Let’s face the truth!
When you can’t or don’t want to spend a lot, don’t expect every feature in a chainsaw. Make a few sacrifices, and you’ll find a lot of good saws.
That said, finding the best inexpensive chainsaws isn’t too hard. You just need to know what and where to look for. And you need to limit it to necessary features.
For example, while looking for a portable chainsaw, look for something that’s either powerful (gas-powered) or efficient (battery-powered).
If you don’t care about portability, you can save a few more dollars with electric corded chainsaws. It’s all about priorities.
There are quite a few options that you can consider. In this write up, I tried to draw your attention to some of those affordable and great value machines.
10 Best Inexpensive Chainsaw Reviews
Here are my top chainsaws that are cheap but work great. Make sure that the chainsaw suits you. Don’t let the features fool you.
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw, 12-Inch, Tool Only (DCCS620B)
I think that Dewalt getting the top spot was obvious. The company is not unknown for delivering quality at a not-so-high price point. While it may not be the cheapest one out there, there are only a few that can compete with its value.
The thought of not having to carry a long cord or a gas tank with you takes away half the weight. This is a battery-powered chainsaw which is truly a blessing. What’s even more amazing is that it weighs less than 9lbs including the battery. A machine that’s portable and lightweight will naturally capture my heart.
You can carry it around your house for a good period before you start complaining about its weight. And you don’t even have to hold it for long as it cuts well at a rate of 90 cuts per charge. That’s on a block of pressure-treated wood.
It’s all about the ease of use with this one. This DEWALT unit comes with a tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob. Just dislodge the attachment key, and twist it.
Now, here’s something that may divide us into two groups. This chainsaw comes with a 12-inch chain designed to prevent kickback, aka low kickback. This cuts down swiftness, but I think it’s essential for those who will use it in a home environment.
There is also a brake for the chain in case you face a kickback. Some people might say that this is too much safety for a machine. Don’t listen to them.
What I Liked
- Battery as its power source makes it highly portable
- Under $200, it’s quite cheap for the value
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Low kickback chain
- Chain brake for kickback
- Good battery life
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Addition of a battery would’ve been awesome
Verdict
All in all, there are virtually no complaints from me about this little beast. With its 12-inch chain, you can do everything from construction to tree sizing. In terms of raw power and battery life, it’s the best inexpensive chainsaw, hands down.
2. Greenworks 40V 12–Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Don’t settle your mind yet. There will be plenty of options to choose from. Another favorite of mine is the cordless Greenworks chainsaw powered by a 40V battery. If you are looking for a chainsaw that’s even more lightweight than the DEWALT, you’re looking at it. Weighing at a meager 6lbs, this is among the best cheap chainsaws in the market. And that’s after adding a battery.
It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With the 40V G-max Li-ion battery, the machine will do 65 cuts on a 4×4 block of pressure-treated wood. This has a lower battery life than DEWALT, but that’s a given as it has a smaller battery.
That being said, the battery used in this Greenworks chainsaw is called the G-max. It’s not the same as a Lithium-ion battery. On paper, it’s supposed to provide the same performance throughout the years. And it does.
It’s perfect for using in yard-works. This one too comes with a 12-inch chain, and it has a much higher safety level. You’ll agree with me when you see the build quality and design. The ⅜ chain is more than enough to trim tree limbs and do some construction work.
I liked how they designed the chain to provide minimal kickback without affecting the cutting rate too much. There will be some trade-offs but it’s worth it.
And like most modern chainsaws, I didn’t have to deal with tools to get the bar and chain tightened. The ability to tighten it on the go is also a nice touch.
The automatic oiler supplies oil to the chain. It works as it should. However, I should’ve been able to see properly how much oil was left. But I couldn’t since the tank is opaque instead of transparent for some reason.
What I Liked
- At 6lbs weight, it feels like a breeze
- Automatic oiler
- Good battery life
- Tool-less tensioning design
- Minimal kickback
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Opaque oil tank is hard to see
Verdict
To sum it up, there is hardly anything about this chainsaw that you can point your fingers at. Being lightweight makes it a topper. It would be justified to say that this is the best chainsaw under 150.
