Cutting firewood punishes a chainsaw in ways most general-purpose saw roundups never mention. You are not felling a tree in one pass. You are making two hundred repeated bucking cuts, and every one of them asks the same question of the motor: can you keep pulling the bar through green hardwood for another three hours without your arms giving out or the chain bogging down halfway through a round?
That is the lens we used for the best chainsaws for firewood in 2026. We compared engine displacement, bar length, listed weight, chain speed, lubrication systems, and the number of cuts each battery saw claims on a single charge. We also weighed the things that show up only after a full winter: how the saw starts on a cold morning, whether the chain loosens between rounds, and how much bar oil you go through.
What follows is a firewood-specific ranking rather than a generic chainsaw list. Bucking a woodpile is a different job from storm cleanup, and the differences that matter are weight, chain retention on hardwood, and whether the saw can be restarted quickly when the bar drops into the dirt. Every saw below is written up with a clear best-for line, and we tell you plainly where each one falls short.
Table of Contents
The 3 Best Chainsaws for Firewood in 2026
Three picks stand out for firewood duty specifically. The SEESII 40V earns the top slot on the strength of an 18-inch bar at 8.6 pounds with two 5.0Ah batteries in the box. The EGO Power+ CS1613 carries the highest rating in this group at 4.7 stars and pairs a brushless motor with tool-free dial tensioning. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the gas saw that handles full-diameter hardwood rounds without complaint when you are bucking more than a cord at a time.
SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless
- 2200W brushless motor
- 18-inch bar
- Two 5.0Ah batteries
- Up to 200 cuts per charge
EGO Power+ CS1613 16-Inch
- Brushless motor rated 40cc equivalent
- Tool-free dial tensioning
- IPX4 weather resistance
- 130 cuts on 4x4 lumber
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch
- 56cc 3.5-HP X-TORQUE engine
- 20-inch bar
- Smart Start system
- LowVib dampeners
All 10 Chainsaws for Firewood Compared Side by Side (October 2026)
Before the individual write-ups, here is the whole field in one place. Note the two power classes doing most of the work: cordless saws now carry 16- to 18-inch bars with brushless motors, while the gas saws still hold the edge on sustained cutting of large rounds.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw |
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| EGO Power+ CS1613 16-Inch Cordless |
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| Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch Gas |
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 BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-Inch Corded |
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 Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded |
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 WORX WG385 40V 16-Inch Cordless |
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 DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Cordless |
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 Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch |
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 ECHO CS-590 20-Inch Gas |
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 Greenworks 40V 18-Inch Cordless |
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1. SEESII 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Overall Chainsaw for Firewood
SEESII 40V Electric Chainsaw Cordless 18-Inch with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
18-inch bar
2200W brushless motor
8.6 lb
200 cuts per charge
Pros
- Lightweight at 8.6 lb for an 18-inch bar
- 18-inch bar gives real firewood capacity
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included
- Tool-less chain tensioning knob
- Claimed 200 cuts per charge
Cons
- Chain needs frequent retensioning between cuts
- Battery charge time runs several hours
- Not a substitute for a pro saw on large hardwood
The first thing that struck me about this saw is the weight-to-bar ratio. An 18-inch guide bar on a saw that weighs 8.6 pounds with both batteries installed is unusual in this category, and for firewood it is the number that matters most. A 20-inch gas saw with a full tank can feel like a sledgehammer by round number two hundred, while an 8.6-pound saw lets you keep a steady grip through a whole session.
The drive side is a 2200W brushless motor pulling a chain at 30 feet per second, and the manufacturer claims up to 200 cuts on 4-inch softwood logs per charge. The kit includes two 5.0Ah batteries, two fast chargers, a spare chain, goggles and a manual, so the working kit is complete on day one.
Owners describe the same thing repeatedly in the reviews: the power-to-weight ratio surprises people, and the saw cuts hardwood cleanly in a single pass when the chain is fresh. The 80 ml oil tank feeds automatically, so bar and chain stay lubricated through a long run, and the tool-less tensioning knob means you can correct slack between rounds without a wrench.
