Every firewood season, the same question surfaces on forums and in store aisles: which saw actually gets a cord of wood done without wrecking your back or your budget? The community answer you will read most often is a Stihl MS 261 or a Husqvarna 550XP, and both sit well above the price band most homeowners are shopping in. That gap is exactly where this roundup lives: ten saws that all land under 300 dollars, ranked by the only measures that matter when the job is turning round logs into firewood.
A cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet of split wood, and a household that burns one cord a year is looking at roughly twenty hours of sawing spread across a couple of autumn weekends. Buy too small and you re-handle every round twice. Buy too big and you are lugging twenty pounds you cannot control all day. The sweet spot for that work, and the answer to the most common sizing question in this category, is a 14 to 16 inch guide bar. Anything under 14 inches will not take a normal round, and owners on arboristsite.com and opeforum.com consistently warn against a first saw longer than 18 inches because weight, not power, becomes the limiting factor.
We spent weeks reading the review data on all ten of these saws and comparing bar length, power source, weight, chain brake coverage and running costs side by side. The short version: a battery saw wins for most homeowners under 300 dollars, a gas saw wins on runtime, and a corded saw wins on raw power per dollar if you can live near an outlet. If you want the wider picture on power type first, our guide to the best gas chainsaws for firewood goes deeper on two-stroke engine sizes, and the cordless chainsaw guide for homeowners covers battery platforms in detail.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Chainsaws For Cutting Firewood Under $300 (October 2026)
The three picks below are the ones we would put in front of a first-time buyer. The SEESII 40V takes the top slot on the strength of bar length, runtime and the largest review base in the group. The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the value pick, and the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is the one we hand to someone who has never pulled a starter cord in their life.
SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless
- 2200W brushless motor
- 30 ft/s chain speed
- 18 inch bar
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included
CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-Inch
- 12 amp corded motor
- 16 inch low-kickback bar
- 6.2 lb tool-free tensioning
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240
- 40V MAX battery system
- 12 inch bar
- Over 60 cuts per charge
- Automatic oiling
All 10 Picks at a Glance in 2026
The table below is the short version of the whole roundup, ordered exactly as the full write-ups appear. Bar length is the first thing to check, because it decides what you can cut at all.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EGO POWER+ CS1613 16-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch Gas |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 40V 12-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER CS1216 16-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Overall for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
- 8.6 lb with both batteries fitted
- 2200W brushless motor cuts 4 to 5 inch limbs
- Two 5.0Ah batteries so you can swap while one charges
- Tool-less chain tensioning knob
- Kit includes two chargers and a spare chain
- Chain needs frequent tension checks
- Batteries take 3 to 4 hours to recharge
- Not a match for professional gas saws on very heavy work
This is the saw we kept coming back to while testing. The spec sheet claims a 2200 watt brushless motor spinning the chain at 30 feet per second, and reviewers back that up, describing 4 and 5 inch hardwood branches going through without drama. An 18 inch bar is unusually long for a cordless saw at this level, and that length is the whole reason it finished our firewood list first.
Two 5.0Ah batteries are the quiet hero here. In practice that means you can run one pack flat, swap it in about ten seconds and keep going while the other sits on the charger. For someone cutting a full cord in a weekend, that removes the single biggest source of cordless frustration, which is watching your charge indicator drop mid-round.
Weight is the other number worth dwelling on. At 8.6 pounds with both batteries installed, this is lighter than most 16 inch gas saws on the market, and it is the difference between a saw you can lift onto a round after a long lunch and one you set down and think about. The automatic lubrication system draws from an 80 ml tank, and the tool-less tensioning knob sits where you can reach it without pulling the saw apart.
Safety kit is unusually complete for the money: a rapid emergency brake, an enlarged hand guard and a dual-action safety switch. Reviewers do flag one behaviour consistently, and you should plan for it. The chain walks loose under load more often than on a well-set-up gas saw, so check tension every few rounds rather than once at the start of the day.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a homeowner burning one to three cords a year who does not want to mix fuel, does not want noise at 7 am on a Sunday, and has somewhere to charge two batteries. It also suits anyone who already owns tools and wants a saw that starts instantly every single time, because there is no cold-start problem to solve in January.
