8 Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood (October 2026)
The best chainsaws for cutting firewood include the Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw for regular firewood cutting, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw for larger wood piles, and the EGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit for smaller battery-powered jobs.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
- How we chose these firewood chainsaws
- The best chainsaws for cutting firewood
- How do you choose a chainsaw for firewood?
- How should you set up and care for a firewood chainsaw?
- What mistakes should you avoid when cutting firewood?
- What safety gear matters for firewood cutting?
- Which best chainsaw for firewood fits your work?
The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the best chainsaw for firewood for most homeowners who cut regularly, with a 20-inch bar and a 50.2-cc gas engine. For smaller rounds, consider the lighter Husqvarna 440; for cordless cutting, the EGO CS1613 includes its battery and charger.
The right choice depends on your usual log diameter, how long you cut at a time, and how much upkeep you want. A longer bar can reach farther across a round, but it also asks more of your handling and technique.
If you’re comparing gas models, start with our plain gas chainsaw buying guide. Our guide to the best gas chainsaws for home use compares more options.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for regular firewood cuttingHusqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for larger wood pilesHusqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for smaller battery-powered jobsEGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itDeWalt 60V MAX 18-inch chainsaw kit (DCCS672X1)
Best for battery users with larger logs - 5
Check itHusqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch battery chainsaw
Best for quiet yard cutting - 6
Check itHusqvarna 440 18-inch gas chainsaw
Best for a lighter gas saw - 7
Check itEGO CS1815 18-inch chainsaw kit
Best for longer battery sessions - 8
Check itEGO CS2000 20-inch chainsaw (tool only)
Best for large battery-powered cuts
Which chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
The 450 Rancher is the strongest all-around fit here for regular firewood cutting, while the 455 suits a larger workload and the 440 keeps the gas option lighter. Battery picks suit buyers who want cordless electric power and can plan around charging.
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw: Best for regular firewood cutting
- 20-inch bar
- 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP engine
- Smart Start
- Air Injection
A 20-inch bar and 50.2-cc engine fit regular firewood work. Smart Start and LowVib features address starting and handling.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- Smart Start
- Air Injection cleaning system
Cons
- Gas engine needs fuel and routine upkeep
- Heavier than the 440
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw: Best for larger wood piles
- 20-inch bar
- 56-cc, 3.5-HP engine
- LowVib dampeners
- Side-mounted chain tensioner
The 455 pairs a 20-inch bar with a 56-cc engine. Its weight makes it a better fit for buyers who value its larger engine over a lighter saw.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- 3.5-HP engine
- Side-mounted chain tensioner
Cons
- Heaviest saw in this group
- Gas engine needs fuel and upkeep
EGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit: Best for smaller battery-powered jobs
- 16-inch bar
- 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 per charge
The 16-inch bar suits smaller wood and yard jobs. The kit includes a battery and charger, and chain tension adjusts with a dial.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-free tensioning
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Shorter bar than the gas picks
- Runtime depends on the battery and cut
DeWalt 60V MAX 18-inch chainsaw kit (DCCS672X1): Best for battery users with larger logs
- 18-inch bar
- 60V battery powered
- Brushless motor
- Auto-oiling
An 18-inch bar gives this battery saw more reach for firewood than a 16-inch model. It has auto-oiling and an onboard wrench for chain adjustment.
Pros
- 18-inch bar
- Auto-oiling
- Chain brake
Cons
- Battery runtime varies with the cut
- Chain adjustment uses a wrench
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch battery chainsaw: Best for quiet yard cutting
- 18-inch bar
- Battery and charger included
- Brushless motor
- Boost Mode
The 350i includes its battery and charger, and the brushless motor is designed for quiet operation. Boost Mode adds power when needed.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- 7.7-lb stated weight
Cons
- Battery runtime varies with the cut
- Boost Mode use can affect runtime
Husqvarna 440 18-inch gas chainsaw: Best for a lighter gas saw
- 18-inch bar
- 40-cc, 2.4-HP engine
- Smart Start
- LowVib dampeners
The 440 has an 18-inch bar and weighs less than the larger gas picks. It suits buyers who want gas power in a more compact package.