There is a clear operating rule that shows up in almost every owner comment: let the chain do the work. Pushing down on the bar binds the drive and shortens chain life, so the correct technique is a light, steady pressure from the hip rather than from the arms. Get that right and the cut speed stays high even in seasoned oak.
Who should buy the SEESII 40V
This is the saw for a homeowner cutting one to four cords a year who does not want to mix fuel and oil. Starting is instant, there is no pull cord, and the two-battery setup means you can swap and keep going rather than sitting on a hillside waiting for a charge. The 18-inch bar will take logs that most 16-inch cordless saws ask you to turn and re-cut from the other side.
It also handles the second job firewood cutters actually have: limbing and small tree work. The emergency chain brake, enlarged hand guard and dual-action safety switch are all there, which matters if you are cutting brush while the bar is still in the wood.
Where the SEESII 40V falls short
The chain loosens more often than owners would like, particularly on side cuts or hard species, so plan to check tension between logs. Charging takes several hours, which is why the second battery matters more than anything else in that kit.
And while reviewers rate it highly for typical homeowner firewood, it is not the tool for very large timber. If your logs are mostly over 16 inches of green hardwood, a gas saw in the 55-60cc class will keep its edge far longer per hour of work.
2. EGO Power+ CS1613 16-Inch Cordless – Top Rated for Clean, Quiet Firewood Cutting
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 4.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS1613
16-inch bar
40cc gas-equivalent brushless
20 m/s chain speed
IPX4 rated
Pros
- Highest rating in the group at 4.7 stars
- Brushless motor cuts at gas-like speed
- Tool-free dial chain tensioning
- IPX4 weather-resistant build
- Works with EGO 56V ARC batteries
Cons
- Largest listed weight figure in the group at 20.9 lb
- Only a 4.0Ah battery included
- 16-inch bar limits very large rounds
This saw has the highest rating in the field at 4.7 stars from 977 ratings, and a strong five-star share. The underlying hardware is a high-efficiency brushless motor rated at a 40cc gas equivalent, driving a 3/8-inch pitch, 0.043-inch gauge chain with 56 drive links at up to 20 meters per second.
For firewood that spec sheet translates into about 130 cuts on 4-by-4 lumber from the included 4.0Ah battery. That is not the biggest number in this roundup, but the cut quality is the story: reviewers consistently report clean passes and no chain drag on hardwood the way a lower-output battery saw can produce.
Two design details matter more than they sound on a woodpile. The tool-free dial tensions the chain without a scrench, and the low-profile dial layout lets you cut flush to the ground, which is what you need when the bottom round is sitting in grass and dirt rather than on blocks.
The IPX4 weather rating is a practical advantage for winter prep. You are out there in rain and cold with wet wood, and a saw that shrugs off blowing rain removes one more reason to stop mid-stack.
Who should buy the EGO CS1613
Buy this if you already own EGO 56V ARC tools or you intend to build a platform around them, because the battery cross-compatibility is the deciding factor. A homeowner cutting a cord or two of softwood and mixed hardwood per year will get through it on one charge with room to spare, and will never once mix two-stroke fuel.
It is also notably quiet once it is running, which matters on a suburban lot or a small wood stove inside a neighborhood where a gas saw at full throttle is unwelcome.
Where the EGO CS1613 falls short
The listed weight of 20.9 pounds is the heaviest figure in this group, and for long sessions the difference between an 8.6-pound saw and a 20.9-pound saw is felt by the end of a cord. Only one 4.0Ah battery comes with the kit, so a second battery is the first thing to add.
The 16-inch bar is a compromise. On rounds over about 14 inches you will flip the log more often than you would with an 18-inch bar, which adds bending and lifting that compounds across a full afternoon.
3. Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best for Big Logs and Heavy Cord Cutting
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, 20 inch, 55-cc 3.5-HP
56cc X-TORQUE engine
3.5 HP
20-inch bar
13.2 lb
Pros
- Strong low-RPM torque from the X-TORQUE engine
- 20-inch bar for high throughput
- Air Injection filtration protects the engine
- LowVib dampeners and offset handle
- Bar compatible from 13 to 24 inches
Cons
- Bulky and loud in a small woodlot
- Two-stroke fuel mixing and maintenance
- Fuel and maintenance overhead every session
When the wood is genuinely big, this is the saw in the group. A 56cc X-TORQUE engine rated at 3.5 horsepower paired with a 20-inch bar is a combination that keeps pulling even when the bar is buried halfway through a seasoned round, which is exactly what separates a firewood saw from a yard-cleanup saw.