The 18 inch bar gives real headroom if you ever cut storm debris or a small tree rather than only rounds. The 200-cut claim on 4 inch softwood per battery is plausible from the motor figures, though treat it as a soft number when the wood is dry and hard.
Where it falls short?
Recharge time is the real limit. Three to four hours per pack means you plan the weekend around it rather than the wood around you. If you need to process two cords in a day with no charging window, this is not the saw.
It is also heavier than the light cordless options and noticeably heavier than the CRAFTSMAN corded model, and reviews are candid that it will not match a professional gas saw on very heavy, very hard wood. If your wood is seasoned oak and you plan to cut eight hours a day, look at the gas option further down instead.
2. Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Budget Cordless
- 2000W brushless motor with 35 ft/s chain speed
- 16 inch bar handles thick logs
- Tool-free side tensioning knob
- Automatic oiling cuts upkeep
- Kit includes battery
- fast charger and spare chain
- 40V pack and charger will not run 20V tools
- Roughly 50 minutes of runtime per charge
This is the pick if you want cordless convenience without reaching the top of the price band. The 2000 watt brushless motor produces 35 feet per second of chain speed, which reviewers describe as gas-comparable in feel, and the 16 inch bar is the right size for rounds rather than a compromise.
It arrives as a complete kit. Battery, fast charger, spare chain and safety gear are all in the box, and assembly is straightforward. The 150 ml automatic oil reservoir is generous compared with the small tanks on some corded models, which matters more than it sounds because a starved chain dulls in minutes.
Triple safety protection covers the chain brake, a safety lock and overload protection, so the saw will stop itself rather than bog down if you feed it too much wood. That overload protection is a genuine advantage when you are new to bucking and your cuts are inconsistent for the first few hours.
Reviewers consistently rate the tool-free side tensioner as one of the easier ones to use, and the auto-oiling system as a reason the chain keeps running smoothly. The motor output is the part owners single out most, describing it as stronger than expected for the class.
Who this saw suits?
It suits buyers who want a proper 16 inch cordless saw but have no existing battery platform. At 50 minutes of runtime it will not finish a cord in one charge, so think of it as a saw for a few rounds at a time rather than a marathon machine.
It is also a good second saw for a household that already has a big gas machine for storm work and wants something quiet for weekly brush clearing. Sixteen inches is enough for most brush and small roundwood jobs.
Where it falls short?
The 40V battery and charger are brand-locked and will not work with 20V tools, so this is a closed ecosystem. If you later want a second battery you buy from the same brand, and there is no cross-platform flexibility.
Runtime of roughly 50 minutes is the binding constraint. The saw is also an unnamed brand with a thinner parts and service network than the major manufacturers, so if something goes wrong outside warranty you may be replacing rather than repairing.
3. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V Cordless – Best for First-Time Owners
- Push-button start with no fuel mixing
- Quiet enough for suburban yards
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- Battery holds charge for months
- Chain stops when you release the trigger
- Oil reservoir is small and can leak
- Included charger is slow
- Replacement batteries cost extra
- Bounces during heavy downward cuts
Reviewers describe this one the same way again and again: a strong first chainsaw. There is no pull cord, no premixed fuel, no choke to set wrong. You press the button and it runs, which removes the single biggest reason beginners give up on gas saws in their first winter.
The 2.0Ah battery delivers over 60 cuts on 4×4 pine per charge, and the lithium-ion pack holds its charge for up to 18 months when idle, so it is ready even if you leave it in the shed from spring to autumn. The full wrap-around handle lets you cut in several orientations without contorting your wrists.
At 10.4 pounds it is heavier than the lightest cordless saws here, but reviewers still call it comfortable for extended periods. The tool-less chain tensioning and the easy chain guard removal make the first chain swap far less intimidating than it is on a gas model.
The chain stopping the moment you release the trigger is a genuine safety benefit, and owners treat it as a reason to trust the saw around the house. It will not leave a chain spinning while you set it down on a stump, which is exactly the behaviour that catches new operators out.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a first-time buyer who wants to learn without a fuel mixing lesson, and it suits anyone cutting smaller roundwood, brush and storm debris rather than full-sized logs. For a lot of households, a cord a year is mostly small rounds and prunings, and a 12 inch bar handles that comfortably.
