Last Updated on October 4, 2021
A chainsaw is one of the most popular weapons in a horror movie. You can imagine dozens of films that feature not so subtle display of gore, and there is usually a chainsaw involved in there somewhere.
But apart from separating limbs and probably zombies in movies, the chainsaw is a versatile tool. You can use it in felling trees, harvesting firewood, pruning, bucking, and other vital activities.
If you need a chainsaw (either for personal use or zombie cutting), then we have a list to help you find the best chainsaw under 200 to get you started.
With this guide, you can find the ideal one for your logging, tree cutting, and other sawing requirements.
Let us dive in.
Best Chain Saw Under 200 – Comparisons
10 Best Chain Saw Under 200 Reviews
Now that you’ve had enough with the boring intro, let’s jump straight to the reviews. Let us find out what the best chainsaws under 200 are and help you find the most suitable among them.
1. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw
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When it comes to performance, the GreenWorks does a fantastic job. We appreciate the fact that 20312 offers some incredible flexibleness to users. It is because you do not have to be near the source of any power to start the saw.
So if you had to get some firewood for whatever purposes, we think this is the ideal tool. The chainsaw features a new addition called a brushless technology. In an old-school brush motor, there were many components. One of those components was a carbon brush.
New engines, like the one in the 20312, removed a lot of the parts, including the carbon brush. The result is that these motors become more powerful and do not suffer the voltage drop that typically occurs when these brushes rub against specific components.
When it comes to the engine itself, GreenWorks has equipped its chainsaw 16-inch Oregon bar along with a reduced kickback chain. We think that this is a convenient feature because it provided better handling as compared to other chainsaws that included a 14-inch bar.
We also enjoyed how silent the chainsaw was. Most of the noise that we heard was the engine whine and the sound of the blade ripping through the material. In our tests, we were able to cut down materials with large diameters without getting bogged down.
- Excellent cutting performance
- Operates quietly
- Fairly light
- Easy to handle
- Cordless handling
- Instances of oil leakage in storage
- Extra care to ensure proper chain tension
2. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40-volt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
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We found the most significant advantage of this chainsaw is its portability. The ease at which you can carry around the tool is remarkable.
Everyone knows of the name Black+Decker. They are renowned for making high-quality power tools, and the LCS1240 is no exception. We think that it is a near-perfect work of craftsmanship and design.
A comfortable rubber coating cushions the handgrip, making it a good feel in our hands. The rubber sheet also ensures that there is minimal to no vibration intensity. It honestly feels great handling it. As with all chainsaws, it also features an automatic oiling mechanism, which we think it is an additional benefit.
When it comes to safety, Black+Decker has shown its level of care. It features a low-kickback Oregon bar and chain. The entire machine is also reliable and sturdy.
We like to maintain our equipment well. When it came to maintaining the LCS1240, it was easy to take it apart and clean the parts thoroughly. Putting the pieces back together was a piece of cake. We feel that any advantage a power tool can give is welcomed, and this was a big plus.
The chainsaw will give you about 60 cuts before it needs to be set down for recharge. The recharge time is about 2 hours, which we think is long. However, given the quality of the product, it is a trade-off we are willing to make.
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- High quality
- Good safety features
- Occasional oil leak
3. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw
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The chainsaw is powered through a high-efficiency brushless motor. It comes with a tool-free chain tensioning feature along with a bar tightening control that you will find on the low-kickback 12-inch Oregon bar and chain.
This machine is one of the lightest out there, weighing in at just under 8 pounds (approximately 3.6 kilograms). It felt comfortable in our hands and more convenient when carrying around. We were not easily fatigued working with this tool, so that is a big bonus point for the DCCS620B.
We think that the tool is ideal for cutting branches and some necessary construction work. Although, you are probably wondering what a “tool-free chain tensioning” feature means. Well, we are here to answer that.
This feature allows you to change the tension of the chainsaw without using any tools. As such, the chainsaw prevents you from burdening yourself with many tools. We traveled relatively light with the DCCS620B, as all we required was the chainsaw and any essential additions.
DeWalt also comes with the brushless motor that we had talked about earlier for the GreenWorks, which makes the chainsaw last longer, and work more efficiently. We also think you will not be spending large sums of money on its maintenance.
Without any carburetors, spark plus, and air filters, the chainsaw requires minimal attention. The fact that you do not have to power the chainsaw with only a 20-volt battery is another plus. You can replace it with a 60-flexvolt battery giving you a bit more running time.