Owners treat the 455 Rancher as the dependable heavy-duty choice. The X-TORQUE design delivers its torque at lower RPM, so the saw feels strong in the cut rather than revving itself into a bog, and that low-end pull is what you feel when the chain is dull and the wood is wet.
Comfort got real attention here. A 7-degree offset front handle, an improved grip and LowVib vibration dampeners take some of the punishment out of a 13.2-pound saw, and Smart Start reduces the effort needed to get a 3.5-horsepower engine running. The inertia-activated chain brake is the standard kickback protection you want on a saw this powerful.
One underused detail: the bar mount accepts anything from 13 inches to 24 inches. If you are buying for firewood and later decide you want a shorter bar for limbing, the same saw handles it.
Who should buy the Husqvarna 455 Rancher
This is the firewood saw for acreage owners, farms and anyone cutting more than a few cords a year, particularly in hardwood. The Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system is worth noting for rural work, because a dusty woodlot is harder on a two-stroke engine than a suburban yard.
It also suits people with a split duty: a big bucking bar for rounds and a smaller bar on the same saw for branches. That is a cheaper version of the two-saw strategy that firewood owners recommend.
Where the Husqvarna 455 Rancher falls short
It is the bulkiest saw here, and two-stroke fuel mixing plus regular maintenance is real ongoing work. If your wood supply is small, or you cut on a lot with close neighbors, the noise and exhaust are genuine drawbacks rather than minor inconveniences.
A few owners also report a cracked recoil cover after extended use, so inspect the housing if you buy one that has been stored. Expect to spend more time on air filters and spark plugs than any battery saw in this list.
4. BLACK+DECKER CS1518 18-Inch Corded Chainsaw – Best Corded Pick Near an Outlet
BLACK+DECKER Electric Chainsaw Corded, 18-Inch, 15-Amp Lightweight Chain Saw with Automatic Oiler (CS1518)
15-amp motor
18-inch bar
Corded electric
12.5 lb
Pros
- Cuts logs up to roughly 12 to 14 inches
- Tool-free chain tensioning
- Automatic oiler with level window
- Chain stops instantly when trigger released
- Quiet with no fuel mixing
Cons
- Chain needs frequent re-tensioning
- Oil reservoir can leak in storage
- 12.5 lb feels heavy for smaller users
Owners and occasional users consistently praise this saw for cutting firewood, small trees and brush quickly and quietly. The 15-amp motor drives an 18-inch guide bar, and the combination of a push-button start with no pull cord and a low-kickback bar and chain design makes it the easiest saw here to get running in a single afternoon.
The tool-free chain tensioning system is the detail we appreciated most in practice. You adjust slack without tools, which on firewood matters because the chain stretches every time you cut into a fresh round, especially on side cuts.
The automatic oiler has a visible level window, so you can check bar oil at a glance rather than guessing, and the extension cord retainer stops the cord pulling out of the outlet when you yank back on a binding cut. A guide bar scabbard is included for storage and transport.
Where it fits: homeowners with a wood stove, a small woodlot edge or a garage with a nearby outlet. At 12.5 pounds it is a mid-size saw in this group, but nothing about it requires fuel mixing, oil pouring or a carburetor adjustment.
Who should buy the BLACK+DECKER CS1518
This is the best chainsaw for firewood if your pile is close to power and you cut softwood or mixed rounds up to about 12 to 14 inches. The chain and brake stop the moment the trigger is released, which is a genuine safety advantage when the saw is running out of reach in brush.
It is also a good first chainsaw, since there is no choke, no fuel ratio and no pull cord to learn. The two-year limited warranty covers the usual early failures.
Where the BLACK+DECKER CS1518 falls short
The recurring complaint is chain loosening during use, particularly on side or hard cuts, so expect to re-tension between rounds. The oil reservoir can also leak during storage if it is not drained, and it arrives without any chain oil in the box.
It is also slower than a gas saw of the same bar length and has durability limits on sustained hard woodcutting. If you are filling a wood stove every week through winter, this is a season tool rather than a firewood tool.
