10 Best Homeowner Chainsaws of 2023

Photo: Greenworks

If you’re a homeowner with trees that need cutting or just trimming around your home, then you need the best homeowner chainsaw you can get.

Chainsaws come in different sizes, styles, and power configurations, but chainsaws for the homeowner usually have less power and weight, as well as more safety features to make them more beginner-friendly.

In this homeowner chainsaws review, you’ll get all the information that you need to make the right choice, and this includes the following list of the market’s top offers, as well as the accompanying buying guide.

10 Best Homeowner Chainsaws – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. DeWalt DCCS620B (Cordless 12-inch Design)	Compact and lightweight homeowner chainsaw High-efficiency brushless motor with 25.2 fps speed Uses DeWalt’s 20V MAX batteries for power and freedom DeWalt backs it with a 3-year warranty
	2. Greenworks 20262 (Cordless Chainsaw with Battery)	Cordless 40V homeowner chainsaw Features a compact 12-inch design Comes with a battery and charger Backed by a 4-year warranty
	3. Black & Decker LCS1020B (10-inch Compact Chainsaw)	Compact 10-inch homeowner chainsaw Tool-less chain tensioner Perfect for woods up to 8 inches Includes a 2-year Black & Decker warranty
	4. Black & Decker LCS1240B (12-inch 40V Chainsaw)	Compact 12-inch homeowner chainsaw Uses a 40V system for better performance Features tool-free chain tensioning Backed by a 2-year warranty
	5. Oregon CS1500 (Self Sharpening 18-inch Chainsaw)	Compact chainsaw with self-sharpener Powerful 15-Amp corded system 18-inch guide bar for more flexibility Backed by a 3-year warranty
	6. Greenworks 20322 (16-inch Cordless Design)	16-inch cordless homeowner chainsaw Its brushless motor offers more torque and durability Includes an automatic oiler and chain brake Comes with a 4-year warranty
	7. Worx WG322.9 (Small & Affordable)	Small homeowner chainsaw Perfect with an optional extension pole Automatic oiling and tool-free chain tensioning 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
	8. Remington RM4216 (16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw)	Powerful gas-powered chainsaw Available in 14, 16, and 18-inch models Features an adjustable automatic oiler Comes with a 2-year warranty
	9. Worx WG303.1 (Cheapest Corded Chainsaw)	Powerful corded electric chainsaw The 14.5-Amp motor produces 39-fps chain speed Features automatic chain tensioning and lubrication Comes with a 3-year warranty
	10. Poulan Pro PR4218 (Most Powerful Gas Chainsaw)	Powerful gas-powered homeowner chainsaw Features an 18-inch bar for serious jobs The package includes carrying case and oil Comes with a 2-year warranty coverage

1. DeWalt DCCS620B – Cordless 12-inch Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Battery
• Bar Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 8.8 pounds

Designed to beautifully handle 4 to 10-inch jobs, this DeWalt 12-inch chainsaw combines a compact and lightweight design with DeWalt’s 20V MAX battery system.

The result is this rugged unit with a 25.2 fps chainsaw. The 0.043 chain gauge gets powered by a brushless motor to maximize the motor’s and battery’s lives.

A less impressive feature here is that this offer is for the bare tool only, without a battery. You are free to choose any 20V battery, however, from DeWalt’s impressive range of 1.5Ah to 9Ah batteries.

DeWalt includes a tool-free bar-tightening and chain-tensioning system that combines with its other features to make it one of the best chainsaws for homeowners.

More Detailed: DeWalt DCCS620B Review

Pros:

• A compact and lightweight chainsaw
• Features a high-efficiency brushless motor
• Cordless design with tool-less chain tensioning
• DeWalt backs it with a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• This offer doesn’t include a battery
• A storage case is also not included

2. Greenworks 20262 – Cordless Homeowner Chainsaw with Battery

Photo: Greenworks

• Power Source: 40V battery
• Bar Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds

Greenworks also has a great homeowner chainsaw. This Greenworks 20262 features a cordless design with a 40V battery system that provides a near gas-powered performance.

