What We Have Covered in This Article
Best Chainsaw
Under $100
8 Real Picks That Won’t Disappoint
Yes — you can get a genuinely useful chainsaw for under $100 in 2026. Here’s every model worth your money, honestly reviewed with specs, a full comparison table, and expert FAQ guidance.
Here’s the first thing you need to know: there are no good gas chainsaws under $100. None. Not one from any brand worth buying.
Reputable manufacturers — Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl, Troy-Bilt — start their cheapest gas saws at $150 or above. Any gas chainsaw advertised at $69 or $89 from a no-name brand is a safety risk and a waste of money.
But here’s the genuinely good news: electric chainsaws under $100 are remarkable value in 2026. The Oregon CS1500 — the #1 pick at around $79 — has earned 8,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars and comes with a built-in chain sharpener you won’t find on saws costing three times as much. The WORX WG303.1’s 14.5-amp motor performs like a 3.5 HP gas saw. And battery mini saws from $35–$89 have been independently tested and genuinely work.
This guide covers every model worth buying under $100 in 2026. Corded electric powerhouses, cordless battery options, and mini saws — all ranked, spec’d, and honestly reviewed with a FAQ and buying guide.
Within this budget, corded electric chainsaws deliver the best performance per dollar. For $79–99 you get 14–18-inch bars with 14–15 amp motors. Battery saws under $100 typically offer 6–10 inch bars for pruning and light work. Both are genuinely capable — just match the tool to the task.
WHAT $100 GETS YOU IN 2026
The under-$100 chainsaw market has two distinct lanes — and knowing which one fits your needs saves you from disappointment:
“Quite simply put, this is the best electric chainsaw you can purchase under $100. The 14.5-amp electric motor gives many entry-level gas chainsaws from Husqvarna and Stihl a run for their money in cutting performance.”
— Chainsaw Journal, Best Cheap Chainsaw GuideWHAT TO AVOID — RED FLAGS
- Any gas chainsaw — reputable brands do not make safe gas saws at this price
- No chain brake listed in the product features — non-negotiable safety requirement
- Motor power not listed (no amps stated) — likely a weak, underpowered motor
- No brand name or warranty mentioned — no accountability, no quality control
- Unrealistic bar lengths for the power source (18″ on a 7-amp motor is false advertising)
- Thousands of copy-paste 5-star reviews with no variation in language
THE 8 BEST CHAINSAWS UNDER $100 — RANKED
Every model below has been vetted for performance, safety features, and Amazon ratings. Sorted best-to-budget within each power type.
1. OREGON CS1500 — 18″ 15-Amp Self-Sharpening Corded Electric
🏆 Best Overall Under $100~$79–$99
The Oregon CS1500 is the consensus #1 best chainsaw under $100 — and it isn’t particularly close. TechGearLab tested 19 chainsaws and called it the pick for “the person close to a power source and shopping on a tight budget.” With 8,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.4/5 stars, buyers agree overwhelmingly.
What makes the CS1500 genuinely special is its built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system — pull a lever and a grinding stone sharpens the entire chain in 3–5 seconds while it spins. This is a feature you won’t find on saws costing three times as much. Oregon is the world’s leading chain manufacturer. The 15-amp motor driving an 18-inch bar handles thick hardwood limbs, firewood cutting, and storm cleanup with authority. Tool-less tensioning, automatic oiler, and chain brake complete the package.
Pros
- Built-in 3–5 second chain sharpener
- 18″ bar — largest at this price
- 15A motor for real cutting power
- 8,000+ verified Amazon reviews
- Oregon world-class chain maker
- Tool-less tensioning + auto-oiler
Cons
- Corded — needs outlet nearby
- Bar appears thin for sustained heavy use
- Cord management adds hassle
2. WORX WG303.1 — 16″ 14.5-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
💪 Best Motor Power Under $100Chainsaw Journal called the WORX WG303.1 their #1 pick for cheap chainsaws — describing the 14.5-amp motor as one that “gives entry-level gas chainsaws from Husqvarna and Stihl a run for their money in cutting performance.” That’s a bold claim that holds up: 14.5 amps delivers genuine cutting torque across the full RPM range, with smooth, vibration-free power delivery that gas saws at this level can’t match.
