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Do you, too, put a price tag on quality? Do you reject offers that seem too good to be true? What if, for some types of cutting chores, you’re better with a chainsaw under $300? There is only one way to find out.
You’d have to research all those products thoroughly, as we did. And you’d be surprised to find out what quality the chainsaws under $300 can offer you…
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best chainsaws under $300:
Best Overall: | |
Runner-up: | |
Best for the Money: |
Comparison Chart of the Best Chainsaws Under $300
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Husqvarna 440e II  | Best Overall | |
Husqvarna 445  | Runner-up | |
CGOLDENWALL Cordless Chainsaw  | Best for the Money | |
Poulan Pro 967196401 PP3816A  | Best Poulan Chainsaw Under $300 | |
Oregon Cordless 16-inch Chainsaw  | Best Oregon Chainsaw Under $300 | |
Husqvarna 316E  | Best Corded Chainsaw Under $300 | |
Westinghouse 40V Cordless Chainsaw  | Best Westinghouse Chainsaw Under $200 | |
DeWalt DCCS620B 20V MAX XR  | Editor's Pick |
Can You Find a Quality Chainsaw Under $300?
Chainsaws are priced by their engine size or voltage, and by the cutting bar length. Brand popularity, along with the sturdiness of their parts, also plays a role in the price equation. But do you have to pay loads of money on it?
No, not really. If you’re only going to trim bushes, the toughest Stihl chainsaw won’t be your best choice. So yes, you can find a quality chainsaw under $300. You won’t be able to chew humongous logs with it, for sure. But you could do your job in a jiff.
It all comes down to what job you need to do. After all, those manufacturers who sell affordable chainsaws have been on the market for many years. Which can only prove that people find value in their products without having to trade off much quality.
Now let’s take a look at some of the better chainsaws you can buy without breaking the bank!
Review of the Best Chainsaws Under $300
To prove a point, we’ve researched and handpicked not one, but eight best chainsaws under $300. Surprisingly or not, you’ll also bump into some big names on this list. Without further ado, let’s get down to facts.
Best Overall:
Husqvarna 440e II
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This second generation of the Husqvarna 440e makes an excellent choice for light cutting tasks. If pruning and other small cutting chores make your hobby, it will well worth the low price tag. After all, you’re getting a 40.9CC two-stroke engine, and a 16-inch bar, along with some of Husqvarna’s widely-praised technologies.
Easy to work with, it features a double acting chain brake, chain catcher, and right-hand guard, for safe operation. The slim body with a flat underside cut makes it stable.
And the LowVib system facilitates prolonged functioning without unnecessary strain for the operator. Great value for the money and an overall best choice, without a doubt!
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
In full honesty, we’ve looked into it because of its highly attractive price tag, which made the object of our review. Yet what makes it stand out, even more, is the built-in X-TORQ engine technology that lowers fuel consumption. That, and the X-Cut chain and X-Force bar. For that money, it’s great to enjoy these features.
Runner-up:
Husqvarna 445
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Husqvarna is one of the most reputable chainsaw manufacturers in the world. So, there’s no wonder that the runner-up also carries its label. With Husqvarna 445, you get a relatively lightweight chainsaw powered by a 45.7CC two-stroke engine. Paired with an 18-inch guide bar, the nose sprocket type, it truly makes an irresistible choice.
As expected, you get their X-TORQ engine technology, the Smart Start system, and the automatic oil release system. If you’re concerned about safety, you’ll love hearing of all the features it brings. Think of chain brake, throttle lock-out switch, kill switch, chain catcher, and rear & front handguards. This one, too, looks like a winner!
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
You can tell from a distance that this is one of the best options from Husqvarna. It features lots of welcomed particularities, from design to safe operation. It has a solid construction and a catchy design. And it cuts effectively without taking up too much fuel. Check its price, and you’ll be blown away!
Best for the Money:
CGOLDENWALL Cordless Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This cordless chainsaw from CGOLDENWALL comes with pretty much everything you need. Apart from the lightweight, 8.8 pounds chainsaw, you get some handy tools, a matching pot, gasoline filter, and even gloves and sleeve! Add all these to a tool equipped with a powerful 58CC engine and a disposable forming chain. For sure, you’re looking at quite a steady chainsaw.
Given its size, it should work for anything from forest harvesting to chop and branch or even bucking wood. The Easy Start is supposed to facilitate a 50% reduction of the starting resistance. And the built-in carburetor promises to save you up to 20% in fuel consumption.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This unit has a more powerful engine than Husqvarna models in the same price range. And its reliable power is backed by a welcomed safety bezel to prevent injuries. It also has a ring handle for comfortable operation. And the engine’s maximum rotation speed is 13.000r/min!
Best Poulan Chainsaw Under $300:
Poulan Pro 967196401 PP3816A
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you’re a fan of the Poulan Pro chainsaws, this model might be just right for you. It comes with a two-stroke 38CC engine and a 16-inch bar made of solid steel. Fully assembled and with its own carrying case, the chainsaw is ready to get to work, backed up by a two-year warranty.
It weighs 12 pounds and measures 33 x 11.9 x 13.9 inches. Compact and lightweight, it also has an anti-vibe handle and an over-molded rear handle. Needless to say, it puts minimal strain on the operator. Plus, it is easy to maintain.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This is one of the best Poulan Pro chainsaws for under $300. It features an Effortless Pull starting system and the Super Clean Air Filtration system. And it will spare you from worrying about lubricating the bar and the chain, thanks to the automatic oiler.
