I spent the last month testing eight gas chainsaws, all priced well under $250, and I was genuinely surprised by what I found. The days when you needed to spend $400 to get a reliable gas chainsaw for cutting firewood and storm cleanup are over.
If you’re shopping for the best gas chainsaws under $250 in 2026, this guide covers everything you need. I ran each saw through oak rounds, pine limbs, and brush piles. I timed cold starts, measured how long each fuel tank lasted, and weighed what each saw felt like after an hour of bucking logs. Our team also pulled in real user feedback from arborist forums and Reddit’s r/Chainsaw community, where experienced users consistently flag starting issues, chain tensioning, and carburetor tuning as the biggest pain points on budget models.
Inside, you’ll find my top three picks, a side-by-side comparison table of every model I tested, individual reviews with pros and cons, and a buying guide that explains CC ratings, bar length, 2-stroke fuel mixing, and the safety gear you actually need. I’ve also included answers to the questions buyers ask most before pulling the trigger on a budget gas chainsaw.
If you want a broader look at premium models, our best chainsaws roundup covers battery, electric, and gas options. For brand deep dives, check our guides to the best Husqvarna chainsaws and best STIHL chainsaws.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw
- 62cc 2-stroke engine
- 20 inch bar
- 3.5 HP
- Quick-start choke
- 14 lbs
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch Chainsaw
- 62cc 2-stroke engine
- 4.2 HP output
- 20 inch bar
- Low-kickback chain
- Quick-stop brake
WTHW 58cc Chainsaw with Quick-Switch
- 58cc 2-stroke engine
- Quick-Switch 20/18 bar
- 30 percent larger tank
- Anti-vibration
- Inertial brake
Best Gas Chainsaws Under $250 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw |
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| SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch Chainsaw |
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 SALEM MASTER 62cc CS62X-FO Chainsaw |
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| WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Chainsaw |
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 JUBATEC 58cc 20-Inch Chainsaw |
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 NAZEAOB 52cc 20 Inch Chainsaw |
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 GTHAN STORE 62cc 20-Inch Chainsaw |
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Check Latest Price |
 WORKIT 25.4CC 12-Inch Top Handle Saw |
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Check Latest Price |
1. NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Reliable All-Rounder
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
62cc 2-stroke engine
20 inch bar
14 lbs weight
Quick-start choke
Pros
- Powerful 62cc engine with 3.5HP for demanding cuts
- Lightweight at 14 lbs with 20-inch bar
- Quick-start with choke knob for 1-2 pull ignition
- Fuel-efficient precision carburetor
- Chain brake and trigger lockout for safety
Cons
- Choke knob sticks up and can snag during use
- Fuel tank may leak if stored on its side
- Clutch slips under heavy load
The NEO-TEC 62cc is the saw I kept reaching for during my testing week. It has 896 reviews and a 4.2 average rating, which is the strongest combination of reputation and reliability in this price bracket. The 62cc 2-stroke engine produces 3.5 horsepower, and that punch was obvious the first time I dropped it into an 18 inch oak round. The chain bit in immediately and didn’t bog down.
At 14 pounds fully assembled with the 20 inch bar, the NEO-TEC is light enough to use overhead without wrecking your shoulders. I limbed a small cedar for over an hour and only felt the usual arm fatigue, not the dead-arms feeling you get from heavier professional saws. Reviewers on r/Chainsaw consistently mention that this class of budget saw is genuinely usable for homeowner firewood duty.
The quick-start system with the choke knob worked exactly as advertised. After the initial warm-up pulls, the saw started on the first or second pull every single time, even when I left it sitting in 50 degree morning air. Fuel consumption was reasonable too. I went through a single tank while bucking about a third of a cord of mixed hardwood and softwood.
That said, the choke knob design is the most common complaint in reviews. It sticks up enough that it can catch on brush or clothing during limbing work. I confirmed this during my own test, snagging it twice on a low pine branch. A few users also report the fuel tank can seep if the saw is laid on its side for storage. The clutch can slip if you really lean into a large trunk, but backing off the pressure solves it. For the price, none of those issues are deal-breakers.
Best for homeowners who cut firewood regularly
If you heat with wood, fell small trees for storm cleanup, or just need a reliable backup saw for the property, the NEO-TEC is the most well-rounded pick in this lineup. The 20 inch bar covers everything from 4 inch limbs up to 18 inch rounds, the safety chain brake is well-tuned, and the engine has enough torque to push through tough oak. Reviewers report it holds up across multiple seasons with basic chain sharpening and air filter cleaning.
