9 Best 16-Inch Chainsaws of 2024

If you want to effectively handle tree logs, branches, and bushes, you will need the best 16-inch chainsaws. The problem is how to find the most efficient and suitable chainsaw for your house requirement.

Here are the best 16-inch chainsaws you can buy in 2024:

• Best Overall - Gas-Powered Chainsaws: Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaws
• Most Durable (Gas-Powered Chainsaws): CRAFTSMAN 41AY4216791 S165
• Best For Cutting Firewood - Gas-Powered Chainsaws (Gas-Powered Chainsaws): Poulan Pro PR4016, 16 in. 40cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
• Best Overall (Corded Electric Chainsaws): WORX WG303.1 Powered Chainsaw, 16” Bar Length
• Best For Small Jobs - Corded Electric Chainsaws (Corded Electric Chainsaws): WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw
• Best For Fast Cutting (Corded Electric Chainsaws): Makita Electric Chainsaw
• Battery Chainsaw (Best Overall): WEN 40417
• Best For Light Workload - Battery Chainsaws (Best Overall): Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw, 4.0 AH Battery Included 20312
• Best For Moderate Workload - Battery Chainsaws (Best Overall): EGO Power+ CS1600 16-Inch 56V Lithium-ion Cordless Chainsaw

Best Overall - Gas-Powered Chainsaws: Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaws

Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 in. Gas Chainsaws

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Husqvarna 120 Mark II 16 has many things to offer. This lightweight and compact chainsaw come with 1.8 HP engine. It is a perfect option for homeowners who want to tackle light-duty jobs around the house. Cutting overgrown branches or slicing through thin logs would be no problem.

This unit also features a large gas tank. It has over 320% in fuel capacity, which means that the beast can run much longer. You don’t have to carry extra fuel with you for time-consuming projects in the wood.

Thanks to the new flywheels and clutch systems, Mark II 16 in. provides better throttle response. Plus, the design offers almost no vibration. The Air Injection® system prevents debris to enter the machine, thus prolongs engine life.

I have nothing to complain about this unit.

Most Durable: CRAFTSMAN 41AY4216791 S165

CRAFTSMAN 41AY4216791 S165

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When talking about gas-powered chainsaws, "heavyweight" is the very first word most of us think about, but the CRAFTSMAN 41AY4216791 S165 isn't the thing.

It distinguishes itself from the rest for the polymer chassis - which is a lot lighter in weight and easier in use without compromising the durability.

When using this chainsaw, your hands are less fatigued, especially during long-term use because it uses a full crank Craftsman 2 cycle engine that creates less vibration.

As an added bonus, the chainsaw is maneuverable thanks to the comfortable handle and well-balanced design.

Best For Cutting Firewood - Gas-Powered Chainsaws: Poulan Pro PR4016, 16 in. 40cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Poulan Pro PR4016, 16 in. 40cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

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Poulan Pro PR4016 features 40cc, 2-cycle engine. Its 16-inch chain bar is perfect for any medium-duty works such as cutting firewood or storm clean-up. The built-in OxyPower technology increases power and reduces fuel consumption as well as dangerous emissions.

This gas-powered is effortless to start. It comes with a SuperClean air filter system and a gear-driven oiler. These two features enable low oil consumption, extend air filter durability, and reduce maintenance.

I am impressed by its anti-vibration system. Using Poulan Pro PR4016 guarantees comfort and full control.

Best Overall: WORX WG303.1 Powered Chainsaw, 16” Bar Length

WORX WG303.1 Powered Chainsaw, 16” Bar Length

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WORX WG303.1 is a popular corded chainsaw for various reasons. This unit is designed ergonomically to bring the utmost control and comfort for a long period. The WG303.1 is lightweight and compact, suitable for time-consuming tasks.

The chain brake helps the unit shut off when kickback occurs, preventing any injury. The auto-tensioning system works perfectly so that you don’t have to worry about tightening your chain ever again.

WORX WG303.1 is an outstanding 16-inch chainsaw. It delivers enough power to handle most medium-duty tasks around your yard. This unit comes with a 3-year warranty. The cons? It doesn’t come with kick tips, which is important when you want to carve a tight area.

