What We Have Covered in This Article
Best Cheap Chainsaw
That Actually Works
Stop overpaying. Stop getting burned by garbage saws that quit after three cuts. These are the budget chainsaws — gas and electric — that genuinely deliver, tested and ranked for 2026.
Let’s be blunt: most cheap chainsaws are trash.
We’re not talking about the ones in this guide. We’re talking about the no-name $40 gas saws with fake reviews, plastic carburetors, and chains that dull after 10 minutes. The ones that come in a box with instructions printed only in Mandarin and a chain that was never properly tensioned from the factory.
But here’s the thing most guides won’t tell you: cheap chainsaws that actually work do exist. From a $49 corded electric that’s earned 8,000+ Amazon reviews to a $169 gas saw that suburban homeowners swear by — the value chainsaw market has genuinely good options if you know where to look.
This guide is the result of digging through real-world test data, Amazon reviews, and expert publications to find every budget chainsaw that actually earns its place on your shelf. Gas and electric. Mid-budget to entry-level. All available on Amazon right now.
Buy the cheapest saw from a brand you recognize over the cheapest saw from a brand you’ve never heard of. Stick to Oregon, Troy-Bilt, SKIL, Ryobi, Husqvarna 120, EGO, and BLACK+DECKER at the budget end. Avoid sub-$50 gas saws with no brand history — they’re not cheap, they’re expensive in the long run.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Understanding where your money goes helps you spot real value versus false economy. Here’s the breakdown:
“For the person who needs a chainsaw, is close to a power source, and is shopping on a tight budget, we recommend the Oregon CS1500. This corded-electric model checks all of the boxes for simple tasks. Our favorite thing about the CS1500 is the price tag — it’s a small fraction of the price of top-tier models.”
— TechGearLab, Lab Tested Chainsaw Rankings 2026What to Avoid at All Costs
Not every cheap saw is a good deal. These are the warning signs that a cheap chainsaw will cost you more in the long run:
- No recognizable brand name and thousands of copy-paste 5-star reviews
- Gas saws under $80 — no reputable manufacturer makes a safe gas chainsaw that cheap
- No stated motor wattage or engine displacement in the product listing
- No chain brake or safety lock — non-negotiable at any price point
- No auto-oiler — manual oiling creates chain wear, heat damage, and safety risks
- No warranty mentioned — if they won’t stand behind it, neither should you
The 8 Best Cheap Chainsaws That Actually Work — 2026
Ranked high to low price, covering both gas and electric. Every one of these has earned real ratings from real buyers — not marketing fluff.
1. Proyama 62CC 22″ 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
💪 Best Cheap Gas PowerWhen 1,900+ Amazon reviewers give a chainsaw 4.1 out of 5 stars and one five-star reviewer literally calls it “a fantastic saw for homestead use — maintaining 10 acres with it”, you pay attention. The Proyama 62CC delivers an astonishing amount of saw for the money: a 22-inch bar, 62cc 2-cycle engine, anti-vibration system, and an Soft Start system with integrated choke/stop controls for quick starting.
At around $199, this is the budget buyer’s answer to the Echo CS-590 — significantly less power and build quality, yes, but the bar length and engine size genuinely impress for the price. For homesteaders, hobby farmers, and landowners who need occasional heavy cutting but don’t want to spend $500 on a name-brand saw, this is the pick. Just be aware: budget Chinese-manufactured saws require diligent maintenance and aren’t built for daily professional use.
Pros
- 62cc — most power per dollar on this list
- 22″ bar for large-diameter cuts
- Anti-vibration system included
- Verified by 1,900+ Amazon buyers
- “Maintaining 10 acres” confirmed use case
Cons
- Budget Chinese manufacture — less durable
- Not for daily professional use
- More maintenance-intensive than name brands
- Parts harder to find than Husqvarna/Echo
2. Troy-Bilt TB4216 — 16″ 42cc Gas Chainsaw
⭐ Best Budget Name-Brand GasThe Troy-Bilt TB4216 is the rare budget gas chainsaw that comes from an established American tool brand — and it shows in the feature set. SpringAssist® technology makes pull-starting easier by storing energy in a spring, then releasing it for a more powerful pull-start than you’d expect from a budget saw. The 42cc full-crank 2-cycle engine delivers adequate power for limbing, light firewood, and small tree felling.