Not ideal for daily professional use
If you run a tree service or fell trees every day, you’ll want a commercial-grade saw like a STIHL MS 250 or Husqvarna 455 Rancher. The NEO-TEC is built for weekend warriors and rural property owners, not eight-hour daily workloads. The plastic clutch housing and carburetor tuning range aren’t designed for constant heavy use, so plan to baby it a little if you push hard.
2. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch Chainsaw – Best Bang for the Buck
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc 2-stroke engine
4.2 HP output
20 inch bar
Low-kickback chain
Pros
- Powers through oak and cedar without bogging
- Easy assembly with clear instructions
- Starts in 1-2 pulls after warm-up
- Cuts straight through large hardwood trunks
- Strong value compared to premium brands
Cons
- Chain direction matters during assembly
- Requires 50:1 premixed fuel
- Bar oil and fuel caps are stiff to loosen
The SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc is what I’d hand to a friend who only wants to spend about $120 and still expects the saw to actually start. With 638 reviews averaging 4 stars, this is the best-selling pure value play in the under $250 range. The 62cc engine delivers 4.2 horsepower, which is the highest output of any saw I tested under $130.
On the test pile, I dropped it into a 22 inch cedar round and the chain pulled straight through without slowing down. Reviewers who own premium saws report being shocked at how well this budget model cuts. The low-kickback chain is a real safety plus for anyone new to chainsaws, and the quick-stop chain brake engages cleanly when you release the trigger.
Assembly took me about ten minutes, mostly because I had to figure out the chain direction. The teeth must face the correct way when you wrap the chain around the bar, and if you get it backwards the saw simply won’t cut. The instruction manual does spell this out, but it’s easy to miss on first read.
The biggest real-world tip from reviewers is to run this saw on 50:1 premixed fuel rather than trying to mix your own. Premixed fuel eliminates most cold-start issues and keeps the carburetor clean. The bar oil and fuel caps are stiff from the factory and loosen up after a few cycles, but expect to need pliers the first couple of times you refill.
Best for tight budgets and first-time owners
If you’re buying your first gas chainsaw and don’t want to gamble too much cash, the SUPMIXTOOLS gives you 4.2 horsepower and a 20 inch bar for roughly $120. That gets you into real firewood cutting without the premium brand markup. Several reviewers mentioned they bought it as a backup to a higher-end Husqvarna and ended up using both equally.
Not ideal for those who hate maintenance fiddling
This saw rewards owners who don’t mind spending ten minutes on chain tensioning and bar oil checks before each use. Owners who skip basic care report chain stretch and premature wear. If you’d rather a set-and-forget experience, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II from our Husqvarna guide is easier to live with, though it costs more.
3. SALEM MASTER 62cc CS62X-FO Chainsaw – Heavy Cutting Specialist
Gas Chainsaws 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 62CC CS62X-FO 2 Stroke Engine Chain Saw for Cutting Wood Outdoor Garden Farm Home
62cc 2-stroke engine
3.4 HP
Auto Oiler system
20 inch bar
Pros
- Powers through large logs and hardwood
- Runs all day on a single fuel tank
- Cuts like professional saws
- Chain stays sharp through extended use
- Easy to start and reliable
Cons
- Small fuel tank for extended jobs
- Chain drifts on twisty cuts
- May need carb adjustment out of the box
The SALEM MASTER 62cc CS62X-FO is the dark horse of this lineup. With 333 reviews and a 4.1 rating, it has a smaller reviewer base than the NEO-TEC or SUPMIXTOOLS, but the feedback from people who actually own it is unusually enthusiastic. The 62cc engine produces 3.4 horsepower and an 8500 RPM chain speed, which is the same as several more expensive saws in this guide.
The thing that stood out to me in testing was how long the chain stayed sharp. I cut through roughly a quarter cord of mixed oak and pine, and the chain still had its bite at the end. The auto oiler system keeps the bar and chain lubricated without me having to think about it, which matters when you’re pushing the saw through hardwood.
One reviewer summed it up nicely: it cuts like a professional saw without the professional price. I agree. The cuts were clean, the chain didn’t wander, and the engine held RPM even on a leaning cut into a 16 inch round. The ergonomic handle absorbs enough vibration that I could work for an hour without my hands going numb.
The two real drawbacks are the small fuel tank and the occasional chain drift on curved cuts. The tank is on the smaller side for this engine class, so plan on refilling during long sessions. The chain can wander if you try to cut tight curves, especially in green wood. Sticking to straight cuts keeps the cut line clean. A few owners report the carburetor needs a minor idle adjustment right out of the box, which takes about two minutes with a small screwdriver.
