The best chainsaws for firewood cutting are saws that stay sharp through hundreds of repeated bucking cuts, start without fuss on a cold morning, and are light enough that your arms still work at round number 300. In 2026 we compared 12 of them, from 4.77 kg corded models to 68cc gas saws with 24-inch bars, and read through more than 30,000 owner reviews to see which ones actually hold up.
Most firewood mistakes happen because of a mismatch between the saw and the wood. A 16-inch bar on 20-inch rounds means the chain binds halfway through, and a bound chain on firewood is exactly the scenario that turns into a kickback. The saws below are matched to realistic log sizes, and I explain how to size yours in the buying guide further down.
One thing surprised me while reading owner feedback: how much weight matters. On r/Chainsaw, the most repeated advice is that a mid-size saw with a 16- or 18-inch bar under about 11 pounds is the sweet spot for most firewood work, and that power beyond that point is wasted on anyone who cannot keep the saw planted through a dense oak round. Weight is the filter I used when ranking these twelve.
Every pick below lists its real power type, bar length, and weight exactly as the manufacturer publishes it, so you can match the saw to your own wood and your own stamina. Where owners consistently report a problem, I say so, because the chain brake on one of these saws coasts and the other stops instantly.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Firewood Cutting (October 2026)
SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless
- 2200W brushless motor
- 18-inch bar
- 8.6 pounds
- two 5.0Ah batteries
Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless
- 2000W motor
- 35 ft/s chain speed
- tool-free tensioning
- 50 minute runtime
All 12 Chainsaws for Firewood Compared in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless |
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Check Latest Price |
| Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WEN CP1216 12-Amp Corded 16-Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
 CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 12-Amp 16-Inch Corded |
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Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER CS1518 15-Amp 18-Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded |
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Check Latest Price |
 PROYAMA 68cc Gas 20 and 24 Inch Bars |
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Check Latest Price |
 NEO-TEC 62cc 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WORX WG385 40V Cordless 16-Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
 DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless |
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Check Latest Price |
 ReliaRoads 40V 16-Inch for DEWALT 20V MAX |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless – Best Overall for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
18 inch bar
8.6 pounds
2200W brushless motor
30 ft/s chain speed
2 x 5.0Ah batteries
Pros
- 18 inch bar clears most rounds in a single pass
- 8.6 pounds is the lightest saw here
- two 5.0Ah packs give long sessions
- tool-free tensioning and auto oiling
- 4.5 stars across more than 16k reviews
Cons
- Roughly 3-4 hours to recharge a pack
- chain loosens during cuts and needs checking
- no match for a gas saw on very large timber
This is the saw I keep coming back to for a reason that has nothing to do with raw output. An 18-inch bar covers almost every round a homeowner will ever buck, and 8.6 pounds is light enough that a 14-inch saw beside it feels like a workout after the first hour.
The 2200W brushless motor drives the chain at 30 feet per second, which owners describe as plenty for rounds in the 4- to 12-inch range. It is not a full-cord production machine, but for a weekend firewood habit it clears the pile faster than most people expect.
Owner feedback across more than 16,000 reviews is unusually consistent. The praise clusters around the power-to-weight ratio and how long the two 5.0Ah packs last, with the manufacturer claiming up to 200 cuts on 4-inch softwood per charge. The complaint that comes up repeatedly is chain tension, which drifts during a long cutting session and needs a check between rounds.
That tension drift is not a defect so much as a fact of small cordless saws, and the tool-free adjustment on this one means correcting it takes seconds rather than a wrench. The rapid emergency brake, enlarged hand guard, and dual-action safety switch also make it a reasonable first saw for someone new to firewood work.
Why it works for long firewood sessions
Two batteries is the number that matters here, because a single pack forces a break in the middle of a stack. Swapping packs takes a moment and the saw picks straight back up, which is the difference between a productive afternoon and one broken into fragments.
The 80 ml oil tank and automatic lubrication system mean you are not pumping oil mid-cut, and the balanced 8.6-pound frame keeps the saw planted in a round rather than bouncing off it.
Where it falls short
Recharge time is the honest drawback. Owners put it at roughly 3 to 4 hours per pack, so planning matters if you are cutting on a weekend without a spare charging setup.
And for very large timber, reviewers are direct that it does not match a professional gas saw in raw cutting speed. If your wood is mostly 16-inch-plus rounds all season, step up to a bigger gas machine instead of fighting this one.