3. Worx WG303.1 14.5 Amp 16″ Electric Chainsaw
Some chainsaws come in a much lower price point than those two above. If you wish to sacrifice mobility and portability to save some bucks, here’s an amazing option. It’s the Worx 14.5amp 16″ chainsaw. This one is a corded electric chainsaw. So you know where you’re cutting down costs.
The best thing about corded machines is that they are not likely to run out of power. But, even then, the machine is just as good as any battery-powered chainsaw, if not better. This 16″ chainsaw will be sufficient for all kinds of woodworking.
When you look at the design, you can see the effort that was put into making it easy and comfortable to use. There are at least two things I noticed that made a difference. One is the rubberized handle and its full grip-ability.
With handles at the rear and the front, it felt quite easy to wield the machine at any angle. And the rubberized handle prevents the chainsaw from slipping out of hand. So, you don’t have to keep a tight grip on it. And that means less strain on my hands, and less tired hands mean less fatigue buildup.
The automatic lubrication and chain tensioning were nice touches. However, I think it uses too much oil. I get that oil keeps it smooth, but a little oil goes a long way. A solution for this is to use thicker oil.
Now, the weight of this chainsaw isn’t too much at 11.5lbs, but it’s certainly heavier than those two battery-powered chainsaws.
The tip is designed to prevent kickbacks, and it does its job well. But it also reduces bore-cutting ability with the tip.
What I Liked
- Kickback prevention
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to use
- Automatic lubrication
- Cheap
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Automatic lubrication system efficient oil usage
- A bit heavier than I’d like
Verdict
Overall, it gets all the green light from me. If you don’t have issues with it being a corded machine, it’s certainly not an overstatement if I say that it’s the best chainsaw under 100.
4. Sun Joe SWJ806E 8-Inch 8.0 Amp 2-in-1 Convertible Pole Chain Saw
Who doesn’t love convertibles? If the design is done right, convertible machines can be a lifesaver. And I think Sun Joe achieved something here with the 2-in-1 convertible chainsaw. If you’re looking for a chainsaw that can be used as a pole saw, this might be it.
First thing’s first, this thing is extremely light. Weighing at 5.5lbs in the chainsaw mode, it makes sure that you don’t get fatigued while working. After turning it into a pole saw by attaching the extender, it’s still lighter than many standard chainsaws at 7.9lbs.
The 15 feet overhead reach won’t be anything that you can’t control. It’s a quality extender that can handle the total weight quite well.
This one is an 8-inch chainsaw which is pretty limited at what it can do. But for an average person, it’s not going to matter anyway. Cutting unwanted tree limbs and keeping your yard clean are two simple things for this chainsaw.
The good news is that this chainsaw can be used by anyone. I could’ve used this chainsaw even if I was an inexperienced newbie.
Let’s talk about the design aspect. It’s certainly comfortable to hold, no complaints about it — ergonomic design all around. And the plastic body is good enough to last in light situations. However, it doesn’t look as robust as other brands. Well, it’s one of the lightest chainsaws for a reason.
The protection guard seems pretty small if you compare it to other chainsaws on this list. I get that it’s a light chainsaw, but it doesn’t hurt having a larger guard, does it?
What I Liked
- It’s extremely lightweight making it the best at its job
- Durable plastic body
- Automatic oiler
- Convertible design
- Amateur-friendly
What Could Be Improved Upon
- A sturdier body would’ve been nice
- Larger kickback protection guard
Verdict
In conclusion, there is only praise about this one from Sun Joe. It’s the ease of use and ability to convert into a pole saw that make it a great buy. It’s not for everyone, but for those whom it suits, it’s the best affordable chainsaw.
5. TrimmerPlus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw with Bar and Chain
Since we’re talking about pole saws, it is a good time to talk about an old pal. It’s the TrimmerPlus. Since it came out, it has seen many versions. Although I’m not a fan of gas-powered chainsaws, this one deserves mention.
This pole saw has two parts. The chain and bar are one part of it. And the gas can is the other part. It is as simple as it seems. Just attach them, and get to work.
