How Much Does a Chainsaw Cost in 2026? Real Price Ranges Explained
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From $30 mini saws to $800 pro models: how much does a chainsaw cost by type, what drives the price and the running costs to plan for.
A chainsaw costs anywhere from about $30 for a mini battery pruning saw to $800 or more for a professional gas saw. Most homeowners spend $70 to $120 on a corded electric model, $130 to $300 on a cordless saw with a battery, or $300 to $500 on a homeowner gas saw. In short, how much does a chainsaw cost depends mainly on the power source, the bar length and how often you cut.
This guide breaks down current price ranges by type, explains what drives the cost, lists the ongoing expenses that catch buyers off guard, and shares practical ways to pay less without buying more saw than you need.
How Much Does a Chainsaw Cost in 2026? Average Prices
Chainsaw prices on Amazon fall into clear tiers. The table below shows typical ranges and real examples at each level.
| Type | Typical price | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini cordless (4 to 8 inch) | $30 to $90 | Pruning small branches, garden cleanup | SEESII 6 inch mini chainsaw with 2 batteries (around $35) |
| Corded electric (14 to 18 inch) | $50 to $120 | Light firewood and storm cleanup near an outlet | CRAFTSMAN 16 inch 12 Amp corded CMECS600 (around $70) |
| Cordless (12 to 18 inch) | $130 to $300 | Homeowners, pruning, limbing and small trees | Greenworks 40V 16 inch brushless kit (around $250) |
| Homeowner gas (16 to 20 inch) | $300 to $500 | Regular firewood cutting and felling medium trees | Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 inch (around $400) |
| Premium and professional | $550 to $800+ | Large trees, heavy use, rural properties | Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 inch (around $650) |
As a rule of thumb, an entry level saw that handles occasional jobs costs around $110, a solid mid range saw for regular yard work costs about $300, and premium gas or high voltage battery saws start around $600. Battery saws sold as "tool only" cost less, but they only make sense if you already own compatible batteries.
Prices change frequently with seasonal sales and new model releases. After big storms, demand also rises, so treat these ranges as a guide rather than a fixed price list.
How you plan to use the saw narrows the range quickly. If you only trim branches a few times a year and clear the odd fallen limb, a mini cordless or corded saw covers you for well under $100. If you cut firewood every fall, keep a wooded lot tidy or deal with storm damage regularly, a mid range cordless or homeowner gas saw around $250 to $450 is the better investment. Rural landowners who fell trees and buck large logs should expect to spend $550 or more on a saw built for long days.
What Affects the Price
Several factors explain why one chainsaw costs $70 and another $700.
Bar Length and Cutting Capacity
Bar length sets the maximum log or trunk diameter you can cut comfortably. Short 6 to 12 inch bars suit pruning and small limbs and are the cheapest. Most homeowners do well with 14 to 18 inches. Saws with 20 to 24 inch bars, like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, cost more because they need bigger engines and heavier components. If you are unsure, our guide on what size chainsaw do i need explains how to match bar length to your trees.
Gas vs Battery vs Corded
Corded electric saws are the cheapest full size option, with no engine or battery to pay for, but the cord limits where you can work. Battery chainsaws cost more, largely because of the battery and charger; a 40V kit with a 4.0Ah battery, such as the Greenworks 16 inch, sits around $250, while a 56V EGO 20 inch saw with a 6.0Ah battery costs around $550. Gas saws span a wide range, from homeowner models to professional saws, and remain the choice for heavy cutting far from an outlet.
Engine Size or Battery Voltage
For gas saws, engine displacement drives price: a 40cc saw costs less than a 50cc or 60cc model with more power for hardwood and big logs. For cordless saws, higher voltage and larger battery capacity add cost but deliver more cutting power and longer runtime. Brushless motors also raise the price, but they run more efficiently and last longer.
Weight and Balance
Lighter, better balanced saws with anti vibration systems, tool free chain tensioning and easy start features take more engineering and usually cost more. These features reduce fatigue and make the saw safer to control, which matters most on long cutting days.
