The best best 16 inch chainsaw is the EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw, the only model here that delivers real gas-level cutting performance with zero emissions, zero pull-start frustration, and whisper-quiet operation. It’s the obvious pick for anyone who wants to grab a saw and work without mixing fuel or dealing with engine maintenance.
Want heavy-duty gas reliability instead? The Husqvarna 130 gives you a proven 38-cc engine and a brand that’s built its name on logging-grade tools, as long as you’re okay with the noise and upkeep of a traditional two-stroke.
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Most buying guides skip the honest truth: a 16-inch saw is perfect for limbing, firewood cutting, and light felling, but it’s the wrong tool if you need to take down large-diameter hardwoods all day. This guide tells you exactly who should skip this category entirely (we have a dedicated section later).
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, manufacturer specs, and each product’s verified owner track record, not hands-on lab testing. The goal is to give you a research-backed shortcut to the right choice.
Quick Answer: The Best 16 Inch Chainsaw
The best overall is the EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Powered Chainsaw for its combination of power, runtime, and zero-maintenance convenience.
- EGO POWER+ Chain Saw (Best Overall for Homeowners): Quiet, powerful, and no gas or pull-cord hassle.
- Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw (Best Gas Starter): Reliable entry-level gas saw with a strong dealer network.
- CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 (Best Corded Value): Strong 12-amp motor at a budget-friendly price.
- Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered (Best Pro-Level Gas): More power and pro features for frequent users.
- Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16 (Best Lightweight Gas): Slim, easy-handling saw for precision work.
Thinking about heavy-duty all-day cutting instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here’s the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it’s built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw | Best Gas Starter | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered | Best Pro-Level Gas | 8.3/10 | Check price → |
 | CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 | Best Corded Value | 8.6/10 | Check price → |
 | Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16 | Best Lightweight Gas | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
 | EGO POWER+ Chain Saw | Best Overall for Homeowners | 9.0/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
How We Picked These Chainsaws
We started by looking at every 16-inch chainsaw on Amazon with strong aggregated ratings (4.0+) and a meaningful number of verified reviews. Then we cross-checked manufacturer specs for engine displacement, motor amperage, battery voltage, bar length, and weight. We also read hundreds of owner feedback to spot consistent patterns, both good and bad.
The final five represent the most reliable choices across gas, corded, and battery platforms. This isn’t every saw on the market, but it’s the shortlist that gives you a clear decision.
Now let’s walk through each one.
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw:
Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw:
CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12:
Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered:
Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16:
Buying Guide: Gas vs. Battery vs. Corded
Three power platforms, three very different experiences. Let's break down what matters most so you choose the right one for your yard and habits.
Runtime and Refueling: How Long Do You Actually Cut?
If you regularly cut for more than an hour straight, corded or gas wins. The CRAFTSMAN corded model runs as long as your extension cord reaches, and a full tank of gas on the Husqvarna 130 or 135 Mark II lasts about 15 to 20 minutes of heavy cutting, meaning you refuel a few times per session but never stop for a charge. The EGO battery saw gets roughly 30 minutes per 2.5 Ah battery.
If your work fits into that window, the convenience of no cord and no fumes is a huge plus. But for all-day firewood splitting, the corded or gas options are more practical without buying extra batteries.
Weight and Maneuverability: What Feels Good in Your Hands
The Stihl MS 162 at 9.5 pounds is the lightest, ideal for overhead work or for users with less upper body strength. The EGO at 11 pounds with battery is close, and the CRAFTSMAN corded is similar at 11.1. The Husqvarna 130 and 135 Mark II are heavier at 11.6 and 12.3 pounds dry respectively.
That extra weight comes from the metal components of the gas engine, which also means more vibration. If you're only cutting for 10 minutes at a time, the weight difference is minimal. But for full afternoons, the lighter battery and corded models reduce fatigue significantly.
Maintenance: Which One Asks Less of You
Battery saws are the lowest maintenance: no fuel to mix, no carburetor to clean, no spark plug to replace. Just keep the chain sharp and the bar oil topped up. Corded saws are similar, with the added annoyance of managing an extension cord.
Gas saws require regular upkeep: fresh pre-mixed fuel (preferably ethanol-free), air filter cleaning every few tanks, spark plug replacement annually, and occasional carburetor adjustments. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II has an air injection system that reduces filter cleaning, but it still needs more attention than the electric options. If you're the type who just wants to pull a trigger and cut, stick with electric.
Noise and Neighbors
Gas saws run at about 110 to 115 decibels, which is loud enough to require hearing protection and will definitely disturb neighbors. The CRAFTSMAN corded saw is much quieter, around 90 decibels, and the EGO battery saw is quieter still. If you live in a densely populated area or plan to cut early mornings or late evenings, the battery option is by far the most neighbor-friendly.
