10 Best Chainsaws Under $200

While there is no doubt that chainsaws are an all-around useful tool for pruning trees or cutting firewood, not everyone needs a high-end and expensive model. Those who are under a budget can still buy a perfectly fine chainsaw for $200 or below – given moderate expectations, of course.However, there are certain chainsaw features that we consider non-negotiable, even while shopping for one within a budget. Check out our guide on the best chainsaws below $200 that will get the job done but won’t cut off your fingers.

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How much should you pay for a chainsaw?

How to pick a chainsaw under $200

10 Best Chainsaws Under $200

• The 5 best gas chainsaws under $200
• The 5 best cordless chainsaws under $200

Conclusion

Chainsaw	Power output	Bar length	Pros
Top pick Husqvarna 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw	2.0 hp	16 inches	Excellent build qualityLeak-free oiling systemEasy to start
	3.4 hp	20 inches	Value for moneyVery powerful
Salem Master 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Chainsaw	3 hp	16 inches	Good build qualityExcellent cutting power
Craftsman S165 Full Crank 16-Inch Chainsaw	No info	16 inches	InexpensiveGood cutting power
Arksen 45CC Gas-Powered Chainsaw	No info	22 inches	Excellent build qualityLeak-free oiling systemEasy to start
Worx 40V 14-Inch Chainsaw	2.0 Ah	14 inches	Has a brushless motorInterchangeable battery systemTool-free chain tensioningHas an LED battery indicator
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw	1.5 Ah	10 inches	Light and compactInterchangeable battery systemTool-free chain tensioning
AchiForce Brushless Cordless Chainsaw	2.0 Ah	14 inches	Tool-free chain tensioningAuto-oiling featureAnti-vibration featuresHas a brushless motor
Worx WG322 20V Power Share Cordless Chainsaw	2.0 Ah	10 inches	Interchangeable battery systemTool-free chain tensioningHas an LED battery indicator
Greenworks 14-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw	2.0 Ah	14 inches	Has a brushless motorHas auto-oilingHas a battery LED indicatorInterchangeable batteries

How much should you pay for a chainsaw?

Is $200 a reasonable price for a chainsaw or are you bound to end up with something inferior? As we have demonstrated with our list of recommendations, there are a lot of perfectly good options despite the ceiling price. There are even entries in our list from popular brands like Husqvarna and Remington.We would argue that $200 is the perfect price for a chainsaw that you plan to use for periodic pruning your trees or for general yard work. An inexpensive rear-handle chainsaw also works perfectly well for cutting firewood, especially if this is not something that you’re planning to do every day. Going beyond the $200-limit is something that we can recommend for lumberjacks, arborists, or anyone who uses chainsaws in a professional capacity.However, there’s always the concept of getting what you pay for. If you’re buying a chainsaw for $200 or less, then you will have to manage your expectations accordingly. Gas-powered chainsaws are generally cheaper, so getting a good one for less than $200 is easier. However, these chainsaws typically come with motors rated at 1.2 hp or below with about 25 cc of displacement. This limits how powerful the chainsaw can be even at maximum settings.Battery-powered chainsaws that cost more than $200 are more common. If you’re buying one for less than $200, expect it to have an old-fashioned brushed motor without any efficiency boosts. $200 will likely also only be enough for a single battery for your chainsaw – bad news if you need to use a chainsaw longer than 45 minutes at a time. As apparent in our list, there are a few exceptions to this rule although they all pretty much toe the line of the $200-limit.Whichever kind of less-than-$200 chainsaw you go for, there are certain factors that will likely be inferior compared to the more premium models. These include durability, longevity, and output power, just to name a few. This does not mean that a chainsaw that costs less than $200 is bad – it only means that you will need to acknowledge which situations they are suitable to be used in.

How to pick a chainsaw under $200

When looking for a chainsaw within a tight budget, a discerning eye is even more important. With so many bad options in this price range, it can be a lot easier to end up with a disappointing product. Here are some of the things to consider when buying a chainsaw under $200:

Gas or electric?

This is the first question you need to ask yourself. A gas-powered chainsaw is usually cheaper and heavier but also more powerful. A battery-powered chainsaw is lighter, quieter, and does not emit unpleasant fumes, but it is also less powerful and more expensive. There are merits to both choices and it really is just a matter of personal preference.

Rear-handle or top-handle?

