There are few tools that are worth their weight in gold but most agree a chainsaw is one of them. In all likelihood, you are reading this article because you realized that very fact.
However, shopping for a chainsaw is just like shopping for anything else. Endless choices with wide ranging prices. And all you want to know is how much cash you are going to need for a quality saw, right? Well, I have good news.
Most gas or electric chainsaws suitable for occasional tree trimming or cutting moderate amounts of firewood cost around $150 to $300. Heavy duty applications, like cutting large quantities of firewood, require more powerful gas chainsaws that cost between $400 and $700. When shopping at large tool retailers, expect to pay an average of $120 to $250 for a decent chainsaw.
If that quick answer doesn’t narrow your choices down enough, I’ve got you covered. I spent a lot of time researching chainsaws when I bought mine. Keep reading and I’ll show you how to get the best saw for your money.
Chainsaw cost by size
Chainsaw prices vary widely based on size. Specifically, the bar size. Chainsaw bars range in size from 10 inches long all the way up to over 30 inches long. And the cost goes up as the bar gets longer. Honestly, that makes sense. A longer bar capable of cutting larger material needs a longer chain, bigger motor and beefed up components. All that costs the manufacturer more money to make.
Exactly how much bar size impacts the price depends on the power source as well. Electric versus gas versus battery powered all vary from one to the other. Yet, regardless of the power type, the general rule applies. Longer bars cost more.
Take a look at the chart below to see the average price of chainsaws based on bar length among all 3 types of power sources.
Average Chainsaw Cost by Bar Length
Bar Length | Gas | Corded Electric | Battery |
---|---|---|---|
10 inch | $300 (Specialty Saw) | $85 | $120 |
12 inch | $310 (Specialty Saw) | $85 | $140 |
14 inch | $210 | $95 | $195 |
16 inch | $255 | $120 | $250 |
18 inch | $285 | $120 | $305 |
20 inch | $335 | N/A | N/A |
24+ inch | $500 – >$800 | N/A | N/A |
Chainsaw cost by power type
Variations in cost based on size makes logical sense. But so do the cost differences based on the power source. Gas, electric and battery powered chainsaws all contain different components that influence the overall price of the saw. All other things being equal (i.e. bar length), the chart you just saw above also illustrates that power source matters in regards to price.
As you no doubt noticed, gas chainsaws tend to cost the most, averaging about $300 to $400. Battery powered chainsaws are a close second, coming in at an average of $250. Corded electric saw are often the most affordable chainsaws with an average cost of less than $200 for a similar sized saw.
Matching up your particular needs to the limitations of each power type is an important factor to consider closely. Combined with the price differences in size, the power source is the next most influential part of a chainsaw’s overall cost. Therefore, choosing the right saw could save you a lot of money. If you’re not sure which type of chainsaw is right for you, make sure to check out that article after this one. I discuss the three different power types in great detail.
Chainsaw cost by brand
Selling chainsaws is a competitive market for manufacturers so price differences between brands are not as wild as you might expect. However, some brands cater to budget conscious shoppers while others promote their saws as professional grade. Where they usually differ is in quality and features. Plus, some companies are just better at creating brand loyalty so they can demand a higher price.
If you are not a brand loyalist, check out the following ranking of most affordable chainsaws on up to the most expensive brands. Keep in mind, that this list is not exhaustive so not all brands are represented. In addition, the list is a mix of gas, electric and battery saw brands.
Least expensive chainsaw brands
- Worx
- Greenworks
- Skil
- Remington
- Black and Decker
- Oregon
- WEN
Moderately expensive chainsaw brands
- Dewalt
- Craftsman
- Ryobi
- Makita
More expensive chainsaw brands
- Milwaukee
- Stihl
- Echo
- Husqvarna
How much should you spend on a chainsaw
For many of us, it’s hard not to get bogged down by the sheer number of choices and conflicting information out there. Especially, in regards to chainsaws. As a result, most shoppers end up spending too much for way more saw than they need.
Naturally, you are probably wondering how much you should really spend on a chainsaw to get what you need. Unfortunately, the answer is not as straight forward as you might think.
How much you should spend on a chainsaw depends greatly on what you will use it for and how often. First, let’s take a look at a few common wood cutting situations most people find themselves in. Then, we can match it up to the cost of a good saw.
Occasional yard work
For those with light tree trimming or occasional pruning, a small bar, electric (battery or corded) chainsaw is all you need. Even if you cut up a bit of firewood in the yard, an electric saw with a 12-16 inch bar will do the job. You shouldn’t need to spend more than $200 for a quality chainsaw for yard work applications. In fact, you’ll probably find what you need for less than $150 if you go with a corded electric chainsaw.
Camping trips
You might just find yourself in need of a little firewood while out camping and a chainsaw is just the thing to have along. Without electricity, a battery or gas powered saw is perfect. For a few camping trips each season, you should think about spending $150 to $250 on a decent saw. It will satisfy your yard trimming needs as well. Avoid corded electric chainsaws unless you also camp with a generator or hookups.
