5 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood

Every fall, I spend a few weekends putting up firewood for the winter. On my ranch in Montana, that means cutting anywhere from two to four cords — enough to keep the woodstove running from November through March. I’ve run everything from cheap corded saws to high-end gas rigs out there, and I can tell you firsthand: the chainsaw you pick makes a real difference in how fast you work and how beat up your body feels by the end of the day.

This guide covers the five best chainsaws for cutting firewood across every power type and price range. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner who just needs to buck up a few logs or someone looking to cut a full cord on the weekend, there’s a pick here that fits your situation.

If you’re not sure how much firewood you actually need per season, start there — it’ll help you figure out how much saw you really need.

Product	Best For	Bar Length	Power Type	Weight
Oregon CS1500 18″	Best Corded Electric	18″	Corded Electric	12.5 lbs
Husqvarna 460 Rancher 20″	Best Gas Overall	20″	Gas	13.2 lbs
DEWALT 20V MAX XR	Best Battery Chainsaw	12″	Battery	8.8 lbs
Greenworks 40V 12″	Best for Beginners	12″	Battery	7.5 lbs
Scotts CS34016S 16″	Best Budget Corded	16″	Corded Electric	10.8 lbs

What to Look for in a Firewood Chainsaw

Cutting firewood isn’t the same as felling trees or limbing brush. You’re mostly bucking up rounds — crosscutting logs into stove-length pieces — over and over again. That repetitive work puts specific demands on a saw that a general buying guide won’t always cover. Here’s what actually matters.

Bar Length

For most firewood tasks, a 14″ to 18″ bar is the sweet spot. You don’t need a 24″ bar to cut 16-inch rounds for a woodstove. Longer bars add weight, increase fatigue, and cost more to maintain.

If you’re cutting mostly seasoned hardwood — oak, hickory, maple — I’d lean toward 16″ or 18″. If you’re working with softer woods or smaller-diameter logs, a 14″ or even 12″ bar handles the job fine. Going longer only makes sense if you’re regularly cutting large-diameter logs over 14 inches across.

Pairing the right bar with a sharp chain matters just as much. Check out the best chainsaw chain for cutting firewood if you want to get more out of whatever saw you already own.

Gas vs. Battery vs. Corded Electric

This is the decision most homeowners get stuck on, so I’ll give you the short version.

Gas gives you the most power and runtime. If you’re cutting more than a cord a season or you’re working far from an outlet, gas is the right call. The trade-off is more maintenance — air filter, spark plug, fuel mix, and chain tension checks.

Battery is clean, quiet, and genuinely capable for smaller jobs. A good 40V or 80V battery saw will handle a half cord without issue. Runtime is limited, but if you buy two batteries and swap them out, it becomes less of a problem.

Corded electric is often overlooked, but it’s a solid choice for homeowners who cut near a barn or garage. No battery anxiety, no fuel mixing, and these saws run as long as you need. The cord is annoying, but manageable.

I go deeper on this comparison in my gas vs. electric chainsaw breakdown if you want to dig into the specifics.

Weight and Fatigue

This one gets ignored until the third hour of cutting. A saw that feels fine in the store gets heavy fast when you’re making your fiftieth cut of the day. For a full cord-cutting session, I look for anything under 13 pounds as a starting point.

Battery and corded electric saws tend to win here — most come in under 12 pounds. Gas saws are heavier but the extra power usually compensates. If you’re older or have any shoulder issues, weight should be near the top of your list.

Safety Features

Every chainsaw on this list has a chain brake, and that’s non-negotiable. The chain brake stops the chain instantly if the saw kicks back — which happens more than you’d expect, especially when bucking rounds on uneven ground.

Look for a low-kickback chain and a front hand guard as well. If you’re new to chainsaws, I strongly recommend reading through how to safely use a chainsaw before you make your first cut. Gear up with chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection. This isn’t optional.

The 5 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood

I’ve used or thoroughly researched every saw on this list. These aren’t picked off a spec sheet — they’re chosen based on real firewood-cutting performance across different budgets and use cases. Here’s what I found.

1. Oregon CS1500 18″ — Best Corded Electric

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The Oregon CS1500 is the saw I recommend most often to homeowners who have a decent woodpile close to their house or garage. It’s corded, which some people write off immediately, but once you’ve used this saw, the cord stops feeling like a limitation.

