When my neighbor asked me to help him drop a storm-damaged oak last fall, I showed up with a 16-inch saw and quickly realized I was outgunned. The trunk was a full 22 inches across, and my underpowered bar kept binding. That weekend sent me down a rabbit hole testing the best chainsaws with 20 inch bar options on the market. After three months of cutting, splitting, and hauling firewood across my property, I put ten models through their paces.
A 20-inch bar hits the sweet spot for most property owners and even many professionals. It’s long enough to fell trees up to 24 inches in diameter, but it isn’t so heavy that you’ll dread dragging it out of the garage. You’ll find 20-inch chainsaws in gas and battery formats, ranging from budget imports to professional-grade Japanese-built workhorses. This guide covers the models I tested, what I learned, and how to pick the right one for your needs.
Our team tested each saw on hardwoods (oak and hickory), softwoods (pine and cedar), and storm cleanup tasks. We tracked starting ease, vibration, chain speed under load, and how each one handled a full day of firewood prep. Whether you’re shopping for a homeowner solution or a daily professional workhorse, you’ll find a solid recommendation below. And if you already have a smaller saw in the shed, our guide on the 8 Best Chainsaws for Homeowners Tested & Reviewed can help you decide whether to upgrade or add a dedicated 20-inch machine.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaws With 20 Inch Bar in September
Husqvarna 450 Rancher
- 50.2cc X-Torq engine
- Smart Start technology
- 11.3 lb lightweight build
- LowVib anti-vibration
EGO POWER+ CS2005 Kit
- 56V brushless motor
- Battery and charger included
- 135 cuts per charge
- IPX4 weather resistance
NEO-TEC 62cc Gas Chainsaw
- 62cc 3.5HP engine
- Quick-start ignition
- Lightweight 14 lb build
- Chain brake safety
Best Chainsaws With 20 Inch Bar in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NEO-TEC 62cc Gas Chainsaw |
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Check Latest Price |
 VEVOR 62cc Gas Chainsaw |
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 PROYAMA 68cc Chainsaw |
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 SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw |
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| Husqvarna 450 Rancher |
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Check Latest Price |
 ECHO CS-590-20 |
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Check Latest Price |
 EGO POWER+ CS2000 Bare Tool |
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Check Latest Price |
 WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Chainsaw |
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Check Latest Price |
| EGO POWER+ CS2005 Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 GTHAN STORE 62cc Gas Chainsaw |
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Check Latest Price |
1. NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw – Budget Workhorse With Real Power
NEO-TEC 62cc 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Petrol 3.5HP Handheld Reliable Motosierra De Gasolina for Tree Pruning Wood Cutting Firewood Preparation and Yard Maintenance
62cc engine
20 inch bar
14 lbs
Chain brake
Pros
- Powerful 62cc 3.5 HP output
- Quick-start 1-2 pull ignition
- Lightweight at 14 lbs fully equipped
- Strong value vs expensive brands
Cons
- Requires 25:1 fuel mix not standard 50:1
- Some fuel tank leak reports on side storage
- Chain may slip under heavy load
I pulled the NEO-TEC out of the box on a damp Saturday morning and had it fired up within three pulls. That was my first surprise. Budget gas saws from overseas often take 10+ pulls to break in, but this one behaved like a saw costing twice as much. Over the next month, I cut roughly two cords of mixed oak and pine with it. The 62cc engine didn’t bog down on 18-inch rounds, and the 8500 RPM chain speed made quick work of smaller limbs.
The 14-pound ready-to-run weight feels honest on paper, but in your hands it reads a bit heavier because the balance point sits forward of the handle. Still, for occasional firewood duty around a half-acre property, it’s manageable for most adults. I appreciated the wrap-around handle when limbing branches at odd angles. The chain brake engaged reliably every time I tested it, which is a critical safety feature at this price point.
One quirk worth flagging: this saw uses a 25:1 fuel-to-oil mix, not the standard 50:1 ratio most modern saws prefer. If you’ve been mixing fuel for a Stihl or Husqvarna, you’ll need to recalibrate. I measured out a gallon at 25:1 and noticed slightly higher oil consumption than my other saws, but nothing alarming. The chain did loosen after the first tank of fuel, so plan to retension it once everything seats.
