overall
Husqvarna 120 Mark III Gas Chainsaw
9.4
Check price on Amazon → Compare the 10 best chainsaws of 2026, including gas, cordless battery, corded electric, budget, mini and pole saw picks for every yard job.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
For most homeowners cutting firewood and clearing storm damage, the best chainsaw in 2026 is the Husqvarna 120 Mark III, a 38cc gas saw with an automatic oiler and an inertia-activated chain brake that starts easily and handles a genuine range of yard tasks. Need serious power for felling and land clearing? The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a 60.3cc professional-grade saw built for daily heavy use. Want to skip gas and fumes entirely? The Makita XCU11Z 18V cordless and Greenworks 80V cordless both deliver real cutting torque without mixing fuel. On a budget, the SENIX 14-inch corded electric plugs into any outlet for unlimited runtime at a low price. Below we compare all 10 on power source, bar length, safety features and which job each one actually suits, and every listing includes the real safety gear a chainsaw demands, not just the saw itself.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Bar Length | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Husqvarna 120 Mark III Gas Chainsaw | overall | Gas | 16 inch | Homeowner all-around | Check Price |
| 2 | Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | heavy-duty and professional | Gas | 24 inch | Felling and land clearing | Check Price |
| 3 | Makita XCU11Z 18V LXT Cordless Chainsaw | cordless battery | Cordless battery | 14 inch | No gas, no cord | Check Price |
| 4 | WEN CP1518 Corded Electric Chainsaw | corded electric | Corded electric | 18 inch | Unlimited runtime at the outlet | Check Price |
| 5 | Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw | self-sharpening and low maintenance | Corded electric | 18 inch | Lowest-maintenance chain care | Check Price |
| 6 | Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | high-voltage cordless power | Cordless battery | 18 inch | Gas-comparable cordless power | Check Price |
| 7 | Stihl MS 162 Gas Chainsaw | premium brand and compact gas | Gas | 16 inch | Stihl reliability in a compact saw | Check Price |
| 8 | SENIX CSE10-L Corded Electric Chainsaw | budget | Corded electric | 14 inch | Lowest-cost real chainsaw | Check Price |
| 9 | Seesii 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw | mini and pruning handheld | Cordless battery | 6 inch | Light pruning and one-handed cuts | Check Price |
| 10 | WEN 4019 Electric Telescoping Pole Saw | overhead branches without a ladder | Corded electric pole saw | 8 inch | High branches, no climbing | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is the benchmark homeowner gas chainsaw in 2026. Its 38cc, 1.8-HP X-Torq engine is tuned for a balance of power and fuel efficiency rather than raw professional output, which makes it easy to control for occasional users while still cutting through firewood-sized logs and storm-damaged limbs without bogging down. The air purge system and combined choke and stop control make cold starts noticeably less frustrating than older carbureted saws, and the inertia-activated chain brake is a genuine safety feature that helps stop the chain if kickback occurs, not just a marketing line. LowVib dampening reduces the vibration transferred to your hands during longer cutting sessions. For most homeowners who need one reliable gas saw for yard work a few times a year, this is the safe default choice.
Homeowners who want one dependable gas saw for firewood, storm cleanup and occasional tree work.
Buyers who need daily professional-grade power or who want to avoid gas and engine maintenance entirely.
Key specs: 38cc 1.8-HP X-Torq engine - 16 inch bar - automatic oiler - inertia chain brake - LowVib handling
Why we picked it: The Husqvarna 460 Rancher steps up to a 60.3cc, 3.6-HP X-Torq engine built for buyers who cut wood regularly rather than a few times a season, and it is rated for bar lengths from 13 to 24 inches, giving real flexibility for everything from limbing to felling larger trees. Smart Start technology noticeably reduces the pull effort needed to start the engine compared with older Husqvarna models, and the adjustable automatic oil pump lets you dial in lubrication for the bar length you are actually running. The 7-degree offset front handle and LowVib dampening make it more manageable during extended land-clearing or firewood-cutting sessions than its power output would suggest. This is the pick for property owners who genuinely put hours on a saw, not an occasional-use tool.
Property owners, firewood processors and experienced users who cut wood regularly and need professional-grade output.
Occasional users or beginners who only need light yard cleanup and would be better served by a smaller saw.
