Electric or gas? Corded or battery? The best cheap chainsaw shouldn’t force you to choose between a low price tag and a blade that actually stops when you need it to.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent months studying the torque curves, chain-pitch compatibility, and 50-to-1 mix ratios of budget saws, cross-referencing technical specs against thousands of verified owner reviews to separate the diamond-in-the-rough from the throwaway plastic.
This guide covers corded electrics, 40-volt cordless kits, and no-nonsense 62cc gas saws that all land under the premium tax bracket. Whether you need a limbing saw for weekend cleanup or a firewood cutter for a full cord, the best cheap chainsaw is hiding in plain sight—you just need to know which spec to trust and which one to ignore.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Chainsaw
The term “cheap” in chainsaw land usually means a stripped-down feature set, not bad steel. Your job is to figure out which corners the manufacturer cut and whether those corners matter for the work you do. The three specs below separate the keepers from the one-season wonders.
Motor Power vs. Chain Speed
A 15-amp corded motor (roughly 3.5 horsepower equivalent) delivers consistent torque at the sprocket, but chain speed in feet-per-second tells you how fast the cutters actually dig into the wood. Most budget electrics hover around 45 to 50 ft/s, while gas saws push 55 to 65 ft/s. If you regularly cut dry hardwood, prioritize chain speed over raw amp claims.
Bar Length and Gauge Compatibility
Cheap chainsaws often ship with a non-standard bar mount or odd gauge (.043 vs .050 vs .058) that makes finding replacement chains a headache. Stick with 0.325-inch pitch chains and 0.050-inch gauge for the widest aftermarket support. A 16-inch bar is the sweet spot for limbing and light felling; 18 to 20 inches helps if you’re bucking logs but demands more motor to keep chain speed up.
Auto-Oiler Integrity and Oil Tank Capacity
The auto-oiler on a budget saw is the first component to fail or leak. Look for a transparent oil window (not an opaque or textured one) so you can see the bar oil level at a glance. A tank capacity under 6 oz means you’ll refill every 15 minutes of continuous cutting—worth knowing if you’re processing a full truckload of firewood.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 135 Mark II | Gas Premium | Reliable homeowner gas saw | 38cc / 2.1 HP / 16 in bar | Amazon |
| NEO-TEC 62cc 20 in | Gas Pro-Value | Heavy cutting on a budget | 62cc / 3.5 HP / 20 in bar | Amazon |
| SALEM MASTER 62cc | Gas Value | Firewood and felling jobs | 62cc / 3.4 HP / 20 in bar | Amazon |
| PINKWAY 63cc Gas | Gas Dual-Bar | Includes 18 & 20 in bars | 63cc / 3.5 HP / dual bars | Amazon |
| ReliaRoads 40V Brushless | Cordless Value | Quiet cordless limbing | 40V brushless / 16 in bar | Amazon |
| WEN 4118 15-Amp | Corded Best Overall | Reliable corded electric | 15-Amp / 48 ft/s / 18 in bar | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER CS1216 | Corded Entry | Light DIY cleanup | 12-Amp / 16 in bar | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. WEN Electric Chainsaw, 15-Amp, 18-Inch (4118)
The WEN 4118 bridges the gap between a cheap disposable saw and a mid-range workhorse by pairing a genuine 15-amp motor with an 18-inch bar—a combo that typically costs 40 percent more. Its chain rotates at 48 feet per second, which is fast enough for seasoned hardwood like oak without bogging down, provided you maintain tension. The tool-free chain tensioning and instant chain stop (kickback brake) are features you usually have to step up to a premium electric to find.
Owners consistently report that this saw outperforms their gas saws for limbing and medium bucking tasks, citing quieter operation, zero fumes, and no pull-start frustration. The automatic oiler extends bar life, though the opaque white oil window makes it harder to gauge remaining lubricant at a glance. A heavy-duty 14-gauge extension cord is mandatory for sustained cuts—lighter cords cause voltage drop that starves the motor.
If you need a reliable, low-maintenance electric that can handle 6- to 10-inch logs all afternoon, this is the most balanced pick in the budget tier. The included scabbard and two-year warranty add peace of mind that most sub- saws skip entirely.
What works
- 15-amp motor provides genuine 3.5 HP equivalent
- Tool-free chain tensioning saves time on the job
- Instant chain brake improves safety during kickback
What doesn’t
- Opaque oil sight window is difficult to read
- Chain requires frequent retensioning during break-in
- Single-speed trigger—no variable speed control
2. NEO-TEC 20 Inch 62CC Gas Powered Chainsaw (NCS6200-20)
The NEO-TEC NCS6200 brings a 62cc two-cycle engine to the table—the same displacement class as Stihl’s MS 261—for a fraction of the retail price. At 8500 RPM and 3.5 HP, this saw pulls hard through 20-inch hardwoods, and the wrap-around handle improves control during horizontal cuts. Owners who correctly mixed 25:1 gas-to-oil reported one- or two-pull starts even after months of sitting.
