Unless you’re a professional logger, you’re unlikely to have much experience with chainsaws. And for a good reason: if misused, chainsaws can be dangerous tools.
However, chainsaws are handy for cutting down trees or clearing brush.
This is why I made an effort to test and review a large number of chainsaws before compiling a list of the best ones for beginners.
The Best Beginner Chainsaws
I arrived at this list of the best chainsaws for beginners after extensive research.
- Husqvarna 970515528 445 18″ Beginner Chainsaw
- GTHAN 62cc 2-Cycle Beginner Chainsaw
- Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
- Oregon CS1500 18-inch Corded Beginner Electric Chainsaw
- Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
- WORX WG322 20V Power Share 10″ Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
- Sun Joe 24V-10CS 24-Volt iON+ 10-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
- GARWINNER 62cc Gas 20 Inch Bar Power Beginner Chainsaw
- WEMARS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Power Beginner Chainsaw
- Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
1. Husqvarna 970515528 445 18″ Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 18″
- Motor: 2.8 HP engine
- Powered by: Gas-powered
One brand that I always recommend when it comes to chainsaws is Husqvarna, as their chainsaws are powerful, lightweight, and easy to operate.
Well, this 18″ chainsaw is no exception either.
For once, it has a 2.8HP engine that is powerful enough to prune trees or cut firewood easily.
Its automatic oil system and ignition spring assist/quick spark injection make this chainsaw very easy and smooth to operate.
The chainsaw comes with an advanced air cleaning system to prevent air particles from reaching and wrecking the engine.
Last but not least, the chainsaw is very compact for its size and has an anti-vibration system that reduces fatigue, which is a widespread issue among chainsaw owners.
Pros
- 2.8 HP engine is both powerful and efficient
- Easy start engine with spring assist and quick spark injection for maximum convenience
- Rugged yet easy-to-maneuver chainsaw
- An automatic and steady supply of oil to maximize safety
- Side mounted tensioning system for easy, on-the-go adjustments
- Anti-vibration system improves accuracy and reduces fatigue
- Air injection air cleaning system prevents dirt from reaching the engine allowing for more durability
Cons
- Not for heavy work
2. GTHAN 62cc 2-Cycle Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 18″
- Motor: 2-Stroke cycle engine
- Powered by: Gas
A few years ago, GTHAN released this 20-inch chainsaw with features that are very hard to find in competing chainsaws, like their 2-stroke cycle engine that is both powerful and efficient to perform demanding tasks such as cutting down trees or clearing bushes.
Moreover, its ergonomic handle and compact design are perfect for beginners looking for a chainsaw that is easy to handle.
Even though its air filter comes a little bit loose, features such as its wear-resistant and fast-cutting chain-saw compensate for it.
Lastly, to improve the protective features, this chainsaw comes with a brake baffle that allows for a safe emergency brake to prevent severe accidents.
Pros
- 2-Stroke cycle engine is both powerful and efficient
- Easy dual throttle switches provide both convenience and safety to prevent accidental starts
- Brake baffle allows for easy emergency braking
- Wear resistant and fast cutting saw chain
- Ergonomic handle to avoid fatigue when operating the chainsaw for a long period
- Compact and lightweight form-factor
Cons
- Air filter is a little loose
3. Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 18″
- Motor: 80-volt motor
- Powered by: battery-powered
Made with an 80-volt powerful brushless motor, this Greenworks Pro 18-inch beginner-friendly chainsaw allows users to cut firewood (and even trees) very quickly.
Additionally, it is very easy to start with only the press of a button, making it the perfect choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-operate gas-powered chainsaw.
Even though you need a tool to adjust the chain (which is not a big deal), I believe it is very convenient as it also has automatic chain lubrication for a smooth cutting experience and enhanced durability.
Oh, and it’s battery-powered, which is perfect if you want to avoid gas emissions.
