Best Chainsaw Under $400 [2024 Review]

When it comes to picking out a chainsaw, there are so many options. Some of those chainsaws can get pretty expensive. Let’s face it, I can’t all afford to spend hundreds or even thousands. If you need a reliable chainsaw for under $400, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve searched the market to try to help narrow down the options. My goal was to bring you a variety of options in this price range and make sure that you could see the very best options while you’re at it.

Chainsaw Under $400 Reviews

Whether you just want a chainsaw that will allow you to do some simple trimming, or you really want a lot of power, you need something that you can depend on. Choosing a budget-friendly chainsaw doesn’t mean that you should get something cheap and unreliable. You need the right price, and you need it to be dependable and high-quality at the same time.

Dependability and capability are two very important factors in this price range. Check out my top picks.

Husqvarna 445 18″ Gas Chainsaw

If I had $400 to spend on a chainsaw, this would be my pick. Larger and more powerful than any other option out there, don’t pass up this Husqvarna chainsaw.

It’s a bit heavier than some models but that is because it is more powerful and also larger. That being said, it’s not overly heavy for the size and capability.

This 18″ inch chainsaw uses gas for operation. However, Husqvarna has added an exclusive X-Torq engine design that helps to reduce emissions as well as the amount of gas that you use. It’s a quality machine and it’s definitely a heavy-duty option as well.

This chainsaw has a 2.8 HP motor, which is a lot of power. This might not be ideal for beginners but if you know how to handle a powerful chainsaw, you will have a lot of capability from this option. It also has an automatic oiler to help keep your chain running smoothly.

Highlights:

• Power: 2.8 HP gas
• Blade Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year

While this saw is heavy, it’s still built to be handled with safety and comfort in mind. The chain has a guide bar that is rugged and helps keep things smooth. Your handles all have an ergonomic design behind them. The chainsaw is also built to reduce vibration for better control and usability.

Finally, you have a quick-release air filter to make your maintenance processes as simple as possible. Where some gas-powered chainsaws can be hard to start, most users say this one is pretty easy to get going but it might take a couple of pulls. The first start is the hardest.

Why I Like It:

• Built to be tough and powerful
• Gives you more blade length at 18 inches
• X-Torq engine has fewer emissions
• Designed with safety in mind
• Easy to handle despite the size and power

What I Don’t Like:

• The first start is challenging and takes some priming

Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw

Makita is really great at providing affordable tools that are simple but really put in the work. I see that resolved with this Makita electric chain saw. It’s a sturdy and reliable saw. It connects to a power cord, so you don’t have to worry about gas or a battery.

We love that this saw also has a 16″ inch blade, so you get some additional versatility behind it. You can make blade adjustments and tension adjustments without any additional tools. This makes the saw easy to handle and maintain. It’s sleek and it’s simple and it has just enough of the features you need. It takes a higher focus on quality as opposed to fancy features.

The Makita chainsaw has a rubberized grip that is longer than most so you can hold it comfortably. The grip has a variable speed trigger that you control with your hand. You can also enjoy the wraparound handle to give you some additional comfort and control.

Highlights:

• Power: Electric
• Blade Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year

Makita added a spike bar around the blade. This was an additional feature that was built to help you increase your productivity when you work. They also took innovation and convenience into consideration with modern features like the toolless blade change and an automatic oiling system. You can even see the oil levels to know when to refill.

It’s a heavy-duty chainsaw. You can use your trigger to reach speeds up to 2,900 FPM. It’s efficient and it’s reliable. The best part is you have no emissions because it’s operated with a power cord. The motor also has built-in current limitations, so you don’t accidentally burn out or burn up the motor while you work.

Why I Like:

• Simple but reliable in total design
• Added spike bar by the blade for more versatility
• A 16-inch blade adds length without being overbearing
• Comfortable grips and trigger design
• Can reach up to 2,900 FPM

What I Don’t Like:

• The backside of the saw is long which can make an awkward grip

DeWalt 20V 10″ Battery Chainsaw

If you’re looking for something powerful but also simple, this DeWalt chainsaw is a great option. It’s easy to see why it makes it into my top picks. DeWalt made it well to be sure it would be user-friendly and dependable all at the same time.