The standout feature is the power-to-weight ratio: 14 pounds fully dressed makes this one of the lightest 20-inch gas saws you can buy, which reduces fatigue during full-day cutting sessions. The automatic oiler delivers heavy lubrication, keeping the .058-gauge chain alive even in gritty conditions. Some units arrive with the carburetor slightly lean from the factory, creating a hard-start issue that a quarter-turn on the low-speed screw resolves.
If you need pro-grade displacement without the pro-grade price tag and you’re willing to spend 15 minutes dialing in the carb, this saw cuts like a machine that costs three times as much.
What works
- 62cc engine competes with + saws
- Very lightweight for a 20-inch gas saw
- Starts reliably when mix ratio is correct
What doesn’t
- Some units need carb adjustment out of the box
- Requires 25:1 mix, not the common 50:1
- May not idle smoothly without tuning
3. SALEM MASTER 20 Inch 62CC Gas Powered Chainsaw
The SALEM MASTER 62cc is built around a simple proposition: deliver 3.4 HP through a 20-inch bar at the lowest possible entry point for a gas saw. Its 8500 RPM engine is identical in displacement to the NEO-TEC, but the assembly and tolerances are a step down—owners note excessive bar play that makes straight plunge cuts tricky. For firewood processing and limbing, where absolute precision matters less than raw cutting speed, this saw performs admirably.
Several reports highlight the 20 percent fuel consumption reduction claim as accurate compared to older 60cc designs, thanks to a more efficient carburetor. The anti-vibration handle does reduce fatigue, though the chain tensioner location (right next to the bar mount) requires more caution during adjustments. The included tools and spare tensioner show that the manufacturer anticipated the weak point and addressed it.
If you need a cheap gas saw for heavy cutting sessions and you’re comfortable with a little bar wobble, this unit starts reliably and cuts for hours without quitting. The pull cord durability has been flagged as a weak spot—expect to replace it if you hit the pull limit during cold starts.
What works
- Powerful 62cc motor with good fuel efficiency
- Included spare chain tensioner
- Easy assembly and reliable starting
What doesn’t
- Excessive bar play impacts cut accuracy
- Pull cord may snap after repeated use
- Chain tensioner is awkwardly positioned
4. PINKWAY 63cc Gas Powered Chainsaw (2 Bars Included)
The PINKWAY 63cc is the only budget gas saw in this lineup that ships with two bars (18-inch and 20-inch) and two chains, giving you instant flexibility depending on the job. The 3.5 HP engine turns the 20-inch bar at a chain speed comparable to Stihl’s MS 290, but at a third of the price. Owners working on 15-acre properties with dense Osage orange and honey locust reported that the saw started on the second pull every time and never threw a chain.
The anti-vibration grip is genuinely effective—multiple owners noted less hand fatigue compared to their Stihl or Echo saws after hours of cutting. The auto-oiler delivers consistent lubrication with no leaks reported. However, the plastic construction of the housing and handle feels noticeably cheaper than metal-cased competitors, and the included 20-inch chain dulls faster when cutting dry hardwood.
If you want the option to switch between a nimble 18-inch setup for limbing and a 20-inch bar for bucking, all in one purchase, this saw delivers exceptional value. Just budget for a replacement chain sooner than you would with a premium brand.
What works
- Two bars and two chains included
- Starts reliably on 2–3 pulls
- Effective anti-vibration handle
What doesn’t
- Plastic housing feels less durable
- Included chain dulls quickly on dry wood
- Heavier than comparable 16-inch gas saws
5. ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Chainsaw, 40V (2 x 20V MAX)
The ReliaRoads 40V brushless saw runs on two 20V MAX batteries using the DeWalt-compatible stem—meaning if you already own DeWalt power tools, you have a power source ready. The brushless motor delivers a chain speed of 54 ft/s through a 16-inch bar, which is competitive with many mid-range corded saws. The automatic oil pump provides up to 60 minutes of continuous lubrication per fill, and the rapid-stop chain brake triggers in under 0.1 seconds.
Owner reports consistently highlight the lightweight feel (under 11 pounds with batteries) and the lack of fumes or pull-start hassle. The saw cuts smoothly through 8-inch logs and prunes branches without bogging, though it demands high-capacity batteries (6Ah or greater) for extended sessions—smaller packs overheat quickly. The included instruction manual is minimalist, but assembly is intuitive.
If you’re already invested in the DeWalt 20V platform and need a quiet, instant-start saw for weekend limbing and pruning, this is the most cost-effective entry into cordless chainsaw ownership. It won’t replace a gas 62cc for all-day felling, but it handles 90 percent of home-lot tasks without the noise complaint.