The TB4216 checks every essential box: inertia-activated chain brake, automatic chain oiler with adjustable flow, metal bucking spikes for greater cut control, 3-point anti-vibration handles, and a 2-year limited warranty. It even includes 2-cycle engine oil in the box. At $159–199, this is the smartest gas buy if you want the assurance of a real brand, a real warranty, and real safety features without spending Husqvarna money.
Pros
- Established American brand (Troy-Bilt)
- SpringAssist® = easier pull-starts
- Inertia chain brake + auto-oiler
- Metal bucking spikes
- 2-year warranty + oil included
Cons
- 42cc limits heavy sustained work
- 16″ bar won’t handle large logs
- Less powerful than Husqvarna/Echo
- Gas mixing still required
3. Ryobi RY3714 — 14″ 37cc Gas Chainsaw
🏡 Best Lightweight Budget GasRyobi’s 14-inch gas chainsaw is easy to handle and ideal for knocking out quick yard chores. One reviewer noted: “I originally purchased it strictly for trimming — after using this saw for a while I started using it more and more.” That’s the story with this saw: it starts easy, handles light work without complaint, and earns loyal repeat use. At $149–$179, it’s Ryobi’s most accessible gas model.
The 37cc engine is honest about what it can do — light firewood, trimming branches, and clearing small trees. The 14-inch bar is compact and maneuverable. Ryobi’s brand support means parts and service are widely accessible, and the saw carries a 3-year limited warranty. For new chainsaw users, first-time homeowners, or suburban property holders who want gas portability without the weight and complexity of larger saws, this is the cleanest entry point.
Pros
- Ryobi brand trust and support
- 3-year warranty
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Great for first-time chainsaw users
- Genuinely affordable gas entry
Cons
- 37cc limits power significantly
- Not suitable for large logs or trees
- Gas mixing required
- 14″ bar = limited diameter capacity
4. Oregon CS1500 — 18″ 15-Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw
🏆 Best Budget Electric OverallThe Oregon CS1500 might be the most impressive value chainsaw on this entire list — which is saying something. TechGearLab’s exhaustive testing across 19 chainsaws called it the recommendation for anyone “close to a power source and shopping on a tight budget.” And with 8,000+ Amazon reviews averaging 4.4/5 stars, the people who buy it clearly agree.
What makes the CS1500 special is one feature you won’t find on most chainsaws: a built-in self-sharpening system. Pull a lever, and a grinding stone tunes up the chain in 3–5 seconds while it’s spinning — no separate tools, no trips to a sharpening shop. Oregon is the world’s leading saw chain manufacturer, and this saw uses their 18-inch PowerSharp chain. Tool-less tensioning. Automatic oiler. Instant electric start. At $79–119, it’s a legitimately remarkable value.
Pros
- Built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening
- 18″ bar for a broad cutting range
- 8,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.4/5
- No gas, no mixing, instant start
- Made by world’s leading chain maker
Cons
- Corded — needs outlet within reach
- Cord is a trip hazard on job sites
- Not for remote property work
- Bar appears thin — not for sustained heavy use
5. SKIL CS4565 40V 14″ Cordless Chainsaw
💎 Best Budget Battery ValueHere’s the number that matters most about the SKIL CS4565: in Reviewed.com’s hands-on testing, it outperformed a gas-powered Echo 310 from a power standpoint. That’s a remarkable claim — and it stood up under test conditions. The 40V battery delivered consistent power that chewed through small logs, brush, and the smaller cuts from larger logs with ease. At over $100 less than many top-tier battery saws, Reviewed.com called it the best chainsaw option “for many occasional-use homeowners.”
Battery and charger come included, so the sticker price is all-in. The 14-inch bar handles light to medium tasks. Chain brake, auto-oiler, and tool-free tensioning are all included. One Amazon reviewer described it as “nearly perfect” — at $50 less than comparable saws and without sacrificing cutting ability. This is the battery chainsaw value story of 2026.