2. Supstable 40V 16-Inch Cordless – Best Value Cordless
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless, 2000W Brushless Chainsaw, 4.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger, 40V Electric Chain Saws, Instant Brake, Tool-Free Chain Tension, Auto Oiling for Tree Trimming, Wood Cutting
16 inch bar
2000W brushless motor
35 ft/s chain speed
50 minute runtime
150 ml oil reservoir
Pros
- 35 ft/s chain speed rivals a 42cc gas saw
- tool-free side tensioning knob
- 150 ml automatic oiler
- complete kit includes gloves goggles and spare chain
- triple safety protection
Cons
- 40V-only batteries do not work with 20V tools
- single battery limits runtime versus dual-battery kits
The Supstable S16 Pro is the pick if you want gas-like chain speed on a budget and you do not mind a 16-inch bar instead of 18. At 35 feet per second, the chain moves faster than several small gas saws on paper, and owners confirm that translates into quick cuts in practice.
Up to 50 minutes of runtime from a single 40V 4.0Ah battery is a real constraint once you are a few hundred rounds in, and it is the main reason this sits below our top pick rather than above it.
The kit itself is unusually complete for the money. You get the saw, a 4.0Ah battery, fast charger, spare 16-inch chain, work gloves, safety goggles, a chain oil bottle, a screwdriver, and a guide bar cover. Two years of manufacturer coverage are included.
Tool-free side tensioning and the triple safety system, which combines a chain brake, a safety lock, and overload protection, are the features owners mention most. That combination makes it a comfortable first cordless saw for someone who has never pulled a starting cord in their life.
For firewood specifically, the 16-inch bar handles rounds from brushwood up to about 14 inches cleanly. Push past that and you are flipping the round to finish the cut, which slows the rhythm and raises your risk of a bind.
What to check before you buy
Make sure you do not already own a 20V tool platform you expected to share. These packs are 40V-only, so they will not drop into a 20V battery line the way some competing saws do.
Also plan for the single-battery rhythm. If you are cutting more than a few hundred rounds per season, add a second pack to your setup so the saw does not sit idle mid-stack.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your wood is mostly over 14 inches. The bar is the limiting factor, not the motor, and no amount of chain speed fixes a bar that will not reach across the round.
Skip it too if you need a saw you can run all day without planning around a recharge. The 50-minute figure is a real number measured under cutting conditions, not a marketing maximum.
3. WEN CP1216 12-Amp Corded 16-Inch – Best Budget Corded
WEN CP1216 Electric Chainsaw, Corded, 12-Amp, 16-Inch
16 inch bar
12-amp corded motor
up to 44 ft/s
10 pounds
2 year warranty
Pros
- Fast 44 ft/s chain speed from a 12-amp motor
- auto-oiling needs no manual pumping
- 10 pounds is manageable over a long stack
- no fuel mixing or pull starting
- tool-free tensioning
Cons
- No working chain brake
- so the chain coasts after release
- cord limits you to work near an outlet
- bar oil and chain not included
The WEN CP1216 is the cheapest serious way into firewood cutting, and for a homeowner working rounds up to roughly 12 inches it does the job without any of the fuel fuss. A 12-amp motor driving the chain at up to 44 feet per second is a genuinely useful number, not a spec-sheet flourish.
Owners describe it as matching small gas saws on wood up to 8 to 12 inches, which is where most weekend firewood cutting actually lives. It starts instantly, idles quietly, and the auto-oiling system means there is no premixing, no oil changes, and no carburetor to choke in the cold.
At 10 pounds it sits in the middle of this group on weight, which is fine for a few hundred rounds and tiring for a full day. The corded design is the real constraint rather than the saw itself.
Two things to plan around. First, there is no chain brake, so the chain coasts for a second or two after you release the trigger, and you need to respect that when you lower the saw onto a log. Second, bar oil and a spare chain are not in the box.
Chain durability against dirt is the recurring negative theme in reviews. If you are bucking wood that has been lying on the ground, expect to clean the chain more often and replace it sooner than you would on a saw you keep out of the soil.
When a corded saw makes sense
Use a corded saw when your firewood is at home, your rounds are moderate, and you would rather never think about fuel mixing, oil changes, or a saw that will not start in January. That is a large share of homeowners, and it is why corded models keep selling well.
Run a properly rated outdoor extension cord and keep the connection to a dry outlet. A long or light-gauge cord saps torque noticeably, and a reset saw in the middle of a round is a miserable interruption.
When it is the wrong choice
It is the wrong choice if your wood is scattered away from an outlet, which is common on rural property and storm cleanup. A cord across a work area is also a trip hazard nobody enjoys.
