Cheap Chainsaws That Are Worth Buying (And Ones to Avoid)

Finding a budget-friendly chainsaw that’s actually worth your money means balancing price with performance, safety and reliability — especially for occasional garden work like trimming branches, cutting small logs or garden maintenance. Below is a practical UK-focused guide to cheap chainsaws that deliver good value, and warning signs for models you might want to avoid.

⭐ Recommended Garden Cutting Tools Chainsaw

• Chainsaw
Great for cutting thicker branches up to — good leverage and less effort.
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• Manual Pruning Saw
Folding or fixed blade designs let you cut small to medium branches by hand. Compact and safer than power saws.
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• Bypass Secateurs (Hand Pruners)
Ideal for everyday pruning on shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and stems up to ~2 cm thick.
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• Hedge Shears (Manual)
Perfect for shaping hedges and trimming softer growth.
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• Cut-Resistant Gardening Gloves
Protects your hands while using cutting tools, handling wood, and pruning.
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What “Cheap but Worth It” Really Means

A budget chainsaw can be worth buying if it offers:

• Basic safety features: Chain brake, hand guard, low-kickback chain
• Adequate cutting performance: Suitable for light to medium tasks
• Ease of use: Comfortable handles and straightforward operation
• Acceptable build quality: Doesn’t feel flimsy or break quickly
• Maintenance simplicity: Tool-free adjustments and easy oiling where possible

Cheap doesn’t have to mean poor — but there are models that cut corners in ways that affect safety and longevity.

Cheap Chainsaws That Are Worth Buying

1. Basic Corded Electric Chainsaw — Best Everyday Value

Good for: Light trimming, small logs, general garden tasks
Why it’s worth it:

• Constant power from mains
• Simple start-up and low maintenance
• Typically lighter and cheaper than cordless or petrol

Best use: For small gardens and occasional cutting near a power outlet.

2. Entry-Level Battery Chainsaw — Best for Portability

Good for: Quick jobs away from sockets
Why it’s worth it:

• No cord to manage
• Quiet and cleaner than petrol
• Often comes as a battery & charger kit

Best use: For occasional trimming and light cutting around the garden.

3. Short-Bar Budget Model — Best for Precision & Control

Good for: Smaller branches and tight spots
Why it’s worth it:

• Shorter bar helps control cuts
• Safer for beginners on a budget

Best use: Precision cutting around plants and garden features.

4. Tool-Free Tension Chainsaw — Best for Ease of Maintenance

Good for: Anyone wanting minimal setup
Why it’s worth it:

• Chain adjustments without tools
• Saves time and frustration

Best use: Casual gardening without complex maintenance needs.

5. Battery Kit with Extra Battery — Best Value for Occasional Use

Good for: Longer cutting sessions without recharge pauses
Why it’s worth it:

• Extra battery extends runtime
• Often better overall performance than single-battery models

Best use: Multiple light tasks or one longer session without petrol.

Cheap Chainsaws You Might Want to Avoid

❌ Overly Lightweight Petrol Chainsaws

• Problem: Often under-powered and heavy to hold
• Why avoid: Petrol models that are cheap usually compromise on engine quality, fuel efficiency and vibration control — making them tiring and less reliable.

❌ Very Low-Voltage Battery Models

• Problem: Weak cutting power and short runtime
• Why avoid: Batteries that can’t sustain moderate wood cutting end up frustrating you and costing more over time in replacement cells.

❌ No Safety Features or Poor Warranty

• Problem: Missing basic safety systems like chain brake or low-kickback chain
• Why avoid: Cuts costs at the expense of your protection and peace of mind.

❌ Flimsy Plastic Body Construction

• Problem: Plastic parts that flex or crack under mild stress
• Why avoid: Signals poor build quality — likely to fail early or feel unsafe during use.

❌ Unknown No-Name Brands Without Support

• Problem: Harder to get spare parts or help if something goes wrong
• Why avoid: You might save upfront but struggle later with repairs and replacements.

How to Choose a Cheap Chainsaw That Lasts

Match cutting tasks to tool strength: Budget models are great for light work, but heavy cutting needs more power.
Prioritise safety: Never sacrifice chain brakes or guards to save money.
Check maintenance ease: Tool-free adjustments and automatic oilers keep cheap saws usable longer.
Read reviews: Real user feedback helps you spot weak models before buying.

Final Thoughts

Cheap chainsaws can be excellent value when you pick models that focus on essential safety, adequate power and easy use — especially for homeowners with occasional garden cutting needs. Avoid ultra-low quality petrol saws, under-powered batteries and flimsy builds, and you’ll find budget tools that serve you well without costing a fortune.