Pros
- Outperformed gas Echo 310 in testing
- Battery & charger included
- Chain brake & auto-oiler standard
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Best battery value under $160
Cons
- Not for sustained heavy cutting
- SKIL battery not cross-compatible
- 14″ bar limits diameter capacity
6. EGO Power+ CS1611 — 16″ 56V Battery Chainsaw
⚡ Best Mid-Budget BatteryThe EGO CS1611 is the entry point to EGO’s excellent 56V chainsaw lineup — a meaningful step up in quality from budget-tier saws. The 16-inch class is widely considered the sweet spot for homeowners dealing with seasonal tree maintenance and storm cleanup. Pro Tool Reviews confirmed that EGO’s 16-inch chainsaw “makes an excellent chainsaw even better and solidifies its chainsaw line” with improved performance over previous models.
The high-efficiency brushless motor delivers power equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw — no exaggeration. It includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger in the kit, providing solid runtime for light-to-medium tasks. The LED light on the front illuminates your cut at dusk or dawn. Tool-free dial-tension chain adjustment. EGO’s 56V battery is compatible across their expanding tool ecosystem. For buyers who want proven brand quality from one of the best battery tool makers in the industry at a mid-range price, the CS1611 is a compelling buy.
Pros
- 40cc gas equivalent power
- EGO brand trust and reliability
- 56V ecosystem compatible
- LED work light
- Battery included in kit
Cons
- 2.5Ah battery = shorter runtime
- More expensive than SKIL/Oregon
- EGO batteries only compatible with EGO tools
7. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B — 20V MAX 10″ Battery Chainsaw
💰 Most Affordable Cordless Brand NameFor the buyer who wants a real brand name on the box and the ability to use a battery they may already own, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B is the most affordable cordless chainsaw from a recognized manufacturer. At $59–89 (tool only), it’s the entry point for anyone in the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX ecosystem — and if you already own any BLACK+DECKER 20V tool, this is nearly free to add.
The 10-inch bar is the key limitation — this is a light-duty pruning, branch-trimming, and cleanup tool. It won’t fell trees or cut large firewood. But for the tasks it’s designed for — light residential work in a quiet suburban yard — the transparent bar oil window, auto chain oiler, and automatic chain tensioner make it impressively user-friendly. It’s the chainsaw equivalent of a pocket knife: not for everything, but invaluable when you need it.
Pros
- Recognized American brand
- 20V MAX ecosystem compatible
- Transparent oil window — helpful feature
- Auto chain oiler standard
- Lowest name-brand price on this list
Cons
- 10″ bar — very limited scope
- Battery sold separately
- Not for anything beyond light pruning
8. Saker Mini Chainsaw — 6″ 20V Battery Pruning Saw
🌿 Best Ultra-Budget PickOutdoor Life’s tester went in skeptical and came out convinced: “I’m happy to report that the Saker Mini Chainsaw is one of those products that outperforms its bargain price and outlives its hype.” After a year of use, they reported it had handled everything thrown at it. In timed cutting tests, the Saker produced as many cuts as top-end mini saws at approximately the same speed — astonishing for a $50 tool.
The tester confirmed it cut through a 4-inch diameter oak limb in 15.3 seconds, and with the battery still having juice after 22 consecutive cuts. That’s under torture-test conditions. In real-world use, it would make significantly more cuts. It comes with battery, charger, oil, and a chain tension tool in the box. At $35–55, it’s genuinely the cheapest capable chainsaw you can buy that’s been independently verified to work.