What surprised me was how many reviewers on forums like r/Chainsaw recommend budget saws for occasional homeowner use. One user noted they had cut “30 cords of wood with my NEO-TEC over three winters” without major issues. That’s the kind of long-term data you rarely see on Amazon listings. Cold-weather starting was acceptable, though not as effortless as the Husqvarna.
For whom this saw is good
Property owners who cut 1-3 cords of firewood per year and want a reliable backup saw at a low cost. This is also a good fit for occasional storm cleanup and brush clearing where you don’t need professional durability. If you already own a 50:1 mix saw, you’ll want to commit to dedicated 25:1 fuel or pass on this model.
For whom this saw is bad
Daily professional loggers will wear this out fast. The chain tensioning system requires more attention than commercial-grade saws, and replacement parts ship directly from overseas with longer lead times. If you fell trees for a living, step up to the Husqvarna or ECHO in this lineup.
2. VEVOR 62cc Gas Chainsaw – High RPM, Lower Price
VEVOR Gas Powered Chainsaw 20 inch 62CC 3.8 HP 2 Stroke Engine Gas Chainsaw
62cc 3.8 HP
20 inch bar
18.7 lbs
12k RPM
Pros
- Very powerful 62cc 3.8 HP
- 12000 RPM max chain speed
- Cold and hot start options
- Excellent value for price
Cons
- Can flood easily if choke misused
- Plastic components feel cheap
- Vibrates more than pro brands
The VEVOR’s spec sheet reads like a wishlist: 62cc, 3.8 HP, and a 12,000 RPM top end. On paper, it out-muscles saws costing three times as much. In practice, my test unit performed well on straight cuts in pine but struggled a bit on dense hardwood grain when I pushed it. The composite PA6+30%GP body held up to drops and bumps, but the plastic housing around the clutch cover feels noticeably less rigid than a Husqvarna or ECHO.
Weight is the VEVOR’s biggest downside at 18.7 pounds. After 30 minutes of bucking rounds, my forearms felt it. The dual-handle setup helps, but this is not a saw you’ll want to use overhead or one-handed for extended periods. The 550 ml fuel tank is generous, and I logged about 35 minutes of runtime per fill under mixed-load conditions.
Starting took some patience. The choke procedure is sensitive, and I flooded the engine twice before I figured out the right sequence. Once running, it settled into a steady idle and responded well to the trigger. Cold-start performance in our 30-degree morning test was mediocre; the saw needed 6-7 pulls before firing.
Forum users reported quality-control variability. Several r/Chainsaw threads mentioned receiving units with defective pull cords, while others had their saws run flawlessly for two seasons. This lottery-ticket nature is consistent with what I saw in the user reviews. The emergency stop function is a thoughtful safety touch you don’t always see at this price.
For whom this saw is good
Budget buyers who cut occasionally and don’t mind some quality variance. This VEVOR model works well for fence-line clearing, small tree removal, and light firewood duty on properties under two acres. If you can tolerate a learning curve on the starting procedure, you’ll save money over a name-brand alternative.
For whom this saw is bad
Anyone needing reliable daily starts in cold weather. If you cut more than five cords per year, the vibration and weight fatigue will compound. Users with limited mechanical patience should pass; this saw rewards owners who understand small-engine troubleshooting.
3. PROYAMA 68cc Chainsaw – Two Bars for the Price of One
PROYAMA 68CC Gas Powered Chainsaw, 24 Inch 20 Inch Top Handle Chain Saw
68cc 4.5 HP
20 and 24 inch bars
14.5 lbs
Two chains
Pros
- Comes with both 20 and 24 inch bars
- Very powerful 4.5 HP engine
- Good anti-vibration system
- Two bars/chains included
Cons
- Some users report difficulty starting
- Can be finicky about fuel mixture
- Loud operation
PROYAMA ships this saw with both 20-inch and 24-inch bars, plus a matching chain for each. That’s an unusual value proposition because a spare chain alone usually runs $25-40. I tested the 20-inch bar most of the time since that’s the focus of this guide, but swapping to the 24-inch bar took only a few minutes with the included wrench. The 68cc engine has more torque than my 60cc saws, which matters when boring through oak knots.
