Best 16 Inch Chainsaw: 5 Saws Compared (2026)
Five 16-inch chainsaws compared by power source, motor output, chain speed, weight, safety braking features and stated manufacturer warranty coverage.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 9, 2026
The best 16 inch chainsaw balances manageable bar length with enough cutting authority for firewood processing, storm cleanup, and property maintenance. For all-around cutting stamina without battery limits, the gas-powered Husqvarna 435 leads our scores with a 40-cc engine and an inertia-activated safety brake. For cord-free convenience, dual-battery brushless platforms deliver chain speeds up to 54 ft/s using packs you may already own. This roundup compares five 16-inch chainsaws across gas and battery categories to help you select the right tool for your woodpile.
FirewoodGearHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Gas Saw Husqvarna 435: 40-cc gas engine delivering 2.2 HP with an inertia-activated chain brake and centrifugal air injection. Check price
- Best Complete Kit Supstable S16 Pro: 2000W brushless motor with a 40V 4.0Ah battery, fast charger, chain brake and safety gear in the box. Check price
- Best Warranty pyrcruax EF-20CS16: Dual 20V battery platform with 52 ft/s chain speed, low-kickback chain geometry and a 3-year warranty. Check price
- Fastest Chain Speed ReliaRoads 16-Inch: Runs on two 20V MAX packs to drive the chain at 54 ft/s with 2 HP brushless power and a 2-year warranty. Check price
- Best Lightweight DEJUNPIOOL JY-CH1201: Weighs 7.7 pounds bare tool with a battery level screen, emergency brake baffle and three included chains. Check price
Compare the picks
| Model | Woodlot Score | Power source | Output | Chain speed | Weight | Chain brake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 435 | 8.7/10 | Gas (2-cycle) | 40-cc, 2.2 HP | Not stated | 9.8 pounds | Inertia-activated |
| Supstable S16 Pro | 8.4/10 | 40V battery (4.0Ah incl.) | 2000W brushless | 35 ft/s | Not stated | Yes |
| pyrcruax EF-20CS16 | 8.1/10 | Dual 20V battery (bare tool) | 2.0 HP brushless | 52 ft/s | 4.77 kg | Instant-stop |
| ReliaRoads 16-Inch | 8.1/10 | Dual 20V battery (bare tool) | 2 HP brushless | 54 ft/s | 4.77 kg | Yes |
| DEJUNPIOOL JY-CH1201 | 7.2/10 | 20V/60V battery (bare tool) | 1200W brushless | 42 ft/s | 7.7 pounds | Emergency brake |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 9 October 2026. Our evaluations reflect published motor power, chain velocity, safety braking features, and stated warranty terms. Listings that omit essential information such as operating weight or warranty lengths receive lower scores in those specific categories.
The best 16 inch chainsaw picks
| Award | Product | Woodlot Score About the HQ ScoreThe Woodlot Score runs from 0 to 10 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
Husqvarna 435 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.2-HP
|
8.7/10 | Buy | |
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless
|
8.4/10 | Buy | |
16" 40V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw for DeWALT 20V
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Compatible with Dewalt
|
7.2/10 | Buy |
Husqvarna 435 Gas Chainsaw, 40-cc 2.2-HP
A 40-cc gas chainsaw delivering 2.2 HP through an X-Torq 2-cycle engine, equipped with a 16-inch bar, inertia-activated chain brake, and centrifugal air cleaning.
Pros
- 40-cc X-Torq gas engine delivers 2.2 HP of continuous cutting power
- Inertia-activated chain brake designed to stop kickback incidents
- Centrifugal Air Injection system expels dust before reaching the air filter
- LowVib dampeners reduce vibration during longer cutting sessions
Cons
- Listing mistakenly calls this gas model a cordless saw in its bullets
- Requires 2-cycle fuel mixing and routine gas engine upkeep
- Chain speed in feet per second is not stated in the listing
- Tool-only dimensions and fuel capacity are not stated in the listing
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Cordless
A 40V cordless chainsaw powered by a 2000W brushless motor, bundled with a 4.0Ah battery, fast charger, 150ml auto oiler, and safety gear.