This saw weighs close to 9 pounds and it is battery-operated. The battery gives you the convenience of not having to worry about gas or a power cord and still being able to get things done. The battery is said to last for up to 90 cuts per charge, which is pretty great.

On a downside, this chainsaw only has a 10″ inch bar. This is the smallest on my list, and won’t really work for cutting down and felling big trees.

This chainsaw falls into DeWalt’s 20V Max line, which means that if you have any of their other battery tools, you can likely swap out the battery for the entire line. You may not even have to purchase extra batteries or a charger.

Highlights:

• Power: 20V Max Battery
• Blade Length: 10 inches
• Weight: 9 pounds
• Warranty: 3 years

DeWalt made you something lightweight and easy to work with. It’s compact so you can do whatever you need without killing your hands in the process. The handles are ergonomic and reliable. At the same time, it’s a tough saw that isn’t going to fall apart or break down easily.

The company also added a brushless motor, which helps you get more use between each charge. You can be thankful for anti-kickback as well as reduced vibration. All these details work together to bring you a very well-rounded saw.

Why I Like It:

• Plenty of power
• Charge lasts up to 90 cuts
• Lightweight and easy to manage
• Compact small that is easy to take on the go
• A brushless motor is built to last longer

What I Don’t Like:

• Some users have issues with the chain oil leaking a bit

Greenworks 14″ Inch Electric Chainsaw

If you’re looking for a corded option, this Greenworks chainsaw might just take the cake. It’s simple but it’s really effective for some basic use. The blade is long enough to really help you get things done without being so long that it’s a nuisance.

The saw is lightweight and fairly comfortable to work with. The motor is 10.5 amps, which is sufficient for most DIY and at-home types of usage. It’s great for tidying up trees and limbs and even some cutting of firewood, depending on the wood.

At 14″ inches, you’ll be able to cut down small and medium-sized trees, along with performing the vast majority of cutting you need to be done around your home.

You will find that the saw is built for comfort and simplicity. The handle is ergonomic and solid, and you’ve got the extra grip bar that can be useful too. The cord works well with a cord lock. You can plug it into an extension cord easily and everything runs smoothly.

Highlights:

• Power: 10.5-amp corded
• Blade Length: 14 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Warranty: 4 years

When you put this chainsaw to work, you’ve got an automatic oiler as well as a tension adjustment that doesn’t require any tools. Everything is meant to just make your work and the use of the saw as simple as possible.

The wraparound handle, paired with a grip, gives you some additional versatility for using the saw and lets you grip it in different ways to be comfortable no matter what you are doing.

Why I Like It:

• A corded saw requires no battery or gas
• Easy to use and adjust
• Has a grip and a wrap-around handle for your comfort
• Weighs only 8 pounds
• A 14-inch blade gives you a lot of versatility

What I Don’t Like

• It seems to gather brush and debris fairly easy, which can mess with your chain and be a nuisance

Black and Decker LCS1020 20V 10″ Battery Chainsaw

If you like the battery model or perhaps have the Black and Decker 20V battery line already, this Black and Decker chainsaw is a good choice. Don’t just take it from me- it’s highly rated across the board with more than 6,000 Amazon ratings.

You’ve got options here. You can choose just the saw, a full kit, a saw, and battery, or even a leaf collection bin. You can choose your kit or whatever works for you. The full kit comes with the charger, battery, and even a cover for the blade, which is a nice addition.

The chainsaw is simple to work with. It’s got a 10″ inch blade so it’s usable for most basic needs. It might limit you just a tad on what you can handle but will work for the majority of DIY home needs and cleanup.

It’s lightweight, probably one of the lightest options you will find here. With all those little details, it’s very easy to maneuver and operate. It’s got all of those simple tools like toolless tensioning, an automatic oiling system, and that added wraparound handle for versatility.

Highlights:

• Power: 20V battery
• Blade Length: 10 inches
• Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Warranty: 3 years

If you already have tools in the 20V max line, it’s nice to be able to add another piece and just have that interchangeable battery. This kit comes with a blade cover, which can be really helpful for portability and storage.

Overall, this chainsaw is easy to work with and it’s comfortable to operate. It ticks off all the high points that make a saw great quality. You really can’t beat how lightweight and easy to use it is either. Your cuts will be fast and smooth with a charge that can last up to 5 hours.