At 14.5 pounds, the PROYAMA feels lighter than the VEVOR despite having more displacement. The anti-vibration system uses counterweights at the handle mounts, and the difference is noticeable after 20 minutes of continuous cutting. The wrap-around handle position is comfortable for cross-cutting, and the chain catcher felt solid.
Starting proved to be this saw’s weakness. Out of the box, the choke mechanism had a dead spot where it wouldn’t fully engage. Once I figured out the workaround (firmly pushing past the detent), it started within four pulls. Multiple reviewers echoed this concern, so PROYAMA may have a quality-control issue on the choke assembly.
The 4.5 HP output is genuinely impressive. I drove the bar through a 19-inch white oak round in about 90 seconds with steady pressure. Noise level is high even by gas-saw standards; you’ll want ear protection beyond what’s commonly recommended. Fuel consumption tracked close to other 60cc-class saws despite the larger displacement.
For whom this saw is good
Property owners who want flexibility to handle both mid-size trees and larger logs without buying two saws. This PROYAMA model also suits users who frequently swap bars for different tasks like limbing versus bucking. If you appreciate having a spare chain ready to go, the included second chain is a real perk.
For whom this saw is bad
Users who need consistent, foolproof starting every time. The finicky choke is a deal-breaker if you’re lending the saw to family members or storing it for emergency storm cleanup. Anyone sensitive to noise should look at the EGO battery options instead.
4. SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw – Surprisingly Strong Performer
SUPMIXTOOLS 62cc Gas Chainsaw 20 Inch Gas Powered Chainsaws 2-Cycle Petrol
62cc 4.2 HP
20 inch bar
14 lbs
8500 RPM
Pros
- Exceptional cutting power for price
- Easy to start after break-in
- Reliable performance once set up
- Better than expensive brands in tests
Cons
- Chain requires frequent tightening
- Bar oiler may need adjustment
- Choke mechanism can be tricky
I went into testing the SUPMIXTOOLS skeptical because I’d never heard the brand name before. Three cuts into a stack of 16-inch oak rounds, my skepticism evaporated. The 4.2 HP output is genuinely impressive, and I measured cut times roughly comparable to a friend’s Stihl MS 271. Multiple Amazon reviewers reported the same head-to-head wins over pricier saws.
Once broken in (after about two tanks of fuel), starting became consistent. I averaged 3-4 pulls from cold and 1-2 pulls from warm. The full-crank 62cc engine design reduces vibration compared to cheaper half-crank engines, and my hands thanked me after extended sessions. At 14 pounds, it’s manageable for most users.
Where this saw stumbles is in the chain tensioning system. Out of the box, the chain loosened every 15-20 minutes of cutting, requiring the included scrench to retighten. After the first few tanks, the chain stretched less, but you’ll still want to check tension more often than on a Stihl or Husqvarna. The bar oiler also needed adjustment; out of the box it oiled too sparingly.
Forum users on r/Chainsaw have debated SUPMIXTOOLS quality, with consensus landing on “great value, requires some tinkering.” If you’re willing to spend 20 minutes dialing in the oiler and chain tension, you’ll get professional-grade cutting performance for a fraction of the cost.
For whom this saw is good
Tinkerers and budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind breaking in a new tool. This SUPMIXTOOLS model rewards users who treat their equipment well and perform basic adjustments. If you cut 2-5 cords per year, this saw can match the performance of saws costing 2-3x more.
For whom this saw is bad
Anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it experience. Frequent chain tensioning is a hassle if you’re used to tool-less systems. Users without basic mechanical skills may struggle with the oiler adjustment.
5. Husqvarna 450 Rancher – Professional Grade, Trusted Brand
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20 Inch Gas Chainsaw, 50.2-cc 3.2-HP, 2-Cycle X-Torq Engine, For Tree Pruning, Yard Cleanups and Firewood Cutting, 970613120
50.2cc X-Torq
20 inch bar
11.3 lbs
2 year warranty
Pros
- Effortless Smart Start technology
- Lightweight at 11.3 lbs
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio
- X-Torq fuel efficiency
Cons
- Premium price point
- Some factory spark plug torque issues
- Oil pump may need adjustment
From the first pull, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher felt like a different class of tool. The Smart Start system genuinely delivers: I started this saw cold in two pulls every single time across two months of testing. The X-Torq engine is noticeably more fuel-efficient than the non-branded saws, and the emissions are lower, which matters if you cut in residential areas.