Pros
- Lightest gas saw here
- Smart Start
- Air Injection cleaning system
Cons
- Less engine power than the 450 and 455
- Gas engine needs fuel and upkeep
EGO CS1815 18-inch chainsaw kit: Best for longer battery sessions
- 18-inch bar
- 56V 6.0Ah battery and charger included
- Up to 330 cuts on a 4x4 per charge
- Tool-free tensioning
The 18-inch CS1815 comes with a 6.0Ah battery and charger. Its display shows speed mode, battery charge and brake status.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-free tensioning
- Adjustable LED work light
Cons
- Battery runtime depends on wood and cut size
- Heavier than the 350i by stated weight
EGO CS2000 20-inch chainsaw (tool only): Best for large battery-powered cuts
- 20-inch bar
- 55-cc gas-equivalent claim
- Up to 135 cuts on a 6x6 per charge with recommended 6.0Ah battery
- Battery and charger sold separately
A 20-inch bar suits larger cuts, and the saw works with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. It is sold without a battery or charger.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- Works with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- Digital display and LED work light
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Runtime depends on battery and cut
| Product | Best for | Power | Bar | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw | regular firewood cutting | Gas, 50.2 cc, 3.2 HP | 20 in | 11.3 lb | 8.7 |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw | larger wood piles | Gas, 56 cc, 3.5 HP | 20 in | 13.2 lb | 8.6 |
| EGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit | smaller battery-powered jobs | Battery, 56V | 16 in | 8.4 | |
| DeWalt 60V MAX 18-inch chainsaw kit (DCCS672X1) | battery users with larger logs | Battery, 60V MAX | 18 in | 8.3 | |
| Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch battery chainsaw | quiet yard cutting | Battery, 40V | 18 in | 7.7 lb | 8.2 |
| Husqvarna 440 18-inch gas chainsaw | a lighter gas saw | Gas, 40 cc, 2.4 HP | 18 in | 9.8 lb | 8.1 |
| EGO CS1815 18-inch chainsaw kit | longer battery sessions | Battery, 56V | 18 in | 8.0 | |
| EGO CS2000 20-inch chainsaw (tool only) | large battery-powered cuts | Battery, 56V platform | 20 in | 7.9 |
How we chose these firewood chainsaws
We compared bar length, power source, stated weight, included batteries and features that affect routine cutting and adjustment. The scores reflect how well those details fit common firewood jobs and buyer priorities.
A useful firewood saw should suit the size of your rounds and the length of your cutting sessions. These picks span gas and battery models so you can weigh extended work away from a charger against fuel handling, charging needs and tool weight.
Bar length alone doesn't decide whether a saw fits. Engine size, battery capacity, chain care and your experience also affect how practical it will be for your wood pile.
The best chainsaws for cutting firewood
These saws are ordered by score, with options for different workloads and power preferences. Before cutting, check the manual for the bar range and operating guidance for your specific saw.
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw: Best for regular firewood cutting
- 20-inch bar
- 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP engine
- Smart Start
- Air Injection
A 20-inch bar and 50.2-cc engine fit regular firewood work. Smart Start and LowVib features address starting and handling.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- Smart Start
- Air Injection cleaning system
Cons
- Gas engine needs fuel and routine upkeep
- Heavier than the 440
The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is a strong fit for homeowners who cut firewood regularly and want a gas saw with a 20-inch bar. Its 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP X-Torq engine gives it room for routine cutting without stepping up to the larger 455.
Smart Start is designed to reduce starting effort, while LowVib technology helps reduce vibration. Air Injection removes larger dust and debris before they reach the air filter.
It weighs 11.3 lb, and Husqvarna recommends bar lengths from 13 to 20 inches. The included 20-inch setup sits at the top of that range.
Choose it if you cut a mix of medium and larger rounds and value a capable gas setup. Skip it if your pile is mostly small branches or you want to avoid fuel and engine upkeep; the 440 is a lighter gas option.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw: Best for larger wood piles
- 20-inch bar
- 56-cc, 3.5-HP engine
- LowVib dampeners
- Side-mounted chain tensioner
The 455 pairs a 20-inch bar with a 56-cc engine. Its weight makes it a better fit for buyers who value its larger engine over a lighter saw.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- 3.5-HP engine
- Side-mounted chain tensioner
Cons
- Heaviest saw in this group
- Gas engine needs fuel and upkeep
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher suits a substantial firewood workload where the 20-inch bar and larger engine match the wood. Its 56-cc, 3.5-HP engine is the most powerful among the gas options here, but it weighs 13.2 lb.
