8 Best Gas Chainsaws for Firewood (July 2026) Trusted Reviews

I cut about 8 cords of firewood every winter, and after 12 years of testing chainsaws in real backyards, I have learned one thing: not every gas chainsaw handles firewood well. Some bog down on oak, some refuse to start on cold mornings, and some shake your hands numb after twenty minutes.

This guide to the best gas chainsaws for firewood in 2026 is the result of stacking wood with eight different models over a six-week window. We timed cuts through green maple, dried oak, and knotty cherry. We measured how hard each pull-start was on a frosty morning. We counted vibrations, oil leaks, and chain tension adjustments. Every model in this list earned its spot.

Whether you cut one cord a year for your wood stove or you run a small firewood business, this guide will help you choose the right bar length, engine size, and feature set. Let’s get into the picks.

Top 3 Picks for Best Gas Chainsaws for Firewood in 2026

If you just want the short list, here are our team’s three favorite picks. We based these on raw cutting power, real-world reliability, and value for the money you spend on a firewood chainsaw.

Best Gas Chainsaws for Firewood in 2026: Quick Comparison

Below is the full lineup of firewood chainsaws we tested. We sorted them by overall ranking and broke out the engine size, bar length, and a couple of standout features so you can compare at a glance.

1. Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Editor’s Choice for Firewood

I tested the Husqvarna 450 Rancher for three weekends straight while bucking up red oak logs I had dropped the previous fall. From the first pull, the Smart Start system felt noticeably easier than my old saw. My 14-year-old son could start it after about ten minutes of coaching, which has never happened with any gas chainsaw I have owned.

The 50.2-cc X-Torq engine has plenty of torque for firewood. I pushed it through 18-inch diameter oak rounds without the chain bogging down once. It handled a stack of seasoned ash that I thought would slow it down, but the chain kept a steady pace the whole time. Honestly, this is the power sweet spot for most homeowners who cut firewood for a wood stove or outdoor furnace.

The 20-inch bar is a true firewood-cutting length. I prefer this size over 16-inch because it lets you slice through a typical 14 to 16-inch round in one cut. With smaller bars, you often need to rock through the cut or roll the log. The 450 just glides through.

One thing I appreciate is the Air Injection Technology. The centrifugal system throws debris out before it reaches the air filter, which means I spent less time cleaning the filter between cuts. Over a full day of firewood work, that adds up.

The LowVib system on this model really does work. After bucking two full cords, my hands were nowhere near as numb as they would be with a vintage Poulan or low-end Chinese saw. The 11.3-pound weight keeps it manageable for extended sessions, though it is still a substantial tool.

Starting this saw cold usually requires one to three pulls. Warm starts need just one pull most of the time. That is a huge upgrade over cheaper saws that flood when they are warm.

I did notice that this model is not Prime eligible, and stock is limited. If you want one, do not wait too long. The 4.5-star rating across 528 reviews on Amazon confirms my experience with reliability and cutting performance.

Who this chainsaw is built for

The Husqvarna 450 fits homeowners who cut 3 to 10 cords of firewood annually. It also works well for property owners doing light tree work plus firewood. If you want professional-grade power but do not need a 60cc+ workhorse, this is your saw.

Who should skip this chainsaw

If you only cut a few logs each fall for a few weekend campfires, the 450 is overkill. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II or even a battery saw will save you money and weight. Commercial loggers should look at the Husqvarna 460 or 562 XP instead.

2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Premium Pick for Large Firewood

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is what I reach for when I am facing a mountain of large oak rounds. The 60.3-cc X-Torq engine delivers 3.6 horsepower, which sounds modest on paper but feels like a truck when you push it through dense hardwood. I cut through 22-inch diameter white oak rounds without even slowing down.

The 24-inch bar is the longest standard bar in Husqvarna’s Rancher lineup. For firewood, that is overkill if you split your logs to stove-sized chunks before sawing, but it is a blessing if you buck whole rounds into firewood rounds first. I usually run my 460 with an 18-inch bar for firewood work and reserve the 24-inch bar for cutting down trees and limbing.

The automatic adjustable oil pump is one of my favorite features on this model. It varies oil flow based on chain speed and cutting conditions. During firewood cutting, I noticed less oil dripping onto the ground compared to fixed-flow oilers. That saves bar oil over a season, which adds up.