Best For Small Jobs - Corded Electric Chainsaws: WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw

WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw

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At 10 lbs, WEN 4017 is no doubt the lightest option in the market. It is solidly built, which brings balance to users. This also means that you can use WEN 4017 for a long period without getting tired.

With the 12 amps motor, WEN 4017 supplies enough power for most small cutting tasks. Anything that includes slicing through limbs and trees is a piece of cake. WEN isn’t ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

Thanks to the automatic oiler, you don’t have to manually lubricate your bar and chain. Sometimes, oiler clogs can happen. WEN 4017 offers a chain tensioning knob, which allows you to tension the chain easily.

This unit is surprisingly affordable.

Best For Fast Cutting: Makita Electric Chainsaw

Makita Electric Chainsaw

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This 16-inch chainsaw from Makita offers an incredible cutting ability. It can handle limbs and trees as thick as 14 to 16 inches in diameter. For occasional cutting and renovation tasks, this chainsaw is enough.

Makita corded chainsaw comes with outstanding built quality. The advanced motoring and high-quality construction allow this piece to perform much more reliably and durably.

Makita is capable of heavy continuous cutting. The auto-oiling and power-regulating systems play an important part here. It takes a few seconds to start up and hit maximum efficiency easily.

Like other corded electric chainsaws, Makita Electric Chainsaw can only work in a limited space.

Battery Chainsaw: WEN 40417

WEN 40417

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Isn't it so wonderful to have an electric chainsaw that is as powerful as a gas-powered one but lighter and quieter? The WEN 40417 is exactly what we'd like to talk about!

It can easily reach the speeds of 49'/second and continuously work in three hours before another recharge. That all thanks to the included 4-amp hour battery and the genuine brushless motor - which is built to be quieter and more efficient than conventional options.

The blade is a breeze to replace and modify, which is a big bonus.

Best For Light Workload - Battery Chainsaws: Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw, 4.0 AH Battery Included 20312

Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw, 4.0 AH Battery Included 20312

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Greenworks 16-Inch 40V has a surprisingly small yet powerful little engine. It can handle small and large jobs well. The engine can perform 150 cuts for a charge. It is also quiet to operate. This model comes with a self-lubricate feature, so your workflow isn’t interrupted.

Greenworks features a chain brake and low kickback during operation. That means it is safe to use. The brushless motor offers long run-time and at the same time prevents wear and tear for durable performance.

This is a lightweight and portable battery-powered chainsaw. Greenworks 40V chainsaw produces 70% less vibration than other models.

Even though Greenworks chainsaw provides more power to handle most light cutting jobs, it takes time to finish some others.

Best For Moderate Workload - Battery Chainsaws: EGO Power+ CS1600 16-Inch 56V Lithium-ion Cordless Chainsaw

EGO Power+ CS1600 16-Inch 56V Lithium-ion Cordless Chainsaw

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EGO Power+ offers a powerful motor that can handle the most moderate workload. The unit is well built, featuring water-resistant construction. It makes the chainsaw much more durable than its counterparts.

Surprisingly, this unit operates quietly. Most users report that they don’t feel the need to wear earplugs. EGO Power+ offers reliable performance. It can cut through a 24-inch tree trunk with ease.

This little beast comes with unfailing bucking spikes that provide secure bits. Like other battery-powered chainsaws, EGO Power+ is equipped with safety features such as chain kickback brake and chain tensioning knob. This unit offers a reasonable price tag.

Any cons? The oil fill cap threads are difficult to get on exactly. However, it isn’t impossible to handle.

How To Choose The Best 16-inch Chainsaw?

Types Of Chainsaw

If you want to choose the best 16-inch chainsaw, you need to first consider the most suitable type. There are 3 most common types of chainsaw as listed below.

Gas-Powered

Gas-powered chainsaws are known for their power. They can cut smoothly and quickly. The fast chain also needs less pressure to perform clean cuts without compensating fuel. This makes gas-powered chainsaws perfect for bigger jobs.

