Chainsaws under 200 dollars have their share of purposes, whether it is to cut down small trees or limbs of larger trees. These chainsaws prove that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a machine to cut wood. If you’re fed up with using a hand saw or axe, a chainsaw that is cheap can still be rather effortless and time-saving.
In this review, you will see a total of seven great chainsaws that are 200 dollars or less. You won’t see names like DeWalt or Milwaukee on this page, but you will see other reliable brands like Worx, Black + Decker, and Ryobi. Each chainsaw has its share of great features as well as one or two things that they need to improve on. We will then decide which one is the chainsaw to buy when all is said and done.
Best Chainsaws Under 200 – Comparison
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 |
| Check Price |
 | Worx 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric |
| Check Price |
 | WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw |
| Check Price |
Things To Consider
Not all chainsaws under 200 dollars are the same, and there are many characteristics that set them all apart. Here are all the things to look for when buying a chainsaw under 200 dollars.
Source Of Power
Chainsaws, as you may guess, get their power in one of two ways: From either gasoline or electricity. Both power sources have advantages and disadvantages over the other.
For the best combination of power and mobility, a gas-powered chainsaw is a type you would want to buy. With gasoline, you can use the chainsaw just about anywhere. The limit to using a gas-powered chainsaw is that you have to refill the chainsaw with more gas from time to time, and this gas can cost money.
Battery operated chainsaws are powered by a lithium-ion battery over gasoline. These batteries are rechargeable, so the appeal is that you won’t have to spend money on more power like you would a gas-powered chainsaw. The one nitpicks that people have is that they are not as powerful as a gas-powered chainsaw.
There is also a corded chainsaw. It can bring power like a gas-powered chainsaw, and you still don’t have to pay to use more power. A corded chainsaw can run indefinitely. The disadvantage, though is mobility. You cannot use the chainsaw just anywhere.
Here is a concise summary of what each chainsaw type can and cannot do:
- Gas-powered chainsaws have mobility and power, but cost money to keep running.
- Cordless chainsaws run on free energy and have mobility, but lack power.
- Corded chainsaws have power and run on free energy, but lack mobility.
To determine which type of chainsaw you need, think about what kind of projects you plan to use with this chainsaw, in addition to where you might take it. The type of chainsaw is usually the most important factor when looking for a new one to buy.
Chain Speed
There is more to a chainsaw’s chain than rather just being aggressively fast. Of course, a chainsaw needs to have its chain moves fast enough for the tree to be cut at a decent pace, but control is also important. When dealing with trees and tree limbs, it is important to have a sense of control so that you can feel the tree or limb come loose and can anticipate when it is going to fall so that you can be ready for it.
With that said, some chainsaws have variable speed control, while others just run at a fixed speed. Variable speed control allows you to cut as fast as you want so that you can prioritize either speed or control.
Tooth Shape
Chainsaw chains have teeth that come in a variety of shapes to help the chainsaw cut through wood better. There are four types of chains for chainsaws: full chisel chains, semi chisel chains, and low-profile chains.
Full chisel chains have square teeth and are made to split wood fibers with ease. It’s the basic type of chain that works to cut nice, soft and ordinary wood.
Semi chisel chains have rounded teeth, and while they take longer to cut wood, they work better to cut harder wood in comparison.
Low-profile chains are short teeth that have safety spacers in each gap. These chains are for beginners who don’t have much experience with chainsaws, so rarely will you come by this type of saw in a commercial setting. Low-profile chains are more common, for instance, in trade schools, where students can learn how to use a chainsaw for the first time.
When it comes down to it, you will most likely want a full chisel chain and have a semi-chisel chain for rougher trees. If you have not yet used a chainsaw before, we recommend getting training from either a class that teaches chainsaws or from somebody that is experienced with them.
What Should I Wear When Using My Chainsaw?
The right equipment is necessary for using any type of power tool, let alone a chainsaw. Here are all the pieces of equipment that you need to be ready for using a chainsaw.
To prevent your legs from getting cut, get some cut-resistant pants or chaps. To protect your hands, wear rugged work gloves with strong gripping surfaces.
A hard hat is not always required for making cuts below the waist, but they are necessary for above the waist. Cutting overhead is risky and you need proper head protection so that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Safety glasses or goggles are always mandatory so that you won’t get any debris or sawdust in your eyes.
Chainsaws are unbelievably loud, so ear muffs or plugs are also needed.
Last but not least, steel-toed boots can protect your feet, and ones with non-slip soles can keep you from slipping and falling while preventing a possible accident from happening.