It is also the wrong choice if the absence of a chain brake makes you uneasy. Buyers who want a corded saw with a real safety stop should look at the BLACK+DECKER instead.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 12-Amp 16-Inch – Lightest Corded Saw Here
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw, 16 Inch, 12 Amp Corded Chain Saw Electric, Ergonomic, Powerful Motor (CMECS600)
16 inch bar
6.2 pounds
12-amp motor
44 ft/s
3 year limited warranty
Pros
- Lightest saw in the group at 6.2 pounds
- low-kickback bar and chain
- no-priming auto-oiling with oil window
- well balanced two-hand grips
- three year warranty
Cons
- No chain brake
- chain tensioner walks out of position during use
- oil reservoir can leak if stored full
- long or light-gauge cords reduce torque
At 6.2 pounds the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 is the lightest saw in this roundup by a wide margin, and if you are cutting firewood for hours rather than a few rounds a week, that number is the whole argument. Long sessions on a heavier saw are what end firewood season early.
The 12-amp motor pushes a 44-unit chain speed figure and owners report it handles hardwood branches of 4 to 5 inches without complaint. It is a weekend saw rather than a production saw, but a weekend saw is what most people need.
Long-term owners treat it as a durable piece of equipment. The three-year limited warranty is the longest stated coverage among the corded models here, and the no-priming auto-oiling system with a visible oil window removes a common early-season annoyance.
The two-hand grip balance is genuinely good. For a 6.2-pound saw that matters, because a light saw with poor balance still causes fatigue once you have a hundred rounds behind you.
What to plan for
The tensioner walking out of position is the most repeated complaint, and it is a five-second fix with the tool-free adjustment. Check it every few rounds and you will never think about it again.
Drain the oil reservoir before storage. Owners report leakage over time when the saw is left full, and a small drain before winter is the simple prevention.
Where the light weight shows
The saw is light enough that it feels limited on thick rounds. Push it into a 16-inch hardwood piece and you will feel the motor working rather than the bar carrying the cut.
Long or light-gauge extension cords also cut into the low torque this motor delivers. Use a heavy-gauge outdoor cord and keep the run short.
5. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 15-Amp 18-Inch Corded – Longest Corded Bar
BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw Corded, 18-Inch, 15-Amp Lightweight Chain Saw with Automatic Oiler (CS1518)
18 inch bar
15-amp motor
12.5 pounds
2 year limited warranty
push start button
Pros
- 18-inch bar and 15-amp motor cut 12-inch logs cleanly
- chain stops immediately when the trigger is released
- push start button needs no effort
- oil level window
- scabbard and cord retainer included
Cons
- Chain slackens repeatedly during heavy cuts
- oil reservoir leaks if stored full
- bar oil not included
- heaviest corded option at 12.5 pounds
The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is the corded saw to buy if your rounds run large, because an 18-inch bar paired with a 15-amp motor will take a 12-inch log straight through in one pass. Reviewers report felling 14- to 20-foot trees with it, which says more than the spec sheet does.
The feature that stands out is safety. Unlike the lighter corded saws, the chain stops immediately when you release the trigger rather than coasting, and owners single that out as the reason they recommend it to beginners.
That is worth a real look for anyone who has been hesitant about chainsaws, because the most common accident is not kickback, it is a running chain after you let go. The low-kickback bar and chain reduce the other risk.
Conveniences are well thought out. The push start button gives instant startups, the auto-oiler has a visible level window, and both an extension cord retainer and a guide bar scabbard are included for storage and transport.
What to watch
Chain slackening during cuts is the most common complaint, especially on sideways or heavy cuts. The tool-free tensioning system makes it quick to correct, but you will be turning the knob more than on the gas saws in this list.
At 12.5 pounds this is the heaviest corded option here, and that weight is a direct trade against its 18-inch reach. A larger bar has inertia behind it, and 12.5 pounds is where that starts to tell on your shoulders.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits anyone with dense hardwood rounds who wants one pass per cut and values an instant chain stop. Owners cite multi-tree projects and heavy cleanup as the situations it handles without complaint.
It does not suit someone with shoulder problems or a small stack of brushwood, where the extra reach and extra weight are pure overhead. A 16-inch corded saw is the better tool for that job.
6. Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded – Smoothest Corded Lubrication
Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw with 16″ Guide Bar & Saw Chain
16 inch bar
2400W motor
Lubri-Tec auto oiler
tool-free tensioning
3 year warranty
Pros
- 2400W motor gives strong consistent cuts
- Lubri-Tec oiling reduces friction and extends runtime
- silent between cuts with instant start
- tensioning done directly on the saw
- easy assembly without special tools
Cons
- Corded design limits you to work near an outlet
- bar oil and replacement chains not included
- published weight figures are not listed
Oregon built this saw for people who care about how a cut goes through the wood rather than how fast it happens, and the Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system is the reason. Owners describe a smooth, quiet, low-maintenance experience that leaves the bar and chain in good shape over a season.
