Chainsaws
Last updated: June 14, 2026
Listen, if you're buying a chainsaw to look 'outdoorsy' on social media, stop now. These are dangerous tools that require respect and a bit of common sense. In June 2026, the market is flooded with cheap rubbish that will seize up after two logs. I've cut through the nonsense to find the saws that actually work, whether you're clearing a forest or just trying to stop your neighbour's oak from invading your patio. No fluff, just the steel and grit you need.
How we rank these products
Our rankings combine real-time UK consumer interest data from PriceSpy with structured analysis of key specs like video quality, stabilization, battery life, and value for money. We continuously update rankings to reflect both market trends and product performance. We also highlight key trade-offs and use cases to help you choose whatβs actually right for you.
What changed this month?
For June 2026, we have curated a list that balances professional-grade petrol reliability with the convenience of corded electric models for domestic use. This selection reflects the current market where STIHL remains the king of the forest, while Bosch and Hyundai offer sensible alternatives for the casual gardener.
STIHL MS 261 C-M
π Best for Professional Use
A professional-grade powerhouse featuring M-Tronic engine management for peak performance in any weather.
If you are serious about felling trees and have the budget to match, the MS 261 C-M is the only tool you should be looking at in 2026.
Reasons to buy
- βExceptional power-to-weight ratio
- βM-Tronic system automatically adjusts to fuel quality and altitude
- βLong-life air filter system keeps you working longer
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe price tag will make your eyes water if you only use it once a year
- βM-Tronic electronics mean you cannot just tinker with the carburettor in your shed
- βRequires high-quality fuel to avoid clogging the sophisticated sensors
STIHL MS 170
π Best for Small Gardens
The entry-level petrol saw that proves you do not need a massive engine to clear some overgrown shrubbery.
The MS 170 is the 'my first chainsaw' for adults, offering STIHL reliability without the professional bulk.
Reasons to buy
- βLightweight enough to use without needing a gym membership
- βSimple single-lever operation is hard to mess up
- βSurprisingly fuel-efficient for an older engine design
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βThe plastic casing feels a bit 'toy-like' compared to its bigger brothers
- βStruggles significantly if you try to tackle anything thicker than a fence post
- βThe basic anti-vibration system is barely better than holding a vibrating mobile
STIHL MS 180
π Best All-Rounder
A step up from the 170, providing more grunt for domestic firewood duties without breaking the bank.
For the average homeowner with a wood burner, the MS 180 is the sweet spot between price and performance.
Reasons to buy
- βNoticeably more torque than the MS 170 for thicker logs
- βSide-access chain tensioner makes adjustments much less of a faff
- βCompact design is easy to store in a small garden shed
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βStill uses a lot of plastic in high-stress areas
- βThe fuel and oil caps can be incredibly stubborn to open in cold weather
- βBy month three, you will notice the pull-start cord starts to fray if you are not careful
Bosch AKE 30 S
π Best for Occasional Use
A corded electric saw that removes the headache of mixing petrol for those quick garden tidy-ups.
If you only need to prune a tree once every six months, don't bother with petrol; get this Bosch instead.
Reasons to buy
- βZero exhaust fumes and significantly quieter than petrol models
- βSDS system allows for tool-free chain tensioning
- βInstant start every timeβno more yanking on a pull-cord
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βYou are tethered to a cable, which is a genuine trip hazard when handling a blade
- βThe chain oil reservoir is prone to leaking if stored on its side
- βThe motor will smell like burning electronics if you push it through hardwood
Hyundai Electric Corded Chainsaw 1600W 14" 35.5cm Cut, Soft grip & Lightweight
π Best Budget Pick
An affordable, lightweight electric saw designed for basic DIY and light garden maintenance.
Hyundai brings their 'cheap and cheerful' philosophy to the garden, and for under Β£100, it is hard to complain too loudly.
Reasons to buy
- βIncredibly lightweight, making it accessible for older users
- βThe 14-inch bar is a decent size for this price bracket
- βVery easy to assemble straight out of the box
What will annoy you (The brutal truth)
- βBuild quality is exactly what you expect for the priceβlots of thin plastic
- βThe chain that comes in the box goes blunt if you even look at a knot in the wood
- βThe power cable is laughably short, necessitating a heavy-duty extension lead
Still not sure which one to buy?
Join the Smart Spenders community! Talk to real buyers, ask questions about specific models, and make sure you are getting the absolute best deal.
Ask the Community βHow to Not Lose a Limb: A Chainsaw Buyer's Guide
Buying a chainsaw isn't like buying a toaster. If the toaster fails, your bread is cold. If the saw failsβor you use the wrong oneβthe consequences are slightly more permanent.
Petrol vs. Electric
Petrol saws offer freedom and raw power but require you to mix fuel and maintain spark plugs. Electric corded saws are great for small gardens but keep you on a leash. By 2026, battery tech is better, but for sustained cutting, petrol still wears the crown.
Bar Length Matters
Don't buy a 20-inch bar if you're only cutting branches. A longer bar is harder to control and more prone to kickback. Match the bar length to the diameter of the wood you'll be cutting most often.
Safety Gear is Non-Negotiable
If you spend Β£400 on a saw and Β£0 on PPE, you're an idiot. You need chainsaw trousers, gloves, and eye protection. A 'soft grip' handle is no substitute for proper ballistic nylon leggings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I sharpen the chain?
If you're seeing sawdust instead of wood chips, you're already too late. A sharp chain should pull itself into the wood. For most domestic users, a quick touch-up with a file every two or three tanks of fuel is the bare minimum.
Can I use any oil for the chain?
No. Use proper chain oil. It has 'tackifiers' that keep it stuck to the chain at high speeds. Using old motor oil is a great way to ruin your bar and spray your trousers with filth.
What is kickback?
It's when the tip of the bar hits an object and the saw flies back towards your face. Modern saws have chain brakes to stop this, but the best defence is never cutting with the 'kickback zone' of the bar tip.
Transparency & Data: Prices and availability are updated regularly using data from PriceSpy and retailers.
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