The 5 Best Chainsaws for Home Use of 2023

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Owning a chainsaw is crucial for anyone who wants to take on DIY outdoor projects. No matter what type of job you need to be done around your home or property – from routine tree limb pruning tasks to large-scale tree-felling operations – there’s sure to be a home type of chain perfect for you among these five professional models.

From professional-grade gas-powered models like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-21HD to efficient battery-operated options like EGO Power+ CS1604 and even affordable electric chainsaws like Craftsman S165 – there’s something here that sure meets every budget!

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top five best popular types of chainsaw for home use on the market today, including Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-21HD, DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V, Greenworks 80V, EGO Power+ CS1604, and Craftsman S165. Each one has its own advantages and features that make it stand out from the rest. Read on to find out which one best suits your needs!

ImageProductOur RatingPrice
Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 Home Use Chainsaw

Milwaukee M18 Home Use Chainsaw

  • Looks good
  • Powerful and fast cutting
  • Great run-time
10
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Editor's Choice
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V

  • As powerful as a gas chainsaw
  • Cordless design for freedom of movement
  • Very durable product
9
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Best Value For Money
Greenworks 80V

Greenworks 80V

  • Powerful brushless motor technology
  • Cordless design for maneuverability
  • Great safety features
9.5
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Best Seller
EGO Power+ CS1604

EGO Power+ CS1604

  • Fast and powerful
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Durable product
9
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Budget Option
Craftsman S165 16 inch Chainsaw

Craftsman S165 16 inch Chainsaw

  • Lightweight
  • Great safety features
  • Fits an 18-inch bar
9
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The 5 Best Chainsaws for Home Use of 2023

Table of Contents

Chainsaws have come a long way since they were first invented in Germany in the early 1800s. Today, they are an essential tool for any homeowner who wants to tackle outdoor projects, from cutting firewood, trimming tree limbs, and large or medium-sized tree pruning to removing stumps.

However, not all chainsaws are created equal. In this section, we’ll look at the five best home chainsaws of 2023 and explain the features that make each one stand out.

Milwaukee M18

Best Overall
Milwaukee M18
10/10Our Score
  • Looks good
  • Powerful and fast cutting
  • Great run-time
  • Heavy

Whether it’s for the occasional cutting of larger trees or more intense projects, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-21HD gives users optimal performance every time.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16 In. Chainsaw offers plenty of power that can easily cut through even hardwoods with ease and practicality; users enjoy lightning-fast performance that matches, if not beats, gas chainsaws in speed.

Moreover, thanks to its Power source, State Brushless Motor, this machine can maintain high speeds even under massive workloads without compromising its performance – delivering better results than several small gas engines and higher voltage systems!

With up to 150 cuts per charge, you’re sure to get more from each job, whether its small scale tree pruning, medium tree pruning, or large-scale tree felling! It also has a 16-inch chainsaw bar length and chain for improved cutting capacity and an easy-to-use variable speed trigger for added control.

The M18 Red lithium High Output HD12.0 battery sets a new standard for battery run-time, allowing you to power through even your most demanding applications.

Thanks to its innovative M18 fuel technology, the unit can reach full throttle in under 1 second, facilitating complete control over your liquidation and delivering explosive productivity in no time.

With such extreme performance capabilities, you can be sure that the M18 Red lithium High Output HD12.0 battery will not disappoint when it comes to providing consistent, reliable power – whatever job you are doing.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2727-21HD provides an optimal supply of chain lubrication and productivity with its Automatic oiler, as well as user control through the variable speed trigger.

For added safety and convenience, this tool boasts an Anti-vibration Handle, a chain brake, and a 12 Ah Battery — perfect for tackling intense jobs. With these features, you can complete each task with maximum efficiency.

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V

Editor's Choice
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V
9/10Our Score
  • As powerful as a gas chainsaw
  • Cordless design for freedom of movement
  • Very durable product
  • Battery runtime is limited 

Our editor’s choice for an at-home use chainsaw is the DEWALT FLEXVOLT chainsaw, which packs a mighty punch and will sort out all the overgrown branches in your backyard without a hitch.

For a battery-powered saw, the DEWALT offers immense power that can rival even its gas competitors but with much less noise, maintenance, and set-up. Due to its brushless motor, it is more efficient and has an extended lifespan too.

The 16-inch low-kickback Oregon bar and chain can effortlessly cut through branches and logs, and it’s just long and strong enough for chopping firewood, pruning your branches, and even felling trees at home.

The cordless nature of a battery-powered saw offers excellent freedom of movement. The FLEXVOLT 60 V battery system allows you more than enough run time to get a few jobs done in your yard before needing to charge it up again. 

The chainsaw and 3.0Ah battery can also be purchased together as a kit, eliminating the need to factor in an extra expense and do the research on compatible parts. 

