Last Updated on January 16, 2023 by Sarker C. Weber
It’s nearly impossible to think of cutting up firewood or carrying out yard work without a chainsaw.
Sure, you could use a regular old saw… if your time isn’t valuable.
But the trees need clearing, and the bushes are getting out of control.
However, it’s undeniable that good chainsaws are pretty expensive. So what can you do? Where can you find the best chainsaw for under 200 dollars?
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient chainsaw that is perfect for infrequent use and won’t leave a burning hole in your wallet, you’re in the right place.
Below, we’ve provided detailed reviews of the 5 best value chainsaws, and we’ve also included a handy buying guide.
Let’s get started.
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5 Best Chainsaws Under 200 Reviews
From electric to gas-powered, we’ve rounded up the best budget chainsaws for you below. These cheap chainsaws offer durability, performance and, of course, are affordable.
1. Craftsman 41BY4216791 S165 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
- Easy Start technology - Easy and quick pull-start lets you get started on the job quickly.
- 42cc engine - This full-crank engine delivers dependable power and efficient performance for homeowners.
- Automatic oiler - Lessens downtime for you by automatically oiling the bar and chain.
- 3-point anti-vibration system - Makes the chainsaw easier to maneuver, operate, and balance.
- Reduce vibration - An aluminum handle with full cushioning and wrapping reduces vibration and makes for a comfortable user experience
Our first pick for you today is a highly rated and super-efficient gas chainsaw from Craftsman.
With its efficient engine, safety features, and 16-inch bar and chain, this machine is perfectly poised to be your new backyard or lawn companion.
When it comes to gas-powered chainsaws, the engine is everything.
With its powerful engine of 42cc, this gas chainsaw under 200 is the best chainsaw for domestic tasks.
But if you think the engine is impressive, you’ll love its additional performance capabilities.
For example, the specially designed bar and chain will ensure minimized kickback.
If you’re worried about hand fatigue, you’ll definitely appreciate the 3-point anti-vibration system, which combines the cushioned handle for easy maneuverability.
All in all, this chainsaw is easily the best for home and yard needs that we’ve found.
Pros
- Very comfortable to use
- Easy maintenance
- Greater Control
- Less vibration
Cons
- Sometimes consumes too much gas
2. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
- Brushless motor - Brushless motor and efficient battery consumption allow you to maximize performance
- Weighs 8.80 lbs. - A lightweight and compact build enhance your workflow.
- Tool-free chain tension adjustment and bar tightening knob - Lessens downtime for you by automatically oiling the bar and chain.
- This chainsaw, when equipped with a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery, can make up to 90 cuts on 4x4 pressure treated wood on a single charge.
Our next selection is an affordable battery-powered chainsaw from DeWalt, and it’s easily one of their most sought-after by DIYers and homeowners.
You can choose to buy this battery chainsaw with or without its battery, which essentially lets you decide how much power you want it to have.
As a cordless battery-powered chainsaw with decent capabilities and a 12-inch bar and chain, this is the best for a small to mid-project.
Weighing only 8.8 pounds (when the battery is inserted) and sporting a compact design, this portable equipment is almost effortless to handle and maneuver.
Meanwhile, its efficient brushless motor lets you make up to 90 cuts per one full battery charge.
Not to mention, the tool-free chain tensioner adjustment is going to appeal to anyone who hates dedicating too much energy to downtime!
So if you want a dependable cordless chainsaw, look no further.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 12-inch bar and chain lets you enjoy smooth and quick cutting
- Tool-free chain tensioner adjustment reduces downtime
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty applications
3. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw
- 10-inch guide bar and chain - Ideal for small-time pruning, hedging, and trimming operations.
- Tool-free blade tension system - Lets you make quick and easy adjustments and enhances ease of usage.
- Lightweight yet sturdy build - Allows for easy handling and maneuvering.
- Dedicated oiling system with clear gauge window - Makes maintenance easier.
- Oiling system - This chainsaw features an improved oiling system, including a clear window that allows the user to easily check the oil level and ensure that the saw is properly lubricated.
- Tool less chainsaw - This chainsaw is designed with a tool-free blade tension system, which makes it easy to use and allows for quick adjustments without the need for additional tools.
If you’re looking for a great battery chainsaw under 200 that is best for trimming and pruning, then you really can’t do better than this offering from Black and Decker.
