The best best 4 stroke chainsaw is the SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw, the only model here that completely eliminates the need to mix oil and gas. It's the right pick for anyone who wants the power of gas without the hassle of a two-stroke fuel routine.
Want pro-grade cutting speed and a brand you see on every job site? The Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw delivers that, though you'll pay more and still need to manage a traditional two-stroke mix.
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This guide breaks down the real differences between 4-stroke and 2-stroke saws, so you don't end up with a machine that doesn't match your property size. If you only trim branches twice a year or live in a dense suburban neighborhood, an electric saw might actually serve you better.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, manufacturer specifications, and each model's owner track record. I haven't physically tested these saws myself, so I'm sharing what the specs and verified buyer reports tell us.
Quick Answer: The Best 4 Stroke Chainsaw
The SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw is our top pick for its no-mix fuel system and strong value.
- SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw (Best Overall Value): No oil-gas mixing, 49cc engine, automatic oiler.
- SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke Gas Chainsaw (Best Lightweight 4-Stroke): 16-inch bar, easier handling for smaller tasks.
- SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch (Best Budget Power High CC): Top power for the price, but it's a 2-stroke, not a 4-stroke.
- Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw (Best Pro-Grade Performance): Built for daily professional use, impressive power-to-weight.
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw (Best for Farm & Ranch): Reliable 55cc engine, proven on large properties.
Thinking about a lightweight electric saw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw | No-Mix Convenience | 8.8/10 | Check price → |
 | SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke Gas Chainsaw | Lightweight Gas 4-Stroke | 7.5/10 | Check price → |
 | SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch | Budget Big Power 2-Stroke | 6.2/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw | Arborist Pro Level | 9.2/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | Large Property Workhorse | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw: Best Overall Value for No-Mix Users
SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw: Best Overall Value for No-Mix Users
SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke Gas Chainsaw: Best Lightweight Gas 4-Stroke
SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke Gas Chainsaw: Best Lightweight Gas 4-Stroke
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch: Budget Power 2-Stroke
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch: Budget Power 2-Stroke
Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw: Arborist Pro Level
Husqvarna 555 Professional Gas Chainsaw: Arborist Pro Level
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw: Best for Farm & Ranch
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw: Best for Farm & Ranch
Buying Guide: Power, Fuel Type, Bar Length and Budget
What exactly is a 4-stroke chainsaw and why does it matter?
A 4-stroke chainsaw is a gasoline-powered saw that uses a four-cycle engine, just like most cars and lawn mowers. It has a separate oil reservoir for lubrication rather than requiring you to mix oil directly into the gas. This means you pour regular unleaded fuel into the tank and bar oil into a separate reservoir.
The main advantage is convenience and lower emissions. However, 4-stroke chainsaws tend to be heavier and less powerful for their displacement compared to 2-stroke saws. The SENIX models on this list are the only true 4-stroke options.
The Husqvarna and SUPMIXTOOLS saws are 2-stroke, which require you to mix 50:1 gas and oil.
How much power and bar length do you really need?
Power is measured in engine displacement (cc) and horsepower. For light trimming and small trees, a 46cc engine with a 16-inch bar like the SENIX 46cc is sufficient. For felling medium trees and cutting firewood up to 18 inches thick, look at the 49cc 18-inch SENIX or the 55cc 20-inch Husqvarna 455 Rancher.
If you are felling large timber daily, the 55.5cc Husqvarna 555 with its professional X-Cut chain will save you time and effort. A general rule: your bar length should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the largest log you plan to cut. So a 20-inch bar handles logs up to 18 inches across.
What about fuel mixing and maintenance?
This is the biggest deciding factor between the saws here. The two SENIX 4-stroke models let you treat the chainsaw like a lawnmower: fill gas, check oil, go. No mixing, no measuring, no mess.
The two Husqvarna saws and the SUPMIXTOOLS require you to mix a specific ratio of 2-stroke oil into the gasoline. If you only use the saw a few times a year, the mixing can feel like a hassle. If you use it daily, professional saws like the 555 are built for that and start reliably even with the mix.
For routine upkeep on any gas saw, consider the advice on keeping it running smoothly by checking the air filter and spark plug regularly.
Is the SUPMIXTOOLS worth considering despite being a 2-stroke?
The SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc offers the most displacement for the lowest price, but our research shows it has the lowest reliability scores. The build quality is clearly budget-oriented, and a higher percentage of owners report carburetor issues out of the box. If your budget is very tight and you are comfortable with 2-stroke maintenance, it could work for occasional use.