It’s a 12-inch bar design and the saw weighs just six pounds. It features an automatic oiler, a tool-free tensioner, and a 3/8-inch chain pitch to help cut down on kickbacks.

Other features that make this a top-rated homeowner chainsaw include a chain brake, a translucent oil tank, and the included 2-Ah battery with its charger.

The package lacks a case, however, and you can get cheaper offers elsewhere. But Greenworks backs the chainsaw with an impressive 4-year warranty.

More Detailed: Greenworks 20262 Review

Pros:

• Cordless homeowner chainsaw with 40V system
• Features a compact 12-inch design
• The package includes a battery and its charger
• Greenworks backs it with a 4-year warranty

Cons:

• You can get cheaper offers
• No storage case or oil included in the package

3. Black & Decker LCS1020B – 10-inch Compact Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power Source: 20V battery
• Bar Length: 10 inches
• Weight: 7.6 pounds

Here’s an interesting offer for Black & Decker users on the search for the best homeowner chainsaw for the money. It’s a low-priced but high-quality compact saw with a 10-inch bar.

You get a unit with a tool-free chain tensioner for quick and convenient adjustments, an oiling system for lubrication, well-positioned handles for your comfort.

This is a bare-tool offer, however, so you’ll benefit if you’ve already got Black & Decker’s 20V batteries, or if you’re planning to get their other tools. This way, you can save on batteries.

You can still decide to get this chainsaw with batteries if you want. Black & Decker offers it with 2Ah and 3Ah battery options, as well as a 2-year warranty.

Pros:

• Compact chainsaw with a 10-inch bar
• Includes a tool-less chain tensioner
• Perfect for woods up to 8 inches
• Comes backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• The offer lacks a battery and charger
• Its 10-inch bar might be too short for some tasks

4. Black & Decker LCS1240B – 12-inch 40V Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power Source: 40V battery
• Bar Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 7.1 pounds

Here’s another Black & Decker compact saw, but this one features a 12-inch bar and gets powered by a 40V battery system.

Unlike the 10-inch model with its 11-fps chain speed, this 12-inch delivers up to 16 fps chain speeds, making it a more powerful and capable saw, ideal for woods up to 10 inches in diameter.

Most of the other features are the same, however, and this includes a tool-free chain tensioning system, the oil lubrication system, the ergonomic handle design, and the 2-year warranty to back up the offer.

More Detailed: Black & Decker LCS1240 Review

Pros:

• Compact 12-inch chainsaw
• Uses a 40V system for better performance
• Includes tool-free chain tensioning
• Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• This offer is without a battery or charger
• You can get cheaper homeowner chainsaws

5. Oregon CS1500 – Self Sharpening 18-inch Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Oregon

• Power Source: Corded electric
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 12.6 pounds

This Oregon CS1500 is the first corded-electric chainsaw in this review, and it comes with lots of power and interesting features to defend its corded design.

The system features a 15-Amp motor, which produces a chain speed of 48 fps, the fastest in this review. In addition to that, it comes with an 18-inch guide bar, also making it capable of cutting larger woods.

One of its major features, however, is the integrated self-sharpening system. This makes it easy to sharpen the chain on the saw and in just a few seconds, saving you time and energy.

Although being corded limits where you can use this chainsaw, it also offers a chain brake, tool-free chain tensioning, an automatic oiler, and a 3-year consumer warranty.

More Detailed: Oregon CS1500 Review

Pros:

• Compact chainsaw includes self-sharpener
• Powerful 15-Amp corded system
• Includes a tool-free chain tensioning system
• Comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Being corded comes with spatial limits
• It’s slightly heavier than others

6. Greenworks 20322 – 16-inch Cordless Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Greenworks

• Power Source: 40V battery
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 11.6 pounds

If you love Greenworks’ tools and want something a bit more serious, then this 16-inch offer might work out for you. It’s a cordless homeowner chainsaw with lots of nice features.

