Best Chainsaws Under $200 in 2026 — Corded and Cordless Options Reviewed

The Craftsman CMECS600 (12-amp corded, 16-inch bar, $100) is a reliable mid-tier corded saw positioned between the WORX and Oregon. The 12-amp motor is the lowest in the corded options here—adequate for softwood but can bog down in dense hardwood or large-diameter cuts. Tool-free chain tensioning and auto-oiler are standard. At 10.6 lbs it's similar weight to the WORX. Craftsman's warranty and parts availability through Ace Hardware and Lowe's is a practical advantage for homeowners who prefer in-person service. Compared to Oregon CS1400 at $110: Craftsman costs $10 less but lacks PowerSharp and has 3 fewer amps—the Oregon is the better value at $10 more. Choose Craftsman if Oregon is unavailable or if Craftsman service centers matter to your purchasing decision.

The Oregon CS1400 (15-amp corded, 16-inch bar, $110) is the most capable corded chainsaw in this comparison and the best choice for sustained cutting sessions near an outlet. The PowerSharp integrated sharpening system—unique to Oregon—lets you sharpen the chain in 3 seconds while the saw is running, without removing the bar. This alone justifies the $30 premium over the Craftsman: sharp chain means faster, safer cuts. The 15-amp motor (vs. most competitors' 12–14 amp) handles hardwoods without bogging. Tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiler reduce maintenance friction. Downside: at 12.6 lbs it's the heaviest in the comparison. Best for: homeowners with storm damage cleanup, firewood cutting, or regular limbing within extension cord range.

The RYOBI ONE+ 18V 10-inch cordless chainsaw ($89) is in a different category from the 16-inch saws above: at 10 inches, it's purpose-built for light limbing (branches up to 6 inches diameter), not serious log cutting. The ONE+ compatibility with 130+ other RYOBI 18V tools is its primary selling point—if you own RYOBI batteries, this is an easy add to the toolkit. Battery not included in most SKUs; with a 4.0Ah battery it will handle 30–50 cuts on a charge. Weight (7.5 lbs) is the lightest in this comparison. Do not buy the RYOBI 10-inch if you need to cut logs, process firewood, or fell trees—it's not designed for that. If choosing between RYOBI and Greenworks 40V: Greenworks is a real chainsaw; RYOBI 10-inch is a pruning saw with a chainsaw form factor.

The WORX WG303.1 (14.5-amp corded, 16-inch bar, $80) delivers solid performance for occasional use at the lowest corded price in this comparison. Auto-tension chain system is a genuine convenience feature—no wrench needed, and the auto-tensioner prevents over-tightening that can damage the bar. The Oregon chain (same brand as the CS1400 above) is a quality component at this price point. At 10.4 lbs it's lighter than the Oregon saw. Complaints center on the oiler system: some users report uneven oiling that leads to faster chain wear. At $80 vs. $110 for the Oregon CS1400, the Oregon's PowerSharp self-sharpening alone justifies the $30 difference for regular users. WORX is the budget pick for light occasional use: tree limbs, small log sections, brush clearing.

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch brushless cordless chainsaw ($179) is the only brushless battery-powered option in this comparison—and the one to buy if you need the freedom of no cord. The included 4.0Ah battery delivers 150+ cuts per charge on 4-inch logs in testing. The brushless motor extends runtime and motor life vs. brushed cordless alternatives. Auto-oiler and tool-free chain tensioning match the corded models for convenience. At $179 it's the most expensive saw here, but the cordless premium is the price of working anywhere on a property. Greenworks 40V batteries are compatible with other Greenworks 40V tools (blowers, mowers). Common complaint: cutting speed is slightly slower than 15-amp corded models on dense hardwood. Best for: yard work, storm cleanup, limbing in areas 50+ feet from power.