Best 16 inch chainsaw of 2023 (Reviews, Top 13 Picks)

For serious cutting jobs, nothing beats a 16-inch chainsaw.

Whether you are a professional arborist or simply looking for the best chainsaw for your needs, a 16-inch chainsaw has the power and cutting capacity to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

As compared to a 20-inch chainsaw, 16-inch chainsaws are lighter, more portable, and easier to maneuver.

With so many 16-inch chainsaws on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

To help make your decision-making process easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide for the best 16-inch chainsaws.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the different features and specs you should consider when choosing a 16-inch chainsaw, as well as some of our top picks for the best 16-inch chainsaws.

Read on to learn more and find the perfect chainsaw for your needs!

Features to Consider when Choosing a 16 Inch Chainsaw

When it comes to choosing the best 16-inch chainsaw for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider.

Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind:

Power:

The power of a 16-inch chainsaw is measured in cc (cubic centimeters).

Generally, the higher the cc rating, the more powerful the chainsaw.

Chainsaws with a higher cc rating are also usually more expensive.

Electric chainsaw power is measured in amps.

The higher the amp, the more powerful the chainsaw.

Bar Length:

The bar length is the actual cutting capacity of the chainsaw.

Most 16-inch chainsaw models offer a bar length between 14 and 18 inches.

Weight:

When choosing a chainsaw, it’s important to think about how heavy it is, especially if you’ll be using it for long periods of time.

Heavier chainsaws are usually more powerful, but they can also be more difficult to handle. Chainsaws usually weigh from 10 to 15 pounds.

Safety Features:

Most 16-inch chainsaws come with several safety features, such as a chain brake, a low kickback bar, and a safety lock-off switch.

These features are designed to help prevent injuries while using the chainsaw.

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Our Top Picks for the Best 16-Inch Chainsaws

1. HONORABLE MENTION — Greenworks 40-V 16-inch Chainsaw

2. BEST PROFESSIONAL GAS CHAINSAW — Husqvarna 120 Mark II Chainsaw

3. BEST HEAVY-DUTY GAS POWERED — CRAFTSMAN S165 Chainsaw

4. BESR PROFESSIONAL — POULAN PRO PR4016 Chainsaw

5. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK — WORX WG303.1 Chainsaw

6. UPGRADE PICK — WEN 4017 Electric Chainsaw

7. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT — Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw

8. BEST HEAVY-DUTY BATTERY POWERED — Worx Nitro 40V 16 Cordless Chainsaw

9. RUNNER UP — WEN 40417 40V Chainsaw

10. WEN 40417 40V Chainsaw — Oregon CS1400 Chainsaw

11. ALSO CONSIDER — EGO Power+ CS1604 Chainsaw

12. BEST OVERALL — CRAFTSMAN (CMECS600) Chainsaw

13. BEST LIGHT-DUTY — WORX WG303.1 Chainsaw

This Greenworks chainsaw is the perfect choice for homeowners who need a powerful and reliable chainsaw that works on battery power.

With TruBrushless Motor Technology, you get two times more torque than a standard saw while still being comfortable to use.

The chain brake adds an extra layer of safety, and the automatic oiler makes sure that your chain is always well-oiled.

Unlike the Stihl chainsaw, the Greenworks chainsaw doesn’t need any extra tools to change a chain.

This saw isn’t quite as powerful as its gas-powered competitors, so you may need to cut a bit more slowly.

However, you will more than makeup for this by not having to tinker with a fussy gas-powered saw.

Plus, the push-button start makes it easy to get going right away.

This chainsaw is definitely a top pick for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, reliable chainsaw.

Final Word:
With its powerful motor, chain brake, and automatic oiler, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is an excellent choice for homeowners who need a reliable saw that works on battery power.

Best of all, it’s easy to use and requires no gas or fumes. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a reliable, compact chainsaw to tackle those small jobs around the house, this 16-inch Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a great option.

This chainsaw has a strong 2.1-hp engine and safety features that keep it from kicking back, which makes it safer to use.

The lightweight and ergonomic design of this saw makes it effortless to use.

Also, the automatic oiler and tensioning system make sure that this saw is safe and works well.

Simple tensioning makes it easy to make quick changes, and a bar length of up to 18 inches is recommended.

This chainsaw is a great choice for everyday tasks such as tree pruning.

chainsaw starts up easily and can cut 12-inch timbers. Best of all, the X-Torq engine helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Use high-octane gas to keep the engine running strong, and you’ll be able to tackle all your pruning, cutting, and chopping needs with ease.

Final Word
Overall, this is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable chainsaw with plenty of power to handle occasional tasks around the house.

It’s a great choice for homeowners who want to do their part in conserving the environment while getting reliable performance from their machines.

We picked this saw for its excellent combination of features, power, and durability.

The Craftsman 41BY4216791 Full Crank 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw has a powerful 42cc motor with a low-kickback 16″ bar and chain that is designed to make quick work of even the toughest jobs.

It also has an adjustable automatic chain oiler for easy maintenance.

A 3-point anti-vibration system and a comfortable handle make this saw more comfortable to operate and help reduce user fatigue, making it a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in the yard.