The first is the digitally controlled brushless motor, which produces more torque and lasts longer because of zero brush friction. It also produces less vibration than conventional electric chainsaws.

In addition to its longer 16-inch bar, there’s also automatic oiling and an electronic brake for the chain to prevent kickbacks and accidents. This makes it one of the best medium-duty chainsaws.

For downsides, this is a bare tool offer, so its relatively high price doesn’t include a battery and charger. When you consider all its impressive features, however, then it seems worth it. Greenworks backs it with a 4-year warranty.

Pros:

• Powerful 16-inch homeowner chainsaw
• Features a brushless motor for more torque and durability
• Includes an automatic oiler and chain brake
• Backed by a manufacturer’s 4-year warranty

Cons:

• This offer is for the bare tool without battery & charger
• You can get cheaper chainsaws elsewhere

7. Worx WG322.9 – Small & Affordable Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Worx

• Power Source: 20V battery
• Bar Length: 10 inches
• Weight: 6.2 pounds

Worx is another good power-tool maker and this Worx WG322.9 is perfect for anyone who wants a small and dependable homeowner chainsaw.

With a bar length of just 10 inches, it’s one of the smallest units in this review. It also produces one of the slowest chain speeds of 12.5 fps and is the second lightest so far.

These features combine with automatic chain lubrication, tool-free chain tensioning, and an optional 10-ft extension pole to make this Worx WG322.9 one of the best homeowner chainsaws for pruning branches and other small woods.

The downside is that the offer is for the tool only, without a battery and charger. You can include them, however, for about $25 more. Worx backs the offer with a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight homeowner chainsaw
• Compatible with an optional 10-ft extension pole
• Automatic oiling and tool-free chain tensioning
• Backed by a 3-year Worx warranty

Cons:

• It’s for smaller woods and branches
• Battery and charger isn’t included

8. Remington RM4216 – 16-inch Gas Powered Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Remington

• Power Source: 2-cycle gas engine
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds

For those on the search for the best homeowner gas chainsaw, this Remington RM4216 offers you a 16-inch chainsaw that’s powered by a 42cc engine.

What you get here is raw power to tackle all kinds of branches, stems, and other types of wood. It features a 5-point anti-vibration system, as well as cushioned handles for your comfort.

You get tool-free access to the spark plug and the oil filter. Plus, you can adjust the automatic oiler to keep your chain in perfect condition.

No doubt, this offer isn’t for environmentally-friendly folks because of the gas engine. Still, it comes with a carrying case for your convenience, includes 2-cycle oil in the package, and has a 2-year warranty.

Pros:

• Powerful gas-powered 16-inch chainsaw
• Available in 14, 16, and 18-inch models
• Includes an adjustable automatic oiler
• Backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s heavier than electric chainsaws
• Gas engines aren’t environmentally friendly

9. Worx WG303.1 – Cheapest Corded Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Worx

• Power Source: Corded electric
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds

This Worx WG303.1 is a powerful corded electric chainsaw with similar performance to gas-powered models. It features a 14.5-Amp motor and a 16-inch bar.

Numerous features such as its automatic tensioning system, automatic lubrication, and chain brake for safety, make it one of the best homeowner chainsaws for the money.

Asides from limiting your movements, having a cord also means that you can go on and on, without fear of your batteries running down.

It delivers a 39-fps chain speed, weighs only 11 pounds, and comes with 3-year warranty coverage and a blade cover. It’s also the cheapest offer in this review.

Pros:

• Powerful corded homeowner chainsaw
• Features a 14.5-Amp motor with 39-fps chain speed
• Also features automatic chain tensioning and lubrication
• Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• Power cords are physically limiting
• It’s powerful, but not designed for heavy-duty jobs

10. Poulan Pro PR4218 – Most Powerful Gas Homeowner Chainsaw

Photo: Poulan Pro

• Power Source: Gas-powered
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 13.3 pounds

Here’s another gas-powered homeowner chainsaw and it’s also an 18-inch big boy with all the power that you need to get the job done.