Pros
- Easy start with a press of a button
- A 42cc brushless motor is both powerful and highly durable (100 cuts per charge)
- Automatic chain lubrication
- Chain adjustments are easy to make
- Battery-powered, no gas needed
Cons
- You need a tool to adjust the chain
4. Oregon CS1500 18-inch Corded Beginner Electric Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 18″
- Motor: 1800-watt motor
- Powered by: Electricity
Another chainsaw brand that I love is Oregon, as it’s known for manufacturing reliable chainsaws, such as this CS1500 18-inch chainsaw that is powerful yet easy to manage.
With features such as a self-sharpening saw chain and automatic lubrication, it allows the user to forget about going through the inconvenience of maintaining it.
Moreover, it has a lightweight and compact design that reduces arm fatigue when using the chainsaw for a longer time.
And, it hooks up to your closest outlet, meaning no gas emissions or loud noise.
Pros
- Convenient self-sharpening saw chain
- Lightweight and compact design
- Chain break for maximum safety
- Automatic lubrication of the chainsaw to enhance durability and a smooth operation
- Makes less noise than gas-powered chainsaw, as it’s electric
- Tool-less tensioning system
Cons
- Hard to tell if the chainsaw is running low on oil
5. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 16-inch
- Motor: Brushless motor
- Powered by: Electricity
Operating this Greenworks 16-inch cordless chainsaw might be one of the easiest things to do.
Its tool-less tensioning system and easy-start ignition button make this chainsaw very easy to operate, a crucial feature for beginners.
Moreover, the chainsaw comes with a chain brake to prevent serious injuries. And to avoid gas emissions or loud noises, the chainsaw is battery-powered.
Although I’ve got to say the battery takes a while to recharge.
Last but not least, it has a brushless motor that is powerful and fuel-efficient to allow for a longer runtime.
Pros
- Brushless motor is both powerful and battery efficient
- Chain break
- Automatic oiler allows for proper chain lubrication
- Energy-powered, meaning no gas emissions
- Push button to start
- Convenient tool-less tensioning
Cons
- Battery takes a while to charge
6. WORX WG322 20V Power Share 10″ Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 10-inch
- Motor: Powerful engine outputs 12.5 ft/s of chain speed
- Powered by: Electricity
Another excellent option for users looking for an easy-to-operate chainsaw is this WORX WG322 10-inch chainsaw.
I mean, features such as its powerful engine that outputs 12.5 ft/s of chain speed allow the chainsaw to cut through tree branches easily.
Convenience-wise, it has automatic chain lubrication that guarantees a smooth cutting experience and an improved lifespan.
Even though it doesn’t have the best battery life, it only weighs 6.2 pounds, meaning it’s effortless to hold for a more extended time.
Pros
- Powerful engine outputs 12.5 ft/s of chain speed
- Energy powered avoids all the fuss of running a motor on gas
- Tool free tension system for easy adjustments
- Automatic chain lubrication for a smooth operation
- It only weighs 6.2 lbs, which is very lightweight for a chainsaw of this size
Cons
- Limited battery life
7. Sun Joe 24V-10CS 24-Volt iON+ 10-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 10-inch
- Motor: 600-watt brushless motor
- Powered by: Battery
If you happen to be looking for a powerful yet easy-to-manage chainsaw, you might be looking at one of the best options for your specific case.
Thanks to its 600-watt brushless motor, this chainsaw gives users enough cutting power to cut firewood or prune trees easily.
Moreover, it has an onboard oiler that maintains the saw chain well lubricated to guarantee a smooth performance.
Although some people like to complain about it not being powerful enough, it does have solid attributes to compensate, such as its:
- 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery which has no gas emissions and lasts for up to 74 cuts
- Protective hand guard and built-in safety switch
- Plastic cover that allows for a safe storage
Pros
- 600 watt brushless motor allows for branch cuts of up to 9 inches
- The onboard oiler maintains the saw chain well lubricated
- Protective hand guard to avoid serious injuries
- Kick-back brake allows for superior protection
- Built-in safety switch
- Plastic cover for safe storage
- 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery allows for up to 74 cuts
Cons
- Not the most powerful tool
8. Supmix 62cc Gas 20 Inch Bar Power Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 20-inch
- Motor: 62cc 3.4HP 2-stroke motor
- Powered by: Gas
Their first time testing this Garwinnes chainsaw, I thought, “Hell, this might be one of the most powerful and easy to operate chainsaws I’ve ever used.”