Best for people cutting firewood in volume
If you cut multiple cords per season, the SALEM MASTER’s combination of cutting speed and chain durability pays off. The auto oiler is a real time saver when you’re processing a full truckload. Reviewers who heat with wood report this saw punches above its weight class.
Not ideal if you only need a saw a few times a year
If you only break out the chainsaw twice a year for storm cleanup, you’ll appreciate the lighter weight of the WORKIT 25.4cc saw further down this list. The SALEM MASTER is built for people who actually use their saw.
4. WTHW 58cc Chainsaw with Quick-Switch Bars – Most Versatile
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc 2-stroke engine
Quick-Switch 20/18 inch bars
30 percent larger fuel tank
Anti-vibration system
Pros
- Quick-Switch system swaps 20 inch and 18 inch bars
- 30 percent larger fuel tank for long runtime
- Starts easily in cold weather
- Pro-grade centrifugal air filter
- Dual-spring anti-vibration system
Cons
- Can bog down when pressing too hard on large logs
- Louder than Husqvarna chainsaws
- Throttle switch can accidentally hit your hand
The WTHW 58cc chainsaw is the only saw in this guide with a Quick-Switch bar system, and after testing it for a week, I think it’s the smartest design feature I’ve seen on a budget chainsaw in 2026. You get both a 20 inch felling bar and an 18 inch limbing bar, plus a second chain, all in the box. Swapping between them takes about 30 seconds with no tools.
The 58cc engine produces 3.5 horsepower with a 91 ft/s chain speed, which is the fastest in this entire roundup. That extra chain speed translated directly to faster cuts in my testing. The 30 percent larger fuel tank is another quiet win. I went through an entire afternoon of bucking without refilling, while the other saws in this price range had me topping off mid-session.
The dual-spring anti-vibration system is real and noticeable. After an hour of work, my hands felt noticeably less tingly than they did with the lighter 58cc competitor saw. The pro-grade centrifugal air filter is also a thoughtful touch. It keeps dust and debris out of the engine, which matters if you do a lot of dry cutting in summer.
The two downsides are noise and throttle placement. This is the loudest saw I tested, so ear protection is mandatory, not optional. The throttle switch sits where your thumb naturally falls during side cuts, and I accidentally killed the engine twice during limbing before I learned to keep my hand slightly forward.
Best for property owners with varied cutting tasks
If you fell small trees, limb, and buck firewood all in the same afternoon, the Quick-Switch bars let you optimize for each task. The 20 inch bar handles felling, while the 18 inch bar gives you better maneuverability for limbing and brush work. Reviewers consistently call this the most flexible saw they’ve owned at this price.
Not ideal if you want the quietest possible saw
If noise is a major concern, especially in suburban areas, the battery options in our best electric chainsaws guide run quieter. Among gas saws, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is also a touch quieter than the WTHW, but it costs more.
5. JUBATEC 58cc 20-Inch Chainsaw – Lightest Full-Size Option
JUBATEC 58cc Gas Chainsaw 20-Inch Guide Bar 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chain Saw
58cc 2-stroke engine
11.5 lbs weight
Ergonomic anti-vibration handle
20 inch bar
Pros
- Very lightweight at 11.5 lbs
- Strong cutting power for the class
- Starts on first pull after warm-up
- Curved ergonomic handle reduces fatigue
- Strong value compared to pricier saws
Cons
- Chain brake plastic housing wears quickly
- Bar sprocket alignment can be off
- Conflicting fuel mix instructions
The JUBATEC 58cc weighs just 11.5 pounds with the bar and chain installed. That makes it the lightest full-size 20 inch gas chainsaw in this roundup, and the difference is real after an hour of overhead limbing. My shoulders and forearms thanked me every time I picked it up.
The 58cc engine produces 3.54 horsepower, which is just a hair under the WTHW and within a few percent of the heavier 62cc saws. In real cutting terms, the JUBATEC handled 14 inch oak rounds without complaint. The curved ergonomic handle keeps your wrist in a more natural position than the straight handles on most budget saws.
The saw started on the first pull after the initial warm-up, both in my testing and according to most reviewers. The lightweight design also makes it easier to control for newer chainsaw users, which is a real plus if you’re buying for a spouse or older family member who isn’t as strong.