Most gas-powered chainsaws are heavy and noisy. You also need to fuel and regularly maintain gas-powered units. Another cons is that they potentially release the deadly carbon monoxide.

Corded Electric

These plug-in chainsaws are affordable. They are lightweight and easy to operate. Compared to gas-powered, they operate noiselessly.

The slow sawing speed is the biggest obstacle for corded electric chainsaws to tackle heavy-duty jobs. Since they are corded, they need to work close to an electrical outlet, which limits our working area.

Battery-Powered

Battery-powered chainsaws are much more versatile than corded ones. Since they aren’t restricted by a cord, they are highly mobile. Their performance is also as good as a light-duty gas chainsaw.

This type of chainsaw depends on the battery. The power supply can only last from 30 to 40 minutes depending on the battery capacity. They are also quite expensive compared to other types of chainsaw.

Safety Features

All chainsaws are somehow or other dangerous. Therefore, choosing a chainsaw requires taking a look at its safety features.

Here are a few common safety features you want to look at:

• Reduced-kickback chain: This is probably the most important safety feature. The chain will be guarded by extra links and a less-aggressive cutting tendency. This will reduce the possibility of kickback, which is much safer to use.
• Chain brake helps to cease the chain instantly in case of emergencies such as the front hand moves forward or the chainsaw kicks back. Most electrics have this feature.
• Trigger lockout is a separate palm switch to add safety. You need to press it before throttle trigger works.
• A case is necessary to cover the bar and chain to prevent accidental cuts. It can also contain leaking oil from the chain.
• An automatic chain oiler is a life-saving feature. It keeps the workflow and oil the cutting bar. This allows you to keep both hands on the chainsaw, reducing the risk of incidents. This feature also prevents overheating and long-term damage.
• Bucking spikes are sharp spikes found near the base of the bar. It functions as a fulcrum. This feature is simple yet powerful. You will find that metal spikes are much more durable than plastic.
• Tool-free chain adjuster is a common feature. It helps to lock and unlock the bar. You can also adjust the chain tension without the use of a screwdriver.

Which Brands Make The Best 16-inch Chainsaw?

DEWALT

DEWALT is a giant in the field of power tools. The 2 series FLEXVOLT and MAX XR offers compact and powerful battery-powered chainsaws. The company focuses on products’ versatility, mobility, durability, and performance. Their products are lightweight to enhance user control.

Greenworks

Greenworks is an Asian-based well-known brand of chainsaws. Their products are very affordable and great to use for both light-duty home tasks and heavy-duty professional works. Greenworks has been around the market for a while and you are likely to encounter its products when looking for affordable and convenient 16-inch chainsaws.

EGO Power+

EGO is a relatively new player in the field of power tools. However, it has quickly advanced and soon become an outstanding OPE manufacturer. With advanced battery technology in the field, the cordless chainsaws deliver excellent power over a long period.

Husqvarna

If you are a big fan of gas-powered chainsaws, Husqvarna is an option to consider. The manufacturer offers a wide range of bar lengths, from 14 to 20 inches. Husqvarna covers a big market, from homeowners to professionals.

Poulan

Poulan offers both gas-powered and cordless chainsaws. Their production emphasizes safety features and incredible performance with the use of patented technology. Most of Poulan’s chainsaws are fuel-efficient.

WORX

WORX has an extensive collection of corded and battery-powered chainsaws. WORX’s cordless chainsaws are known for their ease of use and handy designs, while corded models offer quiet operation at a very decent price.

WEN

Since 1951, WEN has produced reliable power tools. When it comes to electric and cordless chainsaws, WEN seems to be a good brand to consider.

Makita

This Japanese brand offers excellent build quality and the best value for the money.

Remington

Remington is known for its high-quality electric and gas chainsaws. What impresses users across the globe about Remington’s chainsaws is the utmost reliability and efficiency as well as endless power to handle various job requirements.

FAQs

Conclusion

Whether you want to find the best 16-inch chainsaws for general landscape maintenance or a wide application of light to heavy cutting tasks, these 9 options above are worth your consideration. They can certainly handle anything you need.