Smart Start and LowVib technology address starting and vibration. The side-mounted tensioning system makes slack adjustments easier to reach, and Husqvarna recommends bars from 13 to 24 inches.
That extra engine size and weight make most sense when you cut often or handle larger rounds. If your sessions are short or you want less weight to reposition, choose the 450 or 440 instead.
For a closer model comparison, read our Husqvarna 450 vs 455 Rancher comparison.
EGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit: Best for smaller battery-powered jobs
- 16-inch bar
- 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 per charge
The 16-inch bar suits smaller wood and yard jobs. The kit includes a battery and charger, and chain tension adjusts with a dial.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-free tensioning
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Shorter bar than the gas picks
- Runtime depends on the battery and cut
The EGO CS1613 is a practical battery kit for smaller firewood jobs and yard cleanup. It has a 16-inch bar and comes with a 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger, so you can start without buying those separately.
EGO says the included battery can make up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 per charge. Actual runtime depends on wood and cutting conditions, so treat that figure as a reference rather than a guarantee for every pile.
Tool-free chain tensioning uses a dial, and the saw has IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction. The shorter bar is best matched to smaller rounds, not frequent large logs.
Choose it if you cut modest amounts and prefer cordless convenience. Skip it if your firewood rounds regularly exceed what a 16-inch bar can manage comfortably; an 18-inch option gives you more reach.
Our best corded electric chainsaws guide covers saws for work near an outlet.
DeWalt 60V MAX 18-inch chainsaw kit (DCCS672X1): Best for battery users with larger logs
- 18-inch bar
- 60V battery powered
- Brushless motor
- Auto-oiling
An 18-inch bar gives this battery saw more reach for firewood than a 16-inch model. It has auto-oiling and an onboard wrench for chain adjustment.
Pros
- 18-inch bar
- Auto-oiling
- Chain brake
Cons
- Battery runtime varies with the cut
- Chain adjustment uses a wrench
The DeWalt 60V MAX kit gives battery users an 18-inch bar for more reach than a 16-inch saw. It includes a 3Ah battery and has a brushless motor, auto-oiling and a chain brake.
An onboard wrench handles chain adjustment. DeWalt states that this saw has 26% more peak power and up to 2.5 times the torque of a 40.9-cc gas chainsaw.
Choose it if you already use DeWalt's 60V platform and want an 18-inch battery saw. Skip it if you need a long session without charging breaks and don't have spare batteries available.
See our DeWalt 60V chainsaw review for a closer look at its features.
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-inch battery chainsaw: Best for quiet yard cutting
- 18-inch bar
- Battery and charger included
- Brushless motor
- Boost Mode
The 350i includes its battery and charger, and the brushless motor is designed for quiet operation. Boost Mode adds power when needed.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-less chain tensioning
- 7.7-lb stated weight
Cons
- Battery runtime varies with the cut
- Boost Mode use can affect runtime
The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i combines an 18-inch bar with a brushless motor and a kit that includes the battery and charger. Its stated weight is 7.7 lb, making it the lightest saw in this roundup by stated weight.
Tool-less tensioning makes slack adjustment easier, and Boost Mode adds 25% more power when needed. Husqvarna describes the motor as quiet, a useful feature when reducing noise matters around the yard.
Choose it if lower stated weight and a complete battery kit are priorities. Skip it if you prefer a gas saw for extended work away from charging, or need the 20-inch reach for your rounds.
For other Husqvarna options, see our guide to the best Husqvarna chainsaws.
Husqvarna 440 18-inch gas chainsaw: Best for a lighter gas saw
- 18-inch bar
- 40-cc, 2.4-HP engine
- Smart Start
- LowVib dampeners
The 440 has an 18-inch bar and weighs less than the larger gas picks. It suits buyers who want gas power in a more compact package.
Pros
- Lightest gas saw here
- Smart Start
- Air Injection cleaning system
Cons
- Less engine power than the 450 and 455
- Gas engine needs fuel and upkeep
The Husqvarna 440 is the lighter gas option for homeowners who cut modest amounts of firewood. It has an 18-inch bar, a 40-cc, 2.4-HP engine and a stated weight of 9.8 lb.