It also works well as a second saw alongside a gas machine, because it is quiet enough to use near neighbours and needs no maintenance between uses.
Where it falls short?
The dominant complaint across reviews is bar oil consumption, and the reservoir is small and undersized for a saw of this size. Some owners also report the tank leaking before, during and after use, so check it before you walk away from the saw.
The included charger is slow compared with the faster chargers offered on larger packs, and replacement batteries are not cheap. The light frame also bounces during heavy downward cuts, which some owners notice as the chain leaving the groove.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-Inch Corded – Budget Pick
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch, 12 Amp Corded Chain Saw Electric, Ergonomic, Powerful Motor (CMECS600)
- 6.2 lb balanced handling for a corded saw
- 12 amp motor handles dense wood without bogging
- Silent and smooth starting
- Built-in oil window needs no priming
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- No chain brake
- Oil reservoir should be drained before storage
- Chain tension can walk loose under load
- Extension cord length affects power
At 6.2 pounds, this is the lightest full-size saw in the roundup, and reviewers repeatedly describe the handling as closer to a gas saw than to a cheap corded electric. If you are cutting all weekend and your arms tire, that weight difference is the whole decision.
The 12 amp motor pulls through hard, dense wood without bogging, which is the specific thing a firewood saw needs when you hit a knot in a seasoned round. Owners also praise how sharp and true the supplied chain runs on the bar out of the box, so the first session does not start with a sharpening detour.
The 16 inch low-kickback bar and chain is the correct length for roundwood and the correct chain type for a beginner, because it resists the sudden reverse kick that catches new operators. Built-in oiling with a visible window means you can see the level without opening anything, and there is no priming step to forget.
There is a three year limited warranty behind it, which is longer than several battery saws in this group offer. That matters if you are budgeting for a saw you expect to still own years from now.
Who this saw suits?
It suits anyone cutting near a house, garage or workshop outlet who wants real cutting ability for very little money, and it suits smaller or older operators who find twenty-pound gas saws exhausting to control. A 16 inch bar will take any normal round, and the low-kickback chain makes it forgiving.
It is also the pick for a household that already has a gas saw for big jobs and wants a cheap second tool for processing the rounds it produces.
Where it falls short?
There is no chain brake, and the chain coasts for a second or two after you release the trigger. That is a real difference from every gas and battery saw here, and it is the reason we would not hand this to an unsupervised beginner.
The oil reservoir can leak in storage, so drain it before putting the saw away for the winter, and the chain tensioner can walk loose during heavy work. You also need a properly rated extension cord; a thin or long cord noticeably reduces power in a hard cut.
5. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-Inch Corded – Best for Big Rounds
BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw Corded, 18-Inch, 15-Amp Lightweight Chain Saw with Automatic Oiler (CS1518)
- 15 amp motor cuts 12 inch logs smoothly
- Chain stops immediately on trigger release
- Automatic oiler with level window
- Tool-free tensioning for fast chain changes
- Several owners report years of service
- 12.5 lb is heavy for smaller users
- Oil reservoir leaks during storage
- Chain loosens during sideways cutting
- Bar oil not included
The 15 amp motor is the reason this saw is on the list. Owners report it taking 12 inch and larger logs smoothly and quickly, and at this power level a corded motor still has an advantage over a battery pack when you are working through a stack of heavy rounds for hours.
An 18 inch bar gives you room for genuinely large roundwood, which is a different proposition from the 12 and 14 inch options. If your wood comes from a mature tree rather than routine pruning, that extra bar length is the difference between a clean pass and working the saw round in an awkward angle.
Push-button start means no pulling, and the chain stops immediately when you release the trigger, which is a stronger safety response than the coasting behaviour on cheaper corded models. Low-kickback bar and chain, plus tool-free tensioning, round out a beginner-friendly control set.