Some HOAs also have noise restrictions that gasoline engines violate.
To see how these factors play out on real picks, compare the Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw, Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Powered and the CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw 16 Inch 12 reviewed above.
Who Should NOT Buy Best 16 Inch Chainsaw
A 16-inch chainsaw is a compromise. It's not the right tool for everyone. Here are the types of buyers who should look elsewhere.
You Need to Fell Large Trees or Buck Big Logs All Day
If your main task is taking down mature oaks or maples, or bucking 20-inch diameter logs for firewood, a 16-inch bar will feel underpowered. You'll have to cut from both sides, and the engine will struggle through dense hardwood. Look for a saw with a 20-inch or longer bar and an engine displacement of 50cc or more.
Brands like Husqvarna and Stihl make dedicated pro models in that range. You'll also want the heavier build and better cooling that those larger saws offer. For occasional big cuts, you can get by, but if it's your primary job, step up.
You Want the Absolute Cheapest Saw Possible
If your budget is very tight, a $100 or $120 chainsaw from a generic brand might seem appealing, but we've seen the feedback: poor build quality, hard starting, and chains that dull quickly. The CRAFTSMAN corded model is the best value in our lineup, but if even that feels too expensive, you're probably better off renting a saw for your specific job or buying a good-condition used saw from a reputable brand. A cheap saw that frustrates you every time you try to use it is no bargain.
You're a Professional Logger or Full-Time Arborist
Professionals need reliability, repairability, and high power density that consumer saws don't offer. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II is the closest to pro spec here, but it's still a homeowner-grade tool. Full-time users should invest in a pro model like the Husqvarna 572 XP or Stihl MS 462, which have longer bars, higher displacement, and full metal chassis.
Those saws also have better parts availability at professional service centers. For daily use, the step up is worth every dollar.
Final Verdict
If you want the best overall 16-inch chainsaw for most homeowners, the EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Chainsaw is the pick. It combines enough power for nearly all home tasks with zero gas maintenance and a push-button start that just works. The battery limitation is real, but for the typical after-work or weekend yard session, it's hard to beat.
Need unlimited runtime on a budget? The CRAFTSMAN CMECS600 corded saw gives you the same effortless start and as much cutting time as your extension cord allows. It's the best value in the lineup for firewood cutting near an outlet.
Prefer gas for its refuel-in-seconds convenience? The Husqvarna 130 is the affordable introduction, and the Husqvarna 135 Mark II adds pro-level vibration control for regular users. And if every ounce matters during overhead trimming, the Stihl MS 162 is the lightest gas saw you'll find.
Remember to jump back to the Who Should NOT Buy section if you think a larger or heavier-duty saw might suit you better. The right tool makes all the difference.
FAQ
What's the best 16 Inch Chainsaw overall?
The EGO POWER+ 16” Battery Chainsaw is our top overall pick due to its quiet operation, push-button start, and strong cutting performance. It's the best choice for most homeowners.
How long does a 16-inch chainsaw chain typically last?
With proper sharpening and lubrication, a chain can last 20 to 40 hours of cutting in clean wood. Dirt and nails drastically reduce lifespan. Replace the chain when the cutters are too short to sharpen (usually after 3 to 5 sharpenings).
Having a spare chain on hand is always smart.
Is a 16-inch chainsaw enough for cutting firewood?
Yes, for logs up to about 14 inches in diameter. You'll cut from one side only, which is faster. For logs larger than 16 inches, you'll need to make two passes, which is slower.
If you mostly split wood 12 inches or less, a 16-inch saw is ideal.
Can I use a 16-inch chainsaw for carving?
It's possible but not ideal. Carving requires a lightweight saw with a smaller bar (10 to 12 inches) for better control and less weight. A 16-inch saw feels clumsy for artistic carving.
Consider a dedicated carving saw or a smaller battery model instead.
Do I need to use bar oil with a battery chainsaw?
Absolutely. All chainsaws, regardless of power source, require bar and chain oil to lubricate the bar groove and chain links. Running without oil will ruin the bar and chain within minutes.
The EGO and CRAFTSMAN models both have automatic oilers. Just keep the oil tank full.
How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
Sharpening frequency depends on use. A good rule is to sharpen after every 2 to 3 tanks of fuel (gas saw) or about every 1 to 2 hours of cutting time. Dull chains require more force, produce sawdust instead of chips, and are dangerous.
A handheld file guide makes quick sharpening easy. For routine upkeep, consider checking the correct fluid level in your tools to avoid issues.