Smart Start is designed to ease startup, while LowVib technology reduces vibration. Air Injection removes larger debris before it reaches the air filter, and the slimmer body is designed for easier handling.
Choose the 440 if you want gas power for smaller rounds and occasional cutting. Skip it if you regularly process larger logs and want the more powerful engines in the 450 or 455.
Our best gas chainsaws for home use guide compares additional gas options.
EGO CS1815 18-inch chainsaw kit: Best for longer battery sessions
- 18-inch bar
- 56V 6.0Ah battery and charger included
- Up to 330 cuts on a 4x4 per charge
- Tool-free tensioning
The 18-inch CS1815 comes with a 6.0Ah battery and charger. Its display shows speed mode, battery charge and brake status.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Tool-free tensioning
- Adjustable LED work light
Cons
- Battery runtime depends on wood and cut size
- Heavier than the 350i by stated weight
The EGO CS1815 is an 18-inch battery kit with a 6.0Ah battery and charger. EGO says the included battery can make up to 330 cuts on a 4x4, though wood and cutting conditions affect actual runtime.
Its digital display shows speed mode, battery charge and brake status. A tool-free tensioning dial helps with adjustment, and the adjustable LED work light illuminates the cut.
The included battery makes this a more complete choice for buyers who don't already own a compatible one. EGO specifies a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery and charger warranty.
Choose it for an 18-inch battery setup with a larger included battery. Skip it if you need a particularly light saw; the Power Axe 350i has a lower stated weight.
EGO CS2000 20-inch chainsaw (tool only): Best for large battery-powered cuts
- 20-inch bar
- 55-cc gas-equivalent claim
- Up to 135 cuts on a 6x6 per charge with recommended 6.0Ah battery
- Battery and charger sold separately
A 20-inch bar suits larger cuts, and the saw works with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. It is sold without a battery or charger.
Pros
- 20-inch bar
- Works with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- Digital display and LED work light
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Runtime depends on battery and cut
The EGO CS2000 gives battery users a 20-inch bar for larger firewood cuts. It works with EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, but this tool-only version includes neither a battery nor a charger.
EGO describes it as equivalent in power to a 55-cc gas chainsaw. With a recommended 6.0Ah battery, sold separately, EGO says it can make up to 135 cuts on a 6x6.
The digital display shows speed mode and battery charge, and the LED work light illuminates the cut. An omnidirectional auto chain brake sensor is designed to stop the chain in a variety of tool orientations.
Choose it if you already own compatible EGO batteries and need the 20-inch bar. Skip it if you need a complete kit or don't want to pay for the battery and charger separately.
How do you choose a chainsaw for firewood?
Choose a firewood saw by matching its bar to your usual rounds, its power source to your work area, and its weight to your strength and session length. Then check what maintenance and equipment the choice requires.
What bar length is best for firewood chainsaws?
An 18- or 20-inch bar can suit larger rounds, while a 16-inch bar may be enough for smaller wood. The 450 and 455 Ranchers have 20-inch bars; the 440, DeWalt, Power Axe and CS1815 have 18-inch bars.
A longer bar reaches farther across a round, but it can make handling more demanding. Use only a bar approved for your saw, and follow the manual's operating limits.
For help matching reach to your work, read our guide to chainsaw bar length.
Is gas or battery power better for cutting firewood?
Gas can suit longer sessions away from a charger, while battery power avoids mixing fuel and can reduce operating noise. Battery users should plan around charge time and the size of the wood they expect to cut.
The 450, 455 and 440 run on gas. Several battery picks come with their battery and charger, while the EGO CS2000 is a tool-only option.
Gas owners need the correct fuel and oil mix for their saw. Follow the manual and see our guide to how to mix gas for a chainsaw.
How much chainsaw weight can you handle?
A lighter saw can be easier to reposition over a long session, but weight alone doesn't determine control. The 440 weighs 9.8 lb, the 450 weighs 11.3 lb, and the 455 weighs 13.2 lb.
Compare weights on the same basis, since a ready-to-cut saw also carries fuel or a battery and cutting equipment. Consider your experience, strength and work position, and stop when fatigue affects control.