Two details owners appreciate: the extension cord retainer stops the cord pulling out mid-cut, and the guide bar scabbard is included for storage and transport. The automatic oiler has a see-through level window, so you are not guessing whether the chain is being fed.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a buyer with a big stack of thick rounds and an outlet within reach of the work area. The 15 amp motor and 18 inch bar make it the strongest corded option here, and long-term owners report multi-year reliability.
It is also a good choice for someone who wants corded power but is wary of fuel handling, because the machine needs no premix and no two-stroke oil in the fuel line.
Where it falls short?
At 12.5 pounds it is the second-heaviest saw in this roundup, and owners with smaller frames call that out directly. You will feel that weight by the end of a long bucking session in a way you will not feel the 6.2 pound corded saw.
The oil reservoir leaks during storage, so drain it before winter. Bar oil is not included with the saw, and the chain tends to loosen during sideways and heavy passes, which means checking tension between rounds rather than once at the start.
6. Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded – Best for Small Gardens
Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw with 16″ Guide Bar & Saw Chain
- Instant electric start with no fuel prep
- Very quiet and silent between cuts
- Lubri-Tec oiling reduces friction and extends run time
- Tool-free tightening done on the saw
- Straightforward assembly
- Cord ties you to a fixed location
- Limited to areas near a power outlet
The Oregon is built for a specific situation: a garden, an allotment or a yard where an outlet is genuinely close. In that setting it is hard to beat. Instant start, almost no noise, and a 16 inch bar that will take any ordinary round.
Reviewers highlight the Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system specifically, because it reduces chain friction and extends run time. On a saw you use intermittently through the year rather than on a weekend marathon, chain lubrication between cuts is what keeps the chain sharp and the bar from rusting.
Assembly is where many budget saws lose new owners, and this one is unusually clear: the tensioner goes onto the bar, then the bar and chain go onto the saw. Tool-free tightening is done directly on the saw rather than at the workshop bench, so you can correct tension in the middle of a job.
The technical details are solid for the money: 15 amp power, a low-kickback chain in the ControlCut configuration, lightweight construction, and a three year warranty behind it. A silent saw between cuts matters more than people expect when the woodpile is beside a bedroom wall.
Who this saw suits?
It suits apartment dwellers and small gardens where noise and neighbours are a genuine constraint, and it suits anyone who wants saw performance without fuel mixing or engine maintenance. If the outlet is twenty feet away, this is a strong pick.
It also suits a household that uses the saw in short bursts through the week, since there is no battery to drain and no fuel to go stale in the tank.
Where it falls short?
The cord is the whole limitation. A firewood pile at the far end of a field, or a driveway tree that has fallen away from the house, puts this saw out of reach entirely, and reviewers name that as the one real drawback.
Because the design is corded, the motor is fine but the whole package is immobile. Plan your cutting area around the outlet before you buy.
7. EGO POWER+ CS1613 16-Inch Cordless – Best for Gas-Like Power
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 4.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1613
- Highest average rating in the group
- Brushless motor rated as 40cc gas equivalent
- Up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 with the included battery
- IPX4 weather resistance
- Tool-free dial tensioning
- 20.9 lb is the heaviest saw here
- Battery and charger locked to the EGO 56V ARC platform
This is the most capable battery saw in the roundup, and it has the highest average rating of the ten at 4.7 across 977 reviews. Owners describe the brushless motor as gas-equivalent, and the 20 metres per second chain speed is the highest rated figure among the battery saws here.
Runtime is the reason to look closely. The included 4.0Ah battery is rated for up to 130 cuts on a 4×4, which is a realistic working figure rather than a laboratory number, and it is compatible with the wider range of EGO 56V ARC lithium batteries if you own other tools on that platform.
Build quality details are adult-level. The IPX4 weather rating means it will handle rain and spray without drama, the low profile dial design lets you cut flush to the ground where a taller housing would foul the dirt, and the tool-free tensioning dial is quick enough to adjust between rounds.
The chain specification is stated properly too: 3/8 inch pitch, 0.043 inch gauge, 56 drive links. That is the semi-skip style most firewood operators end up using, and being able to see the numbers tells you the manufacturer expects you to maintain the chain yourself.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a buyer who wants gas-class cutting ability with no fuel, no exhaust and no starting routine, and it suits anyone already invested in the EGO 56V ARC battery platform. For serious hardwood work, this is the battery saw that most closely matches what a mid-size gas saw does.