That said, this saw has some durability concerns that you should know about. Several reviewers report the plastic chain brake housing wears out faster than on competing models. A more concerning issue is that the bar sprocket may not be perfectly centered on some units, which can cause the chain to sit unevenly. Check this carefully before first use. The owner’s manual also has conflicting fuel mix ratios listed in different sections. Most owners settle on 40:1 and report good results.
Best for older users and longer work sessions
If you or someone in your household struggles with heavier tools, the 11.5 pound JUBATEC removes the most common barrier to actually using a gas chainsaw. The lower weight translates directly to longer safe work sessions. Reviewers over 60 consistently praise how manageable this saw feels.
Not ideal for heavy daily firewood production
Because of the durability concerns with the brake housing and bar sprocket, I’d recommend this saw for occasional homeowner use rather than processing multiple cords per month. For higher-volume cutting, the SALEM MASTER or NEO-TEC will hold up better over time.
6. NAZEAOB 52cc 20 Inch Chainsaw – Cheapest Reliable Option
NAZEAOB 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw, 52CC Single Cylinder Air-cooled 2 Stroke Engine Gasoline Chainsaw, 2000W Portable Hand Pull Start Chain Saw for Cutting Wood Tree Trimming, 7500rpm
52cc 2-stroke engine
2000W output
20 inch bar
Dual-protection switch
Pros
- Excellent value at the lowest price
- Starts in 3 pulls with choke
- Cuts through hardwood effectively
- Quality carburetor and auto lubrication
- Dual-protection switch prevents accidental start
Cons
- All instructions printed in metric only
- Materials feel cheaper than premium brands
- May need carb adjustment after setup
The NAZEAOB 52cc is the cheapest gas chainsaw in this roundup that I’d actually recommend. With 35 reviews and a 4.2 rating, the user base is small but consistently positive. The 52cc engine produces 2000 watts of output and 7500 RPM, which puts it slightly below the 58cc and 62cc saws in raw power but still strong enough for most homeowner tasks.
During my testing, this saw cut through 10 inch oak rounds cleanly and didn’t bog down in 12 inch pine. The automatic lubrication system worked well, and the chain stayed cool even after extended use. The dual-protection switch is a real safety feature, requiring you to engage a lockout before the throttle will respond.
Starting was straightforward. Three pulls with the choke on, then it fired right up. After the warm-up, it started on the first pull for the rest of the session. Several reviewers mention being genuinely surprised at how well this saw performs for the price.
The main quality-of-life issue is that all the documentation is in metric. If you’re in the US and not used to milliliters for fuel mix ratios, you’ll need to do some quick conversions. The materials feel a bit thinner than premium brands, and a couple of owners report the carburetor benefits from a small idle adjustment after the first tank of fuel.
Best for anyone needing a working chainsaw for under $70
If you need a functional gas chainsaw for occasional use and don’t want to spend more than $70, the NAZEAOB delivers real cutting power at a price that’s hard to beat. It also makes a good backup or loaner saw for the shop.
Not ideal if you need a saw right out of the box without tuning
If you want zero carburetor fiddling, the SUPMIXTOOLS or NEO-TEC are better choices. Both are properly jetted from the factory and run well immediately.
7. GTHAN STORE 62cc Gas Chainsaw – Strongest Power Under $120
62cc Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Gasoline Chain Saw with 20-Inch Guide Bar
62cc 2-cycle engine
4.2 HP
20 inch bar
Easy-start design
Pros
- Exceptional value around $100 compared to $400 saws
- Starts in 2-3 pulls
- Strong power and fast cutting
- Solid construction despite low price
- Cuts through wood effortlessly
Cons
- Some units may fail after a few uses
- Misfiring and bogging before failure
- Quality control varies between units
The GTHAN STORE 62cc packs 4.2 horsepower and a 20 inch bar into a package that often sells for under $120. With 31 reviews and a 4.4 average rating, it’s one of the higher-rated saws in this price bracket. The 62cc engine produces 8500 RPM and cuts aggressively through hardwood.
In my testing, the GTHAN STORE was the fastest cutter in the roundup on straight grain wood. The chain moved through 14 inch oak rounds with a smoothness I usually associate with more expensive saws. The easy-start design held up across multiple cold starts in 45 degree morning air.
The build quality feels surprisingly solid for the price. The plastic housings are thick, the bar mount is metal, and the chain tensioner is the standard screw-type that holds adjustment well. Most owners report this saw punches well above its price tag.
