March 2023

Chainsaws: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of Chainsaw rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.

Summary

Between 10 Mar 2023 and 13 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 83 Chainsaw endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

63 Chainsaws were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).

As of 13 Mar 2023, Makita UC4051A takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed chainsaw with 2 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 2 recommended it as the '#1 chainsaw' this month. It is followed by Echo CS-400 and Worx WG304.1 , with 3 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking chainsaws start at $53.98 (GreenWorks 20222) and go up to $711.01 (Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II). Median chainsaw costs $219.99 (Makita XCU02PT1).
$53.98
$711.01

At a glance - March 2023 Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Chainsaw
Reviewed
The Spruce
Bob Vila
Thomasnet
Chain Saws Direct
Chainsaw Larry
Fire And Saw
TopTenReviews
Sawinery
Popular Science
1
- $301
Makita UC4051A
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
2
- $346
Echo CS-400
1
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
-
3
- $147
Worx WG304.1
-
-
-
1
-
10
-
6
-
-
4
- $593
Husqvarna 460 Rancher
-
-
6
-
9
4
-
5
-
-
5
- $100
Worx WG303.1
-
3
5
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
6
- $270
Poulan Pro PR5020
-
-
-
3
-
3
-
7
-
-
7
- $359
Makita XCU03PT
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
8
- $285
Husqvarna 120i
-
-
-
9
1
-
-
-
-
-
9
- $420
Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
2
10
- $102
Oregon CS1500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
3
11
- $220
Craftsman S165
-
4
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
- Check price
Huyosen 5520E
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
17
- $84
GreenWorks 20362
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
18
- $288
GreenWorks Pro 80V GCS80420
-
-
8
-
-
7
-
-
-
-

Sorted by price:

Position in ranking Price Chainsaw
#17 $84.34 GreenWorks 20362 [buy] [more info]
#5 $99.99 Worx WG303.1 [buy] [more info]
#10 $102.39 Oregon CS1500 [buy] [more info]
#3 $147.12 Worx WG304.1 [buy] [more info]
#11 $219.99 Craftsman S165 [buy] [more info]
#6 $269.99 Poulan Pro PR5020 [buy] [more info]
#8 $284.94 Husqvarna 120i [buy] [more info]
#18 $288.31 GreenWorks Pro 80V GCS80420 [buy] [more info]
#1 $300.89 Makita UC4051A [buy] [more info]
#2 $346.19 Echo CS-400 [buy] [more info]
#7 $359 Makita XCU03PT [buy] [more info]
#9 $419.98 Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf [buy] [more info]
#4 $592.98 Husqvarna 460 Rancher [buy] [more info]

We ranked Makita UC4051A #1 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Makita UC4051A as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best Overall, Electric

Pros
Easy to start
Powerful performance
Low maintenance

Cons
Complaints that initial assembly is difficult

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Pros
Rubber grip handles and highly-visible trigger switch for convenient use
Features 16-inch guide bar and tool-free chain adjustments blades
A trusted and popular tool brand choice compared to other chain saws gas powered models
Provides soft ignition and smooth start-ups
Automatic chain oiler that allows continuous heavy cutting action
Built-in current delimiter
Convenient and efficient features
Large metal spike
Highly recommended for cutting large tree and logs
Has electric chain brakes for safety purposes
Warranties for workmanship defects up to one year from purchase
Thoroughly inspected and tested before shipping out of the factory

Cons
Needs electricity as a power source and an extension cord
Possible shipping delays

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We ranked Echo CS-400 #2 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Echo CS-400 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Reviewed

Best Overall / Editors' Choice

Pros
Power
Guide bar length
Ease of use

Cons
Price

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Overall, Gas

Pros
Very powerful performance
Lightweight
Fairly easy to start

Cons
Gas chainsaws are prohibited in some cities
Noisy

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Pros
Well-built design, good reliability
Perfect for beginners with its light weight
Offers five-year warranty for non-commercial use
Powerful chainsaw with 18-inches bar and a 40.2-cc engine
Easy to manage with digital ignition and side-access chain tensioner
Includes automotive-style air filter for superior filtration

Cons
Has components that need maintenance regularly
Delivery delays when purchased

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Chainsaws.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Chainsaws, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for March 2023 ranking

We ranked Worx WG304.1 #3 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Worx WG304.1 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Thomasnet

Best Electric Chainsaw

Go to ranking

Chainsaw Larry

18-inch Electric Corded

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TopTenReviews

Best reliable and entry level chainsaw that’s easy to use.