The WG303.1 features a patented auto-tension chain system that prevents over-tightening and maintains correct tension for hundreds of uses. Low kickback Oregon bar and chain. Built-in chain brake. Automatic oiler with oil level indicator window. At 11 pounds, it’s heavier than some options but well-balanced. SlashGear testing gave it the highest reliability score among budget electric saws, placing above Portland, Ryobi, Black+Decker, and Craftsman.
Pros
- Gas-equivalent cutting performance
- Patented auto-tension system
- Oregon low-kickback bar & chain
- Zero vibration vs. gas alternatives
- #1 rated for reliability in its class
- Oil level indicator window
Cons
- Corded — needs outlet nearby
- 11 lbs — heavier than Oregon CS1500
- Chain can loosen over extended use
3. Sun Joe SWJ701E — 14″ 14-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
🌿 Best Lightweight CordedThe Sun Joe SWJ701E is “perfect for thick limbs, logs, and firewood” — strong at 14 amps yet still the lightest full-size corded electric on this list at just 9.7 pounds. The ergonomic handle, hand guard, and kickback brake all work together to maximize safety and comfort. At $49–79, it’s often the cheapest real-power corded chainsaw on Amazon.
The automatic chain lubrication system distributes oil while running, keeping the chain and bar protected without you thinking about it. Tool-less chain adjustment makes field tensioning fast. The safety switch prevents accidental starting. A two-year warranty rounds out the package. For first-time chainsaw users who want something lightweight, affordable, and genuinely safe — with a brand that stands behind it — the Sun Joe is a natural starting point.
Pros
- Lightest corded saw at 9.7 lbs
- Lowest price entry on corded list
- Kickback brake for safety
- 2-year Sun Joe warranty
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- 14″ bar limits large cuts
- 14A less power than Oregon/WORX
- Corded — needs outlet nearby
4. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 — 16″ 12-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
🔧 Best Trusted Brand EntryCRAFTSMAN is one of America’s most recognized tool brands — and at $79–99 on Amazon, their 16-inch corded electric chainsaw is among the most accessible ways to buy into that brand heritage. The 12-amp motor handles light firewood, pruning, and storm branch cleanup comfortably. The tool-free chain tensioning makes quick adjustments easy. Chain brake and auto-oiler are both included.
The 16-inch bar is the ideal length for most suburban homeowners — long enough to handle most branches and small trees, compact enough to maneuver. At sales pricing around $89, this frequently appears as one of Amazon’s most recommended budget chainsaws in the $89 price bracket. For buyers who specifically want a CRAFTSMAN label and the brand confidence that comes with it, this delivers what you’d expect at the entry level.
Pros
- CRAFTSMAN brand recognition
- 16″ bar at entry price
- Tool-free tensioning
- Auto-oiler + chain brake
- Widely available on Amazon
Cons
- 12A weakest motor on corded list
- Less power than Oregon or WORX
- Corded — needs outlet nearby
5. Greenworks 10-Amp 14″ Corded Electric Chainsaw
🌱 Best Warranty at Entry PriceThe Greenworks 10-amp corded chainsaw stands out for one reason above all others at this price point: a 4-year manufacturer’s warranty — the longest warranty on this entire list. For a sub-$70 chainsaw, that’s a remarkable statement of manufacturer confidence. The saw uses Oregon bar and chain components, which independently verifies quality of the cutting elements.
The 10-amp motor handles lighter cutting tasks — pruning, small branch removal, camp firewood prep — efficiently and quietly. Tool-less chain tensioning, automatic oiler, and a lightweight 8-pound design make it particularly beginner-friendly. For buyers who want the peace of mind of a 4-year warranty at the absolute lowest price, Greenworks delivers something genuinely unique in the under-$70 space.