- Lightweight
- Changing from a 20-volt battery to a 60-flexvolt battery
- Brushless motor
- Getting the battery and charger separately
4. XtremepowerUS 22 Inch 2.4HP 45cc Gasoline Gas Chainsaw
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The chainsaw looks stylish and comes with a few cool features; namely the air-intake system, and anti-kickback chain. It adds in a fantastic safety feature with the brake handguard for the mechanical chain.
After using this chainsaw, we feel it best suits the needs of a farm or a home. It makes itself suitable for light to medium felling and cutting tasks. When we tried handling the chainsaw, we discovered that it was not very heavy. It was rather easy to control, and the tool did not hamper our maneuverability.
The chainsaw reduces friction for the bar as it includes a sprocket nose to allow smooth movement of the chain. We found out through our trials that the chain is of good quality and cuts well.
With an engine that provides 12,000 RPM with the cutting equipment attached and about 3,400 RPM without, we can say that this chainsaw packs quite a bit of power.
A favorite quote says that bigger is better. But you know what, it is not necessarily the case always. With Xtremepower, you will find the bar size useful when you are cutting through the thick wood. However, this creates a drawback where the saw itself becomes less agile.
- The price point will attract buyers
- Engine is powerful
- Provides excellent cutting power
- Certain issues with reliability
- Lengthy startup procedure
5. Poulan Pro 20 in. 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
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With most chainsaws, you might have to use special hand gear called anti-vibration gloves. But the fact that this saw comes equipped with a feature to minimize vibration as much as possible is something we love.
Poulan Pro includes a DuraLife engine that guarantees a longer lifespan with its chromium-plated cylinders. While the feature may not seem to make a big difference in the beginning, you will notice its importance after prolonged use.
The chainsaw gets subjected to wear and tear, and the engine gives you more use before it requires servicing. Much work has also been done on the air filter systems, extending its life considerably.
When using the chainsaw, we also noticed that it was heavy. From our estimates, we could place it close to 18 pounds (around 8 kilograms). It makes it ideal for getting through small and medium-sized trees. We can also recommend it for cutting through firewood, and other small cutting activities.
The chainsaw tends to consume a lot of oil, so we think an earlier preparation is vital. It includes other magnificent features such as an automatic oil pump, spark plug, a clutch for increased durability, and an accessible air filter system.
Along with a 20-inch bar length for comfortable handling, the chainsaw also comes equipped with a wrench holder with onboard locking mechanism. The assemblage is complete with a supreme quality carrying case.
- Durable engine
- Anti-vibration feature
- Accessible air filter system
- Heavy
- Tends to consume oil fast
6. Remington RM4618 Outlaw 46cc 18-inch Gas Chainsaw
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The chainsaw looks like it was designed to attack challenging jobs head-on. A 20″ bar and chain along with a 46cc engine pushes its capability to the maximum. With all of that, you can effortlessly get through some of the most massive trees you can imagine.
RM4618 itself is comfortable to use and provides you with stable maneuverability. We found the chainsaw easy to start and appreciated its ease of use. The entire setup is durable and made to last long.
To add to its durability, you will find a chassis that is professional-grade. The side access tensioner allows you to adjust the chain without a lot of complexity to it. The whole process is quick and easy, letting you get into the cutting immediately.
Remington’s tools bring with them their QuickStart technology. It allows you to start the chainsaw without a lot of effort and within mere seconds.
While the Remington does not feature an anti-vibration technology, you will see that it comes with a cushion grip and a comfortable, isolated handle. Both these features ensure that they minimize vibrations as much as possible.
The bar itself is 18-inch, and while we have seen bigger bars in this list, the length fits Remington’s design. Coupled with the low-kickback chain, you end up receiving superior performance.
Remington has also added in a side-tensioning system that keeps the chain tension stable for long periods, reducing fast breakdowns and increasing its durability.
- QuickStart technology
- Durability
- Side-tensioning system
- Professional-grade chassis
- Complicated to adjust the chain oil dispenser
- Minimal torque may hinder performance
7. EGO Power+ 14-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw
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The design of the chainsaw itself is unique. It does not match the looks you typically find in other saws. The location of the battery is below the handle, which has been done intentionally to give you better balance when you are moving to cut.
Its handle is also comfortable to hold and it goes all the way to the left side of the tool. Using this arrangement, you can easily rotate or move the saw around to make precise cuts.
Safety is essential after all. We came across the chain brake on the saw, which positions itself as a kickback device, giving you added protection. We realized that this setup prevents the activation of the saw if you are handling it directly.
With its brushless motor and the 56V platform, you are looking at an incredible power. The brushless motor is a feature that you will notice on some of the newer models of chainsaws in the market. More so, it has now positioned itself as a selling point.