Moderate firewood cutting
Anyone who cuts several cords of firewood each year probably needs a more powerful chainsaw. Ideally, the perfect saw for you is portable and has enough capacity for hours of cutting at one time. Especially, if you gather firewood out in the woods. Battery and electric saws just won’t cut it. Therefore, a gas powered chainsaw is best and you’ll need to pay at least $300 for a quality saw like a Stihl, Echo or Husqvarna.
Large scale wood cutting or milling
A number of you may have larger diameter trees to cut up or plan to mill slabs from large logs. If so, don’t settle for anything smaller than 20 inch saws with plenty of power. As such, gas powered is the only way to go. Expect to shop for a chainsaw in the $600 and higher range.
New vs. Used chainsaws
Who doesn’t love getting a shiny, new tool! When you buy a new chainsaw, you know it’s going to work and likely comes with a warranty to protect against faulty manufacturing.
As nice as buying new is, you could save a pile of money by shopping for a used chainsaw instead. It’s not without risks though and not everyone should waste money on a used saw with an unknown history. However, there are times when used makes more sense.
First, you should only ever consider buying used gas chainsaws if you are proficient with small engine repair. Unless you get to run it for awhile, you won’t know what kind of problems it has. Needless to say, there are deals to be had. A $50 Stihl at a garage sale is not unheard of. It might bog down when it runs now but a quick cleaning of the carburetor could solve the problem.
Next, used electric chainsaws are usually a safe bet. There is relatively little that can go wrong with an electric chainsaw. As long as it runs when it’s plugged in, the bar is straight and it looks well maintained, go for it. It could save you a good chunk of change.
Buying a used battery powered chainsaw however, is kind of iffy. Not so much because the saw itself is bad, but you probably won’t have time to check if the battery holds a charge. If the price is right and the saw works, you can buy a new battery if needed.
Finally, you need to do your homework before jumping into any used chainsaw deal. Make sure you know what a new comparable saw would cost and consider the expense of any unforeseen repairs or replacement parts.
11 chainsaws for any budget
A plethora of chainsaw brands is good for consumers. All that competition drives down prices and gives you plenty of options to choose from. Sometimes too many options. But not to worry. I’ve done the homework and come up with 11 chainsaws that are actually worth buying. Best of all, at least one of these is sure to fit within your budget. Take a look!
Best budget saws for occasional yard work
1. Craftsman S165 Gas Chainsaw with 16-inch Bar
When you need the capabilities of a gas powered chainsaw without breaking the bank, this is the saw to get. The Craftsman name might not command the same respect as it did decades ago but they deliver a smooth running saw that capitalizes on performance with fewer issues than similar priced knock-offs.
The Craftsman S165 with a 16 inch bar also gives plenty of cutting length for most yard work the average homeowner encounters. And the powerful 42cc gas motor even has what it takes to tackle some firewood chores too. You can find this saw at Lowes for about $150 but Amazon carries it as well. The price varies, so shop around. Either way, it’s a bargain for a gas chainsaw.
2. Greenworks 10.5 Amp 14-inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
Not all yard work needs the power of gas to get the job done. Instead, save some cash by going with an electric chainsaw. The Greenworks 10.5 Amp, 14 inch corded electric chainsaw is all you really need. It has gobs of torque and makes quick work of removing tree limbs or reducing small trees to chunks of firewood.
Greenworks makes quality saws without charging a fortune. Coming in at about $80, it’s a bargain for budget minded do-it-yourselfers. There are cheaper electric saws out there but the features of this saw make the few extra dollars worth spending.
Best mid-priced gas saws for serious firewood cutting
3. Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw with 16-inch Bar
Husqvarna has done a good job creating a saw that ranks among the most elite brands. Usually, I would say their saws are in the higher brackets in terms of cost but they offer a full lineup of moderately priced chainsaws as well.
The Husqvarna 130 gas chainsaw is a reasonably priced chainsaw that is sure to please even serious wood cutters for many years. While a 16 inch bar is on the smaller side for firewood cutting, it is still versatile enough to tackle most tasks. Most hardware chains like Lowes and Home Depot carry Husqvarna saws but Amazon is a good place to get it too.
4. Ryobi 38cc Gas Chainsaw with 18-inch Bar
Ryobi tools are wildly popular for a reason. They are durable, reliable and plenty affordable. The Ryobi chainsaw lineup is no different. With 38cc of cutting power and an 18 inch bar, cutting firewood is fast and smooth with this saw. Don’t expect Stihl quality but this saw will last years with hard use.
Best of all, the Ryobi 38cc gas chainsaw costs around $190. Not the cheapest but far from the most expensive. Your local Home Depot likely carries Ryobi saws but Amazon sells them too. I would opt for getting it through Home Depot although Amazon is often much cheaper for the same chainsaw.