Pros
- 4-year warranty — best on this list
- Oregon bar & chain quality
- Lightweight at ~8 lbs
- Lowest price on corded list
- Tool-free tensioning
Cons
- 10A — lowest motor on corded list
- Not for heavy or sustained cutting
- 14″ bar limits scope
- Corded — needs outlet nearby
6. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B — 20V MAX 10″ Cordless Chainsaw
🔋 Best Cordless Brand Under $100For anyone already in the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX battery ecosystem, the LCS1020B is the most affordable way to add a chainsaw to the collection. The 10-inch bar handles light pruning, small branch trimming, and garden cleanup perfectly. The transparent bar oil window lets you monitor lubrication without guessing or unscrewing. Automatic chain oiler included.
At $59–89, this is the lowest name-brand cordless chainsaw available. If you own any BLACK+DECKER 20V drill, circular saw, or garden tool — the battery you already have powers this saw instantly. The 10-inch bar is the key limitation: this is for light work only. But for its intended purpose — quiet, cordless, grab-and-go pruning — it delivers reliably from one of the most recognized tool brands in the world.
Pros
- Recognized American brand
- 20V MAX ecosystem — use existing battery
- Transparent oil level window
- Genuinely cordless freedom
- Auto-oiler standard
Cons
- 10″ bar — light work only
- Battery sold separately
- Not for logs or tree felling
7. Saker Mini Chainsaw — 20V 6″ Battery Pruning Saw
💸 Best Value on This Entire ListOutdoor Life’s tester went in skeptical about a $50 chainsaw and came out converted: “The Saker Mini Chainsaw is one of those products that outperforms its bargain price and outlives its hype.” After a year of real-world use. In timed cutting tests, the Saker cut a 4-inch diameter oak limb in 15.3 seconds — matching top-end mini saws at approximately the same speed. The battery still had juice after 22 consecutive cuts in the torture test.
At 2.4 pounds — lighter than most smartphones in a case — this saw disappears into a tool bag and comes out for every quick job you’d otherwise overcomply with a large saw. Battery, charger, oil, and chain tension tool all come in the box at $35–55. The 6-inch bar is the limitation: this is for pruning, small branches, and quick cuts, not logs. But for that purpose, it’s independently verified to work excellently.
Pros
- Outdoor Life independently verified
- Cheapest pick — batteries included
- 2.4 lbs — practically weightless
- 15.3 sec cut time on 4″ oak tested
- Battery + charger + oil in box
Cons
- 6″ bar — pruning only
- Overheated after 22 consecutive cuts
- Manual oiling (not automatic)
- Not for logs or felling trees
8. Greenworks 24V 6″ Cordless Mini Chainsaw
🌱 Best Branded Mini ChainsawIf you want a mini battery chainsaw with automatic oiling (not manual like the Saker), a name-brand warranty, and the green Greenworks reliability reputation — the 24V 6″ Cordless Mini is the pick. At around $89, it’s one of Amazon’s most popular cordless mini chainsaws and frequently appears in Bob Vila and Greenworks product roundups as a top compact pick.
The auto-oiler sets it above most mini saws in its class, keeping the chain lubricated without you thinking about it. The safety trigger lock prevents accidental startup. The 24V system means more power and longer runtime than 20V competitors. Battery and charger are included. For buyers who want a mini chainsaw from a brand with a proper warranty and automatic oiling — the Greenworks is the upgrade from the Saker.