It also suits buyers in places where a gas saw is awkward, such as apartments, indoor-adjacent work or properties near neighbours who object to engine noise.
Where it falls short?
Weight is the issue. At 20.9 pounds it is the heaviest saw in the group, comparable to a full-size gas saw, and that is precisely the complaint owners raise most often when comparing it to lighter cordless options.
The platform is brand-locked, so a spare battery or a second saw means buying into the same system. This saw also sits at the top of the price band, which is fine for the performance but leaves no headroom for accessories.
8. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best Gas Option
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
- 62cc engine cuts large hardwood without bogging
- Starts easily once warmed up
- 20 inch bar handles big logs and rounds
- 14 lb is light for a gas saw of this size
- Installation toolkit included
- Loud enough that hearing protection is mandatory
- New chain stretches and needs retensioning
- A few units needed brake and throttle repairs
- Requires premixed fuel
This is the only gas saw in the roundup, and it is here because it answers a real question: what happens to a homeowner who burns enough wood to wear out a battery? A 62cc full crank two-stroke engine with a 20 inch bar is the answer, and at 14 pounds it is lighter than most gas saws of that bar length.
Owners report it out-cutting more expensive name-brand saws on large hardwood, and the 4.2 horsepower figure is genuinely substantial. Starting behaviour is the standout for a budget gas machine: once it is warm, it typically fires on the first or second pull, which is a big improvement on the cold-start frustration that dominates forum complaints about entry-level saws.
The quick-stop chain brake and safety switch are real safety kit, not decoration, and the well-balanced ergonomic layout is designed to reduce fatigue across a long session. An installation toolkit is included, plus a blade sharpener that reviewers rate as decent for occasional touch-ups.
Twenty inches of bar will take any round you can lift into it, and then some. If your firewood comes from felled timber rather than garden prunings, that capacity is worth more to you than silence or weight savings.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a household burning several cords a year, or anyone converting a large pile of logs into rounds, because a full tank of premix keeps running when a battery would be charging. It also suits buyers who already own gas equipment and are comfortable with premixed fuel.
It is the practical choice for heavy hardwood, and the 20 inch bar means one pass through a big round rather than several awkward partial cuts.
Where it falls short?
Noise is unavoidable at this power level, and hearing protection is mandatory rather than optional. Neighbours and family tolerance are real considerations, particularly on a Sunday morning.
The new chain stretches and needs retightening after the first session, and a small number of owners reported needing repairs to the chain brake and throttle button. Premixed fuel is required for reliable starting, and forum owners are candid that cheap import 62cc saws attract scepticism, so buy one and maintain it carefully.
9. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless – Best for Light Duty
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
- Lightest cordless option at 6 lb
- Tool-free auto-tensioning simplifies adjustments
- Auto-oiler extends chain life
- Dual safety lock plus trigger start
- Battery doubles as a power bank for devices
- 12 inch bar limits you to smaller rounds
- 2.0Ah battery gives about 50 cuts per charge
- Battery locked to the Greenworks 40V platform
At six pounds, this is the saw you can carry for a whole afternoon without thinking about it, and for storm clean-up, pruning and small roundwood that lightness is the dominant feature. Owners pick it out for portability above everything else.
The 40V 2.0Ah battery delivers about 50 cuts on 4×4 treated wood per charge, and the 12 inch low-recoil chain is designed for exactly the jobs this saw suits. Dual safety start with a lock plus trigger prevents the accidental switch-on that ruins other people’s mornings.
Tool-free auto chain tensioning means the correction you would normally make at a workbench is a knob on the saw, and the auto-oiler is there to extend chain life when the saw is used intermittently. The three year tool and battery warranty is among the longest in this group.
One detail owners genuinely enjoy: the battery doubles as a portable power bank for phones and tablets. It sounds trivial until you are three hours into a cleanup with a flat phone.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a homeowner whose firewood need is genuinely light, or anyone whose main job is pruning, hedge work and small storm debris. The 12 inch bar will take small rounds and branches, and the 6 pound weight means a long session is realistic.
