After years of working with lots of different brands and types of chainsaws, I appreciate how many models are on the market and just how difficult it is to say which is the best.
It’s all relative…based on what you are using your chainsaw for, and what your expectations are. So, I have decided to share my insight and review the best chainsaws under 200 dollars to cater to anyone with a limited budget.
There are plenty of cheap chainsaws capable of putting in the work that a typical homeowner needs. Whether gas-powered or electric you’ll be surprised what you can pick up with just $200.
The Best Chainsaws Under 200 Dollars
Chainsaws can cost hundreds of dollars and to be fair, when we’re talking about the best brands out there you do get what you pay for.
Professional quality heavy-duty gas models can break the bank and frankly be overkill for the average domestic user. But for light to medium work, cutting firewood, and felling small to medium trees, $200 is enough to bag a great quality saw.
After putting quite a few models to the test on my property and working with my local tree crew, I have shortlisted the top models that I feel comfortable calling the ‘best chainsaws under $200’.
If you’re short of time…here are the results.
Best Gas Chainsaw
Craftsman S145 42cc Gas Chainsaw 14-Inch
When it comes to feeling, control, and stamina the S145 stood out as the overall best chainsaw under 200 dollars
Best Corded Chainsaw
Oregon 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw 18-Inch
This 18-inch corded chainsaw is built to Oregon’s high standards, but the self-sharpening chain is an outstanding feature at this price.
Best Battery Chainsaw
Ryobi 40V Cordless 4.0Ah Chainsaw 14-Inch
Get 60 minutes of run-time from the 4.0Ah battery included within the $200 price of this cordless chainsaw from Ryobi.
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Powering Budget Chainsaws
The most significant decision you’ll have to make when purchasing a chainsaw is its power source. Gas models are smelly, noisy, and sometimes tough to start, but they are usually the most powerful machines.
Battery-powered chainsaws are efficient, lightweight, and maneuverable, but their batteries don’t last that long, and they can be a bit underpowered compared to gas saws.
Corded electric chainsaws are a good mix of power and efficiency, but they lack maneuverability as you remain tethered to an electric cord. But they are often also the lowest price saws.
Consider how you intend to use your chainsaw to inform your decision as to which power source will suit your environment.
Battery-Powered Chainsaws
To compare battery-powered chainsaws, it’s a good idea to focus on their overall battery power and their run time on a single charge.
Battery Power (Volts)
When thinking about the battery voltage, it is comparable to a gas chainsaw’s horsepower. The higher the voltage, the higher the saw power.
I tend to stick with the most substantial batteries because I need serious power for cutting massive amounts of firewood and large fallen trees.
However, if you have a very light-duty application, you might be able to get some use out of a chainsaw with less power. Just be prepared for it to fail when it comes to making more significant cuts.
Battery Run Time (Ah)
A measurement called Ah refers to a battery’s capacity. This notation is shorthand for amp hour or ampere-hour. The higher the Ah, the higher the ability of a given battery.
It’s pretty much a given that the higher a battery’s Ah rating, the more running capacity it will deliver before it needs a recharge.
Corded Electric Chainsaws
Corded electric chainsaws have a motor that’s powered by household mains electricity. A standard line voltage is 120 volts in the United States. So, since all corded electric use an equal power source, their strength is determined by the amperage of their motor.
Motor Power Amps
More amps equal more power for more significant cuts. The majority of the saw I have tested in this price range run at approximately 15 amps which is suitable for domestic use.
Gas Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws are the workhorses of the logging industry and are a top choice for professional arborists and tree crews. They harness the power to tackle just about any job. But the engine technology comes with noise, weight, and servicing requirements.
Engines come as 2 Cycles or 4 Cycles. In this $200 price range, we will be dealing with 2-Cycle engines that take a fuel and oil mixture and so need a little bit more care and attention for a smoother running machine.
Engine Horsepower (hp)
Just like amperage and battery power determine the strength of electric chainsaws, the engine’s horsepower is how we measure the strength of a gasoline chainsaw. Professional chainsaws have large, powerful engines, and as a result, are rugged.