Pros
- Automatic oiler (vs. manual Saker)
- Greenworks brand + warranty
- 24V — more power than 20V saws
- Battery & charger included
- Safety trigger lock
Cons
- 6″ bar — light tasks only
- More expensive than Saker
- 24V battery not cross-compatible
COMPLETE COMPARISON — ALL 8 PICKS
Every model side-by-side, sorted by price. Find your match in seconds.
| Model | Type | Motor | Bar | Weight | Key Feature | Warranty | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saker Mini Tested | 🔋 Battery | 20V 550W | 6″ | 2.4 lbs | Outdoor Life verified | Limited | ~$35–55 | ★★★★★ |
| Sun Joe SWJ701E | 🔌 Corded | 14A | 14″ | 9.7 lbs | Lightest full-size corded | 2-Year | ~$49–79 | ★★★★☆ |
| Greenworks 10A Corded | 🔌 Corded | 10A | 14″ | ~8 lbs | 4-year warranty + Oregon chain | 4-Year | ~$49–69 | ★★★★☆ |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B | 🔋 Battery | 20V MAX | 10″ | 7.6 lbs | 20V MAX ecosystem | 2-Year | ~$59–89 | ★★★★☆ |
| Greenworks 24V Mini | 🔋 Battery | 24V | 6″ | ~3.5 lbs | Auto-oiler + battery incl. | 4-Year | ~$79–99 | ★★★★☆ |
| CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 | 🔌 Corded | 12A | 16″ | ~10 lbs | CRAFTSMAN brand trust | 2-Year | ~$79–99 | ★★★★☆ |
| WORX WG303.1 #1 Reliability | 🔌 Corded | 14.5A | 16″ | ~11 lbs | Patented auto-tension chain | 2-Year | ~$79–99 | ★★★★★ |
| Oregon CS1500 Top Pick | 🔌 Corded | 15A | 18″ | ~10.4 lbs | PowerSharp self-sharpening | 2-Year | ~$79–99 | ★★★★★ |
BUYING GUIDE — 5 SMART QUESTIONS
Answer these before clicking Add to Cart. They’ll take you straight to the right saw.
How Wide Is the Widest Thing You’ll Cut?
Under 6 inches: any mini chainsaw works. Up to 10 inches: Sun Joe or Greenworks 10A. Up to 14 inches: Oregon CS1500, WORX, or CRAFTSMAN 16″. Need to cut a 6-inch branch? A $35 Saker handles it — you don’t need an $80 corded saw.
How Close to an Outlet Will You Work?
Within 50–100 feet: corded wins every time — more power, more bar, unlimited runtime for the money. Beyond that, on a ladder, or in tight spaces: battery. Use a 14-gauge cord for runs up to 50 feet, 12-gauge for up to 100 feet.
Do You Own 20V MAX or 24V Tools Already?
If yes — BLACK+DECKER 20V or Greenworks 24V drops the effective cost of your chainsaw by $30–50 since you use an existing battery. Don’t buy a second battery platform without good reason; cross-compatibility saves real money.
What Safety Features Are Non-Negotiable?
At any price: chain brake (stops on kickback), auto-oiler, and safety trigger lock. Every saw on this list has them. If you find a cheaper option online that doesn’t — walk away. Safety features are the one area where you should not compromise on cost.
Does Brand Name Matter to You?
For warranty confidence: Oregon, WORX, Greenworks, CRAFTSMAN, Sun Joe, BLACK+DECKER are all reputable. The Saker Mini is from an offshore brand but was independently tested by Outdoor Life and performs well. At $35–55 for a pruning saw, the brand risk is low.
Will You Use It Regularly or Occasionally?
A few times per year: any pick on this list is fine — budget electric tools hold up for light infrequent use. Several times monthly: invest in the Oregon CS1500 or WORX WG303.1 with their sturdier construction. Daily use at this budget is not recommended — step up to $150+ saw territory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every question buyers ask before buying a chainsaw under $100 — answered honestly.
Yes — but only for electric models. Under $100, you can find genuinely capable corded electric chainsaws (the Oregon CS1500 at $79–99 and WORX WG303.1 at $79–99) and entry-level battery mini saws (Saker Mini at $35–55, BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B at $59–89). You will not find a safe, reliable gas chainsaw under $100. Avoid any gas saw at this price — reputable manufacturers do not produce safe gas chainsaws in this range.