As one of the most trusted tool manufacturers in America, this is a brand that has made quite a name for itself, and it’s easy to see why. So let’s see what it has to offer.
With a 10-inch guide bar and chain, this chainsaw is powered by an efficient and dependable 20V battery that can be switched out for a new battery at any point.
The rugged body of the chainsaw is another one of its best features. But you wouldn’t know it from how comfortable its lightweight and compact body makes it to use.
Do note, however, that this is not the right electrically powered chainsaw to get if you’re looking to take down some trees.
However, it’s the best chainsaw for handling bushes and hedges. If you want to fell trees, you’re better off buying a gas chainsaw.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Easy maintenance
- Easy to read oil level
- Interchangeable battery
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the chainsaw’s oiler
4. Supmix 62cc Gas Chainsaw
- Quick-release filter - The gasoline chain saw is designed with a quick-release filter for convenient cleaning and replacement, and an automatic filter system to keep dust out of the engine, extending the motors life and maximizing run time.
- Quick-stop chain brake - The chain saw is equipped with a high-quality chain and high-hardness bar, making it durable with high wear resistance and longer service life. Additionally, the built-in quick-stop chain brake increases safety while in use.
- Professional Service Guarantee - Team Supmix offer professional customer service to provide each customer with high-quality and efficient service.
If you’re on the hunt for the best gas chainsaw that will help you make short work of the trees you want off your property, you need a gas chainsaw.
And this selection from Supmix might just be the best for heavy-cutting needs.
With its 20-inch bar and 62cc engine, this is an affordable yet powerful chainsaw with plenty of great functionality features that we love.
Equipped with 2-stroke motors powered by its 62cc gas engine, this best petrol chainsaw also comes with a dependable low kickback feature.
Moreover, it comes combined with an integrated safety switch for smooth and risk-free operation.
All that being said, it’s worth noting that gas leakage is always a potential issue when it comes to gas-powered chainsaws.
To prevent this, proper maintenance is required. Despite its high cutting power, this chainsaw does need to be looked after for long-term usage.
Pros
- Very easy to start
- 3.5 HP and upto 11800 RPM
- Low fuel consumption rate
- Tons of safety features
Cons
- Thin plastic body
5. WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw
- Chain speed of 44 feet per second - Makes chainsaw operation smooth and fast and enhances your workflow.
- Safe and comfortable usage - Included handguard and lightweight body allow for fatigue-free usage and protects your hands.
- 12 amp motor - Makes for a powerful chainsaw that proves its efficiency in a variety of tasks.
- Tool-free chain tensioning - Easy maintenance thanks to tool-free chain tensioning adjustment and auto oiling system
- Lightweight - The lightweight design reduces user fatigue.
- Quiet and Clean Operation - The WEN Electric Chainsaw is a more environmentally-friendly and quieter alternative to its gas-powered counterpart.
Our final pick for you today is from one of the most renowned manufacturers of power tools, Wen.
Despite its undeniable power and capabilities, this corded electric chainsaw is also the best for budget lovers.
That’s thanks to its 12 amp motor, which allows the 16-inch chain to move at an impressive speed of up to 44 feet per second.
Combined with its ability to produce 2.2Nm of torque, this is an electric-powered chainsaw that’s definitely worth having.
Not to mention the design and functionality of this chainsaw, which is much more than you can expect from most budget chainsaws.
It’s super easy to make adjustments and switch between blades thanks to tool-free adjustment, together with an auto oiling system that keeps the chainsaw running smoothly.
And sticking to the theme of convenience, you’ll no doubt appreciate the ease of adjusting the chainsaw’s chain tensioning system without having to use any tools.
Furthermore, the chainsaw comes with its own automatic bar chain oil lubrication system as well! Such devices are indeed dedicated to our convenience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
- Auto-Oiling System
Cons
- Adjusting the chain is a hassle.
Top Chainsaws Under $200 Buying Guide
What’s the best budget chainsaw? Be it a gas-powered chainsaw or an electric one, just keep the following factors in mind.
Power Source
The power source of chainsaws determines their cutting power. So let’s have a closer look at gas-powered chainsaws and battery-powered chainsaws.
Battery Powered Cordless Chainsaw
Cordless battery-powered chainsaws are lightweight and portable, and they are ideal for mid-level projects like cutting medium-sized trees.
Let’s say you’re working on fixing up your lawn—you should get a cordless electric chainsaw.