Fuel Capacity (cc)
Just like a dead battery will put an end to the work of a battery-powered saw, an empty fuel tank will cease the operation of a gas chainsaw. However, there is a trade-off. Just like a bigger motor, a bigger gas tank will make your chainsaw heavier when full.
In many cases, it makes more sense to carry additional fuel for topping off the tank than to deal with the added weight of the fuel in a huge fuel tank.
Electric vs. Gas Chainsaw
Electric chainsaws tend to be lighter duty than gas. They trade oomph for convenience.
Gas chainsaws have a couple of considerable drawbacks. First, gas saws are loud. And I mean, ‘get your earplugs or the muffs you wear to the shooting range ready’ loud. Even at idle, their motor makes plenty of noise. When you rev the engine and start cutting, they reach a crescendo that can be overwhelming.
The second drawback is a collection of issues related to their gasoline engine. Smaller chainsaws usually have two-cycle engines. That means you have to mix oil into the fuel for lubrication.
These chainsaws also usually feature pull-start motors, where they need to be primed, choked, manually started, and adjusted to run correctly.
Electric saws ditch gasoline motors, but they also typically sacrifice a little bit of power in doing so. They are also much quieter. Some electric models are completely silent when they aren’t actively cutting. So your neighbors may appreciate it if you choose an electric model for your early morning trimming projects!
What to Look for in a Cheap Chainsaw
Cheap chainsaws might also be called consumer class. Instead of professional uses, like bucking massive logs on the ground or trimming branches from a bucket truck, this saw class focuses on the projects common to typical homeowners.
Let’s look at some features and comparisons to get you started looking for the best chainsaw under $200.
Torque
Torque is the amount of force that drives the chain. High-torque models of chainsaws have a tremendous amount of power, especially at the beginning of a cut. Lower torque models may struggle to ‘bite’ into the cutting surface.
A lack of torque tends to force the user to lean into their cuts harder, which puts a lot of demand on the saw’s internal components, the bar, the chain, and the user. Using an underpowered saw can see the saw’s service life cut short and also leave your saw bogged down and stuck mid-cut.
Chainsaw Guide Bar (Blade) Length
A chainsaw’s bar is also sometimes referred to as the blade. It’s where the cutting happens. Unlike the edge of a sword or a knife, a chainsaw’s bar isn’t the actual cutting surface. Instead, it’s the guide for the chain that does the cutting.
Most simply, the bigger the blade, the bigger a saw can cut. It is a good rule of thumb to leave at least two inches of the edge beyond the material you are cutting to avoid kickback. Kickback occurs when the tip of the blade strikes the working surface.
So, if you want to cut up a twelve-inch diameter log, you’re going to need a bar of about 16” to be on the safe side.
When shopping for a chainsaw, remember that the length of the bar will have a relationship to the demands placed on the motor. An extensive bar will require a lot more power than a small one, just to run through the increased amount of material.
Chainsaws Cutting | Bar Length (Inches) |
Pruning Limbs/Saplings | 6-14 |
Bucking Small Logs | 8-14 |
Light/Medium Firewood | 14-20 |
Felling Small Trees | 16-20 |
Felling Medium Trees | 16-20 |
Bucking Medium Logs | 16-20 |
Storm Clean-Up | 16-20 |
Bar and Chain Oiler
Old school chainsaws required the bar and chain to be oiled manually, which is a messy process. However, it was essential for maintaining proper lubrication and keeping the temperature down while working with the saw.
Most modern chainsaws feature an automatic bar and chain oiling system. You still need to add oil to the system, but the automated oiler releases oil onto the chain and bar in a regulated way, keeping you cutting.
Chain Speed
The chain speed refers to how many complete revolutions a chain can do in one minute. High torque saws tend to have high chain speeds, though torque and speed are not always directly proportional.
Running a chainsaw’s chain at high speed allows you to remove more material from your cut faster. But it also generates a tremendous amount of heat.