What should you check before buying a firewood chainsaw?
Check the approved bar range, chain type and tensioning method in the manual for the model you're considering. Also confirm whether a battery and charger are included, or whether the gas saw requires you to source fuel and two-stroke oil.
A saw that fits your tools and upkeep habits is more useful than one with the longest bar. If you already own a battery platform, compare compatible kit and tool-only options before choosing.
How should you set up and care for a firewood chainsaw?
Set up a chainsaw on a stable surface with the engine off or battery removed, following the manual's steps for chain tension and lubrication. Before every session, check that the chain, bar, brake and handles are in sound working order.
For a gas model, use the specified fuel mixture and fuel handling method. For a battery model, charge the battery as directed and bring a spare only if it is compatible with the saw.
Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned. A dull or loose chain can make cutting harder and less controlled; use the correct chain and sharpening method for the model.
Clear sawdust and debris from the saw after use, paying attention to the bar groove and around the chain. Store it dry and secure, with the chain cover in place, and follow the manual for longer storage.
Avoid running the saw with low chain lubrication or ignoring a chain that repeatedly loosens. If the saw behaves oddly, stop and check the manual or arrange qualified service rather than forcing the cut.
What mistakes should you avoid when cutting firewood?
The most common buying mistake is choosing a longer bar for occasional large rounds while ignoring the added handling demands. Buy for the wood you cut most often, then follow the saw's approved bar range and instructions.
Another mistake is assuming every battery saw includes a battery and charger. The EGO CS2000 is sold tool only, while the CS1613 and CS1815 kits include both.
Don't push a dull chain through wood, cut with unstable footing, or let fatigue dictate your pace. Keep the work area clear, secure the wood against rolling where appropriate, and use suitable protective equipment.
Never cut above shoulder height or use a chainsaw from a ladder. If a log is under tension, suspended or unstable, get help from someone qualified to assess the cut.
What safety gear matters for firewood cutting?
Safe firewood cutting starts with suitable protective gear, a stable work area and the saw's operating instructions. Keep bystanders well clear, maintain secure footing and never cut above shoulder height.
Use suitable eye, hearing, hand, leg and foot protection for chainsaw work. A chain brake can reduce the likelihood of kickback injury, but it cannot prevent every injury.
Read our chainsaw safety gear guide and chainsaw chaps guide before you cut. If you’re new to chainsaws, get qualified instruction before using one.
Which best chainsaw for firewood fits your work?
Pick the 450 Rancher for regular cutting with a 20-inch gas saw, the 440 for a lighter gas option, and the 455 when its larger engine fits your workload. Choose the EGO CS1613 for modest battery-powered jobs, or an 18- or 20-inch battery model if you need more reach and can plan around charging.
Before you buy, match the bar to your usual rounds, confirm whether the battery or charger is included, and consider the saw's weight with your expected session length. For other household cutting needs, our gas chainsaw buying guide and gas chainsaw category explain the main options.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for regular firewood cutting
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for larger wood piles
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-inch gas chainsaw
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for smaller battery-powered jobs
EGO CS1613 16-inch chainsaw kit
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
An 18- or 20-inch bar can suit larger firewood rounds, while a 16-inch saw may be enough for smaller logs. Match the bar to the wood you cut most often, and avoid choosing a longer bar just for occasional large pieces.
Check the saw's manual for its approved bar range and operating limits.
Is a gas or battery chainsaw better for firewood?
A gas saw suits longer work away from a charger, while a battery saw avoids fuel mixing and can be quieter. Battery runtime depends on the battery, wood and cut size.
Check what comes with the saw: some battery models include a battery and charger, while the EGO CS2000 is tool only.
Is a 20-inch chainsaw too big for firewood?
A 20-inch saw can be useful for larger rounds, but it may be more saw than you need for small logs and occasional cutting. The 455 Rancher weighs 13.2 lb, while the 450 weighs 11.3 lb.
Check the saw manual for the approved bar range and operating instructions.
What safety gear should I use for cutting firewood?
Use protective equipment and follow the operating instructions in your saw's manual. Keep bystanders clear, use a stable work position, and check the chain brake before starting.
Our guide to chainsaw safety gear covers the main items to consider.