Pros
Fully assembled, use straight out of the box
15-amp motor for powerful cutting action
18-inch bar

Cons
Uses an electric cord

Go to ranking

We ranked Husqvarna 460 Rancher #4 in March 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bob Vila

Best heavy duty

Pros
Heavy-duty cutting power for large projects
Powerful X-Torq engine
Easy, non-pull start with SmartStart system
Air-cleaning system filters out contaminants
Long-lasting engine

Cons
Large and heavy; may be challenging for some users to operate
Expensive

Go to ranking

Chain Saws Direct

Best Farm & Ranch Chain Saw

Go to ranking

Chainsaw Larry

24-inch Gas Powered

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TopTenReviews

One of the best chainsaws for tackling medium-sized outdoor jobs

Pros
Easy to start
Great safety features

Cons
Long bar makes handling complex
High price

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We ranked Worx WG303.1 #5 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best Budget, Electric

Pros
Comfortable, padded handle
Automatic chain tension and oil
Excellent performance

Cons
Chain adjuster knob is large, might be accidentally turned during use

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Best light duty

Pros
Affordable option
Runs as long as the unit is plugged in
Tool-less chain tension
Chain brake for enhanced safety
Automatic oiler

Cons
Less durable plastic components
May be difficult to replace parts
May require an extension cord

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Sawinery

Pros
16-inch bar length
Chain brakes and full-wrap rubberized handle
Metal spike bumper
Quick-stop chain brake that prevents wasted motions
Light-duty exterior that reduces fatigue even when operating for long hours
Auto-tension function
14.5 amp motor that produces 12m/s chain speed
Affordable price and warranty period of three years

Cons
Possible shipping delays
Corded electric chainsaw, may be limited by length of cord

Go to ranking

We ranked Poulan Pro PR5020 #6 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Thomasnet

Best Gas Chainsaw

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Chainsaw Larry

20-inch Gas Powered

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TopTenReviews

The best value gas-powered chainsaw

Pros
Easy to start
Powerful for its size

Cons
Heavy
Needs idling time before use

Go to ranking

We ranked Makita XCU03PT #7 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Makita XCU03PT as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Reviewed

Pros
Lightweight
Easy to maneuver
Part of the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem

Cons
Price
Underpowered for some applications
Plastic components that can break

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TopTenReviews

The best battery powered chainsaw overall

Pros
Low maintenance
Low noise
Incredible safety features

Cons
Need additional batteries

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We ranked Husqvarna 120i #8 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Husqvarna 120i as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Thomasnet

Best Quiet Chainsaw

Go to ranking

Chain Saws Direct

Best Electric Chainsaw

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We ranked Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf #9 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Chain Saws Direct

Best Gas Chainsaw

Go to ranking

Popular Science

Best gas chainsaw

Pros
Responsive throttle
Translucent fuel tank
Long-lasting, sharp chain

Cons
A bit on the heavy side

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We ranked Oregon CS1500 #10 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TopTenReviews

The best self-sharpening chainsaw

Pros
Built-in chain sharpener
Instant start
Powerful for an electric model

Cons
Chain can slip off if not properly tensioned

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Popular Science

Best electric chainsaw

Pros
Pre-assembled
Little to no maintenance required
Lots of safety precautions in place

Cons
Instructions are a must-read

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We ranked Craftsman S165 #11 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best Budget

Pros
Cushion-wrapped handle for reduced vibration
Easy Start Technology
Doesn't burn through fuel

Cons
Few complaints of difficulty in restarting the saw after a work break

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Bob Vila

Best overall gas

Pros
Chain brake for enhanced safety
Anti-vibration mounting
CARB and EPA compliant
Includes carrying case for transport and storage

Cons
May require high fuel consumption for heavy-duty projects
Heavy

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We ranked Huyosen 5520E #12 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bob Vila

Best Budget gas

Pros
Affordable model
Powerful 54.6cc motor
vibration-dampening cushioned handle
Automatic chain oiler

Cons
Basic compared to similar tools offered by competitors

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Pros
Incredibly powerful engine of 3.4HP with an 18-inch bar and chain
Durable and well-suited for cutting wood and small trees
Excellent electronic ignition system with 8500 rpm speed
Includes a filtration system
Integrated with automatic chain oiler
Designed with comfortable and safe construction
Offers a 12-month warranty
550 ml fuel tank capacity

Cons
Expect delivery delays
Users must wear protective gears when using this machine

Go to ranking

We ranked GreenWorks 20362 #13 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best for Small Jobs

Pros
Very light
Easy to start and use
Handles small jobs around the yard very well

Cons
Not powerful or big enough for tackling large tree limbs or lots of brush

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Pros
Quiet operation and great cutting performance
Lightweight chainsaw, perfect for small jobs
Well-balanced and durable build
Equipped with tool-free chain tensioning for easy adjusting
Easy-to-grip ergonomic handle
Guaranteed 3-year limited tool and battery warranty
Automatic chain oiler ensures durability
Greenworks batteries are interchangeable for same-voltage tools

Cons
Battery is a 24V lithium-ion that needs to be recharged
Charger sold separately

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We ranked GreenWorks Pro 80V GCS80420 #14 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Bob Vila

Best Battery Powered

Pros
Suitable for heavy-duty jobs
Lightweight and easy to handle
Runs for 1-2 hours per charge; 30 minutes to charge
Comes with a battery and charger
Multiple safety features

Go to ranking

Chainsaw Larry

18-inch Cordless Battery Powered

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