It’s a great investment if you are comfortable with using attachments. In case you have any other cutter or blower attachments, this one will fit.
Gas-powered chainsaws are not known for their efficiency. So, that’s a given. But it’s a powerful saw. It can cut wood up to 7.5 inches in diameter with ease.
For a pole saw, it’s surprisingly easy to hold and cut tree limbs. You would expect a lot of vibrations, making it hard to hold it in place. There’s none of it.
There’s an auto oiler in it to ensure smooth operation. The good thing about it is the efficient use of lubricating oil.
The assembly is pretty easy, and it’s idiot-proof. However, you need to be careful when you use it. But the fact that it’s only 7lbs after assembly makes it one of the best cheap chainsaws for cutting tree limbs.
Here’s the thing; gas-powered saws have one advantage over corded electric ones — it’s portability.
However, it’s the overhead reach that kind of disappointed me. You can only reach 7 feet above your head. And that’s not a lot considering we now can buy a convertible saw at a lower price.
What I Liked
- Extremely lightweight
- Good portability
- Easy assembly
- Automatic lubrication
- Ability to use different attachments
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Length of the pole should have been longer
- It’s cheap but a bit less would’ve made it competitive
Verdict
To summarize, this is a great buy only if you need a saw for specifically trimming trees. And it’s. It’s the best affordable chainsaw for trimming trees.
6. BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw, 18-Inch
Here we have the age-old machine brand BLACK+DECKER. No matter what type of machine you buy, you’ll see BLACK+DECKER producing it. This electric corded chainsaw is one of the best chainsaws that the industry has ever produced. But is it holding its place against the passage of time?
This CS1518 model isn’t going to cut like the premium Stihl or Husqvarna. But it can cut efficiently well enough. With its 18-inch bar and chain, there wasn’t any issue cutting down tree logs. That being said, it’s not going to be a good daily driver. The size and shape don’t allow it to be used for small jobs.
Moreover, this electric chainsaw is heavier than what you’ve seen until now. Its weight makes it harder to move with. At 12lbs, it’s going to take a lot of energy to cut wood with it. It’s not crazy heavy, but it will take a toll on the body. So, that’s something you want to keep note of.
Despite having a bad effect on the chainsaw cutting rate, a low kickback design is prevalent nowadays. And I think maintaining a level of safety far outweighs the cost behind it. It’s the same with modern chainsaws.
We have seen how automatic oilers waste lubricating oil. Fortunately, it has an automatic oiling/lubricating system that doesn’t use oil excessively. And you can keep an eye on the remaining oil through the translucent window.
But among all these, they made a mistake. If it’s a corded electric saw, it should come with a cord, right? It didn’t.
What I Liked
- Motor is powerful enough to cut big tree logs
- Efficient automatic oiler
- Almost no kickback was reported
- Ridiculously well-priced
- Good safety design with the chain brake
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Cord should be included in the package
Verdict
To put it precisely, this one has a lot of value. It’s heavy and not a daily driver. But if you can deal with buying a cord, and you have the use for it, I don’t see why you wouldn’t go for it.
7. Remington 41AY4214983 RM4214CS 42cc Full Crank 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chainsaw 14-Inch Bar
How much do you value old version machines? Remington is one of those brands that just can’t be forgotten no matter how many newer and better machines come into the scene. This gas-powered Remington chainsaw was a beast back in the day. It still is one of the best chainsaws for the price.
This thing looks and feels sturdy. Professional woodworkers indeed love this stuff with a black and orange tone. But simple homeowners working on their yards don’t want all this stuff. It’s all about the ease of use for them. And I feel this chainsaw is on the money with its portability feature.
Although this chainsaw felt quite heavy compared to its electric counterparts, the lack of a cord makes up for it. If you can manage its 14lbs weight, this one’s a great option.
However, this 42cc engine isn’t efficient. That much should be said without hesitation. If you are looking for efficiency, battery-powered chainsaws are your friend. But those of the same quality will cost you much more. So, some sacrifices will have to be made.