7 Best Chainsaws Under 200 – Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion
This first chainsaw is by Black + Decker. They are well known for making home improvements products for the everyday homeowner rather than the ambitious, daily worker. This chainsaw is burnt orange in color and is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
This chainsaw weighs just seven pounds, making it the lightest chainsaw in this review. Carrying and holding it will be no challenge to you. The handle is also very easy to grip, so there should be zero pressure on you when using this chainsaw.
The 20-volt max lithium ion battery touts a long life before needing to be recharged. Lithium-ion is supposed to be a more powerful and efficient type of battery compared to traditional batteries.
You can make adjustments quickly and easily with the tool-free tensioning system. If the chain is starting to come undone, you can easily make a tweak to get it back to 100 percent.
The warranty on this chainsaw is few years long. You have two years to check to see if anything is wrong with this chainsaw that the manufacturer might have done in the factory.
The biggest flaw to this chainsaw is the stubby bar. It’s only 10 inches in length. While cutting limbs and branches can be fairly easy, cutting down thicker trees is a different story.
- Has easy chain tensioning.
- Is lightweight.
- Comes with a two-year warranty.
- Has a short chain bar for cutting.
2. Worx 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
This first Worx chainsaw is black and orange in color. It is an affordable model and sports 14.5 amps of power. This chainsaw runs on batteries, but none are included.
This chainsaw is very light in weight. It weighs just 11 pounds, which is less than a pro bowler’s bowling ball. It’s easy to hold, carry and use, without it bogging or slowing you down.
The chain on this chainsaw manages to tension itself so that for over hundreds of uses, it will still be good to use without coming undone.
Also featured is automatic oil lubrication. The chain never dries while in use, so it will still perform well without you having to do anything. With the purchase of this chainsaw, you get a few-year warranty. This isn’t bad for the price that you would pay for it.
The caveat to this chainsaw is that this is just a bare tool, so it does not include a charger or battery pack. If you already own a Worx battery pack, then great. If not, then you will have to buy one, which can cost up to 50 dollars more. You might think buying this chainsaw is a good deal until you have to buy a battery as well.
- Is affordable.
- Has a quick-stop feature.
- Can lubricate on its own.
- Comes with a three-year warranty.
- Is lightweight.
- Battery and charger not included.
3. WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4
This second chainsaw from Worx is also very affordable. Compared to the other Worx chainsaw, this one has half of an amp more power, with 15 amp. This chainsaw is a battery-operated version and is also orange and black in color. They are both similar, but the only two differences are the amp power and the color of the teeth.
This chainsaw is very light in weight. It weighs just 11 pounds, which is less than a pro bowler’s bowling ball. It’s easy to hold, carry and use, without it bogging or slowing you down.
The chain on this chainsaw manages to tension itself so that for over hundreds of uses, it will still be good to use without coming undone.
Also featured is automatic oil lubrication. The chain never dries while in use, so it will still perform well without you having to do anything. With the purchase of this chainsaw, you get a few-year warranty. This isn’t bad for the price that you would pay for it.
The caveat to this chainsaw is that this is just a bare tool, so it does not include a charger or battery pack. If you already own a Worx battery pack, then great. If not, then you will have to buy one, which can cost up to 50 dollars more. You might think buying this chainsaw is a good deal until you have to buy a battery as well.
- Is affordable.
- Has a quick-stop feature.
- Can lubricate on its own.
- Comes with a few-year warranty.
- Is lightweight.
- Battery and charger not included
4. Oregon 603352 Corded Chainsaw
Oregon brings up this grey and the black chainsaw that is powered via an electrical cord. It can cut to its full potential, but it will be limited with its lack of mobility.
This chainsaw has low vibration, and you won’t feel any rough shaking. The handle has a smooth, comfortable, and ergonomic design that will make it more enjoyable.
This chainsaw features Powersharp, which is a unique “self-sharpening” system. We assume this means that the chainstays sharp. There is a quick stop feature, that allows the chain to break once you turn the chainsaw off. This is so that the chain stops moving as soon as possible.
There is also a tool-free chain tensioning system so that you can easily adjust the chain if it ever starts to come undone. With the purchase of this chainsaw, you get a few-year consumer warranty. With this warranty, you can be eligible for a free replacement if you find something wrong with this product.
The problem with this chainsaw is that the chain comes off. If it pops off aggressively, then it may not ever be placed back on; rendering the chainsaw useless. We recommend that you do not take your chances, and unfortunately, this kind of incident is not included in the warranty.
- Comes with a few-year warranty.
- Has a quick-stop feature.
- Can lubricate on its own.
- Has easy chain tensioning.
- The chain has a chance of breaking off.
5. Remington RM4216 Rebel 42cc 2-cycle
This next chainsaw under 200 dollars comes to us from Remington. This chainsaw comes in a black and orange color, and include a smooth, matte finish. This is another gas-powered chainsaw.