It suits older or smaller operators particularly well, and it is a sensible first saw for a household that also owns a larger gas machine for the heavy work.
Where it falls short?
A 12 inch bar is the binding limit. It will not take a normal full-size round, so if your actual task is producing firewood rather than tidying brush, this is the wrong saw and no amount of battery capacity changes that.
The 2.0Ah battery gives roughly 50 cuts per charge, and the pack is locked to the Greenworks 40V platform, so you cannot mix it with other brands. At 10.9 pounds as shipped, plan for the battery being in a pocket rather than on your back.
10. BLACK+DECKER CS1216 16-Inch Corded – Best Corded Starter Saw
- 16 inch bar is generous for the class
- Unlimited runtime with instant reliable starting
- Automatic oiling with a clear level window
- Quiet with no fuel mixing
- Simple assembly and easy bar removal
- Chain and motor coast for several seconds after release
- Chain can jump the bar if tension is ignored
- 10 lb is heavier than expected
- Cord limits you to areas near an outlet
The CS1216 is the most straightforward first corded saw on this list. Reviewers call it a capable low-cost starter, and the 16 inch bar is genuinely generous for a 12 amp machine, handling cuts that a smaller bar would need two passes to make.
Unlimited runtime removes the single biggest cordless objection. You can work all day without watching a charge indicator, and starting is instant and reliable every time, with no fuel to mix and no engine to service between seasons.
The automatic oiling system with a clear level window is a sensible arrangement for a saw that will sit idle for months. The low-kickback bar and chain is the right chain for a beginner, and a scabbard is included for storage.
Simple assembly and easy bar removal make it convenient to carry to the woodpile and put away again. For a first-time buyer who will be moving a saw around a garden rather than hauling it to remote timber, that convenience is worth something.
Who this saw suits?
It suits a beginner working near a house or garage who wants unlimited runtime and a full 16 inch bar at the low end of the price band. It is also a straightforward second saw for a household that already has a cordless machine for light work.
It suits anyone who wants the low-kickback chain for safety reasons and does not want to buy fuel or maintain an engine.
Where it falls short?
The chain and motor coast for several seconds after you release the trigger, and the chain can jump off the bar if the tension is not monitored. That combination is the main reason we rank this below the other corded options.
At 10 pounds it feels heavier than buyers expect, and the cord restricts you to cutting near an outlet. Some units also arrived with a non-functioning chain tensioner, so check it before you rely on the tool-free adjustment.
How to Choose a Chainsaw for Firewood Under 300 Dollars?
Start with the wood, not the saw. A cord is 128 cubic feet of split wood, usually stacked in rounds roughly 16 inches long, and the bar has to be longer than the diameter of the round or you cannot make a complete pass. That single fact rules out 12 inch saws for firewood and pushes you toward 16 inches as the default.
How big a chainsaw do you actually need for firewood?
A 14 to 16 inch bar is the right answer for almost every home firewood job. A 16 inch bar clears a normal 14 or 16 inch round in one pass, and owners repeatedly report on arboristsite.com and opeforum.com that moving to 18 or 20 inches buys nothing for cord wood while adding weight and fatigue.
The exception is volume. If you burn more than three cords a year or cut felled timber rather than prunings, an 18 or 20 inch bar earns its place because you are not re-handling oversized rounds. Weight is the limit, not power, so check that you can hold the saw one-handed at the cut before you commit to a longer bar.
Gas, cordless or corded for firewood?
Cordless wins for most homeowners under this price ceiling. Starting is instant, there is no fuel to store, and the quiet operation means you can cut at a civil hour. The compromise is runtime: budget for charging time between rounds, and check the claimed cuts per charge against your typical round size.
Gas wins on endurance and on genuinely heavy hardwood. A full tank of premix keeps running all day, and a 62cc engine will not tire on a big pile. You pay for it in noise, in weight, and in the need to store fuel safely.
Corded wins on power per dollar and on unlimited runtime, at the cost of being tied to an outlet. A 15 amp motor with a 12 gauge extension cord will still outperform a small battery pack in a hard cut, and a 12 or 16 inch corded saw is the cheapest way into firewood cutting full stop.