Chain Type
Chainsaws can be equipped with specific styles of chains for certain applications. Depending on the chain configuration or design they can achieve prolong sharpness or are perhaps better suited to milling over general cutting. This guide helps explain the differences of chain types in depth.
However, the saws on my list below are general purpose chains suitable for cutting firewood and felling small to medium-sized trees.
Chainsaw Pitch
The pitch of a chain refers to the total number of links in a chain.
- ¼” — Best for light-duty application
- ⅜” — Professional’s choice for versatility
- .325” — Well-suited for heavier jobs
Chains also come in a variety of different gauges, meaning different thicknesses. You usually don’t have to worry about the type of chain on a chainsaw, as they come equipped with one appropriate for their power and intended usage.
It is essential to remember what size gauge and pitch chain comes with your saw if you need to replace the blade. You can also opt to change the chains for different applications if various models are available that work for your saw.
There are a considerable variety of chainsaw chains on the market, but for a budget saw, it’s not a huge factor in your purchase.
Chain Tension Adjuster
To keep your saw running well, you will need to keep the chain tension well-adjusted. That means it spins freely around the blade (not too tight) but doesn’t sag or slip off it either (not too loose).
Most budget chainsaws have an automatic tensioning system built-in, which simply requires to user to turn a tensioning knob, it’s really simple. Others require a tool and a little bit of know-how.
Chainsaw Body
Think of a chainsaw’s body as the housing for the motor or engine, and where the center of gravity focuses, making it the ideal place to locate the handles for good balance.
The body of the saw is usually high-density plastic, so it is reasonably light and durable. Some saws feature attractive ergonomic designs that help make the saw easier to use.
Bumper Spikes
Chainsaw bumper spikes help to set the saw into the cut, keeping the saw balanced and avoiding unintended contact between the cutting surface with the chainsaw body. The spikes allow you to control the saw for aiming and pivoting it throughout your cut. They look like teeth and are at the front of the chainsaw body, just below the blade.
Anti-Vibration System
Some saws feature a set of springs or cushions designed to limit their vibration. Even at idle, a gas chainsaw creates a tremendous amount of vibration.
During use, all chainsaws will vibrate as the chain rotates and the whole tool moves during contact and cutting. A system designed to reduce the vibration will make it easier on the user by limiting the amount of vibration that travels through your hands and arm, into your body.
Grip Type
Chainsaws mostly have similar grips. One hand controls the rear of the saw, holding a handle along the longitudinal axis of the saw. That hand also squeezes the trigger that spins the chain. The other hand has a grip that wraps around the saw from one side of the housing, over the top, and then vertically on the other side. It’s sort of a c-shape.
This semi-circumferential forward grip for your second hand allows you to control the saw in different positions for making cuts at all angles of attack.
Hand Guard
A chainsaw’s handguard is just forward of the front handle. It protects your hand from accidentally slipping off and touching the cutting surface (the chain), as well as preventing debris from hitting your hand whilst in use.
Chain Brake System
New chainsaws all feature a brake that stops the blade from running accidentally or while idle (gas saws). The motor might run when the brake is engaged, but the chain will not spin even if you pull the trigger.
Safety Chain Catcher
The safety chain catcher of a chainsaw is aluminum and lives underneath the housing of the saw. It prevents the chain from whipping back at the user if it breaks or becomes very loose on the bar.
Chainsaw Controls
Depending on their power source, chainsaw controls will vary from model to model. But one thing is common…they always have a trigger. As we review each of the best chainsaws under 200 dollars, I will discuss in detail the controls of each model.
Starting Handle
You will pull the starting handle of a gas chainsaw to engage and start the engine. Unlike a gasoline car with a built-in electric starter and ignition system, the chainsaw user is responsible for giving a gas chainsaw its initial drive.
Throttle Trigger Lock
Some chainsaws feature a lock on the trigger that prevents accidental activation. Think of it as a two-stage trigger. They are a safety enhancement, but they can also be a hassle if you have to start and stop your cuts often and have to make two maneuvers to restart the cutting action over and over.