Key specs: 60.3cc 3.6-HP X-Torq engine - 13-24 inch rated bar - Smart Start - adjustable auto oiler - inertia chain brake
Why we picked it: The Makita XCU11Z brings Makita brushless motor technology to a 14-inch chainsaw with a rated chain speed of 1,520 feet per minute, giving it real cutting authority for limbing, pruning and cutting firewood-sized rounds without gas, oil mixing or engine pull-starts. Because it is sold as a tool-only unit, it is the natural pick for anyone already invested in Makita's 18V LXT battery platform who wants to add a chainsaw without buying another charger and battery ecosystem. The brushless motor design typically means better runtime per charge and a longer motor life than brushed alternatives. Buyers new to Makita should budget separately for at least one compatible 18V battery and charger, since none are included.
Makita 18V LXT owners and buyers who want cordless convenience for pruning and moderate cutting jobs.
Buyers without existing Makita batteries who want a complete kit, or anyone needing to cut large diameter logs.
Key specs: 18V LXT brushless motor - 1,520 FPM chain speed - 14 inch bar - tool only, no battery included
Why we picked it: The WEN CP1518 pairs a 15-Amp motor with an 18-inch bar and chain, giving it a genuinely large cutting capacity for a corded saw and a rated chain speed of 41 feet per second. As long as you are within reach of an outlet or extension cord, runtime is unlimited, which makes it a strong pick for repeated yard sessions where recharging a battery or refueling gas would slow you down. It includes a kickback brake as a real safety feature, tool-free chain tensioning so you are not carrying extra tools to the job, a protective sheath for storage, and a two-year warranty that is longer than many corded competitors offer.
Buyers who work mostly near the house or garage and want maximum bar length without gas or batteries.
Anyone who regularly cuts wood far from a power outlet and needs untethered mobility.
Key specs: 15-Amp motor - 41 ft/s chain speed - 18 inch bar and chain - kickback brake - tool-free tensioning - 2-year warranty
Why we picked it: The Oregon CS1500 solves the single most common chainsaw maintenance headache with its integrated PowerSharp system, which sharpens the chain in about 3 to 5 seconds by running it against a built-in sharpening stone rather than requiring you to remove the chain or use a file. Paired with a 15-Amp motor and an 18-inch guide bar, it delivers solid corded cutting capacity, and because it arrives pre-assembled and UL certified it is ready to run out of the box. It also includes a Chain Brake for kickback protection and runs quieter than a comparable gas engine. For anyone who dreads the sharpening step of chainsaw ownership, this is the most practical pick on this list.
Owners who want to avoid manual chain filing and prefer a simple built-in sharpening solution.
Buyers who need cordless mobility or who already own a separate chain sharpening tool.
Key specs: PowerSharp self-sharpening system - 15-Amp motor - 18 inch guide bar - Chain Brake - UL certified, pre-assembled
Why we picked it: The Greenworks 80V 18-Inch Chainsaw is built to compete directly with gas saws rather than just offer a lighter cordless alternative, and Greenworks positions its cutting performance as comparable to a 42cc gas engine. The brushless motor is rated to deliver roughly double the torque of a brushed motor along with longer runtime and extended motor life, and Greenworks quotes up to 150 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge of the included 2.0Ah battery. Unlike the Makita above, this one ships as a complete kit with battery and rapid charger included, and the 80V battery is compatible with more than 75 other tools in the Greenworks lineup, which matters if you already own or plan to buy other 80V yard equipment.
Buyers who want gas-level cutting power without gas, and who may expand into other Greenworks 80V tools.
Buyers who only need light pruning and do not want to invest in an 80V battery platform.
Key specs: 80V brushless motor - 18 inch bar - up to 150 cuts on 4x4 lumber per charge - battery and charger included
Why we picked it: The Stihl MS 162 brings Stihl's long-standing reputation for engine reliability and dealer parts support to a compact, 16-inch homeowner gas saw. Stihl saws are widely serviced through an established dealer network, which matters over years of ownership since gas chainsaws need periodic carburetor, spark plug and air filter attention that battery and corded saws do not. The listing itself is light on published spec detail beyond the 16-inch bar and chain, so buyers who want exact displacement, weight or fuel tank figures should confirm them with the seller or Stihl directly before purchase, but the MS 162 name carries Stihl's standard homeowner-saw positioning below its professional Farm Boss and Rancher-class competitors.
