December 2021
Chainsaws: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Chainsaw rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2021.
At a glance - December 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Chainsaw |
The Spruce
|
Bob Vila
|
Chainsaw Larry
|
Popular Science
|
TopTenReviews
|
Thomasnet
|
Reviewed
|
Fire And Saw
|
Sawinery
|
Chain Saws Direct
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $299 |
Echo CS-400
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $553 |
Husqvarna 460 Rancher
|
-
|
6
|
4
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
3
|
- | $99 |
Worx WG304.1
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Makita UC4051A
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $86 |
Worx WG303.1
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $245 |
Poulan Pro PR5020
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
11
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
+4 | Check price |
Huyosen 5520E
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $399 |
Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
9
|
-1 | $424 |
Husqvarna 120i
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
10
|
-1 | $109 |
Oregon CS1500
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $430 |
Makita XCU03PT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $104 |
GreenWorks 20362
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $250 |
GreenWorks Pro 80V GCS80420
|
-
|
8
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Echo CS-400 #1 in December 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Echo CS-400 as #1.
The Spruce
Best Overall, Gas
|
Pros
Very powerful performance
Lightweight
Fairly easy to start
|
Cons
Gas chainsaws are prohibited in some cities
Noisy
|
Reviewed
Best Overall / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Power
Guide bar length
Ease of use
|
Cons
Price
|
Sawinery
|
Pros
Perfect for beginners with its lightweight exterior
Offers five-year warranty for non-commercial use
Powerful saw 18-inches bar and a 40.2-cc engine
Easy to manage with digital ignition and side-access chain tensioner
Features reduced air filter maintenance
Includes automotive-style air filter for superior filtration
|
Cons
Has components that need maintenance regularly
Expect delivery delays when purchased
|
We ranked Husqvarna 460 Rancher #2 in December 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
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
|
TopTenReviews
Best chainsaw for safety features
|
Pros
Easy to start
Great safety features
|
Cons
Long bar makes handling complex
High price
|
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 December 2021 ranking
The Spruce
Bob Vila
Chainsaw Larry
Popular Science
TopTenReviews
Thomasnet
Reviewed
Fire And Saw
Sawinery
Chain Saws Direct
We ranked Worx WG304.1 #3 in December 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Worx WG304.1 as #1.
TopTenReviews
Best entry level chainsaw
|
Pros
Fully assembled, use straight out of the box
15-amp motor for powerful cutting action
18-inch bar
|
Cons
Uses an electric cord
|
We ranked Makita UC4051A #4 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Makita UC4051A as #1.
The Spruce
Best Overall
|
Pros
Easy to start
Powerful performance
Low maintenance
|
Cons
Complaints that initial assembly is difficult
|
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
|
We ranked Worx WG303.1 #5 in December 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
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
|
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
|
Sawinery
|
Pros
A precise cutting machine integrated with 16-inch bar length
Chain brakes and full-wrap rubberized handle
Has metal spike bumper that grips tightly to prevent sudden kick-back
Quick-stop chain brake that prevents wasted motions
Light-duty exterior that reduces fatigue even when operating for long hours
Auto-tension chain saw function that keeps performance going
Power input of 14.5 amps that produces 12m/s chain speed
Easy to start motor functions
Warranty period of three years
|
Cons
Possible shipping delays
Electric-corded chainsaw and extension cord as its power source
|
We ranked Poulan Pro PR5020 #6 in December 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best chainsaw for value
|
Pros
Easy to start
Powerful for its size
|
Cons
Heavy
Needs idling time before use
|
We ranked Huyosen 5520E #7 in December 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Budget, Gas
|
Pros
Excellent performance
Fairly easy to start
|
Cons
Gas chainsaws are prohibited in some cities
Somewhat heavy
|
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
|
Sawinery
|
Pros
Equipped with a high output engine of 3.4HP with an 18-inch bar and chain
Suitable for cutting wood, small trees, and ice cube
Has an excellent electronic ignition system with 8500 rpm speed
Includes a filtration system that reduces fuel consumption
Integrated with automatic oil supply system that increases service life
Designed with comfortable and safe construction
Offers a 12-month warranty
|
Cons
Expect delivery delays
Users must wear protective gears when using this machine
|
We ranked Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf #8 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Echo CS-590-20 Timber Wolf as #1.
We ranked Husqvarna 120i #9 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Husqvarna 120i as #1.
We ranked Oregon CS1500 #10 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best electric chainsaw
|
Pros
Built-in chain sharpener
Instant start
Powerful for an electric model
|
Cons
Chain can slip off if not properly tensioned
|
We ranked Makita XCU03PT #11 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
TopTenReviews
Best chainsaw for a battery powered option
|
Pros
Low maintenance
Low noise
Incredible safety features
|
Cons
Need additional batteries
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to maneuver
Part of the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem
|
Cons
Price
Underpowered for some applications
Plastic components that can break
|
We ranked GreenWorks 20362 #12 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
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
|
Sawinery
|
Pros
Light-duty, perfect for small cutting tasks
Has a fade-free motor performance without loud noise and fumes
Equipped with tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments
Designed with an easy-to-grip ergonomic handle
Guaranteed 3-year limited tool and battery warranty
Automatic oiler ensures durability
|
Cons
Battery, 24V lithium-ion, needs to be recharged
Requires regular component preservation
|
We ranked GreenWorks Pro 80V GCS80420 #13 in December 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Chainsaws” rankings.
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
|
Cons
N/A
|