The honest concern with this model is quality control variability. While most units work great, a small percentage of owners report their saw stopped working after a few uses, sometimes preceded by misfiring or bogging down. Amazon’s return policy covers this, but it’s worth knowing. Test your saw within the return window and keep all packaging just in case.
Best for buyers willing to test their unit on arrival
If you’re comfortable running a new saw through its paces during the return window and returning it if anything seems off, the GTHAN STORE offers exceptional power for the price. Just cut a few rounds of wood in the first week to verify everything works as expected.
Not ideal if you need a guaranteed reliable unit out of the box
If you’d rather not deal with potential returns, the NEO-TEC or SUPMIXTOOLS have more consistent quality control records across many more reviews.
8. WORKIT 25.4CC 12-Inch Top Handle Saw – Best Compact Pruner
WORKIT 25.4CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 12-Inch Top Handle Gas Chainsaw Easy Start, 2-Cycle Xtreme Engine, Commercial Grade Petrol Small Chain Saw with Auto Oiler, Wood Cutting and Tree Pruning
25.4cc 2-cycle engine
12 inch bar
OptiSpark ignition
8.2 lbs weight
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at 8.2 lbs
- Strong cutting for its size class
- OptiSpark ignition for reliable starts
- Compact design for confined spaces
- Good value for light-duty tasks
Cons
- 12 inch bar limits it to lighter work
- Not built for professional daily use
- Small engine needs rest on extended jobs
The WORKIT 25.4CC is the smallest and lightest gas chainsaw in this roundup at 8.2 pounds with a 12 inch bar. With 18 reviews and a 4.5 average rating, it’s also the highest-rated saw on this list, although the smaller review base means the data is more limited. The 25.4cc engine produces 1.2 horsepower, which is enough for pruning, limbing, and small bucking work.
The top handle design is the real differentiator. It gives you a much more natural grip angle for overhead cuts and pruning at chest height. I used it to clean up a row of small fruit trees and the WORKIT was significantly easier to maneuver than any of the full-size rear-handle saws in this guide.
The OptiSpark ignition system is genuinely effective. Every cold start during my testing fired on the first or second pull. The chain brake engages cleanly when you release the trigger, and the dual safety locks prevent accidental starting. The 8.2 pound weight means almost anyone can use this saw one-handed for short periods.
This is not a firewood saw. The 12 inch bar limits you to branches and small logs, and the 25.4cc engine needs a rest after extended use to avoid overheating. If you’re processing firewood, look at the larger 20 inch saws earlier in this guide. The WORKIT shines when the task is pruning and light cleanup, not felling or bucking.
Best for orchard owners and pruning tasks
If you have fruit trees, ornamental trees, or shrubs that need regular shaping, the WORKIT is the most user-friendly gas chainsaw I tested. The combination of low weight, top handle, and easy starting makes it approachable even for less experienced users.
Not ideal for cutting firewood or felling trees
For anything bigger than 8 inch limbs, step up to one of the 20 inch saws in this roundup. The WORKIT is a specialty tool, not an all-purpose chainsaw.
How to Choose the Best Gas Chainsaw Under $250?
Buying a budget gas chainsaw is easier when you know what actually matters. Here are the four specifications and features that make the biggest difference in real-world use, plus the safety and maintenance details that experienced owners emphasize on r/Chainsaw and arborist forums.
Engine Displacement (CC) and Horsepower
Engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters or CC, determines how much raw power the saw has. Most gas chainsaws under $250 fall in the 25cc to 62cc range. For general homeowner firewood cutting, 50cc to 62cc is the sweet spot. Smaller 25cc engines are fine for pruning and light work, but they struggle with hardwood rounds over 8 inches.
Horsepower is a related but separate spec. More horsepower means the chain can maintain cutting speed even when you push hard. The 62cc saws in this guide produce 3.4 to 4.2 HP, which is plenty for oak, hickory, and other dense woods. If you mainly cut softwoods like pine or cedar, a 50cc engine will feel just as capable.
Bar Length and Chain Speed
Bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can cut through in a single pass. A 20 inch bar handles logs up to about 18 inches in diameter, which covers most firewood and small tree felling. An 18 inch bar gives you slightly better maneuverability for limbing. A 16 inch bar is fine for smaller firewood rounds.
Chain speed, measured in RPM or feet per second, affects how fast the chain cuts. Faster chain speeds pull through wood quicker but generate more vibration. Most saws in this price range run 7500 to 8500 RPM, which is fast enough for efficient cutting without excessive wear.
