Best Gas Chainsaws 2026: Eight Saws Put to the Test

Introduction

Battery powered saws are great for small jobs, but for big jobs, a gas powered saw is the only way to go. That raises a simple question: is a $96 chainsaw just as good as one that costs $430? To find out, we tested eight chainsaws with 18-inch bars, ranging from budget models to premium options, and put them through a series of performance tests including starting ease, engine torque, cutting speed, vibration, and noise levels.

How We Tested

Every chainsaw in this lineup was tested with the same 18-inch bar and chain. We measured starting effort by counting pulls on the starter rope from a cold start. Engine torque was measured using a chainsaw dyno that records how much downforce it takes to stop the chain. Cutting speed was tested on the same log for three passes, with a 30-second warm-up before each test. We also measured vibration at the handles, noise at 24 inches from the sound meter, and peak sprocket RPM under no load.

Weight was recorded without fuel, bar, and chain oil. The lightest saw in the group came in at 11.85 pounds, while the heaviest tipped the scales at 15.71 pounds. Starting force was measured with a push-pull meter over three attempts, and we also tested each saw on a hardwood locust tree to see how they handle tougher material.

Vaver 52cc: The Budget Champion

At $96, the Vaver is the least expensive chainsaw in this test. It has a 52cc two-cycle engine with a claimed 2.55 horsepower and a maximum RPM of 12,000. The fuel fill port is easy to access, though the handle can get in the way when filling the bar oil reservoir. The chain tension screw sits on the front of the chain cover, which is less user friendly than some other brands, and the plastic chain cover feels lightweight.

The Vaver started on the seventh pull right out of the box. It measured 114.6 dB at 24 inches and spun the sprocket at nearly 10,000 RPM under no load. On the dyno, it took 23 pounds of force to stop the chain, placing it third in torque. In the cutting test, it averaged 15.43 seconds per cut, which was surprisingly fast for a budget saw. On the hardwood test, it averaged just under 22 seconds per cut, finishing third overall. Vibration measured 104.5 mm/s, which is on the higher side, and starting force peaked at 39.1 pounds.

Built Hard 46cc: Solid But Unremarkable

Priced at $110, the Built Hard has a 46cc engine with a claimed 2.4 horsepower and a rated speed of 8,500 RPM. The chain cover feels light duty, and the handle location blocks access to the oil reservoir. The four bucking spikes are not very sharp. The air filter is held in place by a wing nut and seems adequate for a budget saw, though it must be removed to reach the spark plug. The chain tension screw on the side of the cover is user friendly.

The Built Hard started on four pulls. It measured 114.3 dB and reached nearly 11,700 RPM under no load. On the dyno, it stopped the chain at only 16 pounds of force. Cutting times averaged 19.93 seconds, about five seconds slower than the Vaver. On hardwood, it struggled badly with an average of 36.42 seconds per cut. Vibration was high at 107.6 mm/s, and starting force peaked at 38.8 pounds.

Robi 38cc: Lightweight But Underpowered

The Robi costs $200 and has a 38cc engine, the smallest displacement in the gas lineup. It features an anti-vibration handle and four bucking spikes that are not too aggressive. The bar oil and fuel tanks are both at the rear, making access easy. The chain tension screw is on the side of the cover, and the reusable foam air filter does not need to be removed to access the spark plug. At 11.93 pounds, it is one of the lightest saws tested.

The Robi started on just three pulls, tying for the best starting performance. It measured 113.8 dB and peaked at 11,780 RPM. On the dyno, it took 17 pounds to stop the chain. Cutting times averaged 23.1 seconds, the slowest in the group, and hardwood cutting averaged 39.64 seconds. Vibration was excellent at only 24.6 mm/s, and starting force was the lowest of the gas saws at 32 pounds.

Troy-Built 42cc: Easy Start, Decent Performance

At $225, the Troy-Built has a 42cc engine with spring assist technology for easier pull starts. It comes with a low kickback bar and chain. The bar oil and fuel tanks are at the rear for easy access. The five felling spikes stick out excessively and reduce the usable length of the bar. The overall build quality seems similar to the Robi, and the air filter is held in place by a wing nut.

The Troy-Built started on four pulls. It produced just under 12,000 RPM, the most engine speed of the budget saws, and was the quietest of the gas models at 112.9 dB. On the dyno, it stopped the chain at 16 pounds. Cutting times averaged 18.98 seconds, good enough for second place among the budget saws. Hardwood cutting averaged 32.44 seconds. Vibration measured 51.4 mm/s, and starting force was the lowest of all at just 21.9 pounds.