5. Oregon 2400W 16-Inch Corded Chainsaw – Best for Small Logs and Lighter Work
Oregon 2400W Corded Electric Chainsaw with 16″ Guide Bar & Saw Chain
2400W motor
16-inch bar
Corded electric
2-year warranty
Pros
- Instant start with no priming or pull rope
- Very quiet with near-zero noise between cuts
- On-tool chain tensioning
- Lubri-Tec oiling reduces friction
- Straightforward assembly for beginners
Cons
- 16-inch bar is shorter than 18-inch models
- Cord limits you to a reachable outlet
- Supplied chain benefits from an upgrade
The Oregon 2400W is a well-regarded budget corded option, and reviewers highlight the instant start, low noise and simple tool-less tensioning as the biggest quality-of-life wins over a gas saw. There is no priming, no pull rope and no carburetor to think about at 6 a.m. in November.
The 2400W motor is the 15-amp equivalent class, driving a 16-inch guide bar. The built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system is the feature to understand before you start: it keeps the chain lubricated, which reduces friction, extends run time and keeps the cut from heating up during a long bucking session.
Assembly is genuinely straightforward. The tensioner, guide bar and chain mount directly on the saw, so a first-time owner can put it together without extra tools and without a trip to a hardware store. The low-kickback ControlCut chain is a sensible default for firewood work.
Silencing is the quiet advantage. Between cuts the saw produces very little noise, so a corded saw like this can be used on a lot where a gas saw would be a problem, and it is pleasant to run in cold weather when engine starting is miserable.
Who should buy the Oregon 2400W
This saw is built for bucking firewood rounds and lighter branch work close to an outlet. If your logs are mostly under about 12 inches, a 16-inch bar is the right size, and it is also the easiest bar length to control in brush and between rounds.
It suits beginners for the same reasons it suits apartment-adjacent lots: instant start, low noise, and a maintenance routine that is topping up oil and checking tension. The two-year manufacturer warranty is standard for the class.
Where the Oregon 2400W falls short
The 16-inch bar is shorter than the 18-inch models here, which means more passes and more log flipping on anything larger. Corded design also limits range to where a power outlet is reachable, which matters if your woodpile sits at the far end of the property.
The supplied chain is basic and benefits from an upgrade once it is broken in. For sustained hardwood work, the wattage ceiling shows up faster than it does on a gas saw.
6. WORX WG385 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best Value Battery Saw
WORX Cordless Chainsaw, 40V 16″, 2 Batteries & 4A Charger, WG385
40V brushless motor
59 ft/s chain speed
Two 4.0Ah batteries
3-year warranty
Pros
- High chain speed for rapid bucking
- Two batteries plus a dual-slot charger
- One-button chain tensioning
- Automatic lubrication extends chain life
- Kickback sensor stops the chain instantly
Cons
- Shorter runtime than premium platforms
- Included 4.0Ah batteries mean packing spares
- Listed weight figure is unreliable
Reviewers back up the headline claims on this one. The brushless motor is rated above a 45cc gas chainsaw in its class, and the 59 feet per second chain speed works out to 12 pieces cut in 30 seconds according to the manufacturer, which is a figure no other cordless saw in this roundup lists.
The kit is generous: two 4.0Ah PowerShare PRO batteries and a dual-slot charger, so both batteries charge at once. That directly answers the downtime problem that limits most single-battery cordless saws on a long wood-cutting day.
Three details get singled out repeatedly as thoughtful design. Button-adjust chain tensioning is quick, the automatic chain lubrication extends chain life, and the kickback-triggered instant stop halts the chain the moment the upper hand guard is pushed forward.
A remaining battery power indicator is small but genuinely useful, because it tells you when to start swapping batteries rather than finding out mid-round.
Who should buy the WORX WG385
This is the pick if you want a battery saw in the mid-range tier with a full kit included. The PowerShare battery platform is shared across many WORX tools, so if you already own lawn and garden equipment on that platform, the batteries keep their value well beyond the chainsaw.
For firewood, it suits logs up to about 14 inches and light-to-medium cord volume. Reviewers confirm fast, smooth cuts and treat battery capacity, not cutting ability, as the practical limit.
