Top 5 Chainsaw Machines for Beginners in 2025

Chainsaws are invaluable tools for homeowners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you need to trim branches, clear fallen trees, or cut logs, a good chainsaw can make the job easier. However, for beginners, choosing the right chainsaw is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and ease of use. In this blog, we will explore the Top 5 Chainsaw Machines for Beginners in 2025, offering a mix of power, lightweight design, and user-friendly features.

1. Dewalt 20V Cordless Chainsaw

The Dewalt 20V Brushless Chainsaw is a fantastic choice for beginners. Known for its balance of power, portability, and ease of use, this chainsaw is perfect for light to medium tasks like trimming small trees, cutting logs, and clearing debris. Its tool-free chain tensioning feature makes it easy for new users to maintain the chain without the hassle of tools.

This chainsaw has been designed with ergonomics in mind. The handle provides a secure grip, and the design is lightweight, making it easier for you to maneuver the tool without straining. The battery-powered operation means you won’t have to worry about refueling or the fumes associated with gas-powered chainsaws.

Key Features:

• Tool-free chain tensioning: Quickly adjust the chain tension with no tools needed, which is perfect for beginners.
• Variable speed trigger: Allows you to control the cutting speed, offering flexibility for different tasks.
• Lightweight design: Weighing only 8 pounds, it’s easy for beginners to handle without feeling fatigued during use.

The Dewalt 20V also stands out for its excellent battery efficiency, allowing you to complete multiple tasks without the need for constant recharges. Whether you’re cutting through small trees or trimming branches, this cordless chainsaw offers the perfect balance of power and convenience.

2. Greenworks 24V Cordless Chainsaw

For environmentally-conscious beginners, the Greenworks 24V Cordless Chainsaw is an excellent option. It’s a battery-powered chainsaw, so it produces zero emissions, requires less maintenance than gas-powered models, and operates more quietly, making it ideal for residential areas or smaller properties.

Greenworks has created a chainsaw that’s simple to use and eco-friendly, perfect for anyone who is just starting out with chainsaw tasks. With its easy-to-maintain battery system, you won’t have to worry about oil or gas, and it’s great for light tasks like trimming smaller branches or clearing garden debris. The overall design is user-friendly, with a focus on reducing both maintenance and operational complexity.

Key Features:

• 24V lithium battery: Delivers enough power to handle light-duty tasks like trimming and cutting small branches.
• Tool-free chain adjustment: Allows for easy and quick adjustments, which is ideal for beginners who are still getting familiar with chainsaw maintenance.
• Quiet operation: The low noise level makes it a good choice for neighborhoods or quiet areas, where minimizing sound is essential.

The Greenworks 24V is also praised for its ease of use, with minimal upkeep needed. It’s a great choice for beginners looking for an eco-friendly and user-friendly saw to handle basic yard work without breaking the bank.

3. Husqvarna 120 Mark II Gas Chainsaw

If you’re a beginner who wants the power of a gas chainsaw, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a solid choice. Known for its performance and durability, this gas-powered chainsaw can handle heavier tasks like cutting through medium trees or larger logs. Despite being gas-powered, it’s designed to be user-friendly, with an easy start-up system and low vibration technology to minimize hand fatigue.

This chainsaw is perfect for those who need more power for tougher tasks. The 14-inch bar length provides the ability to tackle medium-sized branches and trees, while the low-vibration technology makes extended use more comfortable, preventing hand strain. While you’ll need to manage fuel and oil levels, the performance of the Husqvarna 120 Mark II justifies the extra maintenance.

Key Features:

• 14-inch bar length: Perfect for cutting medium trees, trimming branches, and chopping firewood.
• Low vibration: Reduces hand and arm fatigue, allowing you to use the chainsaw for extended periods without discomfort.
• Easy start-up system: Quickly and easily starts the chainsaw with minimal effort, even for first-time users.

While the Husqvarna 120 Mark II does require some maintenance (such as cleaning the air filter and adjusting the carburetor), it delivers more than enough power for beginners looking to take on tougher cutting tasks. This is an excellent choice if you need a versatile tool for both light and medium-duty projects.