Pros
- Independently tested by Outdoor Life
- 15.3 sec cut on 4″ oak confirmed
- Battery, charger & oil included
- Under 2.5 lbs — practically weightless
- Best value on the entire list
Cons
- 6″ bar limits to small-diameter work
- Not for large logs or felling
- Manual oiling (not automatic)
- Overheated after 22 consecutive cuts
Full Comparison Table: Every Pick Ranked
All eight chainsaws side-by-side — sorted cheapest to most expensive so you can find your perfect price point instantly.
| Model | Type | Engine/Motor | Bar | Key Feature | Battery Inc. | Price | Amazon Rating | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saker Mini Chainsaw Ultra Budget | 🔋 Battery | 20V / 550W | 6″ | Tested by Outdoor Life | Yes | ~$35–55 | 4.3/5 | ★★★★★ |
| BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B | 🔋 Battery | 20V MAX | 10″ | 20V MAX ecosystem | No | ~$59–89 | 4.4/5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpen | 🔌 Corded | 15 Amp | 18″ | Built-in self-sharpening | N/A | ~$79–119 | 4.4/5 (8K+ reviews) | ★★★★★ |
| SKIL CS4565 Best Battery Value | 🔋 Battery | 40V | 14″ | Beat Echo 310 gas in tests | Yes | ~$119–159 | 4.3/5 | ★★★★★ |
| Ryobi RY3714 | ⛽ Gas | 37cc | 14″ | 3-yr warranty, easy use | N/A | ~$149–179 | 4.2/5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Troy-Bilt TB4216 Best Gas Value | ⛽ Gas | 42cc | 16″ | SpringAssist® + 2-yr warranty | N/A | ~$159–199 | 4.3/5 | ★★★★★ |
| EGO Power+ CS1611 | 🔋 Battery | 56V Brushless | 16″ | 40cc equiv., EGO quality | Yes (2.5Ah) | ~$199–249 | 4.5/5 | ★★★★☆ |
| Proyama 62CC Most Power | ⛽ Gas | 62cc | 22″ | 22″ bar at $199 | N/A | ~$179–219 | 4.1/5 (1,900+ reviews) | ★★★★☆ |
Budget Chainsaw Buying Guide: 5 Smart Questions
Spend 60 seconds with these five questions and you’ll know exactly which saw belongs in your cart.
What’s Your Hard Budget Cap?
Under $60: Saker mini (battery incl.) or Oregon CS1500 corded. $80–$150: SKIL CS4565 or Ryobi gas. $160–$220: Troy-Bilt gas or EGO cordless. Set your number and don’t let the store floor upsell you — every pick on this list does real work.
Gas, Corded, or Battery?
Gas: portable, powerful, more maintenance. Need to work far from outlets or power a large property? Go gas. Corded: cheapest, unlimited runtime, needs outlet. Battery: best convenience, push-button start, improving power every year. Most budget buyers are best served by corded or battery.
What’s the Biggest Thing You’ll Cut?
Branches under 6″: Saker mini is literally all you need. Up to 10″: BLACK+DECKER 10″. Up to 14″: SKIL CS4565 or Ryobi 14″. Up to 18″: Oregon CS1500 or Troy-Bilt 16″. Serious hardwood or large trees: Proyama 62cc or step up to a name-brand saw.
How Far From an Outlet?
If you’re always within 50–100 feet of your house or garage, the Oregon CS1500 corded is the best value on this entire list. The moment you need to go further — a back pasture, remote lot, camping — you need battery or gas. Honest self-assessment here saves you money.
Do You Already Own a Battery System?
If you own any BLACK+DECKER 20V tools — add the LCS1020B for pruning. Any EGO 56V tools — add the CS1611. Ryobi 40V? Look at Ryobi’s cordless chainsaw options. Cross-compatible batteries save you $30–$60 immediately.
What Safety Features Are Non-Negotiable?
At any price: chain brake (stops the chain during kickback), auto-oiler (keeps the chain lubricated), and a safety trigger lock (prevents accidental startup). Every saw on this list has them. If you find a cheaper saw that doesn’t — walk away. Budget doesn’t mean compromising on safety.
Find Your Cheap Chainsaw That Actually Works
You’ve seen the test data, the Amazon ratings, and the honest picks. None of these saws will let you down — and none of them will empty your wallet.
Prices and availability are subject to change. Amazon ratings and review counts accurate at time of research. Always wear appropriate PPE — chainsaw-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection for gas models, and sturdy boots — when operating any chainsaw. Never operate any 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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