Where the WORX WG385 falls short
Runtime on the largest cuts is shorter than premium battery platforms, and the included 4.0Ah cells mean heavy workloads require carrying spares. The listed weight figure for this model appears unreliable, which makes size comparison difficult before you have it in your hands.
At 16 inches it is also below the 18-inch class, so very large rounds mean flipping the log more than you would like.
7. DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best for Storm Cleanup and Branch Work
DongCheng 40V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw with 2×4.0Ah Batteries – Gas-Like Power for Tree Felling, Storm Cleanup & Firewood, Tool-Free Tensioning, Auto Oiler, Chain Brake
40V total from two 20V 4.0Ah batteries
16-inch bar
Chain brake under 0.1 seconds
Pros
- Gas-like power with no fumes or maintenance
- Two 4.0Ah batteries included in the kit
- Push-button instant start
- Sub-0.1 second inertia chain brake
- Batteries work across the 20V and 40V lineup
Cons
- Manufacturer advises charging both batteries before first use
- Lower 14 m/s chain speed than premium rivals
- Newer brand with limited long-term data
Buyers consistently treat this as a high-value alternative to an entry-level gas saw. The high-torque brushless motor runs off dual 20V batteries for 40V total, and the claimed output is up to 120 cuts through 4-by-4 lumber on a single charge.
The safety hardware is better than the build tier suggests. The inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain in under 0.1 seconds, and a lock-out safety switch plus push-button instant start mean no carburetor, no spark plug and no pull rope to deal with.
Field adjustments are handled by an external tool-free tensioning knob, and the automatic bar and chain oiling system takes the most common maintenance chore off the list entirely. For someone moving between the woodpile and a driveway full of limbs, that combination of one-button start and one-knob tensioning removes most of the friction.
One instruction from the manufacturer is worth repeating: charge both batteries fully before first use so the output is balanced from the beginning.
Who should buy the DongCheng 40V
This is a strong match for storm cleanup and small-property work where you need to move quickly between jobs. The batteries cross-compatible with the broader DongCheng 20V and 40V tool lineup, so the packs are useful beyond the saw.
It is also a sensible first cordless chainsaw for someone cutting firewood in a mixed load of softwood and smaller hardwood, given the complete dual-battery kit.
Where the DongCheng 40V falls short
The 14 meters per second maximum chain speed is lower than some premium brushless competitors, and that shows on the biggest rounds where you want the bar to clear the cut quickly. This is a newer brand with a smaller installed base, so long-term durability data is thinner than the established models here.
It is best matched to firewood and storm cleanup rather than heavy felling, and at 16 inches it will ask you to flip larger logs.
8. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 18-Inch Cordless – Best for Tough Hardwood
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Chainsaw, 18 Inch, with Battery and Charger
18-inch bar
X-Cut chain
Brushless motor
7.7 lb body
Pros
- Cutting power rated above comparable gas saws
- X-Cut chain holds its edge longer
- Boost Mode adds 25 percent power on demand
- 7.7 lb body limits fatigue
- Quiet motor with no engine upkeep
Cons
- Brand-name premium sits above the other cordless picks
- Lowest rating in the battery group at 4.3
- Largest share of one-star reviews
This is the strongest raw firewood cutter in the roundup. Reviewers credit it with cutting power above comparable gas chainsaws, and the reason is the X-Cut chain, which holds its sharpness far longer than a standard chain. On hardwood, edge retention is the difference between finishing a cord in one afternoon and stopping twice to file.
Boost Mode delivers 25 percent more power on demand, and on firewood you would use it exactly where you would with a gas saw: the moment the bar is buried in a dense round and the chain is slowing down.
The body weighs 7.7 pounds, which makes this one of the lightest saws in the roundup and the lightest with an 18-inch bar. That combination matters for long cutting sessions because the fatigue that ends a firewood day usually arrives in the shoulders and lower back before it arrives in the arms.
Tool-less chain tensioning removes a tool from the loop, the brushless motor needs no maintenance, and the battery and charger are included in the same kit rather than as a separate purchase.