Pros
- Complete kit includes 40V 4.0Ah battery, fast charger, goggles and gloves
- 2000W brushless motor delivers chain speed up to 35 ft/s
- Built-in 150ml automatic oil reservoir with transparent level check
- Tool-free side knob allows fast chain tension adjustments
Cons
- Operating weight is not stated in the listing or spec table
- Battery and charger work with 40V tools only and are not 20V compatible
- Dimensions listed as 10 by 10 by 15 inches lack bar length context
- Maker claims 42cc gas equivalence without publishing verified measurements
16" 40V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw for DeWALT 20V
A 40V brushless chainsaw running on two DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, delivering 2.0 HP, 52 ft/s chain speed, and rapid safety braking.
Pros
- 3-Year Limited Warranty with 1-Year replacement exceeds category standard
- Instant-stop chain brake combined with low-kickback chain geometry
- 2.0 HP brushless motor produces a fast 52 ft/s chain speed
- Includes two 16-inch chains, guide bar cover and screwdriver
Cons
- Bare tool package excludes the two required 20V batteries and charger
- Weight is given in metric as 4.77 kg without a pounds conversion
- Listing claims semi-pro power stronger than 39cc gas without third-party proof
- Oil reservoir runtime is limited to 20 minutes per fill
ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V Brushless Cordless Chainsaw
A high-velocity 40V brushless chainsaw operating on two DeWalt 20V MAX packs, delivering 2 HP and 54 ft/s chain speed with two chains included.
Pros
- 54 ft/s chain speed is the fastest among the compared cordless models
- 2 HP brushless motor powered by two compatible 20V MAX batteries
- Backed by a stated 2-year warranty and lifetime customer support
- Includes two 16-inch chains, bar cover, oil bottle and screwdriver
Cons
- Bare tool package requires buying or owning two 20V MAX batteries
- Weight is published only in metric as 4.77 kg
- Maker does not state oil reservoir capacity in fluid ounces or milliliters
- Requires matched battery capacities of 4 to 8Ah for best performance
16 Inch Electric Chainsaw Compatible with Dewalt
A 7.7 lb bare-tool cordless chainsaw compatible with DeWalt 20V and 60V batteries, featuring a 1200W brushless motor, battery level screen, and three chains.
Pros
- Lightweight build at 7.7 pounds bare tool reduces arm fatigue
- Includes three 16-inch chains and empty lubrication bottle
- Built-in battery level screen monitors charge in real time
- Tool-free rotary switch for fast chain installation and tensioning
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing or spec table
- Tool only package does not include a battery, charger or bar oil
- Maximum cutting diameter is capped at 13 inches on a 16-inch bar
- 1200W motor produces a lower power rating than dual-battery rivals
How we scored them
Each chainsaw is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 435 | 8.7 | 32 | 22 | 20 | 9 | 4 |
| Supstable S16 Pro | 8.4 | 29 | 20 | 22 | 8 | 4 |
| pyrcruax EF-20CS16 | 8.1 | 29 | 19 | 20 | 9 | 4 |
| ReliaRoads 16-Inch | 8.1 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 4 |
| DEJUNPIOOL JY-CH1201 | 7.2 | 26 | 19 | 20 | 7 | 0 |
Buying guide: choosing the best 16 inch chainsaw
Gas versus battery power platforms
Choosing between gas and battery power depends on your cutting workload and property setup. A gas model like the Husqvarna 435 provides continuous runtime: refuel the tank and keep bucking wood without waiting on chargers. However, gas saws demand 2-cycle oil mixing, fresh fuel maintenance, air filter cleaning, and spark plug checks. Cordless electric saws eliminate exhaust fumes and cold-start pulls. If you cut occasional firewood or need fast storm cleanup near the house, a battery chainsaw for homeowners is quiet and convenient. For larger woodpiles where continuous cutting matters, consult our guide to the best chainsaws for firewood.
Chain speed and cutting capacity
Guide bar length determines the reach of the saw, while chain speed dictates how rapidly the cutters clear wood fibers. In this comparison, chain speeds range from 35 ft/s on the Supstable up to 54 ft/s on the ReliaRoads, with pyrcruax publishing 52 ft/s and DEJUNPIOOL listing 42 ft/s. Higher chain speeds clear wood faster when cutting seasoned firewood rounds. Slower chain speeds still handle pruning tasks effectively. Maintaining sharp cutters with a chainsaw sharpener is essential to avoid motor strain and bar overheating.