Chainsaw Weight
If you opt for a powerful, robust, heavyweight saw, consider the rigors and potential fatigue of using it. Let’s say you want a twelve-pound saw.
Go and pick up a ten-pound dumbbell and hold it out in front of yourself for 10 minutes, simulating the cutting action of a chainsaw, just to check you have the strength enduring to use it and enjoy the experience.
You’ll realize that every pound of weight is going to translate to more wear and tear on your body. So, don’t just assume that bigger is better…get a saw that suits your body, this will always work out best over the lifetime of the saw.
Maintenance
The best rule of thumb for chainsaws is that gas models are more maintenance-intensive than electric models.
Gasoline motors need tuning, flushing, and sometimes even carburetor adjustments. They need to be drained of fluid and fuel when not in use as well. So, they aren’t always that approachable for novice users.
With a little bit of research and practice, it is pretty simple to maintain one. Or, you can opt to hire a local mechanic to look after its maintenance for you.
Best Chainsaw Under $200 Reviews
Now that I have explained standard chainsaw features, let’s look at some chainsaws in detail. My review criteria here is to handpick the best chainsaws under $200, that are available for anyone to buy online or in any good hardware store.
Craftsman S145 42cc Gas Chainsaw 14-Inch
Best Gas Chainsaw
- Power: Gas
- Engine: 42cc 2-Cycle
- Bar Length: 14-Inch
- Chain: 3/8”, 0.05”
- Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 9.75lb
Pros
- Exceptional lightweight gas chainsaw for $150
- Powerful, well balance, glides through logs all day
- Easy-pull engine start, and this little beast did not miss a beat
Cons
- Nothing at this price
The Craftsman brand may not be the most well know, but don’t be put off by that. They have been producing some very good power tools across all product categories. This 14-Inch gas chainsaw is no exception.
At around $149 this is the best gas chainsaw under $200 and you can still have a few beers with the change!
This small but mighty 14” chainsaw made very light work of bringing down trees and slicing through thick logs all day long. The shorter 14” chain bar reduced kickback to zero. I got through 6 tanks of fuel without the Craftsman missing a beat.
The Craftsman features 3-point anti-vibration, bucking spikes, and an automatic chain brake and oiler. The Craftsman S145 is easily my top recommendation for the best gas chainsaw under $200
- Power: Gas
- Engine: 42cc 2-Cycle
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Chain: 3/8”, 0.05”
- Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 12.1lbs
Pros
- Excellent chainsaw for light to medium use
- Good power to weight ratio for a 16” chainsaw
- Out of the box setup is very good, it’s ready to go
Cons
- Nothing significant for a saw under $200
This Troy Bilt TB4218 gas chainsaw is equipped with a powerful 42cc 2-cycle engine. From a specification point of view, it is very similar on paper to the Craftsman S145 other than the chain bar length.
It features anti-vibration, the standard bucking spikes, and the automatic oiler as you would expect from a modern chainsaw.
It does giveaway over 2lbs in extra weight over the Craftsman which I felt over the course of the day, but it was very well balanced.
The difference between these two chainsaws really comes down to the maneuverability and balance that I felt the Craftsman slightly had the edge. Then throw into the mix that it’s $50 cheaper it would be my first choice, despite the extra 2 inches of blade length the Troy Bilt offers.
If you feel you can work with 14-inches, then it’s an easy pick for the Craftsman. If you really need that 16-inch, then go for the Troy Bilt TB4128. Either way, you will have purchased a fantastic gas chainsaw for under $200 and you will not be disappointed, I guarantee it.
Check Troy Bilt TB4218 latest price at Ace Hardware, or Home Depot
- Power: Gas
- Engine: 38.2cc 2-Cycle
- Bar Length: 16-Inch
- Chain: 3/8” PMM3
- Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 9.5lb
Pros
- Easy to start and relatively lightweight for a gas chainsaw
- Well balanced and made good clean cuts
- Great for pruning medium diameter limbs, and cutting firewood
Cons
- Slightly thicker exhaust fumes than some chainsaws on my list
Stihl is a brand synonymous with chainsaw technology, and the MS171 offers a $200 chainsaw as their entry-level product. Let’s not get our expectations too high, this is not a $1000 power tool, but for the money, you do get a very nice practical gas chainsaw capable of pruning branches, bucking logs, and tearing up firewood.
