Which Chainsaw Is Best for Cutting Firewood? Logs and Splits With 45Cc Power

Our Pick and How the List Was Built

Firewood cutting gets easier when the saw matches the log size, because a longer bar changes what you can span in one pass.

Husqvarna 450 Rancher Chainsaw is the gas pick for that result, and its 4.5 rating across 488 ratings adds buyer feedback context. Pick the DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw if you want cordless convenience, or the Stihl MS 170 30 cm 1200 W if you want a smaller saw for shorter cuts and lighter rounds.

We screened 95 Chainsaws at New Hardware and compared 10 in this page’s table for firewood cutting, then kept the shortlist between $237.05 and $649; the median price of the 10 products in our comparison is $286.97.

See our article scope to understand which types of saws and wood sizes are included in this guide.

Check the minimum requirements to ensure your chosen model has the power necessary for heavy logs.

Browse our top picks for a quick look at the highest-rated firewood chainsaws available today.

You can find more details in our full review of the CS1604.

Chain Saws for Cutting Firewood Compared Side by Side

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.

Husqvarna 450 Rancher fits this topic best because its 20-inch bar suits firewood cutting, and its gas power source supports dense log work.

Each Pick for Cutting Firewood, Examined One by One

The 3 picks below are reviewed in the same order as the cards above.

Husqvarna 450 Rancher Chainsaw

For regular firewood cutting, this Husqvarna gives you a 20-inch bar and a 50.2-cc gas engine, which is the kind of setup that suits larger rounds and longer sessions. Gas makes sense here when you want one saw for heavier cutting and do not want battery runtime to set the pace.

What we like: The 20-inch guide bar gives it the most reach among the three picks here. Its 3.2-HP X-Torq engine and 11.33-pound weight put it in the group that favors serious bucking over compact handling. The 4.5 rating from 488 buyers adds useful context, and the $649 price reflects that heavier-duty gas setup.

Keep in mind: This is not the cheapest route for occasional firewood. If you only split a few small logs now and then, the size and price point are more saw than you need.

DEWALT DCCS620B 20V Max Chainsaw

For occasional firewood cutting, this DEWALT is the value pick because it pairs a 12-inch bar with a 20V MAX battery system and a $237.05 price. Battery power is the right fit when you want lower upkeep and easier carry than gas, but you still need enough runtime for the job.

What we like: The 5Ah battery capacity is the strongest figure here for runtime among the cordless picks in this section. Its 8.8-pound weight keeps it lighter than the gas model, and the tool-free chain tensioning helps with quick adjustment. The 4.5 rating from 13,161 buyers gives the listing useful volume behind it.

Keep in mind: The worked-out job figures show about 1 to 2 hours for weekend firewood work that needs 2 hours, so runtime can run short. It is also a poor fit for larger limbs, since the 20V platform is not enough for that heavier job.

Stihl MS 170 30 cm 1200 W

This Stihl fits smaller firewood jobs because its 30 cm bar is compact and easier to place on short rounds. A smaller saw like this suits occasional cutting better than heavy bucking, especially when you do not need the reach of a 16-inch or 18-inch class bar.

What we like: The 30 cm bar gives it a shorter cutting reach than the other two picks, which is useful when you want a lighter saw for smaller logs. The 4.7 rating from 1,670 buyers is the strongest score in this group, and the anti-vibration system plus chain lubrication system add useful spec context. The $274.94 price keeps it closer to the cordless option than the gas model.

Keep in mind: The bar length makes it the least suited to larger firewood rounds. If your work shifts toward heavier bucking, the shorter reach becomes the limit.

Consult the buying guide to learn how to choose the right tool based on your specific needs.

Detailed specifications are available in our full review of the V20 CMCCS620M1.

If you aren’t ready to buy a motor, explore the alternatives to a standard chainsaw.

How to Choose a Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood

How Bar Length Affects Cutting Firewood

Choose 16 to 20 inches for stove-size logs, and favor 20 inches when your rounds are wider or you want fewer repositioning cuts. The 20-inch Husqvarna 450 Rancher gives the longest reach in this group, while the 12-inch DEWALT suits smaller firewood and the 30 cm Stihl MS 170 sits in the compact middle. If your pile is mostly small rounds, why pay for extra reach? The DEWALT’s 12-inch bar keeps the saw lighter and easier to place on short cuts.

How Engine Or Battery Power Affects Cutting Firewood

For dense hardwood, power matters more than bar length once the cut starts to load the chain. The 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP Husqvarna 450 Rancher is the gas option here, and the 20V MAX DEWALT is the battery model with the smallest power figure in the group. That split matters for firewood because a stronger power source helps the saw keep moving through harder wood and larger rounds without slowing the job. The Stihl MS 261 C-M is the benchmark pro gas saw for cutting speed and balance, and the 450 Rancher is the closest match here in the gas category.

How Chain Speed Affects Cutting Firewood

Look for the setup that keeps bucking moving, not just the one with the longest bar. Chain speed is not stated for any of these three picks, so the comparison turns on the figures that are stated: the Husqvarna’s 50.2-cc engine, the DEWALT’s 20V MAX pack, and the Stihl MS 170’s 30 cm bar. A longer bar helps span wider logs, but it does not replace the power needed to keep cuts moving through firewood. Log bucking technique, which means cutting logs into shorter firewood lengths, matters here because a steady cut saves time on repeated rounds.