Who should buy the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
Choose this if you cut hardwood, especially ash, oak or maple, and you would rather sharpen a chain once a season than twice a month. The X-Cut chain and the 18-inch bar are both aimed squarely at that job, and the light body means a second saw is less of a hardship to lift.
It also suits anyone who wants a pro-brand nameplate on their firewood saw without the noise, fumes and carburetor of a gas engine.
Where the Power Axe 350i falls short
It carries a brand-name premium over the other cordless picks, and the rating spread is the widest here at 4.3 stars from 405 ratings, with a noticeable share of one-star reviews. Some owners report failures and service friction relative to the premium paid, which is worth considering before committing.
If you cut only softwood a cord or two at a time, you are paying for edge retention you may not use, and a mid-range battery saw handles that work.
9. ECHO CS-590 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw – Best for Full Truckloads of Wood
Echo CS-590-20AA 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas Chainsaw
59.8cc engine
Listed at 5.3 hp
20-inch guide bar
Gasoline powered
Pros
- Strong non-bogging power on large hardwood rounds
- Handled a full truckload on roughly one tank
- Reported as a solid upgrade from a Husqvarna 460
- Owners compare it to Stihl and Husqvarna saws they own
Cons
- Hard to crank for users with less upper-body strength
- Floods easily if the choke is over-pulled on a cold start
- Gas and oil maintenance overhead
The 59.8cc engine is listed at 5.3 horsepower, which makes this the largest gas engine in this roundup, and owners who get it running describe it as among the strongest saws they have used. It chews through large oak logs and full truckloads of firewood without slowing down.
One owner report is worth repeating because it is the number firewood cutters actually care about: a full truckload of firewood cut on roughly one tank. That is the metric battery cut counts do not translate into, and it is why a gas saw still owns the heavy end of this job.
The starting routine is the deciding factor. It is a two-stroke design requiring choke and decompression to start, and consensus owner advice is that this needs practice. Pull the choke too many times on a cold start and the engine floods, which is the single most common complaint in the reviews.
Once the routine is learned, warm restarts are easy. That is the honest version of this saw: the cutting is exceptional, and the first month of ownership is about learning one procedure.
Who should buy the ECHO CS-590
This is the saw for people who cut wood in volume: a full truckload at a time, large oak rounds, or a wood stove that needs stacking a season ahead. Owners report replacing a Husqvarna 460 with this saw and being satisfied with the result.
It is also the right choice for anyone with older property who wants a gas saw with no battery platform commitment and parts that are available for decades.
Where the ECHO CS-590 falls short
It is hard to crank, especially for users with less upper-body strength, and it floods easily when the choke is over-pulled on a cold start. It has the lowest rating in this roundup at 4.2 stars from 181 ratings, and one owner reported a non-working unit with no seller support.
There is also the usual overhead: gas, two-stroke oil and general maintenance. If you are cutting under a cord a year, this is far more saw than you need.
10. Greenworks 40V 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Best for Longest Single-Charge Runtime
Greenworks 40V 18 in Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 8.0 Ah Battery and Charger
40V brushless motor
18-inch bar
8.0Ah battery included
250 cuts on 4x4
Pros
- Largest battery in the group at 8.0Ah
- Claimed 250 cuts on 4x4 per charge
- 18-inch bar gives real firewood capacity
- Automatic oiler and tool-less tensioning
- Push-button start with no engine upkeep
Cons
- Smallest review base at just 96 ratings
- One-star share runs above the better-reviewed models
- Listed weight of 7.1 kg looks high for an 18-inch saw
The spec sheet is among the strongest in the cordless group. An 8.0Ah battery powers the 40V brushless motor, and Greenworks claims up to 250 cuts on 4-by-4 lumber on a single charge, with an 18-inch bar and chain.
Owners generally confirm strong runtime and smooth, low-effort cutting with none of the gas saw upkeep. The push-button start means no carburetor, spark plug or pull rope, and the automatic oiler and tool-less tensioning handle the two most common maintenance tasks automatically.
It is also a flexible model for buyers who are not sure what they need. The same family is available in 16-inch and tool-only configurations, so you can start smaller or add a second battery later without changing platform.
The 18-inch bar is what separates this from many 40V saws. Most battery saws stop at 16 inches because of weight and torque, which means more log flipping on anything above a foot and a half.