4. Makita XCU03Z 18V LXT Cordless Chainsaw

The Makita XCU03Z 18V LXT Cordless Chainsaw is designed with ease of use and performance in mind. It’s lightweight, powerful, and perfect for smaller to medium cutting tasks. The 18V LXT lithium-ion battery offers impressive runtime, and the chainsaw’s design makes it ideal for beginners who are just starting to use chainsaws for yard work.

This chainsaw is part of Makita’s LXT line, so it uses the same 18V LXT battery that is compatible with other Makita tools. If you already own other tools from this series, this chainsaw is a great way to expand your toolkit without needing to invest in additional battery systems.

Key Features:

• 18V LXT lithium-ion battery: Provides sufficient power for cutting small to medium branches and logs without the need for frequent recharging.
• Compact and lightweight design: Weighing just under 10 pounds, it’s easy for beginners to control and maneuver, especially in tight spots.
• Tool-less chain adjustment: Enables easy maintenance with no need for extra tools, saving you time and effort.

The Makita XCU03Z is perfect for beginners who already use other Makita tools, as it’s compatible with the same battery. This makes it a convenient option if you’re looking to expand your collection of tools with a reliable chainsaw that offers great performance.

5. Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw

The Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw is one of the most affordable and user-friendly options for beginners. This chainsaw is designed to handle small to medium tasks like pruning and trimming with ease. Its auto-tension system eliminates the need for manual chain adjustments, ensuring that the saw operates smoothly with minimal maintenance.

This lightweight chainsaw is particularly suitable for beginners who need a low-maintenance option. Its compact design makes it easy to handle, and the 20V lithium battery provides enough power to complete basic yard work tasks.

Key Features:

• 20V Max lithium battery: Offers enough power for most basic cutting jobs.
• Auto-tension system: No more fiddling with manual chain adjustments—just set it and go.
• Lightweight design: At just 6.5 pounds, this chainsaw is easy to handle, even in tight spaces.

The Worx WG322 is perfect for beginners who need a budget-friendly, low-maintenance chainsaw that doesn’t compromise on power. It’s an ideal tool for light pruning, small tree cutting, and yard cleanup.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Chainsaw for Beginners

When selecting a chainsaw for beginners, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind to ensure the tool suits your needs and skill level:

1. Safety Features: Safety should always be a top priority when using a chainsaw. Look for features like chain brakes, anti-vibration systems, and automatic oiling to make your cutting experience safer and more efficient.
   
2. Weight and Balance: A chainsaw that is too heavy can be difficult to control, especially for beginners. Look for a lightweight and well-balanced chainsaw that allows for greater maneuverability and less fatigue during extended use.
   
3. Ease of Use: Features like tool-free chain adjustments, quick-start systems, and ergonomic grips can make a chainsaw much easier to operate. These are especially important for those who are new to chainsaw usage.
   
4. Battery vs. Gas: Battery-powered chainsaws are often lighter, easier to maintain, and perfect for light to medium tasks. They’re also quieter and better suited for residential areas. Gas chainsaws, while more powerful, require more maintenance and are better for heavy-duty jobs.
   
5. Bar Length: The bar length determines how large of a branch or log you can cut. For beginners, a bar length of 12 to 16 inches is ideal for most general yard work and smaller tree cutting.
   

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Chainsaw for Beginners

Finding the best chainsaw for beginners in 2025 depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the types of tasks you plan to tackle. Whether you choose a battery-powered chainsaw like the Greenworks 24V for light-duty tasks or a gas chainsaw like the Husqvarna 120 Mark II for heavier work, the options listed above offer a great balance of power, safety, and ease of use.

When choosing your chainsaw, consider the key features like safety, weight, and battery life, and remember that the right chainsaw will make your outdoor tasks safer, more efficient, and less time-consuming. By investing in the right chainsaw machine, you’ll ensure years of reliable use for all your cutting needs.