The 18 Best Chainsaw Brands: Market Leaders, Second Tier, and More


Best Chainsaw Brands

It can be tough to know which chainsaw brands are the best, and which ones you should avoid. The chainsaw market is quite competitive, and over the last few decades, the number of brands has dramatically increased.

In this article, we’ll provide a list of the best chainsaw brands currently available. If you’re wondering if a particular brand is a reliable manufacturer, you can use this list for validation. If it’s here, then it’s a major brand. If it’s not on this list, you should probably avoid it.

Brands 1-2 below are the indisputable market leaders, and the 3rd and 4th brands are close behind those market leaders. For the remaining brands on this list (after the first 4) the rankings are less important and they are only roughly ordered as a result.

Alright, now let’s get to the brands!

FYI: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I get a commission on the sales if you click through and purchase. Thanks!

1. Stihl

Stihl was founded by Andreas Stihl, who invented the first chainsaw in 1926. Stihl is the best selling chainsaw brand in the world, and it’s still owned by the direct descendants of Andreas Stihl.

Nearly all chainsaw experts agree that Stihl is either the #1 or #2 best brand. I personally use Stihl chainsaws and can attest to their quality. For example, I recently used a Stihl MS 250 that’s over 20 years old and it still works great.

Most Recommended Stihl Chainsaw

Stihl chainsaw brand

This Stihl MS250 is probably the chainsaw I have used most frequently. The current model is called the MS251 Wood Boss, and it can only be purchased from authorized Stihl dealerships (Stihl chainsaws are not sold online).

2. Husqvarna

Husqvarna began in Sweden as a state-owned manufacturing operation, which initially produced rifles in the late 1600s. During the 1800s, Husqvarna shifted it’s product focus to adjust to changing demands. 

Husqvarna produced bicycles, sewing machines, and more, before finally landing on the product they are most known for: chainsaws. In 1959, Husqvarna made their first chainsaw.

By this time, Stihl was already in the market, but Husqvarna became their primary competitor. For decades now, the performance of Stihl vs Husqvarna has been a popular topic of debate among loggers, firewood collectors, and home users.

If you’d like to see a side-by-side comparison of a Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaw, check out this article comparing their key differences.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher (#1 Top Selling Model)

You can find Husqvarna chainsaws online. Here is a link to their #1 top selling model on Amazon (FYI: I get commissions on these). This particular model has a LOT of engine power. If you’re a beginner with chainsaws, then start with something that has a lower CC power rating.

3. Makita / Dolmar

Makita is a well-known producer of power tools that was founded in Japan in 1915. Makita is probably best known for their battery-operated tools (I love their battery drill-drivers, great quality stuff!).

And Makita is now one of the leading producers of battery-powered and corded electric chainsaws. However, in 1991 Makita also acquired Dolmar, a gas chainsaw manufacturer that was the favorite among some arborists.

With the combined expertise and product lines of Makita and Dolmar chainsaws, the overall Makita brand is well-deserving of a spot near the top of this list.

If you’re looking to get a really high quality electric chainsaw (battery of corded), then you should definitely consider getting something from Makita.

Makita XCU03PT1 Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Makita chainsaws are sold at a number of places online, and here is a link to one of their most popular models on Amazon (FYI: I get commissions on these). You can get them in nice kits that come with extra batteries and a charger.

4. Echo

Echo chainsaws were originally produced by the Kioritz Corporation, a Japanese company that produced its first chainsaw in 1963. Today, Echo chainsaws are produced by the Yamabiko Corporation, which was formed in a merger in 2008.

Like Stihl and Husqvarna above, Echo has been a player in the chainsaw market for many decades, and they are a steady and reputable brand. My grandfather actually owns an Echo chainsaw that has seen a lot of use.

After Stihl and Husqvarna, Echo has the next highest cap on their product line. Meaning their most powerful chainsaw has a higher CC rating (80.7), than any other chainsaw that I know of, other than Stihl and Husqvarna’s.

If you’d like to learn about the #1 most powerful chainsaw on the market, check out this article which compares the two top competitors.

Echo CS-400 Gas Chainsaw (Most Popular Model)

Echo chainsaws are sold at a few places online, and here is a link to their most popular model on Amazon (FYI: I get commissions on these). Echo has a wide range of engine powers, so you should be able to find a model that fits your needs well.

5. Poulan

Poulan was originally founded in Louisiana in 1912, and you may also find it interesting to know that the chainsaw used in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was a Poulan brand chainsaw.

Today, the company is owned by Husqvarna, but the Poulan and Poulan Pro brands are still actively sold in consumer retail stores like Home Depot.

Whereas Husqvarna chainsaws tend to be more popular among frequent chainsaw users (like foresters, farmers, etc.), Poulan brand chainsaws are more targeted to home users.

Poulan Pro PR4218 Gas Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Poulan brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

6. Jonsered

Very similar to Poulan, Jonsered started as an independent chainsaw manufacturer, and then in the late 70’s Jonsered was acquired by Husqvarna.

You can still purchase chainsaws sold under the Jonsered brand name at major consumer retailers like Home Depot, but in my mind, if you’re thinking of buying a Jonsered, why not just go for a Husqvarna or Sthil?

Jonsered CS2245 Gas Chainsaw (45 CC, 18 Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Poulan brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

7. Oregon

Oregon was founded in 1947 and is best known as a manufacturer of chainsaw chains and bars. Many of the leading brands (like Stihl and Husqvarna) actively use Oregon components, or are at least compatible.

