediately comes to mind. This is the most powerful chainsaw, perfect for heavy chainsaw work.
Advantages
Power
Some of the most powerful saw models available on the market are gas-powered. They can easily cut through any wood with no issue, as long as they are correctly maintained and cared for.
Portability
Unlike corded electric chainsaws, you can take gas types with you anywhere. All you need to remember is to load it up with enough fuel mix.
Safety
Chainsaw manufacturers are more careful of their gas models because they know how catastrophic that unintentional accidents can be. This is why gas chainsaws have more safety details included.
Disadvantages
Maintenance
These models require more upkeep than battery-operated or corded electric models. You will need to maintain a clean filter, use the right mix of gasoline and oil, and replace the spark plugs regularly.
They are also carbureted and require adjustments to fuel and air mixtures, making them demanding if you do not know how to use your chainsaw properly.
Noise, Size, and Weight
Gas chainsaws are also noisier and heavier because of their powerful engines, making them unsuitable for neighborhoods. This also makes them more challenging to use for long periods, as they are more tiring to hold.
Expensive
Due to their extra power and additional features, they are more expensive than other types.
Corded Electric
The more popular choice for casual chainsaw users and homeowners who occasionally need to do yard work is an electric chainsaw.
Advantages
Power or Fuel Not an Issue
As it only requires you to plug this into a suitable outlet to power your corded electric saw, you will never run out of engine fuel.
There are no batteries you have to charge it with. You can keep this running all day.
Quiet and Lightweight
They are lighter and less noisy than gas models because it does not need as many parts and an engine as powerful as gas chainsaws.
Low Maintenance
Electric chainsaws have many models available on the market. It takes little to maintain these models, besides a quick cleaning and maintenance of the bar-lube levels.
Easy to Start
Electric chainsaws can be started with a button’s push, unlike gas chainsaws, which usually require pulling and other steps to start it up.
Affordable
Because corded electric models are made with the casual or home user in mind and are not as powerful as gas chainsaws, they are also more affordable.
Disadvantages
Dependent on Outlet or Extension Cord
The main disadvantage of electric saws is how limited your use can be. You need a reliable power source to utilize this machine, which may not always be available when working, especially in the outdoors.
Not as Powerful
They still cannot match the most powerful gas chainsaw models in capacity, torque, and engine power.
Battery – Powered
If you want the convenience of carrying your chainsaw around with you everywhere but do not want to spend as much for a gas chainsaw, a battery-operated cordless chainsaw may be the best middle-ground for you.
Advantages
Portability
The best feature of battery-operated chainsaws is that it offers a lot of flexibility. You can take it anywhere with you, just like a gas chainsaw, without having to worry about mixing your fuel.
Low Maintenance
Cordless chainsaw models are also limited maintenance, just like a typical electric chainsaw.
You need not worry about changing the oil, maintaining a spark plug, or cleaning out an air filter. All you need to make sure is your bar and chain are oiled correctly.
Quiet and Lightweight
With present-day technology, there are plenty of powerful options for battery-powered chainsaws that are also less noisy than a gas-powered model.
Cordless chainsaw models only make noise whenever you pull the trigger, and even then, they still produce less noise than gas chainsaws when at full power.
Easy to Start
With the push of a button, these chainsaws start right up. This is very convenient, considering how often you need to start and stop your chainsaw throughout your cutting work.
Disadvantages
Battery Life
The disadvantage of battery-powered chainsaws is that they depend on batteries.
You must calculate how much time your task will take to know if one full charge of any cordless chainsaws’ battery will be enough to finish it.
Expensive Batteries
If you plan to keep spare batteries around for your chainsaws, this can extend the time you have available to work.
However, chainsaw batteries are expensive. So, keeping a few on hand to make sure you do not run out of power in the middle of your work can cost as much as the saw itself.
Not as Powerful
Just like electric chainsaws, while there are battery-powered options capable, they just cannot compare to the power you can get from a gas chainsaw.
Top Picks
Here are our top picks for the best chainsaws for home use:
Winner
Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Key Takeaways
Perfect for heavy-duty saw work
CARB-compliant due to lower emissions
Smart Start technology
Runner-Up
WORX WG309
Key Takeaways
Combination of regular and pole chainsaw
Easy to transform
Extends up to 10 feet
Final Words
Each chainsaw has something to offer you as a home user, whether it is power, versatility, or a particular feature you are looking for.
We know you will fall in love with their excellent features and superb performance.