Who should buy the Greenworks 40V
This saw makes sense for someone who wants to finish a cord in a single charge rather than swapping batteries partway through, or who wants an 18-inch bar on a cordless platform. The 8.0Ah pack is the difference between planning your day around charging and not planning around it at all.
It is a good fit for mixed firewood work where you are handling rounds in the 12-to-18-inch range and would rather not maintain an engine.
Where the Greenworks 40V falls short
The evidence base is thin. With 96 ratings it is the smallest review base in the roundup, and its one-star share runs above the better-reviewed models, so durability feedback is still limited compared with the established models.
The listed weight of 7.1 kilograms looks high for an 18-inch cordless saw, and the 8.0Ah bundle carries a brand premium. Expect to check that weight figure yourself before committing.
How to Choose a Chainsaw for Firewood
Bar length is the first decision, and most buyers get it slightly wrong in one direction or the other. The working rule is simple: your bar should be roughly half the diameter of the largest round you expect to cut, which means an 18-inch bar comfortably handles 16- to 18-inch rounds, and a 20-inch bar reaches 20 to 24 inches.
Here is how the classes map to real wood. A 16-inch bar suits rounds up to about 12 inches, an 18-inch bar covers roughly 16 to 18 inches, and a 20-inch bar handles 20 to 24 inches. Anything beyond that belongs in the territory of professional felling work, and a bar longer than you can comfortably hold in front of you is a liability, not a feature.
Gas, corded or battery: which power source suits firewood
The honest answer is that battery saws have closed most of the gap for the average homeowner, and gas still wins on sustained volume and very large rounds.
A gas saw in the 50-60cc class gives you an afternoon of cutting without pause, which matters if you are working through hardwood. The cost is fuel mixing, an air filter, a spark plug, a pull cord on a cold morning, and noise that neighbours will notice.
A battery saw starts instantly, runs quiet and needs no engine maintenance, but runtime is finite and the 18-inch options are lighter than their gas equivalents. Battery chemistry also imposes a platform choice you keep for years, since the packs only work with their own saw.
Corded saws still make sense in one narrow situation: firewood stacked within reach of an outlet, cuts under about 12 inches, and a strong preference for never touching fuel. Their limits are the cord and the wattage ceiling.
Full chisel vs semi-chisel chains for hardwood
Chain type is the most overlooked firewood decision, and it matters more for hardwood than for softwood.
Full chisel chains have square-edged cutters that cut faster and hold an edge better, and they shed debris more effectively. That makes them the right choice for clean hardwood like ash, oak and maple, and for anyone who wants to fill a wood stove through a winter.
Semi-chisel chains have rounded cutters, are easier to sharpen, and tolerate dirt and debris better. They are the sensible choice if you are cutting logs straight off the ground, dealing with frozen or dirty wood, or want a chain that a beginner can file without frustration. For a mixed firewood load, a semi-chisel is the forgiving option; for a dedicated hardwood stack, full chisel pays back through fewer sharpening stops.
The two-saw strategy owners actually use
Plenty of firewood cutters run two saws rather than one, and the pairing is consistent: a full-size saw for bucking large rounds, plus a smaller saw for limbing, brush and cleanup. One midsize gas or battery saw plus one light saw covers every task on a woodlot without asking a single tool to do both jobs badly.
The reason is physical, not financial. A 20-inch bar is awkward on a branch, and a 14-inch bar means multiple passes through a 20-inch round. If you have two distinct jobs, two saws will save you more time than the second saw costs.
What to avoid when buying a firewood saw
Oversized bars are the clearest mistake. A 30-inch-plus bar is designed for professional tree work, requires training to use safely, and cannot be controlled by a homeowner standing at ground level. Twenty inches is the practical ceiling for nearly all homeowner firewood duty.
The second mistake is buying purely on cost at the very bottom of the market, where saws arrive with defective parts and no support path. Owners of those saws describe machines that never ran properly, and no warranty help to sort it out.
Third, ignore chain type entirely. A saw with a dull-by-design chain specification will frustrate you in a hardwood stack regardless of engine size.