The Oregon CS1500 corded electric is the top pick for homeowners under $100. It offers an 18-inch bar, 15-amp motor, built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system, automatic chain oiler, and tool-less tensioning — all for around $79–99 on Amazon with 8,000+ reviews at 4.4/5 stars. For cordless convenience, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B (20V MAX, 10-inch bar) is the best battery option for light pruning work under $89.
A quality chainsaw under $100 handles: pruning branches up to 10–12 inches in diameter, limbing fallen trees, cutting firewood sections, storm cleanup, clearing brush, trimming ornamental trees, and light DIY woodcutting. What it cannot reliably do: fell large trees, cut logs over 14 inches in diameter, or sustain all-day heavy-duty use. Match the tool to the task and a sub-$100 chainsaw performs well for homeowner needs.
Within this budget, corded electric delivers significantly better performance per dollar. For the same money, you get a larger bar (16–18 inches vs. 6–10 inches), more sustained power (15 amp vs. 20V battery), and unlimited runtime. Battery chainsaws under $100 use smaller batteries with shorter runtime and shorter bars. Corded models like the Oregon CS1500 or WORX WG303.1 are the clear performance choice — battery mini saws like the Saker are best when portability is the priority over cutting capacity.
Even at this budget level, look for: (1) Chain brake that stops the chain during kickback — never buy without it. (2) Safety trigger lockout to prevent accidental starting. (3) Automatic chain oiler for consistent lubrication. (4) Hand guard protecting the left hand. (5) Low-kickback chain or bar design. The Oregon CS1500 and WORX WG303.1 both include chain brakes, auto-oilers, and hand guards. Budget battery minis like the Saker have trigger safety locks.
For corded electric chainsaws drawing 14–15 amps: use a 14-gauge extension cord for runs up to 50 feet, and a 12-gauge cord for runs of 51–100 feet. Never use a cord thinner than 14-gauge — undersized cords cause voltage drop that reduces motor performance and creates overheating risk. Ensure the cord is rated for outdoor use and plugged into a GFCI outlet. For a 16-inch corded saw like the WORX WG303.1, a 50-foot 14-gauge outdoor extension cord is the standard recommendation.
No. There are no safe, reliable gas chainsaws under $100 from reputable manufacturers. Entry-level gas chainsaws from brands like Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl, and Troy-Bilt start at $150 or higher because building a safe, durable gas-powered chainsaw requires quality components that cost money. Any gas chainsaw advertised for under $100 is almost certainly from an unverified brand with inadequate safety features, poor build quality, and no meaningful warranty. Stick to corded or battery electric chainsaws within this budget.
Key maintenance steps: (1) Keep the bar oil reservoir full — check before every use. (2) Check chain tension regularly — snug against the bar but pullable by hand. (3) Sharpen the chain when producing sawdust instead of chips — the Oregon CS1500’s PowerSharp system does this in 3–5 seconds. (4) Clean the bar groove and sprocket after each use. (5) Inspect the chain for damage; replace broken or bent links. (6) Store indoors away from moisture — electric motors can corrode. With basic care, these saws last for years.
For most homeowner tasks within this budget: a 14–18 inch bar on a corded electric handles branches and logs up to 12–14 inches in diameter comfortably. The WORX WG303.1 offers a 16-inch bar, the Oregon CS1500 an 18-inch bar, and the Sun Joe SWJ701E a 14-inch bar — all under $100. Battery mini saws (6–10 inch bars) are suited for branches under 6 inches only. The rule: choose a bar at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the widest material you’ll regularly cut.
FIND YOUR PERFECT CHAINSAW UNDER $100
Eight real options. Real specs. Real Amazon ratings. Your perfect under-$100 chainsaw is a click away.
Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Amazon ratings and review counts accurate at time of research (March 2026). Always wear appropriate PPE — eye protection, gloves, and sturdy boots — when operating any chainsaw. Never operate a chainsaw alone. This page may contain affiliate links; we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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