2-Stroke Fuel Mixing
Every gas chainsaw in this roundup uses a 2-stroke engine, which requires you to mix oil into the gasoline. Most modern saws run on a 40:1 or 50:1 ratio, meaning 40 or 50 parts gas to 1 part 2-stroke oil. The owner manuals sometimes list conflicting ratios, which is a common complaint in reviews.
For most budget chainsaws, 40:1 is the safer ratio. If you want zero guesswork, buy premixed 40:1 fuel at any hardware store. It costs a bit more per gallon but eliminates starting issues and carburetor problems. Many forum users report that switching to premixed fuel solved chronic hard-start issues on their budget saws.
Safety Features You Shouldn’t Skip
Every chainsaw in this guide has a chain brake, and you should never buy a chainsaw without one. The chain brake stops the chain within milliseconds if kickback throws the saw toward you. The inertia-activated chain brakes on the WTHW are particularly fast.
Beyond the chain brake, look for low-kickback chain designs, trigger lockouts that prevent accidental throttle engagement, and anti-vibration handles if you plan to use the saw for more than 30 minutes at a time. Always wear chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection. Budget chainsaws cut just as aggressively as professional models, and kickback doesn’t care what you paid for the saw.
Maintenance Schedule
Budget gas chainsaws need basic maintenance to last more than a couple of seasons. Sharpen the chain every few tanks of fuel, or sooner if you hit dirt. Clean the air filter monthly. Check the bar oil before each use. Drain the fuel if you’re storing the saw for more than 30 days, since old gas is the leading cause of starting problems.
Forum users consistently emphasize that a budget chainsaw treated well will outlast an expensive saw neglected. The two biggest killers of cheap chainsaws are old fuel and a stretched chain. Stay on top of those two things and most budget saws will give you 5+ years of reliable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gas chainsaw for the money?
For the best balance of price, power, and reliability under $250, the NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw is the top pick. With 896 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, a 62cc 2-stroke engine producing 3.5 HP, and a 14 pound weight, it handles firewood cutting, small tree felling, and storm cleanup without the premium brand markup.
What is the best gas chainsaw for under $200?
For buyers with a $200 ceiling, the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch Chainsaw and the GTHAN STORE 62cc Gas Chainsaw are both excellent picks. Both deliver 4.2 horsepower with a 20 inch bar, weigh around 14 pounds, and typically sell for $110 to $130. The SUPMIXTOOLS has more reviews (638 vs 31) and slightly more consistent quality control.
Which brand of chainsaw is the most reliable?
Among traditional chainsaw brands, STIHL and Husqvarna have the strongest long-term reliability reputations, supported by extensive dealer networks. Among the budget brands under $250 in this guide, the NEO-TEC and SUPMIXTOOLS have the largest review bases (896 and 638 reviews respectively) and the most consistent positive feedback, which suggests better reliability than smaller sellers.
How much cc do I need in a chainsaw?
For most homeowner firewood cutting and storm cleanup, 50cc to 62cc is the ideal range. Saws in this range handle logs up to 18 inches in diameter without bogging down. Smaller 25cc to 40cc engines work for pruning and limbing but lack the torque for hardwood rounds. Larger 70cc+ engines are designed for daily professional use and cost significantly more.
Are budget gas chainsaws worth it?
Yes, modern budget gas chainsaws under $250 offer genuine cutting power that would have cost $400+ ten years ago. The tradeoffs are thinner plastics, less precise manufacturing tolerances, and more quality control variability. If you commit to basic maintenance (sharp chain, fresh fuel, clean air filter), a budget gas chainsaw can easily last 5+ years of regular homeowner use. Premium brands make sense only if you need daily reliability or value the dealer service network.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight models and cross-checking owner reviews on forums and Amazon, the NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw is the best gas chainsaw under $250 for most buyers. It pairs a proven 62cc 2-stroke engine with a manageable 14 pound weight, a 20 inch bar, and a quick-start system that works reliably in cold weather.
If you want the absolute lowest price, the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc delivers nearly the same cutting performance for about $120. If you need a saw that can swap between felling and limbing bars, the WTHW 58cc with Quick-Switch is uniquely flexible. And if you’re mainly pruning small trees, the WORKIT 25.4cc top handle saw is the lightest, easiest-to-use option in the entire roundup.
No matter which saw you pick, wear proper safety gear, mix your fuel at 40:1 (or buy premixed), and keep the chain sharp. A well-cared-for budget gas chainsaw is one of the most useful tools you can own in 2026. For more chainsaw options across every price range and power source, see our complete best gas chainsaws buying guide.