Other than that, it’s everything you want in a chainsaw. The low kickback chain does quite well on tough wood despite having a less aggressive design. Of course, you can’t expect great bore cuts with it.
The overall design feels robust, and it’s safe as well. More importantly, it doesn’t make your grip tired easily, thanks to a good amount of ergonomics in the design. My palm did sweat a lot. So take care if you also suffer from extreme sweating.
What I Liked
- One of the cheapest out there
- Robust design
- Ergonomics
- Safety measures
- Low kickback
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Efficiency; gas engines will always be inefficient
- Better material on the handle
Verdict
In the end, it’s the budget that matters. And this is the best low cost chainsaw in terms of raw power. I don’t recommend it for use around the yard since you don’t need much portability in that case.
8. HUYOSEN 60CC 2-Stroke Gas Powered Chainsaw, 20-Inch Chainsaw
So far, we have focused on small chainsaw bars of 12″ – 16″. Those are great for construction and cleaning works. But cutting up a big tree can’t simply be done without a large chainsaw bar. This chainsaw from HUYOSEN can be a great option, especially since it’s a portable and powerful machine.
How powerful is it? It has a 60cc engine with 3.9 horsepower backing up its powerful tag. The one from Remington is a 42cc, so you compare. The large bar and chain is a nice compliment to this beast of a gas-powered machine.
I loved the design aspect of it, especially the handle. The ridges on the cover material make it easy to grip, unlike Remington’s flat finish. There will be no issue even if your hands sweat a lot.
I’m someone who sweats a lot. I normally use a different hand-grip cover over the original handle. This one didn’t require me to do so. So, that’s a plus.
One benefit of these chainsaws is their affordability. You can’t expect to get an electric chainsaw at this price. Yes, it is true that these are heavy machines. This chainsaw weighs almost 20lbs.
But this high weight brings a benefit too. You can use gravity to help cut your trees and ice cubes. Since it’s not a chainsaw for trimming trees or construction, you won’t be feeling the weight too much. So, don’t get scared away seeing the weight of it.
You can easily tighten the bar and chain. However, it’s not a tool-free design like the newer battery-powered chainsaws. But that’s a luxury feature for many woodworkers. And luxury can be a waste.
What I Liked
- Highly affordable
- Perfect for cutting trees
- High weight helps to cut logs
- Portability
- Robust design
- Ergonomic handle
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Tool-free chain tightening
Verdict
For this price, there is no better chainsaw for cutting trees and ice blocks. If your job doesn’t require holding up the chainsaw, then this heavyweight chainsaw might be the one you want.
9. Earthwise CS33014 14 in. 9-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
At number 9, we have a corded electric chainsaw. This is from Earthwise and the first 14-inch chainsaw on this list. The reason I picked this chainsaw is its weight as well as its reasonable price. While there are other chainsaws in this price bracket, it’s a great machine that requires low maintenance.
This mid-level chainsaw weighs just a hair above 7 lbs. That’s nothing for a seasoned woodworker. Even if an amateur was wielding this chainsaw, it wouldn’t be much of an issue.
Maneuverability is quite good other than the fact that it’s a corded chainsaw. I don’t like corded chainsaws since I have to move around a lot when working. Having a cord is just not a viable option for me. However, if I had a budget constraint, this would be one of the top chainsaws I’d use.
This chainsaw has a 9-amp motor which should suffice for small tasks like trimming trees and doing simple bore cuts. I felt that it lacked the oomph needed to cut thicker tree limbs. And the low weight doesn’t bring gravity into play. But that’s just expecting too much from an under $100 chainsaw.
It has all the basic features we normally need, such as the automatic oiler with a windowed oil tank. There has been no report of overapplying oil to the chain and bar. So that’s a relief.
And fortunately for us, this one comes with a standard tool-less design for tensioning the chain. It gets a green pass from me for ease of use, especially due to the well-made handlebar.