Chain brakes and kickback mitigation
Kickback occurs when the moving chain near the guide bar tip contacts an obstruction or pinches, driving the bar rapidly upward toward the user. Safety standards require a functioning chain brake to stop rotation immediately upon kickback. The Husqvarna 435 features an inertia-activated chain brake that engages from rotational momentum even if the operator wrist misses the front guard. Electric cordless saws employ rapid electronic braking, mechanical brake baffles, and low-kickback chain geometry to protect operators.
Chain tensioning and automatic lubrication
Chains expand as cutting friction produces heat. Side knobs with tool-free tensioning systems allow quick adjustments in the yard without tools. Automatic oilers pump lubricant continuously along the guide bar rails to prevent friction wear. Several listings include built-in oil tanks, such as the 150ml reservoir on the Supstable or the 20 minutes per fill rating on the pyrcruax. Always check bar oil levels before starting any cutting session.
Battery platforms and bare tool values
Multiple cordless models in this review are sold as bare tools without batteries or chargers. Saws compatible with DeWalt 20V MAX or 60V batteries offer good value if you already own compatible packs. However, dual-battery 40V models require two batteries simultaneously, with makers recommending two 4 to 8Ah batteries for sufficient runtime. If you do not own compatible power packs, complete kits that bundle the saw, 4.0Ah battery, and fast charger avoid separate accessory purchases.
Wear cut-resistant chaps, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, gloves and sturdy boots. Know where the kickback zone is (the upper tip of the bar), keep the chain brake working and the chain sharp, and never cut alone in the woods. Felling trees is hazardous work: hire a professional for large, leaning or storm-damaged trees, especially near buildings or power lines. See OSHA logging safety for chain saw operators. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diameter logs can a 16 inch chainsaw cut?
Listings in this comparison specify cutting capacities suited for firewood and yard cleanup. For instance, the DEJUNPIOOL listing states a maximum cutting diameter of up to 13 inches, while the pyrcruax listing specifies handling 12 to 16 inch logs. Saws equipped with a 16-inch guide bar give operators sufficient reach for bucking firewood logs and clearing storm debris.
Is a 16 inch cordless chainsaw as powerful as a gas chainsaw?
Modern 40V brushless chainsaws deliver chain speeds and cutting authority comparable to small gas saws. For example, pyrcruax lists its 2.0 HP brushless motor as producing more torque than a 39cc gas engine, while Supstable rates its 2000W motor as comparable to a 42cc gas chainsaw. However, gas models like the Husqvarna 435 can run continuously with quick refueling, whereas battery models depend on charged packs.
What safety gear is required when operating a chainsaw?
Chainsaw safety standards require full personal protective equipment: chainsaw chaps, a helmet with face screen, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, and sturdy boots. Never operate a chainsaw alone, always maintain a clear retreat path, and keep hands firmly on the handles while cutting. Refer to our chainsaw gear hub for protective equipment guidance.
Can you fell large trees with a 16 inch chainsaw?
We do not provide tree felling instructions. Felling standing trees involves serious hazards from falling limbs, directional kickback, and tree binding. Leave felling operations to certified arborists and professional tree care contractors. Use these 16-inch saws for ground-level bucking, limb trimming, and firewood preparation.
How do you check if a chainsaw has been recalled?
Consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database or read our guide on how to check if your chainsaw is recalled. Match the model number and date code from your saw data plate against official recall bulletins.
Related guides
See our main chainsaws hub, the battery chainsaws category, and the gas chainsaws category. For dedicated firewood cutting, explore our guide to the best chainsaws for firewood, and see corded options in our best electric chainsaw guide. To keep your cutters performing at their peak, consult our guide to the best chainsaw sharpeners.
About the author
The FirewoodGearHQ editorial team researches firewood and wood heating equipment from published specifications, ratings and warranty terms, and scores every pick the same way. We do not run our own product trials.