Best Chainsaw Under $400: 5 Saws for Firewood and Trimming
Five chainsaws under $400 compared by motor power, bar length, reach, weight, chain brake and stated warranty, from compact pruning saws to pole saw kits.
By FirewoodGearHQ Editorial
Updated October 9, 2026
Homeowners maintaining a woodpile or clearing storm damage often look for the best chainsaw under $400 to handle trimming, limbing and firewood preparation without overspending. Saws in this budget category range from compact 6 in and 8 in cordless pruning saws to 2-in-1 pole saw combinations and light gas top-handle models. While they do not replace heavy-duty timber saws, these models deliver practical cutting ability for yard maintenance and limb cleanup when operated with appropriate safety gear.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall Autubin 8-Inch 2-in-1: 2-in-1 saw with a 16 ft reach extension pole, two 21V 4.0Ah batteries and a 1200W brushless motor. Check price
- Best Two-Bar Kit Run Jee 10-Inch Kit: 10 in saw with bonus 6 in bar, two 4000 mAh batteries, fast charger and carrying case. Check price
- Best Name Brand DEWALT 20V MAX 8-Inch: DEWALT 20V MAX pruning saw with an 8 in bar, 2.8 hp brushless motor and automatic oiler. Check price
- Best Warranty Pick IMOUMLIVE 6-Inch Mini: Lightweight 2.2 lb mini chainsaw with a stated 2 year saw warranty and 1 year battery warranty. Check price
Compare the picks
| Model | Woodlot Score | Bar | Power | Weight (listed) | Chain brake | Warranty (stated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autubin 8-Inch 2-in-1 | 7.2/10 | 8 in (16 ft pole) | 1200W brushless, 21V | 6.9 lb | Not stated | Not stated |
| Run Jee 10-Inch Kit | 6.4/10 | 10 and 6 in | 1.2 hp brushless | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| DEWALT 20V MAX 8-Inch | 6.4/10 | 8 in | 2.8 hp, 20V MAX | 2.09 kg | Not stated | Not stated |
| IMOUMLIVE 6-Inch Mini | 6.4/10 | 6 in | 650W copper, 21V | 2.2 lb | Not stated | 2 years saw, 1 year battery |
| VEVOR 25.4cc 12-Inch | 5.7/10 | 12 in | 25.4 cc, 1.2 hp gas | 9.26 lb (18.7 lb table) | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 9 October 2026. Weights are as listed and may or may not include the bar and chain. None of these five listings describes an inertial or manual chain brake.
The 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 › | |
|---|---|---|---|
2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw & Mini Chainsaw
|
7.2/10 | Buy | |
6-Inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless
|
6.4/10 | Buy | |
10 Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw Kit with 2x
|
6.4/10 | Buy | |
DEWALT 20V MAX Pruning Chainsaw
|
6.4/10 | Buy | |
VEVOR Gas Powered Chainsaw 25.4CC 2-Cycle 12 Inch
|
5.7/10 | Buy |
2-in-1 Cordless Pole Saw & Mini Chainsaw
An 8 in cordless 2-in-1 pole saw and handheld chainsaw with a telescopic pole extending up to 16 ft, two 21V 4.0Ah batteries, 1200W brushless motor and auto-oiler.
Pros
- Converts between handheld saw and pole saw extending up to 16 ft
- Two 21V 4.0Ah batteries and charger included
- 1200W brushless motor with 26.2 ft/s chain speed
- Tool-free chain tensioning and automatic oiling system
Cons
- Chain brake not described on the listing
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- Chain lubricating oil is not included in the package
- 6.9 lb listed weight is heavier than dedicated mini saws
6-Inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless
A 2.2 lb cordless 6 in mini chainsaw with a 21V 2.0Ah battery, 650W copper motor, safety lock, splash guard, accessories and a stated 2 year saw warranty.
Pros
- 2 year saw warranty and 1 year battery warranty stated
- 2.2 lb listed weight allows effortless one-handed control
- Complete kit includes 21V 2.0Ah battery, charger and tools
- Equipped with safety lock, extended splash guard and hand guard
Cons
- Chain brake not described on the listing
- 6 in bar is the shortest cutting length in this comparison
- 650W motor is limited to light pruning and thin branches
- Little-known brand with no local dealer network
10 Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw Kit with 2x
A 10 in cordless chainsaw kit powered by a 1.2 hp brushless motor, sold with a bonus 6 in bar and chain, two 4000 mAh batteries, fast charger and carrying case.
Pros
- Includes both 10 in and bonus 6 in guide bars and chains
- Two 4000 mAh batteries, fast charger and hard case included
- Brushless motor rated at 1.2 hp with 25.0 ft/s chain speed
- Stated safety lock switch, overload and overheat protection
Cons
- Chain brake not described on the listing
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- Weight is not stated on the listing
- Lesser-known brand with no local service network
DEWALT 20V MAX Pruning Chainsaw
An 8 in compact cordless pruning chainsaw with a 2.8 hp brushless motor, automatic oiler, tip guard and listed weight of 2.09 kg, sold as a bare tool.
Pros
- High-efficiency brushless motor rated at 2.8 hp
- Automatic oiler for continuous chain lubrication
- Tip guard stated to provide stability during upcuts
- Major brand compatible with the 20V MAX battery platform
Cons
- Bare tool only with battery and charger sold separately
- No concrete warranty term stated on the listing
- Chain brake not described on the listing
- 8 in bar restricted to pruning and small branch cleanup
VEVOR Gas Powered Chainsaw 25.4CC 2-Cycle 12 Inch
A 25.4 cc, 1.2 hp gas top-handle chainsaw with a 12 in bar, high-strength steel chain, 0.24 qt fuel tank and wrap-around handle for pruning and limbing.