This chainsaw includes a five-point anti-vibration system that allows you to handle the product as steadily as possible. The vibrations are further addressed with a cushion-wrapped handle to be sure that the handle feels as gentle as can be when you use your chainsaw.
There is also a nice carrying case that is included with this chainsaw, which not a lot of chainsaws come with, under or over 200 dollars.
The engine is supportive with 42 cc of power and low kickback. The automatic oiler ensures that the chain is well lubricated and doesn’t slow down during the toughest jobs. The quick start technology also makes this chainsaw easy to start without taking up too much time to get the tool started.
The warranty with the purchase of this chainsaw lasts for a few years. You have 24 months after purchase to make sure that this product is in working condition.
Truth be told, this is a chainsaw that requires more effort to cut than usual. That is because the chain is impossible to stay straight. With a crooked chain, the cut isn’t as effective, and therefore, you will be spending more time trying to cut even the smallest of branches.
- Has an anti-vibration feature.
- Has a quick-start feature.
- Can lubricate on its own.
- Cannot cut straight.
6. Blue Max 6595 18-Inch 45cc 2-Stroke
Blue Max is not a brand that all workers have heard of before, but that isn’t to say that they are not worth a try. This chainsaw of theirs comes in a cool blue shell.
This chainsaw is powered by a 45-cc single cylinder. The chain spins at 2800 RPM with no loading speed. To top it off, it features a CDI ignition. Gas is the source of power for this chainsaw.
The auto-oiler is what keeps the bar well oiled so that the chain does not dry up. There is no work you need to do on your end to keep the chain lubricated, which is good.
The quick stop feature on this chainsaw allows you to instantly stop the chainsaw so that the chain stops moving as quickly as possible.
The anti-vibration handle is another interesting feature, preventing your hands from receiving force and stress from the motor that shakes when you are in the middle of using this chainsaw. You will feel a vibration, but it is very gentle.
With the purchase of this chainsaw, you will receive a limited-year warranty. Within one calendar year, you can exchange this chainsaw for a new one in the event that you notice a manufacturer defect.
Fro a glance, this may look like a quality chainsaw, but we have noticed that the parts might as well be held together with Elmer’s school glue. Teeth, buttons, knobs, springs, they can all come undone, which is certainly not what you want a chainsaw to do.
- Has a high RPM.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
- Has an anti-vibration feature.
- Has a quick-stop feature.
- Can lubricate on its own.
- Is made of questionable quality.
7. Ryobi P546 10 in. ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium
Last but not certainly least, we have a lithium-ion chainsaw from Ryobi. This company doesn’t necessarily make power tools for the most dedicated of workers, but rather for the everyday man that occasionally needs work done. This chainsaw is black and neon yellow in color. No battery or charger is included with the purchase of this chainsaw.
What is included with this saw is a push-button oiler. This feature allows for lubrication of the chain so that you can prolong the life of the product overall.
You can make easy adjustments with the side chain tensioning, so in case that if by chance the chain were to come undone, you can easily make adjustments without taking a lot of effort. Just be sure that the chainsaw is off, first, of course.
So long as you buy this chainsaw from an official seller and not from a 3rd party site, you will receive a few-year warranty. If by chance something goes wrong with this saw within three years, you could be eligible for a free replacement.
The one flaw that this chainsaw has, however, is that the chainsaw gets dry rather quickly. This means that you need to lubricate it every minute or so that it can perform its best. You likely won’t be thrilled with having to do this when you are craving to cut trees or limbs as quickly as possible.
- Has a push-button oiler.
- Has easy chain tensioning.
- Is affordable.
- Needs to be lubricated often.
Final Verdict:
We declare the best chainsaw under 200 dollars to be the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 20V Max Lithium-Ion Chainsaw.
In such a scenario where be review more than one type of chainsaw, we would typically recommend a gas-powered chainsaw because they tend to perform better. But because the gas-powered chainsaws have such uncertainty to them, we have chosen the Black + Decker due to its craftsmanship.
This is an affordable, light and efficient chainsaw that we have enjoyed using from start to finish. It clearly has the quality you would expect from this company, in addition to all of the features that any reliable chainsaw would have, such as chain tensioning.
The one flaw that it has is that the bar just isn’t long enough. Having a longer bar makes it easier for people to cut down large trees, but this chainsaw can still do such thing; it just requires more time and patience. This is a good and impressive chainsaw to buy unless you need to cut down a redwood.
The Ryobi P546 10 in. ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium+ Cordless Chainsaw is another great chainsaw that we consider our runner-up. It is another Lithium-Ion Chainsaw, but the lubrication needs to be done manually and must be done often.