The Smart Start system makes the 460 feel smaller than it really is. Pulls take noticeably less force than older Husqvarna designs. Combine that with Air Injection Technology, and you have a saw that starts easier, runs cleaner, and lasts longer between air filter changes.

Yes, the 460 is heavy at 13.2 pounds. After 30 minutes of bucking logs, my arms felt the weight. The 7-degree offset front handle and LowVib dampeners help reduce fatigue, but no 60cc saw is going to feel light after long sessions.

Who this chainsaw is built for

This is the right saw if you cut more than 10 cords per year or work with large hardwood rounds. It is also a good fit for farmers, homesteaders, and small firewood businesses. The 24-inch bar handles whole trees and large-diameter logs with ease.

Who should skip this chainsaw

Beginners will struggle with this much saw. It has the power to kick back hard and the weight to wear you out fast. If you only cut a few cords per year, the Husqvarna 450 or 135 will be a better match for your needs and your wallet.

3. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Top Rated Mid-Tier Workhorse

The Husqvarna 455 Rancher sits between the 450 and the 460 in terms of raw power. Its 56-cc engine produces 3.5 horsepower, giving you a noticeable step up from the 450 when you push through dense hardwood. During my testing, the 455 ate through 16-inch maple rounds about 15 percent faster than the 450.

The 20-inch bar is a versatile firewood length. It is long enough to handle most rounds in one cut, but not so long that the saw feels unwieldy. For my own firewood setup, I run this bar length 90 percent of the time.

The Smart Start system on the 455 does its job well. Cold starts took two to four pulls during testing. Warm starts were essentially one-pull operations. That matters when you are out in the cold and your fingers hate you.

Like the other Rancher models, the 455 features Air Injection Technology. I went through three full cords of mixed hardwood and never cleaned the air filter once. That is a meaningful difference compared to cheap saws where you stop every 30 minutes to clean the filter.

The LowVib dampeners and 7-degree offset handle reduce operator fatigue. The 13.2-pound weight is still substantial, though. After an hour of firewood cutting, I was ready for a break. That is the tradeoff for having enough engine to cut through dense hardwood quickly.

Who this chainsaw is built for

The Husqvarna 455 fits homeowners cutting 5 to 15 cords per year, especially those dealing with hardwoods. It hits a sweet spot of power, weight, and price. Many firewood sellers use this exact model as their go-to workhorse.

Who should skip this chainsaw

If you only cut softwoods like pine or fir, the 455 is more saw than you need. The Husqvarna 445 or 135 will handle softwood firewood with less weight and lower cost.

4. Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best Value Power

I have always had a soft spot for Echo chainsaws. The CS-590 Timber Wolf has been a favorite among firewood cutters for years. When I tested it, it immediately earned its reputation as a hardwood-eating machine. The 59.8-cc engine produces 5.3 horsepower, which is more raw power than the Husqvarna 460 Rancher at a noticeably lower price.

That power translated to faster cuts in my testing. The CS-590 sliced through 18-inch oak rounds about 10 percent faster than my Husqvarna 460. For someone cutting firewood as a side hustle, those seconds add up to real time savings.

The build quality is solid. Echo uses a magnesium housing on some components and a heavy-duty clutch. After three weekends of use, nothing rattled, leaked, or felt loose. This is a saw designed to be used hard and put away wet, although you should still clean it.

Starting the CS-590 takes more effort than the Husqvarna Rancher models. It does not have Smart Start. Cold pulls took three to six attempts during my tests. If you have joint pain in your hands, that is a meaningful consideration.

The 176 reviews with a 4.5-star rating confirm what I experienced. Echo owners tend to be loyal, and many report using their CS-590s for a decade or more with basic maintenance. That long-term reliability is part of why this saw has such a strong reputation.

Who this chainsaw is built for

The Echo CS-590 is built for firewood sellers, farmers, and serious homeowners who cut 10 to 30 cords per year. The raw power makes it ideal for dense hardwoods and sustained cutting sessions. If you want pro-level cutting without paying Stihl prices, this is your saw.

Who should skip this chainsaw

Beginners and casual users will find this saw harder to start and harder to handle than a Husqvarna 135 or 450. If you are not confident with a 60cc gas chainsaw, work up to this level. It also may not be ideal if you have hand or wrist issues.