With features such as its 62CC 2-stroke 3.4 HP motor, this chainsaw can cut through any wood width you might think of.
To allow beginners to operate it, it comes with a low kickback mode and a convenient electric ignition, making this chainsaw much less intimidating than other competing chainsaws.
The tension screw of this chainsaw is located in a weird spot, though, yet features such as its automatic lubrication system or built-in safety break compensate for this.
Last but not least, the chainsaw has an ergonomic and anti-vibrating handle which gives beginners the possibility to operate this chainsaw without issues.
Pros
- Ergonomic and anti-vibrating cushioned handle
- 62CC with 2-stroke 3.4 HP motor
- Low kickback guarantees a safe handling of the chainsaw
- Built in safety break
- Convenient electric ignition
- Reliable air filtering system
- Automatic lubrication system prolongs lifespan of the tool
- Automatic tightening of the chainsaw
Cons
- Tension screw is not conveniently located
9. COOCHEER 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Power Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 20-inch
- Motor: 62cc 3.4 HP motor
- Powered by: Gas
COOCHEER makes very powerful and convenient chainsaws, and this 20-inch chainsaw is no exception.
With its 62cc 3.4 HP motor, this chainsaw allows us to enjoy 8500 RPMs of speed, enough power to cut down a medium-sized tree easily.
Its beginner-friendly features are also impressive. Such is the case of its electric ignition system and low kickback function, which, together, make this tool less intimidating.
Moreover, its anti-vibration handles and cushioned wrap handles make this chainsaw very easy to operate for longer periods of time, which is also a significant advantage for beginners.
Finally, it comes with an air filtering system that ensures no air particle even hits the engine, which is critical to allow for a smooth operation and a longer tool lifespan.
Pros
- 62cc 3.4 HP motor outputs 8500 rpm
- Electric ignition
- Built-in chain brake for safety
- Low kickback safety function
- Automatic chain lubricator
- Easy chain tension adjustment
- Anti-vibration handles
- Cushioned wrap handles
- Reliable air filtering system
Cons
- It tends to flood if you are downing trees for a while
10. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw
Features
- Size: 12-inch
- Motor: 40 Volt electric motor
- Powered by: Battery-powered
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful chainsaw, then you’ll love this Greenworks 12-inch one.
Why?
Well, for once, it has a compact design and a hand guard making it very beginner-friendly.
Moreover, it is battery-powered, which is perfect if you want to avoid cables when cutting down or pruning trees.
It is less powerful than other gas-powered chainsaws, yet its convenient features, such as its electric start and tool-less tensioning system, make up for it.
Lastly, it has a low kickback function which makes it much easier to be handled by a beginner.
Pros
- Very compact design
- Hand guard for added safety
- Low kickback function
- Battery powered – you won’t have to deal with gas emissions
- Tensioning system doesn’t require tools
- Electric start
Cons
- Less powerful than comparable gas-powered chainsaws
Comparison Table
| Name | Size | Motor | Powered by |
| 1. Husqvarna 970515528 445 18″ Beginner Chainsaw Review | 18″ | 2.8 HP engine | Gas-powered |
| 2. DEREAL 62cc 2-Cycle Beginner Chainsaw Review | 18″ | 2-Stroke cycle engine | Gas |
| 3. Greenworks Pro 80V 18-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw Review | 18″ | 80v motor | battery |
| 4. Oregon CS1500 18-inch Corded Beginner Electric Chainsaw Review | 18″ | 1800-watt motor | Electricity |
| 5. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw Review | 16-inch | Brushless motor | Electricity |
| 6. WORX WG322 20V Power Share 10″ Cordless Beginner Chainsaw Review | 10-inch | Powerful engine outputs 12.5 ft/s of chain speed | Electricity |
| 7. Sun Joe 24V-10CS 24-Volt iON+ 10-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw Review | 10-inch | 600-watt brushless motor | Battery |
| 8. Supmix 62cc Gas 20 Inch Bar Power Beginner Chainsaw Review | 20-inch | 62cc 3.4HP 2-stroke motor | Gas |
| 9. COOCHEER 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Power Beginner Chainsaw Review | 20-inch | 62cc 3.4 HP motor | Gas |
| 10. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Beginner Chainsaw Review | 12-inch | 40 Volt electric motor | Battery-powered |
What Is The Best Beginner Chainsaw Overall?