What I Liked
- Incredible pricing
- Automatic efficient oiler
- Tool-free tensioning
- Lightweight at 8lbs
- Efficient motor
What Could Be Improved Upon
- Cordless version would have been the best
- A motor with more amps would be better
Verdict
Despite being a corded one, the overall feature set coupled with the price makes it an attractive option. Overall, this is one of the best cheap chainsaws, if you’re looking inside the 14-inch range.
10. DEREAL 62cc-Gas-Chainsaw 2 Cycle Gasoline Powered Chainsaw
The last product that got caught on my radar is this gas-powered chainsaw by DEREAL. It’s for those who want a cheap but powerful machine to cut big tree trunks and limbs. This is the second machine here with a 60+cc engine. Which one is the better one in terms of value?
In terms of power, this is pretty close to Huyosen’s 60cc chainsaw. But with 3.4 HP, it loses out slightly when it comes to raw horsepower. With that being said, larger engines are needed for more efficiency.
According to thermodynamics, the larger the heat engine, the more efficient it gets as it can burn more fuel. And the higher torque also helps since you won’t need high rpm to produce horsepower.
This chainsaw has an 18-inch chain-bar assembly, whereas the Huyosen had a 20-inch chain and bar. There is no clear winner here. Both are good enough for doing large jobs.
The newer gas-powered chainsaws use a 2-cycle engine that’s better for efficiency and power output. But that’s only applicable when you have a large engine with high CC.
If we talk about its weight, it’s a bit lighter compared to other chainsaws of the same category weighing at 18.3lbs. You can use this to help you out when cutting a thick tree trunk just like any heavy chainsaw.
Then, there are the usual features like chain break and a good ergonomic handle that we have become so accustomed to. And even more so, the ridged handle is pretty useful as it prevents my fingers from slipping out.
The only thing I can point my fingers at is the machine’s housing’s build quality. It doesn’t feel durable, and tightening the bolts seems to have produced cracks on it, according to some reports.
What I Liked
- Competitively low price
- Heavyweight machines to take advantage of gravity
- Ridged handle
- Larger 62cc engine
- Accidental start prevention
What Could Be Improved Upon
- More robust build quality
- Clea instruction manual
Verdict
To be precise, it’s not every day that you see an original pixel PD charger as cheap as this gas-powered DEREAL chainsaw. The sheer power and cordless movement alone are enough to make it the primary tool on my shed. It’s one of the best cheap chainsaws around.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best inexpensive chainsaw?
It’s Dewalt all the way. Despite not being the cheapest, The Dewalt 40V chainsaw has the best features for the money. The value brought to your tool lineup is hardly matched by any other.
- What is the best chainsaw for the money?
GreenWorks 40V Li-ion chainsaws come to mind. These are efficient cordless chainsaws. On the other hand, a good corded electric option would be the Worx WG303.
- Are cheap electric chainsaws any good?
Well, that depends on the level of “good” we’re talking about. If you want top-of-the-line performance from a $100 chainsaw, you’d be disappointed. Otherwise, there are plenty of good-enough chainsaws at a cheaper rate.
- How much does a good chainsaw cost?
Again, putting a price on value is hard. It can vary greatly from brand to brand. The premium chainsaws can range from $400-$600. But that’s not an acceptable range for most people. You can look for mid-level chainsaws for around $300 or the more budget-friendly options between $80-$200.
- Which is cheaper between corded, gas, and battery-powered chainsaws?
Corded electric chainsaws are the cheapest since they don’t need an internal power source. These are not efficient as well. Then comes the gas-powered chainsaws. And a battery-powered chainsaw of the same quality can be valued at the same price range as a gas-powered one.
- Which is better between a gas chainsaw or a battery chainsaw?
If you have a lot of cutting to be done, gas-powered chainsaws are your best bet. These can be refilled in the middle of a session, but you can’t do the same with a battery-powered one. Both are portable and similarly priced, however, battery-powered chainsaws are the lightest ones.
Final Verdict
That’s it. These are the top options available to you in a budget range. It doesn’t make sense for an amateur homeowner to spend big bucks on a simple chainsaw.
The one that fits the budget and satisfies your needs is the best cheap chainsaw for you. But exceptions could be made for the cheaper battery-powered machines.
