Best Budget Chainsaws Under $200 – [Tested & Reviewed]

If you are looking for the best cheap chainsaw you can get your hands on you’ve come to the right place. It’s a tricky business buying a good cheap chain saw. Why? Cheap chain saws tend to have a to-for-cons that you don’t want to have to contend with.

So, what’s the situation? How can you get your hands on an affordable piece of equipment that is still safe and effective? Well, guides like this are one consistently reliable way to get the job done.

I’ve tested many dozens of cheap chainsaws. The goal was to connect you with a piece of equipment that is dependable and affordable.

Let’s get right to it then shall we? Read on for some cheap chain saw reviews.

What to look for When Buying Best Budget Chainsaw

You’ve seen what’s out there but perhaps you still don’t know which cheap chainsaw is right for your needs. If that’s the situation you find yourself in, I completely get it. It’s not easy to find the right cheap chain saw. If you still haven’t made up your mind read on for some handy buying considerations.

Weight

Chainsaws are handheld tools. This means that if you anticipate spending many hours on the job you’ve you will probably want to invest in something that is lightweight.

Most of the products that are in the price range we’ve covered today are electric. That’s just how it works when you are trying to find a cheap chain saw. Unfortunately, that comes with a built-in problem.

A chainsaw that requires a battery is at least a pound or two heavier than one that doesn’t. So, what can be done? Well, for one thing, you can go with a corded unit. Corded units don’t have the same mobility and range as gas or battery-powered chainsaw, but they will be lighter and they also have the benefit of unlimited power.

Unlike battery or even gas units, you will be able to operate the corded chainsaw for as long as you have access to an outlet. You can further expand the utility by investing in an extension cord. The extension cord can be a little bit inconvenient, but at the end of the day, it provides you with plenty of utility.

You can also just look into products that are specifically designed to be lightweight. These units don’t usually pack a ton of power but they do make up for it with extra mobility.

Of course, the products that we’re looking at today don’t pack a ton of juice in the first place. That’s one of the drawbacks of the cheap chainsaw.

Safety Features

We can’t forget the safety features. Unfortunately, the safety features of even the best chainsaws are going to be a little bit limited. Safety features might include electric brakes. With electric brakes, the blades of the chainsaw stop moving the moment you stop hitting the power button. This is a great feature to have because if something starts going wrong you can end the situation immediately.

Sometimes you will also be able to find a chainsaw that is resistant to kickback. Kickback happens when a blade bumps up against the wrong part of a tree and starts to kick wildly. You wind up losing control which can result in serious injury.

Kickback will always be a risk no matter what chainsaw you are using. However, some units feature social guards that will reduce the risk.

Size of the Bar

The size of your chainsaw bar can have a big impact on the sort of work you are able to accomplish. Twelve-inch units tend to be great for working with hedges and bushes. However, they aren’t necessarily very effective at taking out trees.

The bigger the bar, the more you are able to accomplish. That’s why I typically feel that bigger is better. After all, bigger bars can work with stock that is both big and small, while smaller bars cannot.

However, bigger unis have their own share of issues. For example, they tend to be harder to wield and store. They are also usually fairly expensive.

At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to both. You just need to find the chainsaw bar that is best for your needs.

Battery Powered

There are pros and cons to the battery-powered chainsaw. Ultimately this is probably the chainsaw you will wind up with if you are trying to get something cheap. However, there are a few things you should know. These considerations will make it easier to find the right battery-powered chainsaw.

Let’s start by considering the battery life. Best case scenario you will be able to find a battery that is good for about an hour of use. Most batteries will fall into the 30-45 minute range.

Many instead promise to deliver a certain number of cuts per charge. For example, you may find something that advertises forty cuts per charge. However, not all cuts are created equal.

For example, you may be able to get thirty cuts on a bush, but only fifteen cuts on a tree. The tougher the material, the harder the battery works. The harder the battery works the quicker it dies.

The best approach is to keep several batteries on hand. The more you have, the longer you will be able to work uninterrupted.

Companies like Black and Decker have come up with a unique solution to this problem. They feature an interchangeable battery system that allows you to swap out the battery on one of their tools for another. That means if you have a Black and Decker drill you will also be able to use the battery on your chainsaw.

This system is a great way to maximize the efficiency of your entire tool collection.

Power

Unfortunately, the price range we are looking at today isn’t exactly known for its power. A cheap chainsaw is probably going to be better suited for hedging work than it will be felling a tree. If you need more juice you have to be willing to pay for it.

However, some of the cheap chainsaws on our list are more effective than others. If you need something with power pay close attention to the battery and motor type. The more volts, the more effective the unit is.

Brand Name

When you think cheap chainsaw you don’t also think of getting brand name equipment. However, the entire purpose of this list is to connect you with the best bang for your buck. To that end, I’ve been able to find several cheap chainsaws that come from great companies like DeWalt. You don’t have to settle on something that is subpar.