As if it did not have a lot of convenient features already, EGO decided to add in more. To start the chainsaw, you have to hit the lock-off button and then power-up with the trigger. The whole process felt easy and satisfying for us. We did perform the start a few times at least.
- Convenience
- Ease-of-use
- Incredible power
- Shortage of bucking spikes
8. Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw
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After using the CS1500 for a while, we found it the most suitable for light and medium cutting activities. You can also use it for cutting firewood and limbing.
The fluid startup process is what attracted us towards this chainsaw. We just had to detach the brake, ensure that we were holding the trigger lock, and then hit the throttle trigger. Within seconds, we had a running chainsaw ready to do the cutting. When we wanted to turn off the saw, we had to release the trigger.
And that’s it. As simple as that.
While we would not claim that the chainsaw is quite, it is relatively silent as compared to other gas-powered chainsaws. It allows you to work in an environment with lesser noise.
There is a maximization of the cutting power. You get to go through a 16-inch log with relative ease and in a single pass. That is because the saw includes an 18-inch blade for powerful cuts.
But what exactly is the self-sharpening system? Whenever you perform cuts, there are chances that the chainsaw will hit something substantial. It causes a quicker breakdown of the blade.
Sharpening the chain, in general, takes up a lot of time. With the in-built sharpener, you save time bringing back the tool to optimum sharpness. You have to pull the sharpening lever for a few seconds, and there you have it – the broken chain is sharpened easily.
- The self-sharpening system saves time
- Incredible cutting power
- Quick start feature
- Consumes much oil
- Chain requires frequent handling
9. Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
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Longevity is essential for any tool and in this, you get a bargain. Features such as the auto-tension system and the auto-lubrication mechanism allow for the saw to run smoothly for a long time. We got a decent battery life, but you can always bring in a better one, should you wish to go longer.
Setting up the unit does not take time. We found that when we had to get to work, we could quickly get the unit powered up and running. While it was running, it was quiet, which is a feature you will appreciate. We enjoyed this as it gave us an environment with relatively less noise to distract us.
Worx has developed a tool that is well balanced and lightweight at just 8 pounds (which is only under 4 kilograms). Talk about feather light, eh?
The brand has also thrown in an automatic lubrication system with an oil level indicator to give you the heads-up for an oil change. There is also a battery indicator to help you check your remaining battery life. You do not want the tool shutting off without your knowledge now, do you?
With all of these features, Worx gives you more durability for your DIY projects. Its lightweight won us over, as we often did not even notice its weight while we were transporting it.
- Long lasting battery
- Attractive design
- Lightweight
- Not suitable for thick branches
- Does not pack a lot of power
10. Husqvarna 952802154 240 Model Chainsaw
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Weighing at just around 10 pounds (about 4.5 kilograms), you can easily transport the chainsaw around with you, though the 38.2cc power that it provides made us reconsider doubting its output. Along with the 16-inch bar that gives you relative comfort holding the tool, you can easily fell a 20-inch tree easily.
Operating a chainsaw is no easy task and maintaining it is a more tedious operation. When you are out in the field, pieces of debris and other materials are bound to fly around. Some of these materials get stuck in your chainsaw’s air intake.
Herein, Husqvarna lets you easily remove its parts and clean them out. This process saves a lot of time and adds a bit of convenience.
With all that power, we did find the chainsaw hard to start. You see, most of Husqvarna’s tools come with a Smart Start feature. Sadly, that option is missing with the 240 and what you have is a complicated starting procedure.
We did find out that the anti-vibration feature works relatively well, giving you a pleasant working experience. What we liked even more is the X-Torq feature. It is a unique addition that ensures that the chainsaw consumes less fuel, convenient for those who might be using the saw frequently.
- Easy to operate
- Has good power
- Anti-vibration feature
- Fuel-conserving feature
- No good with heavy work
- No Smart Start feature
- Might have issues with the engine
Benefits of Using a Chainsaw
There are many benefits to using a chainsaw. Let us explore a few of them.
Clearing Away Debris
If you reside in a windy or stormy area, there are chances that trees or branches can snap off and fall uninvitingly around your home. To remove this large fallen debris, you need to make them transportable.
In such instances, a chainsaw is your best friend. You can also use this powerful tool on stuck wooden debris. Having a chainsaw around can quickly get you out of these problems without having to call for assistance.
Fun Projects
You do not have to use chainsaws for emergencies and building projects only. For creative projects, use a chainsaw to get the right pieces of wood.