In contrast, choosing between rear-handle or top-handle chainsaws is certainly NOT a matter of preference. Top-handle chainsaws are specifically designed for one-handed use and are meant to be used in tight spaces and in-tree work. Rear-handle chainsaws provide better stability with two-handed use and are intended to be used for work on the ground, such as felling trees or cutting firewood.Although using a chainsaw outside of its intended purpose is quite common, this is still not something that we recommend. Using the right tool for the right job is simply the safer option. Before you even go and buy a chainsaw, consider how you’re planning to use it.

Chain brake

Most chainsaw-related accidents happen because of kickbacks. This happens when the tip of the guide bar comes in contact with a hard surface, resulting in the chainsaw getting kicked upwards and towards the user.A chain brake is a steel brake band that clamps around the clutch drum when a kickback happens. This immediately stops the movement of the cutting chain and mitigates the possibility of any serious injury. Considering how crucial a chain brake is, we consider it an essential feature even for chainsaws at a low-price range.

Auto-oiling

Keeping the chain and guide bar lubricated is an important part of maintaining a chainsaw. An unlubricated chainsaw will very quickly cause damage to the guide bar, cutting chain, and even the motor. To make your life easier, we recommend getting a chainsaw with an automatic oiling system.Composed of an oil reservoir and a feeding mechanism, an auto oiler ensures constant oil supply to the cutting chain. Basic models have fixed-flow oiling systems, but more advanced models would have a way to adjust the flow of oil. An auto-oiling feature goes a long way towards making sure that your chainsaw would last a couple of years.

Ergonomic handle

Make sure to get a chainsaw with a good grip at the proper thickness and coated with anti-slip material. More important than the comfort an ergonomic grip provides is the fact that it’s also a safety feature. After all, a chainsaw falling out of your hands cannot possibly be a good thing. A good drip also gives you better control and reduces some of the fatigue by absorbing some of the vibrations from the cutting action.

Tool-free chain tensioning

Most chainsaws nowadays come with a tool-less chain tensioning system. This is a crucial quality of life improvement which makes it a lot easier to adjust the tension of the chain when it comes loose. Keep in mind that you might not always have a screwdriver in your pocket while doing yard work. Replacing the cutting chain is also faster and easier with tool-free chain tensioning.

Weight and length of the guide bar

When buying a chainsaw, you will need to know the limits of your physical strength. You need a chainsaw that you can carry and that you can keep in control while it’s running. The type of chainsaw you buy also comes into this conversation, considering how gas-powered chainsaws are usually the heavier option.Most chainsaws in the below-$200 price range are quite light and come with 12-inch guide bars. Of course, this means cutting down anything thicker than 12 inches would be a challenge. If you prefer a bit of flexibility, then you can get a chainsaw that can accommodate guide bars up to 16 inches long.

The 5 best gas chainsaws under $200

1) Husqvarna 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw

If you’re looking to maximize a $200 budget, then no other gas-powered chainsaw comes close to the 16-inch Husqvarna. Sporting the brand’s familiar orange design, the Husqvarna delivers impressive cutting power in a compact form factor.With a 2-hp motor and a 38-cc engine, this chainsaw supports a maximum speed of 9000 rpm and should be powerful enough even for felling trees or cutting firewood. It comes with all the usual quality of life and safety perks including an inertia-driven chain brake, tool-free chain tensioning system, and a leak-free auto-oiling system.

With the signature X-Torque technology, the Husqvarna chainsaw performs at a high level at reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption. The 12.5-ounce fuel tank should last for about 30 minutes to an hour of continuous cutting.Unfortunately, the Husqvarna chainsaw is not exempt from the usual start-up problems encountered with most gas-powered chainsaws. It also almost breaks the threshold of the $200-limit. This is bad news if you were expecting to buy if you were budgeting for extra supplies such as some chain oil or an extra cutting chain.

2) Huyosen 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Chainsaw

If you don’t mind doing a bit of heavy lifting, then this 2-stroke chainsaw from Huyosen is probably one of the most powerful you can buy for less than $200. Boasting of an impressive 3.4-hp motor with 54.6 cc of displacement, this is the kind of chainsaw that’s fit for heavy-duty use.Aside from excellent power output, the Huyosen chainsaw comes with an auto-oiling system, an ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip, and an appropriately large fuel tank. Its chain tensioning system isn’t entirely tool-free but is still easy to use. A minor complaint with this chainsaw is that its oiling system is a little too generous, resulting in some gunk buildup over time.