At 11.3 pounds, the 450 Rancher is the lightest 20-inch gas saw in this lineup. That weight savings adds up over a day of firewood cutting. The LowVib anti-vibration system uses steel springs between the engine and handles, and the difference is palpable compared to budget saws. After 90 minutes of bucking rounds, my hands and arms felt noticeably fresher than with the 17-18 pound budget options.
Build quality tells the story: metal components where others use plastic, snug tolerances on the clutch cover, and a chain brake that engages with confidence. The Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system extends the time between air filter cleanings, which is a real-world benefit for anyone who cuts in dusty conditions. Husqvarna’s 2-year warranty is double what most competitors offer.
The trade-off is price. At $499, the 450 Rancher costs roughly four times the NEO-TEC. Husqvarna owners consistently report 5-10+ years of service life with proper maintenance. On r/Chainsaw, multiple professional loggers said they still have 450 Ranchers from the early 2010s that run strong. That kind of longevity math changes the value equation significantly.
For whom this saw is good
Property owners who cut 5+ cords of firewood per year and want a saw that will last a decade. This Husqvarna model is also the right pick for semi-professional users, farmers, and ranchers who need reliability they can trust. If you value effortless starting and low vibration, the 450 Rancher justifies its premium.
For whom this saw is bad
Budget buyers who only cut a cord or two per year. The premium price is hard to justify for occasional use. If you already have a smaller chainsaw that handles 90% of your tasks, the upgrade may not make sense unless you’re regularly pushing the limits of your current bar.
6. ECHO CS-590-20 – Japanese-Built Workhorse
Chain Saw, Gas, 20 in. Bar, 59.8cc
59.8cc 3.9 HP
20 inch bar
20.1 lbs
Made in Japan
Pros
- Proven 5+ year reliability
- Japanese construction durability
- Auto/adjustable chain oiler
- Excellent power-to-weight
Cons
- Some flooding issues reported
- Can be hard to start out of box
- Premium price point
ECHO has built chainsaws in Japan since the 1960s, and the CS-590-20 carries that legacy. The 59.8cc engine produces 3.9 HP, which is enough to chew through 22-inch oak rounds without bogging. The translucent fuel tank is a small but appreciated detail because you can check your fuel level without removing the cap. Anti-vibration handles reduce fatigue during long sessions.
My test saw required patience on the first start. The factory carburetor settings were a touch rich, leading to some flooding. After I made the standard high-speed jet adjustment (covered in the manual), starting became consistent. ECHO owners on forums report this is a common break-in task. Once dialed in, the CS-590-20 starts in 2-3 pulls cold and 1 pull warm.
Build quality is professional-grade throughout. The magnesium housing feels solid, the chain brake mechanism engages with positive feedback, and the bar nuts are properly sized for a real wrench (not a stamped tool). At 20.1 pounds, this is heavier than the Husqvarna, but the weight feels balanced rather than cumbersome.
What makes the CS-590-20 special is its long-term durability. Multiple reviewers mentioned owning their ECHO for 5-10+ years with only basic maintenance. The auto/adjustable chain oiler is a feature you typically only find on professional-grade saws, and it makes a real difference when you’re cutting dense wood all day. Made in Japan construction means tighter tolerances and better quality control than saws assembled elsewhere.
For whom this saw is good
Professional users and serious property owners who want a saw that will outlive them. This ECHO model suits farmers, ranchers, and firewood producers who run their equipment hard. If you already own ECHO handheld tools, the brand consistency is a plus.
For whom this saw is bad
Casual users on a tight budget. The premium price is harder to justify if you only cut occasionally. Anyone expecting perfect factory tuning should be prepared to make minor carburetor adjustments out of the box.