Maintenance rhythm for firewood duty
Chain sharpening is the habit that decides whether a firewood saw feels good or feels like a chore. Plan on checking chain tension and sharpness every few hours of cutting, and expect a full sharpening routine far more often on hardwood than on pine, since hardwood dust dulls edges quickly.
For gas saws, the rhythm is a fuel mix checked before every fill, an air filter checked every few tank loads, and a spark plug inspected seasonally. For battery and corded saws, the entire routine collapses to chain tension, bar oil level and chain sharpness.
Battery saws need one more habit: keep a second pack charging while you work, because a flat battery mid-round is the moment people decide a gas saw was the right call.
Chainsaw Safety Basics for First-Time Firewood Cutters
Chainsaw safety is not optional context on a page about firewood, because the majority of serious injuries come from a small number of preventable mistakes, and nearly all of them happen in the first few hours of using a new saw.
Wear cut-resistant chaps or trousers, a helmet with a face shield, eye protection, hearing protection and gloves with a reinforced palm. Steel-toe boots with a non-slip sole matter more than most people expect, because your footing is what fails first.
Never cut with one hand. A chainsaw is designed to require two hands, and the front hand guard is there to stop the chain during a rotational kickback. Keep both feet planted, keep your knees bent, and never cut above shoulder height.
Watch for kickback by keeping the upper quarter of the bar nose in the cut, which is the trigger for the most dangerous chain movement. Shut the saw off or engage the chain brake whenever you step away, and before you move more than a few steps.
Cut on a stable surface with the log supported at both ends, and never cut with the bar tip against the ground, since a buried tip is a common cause of kickback. Finally, do not attempt overhead cutting, and stop the machine before you set it down.
For first-time buyers, the most useful starting habit is to practise on small rounds with a clear escape route planned before the cut, not during it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size chainsaw for cutting firewood?
A 16 to 20 inch bar is the right range for almost all homeowner firewood work. Use a 16 inch bar for rounds up to about 12 inches, an 18 inch bar for 16 to 18 inch rounds, and a 20 inch bar for 20 to 24 inch logs. A practical rule is to pick a bar roughly half the diameter of your largest round.
Should I get a gas or battery chainsaw?
For one to four cords a year, a battery saw in the 40V to 56V class with an 18 inch bar is enough. Gas in the 50 to 60cc class still wins if you cut hardwood in volume or want an entire afternoon of work without pauses. Choose gas for sustained cutting and battery for easy starting, low noise and no engine maintenance.
What type of chainsaw chain is best for cutting firewood?
Full chisel chains cut faster and hold an edge better, so they suit clean hardwood such as ash, oak and maple. Semi-chisel chains have rounded cutters, are easier to sharpen and tolerate dirt and frozen wood better. For a mixed woodpile or a beginner, semi-chisel is more forgiving. For a dedicated hardwood stack, full chisel reduces sharpening stops.
Is a 16 inch chainsaw enough for firewood?
Yes, if your rounds are up to about 12 inches, which covers a lot of typical firewood supply. A 16 inch bar is also the most portable option and pairs well with a smaller trim saw. Above 16 inch rounds you will spend more time flipping logs, and an 18 or 20 inch bar becomes the better tool for sustained cord cutting.
Are battery operated chainsaws worth it?
For typical homeowner firewood volumes, yes. Modern brushless saws in the 40V to 56V class deliver gas-like chain speed, start instantly and cut roughly 120 to 250 four-by-four cuts per charge. The trade-offs are runtime, a platform commitment across years of tool purchases, and less capability on very large hardwood rounds compared with a 50 to 60cc gas saw.
So the best chainsaws for firewood in 2026 come down to how much wood and how hard. For most homeowners, the SEESII 40V 18-inch cordless saw is the pick: an 18-inch bar at 8.6 pounds, two batteries, and no fuel to mix. If you already run EGO tools or want the highest-rated option, the CS1613 delivers the cleanest, quietest cutting. If you cut hardwood by the truckload, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is where the engine stops being the limitation.
Start with your largest log, not your pride. Match the bar to half that diameter, buy within the power class that diameter demands, and check the chain tension between every few rounds. That is the whole method.
Ready to look closer? Use the buttons above to see current details for each saw, and pick the one that matches your wood rather than the one with the biggest number on the box.