Pros
- 12 in bar provides the longest single guide bar here
- 25.4 cc gas engine delivers 1.2 hp without battery recharging
- Top-handle layout with ergonomic wrap-around grip
- Equipped with 0.24 qt fuel tank and 0.17 qt oil tank
Cons
- Listing contradicts weight, stating 9.26 lb in text and 18.7 lb in table
- Chain brake not described on the listing
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- Requires 2-cycle fuel mixing and produces gas engine exhaust
How we scored them
Each saw is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. A saw whose listing does not describe a chain brake gets zero for safety. The weights are on our How We Pick page.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autubin 8-Inch 2-in-1 | 7.2 | 29 | 20 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| IMOUMLIVE 6-Inch Mini | 6.4 | 23 | 18 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| Run Jee 10-Inch Kit | 6.4 | 28 | 19 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| DEWALT 20V MAX 8-Inch | 6.4 | 28 | 22 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| VEVOR 25.4cc 12-Inch | 5.7 | 26 | 14 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Buying guide: best chainsaw under $400
Cordless battery vs gas power
At this budget point, buyers choose between cordless battery platforms and compact gas engines. Battery electric saws start instantly at the squeeze of a switch, run with reduced noise, produce zero exhaust emissions and eliminate 2-cycle fuel mixing. Multi-battery kits provide workable runtimes for intermittent yard pruning. Conversely, a gas engine offers uninterrupted run periods as long as fuel is on hand, but requires regular engine maintenance, fuel mixing and air filter cleaning.
Bar length and overhead reach
Matching guide bar length to your cutting task keeps work efficient and safe. A 6 in or 8 in bar is maneuverable and well suited for limbing branches, trimming garden bushes and cutting kindling pieces. When branches hang out of comfortable arm reach, a 2-in-1 saw with a telescoping extension pole allows high trimming from firm ground without climbing an unstable ladder. For thicker firewood rounds, a 10 in or 12 in bar provides deeper single-pass cuts.
Chain brake and safety gear
Chain brakes are the primary defense against rotational kickback, yet budget mini saws frequently omit them. Whenever a listing does not describe a chain brake, check the product documentation before operating. Regardless of saw size, personal protective equipment is mandatory. In line with the OSHA logging eTool, every operator must wear protective chaps, a helmet with a face screen, hearing protection, heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves and sturdy non-slip work boots. Beware of rotational kickback generated at the guide bar nose, and never cut alone on a woodlot or remote property.
Warranty and replacement parts
Only one listing in this review states a concrete warranty term. Before ordering any budget model, check whether replacement chains, guide bars and drive sprockets use standard commercial dimensions. Having clear chain specifications such as pitch, gauge and drive link count makes finding replacement chains simple as cutters wear.
Emissions and local regulations
Gas-powered equipment must comply with regional environmental standards, including EPA regulations and California Air Resources Board rules. If you live in jurisdictions with strict small off-road engine rules, cordless electric saws avoid compliance hurdles altogether.
If you regularly process large firewood rounds, consider stepping up to a dedicated firewood saw: see our guide to the best chainsaw for firewood.
Turn a stack's length, height and depth into full and face cords, and estimate how much wood a winter takes.
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
Is a chainsaw under $400 suitable for firewood?
Yes, for trimming storm debris, limbing fallen branches and cutting small rounds for campfires or stove kindling. Compact cordless saws handle branches up to their stated bar capacities smoothly, though large hardwood trunks require higher-displacement farm or commercial saws.
Can chainsaws cut through metal?
No. Chainsaws designed for wood cutting must never be used to cut metal pipe, wire, nails or sheet metal. Striking metal dulls or snaps the chain teeth immediately, risks severe cutter throw and induces abrupt, hazardous kickback toward the user.
How do you clean a chainsaw carburetor and maintain a pull cord?
For gas saws, remove the air filter shroud, disconnect fuel lines safely and clear varnish from internal jets using dedicated carburetor cleaner solvent. Inspect the recoil starter rope regularly for fraying, rewinding the recoil spring smoothly with balanced tension so the pull cord retracts firmly.
Why is a chain brake necessary on a chainsaw?
A chain brake stops the spinning chain within a fraction of a second if the bar nose contacts an obstruction and kicks upward. Without a functional chain brake, rotational kickback can drive a live chain directly toward the user’s upper body before hands can release the throttle.
Should you hire a professional for tree felling?
Yes. Felling standing timber is the most hazardous phase of woodlot operations, involving unpredictable trunk compression, widowmaker limbs and severe crushing risks. We do not provide tree felling instructions. For any tree near structures, fences or power utilities, always engage a certified, insured arborist.
Related guides
See our chainsaws hub, battery chainsaws and gas chainsaws for category overviews. For larger firewood harvesting, explore the best chainsaw for firewood. Prefer cordless convenience for yard cleanup? Read our guide to the best battery chainsaw for homeowners. If high tree branches are your primary chore, review the cheap pole saw guide. Once rounds are bucked, split kindling safely with a best kindling splitter. Keep your chains cutting cleanly with our guide to the best chainsaw sharpener, and verify safety status through how to check if your chainsaw or log splitter is recalled. When planning split sizes, see how many tons log splitter do I need, or evaluate corded models in our best electric chainsaw review.
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.