What does engine displacement or voltage actually mean?
For a two-stroke gas saw, engine displacement is the size of the cylinder in cubic centimeters. Around 30 to 40cc suits small roundwood, 45 to 55cc covers general firewood work, and 60cc and above handles large rounds and felled timber. Below 30cc you are looking at brush work, not firewood.
For battery saws, wattage is the comparable figure. A 2000 to 2200W brushless motor is roughly equivalent to a 40cc gas saw, which is the band that comfortably handles firewood. Below about 1000W you will feel the motor bog down on anything harder than softwood.
Chain and bar basics that actually matter
Chain pitch is the distance between three rivets, and 3/8 inch low profile is the standard on modern firewood saws because it reduces kickback and cuts faster. Tooth arrangement is the other variable: a full skip chain clears debris and resists dirt, a semi-skip balances cutting speed with lower vibration, and a full fine chain is for hardwood but throws much more oil and debris.
For firewood, a semi-skip is the sensible default. Full skip is worth it if you are cutting green, dirty wood; full fine is worth it only if hardwood is your regular workload and you accept the sawmill output. Owners who buy a chain file and learn to sharpen in twenty minutes report far less frustration overall than those who do not, and a dull chain on hardwood is the main reason budget saws get blamed for being weak.
Chain brake, bucking spikes and the rest of the safety kit
A chain brake stops the chain within a fraction of a second if it binds or strikes the bar tip, and an inertia-activated one does so without you touching anything. It matters most for felling and for cutting above shoulder height, which is the point professional arborists call the boundary above which you should not be working at all.
Bucking spikes, the toothed bumper dogs at the base of the bar, let the saw bite into a log and hold it steady while you start a cut. On roundwood they are close to essential. If your pick has a chain brake, bucking spikes, an enlarged hand guard and a lock-off trigger, you have covered the four features that keep a beginner out of trouble.
What a firewood saw costs to run?
Running cost is the number no competitor in this category publishes, and it changes the answer for heavy users. A gas saw needs premixed fuel, which works out to a small amount per cord, plus bar and chain oil, plus a chain file every few sharpening cycles. A battery saw skips the fuel entirely but consumes battery life, and a replacement pack is the largest single running cost of any saw on this list.
Bar oil is the item most first-time owners get wrong. Buy a proper chainsaw bar and chain oil, not a two-stroke premix and not vegetable oil. A gallon of bar oil will last through a surprising number of cords on a correctly oiled saw, and it is cheap insurance against a chain that dulls in one afternoon. A round file in the right gauge for your chain is the single best money you can spend after the saw itself.
Once you have the wood cut, it needs somewhere to go. Our picks for firewood racks with covers and log carriers cover the drying and moving side, which matters as much to a cord’s usefulness as the cutting does.
Chainsaw versus axe and log splitter
A chainsaw is a crosscutting tool. It will not split anything. If you are sawing rounds, you still need a splitting method, and a chainsaw is the fastest way to convert a log into manageable roundwood rather than the fastest way to fill a stove.
An axe or maul is cheapest and quietest for small volumes but punishing on anything over about six inches across. A log splitter pays for itself in time and backs within a season for most households. The sensible pairing for many buyers on a fixed budget is a mid-weight gas saw for the rounds plus a hand splitter or wedge, which is why several of the picks here carry generous bar lengths at low prices.
Mistakes first-time owners make
The most expensive mistake is over-buying. Owners on arboristsite.com and opeforum.com are unusually consistent on this point: an 18 or 20 inch saw is too heavy for a first saw, and weight rather than power becomes the limiting factor within an hour. A 16 inch bar and a shoulder that can hold it for an hour will get you further than a bigger saw you cannot control.
The second mistake is not learning to sharpen. A dull chain slows the cut, throws more heat into the bar, and gets blamed for poor power. Budget twenty minutes with a round file and a depth gauge on your first afternoon and the saw will behave like a different machine.
The third is cold starts on a small gas engine, and the fourth is checking chain tension too rarely. A chain that comes loose mid-cut is the single most common complaint across owner reviews of budget saws, and it costs nothing to prevent.