Best electric saws that won’t break the bank
5. Oregon CS1500 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw with 18-inch Bar
If all you need is an electric chainsaw to plug into an outlet while still boasting enough power for any job, then the Oregon CS1500 is my recommendation. At just over $100, it’s cheap enough to justify buying but not so cheap as to skimp on quality.
Plus, the Oregon CS1500 comes with a top of the line chain and a slick self-sharpening feature that does good enough to keep you cutting longer than other similar saws. Overall, it’s not a bad value and keeps up with any tough job.
6. Worx 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw with 18-inch Bar
Here’s yet another quality electric saw that gets far less attention than it deserves. Sure, you could spend a bit more and get a top of the line corded chainsaw but at $110, this saw is perfect. The Worx 15 Amp electric chainsaw is super simple to operate and has the quality you need for tough conditions. It was among my top picks for a corded electric saw when I was shopping for one, so I am sure you’ll like it too.
It’s a tough choice between Worx and Oregon electric saws. Home Depot carries both so you can compare them side by side. If you’ve already decided on the Worx 15 Amp saw, then find it on Amazon for a slightly better price.
Best battery saws for the price
7. Echo 58 volt Chainsaw with 4.0Ah Battery and 16-inch Bar
The Echo 58 volt Lithium Ion powered chainsaw is by far the best money can buy. It cuts fast, is durably built and boasts a stellar run time with the 4.0Ah battery. This is my pick for a battery powered chainsaw that will endure years worth of wood cutting.
It’s certainly not the cheapest battery powered chainsaw coming in at $350, but there are more expensive saws that pale in comparison to the Echo. The best place to buy this saw is on Amazon.
8. EGO 56 volt Chainsaw with 2.5Ah Battery and 14-inch Bar
For those not wanting to cough up $350 for the Echo but want similar performance, take a look at the EGO 56 volt battery powered chainsaw. With a 14 inch bar and only a 2.5Ah battery, you won’t get nearly the same amount of work out of it per charge. However, it’s more than capable on tough jobs and more expensive saws actually fail to keep up.
For only $270, the EGO 56 volt chainsaw is a bargain. With an upgraded battery, it holds its own and is well worth the price. Shop for it on Amazon where the price tends to be lower.
Overall best gas chainsaws that are worth the money
9. Stihl MS250 Gas Chainsaw with 18-inch Bar
Stihl chainsaws have stood the test of time and are among the best gas chainsaws available. The MS250 saw packs a lot of power into a small package. It can take on small yard chores plus buck up large trees for firewood. It’s the saw I actually own and at $380, it is truly worth the money.
10. Husqvarna 455 Rancher with 20-inch Bar
For heavy duty work, you need a heavy duty saw. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is just the companion you need. With a 3.4 cu. inch displacement, it delivers ample power to cut more wood than you probably care to cut. As a top brand saw, you might expect to pay premium prices but at $499, you get a pro quality saw that lasts a lifetime. If I were to step up to a 20 inch saw, this would be the one. Stihl’s MS271 Farm Boss is a close second but has slightly less power.
11. Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf with 20-inch Bar
For years, Echo gas chainsaws have stayed among the top chainsaw brands. They know how to combine power, quality and durability into lightweight saws that outperform almost all others.
The Echo CS-590 is for anyone who needs a serious work horse for all firewood cutting chores. It’s competitively priced at $480 and packs more power into a lighter package than either Stihl or Husqvarna.
Other costs of owning a chainsaw
The initial purchase of a chainsaw is not the only time you’ll need to spend some money. Maintenance, repair and fuel all cost money and some chainsaws require a lot of up keep.
Gas chainsaws are among the more expensive saws to maintain. Especially, if you aren’t comfortable working with 2-cycle motors. After so many hours of use, all gas saws need to be serviced. Sometimes it’s just as simple as cleaning out debris. Other times it could require new spark plugs, filters, or a rebuild on the carb. Plus, gas saws need premixed fuel which requires the purchase of 2-stroke engine oil and premium gas.
Battery powered saws also have fairly expensive up keep too. Not necessarily in terms of maintenance though. Instead, batteries eventually stop working. Where you once got 40 minutes out of a charge, you now only get 10. Today’s lithium batteries last much longer but eventually need replacing and are often $100 each.
Corded electric chainsaws are the cheapest to maintain. However motor failures, when they happen, are not something you can usually repair. Once an electric motor goes bad, the saw is junk.
Keep in mind, that some expenses are the same with all saws. Things like chain sharpening or replacement, replacing a worn or bent bar and the consumption of bar oil all cost a little money. This probably adds up to less than $20 per year depending on use.
Parting words
Every tool costs money but what really matters is how much utility you get for each dollar. Chainsaws are awesome tools that almost any homeowner will find a use for. Hopefully, you now know that chainsaws won’t cost a fortune and there are plenty of options to fit every budget.