The headline feature is the self-sharpening chain. You press a button and the built-in PowerSharp system touches up the chain in seconds without removing it from the bar. For firewood cutting, where you’re making hundreds of cuts through bark and dirty wood, this is more useful than it sounds. A dull chain is the number one thing that slows people down, and this saw basically takes that problem off the table.

The 15-amp motor paired with an 18-inch bar gives you enough power to work through hardwood rounds without bogging. It starts instantly — no choke, no pull cord, no warm-up. Just trigger and go. At 12.5 pounds, it’s manageable for an extended session.

The main trade-off is the cord. You’ll need a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord (I use a 100-foot 12-gauge), and you have to stay aware of where it is while you’re cutting. It’s a habit you develop quickly, but it’s there.

2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher 20″ — Best Gas Overall

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If you’re serious about cutting firewood — two or more cords per season, hardwood, large-diameter logs — the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the saw to buy. I’ve run one of these for years on my ranch, and it simply doesn’t quit.

The 60cc X-Torq engine delivers real power without drinking fuel excessively. Husqvarna’s X-Torq design reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to older engines, which matters when you’re putting in a full day. The 20-inch bar handles any log diameter you’ll encounter cutting firewood, including the large oak rounds I deal with regularly.

What makes this saw stand out over cheaper gas options is build quality. The air injection system keeps debris out of the filter, which extends both filter life and engine life in dusty conditions — exactly what you get when you’re bucking through dirty bark all day. The Smart Start system makes it easier to pull and start than most gas saws I’ve used.

This is not a cheap saw. It’s priced at the top of the homeowner range and sits at the bottom of the professional range. But if you’re planning to use a chainsaw for ten or more years and want to avoid babying something fragile, the Husqvarna pays for itself. Cheaper gas saws may cost less upfront but tend to frustrate you within a few seasons.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR — Best Battery Chainsaw

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DEWALT’s 20V MAX XR is the battery chainsaw I point homeowners toward when they already own DEWALT tools. If you’ve got 20V batteries in your shop, this saw slots right in. Even if you don’t, it’s worth considering for the convenience factor alone.

The brushless motor gives it more runtime and cutting power than older brushed designs. DEWALT claims up to 90 cuts per charge on a 5Ah battery, and in my experience that’s realistic for average-diameter firewood. For a Saturday morning session cutting a half cord of softwood rounds, one or two batteries gets you there.

Where this saw shines is ease of use. It weighs under 9 pounds with the battery, starts every time, and requires almost zero maintenance beyond chain tensioning and occasional oiling. For a homeowner who cuts a couple times a year and doesn’t want to deal with fuel stabilizer or carb issues over winter, this setup is genuinely appealing.

The 12-inch bar is the limiting factor. It handles most residential firewood tasks, but if you’re cutting large-diameter hardwood rounds, you’ll hit the limits. This is a saw for cutting manageable logs, not clearing timber.

4. Greenworks 40V 12″ — Best for Beginners

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The Greenworks 40V is the saw I’d hand to someone who has never run a chainsaw before. It’s light, easy to start, and forgiving enough that you can focus on technique rather than wrestling with the tool.

At 7.5 pounds, it’s the lightest saw on this list. For a first-time user building confidence, that matters. You’re not fighting the saw’s weight while you’re also learning proper stance and cut angles. The tool-less chain tensioning makes setup and adjustments quick, and the automatic oiler keeps the bar lubricated without you having to think about it.

The 40V battery delivers enough power for cutting standard firewood rounds — think 8 to 12 inches in diameter. It’s not going to chew through a 20-inch oak round, but that’s not what it’s designed for. If you’re a homeowner with a modest woodpile, the occasional downed tree branch, or a cord or less to cut per year, this saw handles the job cleanly.

The included battery and charger make it a good value out of the box. You’re not paying extra to get started. As your skills grow, you may want to step up to a longer bar, but many homeowners run this saw for years without feeling like they need more.

5. Scotts CS34016S 16″ — Best Budget Corded

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If you want a capable corded electric saw without spending Oregon CS1500 money, the Scotts CS34016S is worth a serious look. It’s priced well under most of the competition while delivering a 16-inch bar and a 12-amp motor that handles standard firewood cutting without complaint.

It’s a no-frills saw. There’s no self-sharpening system, no fancy filtration, no premium ergonomics. What you get is a reliable corded electric that starts every time, weighs under 11 pounds, and cuts wood. For a homeowner who only needs to process firewood a few times a year, that’s enough.