Oregon CS1500 18-inch Corded Beginner Electric Chainsaw
If you’re looking for the best beginner chainsaw overall, I’d say you should take a closer look at this Oregon CS1500 electric chainsaw.
Why?
Well, due to features such as their:
- Self-sharpening saw chain
- Automatic lubrication
- Lightweight and compact design that avoids fatigue
If you like, you can read the full review of this tool by clicking the button below.
Must-Have Features of The Best Beginner Chainsaws
If you’re looking for a reliable chainsaw for beginners, then you better ensure it has some of the features below.
Solid Engine
There are plenty of chainsaws out there. Yet not all of them are powerful enough to easily cut through thick branches or firewood.
So, how can you ensure your next chainsaw will be as powerful as you need it?
Well, first, make sure it has a strong engine.
Usually, the power of an engine is measured in cubic centimeters or “cc”. I’d say a chainsaw for beginners should have an engine with at least 30 cubic centimeters as it will allow you to:
- cut trees and branches
- prune trees
- cut firewood
Carbide-toothed Chain
You might be wondering: should I look for something specific regarding the saw chain of my first chainsaw?
Hell yeah!
Your next beginner chainsaw should be made with a carbide-toothed chain.
What the hell is that?
Basically, a carbide-toothed chain is much better than the standard steel chain because it stays sharper for longer as it withstands wear and tear much better.
That way, you’ll enjoy a chainsaw that will be sharp no matter what you do and that requires much less maintenance.
Compactness
I’m a huge fan of compact and lightweight chainsaws.
Why?
Well, if you want to avoid arm fatigue and improve your cutting precision by fitting in tight places, then getting a chainsaw that is easy to carry will allow that.
Otherwise, by getting a bulky and heavy chainsaw, you’ll regret it instantly as it will be tough to operate for long periods of time without fatiguing your arms.
Tool-free Chain Tensioning
How well the chainsaw’s saw is tensioned is very important for the smoothness of the cutting experience and from a safety perspective.
If the chainsaw is too loose, for instance, it makes it inefficient and pretty hard to maneuver, which is a severe issue if you’re a beginner.
That’s why I recommend looking for chainsaws with tool-free tensioning systems, as they will allow the beginner user to easily adjust the saw chain to the task at hand without having to go through the trouble of using a wrench or a screwdriver to do it.
Convenient on/off Switch
I think looking for a chainsaw with a convenient on-off switch is another big recommendation.
This feature will allow beginners to easily start and turn off their chainsaws without going through the trouble of pulling a cord to start them, which is inconvenient and risky as it can easily flood the engine if not done correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequent questions asked about beginner chainsaws, and my attempt to answer most of them.
What is the most reliable chainsaw brand?
When choosing a reliable chainsaw, there are many things to consider, the brand being one of the most essential attributes.
If you asked me, these are the most reliable chainsaw brands nowadays:
- Husqvarna
- Greenworks
- Oregon
- Sun Joe
- Oregon
What makes a chainsaw hard to start?
If you’ve ever tried to start a chainsaw, you know how difficult it can be.
A faulty spark plug is the most common cause of chainsaw difficulty starting, and the fastest way to solve it is by contacting the manufacturer and replacing it.
Other common causes of difficulty starting chainsaws are stale fuel (when not used for more than 6 months), a dirty air filter that obstructs proper airflow to the engine, or a clogged carburetor.