Buyers who value Stihl's dealer network and long-term parts availability over the lowest sticker price.
Buyers who want a fully cordless or corded saw with no engine maintenance at all.
Key specs: 16 inch bar and chain - gas-powered compact homeowner saw - Stihl dealer parts network
Why we picked it: The SENIX CSE10-L is the pick for buyers who want a genuine corded chainsaw, not a toy, at the lowest realistic price point. Its 10-Amp motor plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet for unlimited runtime, and it includes an automatic oiling system fed by a 5.8-ounce built-in tank so the bar and chain stay lubricated without manual oiling between cuts. Safety features are not an afterthought at this price either: a handle-mounted trigger lockout prevents accidental starts and an automatic kickback brake is included, matched with a 3-year limited warranty that is longer than most budget corded saws offer. The 14-inch bar keeps it suited to pruning, small firewood rounds and light yard cleanup rather than felling.
Budget buyers who want a real chainsaw with a chain brake for occasional pruning and small-log cutting.
Buyers who need to cut logs larger than 14 inches in diameter or who need cordless mobility.
Key specs: 10-Amp motor - 14 inch bar - automatic oiling, 5.8oz tank - trigger lockout - kickback brake - 3-year warranty
Why we picked it: The Seesii 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw is built for light pruning, branch trimming and small firewood rounds rather than felling or heavy cutting, and it earns its spot here because it ships as a complete kit rather than a tool-only purchase: two 21V 2000mAh batteries, two chains, an oil bottle, gloves, safety goggles, a charger, a nut driver and a screwdriver are all included, which is unusual at this price. At 2.7 pounds it is genuinely one-handed, and Seesii rates the combined batteries for 80 to 100 minutes of continuous runtime. Despite the compact size, it is still a chain-driven cutting tool capable of bar-tip contact kickback, so the same eye protection, gloves and cautious technique that apply to full-size saws still apply here.
Buyers who need a light, complete kit for pruning, small branches and occasional small-log cutting.
Anyone needing to cut firewood-sized logs or fell trees, which this saw is not built for.
Key specs: 900W motor - 30 ft/s chain speed - cuts up to ~6 inch wood - 2x 21V 2000mAh batteries included - 2.7 lbs
Why we picked it: The WEN 4019 solves a different problem than every other saw on this list: cutting branches overhead without climbing a ladder or raising a handheld chainsaw above shoulder height, which is one of the most common ways chainsaw users get hurt. Its telescoping pole extends from 5.3 to 7.3 feet, giving up to 12 feet of total overhead reach when you account for arm extension, and the 6-Amp motor drives an 8-inch chain at a rated 36 feet per second, enough for the branch-diameter cuts this tool is designed for. At 6.7 pounds it is manageable to hold at extension for real work sessions, and the included shoulder strap helps distribute the weight. This is a specialist tool for pruning and limbing high branches, not a substitute for a full-size saw on the ground.
Anyone who needs to prune or remove high branches and wants to stay off a ladder.
Buyers who need to cut anything beyond branch diameter, or who need cordless reach far from an outlet.
Key specs: 6-Amp motor - 36 ft/s chain speed - 8 inch chain - 5.3-7.3 ft telescoping pole, up to 12 ft reach - 6.7 lbs
It depends on how often you cut and how far you work from an outlet. Gas saws like the Husqvarna 120 and 460 Rancher offer the most power and unlimited range but require fuel mixing and engine maintenance. Cordless battery saws like the Makita XCU11Z and Greenworks 80V start instantly with no fumes and have closed much of the power gap, with the Greenworks rated comparable to a 42cc gas engine, but runtime is limited by battery charge. Corded electric saws like the WEN CP1518 and SENIX CSE10-L are the lowest-cost and lowest-maintenance option as long as you stay within reach of a power source.
Kickback happens when the upper portion of the bar tip contacts wood or another object and the saw is thrown back toward the operator, and it is the single most common serious chainsaw injury. Reduce the risk by keeping both hands firmly on the saw at all times, maintaining solid footing and a stable stance, never cutting with the upper bar tip if avoidable, never raising a handheld saw above shoulder height, and choosing a saw with a working chain brake, like the inertia-activated brakes on the Husqvarna models or the kickback brakes on the WEN and SENIX saws. No safety feature replaces careful technique, so treat every chainsaw as capable of kickback regardless of size.