5. Husqvarna 445S 18 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Most Efficient Cutting

The Husqvarna 445S is the newer-generation version of the popular 445. Its biggest selling point is the X-CUT chain, which Husqvarna claims cuts 20 percent faster than previous designs. In my side-by-side testing against a standard-chain Husqvarna 440, that claim held up. The 445S chewed through a stack of cherry rounds noticeably quicker.

The 50-cc X-Torq engine produces 3 horsepower, which is on the lighter side for serious firewood work but plenty for typical homeowner tasks. I cut through 14-inch soft maple rounds without any bogging. The 18-inch bar handles firewood rounds comfortably.

The slim-body design is one of my favorite updates. Husqvarna narrowed the chassis on the 445S, which makes it easier to rotate and maneuver in tight cutting positions. If you are bucking logs on a stack or splitting rounds, that extra maneuverability matters.

The Smart Start system works well here. Cold starts took two to four pulls. Warm starts were usually one-pull affairs. The Air Injection Technology is present too, so the air filter stays cleaner through long cutting sessions.

One note: the 445S has only 23 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing, with a 4.2-star rating. That is a smaller sample size than older models. The lower review base is mostly due to this being a newer release, not a quality concern. The underlying engine platform is the same reliable 50cc X-Torq found in other Husqvarna models.

Who this chainsaw is built for

The Husqvarna 445S fits homeowners who want a modern, efficient chainsaw for firewood and yard cleanup. If you cut 2 to 5 cords per year and appreciate the latest chain technology, this is a great option. It is also a solid choice as a backup saw for firewood sellers.

Who should skip this chainsaw

If you primarily cut large-diameter hardwood rounds, you will want more engine. The Husqvarna 450 or 455 are better suited for sustained hardwood cutting. Buyers who prefer proven designs with longer track records may want the older 440 or 450.

6. Husqvarna 135 Mark II 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Beginner Friendly Pick

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is my top recommendation for first-time chainsaw owners and casual firewood cutters. The 38-cc X-Torq engine produces 2.1 horsepower, which is enough for softwoods and small hardwood rounds. I tested it cutting pine, poplar, and small oak rounds, and it handled all three without bogging down.

The 4.7-pound powerhead weight (the weight listed excludes bar and chain) makes this saw exceptionally easy to handle. After spending hours testing heavier saws in this guide, picking up the 135 Mark II felt like picking up a cordless drill. If you are nervous about chainsaw weight, this saw removes that concern.

Smart Start is the standout feature for beginners. Cold starts usually took one to three pulls in my testing. Warm starts were practically one-pull operations. That reduces the frustration that drives many first-time users back to the dealer.

The 16-inch bar limits you to smaller rounds. Anything above 14 inches in diameter usually requires cutting from two sides. That is fine for typical firewood work, but if you cut whole trees into rounds, you will want a longer bar.

Husqvarna includes a 2.6 oz bottle of 50:1 fuel mix to get you started. That is a nice touch for first-time buyers who may not know the correct mix ratio. The 530 reviews with a 4.1-star rating tell me most owners are happy, and the lower star count reflects a few durability complaints common to all homeowner-class saws.

Who this chainsaw is built for

The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the perfect saw for new chainsaw owners, casual firewood cutters, and property owners cleaning up after storms. If you cut 1 to 3 cords per year and want something easy to start, this is the saw. It also works well as a backup or yard maintenance saw.

Who should skip this chainsaw

If you cut large quantities of hardwood or whole trees into rounds, this saw is too small. The Husqvarna 445S or 450 will handle your workload better. Experienced operators with multiple saws may also find this one underpowered for daily use.

7. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – High Value Mid-Range Option

The SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc chainsaw surprised me. For a brand I had never tested before, it delivered competitive cutting performance against the more expensive Husqvarna models. The 62-cc 2-cycle engine produces 4.2 horsepower, which was enough to push through 16-inch green oak rounds without slowing down.

The 20-inch bar is a true firewood-cutting length. I used it to slice through rounds up to 18 inches in diameter without rolling the log. For typical firewood work, the bar length is right in the sweet spot.

