Everyone who uses a chainsaw has been there: You’re at full throttle, the beautiful two-stroke symphony at max RPM, but you’re only seeing fine dust exiting the log, and you aren’t getting anywhere.

I heat my home with firewood, so a chainsaw is an essential power tool for me. But the reality is that the qualities that make them great at efficiently ripping through timber also make them hazardous ...

Editor’s Note – Dec. 11, 2025: We updated this article extensively last month after testing a headful of new saws, including the Ryobi 14-Inch 2 Cycle Gas Chainsaw, the Stihl MSA 80 C-B, and the Stihl ...

More than 50 gas and electric models appear in our current ratings. Here are the top performers, which balance speed with easy handling and safety. In one part of Consumer Reports' chainsaw testing, ...

Some chainsaws are packed with high-spec features, but don't start easily and struggle to slice through hard wood. Others are basic, but start immediately and cut through even the thickest logs easily ...