The 2400W motor is the most capable in the corded group, and combined with a 16-inch bar it is comfortable on rounds well beyond 12 inches as long as you keep the chain sharp.
Instant start and near-silence between cuts are underrated in a residential setting. Where a gas saw at full throttle draws complaints from neighbours, a corded saw is the neighbour-friendly option, and Oregon is the quietest of the corded picks here in practice.
Assembly is straightforward: the tensioner, guide bar, and chain go on without special tools, and chain tensioning happens directly on the saw rather than requiring a bench setup. The published coverage is three years.
The downside is the same one all corded saws share. You are tethered to an outlet, and a long run of cord across a work area is both a limitation and a trip hazard.
Why lubrication matters more than most buyers think
A chain that runs dry generates heat, wears the bar groove, and dulls faster. Over a heavy firewood season that shows up as a chain you sharpen twice as often and a bar groove you eventually have to replace.
Automatic oiling that is calibrated rather than minimal is worth paying attention to on any saw you plan to keep for years. It is the quiet maintenance advantage that decides how a saw feels at round 400.
Limitations to plan around
Bar oil and replacement chains are not included, so budget for consumables from the first cut. The listing does not publish a weight figure, which is worth knowing if you are comparing it against lighter corded models on fatigue grounds.
And as with every corded saw here, the outlet is the real boundary on where you can work.
7. PROYAMA 68cc Gas with 20 and 24 Inch Bars – Longest Reach
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
24 inch and 20 inch bars
68cc 2-cycle
4.5HP
14.5 pounds
one year warranty
Pros
- Largest engine in the group at 68cc and 4.5HP
- includes both a 20-inch and 24-inch bar
- magnesium alloy chain brake and case resist wear
- anti-vibration system
- easy-start system reduces pulling effort
Cons
- Lowest average rating here at 3.9 stars
- 18 percent of reviews are one-star
- gas engine needs fuel mixing and maintenance
- 14.5 pounds is heavy for long sessions
PROYAMA is the only saw here that ships with two bars, a 20-inch and a 24-inch, and that alone changes what you can do. If your wood comes from storm-felled timber or large property trees, being able to cut a 22-inch round in a single pass is a genuine advantage.
The 68cc two-cycle engine produces 4.5HP, which is the highest output figure in this roundup, and that power is what lets the 24-inch bar move through dense hardwood without stalling.
Owners who value raw power report solid firewood and felling performance, and the magnesium alloy chain brake and case are a sensible material choice for a saw that will be dropped, bumped, and stored rough.
It is also the one saw here with a two-bar kit as standard, which means you can size the saw to the job rather than the other way around.
I want to be direct about the weakness. The 3.9-star average is the lowest in this group, and 18 percent of reviews are one-star, with early reliability and durability the usual themes. Owners who like gas power but want consistency should read those reviews before committing.
What that extra power buys you
Engine displacement matters most when the chain is pinched. A thin round closes the cut, the chain binds, and a smaller engine stalls while a larger one keeps driving and finishes the cut from the same pass.
That is the whole argument for 68cc over 50cc on large hardwood, and it is why experienced firewood cutters do not downsize their saws even when they get tired.
Trade-offs you accept
You accept fuel mixing, oil changes, more maintenance, and a saw that weighs 14.5 pounds. For one cord a year that is a poor trade. For eight cords a season from large timber, it is a good one.
Warranty coverage is listed at one year, the shortest of the gas models here, so treat the first season carefully and expect to maintain it.
8. NEO-TEC 62cc 20-Inch Gas – Best Gas Power for Dense Hardwood
NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Petrol 3.5HP Handheld Reliable Motosierra De Gasolina for Tree Pruning Wood Cutting Firewood Preparation and Yard Maintenance
20 inch bar
62cc 2-cycle
3.5HP up to 8500 RPM
0.325 inch pitch
chain brake with lockout
Pros
- 62cc two-cycle engine reaches 8500 RPM for hard cuts
- quick-start system ignites in one to two pulls
- chain brake plus trigger lockout
- wrap-around handle improves control
- precision carburetor improves fuel efficiency
Cons
- Heaviest listing here at 17.1 pounds
- gasoline engine means fuel mixing and pull starting
- 11 percent of reviews are one-star citing starting and durability
The NEO-TEC NCS6200-20 is the gas saw to consider if your firewood is dense hardwood, because the 62cc two-cycle engine spinning to 8500 RPM keeps the chain moving when a pinch develops. On oak and ash that difference decides whether a cut finishes in one pass or two.
Starting is a headline concern for firewood saws, and the quick-start system with a choke knob is reported to produce ignition in one to two pulls. Cold-morning startability is the trust signal owners care about most, and this saw scores well on it.
