Chainsaw Review: Best Chainsaws

Best budget gas chainsaw

*Est. $130 Compare Prices

The Homelite Ranger isn't as fast as some more expensive chainsaws, but reviews say it outperforms its price range, making it an excellent value and the best choice for most homeowners. An anti-vibration handle makes it… more comfortable, and it has an anti-kickback guard on the bar for safety. You have to adjust the chain tension with a screwdriver (some pricier models have tool-free adjustment), but oiling is automatic. The Homelite chainsaw comes with a two-year warranty.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

HomeDepot.com: Over a dozen owners review the Homelite Ranger UT10532 chainsaw here, with many owners giving it top scores for both performance ...

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Top-rated budget electric chainsaw

Craftsman 34118

*Est. $120 Compare Prices

If you don't want to deal with storing and using gasoline, and can do your work within 100 feet of an outlet, reviews recommend an electric chainsaw. The Craftsman 34118 costs less than most electric chainsaws, but it is… loud and lacks an anti-vibration handle. Tool-free tension adjustment is a plus, along with an inertia chain brake plus automatic chain oiling. It comes with a one-year warranty. (check price at Sears)

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This review ranks the Poulan Pro 400E CRBB - essentially the same chainsaw as the Craftsman 34118 -- in comparison with 24 other ...

Tools of the Trade: Nine electric chainsaws, including the Craftsman 34118, are rated based on objective tests that include cutting two sizes of ...

Amazon.com: Nearly 80 owners review the Poulan Pro 400E chainsaw here, giving it a high average rating overall. But about 13 percent of the ...

Sears.com: Over a dozen owners review the Craftsman 34118 electric chainsaw here, giving it a near-perfect average rating. A few (about 13 ...

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$95.99 from Sears.com

Top-quality gas chainsaw

Stihl MS 180 C-BE

*Est. $250 Compare Prices

If you need a chainsaw for everyday use, or just want something faster and more comfortable than cheaper saws, reviews top-rate this Stihl chainsaw for easy starting and fast, smooth cuts. It combines convenience and… safety with automatic oiling and tool-free chain adjustment, plus an anti-vibration handle. The bar tapers to help prevent kickback, and a kickback sensor triggers the inertia chain brake automatically if kickback does start. The warranty is for one year.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This review ranks the Stihl MS 180-C-BE in comparison with 24 other chain saws from ten major brands, based on objective tests ...

The Wall Street Journal: This comparison review is interesting because it's from the point of view of a novice chain-saw user. Gwendolyn Gounds tests ...

Consumers Digest: This review recommends the Stihl MiniBoss MS 180 C-BE as the medium-priced best buy among gas chain saws, ranking another Stihl ...

PopularMechanics.com: Popular Mechanics editors recommend gas chain saws with 18-inch bars and comparable power (about 45cc engines). This is ...

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Best electric chainsaw overall

Husqvarna 316

*Est. $230 Compare Prices

For quieter performance and less maintenance, reviews recommend an electric chainsaw -- but you'll have to do your cutting within 100 feet of an outlet. For regular use cutting firewood, reviews recommend the Husqvarna… 316. In-line design makes this the quietest corded electric chainsaw tested, and it cuts fast for an electric chainsaw. Safety features include an automatic chain brake and anti-vibration handle. The warranty is for two years.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This review ranks the Husqvarna 316 in comparison with 24 other chain saws from ten major brands, based on objective tests for ...

Tools of the Trade: This review compares the Husqvarna 316 with eight other electric chain saws, calling it a "nimble powerhouse" based on objective ...

Noise Pollution Clearinghouse (NPC): Chainsaws are tested and rated here in "real life" tests, cutting hard maple firewood. The Husqvarna 316 earns praise for fast ...

Consumers Digest: This review recommends the Husqvarna 316 as a good medium-priced electric chain saw. Chainsaw descriptions mention testing, but ...

Mother Earth News: This reviewer, the author of a book on chainsaw use and maintenance, tests three electric chainsaws at different price points, ...

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Cordless chainsaw

Black & Decker CCS818

*Est. $90 Compare Prices

Owners say this chainsaw provides reasonable runtime per battery charge. Like all cordless chainsaws, it's less powerful but far quieter than other types. Its 6.2-pound weight and 8-inch bar make it easy to maneuver for… pruning and cutting small branches, so it's more appropriate for trimming trees than for cutting firewood. The Black & Decker chainsaw carries a two-year warranty.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Amazon.com: Over 90 owners review the Black & Decker CCS818 cordless chainsaw here, giving it mostly positive reviews for its convenience, ...

Healthy House Institute: This single-product review rates the 18-volt Black & Decker cordless chain saw based on testing, recommending it for pruning ...

Lowes.com: Lowes doesn't let owners make detailed comments about the tools sold here, but does publish owner-written ratings. Only a handful ...

Walmart.com: A handful of owners review the Black & Decker cordless chainsaw here, giving it very mixed ratings. Some find it very handy for ...

Cabelas.com: Only a few owners review the Black & Decker cordless chainsaw here, giving it a higher average rating than at Amazon.com - ...

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Amazon Marketplace

for $109.99

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