Safety features also influence price. A reliable chain brake, a chain catcher, low kickback chains and a throttle lockout are standard on reputable saws, but premium models refine them and pair them with better handles and controls. Brand and warranty play a part too: established brands with dealer networks and longer warranties usually cost more upfront, yet they make parts and service easier to find years later.
Hidden and Ongoing Costs
The purchase price is just the start. Budget for these extras.
- Bar and chain oil: Every chainsaw needs it, usually $10 to $35 a jug depending on size and type.
- Replacement chains and sharpening: Chains dull quickly in dirty wood. Expect $15 to $40 per chain, or a sharpening kit.
- Fuel and two cycle oil: Gas saws need mixed fuel. Pre mixed canned fuel is convenient but costs more.
- Batteries: A spare or replacement battery for a cordless saw can cost $80 to $250.
- Safety gear: Chaps, a helmet with face shield, gloves and hearing protection can add $100 or more, and they are essential.
- Maintenance parts: Spark plugs, air filters and bars wear out over time on gas saws.
Across a few years, these costs can add up to a meaningful share of the saw's price, especially for gas models. Factor them in when comparing a cheap saw with a better one.
Gas saws carry one more cost that is easy to overlook: occasional professional service. A carburetor cleaning or tune up at a small engine shop typically costs more than DIY maintenance, and stale fuel left in the tank over winter is a common reason saws end up there. Using fresh fuel, draining the tank before storage and keeping the air filter clean can save that bill entirely.
Is a Cheap Chainsaw Good Enough?
For light work, often yes. A corded saw around $70 to $100 handles storm debris, small firewood and limbs near the house. The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600, for example, pairs a 12 Amp motor with a 16 inch bar at a low price. A mini cordless saw around $35 is great for pruning shrubs and small branches.
Cheap saws fall short when you cut often, work far from an outlet or tackle hardwood logs. Small batteries run down quickly, light motors bog down, and budget build quality wears out faster. If you heat with wood or have trees to fell, a homeowner gas saw or a strong cordless system is worth the extra money. Our list of the best chainsaw for homeowners covers saws in that sweet spot.
Whatever you spend on the saw, do not cut corners on chain sharpness and safety equipment. A dull chain makes even an expensive saw slow and more prone to kickback, while a sharp chain helps a budget saw perform far better than its price suggests.
How to Save Money on a Chainsaw
A few smart moves can lower the cost without sacrificing safety or performance.
- Shop the off season: Late winter and early spring sales, plus fall clearance, often bring the best prices before storm season demand.
- Watch Amazon deals: Price drops on popular battery kits and corded models appear regularly.
- Buy into a battery platform: If you already own a mower, trimmer or blower from one brand, a tool only saw is the cheapest route.
- Consider refurbished: Manufacturer refurbished saws can cost much less and usually include a warranty.
- Do not oversize: A 20 inch professional saw is wasted on pruning and small limbs.
- Check bundles: Kits that include a spare chain, a carry case or bar oil can be cheaper than buying those items separately.
For bigger tree work, compare models in our guide to the best chainsaw for trees before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cordless chainsaw cost?
Wondering how much does a cordless chainsaw cost? Mini cordless pruning saws cost about $30 to $90. Full size 12 to 16 inch cordless saws with a battery and charger usually run $130 to $300, and high voltage 18 to 20 inch kits from brands like EGO cost around $500 to $600. Tool only versions cost less if you already have batteries.
Is it cheaper to buy a chainsaw online?
Often it is. Online retailers like Amazon frequently discount popular kits and make it easy to compare brands and prices. Local dealers may offer setup, service and advice, which is valuable for gas saws, so compare both, including any assembly or servicing costs, before you buy.
How long does a chainsaw last?
A well maintained homeowner chainsaw can last many years. Gas saws last longest with regular cleaning, fresh fuel and seasonal service, while cordless saws often outlast their first battery. Read how long does a chainsaw last for a detailed breakdown and care tips.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does a chainsaw cost? Expect around $110 for an entry level saw, about $300 for a capable mid range cordless or gas model, and $600 or more for premium equipment. Add oil, chains, safety gear and possibly batteries or fuel to your budget, and match the saw to the jobs you actually do. When you are ready to choose, see our picks for the best chainsaw.