This saw is lightweight and durable, with easy-start technology to make starting it a breeze.

Best of all, this has a durable polymer chassis that’s made to last, making it a great choice for the budget-minded consumer.

You can easily cut up to 14-inch trees, trim branches, and brush, or get into tight spaces with this best 16-inch chainsaw.
Final Word

If you’re looking for the best 16-inch chainsaw with an anti-vibration system, comfortable handle, and low kickback, this Craftsman model is a great choice.

 

As a gas-powered chainsaw, the Poulan Pro PR4016 offers powerful performance that makes it ideal for medium-duty storm clean-up, cutting firewood and felling trees.

With its patented OxyPower technology, you get more power with efficient fuel consumption and reduced harmful emissions.

A gear-driven automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain oiled, which cuts down on wear and makes maintenance easier.

The ergonomic design has an advanced anti-vibration system that makes the handle more comfortable and reduces vibration so the user doesn’t get as tired.

Best of all, an air filtering system makes sure that the air filter lasts as long as possible and uses less fuel without reducing power.

It also includes an onboard scrench with a snap lock cover for quick access to the chain tensioning tool without the use of a tool.

Final Word
Overall, it’s a great tool for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and powerful chainsaw to make quick work of medium-duty tasks.

The Poulan Pro PR4016 is a great choice for anyone looking for the best 16-inch chainsaw.

Next up is the WORX WG303.1 Electric 16″ Chainsaw, a great choice for those who need to tackle small and medium-sized jobs with ease.

This chainsaw features a 14.5-amp motor that delivers 3.5 hp, giving you enough power to handle up to 16-inch logs.

It also has a full-wrap handle, rubberized rear handle, and metal spike bumper for added control and leverage.

Best of all, this chainsaw includes an auto-tension system and an auto-lubrication system that keep the chainsaw running smoothly and quickly around the bar.

It also has a quick-stop chain break, which shuts down the saw instantly when you need it and prevents low kickback.

For the price, it’s hard to beat the value and performance that the WORX WG303.1 electric 16″ chainsaw offers.

Be sure to use gloves and safety glasses when working with a chainsaw.

With the right precautions, you can get a lot of work done quickly and safely.

Final Word

It’s the perfect choice for those who need a powerful chainsaw for small and medium-sized jobs.

Why We Picked It?

For those looking for an electric chainsaw that is lightweight and powerful, the WEN Electric Chainsaw is our top pick.

It has a 12A motor that rotates the chain at up to 44 feet per second and offers 2.2 hp of power.

Best of all, it has a tool-free chain tensioning system so you can make adjustments without the need for any tool.

With an auto-oiling system, you don’t need to lubricate the saw as it is done automatically.

It’s also lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about getting tired quickly.

Moreover, its emission-free operation and quiet performance make it an environmentally friendly option.

The saw requires minimal maintenance and is perfect for small to medium-sized jobs.

Don’t worry about gasoline – just plug it in and start sawing!

Final Word

The WEN Electric Chainsaw is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful electric chainsaw that is lightweight and efficient.

It has all the features you need for small to medium-sized jobs and requires no gasoline, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Be sure to use gloves and safety glasses when working with a chainsaw. 

Why We Picked It?

We chose the Husqvarna 130 16 inch chainsaw because it is designed to provide superior performance with its efficient 2-HP X-Torq engine, which reduces emissions and increases fuel efficiency.

The chainsaw is easy to start because of the combined choke/stop control, which also reduces the risk of engine flooding.

It also features air injection technology, which helps expel larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter for improved engine life, making it an ideal choice for outdoor jobs.

In addition to this, the LowVib technology helps reduce vibrations and minimize operator fatigue for easy handling of the recommended 14–16-inch chainsaw bars.

Final Word

Overall, this gas-powered chainsaw is perfect for homeowners and occasional users alike, providing superior performance and easy handling to make any job easier.

Why We Picked It?

We chose the Worx Nitro 40V 16″ Cordless Chainsaw Power Share PRO as it is perfect for homeowners or even professional users who want a powerful and reliable cordless chainsaw. 

It features a brushless motor that runs 50% longer, is 25% more powerful, and has a 10% longer life. 

The high-capacity batteries deliver extended run times, and the toolless chain tensioning system allows for easy chain tension adjustments. 

It also has automatic chain lubrication to provide hassle-free, efficient cutting and increased bar and chain life. 

For safety precautions, it comes with a chain brake guard, which provides added safety and security for users.

Final Word

Overall, this is a reliable choice if you’re looking for a powerful cordless chainsaw that works just like its gas-powered counterparts.

With its advanced features and long run time, you can tackle any outdoor job with ease. 

Why We Picked It?

We chose the WEN 40417 16-Inch Chainsaw because it is a powerful and reliable cordless chainsaw that is ideal for homeowners or even professional users.

It has a brushless motor that makes it more efficient, requires less maintenance, and makes the chainsaw last longer.

Plus, it has a tool-free chain tensioning system for easy blade adjustments and quiet operation.

With a 16-inch bar and chain, it runs at speeds up to 49 feet per second.

