Storm Limbs to Firewood Rounds: Best Chainsaw for Homeowners by Power Type

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A storm drops a limb across the driveway, or a load of logs needs cutting to stove length. The best chainsaw for homeowners is the one sized to that job, with the safety features you need and a power source you can live with: a battery you charge, a cord you manage, or a gas engine you fuel and maintain.

We compared seven saws sold by Amazon.com or the maker’s own store: two battery saws, two corded electrics, two gas saws and a 6-inch one-hand mini. For each one we quote what the listing says about bar length, chain brake, low-kickback chain, oiling and weight, and we flag where a listing leaves a safety feature out or gives numbers that don’t add up.

One rule before any of it: a homeowner saw is for limbs and logs you can reach from the ground. Big trees near the house or anywhere near power lines are a job for a professional tree crew.

Our Top Chainsaw For Homeowners Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. EGO Power+ CS1611 16-Inch Chainsaw Kit: Best Overall

EGO’s CS1611 is a full-size battery chainsaw with a 16-inch bar, sold as a kit with a 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery and a charger. EGO calls it “40CC gas equivalent,” which is the brand’s comparison rather than a measured spec, and it lists a 20 m/s chain speed.

Using it is closer to a corded saw than a gas one: slide in the battery, and the saw is ready. The listing promises “Up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery,” which gives a rough sense of runtime for limb cleanup. Chain tension is set with a tool-free system, and the bar oils itself through an automatic oiler fed from what EGO calls a spill-free oil reservoir.

On safety and durability, the listing names a “Low kickback chain design with brake indicator” and “IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction.” The chain is spelled out in full (3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge, 52 drive links), which makes buying a replacement chain simpler. The specs list the weight as 9 pounds. The warranty field is blank, so check EGO’s own terms before you buy.

It suits homeowners who clear storm debris a few times a year, cut a modest firewood pile, and would rather charge a battery than keep mixed gas in the garage. If you already own EGO 56V tools, the battery platform is a bonus.

Why we like it

• 16-inch bar on battery power
• Tool-free chain tensioning
• Weather-resistant IPX4 rating

Watch out for

One 2.5Ah battery may not last through a big firewood session, and the listed package size doesn’t match a 16-inch saw.

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2. Husqvarna 120 Mark III 16-Inch Gas Chainsaw: Best Gas Chainsaw for Homeowners

Husqvarna’s 120 Mark III is the entry-level homeowner gas saw from one of the best-known chainsaw makers. It pairs a 38cc, 1.8-horsepower X-Torq engine with a 16-inch bar, and the listing says it handles recommended bar lengths of 14 to 18 inches.

Starting is the part gas-saw owners dread, and Husqvarna addresses it with an air purge system and a combined choke/stop control. The listing says these make starting easier and “reduce risk of engine flooding.” A centrifugal air cleaning system spins out larger dust and debris before it reaches the air filter, which Husqvarna says improves engine life, and LowVib dampeners are there to cut vibration and operator fatigue.

The key safety line is an “inertia-activated chain brake to reduce the likelihood of injury due to kickback.” Husqvarna’s own product page lists the same brake and a 16-inch bar. The specs give a weight of 10.7 pounds and a size of 29.4 x 9.25 x 10.7 inches. The warranty field is blank, so look up Husqvarna’s terms, and read the manual for the fuel it calls for before the first tank.

It fits homeowners who heat with wood, have a rural lot or a long tree line, and want a saw that runs as long as there is fuel in the can. It is less suited to anyone who uses a saw once a year and would rather not store gasoline.

Why we like it

• Inertia-activated chain brake
• Easier-start features
• Takes 14–18 inch bars

Watch out for

Gas saws need fresh fuel and regular engine care, and the listing doesn’t state the warranty.

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3. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw: Best Light Cordless for Pruning

Greenworks’ 40V 12-inch chainsaw is a compact battery saw meant for pruning, yard cleanup and the smaller limbs a storm brings down. It ships with a 40V 2.0Ah battery and a charger, and Greenworks rates a single charge at 50 cuts through 4×4 treated wood.