But for long-term ownership, the extra upfront cost of a SENIX 4-stroke or a Husqvarna saw will likely save you money in repairs and frustration. A chainsaw is not the place to cut corners, especially when safety is involved. Understanding the correct fluid level and routine maintenance can extend the life of any gas saw.
To see how these factors play out on real picks, compare the SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw, SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke Gas Chainsaw and the SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch reviewed above.
Who Should NOT Buy Best 4 Stroke Chainsaw
This category is the wrong purchase for certain buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Need a Lightweight Tool for Overhead Trimming
4-stroke chainsaws are heavier than 2-stroke saws of similar displacement because the engine design includes a separate oil system and a heavier crankcase. If you spend hours trimming branches above shoulder height, a lighter 2-stroke saw like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is still heavy but more manageable than the SENIX 4-stroke. Alternatively, a battery-powered electric chainsaw from a brand like Ryobi or EGO will be significantly lighter and quieter, though you sacrifice runtime and raw power for felling big trees.
You Only Cut Brush and Small Branches Twice a Year
If your primary use is clearing overgrown trails, cutting saplings, or trimming small limbs, a gas saw of any type is overkill. The fuel mixing, storage care, and maintenance of a gas engine become a burden for a tool used once a season. A corded electric chainsaw for around $50 or a battery-powered model for slightly more will handle those tasks easily without the engine headaches.
Gas saws are best for owners felling trees, bucking firewood, or clearing storm damage on a recurring basis.
You Need a Professional Workhorse for Daily Use
If you are a tree service professional or full-time arborist, the SENIX 4-stroke saws are not built for the daily pounding and high repair frequency that professional use demands. The Husqvarna 555 is the only professional-grade saw here. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a heavy-duty homeowner saw that can handle commercial use occasionally, but it lacks the magnesium case and X-Torq efficiency of the 555.
If you need a tool that will run 40 hours a week, invest in the 555 or look at Husqvarna's bigger pro models like the 575XP.
Final Verdict
The best best 4 stroke chainsaw for most people is the SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw. It combines the convenience of a no-mix fuel system with enough power and bar length to handle the heaviest work a typical homeowner or small landowner will encounter. The automatic oiler and quick-start engine make it the easiest gas saw to live with.
Want a lighter, more maneuverable version for trimming? The SENIX 46cc 4-Stroke with its 16-inch bar is the pick for smaller jobs and shorter users. Need professional daily reliability and the fastest cuts?
Get the Husqvarna 555, provided you are comfortable with 2-stroke mixing. For large property owners on a budget, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher offers a great balance of power and durability.
If you realize that a gas saw is more than you need, go back to Who Should NOT Buy above. Choosing the right tool for your actual workload is the best way to get your money's worth.
FAQ
What's the best 4 stroke chainsaw overall?
The SENIX 4-Cycle 18-Inch Gas Chainsaw is our top pick. It's a true 4-stroke that runs on straight gasoline, has a strong 49cc engine, and an automatic oiler for easy maintenance.
How is a 4-stroke chainsaw different from a 2-stroke?
A 4-stroke chainsaw has a separate oil reservoir and uses a four-cycle engine like a car. You pour gas in one tank and bar oil in another. A 2-stroke requires mixing oil directly into the gasoline at a 50:1 ratio.
Do I need to mix oil for the SENIX 4-stroke chainsaw?
No. The SENIX 4-stroke (both 49cc and 46cc models) uses straight unleaded gas in the fuel tank. Bar and chain oil goes into a separate reservoir.
Never mix oil into the gas.
Are 4-stroke chainsaws more reliable than 2-stroke?
In general, 4-stroke engines tend to have longer lifespans and require less frequent carburetor adjustments because the oil is separate from the fuel. However, they are heavier and more complex to repair.
Can I use a 4-stroke chainsaw for felling large trees?
Yes, but bar length and engine displacement matter. An 18-inch bar on a 49cc saw will handle medium trees up to about 16 inches in diameter. For larger trees (18+ inches), a 20-inch bar on a 55cc 2-stroke saw like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is better suited.
Why are 4-stroke chainsaws heavier than 2-stroke models?
The 4-stroke engine design includes a separate oil system, heavier crankcase, and more moving parts like valves. This adds weight compared to a simpler 2-stroke engine of the same displacement.