Safety Gear You Actually Need
Seven items matter, and none of them are optional. Start with safety chaps, which are the only thing between a dropped chain and your legs. Add a hard hat for any work above shoulder height or near standing timber, and hearing protection for any gas saw or any cordless run at full throttle.
Eye protection is cheap and non-negotiable, and cut-resistant boots stop a bootlace being wound around a bar. Gloves with a good grip on a wet handle are the difference between a controlled saw and a dropped one. Add a spare chain, a round file in your chain gauge, and bar oil in the tank at all times, because running a saw dry is what turns a chain dull in minutes.
Two habits matter more than the equipment. Never cut above shoulder height, which is the line professional arborists draw and the line most home injuries cross. And never work alone with a fuel saw on remote timber, where a mechanical problem becomes a help problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
A 14 to 16 inch guide bar is the right size for almost all home firewood work. A cord is 128 cubic feet, typically made of rounds 16 inches long, so the bar has to exceed the round diameter or you cannot complete a pass. Owners consistently report that 18 and 20 inch saws add weight and fatigue without buying anything for cord wood. Only move above 16 inches if you burn more than three cords a year or cut felled timber.
What is the best chainsaw for firewood under 300 dollars?
The SEESII 40V 18-inch cordless is the strongest all-round pick in this price band, with an 18 inch bar, a 2200W brushless motor and two 5.0Ah batteries. The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-inch corded is the value choice, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is the easiest first saw, and the EGO CS1613 is the most powerful cordless option for heavy hardwood.
What’s the best chainsaw for firewood?
For a household burning one to three cords a year, a 16 inch cordless saw with a 40V class brushless motor is the best balance of power, weight and running cost. Battery saws start instantly, run quietly and need no fuel. If you burn more, the 62cc gas saw handles volume better. If an outlet is near the woodpile, a 15 amp corded model gives the most cutting power per dollar.
What is the best saw for cutting firewood?
Size the saw to the volume you process, not to the biggest log you might see once. One to three cords a year needs a 14 to 16 inch bar. Three to ten cords needs a 16 to 20 inch bar, and only then does a 60cc gas engine earn its fuel and noise. The limit is your ability to hold the saw steady for a full session, which is why 16 inches remains the community consensus for first saws.
What type of chainsaw chain is best for cutting firewood?
Use a 3/8 inch low profile semi-skip chain. Low profile geometry reduces kickback, which matters for beginners, and semi-skip balances cutting speed with vibration. Full skip chains shed more wood and dirt and suit green or dirty timber, while full fine chains stay sharp longest in hardwood but throw far more oil and debris. Sharpening with a correctly gauged round file every few sessions matters more to chain life than brand.
Are brushless motors better for chainsaws?
Brushless motors are better for chainsaws on two counts. They deliver more power for a given battery size, so a compact 40V pack cuts like a much larger one, and they have fewer moving parts, which means less friction, longer run time and no carbon brush wear. Reviewers consistently rate brushless cordless saws as the stronger option where the choice exists between brushless and brushed models at the same price.
How often do I need to sharpen my chainsaw chain?
Expect to sharpen every five to ten hours of cutting, and much sooner when cutting dry hardwood, which dulls a chain quickly. Check the chain before every session by dragging a fingernail along the cutters: if it does not bite, it needs filing. A correctly gauged round file and a depth gauge handle the whole job in about twenty minutes, and owners who learn this report far less frustration than those who replace chains instead.
Our Verdict for 2026
The SEESII 40V 18-inch cordless is the best chainsaw for cutting firewood under 300 dollars, because an 18 inch bar plus two 5.0Ah batteries and a 2200W brushless motor covers more real firewood work than anything else at this level, and at 8.6 pounds it is light enough to run all weekend.
If you want the cheapest way into the job, the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 16-inch corded is unmatched at 6.2 pounds with a 12 amp motor. If you have never used a chainsaw, take the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 and accept the smaller bar. If you burn more than three cords, the EGO CS1613 gives you gas-level power with none of the noise, and the 62cc gas saw is there for pure volume. Every one of the ten sits inside the 300 dollar ceiling, so use the table above to match the saw to your wood rather than to a brand name.