Everyday handling is the selling point. The bullets put the saw at 6 pounds with a wrapped grip, though the specs list 10.89 pounds, which may be the shipping weight. A dual safety start (a lock plus the trigger) is there to prevent accidental starts, chain tension is tool-free and automatic, and an auto-oiler keeps the chain lubricated.

Greenworks describes the 12-inch chain as “low-recoil” and says it “handles storm clean-up/pruning.” The listing also says the 2.0Ah battery can charge phones and iPads, so it can serve as a small power bank, and that it works with other Greenworks 40V tools. The bullets state a 3-year tool and battery warranty, though the specs warranty field is empty.

It suits homeowners with a few ornamental trees, a fence line to keep trimmed, or a small yard where the biggest cut is a fallen branch. Anyone already on the Greenworks 40V platform gets another tool for the same batteries.

Why we like it

• Low-recoil 12-inch chain
• Dual safety start
• Battery works across Greenworks 40V tools

Watch out for

The 12-inch bar is for limbs and small logs, not big firewood rounds, and the two listed weights disagree.

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4. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-Inch Corded Chainsaw: Best Corded Electric

CRAFTSMAN’s CMECS600 is a corded electric chainsaw with a 16-inch bar and a 12-amp motor. Plug it in and it runs as long as you need, with no battery to charge and no fuel to mix, which makes it a practical choice for cutting firewood in the driveway or clearing limbs close to the house.

The listing keeps its feature list short and specific. It names a “16-inch low kickback bar and chain,” automatic oiling with a “Built-in oil window and no priming required,” and tool-free chain tensioning. That oil window is the kind of small detail that matters, since running a chain dry dulls it fast.

The bullets state a “3 Year Limited Warranty,” although the specs warranty field is empty. The listed weight is 6.19 pounds and the listed size is 18.63 x 11.94 x 8.37 inches. The listing doesn’t mention a chain brake, so check the manual if that matters to you. As with any corded outdoor tool, use an outdoor-rated extension cord sized to the maker’s instructions.

It suits homeowners on a smaller lot who cut within a hundred feet or so of an outlet and want full 16-inch capacity at a lower price than a battery kit. It is not a fit for remote fence lines or the back of a large property.

Why we like it

• Full 16-inch low kickback bar
• Oil window you can check at a glance
• No battery or fuel to manage

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t say whether there’s a chain brake, and the cord ties you to an outlet.

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5. SENIX CSE12-M 16-Inch Corded Chainsaw: Best Budget Corded

SENIX’s CSE12-M is a 16-inch corded chainsaw with a 12-amp motor, built to plug into any standard 120-volt outlet. SENIX pitches it on value and on runtime: with a cord there is no battery to wait on, and the listing names storm cleanup and wood cutting among its jobs.

Day to day, the features cover the basics. A 5.8-ounce auto-oiling system lubricates the chain, and tool-less tensioning lets you snug the chain without hunting for a wrench. The box includes a bar and chain cover and a scrench (a combination screwdriver and wrench), so you can store and adjust it without extra purchases.

Safety features are named plainly: “a handle-mounted trigger lockout and an automatic kickback brake.” That makes it one of the few saws here whose listing names a brake. The specs list a weight of 13 pounds and a size of 33 x 11 x 8 inches. One oddity: the bullets promise a 3-year limited warranty, while the warranty field reads “2-year limited warranty,” so confirm the term with SENIX.

It suits homeowners who need a full-size bar a few times a year and would rather keep the spend low. If you cut far from the house or need to move around a large yard, a battery or gas saw will be easier.

Why we like it

• Named kickback brake
• Lowest cost for a 16-inch bar
• Cover and adjustment tool in the box

Watch out for

The warranty length differs between the bullets and the warranty field, so check before you count on three years.

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6. VEVOR CN-52G 52cc 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw: Best Long Bar for Firewood

VEVOR’s CN-52G is a 52cc gas chainsaw with an 18-inch bar, the longest on this list. The listing rates the engine at 2.55 horsepower (1.9 kW at 8,500 rpm, up to 12,000 rpm) and claims a maximum cutting diameter of 16.93 inches, which is the kind of capacity firewood cutters look for.

Running it means buying, storing and handling gasoline, and following the manual for the fuel it calls for. The listing gives a 550 ml fuel tank and a 260 ml chain oil tank, and says the tough outer shell resists leaks. A built-in shock absorber is meant to cut vibration, and VEVOR says the long bar reduces sawdust splatter.