It features Stihl’s anti-vibration system to help reduce user fatigue as well as a translucent 9.5oz fuel tank. The 2-cycle 38.2cc engine generates 1.7 bhp which is enough to tackle most domestic jobs.
A great feature of this saw is a lightweight body at just 9.5lbs making this chainsaw conformable to use, producing easy clean cuts. It starts easy and felt well balanced during cuts. But it did put out a little more exhaust fumes than I expected.
If you’re looking for a premium branded gas chainsaw for domestic use, the Stihl MS171 is a steal at $200.
Check the Stihl MS171 latest price at Ace Hardware.
Ryobi 40V Cordless 4.0Ah Battery Chainsaw 14-Inch
Best Battery Chainsaw
- Power: 40V Battery
- Battery: 4.0 Ah, 60 mins
- Bar Length: 14-Inch
- Chain: 3/8” 0.05”
- Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 11.5lb
Pros
- Good build quality and cutting performance
- Great value with a 4.0Ah battery included
- Clean, quiet and very easy to use and maintain
Cons
- No quite got the power of the gas chainsaws
The Ryobi electric power tool range is growing and they are producing some very good products right now. This compact 14-inch battery-operated chainsaw is surprisingly powerful with a high torque 40V motor.
Most of the features are as we would expect in this price range, automatic bar oiler, anti-vibration, oil level indicator window, and bumper spikes. But what sets this tool apart is the 4.0Ah battery included within the price of just under $200.
The higher capacity battery adds a little bit more weight at 11.5lbs but it still feels well balanced with the battery located under the handle. I comfortably got 45 minutes from the battery and with economic use, I reckon you could manage an hour from a single charge.
I’m not the only guy who appreciated what Ryobi chainsaw packs in for this price range. There are literally thousands of users leaving positive reviews across the online retailer about this chainsaw. A very good quality electric chainsaw with a 4.0Ah battery included is a steal.
Check the Ryobi 40V Chainsaw’s latest price at Home Depot. Also available from Amazon.com Ryobi 40V Chainsaw
Corded Electric Chainsaws
Oregon 15 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw 18-Inch
Best Corded Electric Chainsaw
- Power: Gas
- Engine: 4-Cycle 75.6cc
- Air Flow: 706CFM
- Air Speed: 206MPH
- Sound Level: 102.8dB
- Weight: 26.2lb
- Run Time mins: 65
Pros
- Built-in Chain Sharpener, just hold trigger for 3-5 second to sharpen.
- Quiet, clean and low vibrations.
Cons
- Needs additional extensions cord
The Oregon Self Sharpening chainsaw is something of a revelation in this entry-level price bracket. Simply hold the sharpening trigger for 3 seconds and the chain gets a clean-up on an internal sharpening stone located at the base of the chain bar.
The Oregon brand is synonymous with chainsaw manufacturing and quality, and they have managed to get this 15 Amp corded saw under our $200 target price.
All of the basic features are included, such as an automatic oiler, view window oil reservoir, bumper spikes, anti-vibration, and of course the built-in chain sharpener. This is a budget chainsaw but also made it onto my list of the Best 18-inch Chainsaws due to the overall value and simplicity for infrequent users. So don’t underestimate just how handy this saw is.
Check the Oregon 15 Amp Chainsaw on Amazon
- Power: Corded 120V
- Motor: 15 Amp 2400W
- Bar Length: 18-Inch
- Chain: 3/8” 0.05”
- Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 12.6lb
Pros
- A good performing 18-inch chainsaw for $150 is impressive
- This popular household brand will appeal to a lot of infrequent chainsaw users
Cons
- Not the build quality of some of the other saw on my list
- Needs additional extensions cord
When it comes to low products the Black and Decker 15 Amp chainsaw provides a good option at around $150. Would I take it over the Craftsman Gas Chainsaw…well, no. But if you are looking for an electric chainsaw and can accept a corded model then a lot of you guys will be happy with this Black and Decker.