What works
- Runs on DeWalt 20V battery platform
- Brushless motor extends runtime and life
- Very quiet and vibration-free operation
What doesn’t
- Needs large-capacity batteries for heavy use
- Cheaper batteries may overheat under load
- No battery or charger included in the box
6. BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 16 in. Electric Chainsaw (CS1216)
The BLACK+DECKER CS1216 has been a staple of the budget electric category for years because it delivers exactly what the spec sheet promises: 12 amps through a 16-inch bar, automatic oiling, and tool-free chain tensioning. It’s not the most powerful saw in this list, but its lightweight, balanced feel makes it the go-to for homeowners who need to clear overgrown bushes, prune fruit trees, and cut the occasional 8-inch branch. The corded design means unlimited runtime as long as you have a 12-gauge extension cord.
Owners routinely mention cutting through 14-inch cedar and 22-inch logs with the CS1216, proving that amp rating alone doesn’t dictate capability—chain sharpness and bar length matter just as much. The clear oil window is a small but meaningful design win: you can see the bar oil level instantly without guessing. The chain does have a tendency to jump off the bar if you apply sideways pressure while the chain is loose, so regular tension checks during the first hour of use are non-negotiable.
If your budget is tight and your jobs stay within the limbing-and-pruning range, this is the most dependable entry-level corded saw you can buy. It won’t compete with 15-amp or 62cc options for heavy hardwood, but it also won’t intimidate a first-time user.
What works
- Lightweight and well-balanced for long use
- Clear oil window for easy level checks
- Tool-free chain adjustments save time
What doesn’t
- Chain may pop off if tension is loose
- 12-amp motor lags behind 15-amp models
- No variable-speed trigger control
7. Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered Chainsaw, 38-cc, 16 Inch
The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the only premium-tier saw on this list, and it earns its place by delivering consistent start-up and dealer-backed support that the off-brand gas saws can’t match. The 38cc X-Torq engine produces 2.1 HP with reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions compared to non-catalytic two-strokes. Smart Start technology reduces the rope pull resistance, and the inertia-activated chain brake adds a safety layer that budget saws often fake with a simple hand guard.
Air Injection technology keeps dust and debris from reaching the air filter, which directly extends service intervals—a meaningful advantage if you’re cutting in dirty, gritty conditions. The side-mounted chain tensioning system is the easiest to access of any saw on this list. However, the fixed, non-adjustable auto-oiler has drawn criticism for over-lubricating and making a mess, and some owners report that the saw tends to die between cuts if the carburetor is not perfectly tuned from the factory.
If you value brand consistency, parts availability at local dealers, and a saw that starts reliably for years, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the smartest long-term investment in the cheap chainsaw bracket. Just know that you’re paying for the ecosystem as much as the hardware.
What works
- Reliable Smart Start system for easy starting
- Air Injection keeps air filter cleaner longer
- Dealer support and genuine parts availability
What doesn’t
- Non-adjustable oiler can be messy
- May require carb tuning out of the box
- 38cc displacement is limited for big logs
Hardware & Specs Guide
Amp Draw vs. Displacement
A corded electric chainsaw’s amp rating (12 to 15 amps) directly correlates to motor torque, but horsepower equivalency is estimated—15 amps roughly equals 3.5 mechanical HP. Gas displacement (38cc to 63cc) is a direct measure of combustion volume; larger displacement generally means more torque at lower RPM, which helps maintain chain speed under heavy load. For the price-conscious buyer, a 15-amp corded saw gives you the most consistent power-per-dollar, while a 62cc gas saw gives you the most raw cutting force for the weight.
Chain Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links
Almost every cheap chainsaw uses 3/8-inch low-profile pitch or 0.325-inch pitch chain. The gauge (thickness of the drive links) is typically .050 or .058 inches—.058 is common on 20-inch gas saws and provides slightly more stability in the bar groove. Drive link count varies by bar length: a 16-inch bar usually has 56 to 62 drive links; an 18-inch bar has 67 to 72; a 20-inch bar has 76 to 82. Matching pitch and gauge exactly when replacing your chain is mandatory—using the wrong gauge damages the bar rails.
FAQ
Is a corded electric chainsaw powerful enough for felling trees?
What is the correct gas-to-oil mix for a cheap 62cc chainsaw?
Can I use a cheap chainsaw with a standard extension cord?
How often do I need to sharpen a cheap chainsaw chain?
Are cheap gas chainsaws louder than electric models?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most homeowners who need one reliable saw for year-round limbing and occasional firewood processing, the best cheap chainsaw winner is the WEN 4118 15-Amp Electric because it combines 18-inch cutting capacity, instant-start convenience, and a two-year warranty at a price that undercuts gas by a wide margin. If you need cordless portability and already own DeWalt batteries, the ReliaRoads 40V Brushless is your quiet workhorse. And for heavy firewood cutting where only a gas engine will do, the NEO-TEC 62cc 20-inch delivers pro-class displacement without the pro-class price.