In fact, with chainsaws, I think buying something from a reliable brand is a good idea. Why? We are talking about one of the most dangerous power tools in existence here. You need something that can be dependably counted on.

Automatic Oiler

Chainsaws require maintenance. However, newer units have been really good at automating this component of the device. An automatic oiler feature is a great way to keep your chainsaw in good shape without putting much effort into the process.

Some chainsaws are also able to sharpen and tense themselves. The more automated features you have at your disposal, the better off you will ultimately be.

Gas Chainsaws

Gas chainsaws are known for being the best of the best. In fact, gas chainsaws re usually what professionals reach for when they need to get heavy-duty work done.

The gas chainsaw will pack a bigger punch. However, it comes with several cons. For one thing, gas chainsaws tend to be very noisy. Your neighbors aren’t going to love it.

They also tend to be on the pricey side. And, to make things worse, they are also illegal in certain parts of the country. States like California maintain an extremely high emission standard. It’s great for keeping mother earth happy and healthy but it isn’t so good for gas-powered equipment companies, nor the people that wish to buy their products.

Most cheap chainsaws are electric anyway. Still, if you do have your heart set on a gas-driven unit there are options you can use that will get the job done.

Price

Since the point of this guide is to find a cheap chainsaw, let’s take a close look at the issue of price. What is a good price on a chainsaw? How much should you expect to pay?

A heavy-duty unit will cost several hundred dollars or more depending on the product you wind up going with. That said, the majority of options on our list today are under $200.

More money buys you a better warranty, more power, and a better build.

Warranty

Chainsaws really get put through the wringer. Sometimes, and through no fault of their own, the chainsaw will break down. What kind of chainsaw warranty will be right for you? Ideally, you will be able to find something in the three-year range.

The longer the warranty, the better covered you will be in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. At the end of the day though, no warranty can be considered too long, right?

Best Chainsaw Under 200

Top 10 Roofing Nail Guns

1. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V – Best Value Chainsaw

First up we have a product from DeWalt. This company is known for making high-end gear that usually costs an arm and a leg to get your hands on. This unit is a rare exception. It’s affordable, sturdy, and it features a great foot-long bar that will help you to easily work through the most moderately sized stock.

The grip of this chainsaw is also ergonomic which will go a long way towards helping you to make this be easy to use for hours at a time without issue.

So, what’s the issue? The only issue that I really noticed is that the product is a little bit deceptive. Even though it does do well by its name it doesn’t quite deliver the uncompromising performance most buyers have come to expect from DeWalt.

It’s just not as powerful as most of the company’s other saws.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Construction & Outdoor
• Voltage: 20-volts
• Bar Size: 12-Inch
• Weight: 8.8 Pounds
• Power Source: Battery Powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw

The Black and Decker is an affordable product that features a sturdy build and an impressive battery life. My favorite features is the interchangeable battery system. With this feature, you can swap out the battery on any Black and Decker product for extended use.

You also get a moderately powerful motor and a sturdy build that will ensure you can use the saw for long periods of time without any major issues.

What didn’t I like? It’s just not very powerful. You’ll use this for hedging but definitely not for taking out trees.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Smooth & Fast Cuts
• Voltage: 20-volts
• Bar Size: 10-Inch
• Weight: 7.2 Pounds
• Power Source: Battery-Powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

3. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks is known for making some of the best battery-powered tools on the market and while this product isn’t quite in line with their reputation it does still serve as a good deal on an effective piece of gear.

It’s durable, cordless and designed to be ergonomic which will be great for people that anticipate using their saw for prolonged periods of time.

Unfortunately, though, the saw just isn’t made to go the distance. The battery is really spotty. If you are trimming a bush you might get thirty minutes out of it. Anything more than that though and the battery tends to flat-line fast.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Cutting Performance
• Voltage: 40-volts
• Bar Size: 12-Inch
• Weight: 6 Pounds
• Power Source: Battery-Powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

4. Remington RM4216 16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw

The Remington is a gas-powered chainsaw that features a powerful motor and a massive sixteen-inch bar. With these components, you can work through massive stock. Consequently, it is one of the best units on our list for working with trees.

It’s also very durable which means that you should get many years of use out of it. However, you also get all of the cons that are associated with gas-powered saws. It’s extremely noisy, it releases a lot of emissions and it is literally illegal in states like California.

For some people, gas chainsaws are necessary but do be aware of what you are getting yourself into.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Suburban Homeowner
• Engine: 42cc
• Bar Size: 16-Inch
• Weight: 22 Pounds
• Power Source: Gas-powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

5. Oregon CS1500 18″ 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Chainsaw

Most electric chainsaws aren’t super great at working with extremely tough stock. The Oregan is one of the few exceptions. The motor is powerful enough to work with moderately sized trees and the bar is long enough that it can make shorty work of even larger stock.

The blade is also self-sharpening and the chains are self-oiling which makes it easy to maintain. For a cheap chainsaw, there isn’t much more you can ask for. However, buyers will want to note that it has its limitations.