What the listing leaves out is just as important. There is no mention of a chain brake, a low-kickback chain or any kickback-reducing device, and OSHA’s Chainsaw Safety QuickCard says gasoline-powered chainsaws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes kickback. Check the manual or ask VEVOR before buying. The specs list 14.99 pounds, and the warranty field is empty. The bullets also describe it as a “top handle” saw, which looks like copied wording.

It suits experienced users who already own chaps, a helmet and hearing protection, and who need an 18-inch bar for bigger rounds. Beginners and occasional users will be better served by a saw whose listing names its kickback protection.

Why we like it

• Longest bar here
• Big fuel and oil tanks
• Strong Chainsaws category rank

Watch out for

The listing never mentions a chain brake or low-kickback chain, so confirm the kickback protection before you buy.

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7. SEESII M6 Lite 6-Inch Mini Chainsaw: Best Mini Chainsaw

SEESII’s M6 Lite is a mini chainsaw with a 6-inch bar and a 900W motor, the kind of small battery saw that has become popular for pruning. It comes as a kit with two 21V 2000mAh batteries, two chains (one pre-installed), a charger, an oil bottle, a nut driver, a screwdriver and a pair of gloves.

Most of the listing’s numbers are brand claims. SEESII says chain speed reaches 30 ft/s, that the saw cuts wood up to 15 cm thick in 7 seconds, and that the two batteries give 80 to 100 minutes of continuous operation. The bullets put the weight at 2.7 pounds, while the specs say 2.2 pounds; either way, it is by far the lightest saw here. The oil bottle ships empty, and the listing doesn’t mention an automatic oiler, so plan on oiling the chain yourself.

For safety, the listing names a double safety lock to prevent accidental starts, a chain guard to keep debris down, and a “low-recoil design.” SEESII markets it for one-handed use. OSHA’s chainsaw guidance tells operators to keep their hands on the saw’s handles, so use a firm, two-handed grip where the design allows, and never hold the branch you are cutting with your free hand. The listing offers a 2-year after-sales service; the warranty field is empty.

It suits gardeners who prune shrubs, small fruit trees and branches a few inches thick. It is not a storm-cleanup or firewood tool.

Why we like it

• Lightest saw here
• Two batteries and two chains
• Gloves in the box

Watch out for

Treat it as a pruning tool, oil the chain by hand, and don’t hold the work with your free hand.

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How We Chose the Best Chainsaws for Homeowners

Every pick was in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store when we checked. We compared what each listing actually says:

• Power type: battery, corded electric or gas, and what each means for runtime and upkeep.
• Bar length: from a 6-inch pruning mini to an 18-inch firewood bar.
• Kickback features as listed: chain brake, low-kickback or low-recoil chain, safety lock. Where a listing names none, we say so.
• Chain care: automatic oiler, oil window, tool-free tensioning.
• Listing evidence: seller, Amazon sales rank, weight and the warranty field, with conflicts flagged.

We kept to one saw per brand and quoted every runtime or power claim as the maker’s own.

Chainsaw Buying Guide

Best Cordless Chainsaw: Battery Size and Bar Length

Battery saws start instantly and skip fuel storage. The EGO CS1611 pairs a 16-inch bar with a 56V battery and claims up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge; the Greenworks 40V uses a 12-inch bar and claims 50. A second battery is the simplest way to stretch a cleanup day. If you already own a brand’s batteries, staying on that platform saves money.

Best Gas Chainsaw for Homeowners

Gas saws run as long as you have fuel and don’t need an outlet, which is why they remain the choice for rural lots and wood heat. The trade-off is upkeep and fuel handling. OSHA’s Chainsaw Safety QuickCard says to start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area with the chain brake engaged, to never fuel a running or hot saw, and that gasoline-powered chainsaws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes kickback. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III lists an inertia-activated chain brake (also shown on Husqvarna’s 120 Mark III page); the VEVOR CN-52G listing doesn’t mention one.

Best Electric Chainsaw: Corded Saws

Corded saws (CRAFTSMAN and SENIX here) offer 16-inch bars at the lowest cost and unlimited runtime, but only within reach of an outlet. OSHA’s Working Safely with Chainsaws fact sheet says extension cords should be sized according to the chainsaw maker’s instructions.