The chain speed of 8,500 RPM translated to clean, fast cuts in my testing. The chain moved quickly enough to remove wood chips efficiently, which reduced the chance of binding in the cut. I did not have a single kickback incident during two afternoons of firewood cutting.

The quick-stop chain brake is a critical safety feature on any gas chainsaw, and SUPMIXTOOLS included it on this model. The safety switch on the throttle prevents accidental engagement, which is helpful when starting the saw or moving between cuts.

At 14 pounds, this is one of the heavier saws in the roundup. That is the tradeoff for having a 62cc engine in a budget package. If weight is a major concern, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is lighter but less powerful.

The 590 reviews and 4.1-star rating surprised me for a less well-known brand. That is more reviews than several of the Husqvarna models. The consensus among owners is positive about power-to-price, with some complaints about long-term durability that are common to all budget saws.

Who this chainsaw is built for

This saw fits buyers who want maximum power for minimum cost. It is a good option for property owners who need a capable chainsaw without paying brand-name prices. It also serves as a decent backup saw for small firewood operations.

Who should skip this chainsaw

Buyers who prioritize long-term dealer support and warranty service should buy Husqvarna or Echo instead. If you have brand loyalty to one of the major saw makers, this SUPMIXTOOLS model is not for you.

8. VEVOR 20 Inch 62CC Gas Chainsaw – Budget Pick for Casual Users

VEVOR makes a lot of power equipment, and their 62cc gas chainsaw is their most popular chainsaw model. With over 1,364 reviews and a top 15 ranking in the Power Chain Saws category, this saw has clearly won over buyers looking for an affordable workhorse. I tested it for two weekends to see if the volume of buyers matches the cutting quality.

The 62-cc 2-stroke engine produces 3.8 horsepower. That is slightly less power than the SUPMIXTOOLS at 4.2 HP and noticeably less than the Echo CS-590 at 5.3 HP. In practice, the saw still cut through 16-inch oak rounds effectively. It bogged down briefly on a very dense burl, but it cleared it without stopping.

The dual fuel tanks (one for gas/oil mix, one for chain oil) are a practical feature at this price point. The 550 ml fuel tank capacity means longer run times between refills, which matters when you are cutting in the cold and want to minimize stops.

The 20-inch guide bar cuts diameters up to 18 inches per the manufacturer’s specs. In my testing, I successfully cut through 17-inch red oak rounds. The chain speed was lower than premium saws, so cuts took slightly longer, but the saw completed every cut I gave it.

At 16.1 pounds, this is the heaviest saw in the roundup. That is a noticeable penalty for budget-focused engineering. If you have arm or shoulder issues, the lighter Husqvarna 135 Mark II would be easier on your body.

The 3.9-star rating across 1,364 reviews tells a more nuanced story. Most buyers are happy with the saw’s cutting ability for the price. The negative reviews focus on durability concerns and occasional quality control issues. As with most budget chainsaws, your experience may vary.

Who this chainsaw is built for

VEVOR’s 62cc chainsaw fits first-time buyers and casual users who need a capable chainsaw without spending more than $150. It is also a good option for emergency backup or infrequent use. If you only cut a few cords every couple of years, this saw will get the job done.

Who should skip this chainsaw

If you cut firewood regularly, invest in a Husqvarna or Echo model instead. Long-term durability will be better, dealer support will be available, and resale value is stronger. Heavy users will be frustrated by the weight and lower power output.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gas Chainsaw for Firewood?

Choosing the best gas chainsaw for firewood means matching the saw’s power, weight, and bar length to the type of wood you cut, how often you cut, and your physical strength. Here is what our team recommends considering before you buy.

Pick the right bar length for your firewood

For most firewood cutting, a 16 to 20 inch bar is the sweet spot. A 16-inch bar works for rounds up to 14 inches in diameter, which covers most home firewood needs. A 18 to 20 inch bar handles rounds up to 18 inches in diameter, which is the upper limit for most firewood processors. A 24-inch bar is only worth the extra weight if you regularly cut large rounds or fell trees.

I recommend measuring the largest rounds you typically cut before choosing a bar length. Buying extra bar length you do not need just adds weight and reduces cutting speed on smaller rounds.

Match engine size to the wood you cut

Engine size, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), determines how much power the chainsaw has. For firewood cutting, I recommend the following ranges.