Maintenance is more straightforward with electric chainsaws since you won’t have to mix your own fuel.
However, with a cheap battery-powered chainsaw, there’s obviously a cap on runtime.
Corded Electric Chainsaw
With a corded electric chainsaw, many inconveniences of a cordless one disappear.
For starters, corded electric chainsaws are even more lightweight than cordless models since they don’t have a heavy in-built battery.
More importantly, battery life isn’t a concern. However, since the cords of electric chainsaws need to be plugged in, you’re restricted in your movement by the maximum length of the cord (usually about 100 feet).
Gas Chainsaws
If you need something with more power (for example, if you’re tackling large trees on your property), you should go for a gas chainsaw.
That’s because it’s not only more powerful but quicker as well. Powered by a mixture of gasoline and oil, gas chainsaws are perfect for heavy-duty applications.
However, they’re very loud, harder to maintain, and, depending on usage frequency, fuel costs might be high.
So if you don’t need that much power, a gas chainsaw is unnecessary.
Chainsaw Weight
Speaking of the power source, the weight of the chainsaw is also affected by it.
So unless you’re a hardened handyman or seasoned DIYer, you probably want a chainsaw that doesn’t wear you out with its weight.
As handheld tools, they can cause quite a bit of hand fatigue. This is doubly true for an electric chainsaw since its power source is contained within.
So if weight is a primary concern, you might be better off buying a corded electric chainsaw instead of a gas chainsaw.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is necessary if you want long-enduring cutting power.
If you’re not keen on the downtime required for this, you should go for a battery-powered chainsaw.
You’ll still have to consider the costs of repairing and replacing other internal components, such as the air filter, spark plug, or fuel tank.
Although it’s rare in a budget chainsaw, some also have automated maintenance capabilities, such as an automatic chain oiler.
That is basically what it sounds like: a self-lubricating mechanism for your guide bar.
You can also look into chainsaws that can tense and sharpen themselves if you’re willing to stretch your budget.
Safety Features
It goes without saying that chainsaws can be some of the most dangerous power tools to use, especially if not handled correctly.
So, if you’re a beginner, it is of the utmost importance to select a chainsaw that comes with built-in safety features.
Automatic Chain Brake
The most sought-after integrated safety feature is the automatic chain brake.
These are what allow your chainsaw to stop moving the very second you hit the power button.
So in case, something goes wrong, this automatic system stops the device immediately.
Anti-Kickback
Kickback occurs when the blade encounters an obstacle and doubles back, which might cause you to fall back with the chainsaw on your face (horrifying, yes).
This can be prevented if you buy a chainsaw with an integrated inertia chain brake.
Guide Bar Size
Your chainsaw guide bar size determines what kind of work you can hope to accomplish with it.
For example, if you’re tackling bushes and hedges, it’s best to go for a 12-inch unit.
But what if you need to cut down a big tree? You might need to double that.
And remember, the longer your chainsaw’s chain, the more power it will consume, which can increase the chainsaw’s weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to sharpen my chainsaw chain?
Absolutely. Not only does a dull chain slows down your chainsaw, but it also causes excess power consumption. You can choose to sharpen your chainsaw chain using a chainsaw sharpening kit.
2. When should you replace a chainsaw’s chain?
If your chainsaw’s chain has been sharpened about ten times already, you should consider replacing it. Regrinding is an option, but it’s expensive and should only be done by a professional.
3. What do I do if my chainsaw’s guide bar is acting up?
To avoid damage and premature replacement, it’s crucial to ensure adequate oil lubrication for your chainsaw’s guide bar. Make sure that the bar’s oil level is always full before each use.
4. How frequently should the chainsaw’s air filter be cleaned?
Ideally, after every use. And when it gets super dirty, you should think about replacing it altogether.
5. What size chainsaw should I buy?
It depends on the intended usage. Generally, it’s best to select a saw with a length that exceeds the tree’s diameter by about 23 inches. For example, a tree with a 10-inch diameter needs a chainsaw with a 12-inch guide bar.
Final Word
We hope we’ve opened you up to the surprisingly abundant world of budget chainsaws.
For us, the best chainsaw under 200 is undoubtedly the craftsman S165 . It’s versatile, high-performing, and easily maneuverable.
For less intensive jobs, however, we would recommend going for the Black and Decker selection. Enjoy your new cheap chainsaw.
Good luck!
Read our other reviews:
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