Best Oregon Chainsaw Under $300:
Oregon Cordless 16-inch Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This electric chainsaw from Oregon will do a wonderful job for light cutting tasks. As long as you’re aware of its limitations as a battery-powered device, you’re going to love everything it has to offer. What you get is a 16-inch cordless chainsaw with self-sharpening bar, powered by 2.6 Ah battery.
Efficiency-wise, it has a brushless motor that provides good speed and torque. It starts with the pull of a trigger. And it boasts Oregon’s Lubri-Tec oiling system that keeps the chain lubricated.
All chain adjustments are done tool-less. And one battery charge should last between 250 and 600 cuts, depending on how and what you’re using it for.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The high performance and optimal balance are hard to ignore. Yet this small and mighty Oregon chainsaw features the PowerSharp technology. With this chain sharpening system, it takes as little as a lever pull to sharpen the chain. While on the saw, in a few seconds, right before you get to work!
Best Corded Chainsaw Under $300:
Husqvarna 316E
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Are you a homeowner of a small yard and don’t mind carrying a corded chainsaw around? The Husqvarna 316E is a dependable choice. Given the popularity of the manufacturer, you can rest assured you’ll be getting the promised reliability, ergonomics, and safety features. The chainsaw weighs as little as 9.7 pounds and measures 19 x 8 x 9 inches.
As an electric unit, it is powered by a 1600 Watt/110 Volt motor. It features a 16-inch bar with the common 0.50-inch gauge and 3/8-inch pitch chain. And to make your life truly easy, it also includes an automatic oil pump. So, you won’t have to worry about lubrication either.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
For an electric chainsaw, the Husqvarna 316E does a great job at making you feel safe. If needed, you can shut it off in under a second. And you have the much-coveted inertia activated chain brake to rely on.
Best Westinghouse Chainsaw Under $300:
Westinghouse 40V Cordless Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Westinghouse isn’t necessarily a name you often hear of. But it is an American manufacturer with a presence on the market since 1886! And their 40V cordless chainsaw with 2.0 Ah battery and rapid charger might make you want to start looking for their products more often. This particular chainsaw comes with a 14-inch premium Oregon bar, ideal for backyard cutting.
The brushless motor facilitates a 5500 RPM raw power. The low kickback bar and chain will allow you to enjoy smooth operation. All while safety is ensured by the front handguard and the locking rear handle. Small details like the transparent oil tank, the automatic oiler, or the tool-free chain tensioning are also welcomed.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
If nothing else, consider the Westinghouse 40V Cordless Chainsaw for its premium Oregon double guard bar with 90PX low kickback chain. And, of course, for the electronic chain brake that prevents accidental kickbacks and lets you enjoy operation without unpleasant events.
Editor's Pick:
DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max XR
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If DEWALT has been on your radar for some time, you know what to expect from this compact cordless battery-powered chainsaw. The DEWALT DCCS620B caught our editor’s eye, as it brings great value and surprising cutting power for its size and… price tag. At only 8.8 pounds and 25 x 9 x 9 inches, it features a compact design.
Lightweight and with excellent maneuverability, carrying it around will be a breeze. But the same goes for operating with its brushless motor. It simply sets the 12-inch bar into motion in a jiffy. Once you get the 20V battery that it requires, you’re good to go.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This product stands out through its impressive maneuverability. It also helps that it features an Oregon bar, the low kickback type. And so, even though it’s only a 12-inch bar and chain combo, it still makes an outstanding choice for handling all sorts of small cutting chores.
Quick Take: Best Chainsaws Under $300
In summary, here are the best chainsaws under $300:
Best Overall: | |
Runner-up: | |
Best for the Money: |
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
As earlier suggested, the price range is dictated by the size of the chainsaw. If you’re looking to spend no more than $300 for a power tool, you should expect the following:
You Will Look At Small, Compact Chainsaws
Most products in this price range will feature a compact casing with a weight of up to 14 pounds. Without a doubt, such options will provide excellent maneuverability. At the same time, it also shows you, upfront, that you’ll have to limit yourself to medium chores.
You Will Benefit From 12 to 18-Inch Bars
In line with the small body, such chainsaws come with smaller bars. You won’t be forced to go with the 12-inch cutting bar as a rule.
But expect to see the 14-inch bar and chain as a common offering. Don’t fret, you’ll also spot some 16 or 18-inch bars, occasionally.
You Will Find Plenty Of Electric Models
A small chainsaw with a short bar and a lightweight body? It looks a lot like an electric model, and you’ll find plenty of battery-powered options. That is not to say you won’t find gas-powered models at all. Just so you know, options are well balanced. Still, you’ll find plenty of electric chainsaws for this price, if you specifically look for it!
Conclusion
Without a doubt, you don’t need to break the bank to find a reliable chainsaw for under $300. To your surprise, you can enjoy plenty of options, even from the most popular manufacturers, like Husqvarna or Poulan Pro.
But due to the great prices you’re getting, you might also afford to experiment with products from other brands, like Westinghouse or DEWALT. It won’t necessarily be a professional-grade model, though, for your average backyard chores, full satisfaction from a chainsaw under $300 is totally doable!