Echo 45cc: The Refined Performer

The Echo costs $379 and has a 45cc professional-grade two-stroke motor designed for 89 octane or higher. The plastic side cover is built better than the budget saws, and the felling spikes are the most aggressive yet. The bar and chain oil port is large and easy to access. The threaded air filter holds itself in place, and the spark plug can be reached without removing it. At 13.53 pounds, it is heavier than some competitors but still manageable.

The Echo started on three pulls, tying with the Robi for the best starting performance. It measured 113.6 dB and produced just under 13,000 RPM, the most of any gas saw until the Stihl arrived. On the dyno, it took 24 pounds to stop the chain, moving into the lead. Cutting times averaged 15.41 seconds, barely edging out the Vaver. On hardwood, it averaged 23.44 seconds. Vibration was excellent at only 11.2 mm/s, and starting force peaked at 39.4 pounds.

Husqvarna 440: Light and Balanced

Priced at $399, the Husqvarna 440 has a 40.9cc two-stroke engine with a claimed 2.4 horsepower. Smart Start technology is designed for easy startup with minimal effort. The handle partially blocks the bar and chain oil port, but the fuel fill port is large and well placed. The felling spikes look as aggressive as the Echo’s, and the side cover feels durable. Two metal dowels and a threaded stud secure the bar and chain. The air filter snaps into place, and the spark plug is accessible without removing it. At 11.85 pounds, it is the lightest gas saw in the test.

The Husqvarna started on five pulls, which was not as quick as most competitors. It measured 114.1 dB and reached 12,514 RPM, good enough for third place. On the dyno, it took 17 pounds to stop the chain. Cutting times averaged 16.79 seconds, and hardwood cutting averaged 25.69 seconds. Vibration was the best of the gas saws at 10.5 mm/s, and starting force peaked at 37.3 pounds.

Stihl MS250: The Performance Leader

At $430, the Stihl MS250 is the most expensive chainsaw in this test. It has a 45.4cc engine with a claimed 3 horsepower. The inward facing clutch and outward facing sprocket make bar and chain installation very easy. The side access chain tensioner is convenient, and the felling spikes are the most aggressive looking of the group. The easy access air filter cover allows for fast filter service, though the filter must be removed to reach the spark plug. At 12.39 pounds, it is lighter than several of the budget saws.

The Stihl took nine pulls to start, which seems excessive for a new saw. It was the loudest at 115.8 dB but also produced by far the most RPM at 15,378. On the dyno, it took 32 pounds to stop the chain, a commanding lead. Cutting times averaged 12.01 seconds, about 3.7 seconds faster than the Echo. On hardwood, it averaged 18.09 seconds. Vibration measured 44.8 mm/s, higher than the Echo and Husqvarna, and starting force required the most strength at 44.8 pounds.

DeWalt 60V: The Battery Contender

The DeWalt is a battery powered chainsaw with a 20-inch bar and a 60-volt system. It is a much bigger saw than the gas models, making this a somewhat unfair comparison, but we tested it anyway with a fully charged 12 Ah battery and a brand new chain. At 15.71 pounds, it is the heaviest saw in the test, but it is also the quietest at only 96 dB.

The DeWalt produced a tremendous amount of torque but lacked the chain speed of the gas saws. Cutting times averaged 14.15 seconds, placing it second behind the Stihl. On hardwood, it averaged 18.25 seconds, a very close second to the Stihl’s 18.09. Vibration was the lowest of all at only 9 mm/s.

Overall Buying Advice

The Stihl and the Echo finished in a two-way tie for first place with an average finish of 3.3. The Stihl will run circles around the Echo when it comes to cutting through wood, but the Echo requires much less arm and shoulder strength to start and vibrates considerably less. If you do not mind the extra effort to get the saw going and the extra vibration, the Stihl is the better choice. If you want a more refined saw that does not cut quite as fast, the Echo is the way to go.

If it is all about value, the Vaver is where it is at. With an average finish of 4.4 and a price tag under $100, it has decent build quality for the price and cuts surprisingly fast. In our opinion, it is the best value pick in the lineup.

Conclusion

This test shows that price does not always tell the full story. The $96 Vaver outperformed several saws costing two or three times as much, while the $430 Stihl justified its price with class-leading cutting speed and torque. The Echo offers the best balance of refinement and performance, and the DeWalt proves that battery power is closing the gap on gas for serious cutting work. Choose based on your priorities: raw cutting speed, ease of starting, comfort, or budget.