It comes with a 42cc 2-stroke engine for raw, unbridled power. You can use it from firewood cutting to tree felling and everything in-between.

You get reduced vibration handles, an air filter system, and automatic oiling. The package then includes a can of 2-stroke oil, extra chain, a carry case, and an on-board scrench for easy maintenance.

We know that gas chainsaws are heavy and noisy, plus they release harmful gases into the environment. Still, they are unbeatable when it comes to raw power and Poulan Pro backs this one with a 2-year warranty to make it one of the best small gas-powered chainsaws out there.

Pros:

• Powerful gas-powered chainsaw
• An 18-inch bar for medium-duty to larger jobs
• Includes a carrying case and 2-stroke oil
• Backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s heavy and noisy
• Not environmentally friendly

How to Buy the Best Homeowner Chainsaws

Photo: Greenworks

Homeowner chainsaws are different from the heavy-duty and powerful chainsaws that professional lumberjacks use on the job.

Because most homeowners are practically inexperienced when it comes to chainsaws and their dangers, manufacturers tend to include more safety features and make them more newbie-friendly.

The following paragraphs explore these unique homeowner chainsaw features that you’ll need to watch out for and consider, so you can make a perfect choice.

1. Power Source

Chainsaws are powerful tools that need lots of energy to run. The earliest chainsaws were gas-powered and they continue to make them to this day as well. In addition to that, you also have electric saws, which are additionally divided into corded and cordless types.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. So, you must understand these differences if you want to make the right choice.

Here’s a look at each type.

Gas-powered Chainsaws. Gasoline-powered chainsaws are both the heaviest and the most powerful type of chainsaw that you can get. This power makes them the best choice for professional tree trimmers and lumberjacks.Their heavyweight and noise, however, make them unattractive for most homeowners. Still, there are gas-powered homeowner chainsaws out there with lighter and relatively quieter engines.

Corded Electric Chainsaws. With electric chainsaws, you experience less weight and noise, but being corded means you’re limited to areas with a mains AC supply.If you’ve got power supply anyway, then a corded chainsaw has the advantage of working for as long as you want. This is their major advantage over cordless units.

Cordless Electric Chainsaws. This type of chainsaws relies on battery power to get the job done. And this makes them very portable tools because you can practically work with a cordless chainsaw anywhere you want.Since the limited power capacity of batteries is the major disadvantage of cordless chainsaws, having more batteries can solve the problem. But this also means more costs.

2. Bar Length

A chainsaw’s guide bar is the part from the tip of the chain to the chainsaw’s housing. The bar’s length is an important factor because it helps you in figuring out the size of wood that you can handle.

You should go for a chainsaw with a bar length that’s at least 2 inches longer than the wood you want to cut. This will make it easy to cut with one pass only. Else, you may need to cut woods with 2 passes.

3. Handles

Chainsaw handles are also important. You’ll find chainsaws with either a top handle or a rear handle and they both have their advantages. Top handles are above the chainsaw and you can use such a saw with one hand safely.

Larger or more powerful homeowner chainsaws will often feature rear handles, which are behind the saw. This type is for two-handed use and is often overall safer to use as well.

4. Ease of Use & Maintenance

Another important factor is how easy it is to use and keep up the chain saw. There’s more work with gas-powered chainsaws than with electric models, but that’s not all.

You also need to consider features such as automatic bar lubrication, tool-less chain tensioning, a brake system for the chain, and other safety features.

5. Price, Warranty & Budget

Most homeowner chainsaws cost anywhere from about $50 to $200, with most costing around $100. They get manufactured from different materials and come with different warranty periods.

It’s left for you here to have a budget and find a good saw within it. But keep in mind that higher-priced offers often feature better construction, construction materials, and longer warranties.

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of this homeowner chainsaws review and you’ve seen all the great designs and exceptional offers out there.

From small electric saws to large gas-powered models, there’s something for everyone and every budget to choose from.

The last choice, however, is yours alone to make because it’s only you that knows what you like, what you need, and what you can afford.