The 16-inch bar is a meaningful advantage over the 12-inch battery options. You can work through most hardwood rounds that are reasonably sized without positioning issues. Chain tension is tool-free, the automatic oiler works well, and the safety features — including the chain brake and low-kickback chain — are all present.

The cord limitation applies here just as it does with the Oregon, but the Scotts is your best option if budget is the primary constraint. You’re trading the self-sharpening system for a lower price, and for occasional-use firewood cutting, that’s a reasonable trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?

For most homeowners, a 16″ to 18″ bar covers everything you’ll encounter cutting firewood. That bar length handles log diameters up to about 14 inches without repositioning, which is larger than most residential firewood rounds. If you’re regularly cutting large-diameter hardwood — say 16 inches or more across — step up to a 20″ bar. For light-duty or occasional use, a 12″ to 14″ bar is completely functional and easier to manage.

Is a gas or electric chainsaw better for firewood?

It depends on how much wood you’re cutting and where you’re cutting it. If you’re putting up two or more cords per year and working far from power, gas is the right choice — it gives you more power and unlimited runtime. If you’re cutting less than a cord per season and have access to an outlet, a corded electric is simpler and costs less to maintain. Battery saws split the difference: they’re convenient and capable for moderate jobs but require planning around charge cycles. I cut the bulk of my firewood with a gas saw but keep a corded electric around for quick cleanup tasks near the barn.

How much horsepower do I need to cut firewood?

For corded electric saws, look for at least 12 amps — that’s roughly equivalent to 1.5 to 2 horsepower. For gas saws, 40cc to 60cc covers firewood cutting well for most homeowners. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher runs a 60cc engine, which is more than enough for anything short of professional logging. Don’t get too caught up in horsepower numbers — bar length, chain sharpness, and proper technique matter more than engine size for most firewood tasks.

Can a battery-powered chainsaw cut firewood?

Yes, absolutely. Modern 40V and higher battery saws cut firewood effectively. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR handles standard residential firewood without issue. Runtime is the real consideration — most battery saws give you 60 to 90 cuts per charge depending on wood species and diameter. If you’re cutting a full cord in one session, you’ll want two batteries. For smaller jobs or occasional use, one battery is usually enough. Battery technology has improved a lot in the past few years, and these saws are no longer just a compromise option.

How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain when cutting firewood?

A good rule of thumb is to touch up the chain every two to three tanks of fuel on a gas saw, or about every hour of cutting on an electric. You’ll know it needs sharpening when the saw stops pulling itself through the cut and starts requiring you to push — or when it produces fine sawdust instead of larger chips. Hitting rocks, bark, or the ground once is enough to dull a chain immediately. If you’re cutting a lot of firewood, keep a spare pre-sharpened chain on hand so you can swap and keep working without stopping.

What’s the difference between a firewood chainsaw and a general-use chainsaw?

There isn’t really a dedicated “firewood chainsaw” category. Any chainsaw can cut firewood — what matters is matching the saw’s bar length and power to the scale of your job. A small battery saw is fine for light firewood cutting. A large gas saw is overkill if you’re just processing a half cord of softwood. The main firewood-specific consideration is chain type: a full-chisel chain cuts faster through clean wood, while a semi-chisel chain holds its edge longer in dirty, bark-heavy conditions typical of firewood cutting. Semi-chisel is usually the better all-around choice for firewood work.

Is the Husqvarna 460 Rancher worth the price for a homeowner?

If you’re cutting more than a cord per year and plan to own the saw for a decade or more, yes. The 460 Rancher is priced higher than most homeowner saws, but it’s built to professional standards. You’re buying reliability, power, and longevity. I’ve seen cheap gas saws that cost half as much fail within two or three seasons. The Husqvarna holds its value, holds its tune, and keeps running. If you’re only cutting a quarter cord every other year, a corded electric or battery saw is a smarter investment — but for serious firewood cutters, the 460 Rancher earns its price.

My Pick for Most Homeowners

If I had to pick one saw for the average homeowner cutting firewood, it’s the Husqvarna 460 Rancher for anyone cutting more than a cord per year — and the Oregon CS1500 for anyone who wants the simplest possible setup near a power source.

The Husqvarna is the saw I trust most in the field. It handles hardwood, starts reliably in cold Montana mornings, and hasn’t given me a reason to look at anything else. Once you’re done bucking up rounds, a good log splitter makes quick work of the rest — check my picks for the best log splitter for home use to round out your firewood setup.

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