Best Chainsaw 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

A brushless top handle chainsaw ideal for tree surgeons. This Makita has been designed to be up to 50% more efficient than its rivals, with a brushless motor which doesn’t wear away or cause the chainsaw to stutter.

There is a variable speed control option at the press of a trigger, which will help with a multitude of tasks. When faced with larger jobs, chainsaws can sometimes start to slow down as they struggle to get through the material. However, thanks to constant speed control, the motor and chain won’t stutter so you can keep going.

Automatic chain lubrication will keep the saw cutting for the duration of the battery life, and the reservoir is visible so you can easily see when the oil needs topping up. The opening is large, so it is mess-free to get going again.

Also visible is the battery level for both of the two 18V batteries which work together to power the 36V motor. When in use, there is low noise and low vibration, so it is comfortable to use at all times. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) provides extra guard against dust, debris and possible water pollution, which can be problematic on sites, which is great if you are a professional.

Unfortunately, the batteries and charger are not included, so you will have to buy separately if you don’t have them already. Makita uses the ‘one battery across the range’ approach to their power tools, so if you own other items from the brand, you only need one set of batteries.

This is the body-only option, but is still well-priced for the sheer power and comfort levels you get for the money, even when the extra purchase is taken into consideration.

An automatic oiling system will keep you going for longer without having to pause and manually adapt everything. The wraparound overmould handle is comfortable to grip no matter what position the unit is held in.

The brushless motor technology doesn’t only reduce the amount of noise and straining from the use but gives you 20% more power and 40% more run-time per charge too. It features both mechanical and automatic chain brake assistance to prevent any accidents, so whether you quickly need to stop it or are unintentionally pushing it to the limits, you aren’t going to cause any injuries or harm.

This particular purchase is sold as a bare/zero tool. It is part of the ONE+ System of over 100 tools for the home and garden, so having just one battery can work across all of the Ryobi items in the collection.

It works incredibly well to say that it is both electric and cordless, without producing a horrible amount of noise or straining with tougher jobs.

One of the lightest on the market, which is great if you struggle with heavy appliances or long durations. It is best for pruning or lighter firewood tasks because of this but is incredibly effective at the job.

It is nice and compact, so can be stored away in between uses, which is good if you’ll only be using it occasionally. A charge of around 45 minutes should give you around 30 minutes of power, depending on the task at hand.

You can choose to buy it as a body-only purchase or with the battery and charger, and said battery could be used with other items across the Bosch range. It bounces a little on contact, so a very firm grip is required, and you need to put some weight behind it too. Having said this, as long as you don’t push it to the limit, you should be able to tackle the task with no strain.

A very generous 6-metre power cable and 1800W power level make this chainsaw one of the best corded electric models around and can deal with those medium-duty tasks with little effort.

It has a 35cm blade, so is as good at chopping down small trees as it is pruning hedges. The tool-less chain tensioning allows you to set it up quickly and easily before use, and when it is at work, the anti-kickback chain and bar will ensure no stuttering or uncomfortable motion.

We weren’t expecting much for the price. We certainly weren’t expecting the performance we got. It is one of the cheapest electric chainsaws, yet one of the best. Okay, it is a little more plastic than others, and the design isn’t as eye-catching, but it does the job it should.

One of the larger guide bars available for a corded electric model, this Bosch is the perfect answer to all of those slightly more difficult tasks where the thought of using a manual cutter is unbearable.

Despite the fact it is one of the most powerful, it is also one of the lightest to hold, which is very surprising. At just 2kgs, even if the task takes a prolonged amount of time, your wrists should still be good with the effort.

All of the bonuses are there too, such as oil level indication and an anti-vibration system which both leave you fully in control of what is going on. It takes a few minutes to assemble, but when in use, it isn’t jerky and needs little maintenance attention.

The booklet has some good tips and usage guides included even though the initial instructions are sparse, so while it may look like a bit of a scary appliance if you are a novice with power tools, it should be easy and safe to use if you read up and know what you are doing before you start.

Combining a high powered motor with a high-speed chain, this is a heavy-duty chainsaw which still gives you a lightweight and efficient design.

Ideal for light to medium duty trimming, cutting and pruning around the garden, there is little maintenance to carry out, so it is perfect for anyone who wants to be able to reach for their tools time after time with little effort.

It is safe to use, too; the automatic chain brake stops the unit in under half a second if something isn’t right, and there are two handles, so it is comfortable to hold and easy to move around.

The chain tension can be set manually, so there is no need to get the allen keys and spanners out. When this is done, the chain management system kicks in when the unit is on to control the tension automatically.

There is oil level indication, so you know when you have to pause to top it up, and the low-maintenance auto-tensioning chain system keeps all of the mechanisms working for longer. It has one of the longest power leads of all corded electric models, which is a bonus, especially if you struggle to reach power sockets when using outdoor appliances.

A nice mid-priced petrol saw from a brand who are well-respected in the power tool world.

It works like a dream, both easy to assemble and start when needed. There is an inertia-activated chain brake, so if you push it a bit too far, it will stop in its tracks to ensure no injuries are caused.

The power levels are extremely high, so it is one of the best petrol chainsaws for getting through tougher jobs such as tree trunks and logs for firewood. It features 60% lower emissions and 20% fuel saving capability too, so it is good for both the environment and your purse.

Distinct felling marks make it easier to undertake these big tasks, and also increases safety. The ergonomic rear handle is designed to give you the perfect amount of grip and steadiness, for simpler control. When it needs to be topped up with fuel, you’ll be able to see thanks to the visible fuel tank line. Anti-vibration dampeners also absorb excess movement, so your arms will forgive you.

A powerful engine, 20m/s chain speed and anti-vibration system, this McCulloch is ideal for occasional use when you need to call the big guns in for tasks.

The CCS air filter system means it can be used for longer periods with less air filter service. Centrifugal cleaning pre-cleans the intake of air, and larger particles are ejected before reaching the main air filter. Not only does this give you longer running times, but it is less hassle to maintain as well.

A double activated chain brake increases the likelihood that the chainsaw will stop should you press the trigger or by inertia. This increases safety, as the risk of accidents is reduced. You also get soft start technology to reduce the resistance in the starter cord by up to 40%.

It is by far one of the easiest to work, start up and maintain in between uses. If you can cope with the weight, the lower price should make it perfect if you don’t want to spend too much yet need something worthwhile.

Designed primarily for top comfort when in use, this Stihl has low-level vibration and reduced emission engine technology, for both physical and environmental benefits.

Whether it be logs for a wood burning stove or hedges in the garden, it can slice through most of those low to medium tasks. The handles are comfortable to grip, even when the unit has to be turned at angles.

It is a two-stroke engine, and easy enough to start once you get the hang of it. Topping it up with fuel is also simple thanks to the large opening and easy to remove/refit cap.

The price is at the higher end, and to be honest better ones can be found for less money, but it is a trusted name, and a powerful pick so is still worthy of a place on our list. We would say that it basically gives you the power and performance of an electric model without the use of electricity, which may suit some of you out there just fine.