It has all of the standard features, automatic oiler, view window reservoir, anti-vibration, and so on. However, I would say for not more much you could get the self-sharpening Oregon Chainsaw that has a better brand and a little more functionality for your money.
Check the Black and Decker 15 Amp Chainsaw price here on Amazon.
When to Use a Chainsaw
Any task that involves cutting wood is right up the alley of a chainsaw. However, sometimes it’s more appropriate to use a gas saw instead of an electric, or vice-a-versa.
Let’s look at some situations that might help inform your purchase.
When to Use a Corded Electric Chainsaw
- Light-duty jobs
- When working close to the house, longer extension cords are a hassle
- Jobs at ground level, not appropriate on a ladder
- Dry conditions (moisture may trip your fuse)
When to Use a Battery Chainsaw
- Lots of minor, quick cuts
- Light- to heavy-duty jobs
- When trying to minimize noise
- When you need maximum manoeuvrability
When to Use a Gas Chainsaw
- When neighbors won’t complain of smell or noise
- All applications big and small
- High-moisture environments
- When you need maximum manoeuvrability
How to Use a Chainsaw
The most important thing to remember when using a chainsaw is that safety is paramount.
Wear the Right Gear
Consider wearing a full complement of safety gear, including:
- Steel-tipped boots
- Leather chaps or an apron
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Helmet
- Ear protection.
One errant cut can lead to a catastrophic injury, and even brief exposure to the howl of a chainsaw’s noisy motor can damage your hearing. A chainsaw cutting at full power makes more noise than a jet engine at take-off.
Preparing to Work
Once you have all your safety gear ready, prepare your tools and your work area. Regardless of the power source for your saw, make sure the chain is tight to the bar with barely any slack and no drooping sections.
Gas Chainsaw Prep
- Ensure you have proper fuel mixture
- Clean the air filter if necessary
- Top-up your fuel tank
Corded Electric Prep
- Check that you have adequate extension cords in the appropriate gauge to reach your worksite
- Unreel your cords, making sure that they won’t snag or become a trip hazard
- Make sure there is no standing water or risk of electric shock
Battery Chainsaw
- Make sure that your work battery is fully charged
- Consider charging a backup battery in case your first one dies
General Cutting Tips
Anytime you are cutting with a chainsaw, make sure to avoid using the tip of the bar. Letting the nose of the blade come into contact with your cutting surface will cause it to kick back towards you, which is inherently dangerous.
If you have never used a saw before, pace yourself, and start with minor, effortless cuts, like pruning small branches. Even if you have used a saw before, it’s a good idea to get a good feel for the one in your hands by starting with easier cuts.
- Pace yourself
- Start small
- Remove obstacles and brush
- Watch out for decayed sections, loose branches, and vines that might cause unpredictable falls
- Assess the likely path of any falls
- Avoid pinching your blade between two sections under pressure
Cutting Down a Tree
To cut down a tree, check out this video. There is no substitute for learning from a pro. So since I can’t come to your house and show you, this video will be the perfect guide.
Verdict: Best Budget Chainsaw Under 200 Dollars
After putting all of these saws head-to-head, I’m pretty comfortable calling the Craftsman S145 the best chainsaw for under 200 dollars. It’s not got the longest chain bar, but it was perfectly balanced and went through the logs with ease.
Best Gas Chainsaw
Craftsman S145 42cc Gas Chainsaw 14-Inch
When it comes to feeling, control, and stamina the S145 stood out as the overall best chainsaw under 200 dollars
The Oregon 15 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is my recommendation if you prefer the idea of an electric chainsaw. I liked the feel of this machine and it comes with a fantastic self-sharpening chain feature, which is awesome at $200
Best Corded Chainsaw
Oregon 15 Amp Electric Chainsaw 18-Inch
This 18-inch corded chainsaw is built to Oregon’s high standards, but the self-sharpening chain is an outstanding feature at this price.