We also appreciate the included 4 Ah battery and charger that are compatible with the entire WEN 40V Max Series.

Finally, it comes backed by a two-year warranty.

Final Word

Overall, this is an excellent cordless chainsaw option that can easily handle tough jobs while being lightweight and easy to use.

Why We Picked It

The Oregon CS1400 is a powerful, corded electric saw that comes with a 16-inch guide bar.

It is a low-maintenance chain for a smooth cut each time. 

It’s a perfect choice for homeowners and professionals alike who need to cut wood in harsh environments. 

The chainsaw has low vibration and produces low kickback, making it safe for use.

Moreover, instant-stop safety features are nice. 

It also features a built-in chain-tightening system that doesn’t require any tools.

Plus, the automatic oiler distributes oil on the bar and chain to keep it lubricated and prevent premature wear. 

The saw is lightweight, has decent power, and is easy to handle with an ergonomic design.

It also comes with a 2-year warranty. All these features make it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful chainsaw. 

Final Word

Overall, the Oregon CS1400 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a powerful and reliable chainsaw to tackle tough jobs.

It comes with many features that make it a great choice for both professionals and homeowners alike. 

Why We Picked It

If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable, and efficient cordless chainsaw that will help you tackle all your outdoor projects, the EGO Power+ CS1604 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is the perfect tool for you.

This battery-powered chainsaw can outperform gas-powered chainsaws and has a high-efficiency brushless motor that provides longer run time, low vibrations, and enhanced motor life.

It has a 16-inch bar and chain for smooth cuts and a low-kick-back design for safety.

Moreover, its engine provides 6800 RPM power which allows you to cut through hardwood, softwood, and branches

The 5.0 Ah 56V ARC Lithium Battery included can give you up to 300 cuts, and it recharges in as little as 40 minutes.

Plus, its weather-resistant construction can keep your tool safe under harsh conditions.

This chainsaw is easy to use and is perfect for any outdoor project.

Final Word

No matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, this is the ideal chainsaw for you.

Why We Picked It

Next on the list of electric chainsaws is the Craftsman 16-Inch 12-Amp Chainsaw.

This saw has a powerful 12-Amp motor that makes it an ideal choice for tough jobs.

The low kickback bar and chain help to ensure safe operation, and the tool-free chain tensioning allows you to easily adjust the chain for optimal cutting performance.

The built-in oil window eliminates the need for priming, and the 3-year limited warranty provides peace of mind.

As compared to gas chainsaws, this electric model has a number of advantages.

It doesn’t require costly gasoline or oil, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Final Word

This electric chainsaw is the perfect choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful saw that can handle tough jobs.

Why We Picked It?

The WORX WG303.1 electric chainsaw is a great choice for anyone who needs to do occasional light cutting in their yard or garden.

It’s powerful enough to tackle most jobs, and its innovative features help it run smoothly and efficiently.

The auto-tension system makes sure that the chain is always properly tightened.

The auto-lubrication reduces wear and tear on the motor, bar, and chain.

The rubberized rear handle gives you unbeatable control and comfort.

Moreover, the meta spike bumper grips the wood and prevents kickback, which helps you make cleaner cuts with less effort.

Plus, the quick-stop chain brake helps prevent accidents.

With its combination of power and safety features, the WORX WG303.1 is a great choice for casual DIYers.

It’s also backed by a three-year warranty, so you can get help with any issues that may arise. 

Final Word

All in all, the WORX WG303.1 is a great electric chainsaw for occasional or medium-duty tasks.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best 16-inch chainsaw for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider.

You should think about the power, bar length, weight, and safety features of any chainsaw you’re considering.

We hope our buying guide has helped you find the perfect chainsaw for your needs, whether you’re a professional arborist or simply looking for a great chainsaw.

With our top picks for the best 16-inch chainsaws, you can rest assured that you’ll find a reliable and powerful chainsaw that will get the job done quickly and efficiently. Thanks for reading!

Best 16-inch Chainsaws FAQs

Who makes the best 16 inch chainsaw?

Husqvarna is one of the most popular and trusted brands when it comes to 16-inch chainsaws.

They offer a variety of models with different features and specs, so you can find the perfect chainsaw for your needs.

Other popular brands include WORX, Poulan Pro, and Craftsman.

What is the most dependable brand of a chainsaw?

Most people agree that Husqvarna is one of the most reliable brands of chainsaws.

Their products are known for their durability, reliability, and power, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a quality chainsaw.

Other reliable brands include WORX, Poulan Pro, Oregon, and Craftsman. However, always be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.

What size tree can you cut with a 16-inch chainsaw?

Generally, you can cut a tree up to 12 to 14 inches in diameter with a 16-inch chainsaw.

However, this will depend on the power and features of the specific chainsaw you’re using.

What size chainsaw should I buy?

The size of the chainsaw you need will depend on what you’ll be using it for.

Smaller saws, such as 10- to 12-inch models, are great for light pruning and trimming tasks.

For larger jobs, you’ll need a 14- to 16-inch saw. For the most power and cutting capacity, you can opt for a 20-inch or larger chainsaw.