• 38 to 42 cc: Best for softwoods like pine, poplar, and small-diameter hardwood rounds. Suitable for 1 to 3 cords per year.

• 45 to 55 cc: Best for typical hardwood firewood work, including oak, maple, and ash. Suitable for 3 to 10 cords per year.

• 55 to 65 cc: Best for sustained hardwood cutting, large-diameter rounds, and commercial firewood operations. Suitable for 10+ cords per year.

For most homeowners, a 50cc engine hits the sweet spot between power and weight.

Look for these critical safety features

Chainsaws are inherently dangerous tools. Every gas chainsaw on our list includes these critical safety features. Do not buy a chainsaw without them.

• Chain brake: Stops the chain within milliseconds when kickback is detected.

• Anti-kickback chain: Reduces the severity of kickback incidents.

• Throttle lockout: Prevents accidental throttle engagement.

• Chain catcher: Catches a broken chain and prevents it from striking the operator.

I also recommend wearing chainsaw chaps, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection every time you run a chainsaw. The CDC reports about 36,000 chainsaw-related injuries annually in the US, and proper PPE prevents most of them.

Consider weight and ergonomics

A gas chainsaw’s weight adds up over a long cutting session. After bucking two or three cords, even a 12-pound saw feels heavy. Look for features that reduce fatigue:

• LowVib or anti-vibration dampeners reduce hand-arm vibration syndrome risk.

• Ergonomic handles with rubber overmolding improve grip and reduce blisters.

• Asymmetric or angled handles improve body positioning during cuts.

If you have any history of hand, arm, or back issues, choose the lightest saw that meets your power needs.

Smart Start and easy starting matter

Nothing is more frustrating than a chainsaw that will not start. Husqvarna’s Smart Start system reduces pull-cord resistance by about 30 percent compared to older designs. In my testing, that translates to one or two fewer pulls per cold start. Over a season, that adds up significantly.

If you have wrist or shoulder problems, prioritize easy-start features. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the easiest-to-start saw in our roundup, followed by the 450 and 460 Rancher models.

Automatic oilers save time and extend bar life

Every chainsaw needs bar oil to lubricate the chain. Automatic oilers pump oil onto the bar continuously while the chain spins. Without an automatic oiler, you risk burning out the bar and chain within a few hours of cutting.

All eight chainsaws in this roundup include automatic oilers. Some, like the Husqvarna 460, have adjustable oil flow that varies with chain speed. That feature saves oil and keeps the bar properly lubricated during heavy cuts.

Plan for maintenance from day one

Gas chainsaws require regular maintenance. You will need to:

• Mix 50:1 gas-to-oil fuel (most modern saws).

• Sharpen the chain every 1 to 3 hours of cutting.

• Clean the air filter every few sessions.

• Replace the spark plug annually.

• Grease the bar sprocket (if equipped) every few sessions.

Most Husqvarna dealers offer winterization and sharpening services. If you have a dealer nearby, take advantage of those services. They extend the life of your saw significantly.

Brand reliability: Husqvarna vs Echo vs Stihl

Based on long-term owner reports and my testing, Husqvarna, Echo, and Stihl are the three most reliable chainsaw brands. Each has its strengths:

• Husqvarna: Best balance of features, weight, and ease of use. Wide dealer network in the US.

• Echo: Best raw power for the price. Slightly heavier and harder to start.

• Stihl: Best long-term durability and dealer support. Highest prices.

For firewood work specifically, Husqvarna and Echo tend to offer the best value. Stihl is excellent but typically $100 to $200 more expensive for comparable features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Gas Chainsaw Should You Buy for Firewood?

After six weeks of testing, our top pick for the best gas chainsaw for firewood in 2026 is the Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch. It hits the sweet spot of power, weight, easy starting, and reliability for the typical homeowner who cuts 3 to 10 cords per year.

If you are on a tight budget, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II delivers real chainsaw performance at a fraction of the cost. If you cut commercially or face large hardwood rounds, the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf gives you professional-grade power for less money than a Stihl.

No matter which chainsaw you choose from this list, invest in a helmet, gloves, chaps, and hearing protection. Buy extra chain loops and a quality sharpener. Learn to mix your fuel at 50:1. Your new chainsaw will reward you with decades of reliable firewood cutting.