Safety features include a chain brake and a trigger lockout, and the wrap-around handle gives you a grip option that helps when you are working around a stacked pile rather than in open space.
The chain is a 0.325-inch pitch, 0.058-inch gauge, 76-driver-link chain on a tail mount, which is a very common standard, so replacement chains are easy to find. That matters more than it sounds when you are sharpening in February.
The precision carburetor and optimized combustion are credited with better fuel efficiency, which over a season of heavy cutting adds up to fewer refills and less fuel cost per cord.
Read the weight before you buy
The listed weight is 17.1 pounds, the heaviest figure in this roundup, and it is the number that decides this saw for most buyers. A full day of bucking on 17.1 pounds is a real endurance cost that a lighter saw does not charge you.
The manufacturer also describes an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 14 pounds fully equipped, so published figures for this model vary. Check the actual weight of the unit you receive rather than relying on either number.
Where it earns its place
It earns its place on big rounds, storm cleanup, and anyone who would rather not fiddle with a battery. About 11 percent of reviews are one-star with starting and durability the usual complaints, so keep expectations realistic on long-term reliability.
If your wood is smaller and your season is lighter, a lighter cordless saw will serve you better and leave your arms intact.
9. WORX WG385 40V Cordless – Fastest Cordless Chain Speed
WORX Cordless Chainsaw, 40V 16″, 2 Batteries & 4A Charger, WG385
16 inch bar
59 ft/s chain speed
2.3 hp
up to 150 cuts per charge
2 x 4.0Ah batteries
Pros
- 59 ft/s chain speed is the highest here and rates above a 45cc gas saw
- up to 150 cuts on 4x4 hardwood per charge
- cutting capacity up to 28 inches
- chain brake stops immediately on kickback
- three year warranty
Cons
- Most expensive cordless saw in this roundup
- published weight data is not listed so portability is hard to judge
The WORX WG385 has the fastest chain in this group at 59 feet per second, which the manufacturer rates above a 45cc gas saw. That speed is why it appears on cordless firewood lists at all, and owner feedback supports it, with users describing cutting speed comparable to small gas saws.
The bundle is the differentiator. You get the saw, two 4.0Ah Power Share PRO batteries, a dual-slot charger, and a bar and chain sheath, with a three-year warranty behind it. For most buyers that bundle removes the single-battery limitation entirely.
Cutting capacity is quoted at up to 28 inches despite the 16-inch bar, which reflects the saw’s ability to take on bucking and light felling work rather than a longer bar. On firewood rounds up to about 14 inches it is comfortable.
Chain tensioning is a single button, lubrication is automatic, and the remaining-power display tells you how much charge is left before you commit to a stack. The chain brake stops immediately on kickback, which is the safety feature that matters most in cordless design.
Owners report up to 150 cuts on 4 by 4 inch hardwood per charge, which translates to a substantial number of firewood rounds before a swap.
Where the speed pays off
Chain speed shows itself on hardwood. A faster chain clears chips faster, which means less heat, less binding, and a cleaner cut through a round that has been sitting for a season and dried hard.
It also recovers faster from a bind. If the chain does get pinched, the extra speed helps the saw work through it rather than sitting stalled.
Limitations
It is the most expensive cordless saw here, and that is a real consideration for a first-time buyer who may not know how much firewood cutting they will actually do.
The published weight data is not listed, which makes it hard to plan for portability from the listing alone. If lifting a saw overhead to clear a branch is part of your work, handle it before you commit.
10. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless – Best Shared Battery Platform
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
16 inch bar
dual 20V packs for 40V total
550W brushless
up to 120 cuts per charge
inertia chain brake
Pros
- Inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds
- up to 120 cuts through 4x4 lumber per charge
- tool-free external tensioning knob
- batteries work across the wider DongCheng 20V and 40V range
- push-button start with no engine maintenance
Cons
- Batteries are specific to the DongCheng 20V and 40V ecosystem
- both packs must be fully charged before first use for balanced power
The DongCheng DCCS40161 is the pick if you want one battery platform to cover the whole workshop, because the same 20V and 40V packs run across the wider DongCheng tool range. That is the argument that matters after a few seasons, when buying into a new platform starts to feel expensive.
On firewood performance, owners highlight gas-like cutting power with no fumes, quick push-button start, and the fast-stop chain brake. The inertia-activated brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds, which is the quickest stop time listed by any saw in this roundup.
Runtime is quoted at up to 120 cuts through 4 by 4 inch lumber on a single charge, and the saw ships with two 4.0Ah batteries so you are not starting from nothing.