For Gardening
That is right. You are not bound to use Chainsaw just on wood. It is also quite common to use chainsaws to prune and trim bushes.
What To Look For Before You Buy
So now that we have given a fair bit of review into some incredible chainsaws let us help you choose the tool that is ideal for you.
As always, a lot of thought goes into making your purchase decision. Hopefully, the guide will make that decision more comfortable to take.
Power and Weight
More power means that the weight of the tool will also increase. However, what you should be considering is the type of work you will be using the chainsaws for.
If you are planning to use the tool regularly and for going through thick-trunked trees and cumbersome tasks, then you should get yourself a saw with more power. However, if your primary focus is DIY projects or small to medium level activities, think about going for something lightweight.
Remember, weight is a safety concern. If you are not confident, we recommend that you begin working with a lightweight tool and take in some experience. Once you feel you can handle much heavier saws, you can switch to them.
Fuel or Battery?
If you are planning on spending long hours in the woods, then you probably require a fuel based chainsaw. You will not have to bring in extra batteries or take time off to charge your saw.
On the other hand, if you are focusing your work in your backyard or garden, think about using a battery-powered chainsaw.
Safety
Safety is paramount. When getting your chainsaw, go through the safety features and feel confident that you will be well protected. Professionals may seek to avoid safety features in exchange for more features or power, but in our opinion, one small mistake can lead to a grave injury.
Level of Maintenance
Sure, you could be a perfectionist. Even so, think about the time you might spend on maintenance. If you feel that your chainsaw should not require long hours spent in front of it, then look to the maintenance features of the tool. Check with your manufacturer and confirm with online reviews (like ours for example).
Budget
Of course, you need to evaluate how much you are willing to spend on a chainsaw. These ties in with the work that you want to accomplish. If you need it for small tasks, then you could consider getting a lightweight chainsaw.
Even among the less-weighty models, plenty give you the features you are looking for without placing a dent in your wallet.
For the more powerful chainsaws, you can get in a wide variety of price ranges. Opt for the one that fits your requirements as opposed to one that throws many features, a lot of which you might not utilize.
Features
Finally, it is best to get your money’s worth. Many chainsaws give you a whole lot of features at the price range that you are aiming. Anti-vibration, long-lasting battery and other features give you a little more convenience and safety.
Regardless of your preference, ensure you do your research before purchasing your saw.
With a good sense of preparedness, you will be ready to get your first (or next) chainsaw!
Safety Tips
When you are about to use a chainsaw, ensure that you have a safety checklist before you start the actual work. Here are some things to consider;
- Ensure that the chain is sharp.
- Keep your stance in a comfortable position. Do not attempt to try any posture that does not give you confidence.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing.
- Be careful with saw kick-back.
- Keep the path of the chainsaw free of any dirt, debris, metal objects or any other material.
- Protect yourself. Wear the necessary protective tools and clothing.
- Be careful and watch out for branches under tension. They tend to spring out when cut.
- When you are navigating steep terrain, ensure that the chainsaw is off.
- Pay close attention to the branches and see that they do not bind themselves to the saw.
- Do not use any cases for transportation. Utilize the ones provided by the manufacturer or seek professional help in selecting an appropriate case.
With the above tips, we hope that you encounter a safe experience with your chainsaw. If at any time you are unsure, please check with professionals to give you further guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I learn to operate the chainsaw?
A: Simple, open your browser and Google it! However, we would recommend looking for a professional who will be able to guide you further. Make sure that if you are starting, you wear protective clothing and gear.
Q: How do I adjust the chain or bar?
A: Concerning this, we suggest that you don’t attempt to do anything on your own. Consult with the instructions manual. If there are no sufficient instructions, check with the customer service team of the manufacturer for more assistance.
Q: What sort of protection do I need to have before I use a chainsaw?
A: From our experience, wear snug clothing but make sure they give you the freedom of movement. Do not wear dangling jewelry or loose-fitting clothes.
Buy gloves that fit comfortably on your face and give sufficient protection to your eyes. Wear an appropriately fitting safety hat or helmet to protect your head. We recommend hats or helmets with earflaps for added protection against any flying materials. Finally, wear thick boots that do not have a slippery sole.
Q: How frequently should I sharpen my chain?
A: For this, please read the instruction manual carefully. Do not attempt to work on the chain without taking the proper precautions.
Q: What is a depth gauge?
A: A depth gauge helps you determine the amount of wood that is severed by a cutter tooth.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to go ahead and get the best chainsaw under 200? Well, if you need a quick review of the saws, you can always return to this article for info.