Best Mini Chainsaw

Six-inch battery minis like the SEESII M6 Lite are pruning tools. They are light and cheap, but many are marketed for one-handed use, and the listing doesn’t mention an automatic oiler. Keep both hands on the tool where you can, and never steady a branch with your free hand.

Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood

For stove-length rounds, bar length and runtime matter most. A 16-inch bar (EGO, Husqvarna, CRAFTSMAN, SENIX) covers most homeowner firewood; the VEVOR’s 18-inch bar claims a 16.93-inch cutting diameter. Before you cut, see our guide to the best fireplace wood for which species burn well and how long to season them.

Storm Cleanup Safety: Kickback, PPE and Knowing When to Stop

OSHA’s fact sheet lists the protective gear employers must provide for chainsaw work, and it is a good homeowner checklist too: head protection such as a hard hat, hearing protection, eye and face protection, protective footwear, leg protection such as chaps, and work gloves. Our guide to cut-resistant gloves covers glove ratings.

• Avoid the kickback zone. OSHA says to be prepared for kickback, avoid cutting with the tip, and use saws with chain brakes and low-kickback chains.
• Stay on the ground. The fact sheet lists operating a chainsaw above shoulder height or above ground level, such as from a ladder or tree, as a higher-risk job, and it says not to cut directly overhead.
• Watch for tension. OSHA warns that branches under tension may spring out when cut, and to identify “hangers” and “widow-makers” that may fall from above.
• Know your limits. The fact sheet also flags trees with a heavy lean, rot or a tendency to split, and says to identify electrical lines in the work area. Leave large trees near the house, and anything touching or near power lines, to professionals.
• Don’t work alone. OSHA’s fact sheet says never work alone, and to take breaks because fatigue increases the risk of injury.

After a storm, power may be out too. If you’re running a generator while you clean up, see our portable generator guide before you start it.

Storm Damage, Fallen Trees and Your Policy

A tree on the roof, a limb through the fence and debris removal can each be handled differently by a homeowners policy, and the details depend on your policy and what caused the damage. Don’t assume either way. Take photos before you cut, and ask your agent what your policy covers before you hire a tree crew. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chainsaw for homeowners?

For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ CS1611 is our pick. It pairs a 16-inch bar with a 56V battery and charger, lists a low kickback chain with a brake indicator and an IPX4 weather-resistance rating, and is sold by Amazon.com.

Is a cordless chainsaw strong enough for storm cleanup?

For limbs and small trees, a full-size battery saw can be. EGO claims up to 130 cuts on a 4×4 per charge with a 16-inch bar, and Greenworks claims 50 with a 12-inch bar. Large trees, especially near the house or power lines, are a job for professionals.

What is the best electric chainsaw for firewood?

A corded 16-inch saw near an outlet is the low-cost route. The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 lists a 16-inch low kickback bar and an oil window; the SENIX CSE12-M lists an automatic kickback brake and costs less. Size the extension cord to the maker’s instructions.

Are mini chainsaws safe?

They are pruning tools, not storm saws. The SEESII M6 Lite lists a double safety lock and chain guard, but it is marketed for one-handed use. OSHA advises keeping your hands on the saw’s handles, so never hold the branch you are cutting with your free hand.

What safety gear do I need to run a chainsaw?

OSHA’s chainsaw fact sheet lists head protection, hearing protection, eye and face protection, protective footwear, leg protection such as chaps, and work gloves. It also warns against cutting above shoulder height or from a ladder.

The Bottom Line

The EGO Power+ CS1611 is the best chainsaw for homeowners who want a 16-inch bar without gas. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is the gas pick for regular firewood, with a listed inertia-activated chain brake. The Greenworks 40V is the light pruning saw, the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 and SENIX CSE12-M are the corded value picks, the VEVOR CN-52G brings an 18-inch bar for experienced users, and the SEESII M6 Lite handles small branches only. Whatever you buy, wear the gear, stay on the ground and leave big trees to the pros.

Cleaning up after a storm and not sure what your policy covers? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or ask about a coverage review, and ask your agent before the tree crew arrives.