This is a huge and heavy chainsaw, so it’s best to make sure you have the upper body strength for it. Make sure to hold the chainsaw with both hands and keep your legs in a stable position when using it. It’s far from being the most efficient chainsaw we can find. You can probably find another model that cuts just as well as is lighter, but it most likely won’t be as inexpensive as the Huyosen chainsaw.

3) Salem Master 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Chainsaw

The best way to describe this 3-hp chainsaw from Salem Master is “rugged.” With excellent build quality and a powerful motor, this is the kind of chainsaw we can imagine using for a decade or so. The Salem Master chainsaw is very powerful. With its 42-cc engine supporting a maximum speed of 8500 rpm, this chainsaw will cut right through hardwood. If you need to cut thicker tree trunks, the chainsaw’s stock 16-inch guide bar can be swapped with a 20-inch replacement. This chainsaw certainly does a great job when it comes to sheer cutting performance.

However, there are several things about this chainsaw that make it difficult to recommend to beginners. Right off the bat, assembly of the chainsaw requires some knowledge on how chainsaws are supposed to look or work. Starting the chainsaw is also difficult, much like most of its ilk. There have also been accounts of the engine stalling in the middle of use.If you’ve already been working with chainsaws for quite a while, then you might be the type of person who could make the most out of the Salem Master chainsaw. It’s still a great tool when you use it right.

4) Craftsman S165 Full Crank 16-Inch Chainsaw

The Craftsman chainsaw is a product that gets the job done but cannot be described as exceptional in any way.This is an inexpensive option, though, and is likely one of the cheapest gas-powered chainsaws you can buy today. If you just need a chainsaw for casual use, then we think that this is still worth consideration.The Craftsman chainsaw fits 16-inch guide bars, has a 42-cc displacement engine, and weighs about 13 lbs. These are good numbers, but the fact that some of the specs for the product (such as fuel tank volume and horsepower rating) are not immediately available does not inspire a lot of confidence. As you can tell, we would not exactly describe this chainsaw as lightweight or compact.

In terms of cutting performance, there’s not much to complain about. This chainsaw can make short work of hardwood trees and is useful for general delimbing work or firewood preparation. With good fuel efficiency, this is the type of chainsaw that will likely still have fuel in the tank by the point you need to take a break.The most disappointing part of this chainsaw is how difficult it is to start up. The bar oil also tends to leak during storage. Unfortunately, both these areas of improvement are still incredibly common in gas-powered chainsaws.

5) Arksen 45CC Gas-Powered Chainsaw

This chainsaw from Arksen is another incredibly cheap option for gas-powered chainsaws. It’s also one of the prime examples of getting what you pay for. While not a bad product, it does not offer anything special and has just about all the usual problems.The Arksen chainsaw has a 45-cc displacement engine and is designed to take a 22-inch guide bar. This makes it ideal for dealing with thick trees. In terms of cutting performance, there’s nothing to complain about. The chainsaw deals with hardwood trees without issue.

Arksen provides no details on exactly how heavy this chainsaw is, but most users attest that it is heavier than the usual gas-powered chainsaws. With that considered, we won’t recommend the Arksen chainsaw for people who have never used a chainsaw before.Again, the Arksen chainsaw is problematic when it comes to starting up. This is a common problem with gas-powered chainsaws, especially when they are left unused for too long. It might take a lot of patience and proper technique to get this chainsaw started when you need it.

The 5 best cordless chainsaws under $200

1) Worx 40V 14-Inch Chainsaw

This chainsaw bundle from Worx is going to push the limit of a $200 budget. However, this is probably the best set of electric-powered chainsaw and accessories for that amount.To start, this bundle comes with two 20V batteries and a charger. If you’re planning to do long sessions of cutting down trees, then it’s a little more convenient to have two batteries on hand. With LED indicators, you can keep track of just how much battery life you have left and plan accordingly.

Another premium feature of the Worx 14-inch chainsaw is the brushless motor. Compared to brushed motors, brushless motors are more efficient, suffer from less wear and tear, and are essentially maintenance-free.With a tool-less chain tensioning system and auto-chain lubrication, this just chainsaw is just about one of the most convenient and user-friendly options. Some users have reported the chain coming loose quite often, although this issue is mitigated by the fact that tightening the chain again is very easy.

2) BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw

This tiny chainsaw from Black+Decker packs a surprising punch. If you’re on a budget and prefer not to lug around a 15-lb. chainsaw, then this is a chainsaw that we highly recommend for you.Running on a max 20 V Li-ion battery, this Black+Decker chainsaw is made for a 10-inch guide bar. This limits the chainsaw to smaller jobs but should still be capable enough for basic yard work. The battery slides right into the middle of the chainsaw and allows for easy hot-swapping.

Being small and light, this chainsaw is extremely beginner-friendly. The rubberized grip and wraparound handle provides ease of control even when cutting at different angles. The tool-free chain tensioning also makes it easy to make quick adjustments when you’re already in the middle of a job.Unfortunately, the oiling system has been a persistent point of complaint with this product. This chainsaw does not have an auto-oiling system. Instead, you will have to pump the oil manually from the reservoir to the chain through a small discharge hole. While this in itself is not a problem, it appears that the oiling system is often the first part of the chainsaw to become defective.

3) AchiForce Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

The AchiForce chainsaw is a little on the high end of our budget but offers great all-around with little downside except for the cost.The lightweight chainsaw is made to fit a 14-inch guide bar and has the usual auto-oiling and tool-free chain tensioning features. With a maximum idle speed of 8500 RPMs, the AchiForce chainsaw should make short work of hardwood trees.

Making this high-torque performance is the use of a brushless motor. This provides a boost in efficiency and power conversion. A brushless motor also lasts longer because of reduced heat and friction damage. It is essentially maintenance-free and will extend the service life of the chainsaw.Another advantage of this chainsaw is the three-point anti-vibration system. By reducing vibration from the motor, this chainsaw can be used with better stability. This also reduces user fatigue. Although other chainsaws probably have such a feature implemented, it is always reassuring to see it highlighted by the manufacturer.Aside from almost breaching our $200 budget, there really is nothing major to complain about the AchiForce 14-inch chainsaw. With a 4.0 Ah battery and charger included, this is a deal that truly delivers value for money.

4) Worx WG322 20V Power Share Cordless Chainsaw

This 10-inch chainsaw is a smaller and cheaper version of the 14-inch Worx chainsaw that ranks higher in this list. While it retains many of the same basic features, it lacks one thing – a brushless motor.The good news is that the 10-inch Worx chainsaw still comes with a tool-free tensioning system, an auto-oiler, and interchangeable batteries with LED indicators. All these combine to make a lean cutting machine that is convenient for carrying around everywhere at only 6.2 pounds.

However, one cannot help but feel downgraded when using a chainsaw with a brushed motor. Not only is this less efficient, but it also results in a smaller conversion of the battery power to actual cutting power. You will have to be a bit patient when using the Worx 10-inch chainsaw as it’s not as rugged as its more expensive and bigger counterparts.Aside from that, the 10-inch chainsaw also runs into the same chain tension issues as other Worx chainsaws. This is easily remedied with tool-less chain tensioning but can still be bothersome when it happens in the middle of a cut.

5) Greenworks 14-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

On the surface, there appears to be a lot of reasons for the Greenworks 14-inch chainsaw to rank higher. It comes with a brushless motor, an auto-oiling system, and a battery with an LED indicator. Although the price is close to your $200-limit, this bundle is still a great deal with two 2.0 Ah batteries and a charger.Again, having a brushless motor is one of the best things about this chainsaw. This means that it can deliver a higher torque even from the limited voltage of its battery. It also benefits from higher efficiency and fewer maintenance needs.

The chain tensioning system of this chainsaw is not tool-free. However, Greenworks makes up for this by having an integrated storage slot for a “scrench” tool right at the handle, so tightening the chains should not be terribly difficult even when you’re already outdoors.The biggest flaw of this product is its oiling system. Although it works automatically, the problem is that the oil continues to be dispensed even when the chainsaw is not running. This can be a problem during storage or when you’re just taking a pause from work.

Conclusion

If you’re not planning to use a chainsaw professionally, there it’s simply not practical to spend too much on it. You just need something that is reliable and performs consistently, even if it’s not durable enough for daily heavy-duty use.However, limiting yourself to a $200-budget does not mean putting up with a poor-quality chainsaw. Even when working with a budget, there are certain safety and quality-of-life features that you just cannot live without.

Carlo Ace Cariaga

Carlo’s introduction to the wilderness was during his stint in geothermal and geological surveying, which brought him to remote and unusual hiking spots all over Southeast Asia. His outdoor experience has made him an expert in axes and other types of saws.