In recent years, Oregon has also begun to manufacture their own line of electric and battery-operated chainsaws. Due to their experience and reputation in the industry, I would consider them a very reliable brand.

Also, they’ve been able to add some really interesting features to some of their products, as a result to their market-leading chain technology. For example, the chainsaw below has a built-in chain sharpener, which is something I haven’t seen from any other company.

Oregon Battery-Powered Self-Sharpening Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Oregon brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

8. Homelite

Homelite is a historically significant chainsaw brand, and in 1949 they built the first chainsaw that could be operated by one person (rather than a team).

In the early 60’s Homelite created the XL-12 chainsaw, which went on to become one of the world’s most famous chainsaws, and it was even featured in horror movies like The Evil Dead.

Today the Homelite brand is owned by Techtronic Industries, and their chainsaw sales are now focused primarily on the consumer market.

Homelite 9 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw (14-Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Homelite brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

9. Remington

Remington is an American power tool company that was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1921. They launched their first chainsaw in 1954, and they continue to be a major brand today.

If you have a tight budget, then Remington has some of the most affordable chainsaw options that are available on the market.

Remington RM4216 Gas Chainsaw (42 CC, 16 Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Remington brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

10. Worx

Worx is a brand owned by the Positec Tool Corporation, a Chinese firm that was founded in 1994. Worx focuses on electric and battery-powered chainsaws (they don’t make any gas-powered models to my knowledge).

This could be a good option for occasional home use, but they’re tools probably aren’t hearty enough for felling, or large piles of firewood. It is very hard to find a lower price on this type of tool though.

WORX WG304.1 Corded Electric Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Worx brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

11. Greenworks

The Greenworks brand was founded by the parent company Globe Tools Group in 2007. Greenworks specializes in lithium-ion battery-powered chainsaws.

Greenworks power tools can be found at many major retailers, like Lowes, and Amazon.com.

Greenworks 40V Battery-Powered Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Greenworks brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

12. Sun Joe

Sun Joe brand products are sold by the Snow Joe company. Snow Joe was founded in 2004 as a manufacturer of electric snow shovels. Since then, they have expanded their product line dramatically.

Today they produce chainsaws, in addition to many other tools. The Sun Joe brand can be found at most major retailers, like Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Sun Joe Electric Corded Chainsaw (14 Amp, 18-Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Sun Joe brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

13. Craftsman

Craftsman tools were initially sold by Sears and K-Mart (blast from the past!) and manufactured by other companies on a contract basis. But as you know, the retail landscape has changed quite a bit in the last few decades.

In 2017 the Craftsman brand was acquired by Stanley Black & Decker, which continues to sell a variety of power tools (including chainsaws) under the Craftsman brand name.

Craftsman Gas Chainsaw (46CC, 20-Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Craftsman brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

14. Black + Decker

Black + Decker was originally founded in 1910 as a machine shop in Maryland. Their first technology break-through was the invention of an electric hand-held drill, but it’s not clear when they began making chainsaws.

In 2010, Black + Decker merged with Stanley to form Stanley Black & Decker. The company still sells Black + Decker brand chainsaws in the US, but it looks like the Stanley brand is only used to sell industrial chainsaws and potentially chainsaws for other markets overseas.

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Battery-Powered Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Black + Decker brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

15. Dewalt

Dewalt is the third, and final, a brand that falls under the Stanley Black & Decker brand portfolio. Dewalt was originally founded in 1924 in Pennsylvania, and it began by producing wood sawing machines.

Today Dewalt is a well-known brand of power tools, that is carried in big box retail stores like Home Depot. As one of the tools in their large product line, Dewalt manufacturers several electric and battery-powered chainsaws.

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Battery-Powered Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about Dewalt brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

16. Ego

The Ego brand of chainsaws, is part of a power tool manufacturer that was founded in 1993. Ego is focused on manufacturing chainsaws and other power tools that run on their patented version of Lithium-Ion batteries.

EGO Power+ 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Chainsaw (14-Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Ego brand chainsaws, you can check out this popular model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

17. Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Tool Company was founded in 1924 and their target customers are professionals in the construction industry. They have a broad product line, including chainsaws. The Milwuakee brand is owned by Techtronic Industries.

Milwaukee Battery-Powered Chainsaw (16-Inch Bar)

If you’d like to learn more about Milwaukee brand chainsaws, you can check out this model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

18. RYOBI

RYOBI is a Japanese brand that’s owned by Techtronic Industries, the same company that owns the Homelite and Milwuakee brands.

RYOBI branded chainsaws are made in both electric and gas-powered models and are sold primarily through Home Depot and online sales.

Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Battery-Operated Chainsaw

If you’d like to learn more about RYOBI brand chainsaws, you can check out this model on Amazon.com (FYI: this is my affiliate link, so if you decide to make a purchase I could get a commission. Thanks!)

Related Questions

Are Stihl Chainsaws the Best?

The majority of chainsaw experts agree that either Stihl chainsaws or Husqvarna chainsaws are the best. Which of these two brands a particular person chooses comes down largely to personal preference and intended use.

What is the Most Powerful Chainsaw?

The most powerful chainsaw on the market is the Stihl MS 880 Magnum, which is rated at 121.6 CC displacement and 8.6 horsepower. The close runner-up, is the Husqvarna 3120 XP, with a displacement of 118.8 CC and 8.31 horsepower.

JJ

JJ is a firewood enthusiast, an Eagle Scout, and an avid learner and teacher of outdoor skills.

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