Why I Like It:

• Compatible with Black and Decker 20V Max line
• Lightweight at less than 7 pounds
• Easy and comfortable to handle
• Has a good warranty coverage
• Comes with a full kit and blade cover

What I Don’t Like:

• It’s not powerful enough for big jobs but great for light work

Poulan Pro PR4218 18″ Inch Gas Chainsaw

Sometimes you just need a larger and more powerful saw. If that is you, check out this Poulan Pro chainsaw. For its size, this Poulan saw has incredible value.

This gas chainsaw has an 18″ inch blade and a lot of power behind it. The gas power is 42cc and it’s a 2-cycle piece. That’s a lot of power but perfect for handling this length of the bar as well.

This chainsaw is large, which means it will be heavier than your average chainsaw. However, I’m sure if you’re looking for something this powerful, you are likely already familiar with that.

Because of the size and the power, this can be used for medium-duty needs and possibly even some heavy-duty needs. It’s great for felling trees, cutting firewood, and even some storm cleanup.

The comes with a whole bundle that includes a carrying case, an extra chain, some oil, and a built-in scrench on the saw. The engine has Oxy Power, which is Poulan’s own engine line that should help reduce emissions and make it more fuel-efficient than some models.

Highlights:

• Power: 42cc 2-Cycle gas
• Blade Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 13.25 pounds
• Warranty: 2 years

Gas chainsaws can sometimes be hard to start. However, this Poulan model is said to have an effortless pull starting. It’s supposed to take up to 40% less effort compared to some out there. You might need a few pulls still, but it shouldn’t be overly challenging.

The grip is solid and comfortable. You also have a wraparound handle for additional control while you work. The Combi tool is integrated into the handle to make everything as simple as possible for a saw this powerful.

Why I Like It:

• Plenty of power in a gas model
• An 18-inch blade allows you to handle a multitude of needs
• 40% less effort to start up
• The engine is designed to be more efficient
• Easy to maneuver despite weight and size

What I Don’t Like:

• You might need some tweaking for setup to make it run the best

Factors to Consider While Shopping for the Best Chainsaw Under $400

Now that you’ve seen some options, you need some more details to pick the best. Chainsaws all have different capabilities and people all have different needs.

While there are hundreds of choices out there, you can easily find quality choices that fall into this price range. You just need to have some understanding of how you plan to use your chainsaw so you can be sure that you choose a solution that will work well for your needs.

Before you make your final decision, take a look at some of these factors to be sure you have all the details you need.

Application

Probably one of the first things that you need to think about is how you will be using your saw. What is your intended use for the saw? Think about things like whether you just want to have a chainsaw for trimming and pruning, maybe a little bit of storm cleanup from time to time.

Or perhaps you want a saw that is powerful enough to help you cut firewood for the winter or fell trees in the pasture. These are factors that will make a difference. You likely won’t use a corded or battery-powered saw if you need a lot of power to fell trees.

Likewise, you don’t need a high-powered saw if you just want to be able to prune and trim some branches here and there.

Blade Size

As you’re checking out the options, notice there are several different blade sizes. The more blade on the saw the more power it typically has. However, you might need longer blades for some trimming, pruning, and cutting.

• 10 inches: Small and portable, suitable for cutting wood down to size, pruning branches, and other small projects.
• 12-14 inches: Adequate to fell small to medium-sized trees.
• 16-18 inches: Adept at all cuts, including larger trees and difficult-to-reach branches.

Again, the proper blade size will highly depend on your uses for the saw. If a longer blade intimidates you, it’s totally fine to choose a shorter blade.

Just know that shorter blades might have more limited capacity. However, it might still be sufficient for your needs.

Comfort

When you’re using a chainsaw, the last thing you want is to be miserable doing so. Take the time to look at the overall design, as well as the grip and any wraparound handle.

Do you feel these will work for your comfort?

You certainly don’t want to choose a chainsaw that is going to be miserably uncomfortable to handle, particularly if you work for hours at a time.

Wrap Up

Choosing a great chainsaw for under $400 should turn a major focus to quality. You want to purchase something affordable but also know it’s well-made. Pay attention to these details. While you’re at it, pay close attention to your needs. It’s important that you choose a saw that will be functional for the things you plan to use it for.

The little details make a significant difference in this decision. Take the time to check those out. What do you plan to use your chainsaw for the most?