How Weight Affects Cutting Firewood

Use weight to decide how long you can keep cutting before the saw feels like a chore. The DEWALT is the lightest listed at 8.8 pounds, the Husqvarna weighs 11.33 pounds, and the Stihl MS 170 does not state a weight. For repeated cuts, that gap matters more than a small bar-length advantage. The lighter DEWALT favors quick weekend firewood work, while the heavier Husqvarna better suits longer sessions where reach matters more than carrying comfort.

How Tool-Free Chain Tensioning Affects Cutting Firewood

Choose tool-free chain tensioning if you want faster adjustments between cuts. The DEWALT states tool-free chain tensioning and a bar tightening knob, so it is the only pick here that clearly supports quick on-the-spot adjustment. That matters when you are moving through a stack and need to keep the chain set without stopping for extra tools. Felling wedges help split binding cuts, but they do not replace a tensioning system when the chain needs adjustment.

View the comparison table to see the technical specifications of all models side by side.

Use our audience checklist to find which saw best fits your experience level and intended use.

Smaller frames are often preferred, so view our selection of the best lightweight chainsaw for women.

The Jobs Buyers Ask About, Checked Against Each Pick

Each row is a job this page’s buyers ask about, worked out from each pick’s listed battery capacity and battery voltage and a typical need for the job.

The needs are typical figures for each job, not manufacturer claims, and each pick’s result is worked out from its listed specifications. Your own job’s figure is the one that decides.

Who Buys Chain Saws, and What It Really Costs

Review setup and warranty details to learn about fuel needs, maintenance, and manufacturer support.

Explore the detailed reviews for an in-depth breakdown of every model’s performance and features.

Visit the FAQ to find quick answers to common questions about chainsaw ownership.

If you need to clear fallen trees quickly, see our guide to the best chainsaw for storm cleanup.

Getting Started with Any of These Picks

What these firewood saws need before they work

Every one of these chainsaws needs the right power source before it can cut firewood: gas for the Husqvarna 450 Rancher, a charged battery for the DEWALT DCCS620B, and a ready fuel setup for the Stihl MS 170, whose power source is not stated.

• Husqvarna 450 Rancher needs gas. Its 20-inch bar also means you should already be planning for larger rounds and longer bucking cuts.
• DEWALT DCCS620B needs a 20V MAX battery and a battery charger. It is a bare tool, so you also need the matching 20V MAX system before it will run.
• DEWALT DCCS620B also works best with a spare battery if you want to keep cutting after the 5Ah pack runs down. The 12-inch bar suits smaller firewood jobs, not long sessions without a swap.
• Stihl MS 170 does not state its power source in the data here. That means you should treat the listed 30 cm bar as the only confirmed setup detail before ordering.

What to verify on arrival with a firewood chainsaw order

Cover differs by seller and country, so confirm the parts that matter most before the return window closes.

• Check that the bar length matches what you ordered. The Husqvarna’s 20 inches and the DEWALT’s 12 inches change what size wood each saw can span.
• Confirm the chain and bar match. A wrong bar-and-chain match can stop the saw from running correctly, and that matters most on the DEWALT and Husqvarna because their cutting setups are stated in different sizes.
• Verify the battery system for the DEWALT DCCS620B. The saw is tool-only, so the 20V MAX battery and charger are the parts that decide whether it works at all.
• Inspect the chain, bar, and oiling parts for shipping damage. Firewood cutting depends on the cutting system staying aligned and lubricated, especially on the gas Husqvarna and the Stihl with its chain lubrication system.

Start by fitting the chain, checking the bar, and making sure the correct power source is ready before the first cut.

What Buyers Still Want to Know About Tree Saws for Cutting Firewood

What chain speed, chain type, or cutting setup matters most for firewood work?

For firewood work, chain pitch and bar fit matter more than a marketing claim about speed. The category reference point is 3/8 in low-profile chain, and the bar groove must match the chain at .050 in gauge. DEWALT states a 12-inch low kick back bar and chain, while Husqvarna lists a 20-inch chain length and Stihl gives 30 cm.

How much should I expect to spend for a chainsaw that is good enough for firewood, not just cheap?

Expect to spend more than entry-level money if you want a chainsaw that suits regular firewood work. DEWALT is the lowest-priced option, while the Husqvarna carries the highest price and the longest bar here.

What safety features should I look for before buying a chainsaw for firewood?

Look for a chain brake, low-kickback chain, and anti-vibration design before you buy a chainsaw for firewood. Husqvarna lists an inertia-activated chain brake and LowVib dampeners, and DEWALT states a low kick back bar and chain. Stihl lists an anti-vibration system, which matters when you plan longer cutting sessions.

Which chainsaw for firewood suits a buyer who wants the least setup hassle?

The chainsaw for firewood that suits the least setup hassle is the cordless DEWALT if you already own a 20V MAX battery. It is a bare tool, so the battery and charger are not included, while the Husqvarna and Stihl are different power setups entirely. For a buyer who wants one purchase to start cutting, that missing battery system is the key trade-off.

Who Should Skip These Chainsaws

For that work, move to a larger gas chainsaw or a longer-bar model. If your main risk is an underpowered battery platform, compare battery voltage and capacity before you order; if your main risk is a wrong bar-and-chain match, confirm the 3/8 in low-profile chain pitch and the .050 in gauge first. Short bars are not the issue. Fit is.