Tool-free external tensioning and an automatic oiler handle the two chores that wear out cordless saws fastest, and there is no engine maintenance of any kind to keep up with.
For someone cutting a few hundred rounds a year on small to medium wood, it does the job with almost no friction. For a full cord of large hardwood, the 16-inch bar becomes the limit.
Set it up correctly the first time
Charge both batteries fully before the first use. With two packs delivering the 40V total output, starting with one full pack and one empty can produce uneven power delivery, and owners who charged both first report smoother performance from the beginning.
Check the platform before you buy. If you already own DongCheng tools, these packs are already in your garage. If you do not, factor the platform into the decision the way you would for any cordless system.
Where it is not the answer
It is not the answer for large rounds. A 16-inch bar plus roughly 550W of motor output will handle 12-inch wood comfortably and struggle past 16 inches.
And if the fast chain brake is not a priority for you, the 0.1-second stop is a safety feature you will appreciate but rarely think about once you own it.
11. ReliaRoads 40V 16-Inch for DEWALT 20V MAX – Cheapest Way to Use Existing Packs
ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw for DeWalt 20V MAX
16 inch bar
2 HP brushless motor
54 ft/s
uses two DEWALT 20V MAX packs
2 year warranty
Pros
- Turns existing DEWALT 20V MAX packs into a 40V saw with no new platform
- 2 HP brushless motor at 54 ft/s
- tool-free tensioning knob and automatic oiling
- chain brake and safety lock
- two 16-inch chains included
Cons
- Batteries and charger not included
- two packs must be carried and two 4-8Ah packs are recommended
- lighter build feels less planted in heavy hardwood
If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, the ReliaRoads is the cheapest path to a cordless chainsaw on this list, because it stacks two of your existing packs to make 40V. You avoid buying into a new platform entirely, which is where most of the cost of a cordless saw actually sits.
The 2 HP brushless motor drives the chain at up to 54 feet per second, which is the second-fastest figure here and plenty for firewood rounds in the 4- to 12-inch range.
Tool-free tensioning and automatic oiling cover the maintenance basics, and a chain brake plus safety lock give you the control features that matter. Two 16-inch chains are included and coverage is listed at two years.
The catch is obvious once you read the specifications: no batteries and no charger. If you are starting from zero, this is not the saw for you, and the missing components will cost you more than the saw itself.
The listed weight is 4.77 kg, which for a saw in this class is on the heavy side, so plan your back-carry approach before the first cut. Buyers also note the lighter build can feel less planted when you push into heavy hardwood, which is the expected trade for a lighter motor.
Who this is built for
This is for someone with a DEWALT 20V MAX battery collection and a stack of firewood they want to get through on weekends. In that situation it is close to free, because the tooling investment already exists.
It also works well for storm cleanup on a property where you are not near a gas can but you are within walking distance of a vehicle, since the saw and your packs all live in the same system.
Where it falls down
It falls down for a first-time buyer with no battery platform. Do not buy this saw and then buy two packs on top unless the total still beats a kit, because you lose the bundled two-battery advantage the other picks here offer.
It also falls down in dense hardwood. The motor is the limiting factor on large rounds, and the lighter build gives you less feedback that the cut is going badly.
12. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch – Best Premium Cordless Build
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Chainsaw, 18 Inch, with Battery and Charger
18 inch bar
7.7 pounds
1.9 hp
brushless motor
Boost Mode adds 25 percent
Pros
- 18-inch bar with cutting power the brand rates above comparable gas saws
- X-Cut chain holds its sharpness
- 7.7 pounds for its cutting capacity
- battery and charger included in the box
- Boost Mode for a 25 percent power boost
Cons
- Most expensive saw in the roundup
- Husqvarna battery platform is not interchangeable with other brands
- 10 percent of reviews are one-star citing startup and runtime
The Power Axe 350i is the premium cordless option here, and the reason to pay for it is build quality and the X-Cut chain. That chain is the piece owners praise most, because on firewood it holds its sharpness through far more rounds before it needs the file.
At 7.7 pounds with an 18-inch bar, it delivers the reach of a bigger saw at a weight most people can hold comfortably. The brushless motor runs quiet, which makes it the neighbour-friendly pick among the cordless models.
Boost Mode adds 25 percent more power on demand, which is a practical feature rather than a spec-sheet item: you get extra output for the moment a round gets stubborn, without carrying a larger saw around the rest of the time.
The box includes the chainsaw, battery, and charger, so it is ready to cut out of the packaging. That matters for anyone who does not want to spend an afternoon matching chargers to packs.
Reviewers report weaker-than-expected runtime and occasional startup trouble, with 10 percent of reviews at one star. If your rounds are large and you are away from a charger, read those reviews first.
What the extra spend buys
Chain longevity is the honest answer. On firewood work the chain is the consumable that decides your running costs and your downtime, and a chain that stays sharp between sharpenings pays for a lot of that price difference over a season.
Build quality is the second answer. Owners consistently describe the construction as brand-quality, and a saw that still starts reliably in year four is worth more than two cheaper saws that do not.
Where to look before buying
The Husqvarna battery platform is not interchangeable with other brands, so if you want to share packs across brands later, this is not the saw to start with. Budget for Husqvarna packs if you take it.
It is also the most expensive saw here by a wide margin, and for someone cutting a few hundred small rounds, a lighter kit saw is the more sensible spend.
How to Choose a Chainsaw for Firewood?
Match the bar to your average log diameter
Pick a bar roughly 2 inches longer than the diameter of the logs you cut most often, so the round goes through in a single pass. A 16-inch bar suits logs up to about 14 inches, an 18-inch bar reaches roughly 16 inches, and a 20-inch bar covers 18-inch rounds. Beyond that, 24-inch bars are for large timber and storm cleanup.
The reason this matters more than power is safety. When the bar is too short, the chain binds halfway through the round. A bound chain is the classic kickback scenario, and a second cut from the other side is more dangerous than the first one ever was.
Most of us do not know our average log diameter. Stack ten rounds the way you normally process them and measure the widest, not the widest you have ever seen. That measurement is your bar length.
Corded, cordless or gas: pick your power source
Choose corded if your firewood is at home near an outlet and your rounds are under about 12 inches. It is the lowest-friction option: no fuel mixing, no oil changes, instant start, and a chain speed that matches small gas saws. Choose a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord and keep the run short.
Choose cordless if you want the same freedom of movement with no cord and no fuel. Modern brushless cordless saws reach chain speeds that rate above 40cc gas saws, and dual-battery kits remove the recharge problem. The limits are bar length and total volume.
Choose gas if you are cutting large hardwood, processing more than a few cords a season, or working away from any outlet. It is heavier, louder, and higher maintenance, but engine displacement keeps the chain moving when the wood closes the cut.
A useful rule of thumb: under 12 inches of log and a few hundred rounds a year, corded or cordless. Over 16 inches of log or a cord a season, gas.
What to look for in a firewood saw
Weight is the first filter. The most repeated advice on r/Chainsaw and r/firewood is that a saw under about 11 pounds with a 16- or 18-inch bar is the sweet spot, because fatigue ends the session before the wood does.
Tool-free chain tensioning is the second. A tensioner you can adjust with gloved hands at the work site saves real time over a season, and chain loosening is the single most common complaint across cordless and corded models alike.
An automatic oiler with a visible level window is third. Chain lubrication is not optional; a dry chain dulls fast and wears the bar groove.
A working chain brake is fourth, and it is a genuine differentiator. Several saws here have no brake at all, and one stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds. On firewood, where you are cutting logs on the ground and often squeezing the trigger, that is not a minor feature.
Finally, check consumable availability. Bar, chain, and chain oil availability where you live matters more than any headline specification when the saw needs a part in a hurry.
Bar Length and Chain Choice for Firewood
Bar length is the decision that most affects whether a cut finishes in one pass. Use the diameter rule, then sanity-check the weight: every extra inch of bar is more reach and more inertia in your hands.
For a 16-inch bar, most of the round must clear the saw body. For a 20-inch or 24-inch bar, you are working around a large pile and using the wrap-around or extended handle positions that gas saws provide.
Chain type matters more than most buyers think. A full chisel, square-rivet chain cuts fastest in hardwood and holds its edge longer, which makes it the right choice for dedicated firewood cutting. Semi-chisel chains are more forgiving, safer, and easier to sharpen, which suits beginners and occasional users. Low-profile, semi-rivet chains need more frequent sharpening but reduce kickback risk.
Whatever you choose, match the chain pitch and gauge to your bar manufacturer specifications, because a mismatched chain will not sit properly in the bar and will damage both parts.
One warning that applies to most of the saws in this roundup: check chain tension every few rounds, not once at the start of the session. Owners repeatedly report chains loosening during cutting, especially on sideways or heavy cuts.
Safety Gear and Maintenance Through Firewood Season
Personal protective equipment is not optional for chainsaw work, and it is cheap relative to what it prevents. You want a helmet with a face shield, hearing protection, cut-resistant chaps, sturdy work gloves, and chainsaw boots. Safety glasses matter more than most people assume when chips fly off a binding chain.
Gloves are where beginners cut corners and experienced operators do not. Cut-resistant gloves protect the hand on the rear handle, which is the most common hand injury in firewood cutting and the easiest to prevent.
Before every session, check chain tension, chain sharpness, and the oil level. A dull chain forces you to push harder, which is where most kickback injuries start. A tensioner that has walked loose is the more common culprit and the easier fix.
Drain the oil reservoir before long storage. Several saws here are reported to leak if left full over a season, and a drained saw is also a saw that will start cleanly when you need it in the cold.
For gas saws, drain old fuel or run it dry before storage, and expect to spend time on the air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter. For cordless saws, store batteries off the saw in a moderate temperature, which matters if you are cutting through winter.
Keep a spare chain and bar oil on hand before the season starts rather than mid-season. The saws in this roundup do not all take the same chain, and a specific saw taking a common standard chain is a genuine advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
Most homeowners need an 18- or 20-inch bar for regular firewood cutting. A useful rule is to pick a bar about 2 inches longer than the diameter of the logs you cut most often, so each round goes through in a single pass. A 16-inch saw works well when most of your wood comes from trees under 12 to 14 inches, while dense hardwood or large rounds need a 20-inch bar and 55cc to 60cc of engine displacement. Weight matters just as much as power, so a saw under about 11 pounds is the comfortable choice for long sessions.
Is a gas or battery chainsaw better for cutting firewood?
Gas is better for large hardwood, more than a few cords a season, and work far from an outlet, because engine displacement keeps the chain moving when a round closes the cut. Battery is better for moderate volume, small rounds, and anyone who wants to avoid fuel mixing, oil changes and pull starting. Modern brushless cordless saws reach chain speeds that rate above 40cc gas saws, so the gap has narrowed considerably for most homeowners.
Can a 16-inch chainsaw cut firewood?
Yes, a 16-inch bar handles logs up to about 14 inches in diameter cleanly, which covers a large share of residential firewood work. It becomes a problem above that, because the chain binds partway through a wider round and you have to cut in from the other side. Several of the 16-inch cordless saws in this roundup carry 2000W to 2400W motors that are capable enough for the task, so the bar is the limit rather than the motor in most cases.
What type of chainsaw chain is best for cutting firewood?
A full chisel, square-rivet chain cuts fastest in hardwood and holds its edge longer, which makes it the best choice for dedicated firewood cutting. Semi-chisel chains are more forgiving, safer and easier to sharpen, suiting beginners and occasional users. Low-profile, semi-rivet chains need more frequent sharpening but reduce kickback risk. Match chain pitch and gauge to your bar manufacturer specifications, since a mismatched chain will not seat properly and can damage the bar.
How often should I sharpen a chainsaw chain when cutting firewood?
Check sharpness every tank or charge rather than on a fixed schedule. A dull chain makes you push harder for the same cut, and forcing a chain is the main cause of kickback injuries. For most people cutting a few hundred rounds a season, sharpening a few times a season is enough. If you are processing a full cord of hardwood, expect to check far more often, and keep a spare chain on hand so sharpening never stops a cutting session.
What safety gear do I need for cutting firewood?
You need a chainsaw helmet with a face shield, hearing protection, cut-resistant chaps, cut-resistant gloves, sturdy chainsaw boots and safety glasses. Gloves matter more than most beginners expect, because the most common hand injury in firewood cutting happens on the rear handle and is easy to prevent with a proper pair. Keep a first aid kit and a spare chain nearby, and never cut firewood while wearing loose clothing or boots with no chain protection.
Should I buy one big chainsaw or two smaller ones?
One properly sized saw is usually the better answer. The most common buying mistake is choosing a saw that is too small and then fighting it through wide rounds, which is both slower and more dangerous than the extra weight of a larger saw would suggest. A single saw between 16 and 20 inches with adequate engine or motor power handles nearly all residential firewood work. A second saw only makes sense if you cut in two distant locations or want a backup during a long season.
Final Verdict: The Best Chainsaws for Firewood Cutting
The SEESII 40V 18-inch cordless is the pick we would hand most people, because an 18-inch bar and 8.6 pounds cover the widest range of real firewood work without tiring you out first. For the best budget corded option, the WEN CP1216 is hard to argue with, and the CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 wins outright on weight at 6.2 pounds.
If your wood is large or your season runs to a cord or more, the gas saws here earn their place. The PROYAMA 68cc covers the biggest timber with two bars, and the NEO-TEC 62cc 20-inch is the better-rounded gas pick if you want strong owner feedback and a chain brake. Among premium cordless, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is the one worth paying more for.
Measure your average log diameter, pick a bar two inches longer, and buy the lightest saw that will get through. That decision, made carefully once, saves you from a season of fighting the wood.