The biggest of these is the battery. It’s not made to run for a long time against hard trees.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Trimming Branches
• Voltage: 120-volts
• Bar Size: 18-Inch
• Weight: 12.6 Pounds
• Power Source: Corded-Electric

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

6. WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp

The Worx is a great product for buyers that want to get a powerful product at an unbeatable price. The fifteen amp motor opens the door to working against moderately sized trees as well as a wide range of different bushes and other stock.

It features an eighteen-inch bar that will make it easier to work with larger stock. Unfortunately, though, some corners seem to have been cut. The build quality leaves quite a lot to be desired and the handle is sure to deteriorate quickly if it is put to task.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Powerful Cutting Performance
• Voltage: 120-volts
• Bar Size: 18-Inch
• Weight: 11.3 Pounds
• Power Source: Corded-electric

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

7. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw

The Wen features a lightweight build and a sixteen-inch bar that will make it well equipped to make quick work out of high volume jobs. The unit features tool-free maintenance that will make it easy to oil and realign the chains of the bar.

These are effective but basic features that we tend to expect from any chainsaw. However, the unit also has limitations that we don’t like to see from chainsaws. The biggest of these is the durability. The handle is made of a cheap plastic that simply can’t be counted on for heavy-duty use.

If put to the task against heavy-duty use this unit is going to break down pretty quickly.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Bush or Branch
• Voltage: 120-volts
• Bar Size: 16-Inch
• Weight: 10 Pounds
• Power Source: Corded-electric

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

8. OppsDecor XP2300 58cc – Cheapest Gas Chainsaw

The OppsDecor is a gas-powered chainsaw that features a sizable bar and a powerful motor. If you need to be able to work with trees and other tough materials this is the sort of product you will want to focus most of your attention on.

It also features an ergonomic grip and durable construction. However, there are some issues that you’ll want to bear in mind. For me, it all comes down to the quality of the construction. It’s not a bad product but for the money you spend, the expectation is that you’ll get something with a little more bang for the buck.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Cutting Wood
• Voltage: 120-volts
• Bar Size: 20-Inch
• Power: 58cc
• Power Source: Gasoline-powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

9. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Chainsaw

Craftsman has a long-standing reputation for making some of the best tools on the market. It features a solid battery, a lightweight build, an ergonomic grip and a motor that leaves sit well equipped for handling moderately tough stock.

There is, however, one reason that it finds itself towards the bottom of the list. Namely, the price. Though cheap relative to some of the high-priced units on the market, it does test the perimeters of our list somewhat. This is one of the most expensive units on our list which will make it restrictive for some buyers.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Cutting in Small Spaces
• Voltage: 20-volts
• Bar Size: 12-Inch
• Weight: 9.9 Pounds
• Power Source: Battery Powered

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

10. Emdaot 58CC 20″ Gas Powered handheld Chainsaw

The Emdaot is a gas-powered unit that features a huge bar and a motor that will be powerful enough to allow it to work with hardcore materials.

The lightweight build will make the saw easy to use for long periods of time while the comfortable grip will ensure you feel good as you use it.

So, why does his saw find itself on the bottom of my list? It’s a matter of price versus performance. This is one of the most expensive saws on our list, but unfortunately, it doesn’t boast the build quality we would expect for a product with this price tag.

It isn’t extremely durable which will be a problem if you consistently use it against the harder materials that the motor is compatible with.

What We Like:

What We Didn’t Like:

Chainsaw Under 200 Comparison Chaet

Frequently Asked Question and Answered

What’s the best chainsaw for the money?
That’s a tough question to answer. My choice on this list was the Greenworks. However, everyone will have their own preferences.

Is Stihl better than Husqvarna?
Not necessarily. Both companies are known for making really great gear. Husqvarna, in particular, has an enormous reputation for making outstanding stuff. However, both companies are going to have gear that impresses.

What is the easiest chainsaw to start?
Electric chainsaws are always the easiest to start because they don’t have a pull cord. However, gas units are increasingly adopting a “quick†or automated start component. These elements will make them easy and quick to use.

What is the lightest most powerful chainsaw?
“Most bestest†questions are never easy to answer because,e as the saying goes, there is always a bigger fish. Always a product that will be better than the best. That said, there are some companies that dependably produce good gear. For example, Greenworks is a great example of consistently effective gear.

Conclusion

So, which one of our cheap chainsaw reviews kept out at you? All ten of the product on our list will be great for someone, but the hope is that my reviews and buying guide will have tipped you off on which product is right for you.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I get it. It’s tricky to choose between ten great pieces of equipment. However, there are a couple of equipment recommendations you can keep in mind that may make the decision a little bit easier.

Buyers that don’t mind paying whatever it takes to get the best product they can get their hands on will appreciate the power and utility of my top choice the DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw.

On the other hand, you can also get a good product for a great price with the Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw.