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Best Chainsaws August 2026

Finding the right chainsaw depends on your power needs and mobility. This guide helps you compare the top battery-powered and corded electric models, so you can evaluate their features, performance, and trade-offs. Use our independent ranking to find the best fit for your jobs, whether it's light pruning or heavy-duty cutting.

Last updated: 14 August 2026

The list is unchanged since the last update.

Chainsaws: Top 5

This powerful 36V chainsaw from Makita is built for demanding tasks, offering the highest chain speed in this lineup at 20 m/s. It features a modern brushless motor and convenient tool-free chain tensioning. It's a great cordless option for those who need performance, but remember that batteries are not included.

Yes, with its 36V power system, 20 m/s chain speed, and 35 cm bar, it can handle larger branches and more demanding homeowner tasks than typical 18V saws.

Pros

  • High chain speed of 20 m/s

  • Powerful 36V battery system

  • Tool-free chain adjustment

  • Efficient brushless motor

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately

  • Heavy at 4.7 kg

The Bosch UniversalChain 18 is a compact and lightweight 18V chainsaw designed for easy handling during light-duty tasks. It's perfect for pruning trees and cutting small branches, offering quiet operation and low vibrations. Its short bar and slower chain speed make it less suitable for heavy work.

Users find it works well for branches up to about 20 cm in diameter. Its primary purpose is lighter pruning and trimming, not felling larger trees.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to handle at 3 kg

  • Low vibration levels (3.7 m/s²)

  • Ideal for light pruning and small jobs

  • Uses the common Bosch 18V battery system

Cons

  • Slow chain speed of 4.5 m/s

  • Short 20 cm bar length

  • Battery and charger not included

The Ryobi OCS1830 is a powerful yet impressively lightweight 18V chainsaw featuring a 30 cm bar and a brushless motor. It offers a great balance of performance and portability for various yard work. To get the most out of it, users recommend pairing it with high-capacity batteries, which are sold separately.

User reviews strongly suggest using high-capacity batteries, such as 5.0 Ah models. Smaller batteries will drain very quickly, limiting you to only a few cuts per charge.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight at 2.7 kg

  • Good bar length for its size (30 cm)

  • Efficient brushless motor

  • Tool-free chain tensioning

Cons

  • Requires high-capacity batteries to perform well

  • Battery and charger not included

  • High rear handle vibration (6.6 m/s²)

Part of Bosch's Professional line, the GKE 18V-40 is a robust 18V chainsaw designed for tradespeople and demanding users. It features a powerful brushless motor and a high chain speed for efficient cutting. Like other professional tools, it's sold as a bare unit without a battery or charger.

This model targets professionals and demanding DIYers who need a reliable and powerful 18V saw and may already be invested in the Bosch Professional 18V battery platform.

Pros

  • Fast chain speed for an 18V saw (12.4 m/s)

  • Professional-grade brushless motor

  • Part of the Bosch Professional 18V system

Cons

  • Battery and charger not included

  • Lacks detailed public specifications

The Makita UC3541A is a powerful corded electric chainsaw, delivering a constant 1800 W of power for tough jobs. Its 35 cm bar allows it to handle larger trees, and you never have to worry about a battery running out. However, your movement is restricted by the length of your extension cord.

A corded saw is ideal when working in a fixed area near a power outlet, such as cutting firewood in your yard. It provides constant high power without any concerns about battery life.

Pros

  • Powerful 1800 W corded motor

  • Consistent power with no battery to charge

  • Long 35 cm bar for larger cuts

  • Includes a chain saw brake

Cons

  • Mobility is limited by the power cord

  • Heavy at 4.7 kg

  • Small oil tank needs frequent refills

Compare specifications

Chain speed20 m/s4.5 m/s10 m/s12.4 m/s14.5 m/s
Product weight4.7 kg3 kg2.7 kg4.7 kg
Bar length35 - 3520 - 2030 - 3035 - 35
Power sourceBatteryBatteryBatteryBatteryElectric

How we create the list

The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.