Best chainsaws June 2026
Finding the right chainsaw depends on the job, whether it's light pruning or heavy-duty woodcutting. This guide helps you compare the top models on the market, looking at power, weight, and key features. Our independent ranking makes it easier to find the perfect chainsaw for your needs.
Last updated: 25 June 2026
Chainsaws: Top 5
1
STIHL MS 261 C-M
from £665.002 stores
from £665.00
2 stores
2
STIHL MS 180
from £239.001 store
from £239.00
1 store
3
STIHL MS 170
from £190.002 stores
from £190.00
2 stores
4
Bosch AKE 30 S
from £54.971 store
from £54.97
1 store
5
STIHL MS 181
from £292.002 stores
from £292.00
2 stores
The STIHL MS 261 C-M is a professional-grade gas chainsaw that delivers exceptional power for demanding tasks. It's packed with premium features, including a heated handle for comfort and a robust engine for maximum cutting performance. Its low vibration levels make it more comfortable for extended use than many other gas models.
Pros
Extremely powerful with 3000 W
Heated handle for cold weather use
Large 50.2 cm³ engine displacement
Low vibration levels for comfort
Accommodates various bar lengths (33-50 cm)
Cons
Heaviest model in this list at 4.9 kg
Requires gas and oil mixture
The STIHL MS 180 is a chainsaw designed for homeowner use. Its most notable feature is an exceptionally large one-litre oil tank, which reduces the frequency of refills during work. However, users should be aware of its relatively high front handle vibration compared to other saws.
Pros
Very large 1-litre oil tank
Decent power for homeowner tasks
Cons
High front handle vibration (6.6 m/s²)
Limited specifications available
Less powerful than other models
The STIHL MS 170 is a lightweight, gas-powered chainsaw intended for basic, light-duty work around the home. While it has the lowest power output on this list, it's a manageable entry-level option for smaller jobs and comes equipped with important safety features like a chain brake.
Pros
Relatively lightweight for a gas saw (4.5 kg)
Includes essential safety features
Cons
Lowest power output in the list (1200 W)
Relatively high vibration levels
Fixed 30 cm bar length
The Bosch AKE 30 S is the only electric chainsaw in this ranking, offering a powerful yet lightweight alternative to gas models. It provides the convenience of no fuel mixing and zero emissions, coupled with low vibrations for comfortable handling. Its light frame makes it easy to maneuver for a variety of garden tasks.
Pros
Lightest model on the list (3.9 kg)
High power for an electric saw (2500 W)
Low vibration levels (4 m/s²)
No fuel or emissions
Cons
Very low chain speed (9 m/s)
Mobility limited by power cord
Small 0.2-litre oil tank
The STIHL MS 181 offers a fantastic blend of user comfort and capable performance for a homeowner's saw. It stands out with its exceptionally low vibration levels, which are on par with professional models, while remaining lightweight and easy to handle for everyday tasks.
Pros
Exceptionally low vibration levels
Lightweight for a gas model (4.3 kg)
Good balance of power and handling
Cons
Less powerful than professional models
Smaller fuel tank requires more refills
Compare specifications
| Chain speed | 25.6 m/s | — | — | 9 m/s | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product weight | 4.9 kg | — | 4.5 kg | 3.9 kg | 4.3 kg |
| Bar length | 33 - 50 | — | 30 - 30 | 30 - 30 | 40 - 30 |
| Power source | Gas | — | Gas | Electric | Gas |
How we built the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular with our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert reviews. Specifically, we take into account how many users follow a product through 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 stores. No products are paid placements — the ranking is governed solely by data.
