The best best all around chainsaw is the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, the only one here that combines a 24‑inch bar with a 60.3cc engine for serious firewood and property work. It’s the pick for anyone who needs to drop medium‑to‑large trees and cut a winter’s worth of logs without stopping to refuel or sharpen.
Want something lighter for pruning and small cleanup instead? The Husqvarna 450 Rancher gets you there, as long as you’re okay with a 20‑inch bar and a bit less torque on big oak rounds.
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Most chainsaw guides skip the buyers who really shouldn’t buy a gas saw at all. If you only need to trim a few limbs once a year or you’ve never mixed fuel before, this article will tell you exactly which saws to avoid and what to look at instead.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, specs and each product’s owner track record, not hands‑on lab testing. I’ve analysed hundreds of verified buyer reports and manufacturer datasheets to give you a clear, honest picture.
Quick Answer: The Best All Around Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the best all‑around chainsaw for heavy residential use and firewood cutting.
- Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw (Best overall for big jobs): 60.3cc engine, 24‑inch bar, low vibration.
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas (Best mid‑weight for everyday use): 50.2cc, 3.2 HP, X‑Torq for lower emissions.
- Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16 (Best compact for homeowners): 16‑inch bar, easy start, Stihl reliability.
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw (Best power‑to‑weight ratio): 55cc, 20‑inch bar, adjustable oil pump.
- Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw (Budget pick for light work): 38cc, 16‑inch bar, side‑access chain tensioner.
Thinking about an electric saw for small yards 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 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw | Heavy firewood & large trees | 8.9/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas | Versatile mid‑weight work | 8.6/10 | Check price → |
 | Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16 | Compact homeowner saw | 7.9/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw | Power without the weight | 8.3/10 | Check price → |
 | Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw | Budget light‑duty occasional use | 7.6/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw: Best Overall Heavy‑Duty Saw
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw: Best for heavy firewood & large trees
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas: Best Mid‑Weight All‑Rounder
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas: Best for versatile mid‑weight work
Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16: Best Compact Homeowner Saw
Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw W/ 16: Best for compact homeowner saw
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw: Best Power‑to‑Weight Ratio
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw: Best for power without the weight
Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw: Budget Light‑Duty Saw
Husqvarna 130 Gas Powered Chainsaw: Best for budget light‑duty occasional use
Buying Guide: Engine, Bar Length, and Weight
What size engine do you really need?
Engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters) is the single biggest factor in how much wood a chainsaw can chew through. The saws here range from 38 cc (Husqvarna 130) to 60.3 cc (Husqvarna 460). A rule of thumb: under 40 cc works for branches and small limbs, 50 to 55 cc handles medium firewood and tree removal up to 18 inches, and 60 cc and above is for big timber and heavy daily use.
The Husqvarna 450 Rancher at 50.2 cc is the sweet spot for most homeowners.
Bar length and what it means for your cutting
Bar length determines the maximum diameter of log you can cut in a single pass. A 16‑inch bar can handle about 14‑inch logs, while a 24‑inch bar can take a 22‑inch trunk. But longer bars add weight and make the saw harder to maneuver for pruning.
If you never cut anything over 12 inches, a 16‑inch bar is plenty. If you plan to cut firewood regularly, choose a 20‑inch bar (like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher) or a 24‑inch for big logs.
Weight and fatigue
A chainsaw that's too heavy will wear you out fast and increase the risk of accidents from fatigue. The Husqvarna 130 (9.3 lb) is easy to lift for overhead pruning but underpowered for heavy work. The 460 Rancher (12.8 lb) gives you tons of power but demands good arm strength.
If you're not sure, test the weight at a local dealer or choose a mid‑weight model like the Husqvarna 450 Rancher at 11.9 lb. Keep in mind that adding fuel and bar oil adds about a pound and a half to every model.
Features that matter most
Look for an adjustable oil pump if you plan to cut different wood types. Side‑access chain tensioners are a big help for quick adjustments in the field. Low‑vibration handles reduce hand fatigue significantly over a full day of cutting.
The X‑Torq engine system used by Husqvarna reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 60% compared to older designs, which also means less refueling.
Who Should NOT Buy Best All Around Chainsaw
This category (gas‑powered chainsaws) is the wrong purchase for three kinds of buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Only Need to Trim a Few Branches Once a Year
If your cutting is limited to an hour or two per season on branches under 6 inches, a gas chainsaw is overkill. You'll have to mix fuel, store it properly, and deal with starting issues after months of sitting. A corded electric chainsaw or a battery‑powered trimmer is lighter, quieter, and ready to go instantly.
You avoid the hassle of fuel stabilizer and carburetor cleaning.
You've Never Mixed Two‑Stroke Fuel Before
Gas chainsaws require a precise 50:1 ratio of fuel to oil. Get it wrong and you'll either foul the spark plug or seize the engine. If you're not comfortable with that maintenance, an electric chainsaw removes the learning curve entirely.
Many battery models now offer power comparable to 40‑cc gas saws, with zero mixing and no pull start.
Your Property is Under Half an Acre With No Big Trees
For small suburban lots with only ornamental trees, a 38‑cc saw like the Husqvarna 130 might still be too much. A manual pruning saw or a small electric pole saw handles light trimming safely and cheaply. Gas saws are loud and produce exhaust fumes that are unpleasant in a small yard.
If you're in this situation, skip the gas category and look at cordless options instead.
Final Verdict
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is the best all‑around chainsaw because it delivers the power and bar length needed for serious firewood cutting while keeping vibration low enough for extended use. It's the saw you buy when you have a wood stove and a full weekend of work ahead.
Want something lighter that still has strong power? The Husqvarna 455 Rancher gives you nearly the same torque with a 20‑inch bar and better weight balance. Need a reliable everyday saw for mixed pruning and cleanup?
The Husqvarna 450 Rancher hits the best power‑to‑weight balance for most property owners.
If you only cut light branches a few times a year, revisit the Who Should NOT Buy section above. For everyone else, this lineup covers every real‑world need from weekend trimming to full‑scale firewood production.
FAQ
What's the best All Around Chainsaw overall?
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher with its 60.3‑cc engine and 24‑inch bar is the top pick for its combination of power, low vibration, and fuel efficiency for heavy residential use.
How do I choose between a 16‑inch and 20‑inch bar?
A 16‑inch bar is fine for branches and small logs under 12 inches in diameter. A 20‑inch or 24‑inch bar is needed for cutting standard firewood rounds and larger tree trunks.
Is a gas chainsaw louder than an electric one?
Yes, gas chainsaws typically produce 100 to 110 decibels, which is significantly louder than most electric models. Hearing protection is essential.
How often do I need to sharpen the chain?
You should touch up the chain with a file after every tank of fuel or whenever you notice sawdust instead of chips. A dull chain forces the engine to work harder and cuts more slowly.
Can I use regular unleaded gas in these saws?
Use 89‑octane gasoline or higher, mixed with a premium two‑stroke oil at a 50:1 ratio. Avoid E‑85 or fuels with more than 10% ethanol, as they can damage the engine over time.
What safety gear do I need with a chainsaw?
Minimum safety gear includes a helmet with face screen, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps or pants, and gloves. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and never operate a saw one‑handed.