This saw is also user-friendly and efficient, another reason why it’s been nominated as the editor’s choice. The automatic oiling system, paired with the tool-free chain tensioning system, makes for easy use and low maintenance – ideal for beginners and occasional use.

Comfort has also been prioritized in the design of this product – it’s incredibly lightweight, easy to hold, and carry, making it ideal for home use. Its ergonomic design also makes it more comfortable to handle and suitable for less experienced users.

Despite being light and easy to work with, the FLEXVOLT saw is still designed to withstand more demanding tasks and has been engineered to last for years. DEWALT has a reputation for durability, so be assured that when you purchase this tool, you’re making a good investment.

It’s safe to use, easy to work with, durable, and doesn’t require much maintenance – what more could you ask for?

Greenworks 80V

Best Value For Money
Greenworks 80V
9.5/10Our Score
  • Powerful brushless motor technology
  • Cordless design for maneuverability
  • Great safety features
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty jobs

Our next option, the Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw, delivers exceptional performance and offers unbeatable value for money for homeowners looking for an efficient and cost-effective tool for their backyard cleanup, maintenance, and other projects.

This tool offers some impressive features for its reasonable price, making it an excellent option for home use and for those just getting started. 

One of the first things to consider is the brushless motor technology. This feature improves the chainsaw’s performance while increasing its lifespan, making it a truly worthwhile investment.

This type of motor offers serious power, an extended running time, and low maintenance too.

The 18-inch bar and chain are long enough for even your bigger jobs at home (like cutting big chunks of firewood or tackling overgrown branches) but are still maneuverable and easy to work with without feeling off balance.

The Greenworks Pro also works with a battery, offering other added benefits compared to a gas-powered equivalent. First, this type of equipment is more eco-friendly, sustainable, and quieter. 

The 80 V lithium-ion battery offers plenty of run time, allowing you to get loads of work done in your yard on a single charge. To top it off, once you purchase the battery, it will be compatible with any other Greenworks 80 V tools you might purchase!

Safety should be one of your top priorities when operating a chainsaw, especially as a homeowner without specialized skills or qualifications. Luckily, the Greenworks Pro prioritizes user safety with the emergency brake in the chain brake system and the toolless chain tensioning system for safe and easy maintenance.

Finally, working with a cordless chainsaw means that your mobility won’t be limited, and you’ll be able to move freely around your backyard to take on any jobs that need to get done.

Overall, this value-for-money option will give you excellent features, more than enough power, and a safe and comfortable user experience without breaking the bank.

EGO Power+ CS1604

Best Seller
EGO Power+ CS1604
9/10Our Score
  • Fast and powerful
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Durable product
  • Heavy
  • No Anti-vibration handle

The EGO Power+ CS1604 is the perfect home-use chainsaw for your needs. With 16 inches of maximum cutting diameter, a 3/8-inch pitch, and a 0.043-inch chain gauge, it can easily cut through wood quickly and with little effort.

The 16-inch bar size ensures stability and a firm grip for safe operation. The EGO Power+ 16-in. professional Chainsaw offers the full power of a gas model with none of the hassles.

Its high-efficiency brushless motor operates at 6,800 RPMs, effortlessly slicing through hardwood, softwood, and more. Say goodbye to any loud noises and fumes of conventional saws; this version is noticeably gentler on your senses while providing unwavering performance.

It has an easy start feature enabling you to start it effortlessly by pressing a single switch. The brushless motor technology also provides more torque than traditional chainsaws, therefore, needing less maintenance.

Take charge of every yard project with the EGO POWER+ 56V ARC Lithium battery-powered cordless chainsaw. Not only is cutting easy and fast, but this professional chainsaw delivers up to 250 cuts on a 4×4 when used with the included long-lasting 5.0Ah ARC Lithium-Ion battery.

With that much power under your control, you can quickly clear fallen trees and manage branches or landscapes confidently, no matter what the job requires.

Additionally, it features an automatic chain oiler system and toolless chain tensioning system so you can easily maintain your saw while working without interruption.

Finally, its low noise level makes it ideal for residential areas where loud noises may be prohibited or unwelcome.

Craftsman S165 16 inch Chainsaw

Budget Option
Craftsman S165 16 inch Chainsaw
9/10Our Score
  • Lightweight
  • Great safety features
  • Fits an 18-inch bar
  • Less power than more expensive models
  • No electric start

The Craftsman S165 is a durable and powerful gas chainsaw for home use. It has a 42cc 2-cycle engine capable of producing 3.2 horsepower, which is enough for most home-related applications.

The S165 has a 16-inch bar length and chain to provide reliable cutting performance, and it is equipped with Easy Start technology. With just one pull, you’re set and ready to start tackling your newest project.

This advanced technology eliminates the hassle of traditional start processes, ensuring you do the job efficiently and quickly.

This cheap chainsaw is also designed with maximum comfort and ease in mind, offering a cushioned full wrap handle that follows the shape of your hand for enhanced security and a 3-point anti-vibration system, which helps to reduce fatigue and makes it more comfortable to use.