At minimum wear ANSI-rated eye protection or a face screen, hearing protection since chainsaws easily exceed safe unprotected noise levels, cut-resistant chainsaw chaps or protective pants, and sturdy non-slip gloves. Steel-toe boots are strongly recommended for anything beyond light pruning. This applies to every saw on this list, including the compact mini chainsaw and the pole saw; a smaller chain still moves fast enough to cause a serious injury, and pole saw kickback can still travel down the pole toward the operator's hands.
Match the bar length to the largest wood diameter you regularly cut rather than buying the biggest bar available. A 14 to 16-inch bar, like the Husqvarna 120, Makita XCU11Z or SENIX CSE10-L, is enough for firewood rounds and general pruning. An 18-inch bar, like the WEN CP1518, Oregon CS1500 or Greenworks 80V, adds margin for larger logs. Regular felling or land clearing calls for a saw rated for 24-inch bars, like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher. A longer bar than you need adds weight and makes the saw harder to control safely.
Keep the bar and chain oiled during every cut, either with an automatic oiler like those on the Husqvarna, WEN and SENIX saws or by checking oil levels manually on saws without one. Chains dull with use and need periodic sharpening; the Oregon CS1500's built-in PowerSharp system sharpens the chain in seconds without removing it, while other saws require a round file or a separate sharpening tool. Check chain tension regularly, since a loose chain increases wear and kickback risk, and store the saw with the bar covered and, for gas models, the fuel either drained or treated for the off-season.
Gas saws like the Husqvarna 120 and 460 Rancher deliver the most raw power and unlimited range from an outlet, but they need fuel mixing, seasonal carburetor care and are the loudest option. Cordless battery saws like the Makita XCU11Z and Greenworks 80V have closed the power gap significantly, with the Greenworks specifically rated comparable to a 42cc gas engine, and they start instantly with no fumes, at the cost of finite runtime and battery investment. Corded electric saws like the WEN CP1518, Oregon CS1500 and SENIX CSE10-L offer unlimited runtime for the lowest price and simplest maintenance, provided you stay within reach of an outlet or extension cord.
Bar length should roughly match the largest wood diameter you actually cut, not the biggest number available. A 14 to 16-inch bar, like on the Husqvarna 120, Makita XCU11Z or SENIX CSE10-L, comfortably handles firewood rounds and pruning. An 18-inch bar, like on the WEN CP1518, Oregon CS1500 or Greenworks 80V, adds margin for larger logs and limbing. Anything cutting trunks or doing land clearing regularly should look at the 24-inch-capable Husqvarna 460 Rancher. Going bigger than you need only adds weight and makes the saw harder to control.
Never cut overhead with a handheld chainsaw held above shoulder height; it is one of the leading causes of serious chainsaw kickback injuries because you lose the leverage and body positioning needed to control the saw if the bar tip contacts the branch unexpectedly. For any branch you cannot safely reach while standing with the saw at chest height or lower, use a pole saw like the WEN 4019, which keeps the operator on the ground while extending the cutting head up to 12 feet, or hire a professional arborist for large overhead limbs near structures or power lines.
A saw is only as safe as the operator running it. At minimum, wear ANSI-rated eye protection or a face screen, hearing protection, cut-resistant chainsaw chaps or pants rated for the saw class you own, and non-slip gloves every time the chain is moving, regardless of how small the saw is; the mini saws on this list still spin a chain fast enough to cut skin. Keep both hands on the saw, maintain solid footing, be alert to kickback whenever the upper bar tip nears anything solid, and never operate a chainsaw while fatigued, alone with no one aware of your location, or after consuming alcohol.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Chain brake and kickback protection | An inertia-activated or manual chain brake helps stop the chain quickly if the saw kicks back toward the operator. |
| Automatic bar and chain oiling | A built-in oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated during cuts, reducing friction, heat and premature wear. |
| Tool-free chain tensioning | Lets you adjust chain tension in the field without carrying a separate wrench or scrench. |
| Battery platform compatibility | Cordless saws that share a battery with other tools in the same voltage lineup save money over time. |
| Self-sharpening chain systems | A built-in sharpening stone restores chain edge in seconds without removing the chain or using a file. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.