This combination delivers an unrivaled level of precision, control, and agility to make operations smoother, easier, and more intuitive. The optimized design reduces fatigue, enabling effortless movement without compromising the power so you can confidently tackle any job.

The powerful functionality of this chainsaw is enhanced with impactful features designed for ease of use during every application. Make improved detailed cuts with an adjustable automatic oiler, plus the fail-safe inertia-activated chain brake.

Superb maneuverability and convenience are created by the tool-free access to the air filter and spark plug that makes maintaining your machine consistent and efficient. Furthermore, the automatic chain oiler ensures that the chain is constantly lubricated and keeps it from overheating.

So no matter what type of project you have planned this season – make sure you have the right power tools by checking out some of these top-rated home chainsaw models today!

How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for Home Use

If you’re looking for the best chainsaws for homeowners in 2023, there are several important factors to consider. A good chainsaw should be reliable, comfortable to use, and easy to maintain.

It should also be powerful enough to handle the job at hand while remaining light enough to control and maneuver. Here are eight aspects of a chainsaw that you should pay particular attention to when making your purchase.

1. Horsepower

The power of a chainsaw is rated in horsepower (HP). A higher HP rating means more power, so it’s important to match the size of the saw with the type of work you plan on doing.

If you need a saw for large-scale cutting jobs, look for one with a higher HP rating than if you were just doing some light pruning or trimming around the house.

2. Chain Speed

The faster the chain speed, the faster the cut; however, too much speed can cause an unsafe situation, potentially damaging your saw and/or injuring yourself or someone else.

Make sure you buy a saw with an appropriate chain speed for your needs — slow speeds are better suited for small tasks, while higher speeds will be necessary for larger jobs such as felling trees or cutting logs.

3. Handle Style & Comfort

Chainsaws come in several different handle styles — rear handles, top handles, loop handles, and straight handles — so always select one that suits your needs and provides maximum comfort during operation.

Different handle designs suit different people based on their size and how they intend to use the saw; choose one that’s right for you!

4. Fuel Capacity & Type

Gas-powered chainsaws require fuel tanks; corded electric models don’t need them but may have battery packs instead, depending on their design. Pay attention to fuel capacity (how much gas or battery power is available) and fuel type (gasoline versus electric chainsaw).

Also note that many cordless models now offer interchangeable batteries which can be used across multiple tools from the same manufacturer, providing additional convenience and cost savings over time.

5. Anti-Vibration Technology

Vibrations from operating a chainsaw can lead to fatigue over time. Look for models with anti-vibration technology built into their designs that help reduce strain on your hands, arms, and shoulders during use.

Some tool brands offer special ergonomic grips for those looking to reduce strain on the body during use. These optimal grips allow you to use the tool safely and efficiently.

Investing in an ergonomic grip could help reduce potential fatigue while at work and allow you to stay productive throughout the day. Anybody looking to avoid overuse injuries should definitely consider investing in tools featuring ergonomic grips.

6. Weight & Balance

As noted above, weight is an important factor when selecting any handheld tool – especially a chainsaw that requires extended periods of usage in awkward positions or elevated heights off ground level, such as when pruning trees or cutting firewood logs at height.

A heavier chainsaw may provide more power but could also be challenging to control due to its weight. Conversely, lighter models tend to be easier to maneuver but might lack sufficient power depending on what type of job you plan on tackling.

Be sure to find a balance between the weight/power ratio so that you get maximum performance without sacrificing comfort during use.

7. Maintenance Requirements & Cost

Chainsaws require regular maintenance, including oil changes, sharpening blades/chains, etc., so find out what kind of upkeep each model requires before making your final decision.

Additionally, determine what parts cost before buying – some brands may have cheaper components, but those parts could wear out quickly, resulting in additional costs over time.

Similarly, check out warranties offered by various manufacturers – this could save substantial amounts of money down the line if something goes wrong with the tool after purchase.

8. Safety Features

Today’s modern chainsaws boast a range of innovative features, including the automatic chain brake. As soon as the trigger switch is released, this brake instantly stops the chain from spinning, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

These features help prevent accidents from happening due to less risk of human error involved in using tools manual means such as kickback guards, blade covers, etc.

Choosing a modern chainsaw with these integrated security functions is essential for those who want to tackle challenging chopping and carving tasks confidently.

With reliable safety equipment, you can make sense of a tangled block of wood with just one swipe.

With so many different aspects to consider when choosing the best chainsaws for homeowners in 2023, it’s crucial to take time to research options properly and ensure you get the right tool job done correctly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

5/5 - (6 votes)
( Licensed Chainsaw Professional )

Jake is a chainsaws expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. He is a licensed professional by the National Chainsaw Program, which attests to his skills and expertise in the safe and efficient use of chainsaws.