7. EGO POWER+ CS2000 – Bare Tool Battery Option
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 20” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Battery and Charger Not Included – CS2000
56V brushless
20 inch bar
12.7 lbs
135 cuts/charge
Pros
- Instant start with no pull cord
- Comparable to 55cc gas saws
- Quiet operation preserves hearing
- Easy battery swap for extended work
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Requires 6Ah battery for full power
- Expensive battery replacements
The EGO POWER+ CS2000 is the bare-tool version of EGO’s 20-inch battery saw, meaning no battery or charger ships in the box. That’s a major consideration for buyers new to the EGO ecosystem, but for anyone who already owns EGO 56V tools, it’s an opportunity to add a chainsaw without duplicating battery investments. The 56V brushless motor produces chain speeds of 25 m/s, which EGO claims is equivalent to a 55cc gas saw.
In my testing, the CS2000 performed impressively. I cut through a stack of 14-inch oak rounds without bogging, and the digital display showing battery level and current speed mode was genuinely useful. The 12.7-pound weight is competitive with gas saws, and the instant-on operation is something gas saws simply cannot match.
Cold weather performance surprised me. Lithium batteries lose capacity in sub-freezing temperatures, but the EGO saw still fired up and cut aggressively at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t get the full 135 cuts per charge in cold conditions, but the saw didn’t limp. That’s a meaningful advantage over older-generation battery tools.
The trade-off is battery cost. A 6.0Ah EGO battery runs $200-300, and you’ll want at least two for extended work. For homeowners who already have EGO mowers, blowers, and trimmers, that investment likely already exists. For first-time EGO buyers, the CS2005 kit (with battery and charger) is usually the better deal unless you’re buying within days of purchasing other EGO tools.
For whom this saw is good
Existing EGO 56V ecosystem owners who want to add a chainsaw without redundant batteries. This CS2000 model is perfect for homeowners with noise restrictions or storage limitations on gas. If you cut fewer than 100 cuts per session, one battery suffices; multiple batteries enable longer sessions.
For whom this saw is bad
First-time battery tool buyers should consider the CS2005 kit instead. Daily professional users will burn through batteries faster than they can charge, making gas a more practical choice. Anyone planning heavy felling work should match the EGO to their existing battery inventory before committing.
8. WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Chainsaw – Two Bars in One Box
WTHW 58 cc Gas Chainsaw, 20 in & 18 in Quick-Switch Bars, 2 Chains
58cc 3.5 HP
20 and 18 inch bars
14.5 lbs
2 year warranty
Pros
- Quick-Switch bar system convenient
- Reliable starting in cold weather
- Two bars and chains included
- Runs consistently without issues
Cons
- Feels cheap compared to name brands
- Can bog down on very large logs
- Loud operation needs ear protection
The WTHW saw’s standout feature is its Quick-Switch bar system, which lets you swap between the included 18-inch and 20-inch bars without tools. I tested this multiple times, and the swap took about 90 seconds once you learn the procedure. That’s faster than any other tool-less system I’ve used. The 30% larger fuel tank means roughly 40 minutes of runtime per fill, which beat most of the budget competition.
Cold-weather starting was a pleasant surprise. In 25-degree morning conditions, the WTHW fired up in 3 pulls, while the VEVOR and PROYAMA took 6-7. The 58cc engine has enough grunt for 18-inch rounds but bogs down on 22+ inch hardwood. That’s where the 20-inch bar’s extra capacity gets pushed past its limits.
The dual-spring anti-vibration system works reasonably well, though not as effectively as the Husqvarna’s LowVib. After 60 minutes of cutting, I felt fatigue building. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is double what most budget brands offer, which suggests WTHW stands behind their product.
Reviewers on r/ryobi and r/MilwaukeeTool mentioned using similar Quick-Switch designs in their own work. The convenience of swapping bars without tools is real, and it’s helpful when you need a shorter bar for limbing or a longer bar for felling in the same session. Build quality doesn’t match name-brand saws, but the Quick-Switch innovation compensates for some of that gap.
For whom this saw is good
Homeowners who want one saw that adapts to different tasks. This WTHW model works well for property maintenance where you sometimes need a compact bar and sometimes need full 20-inch reach. The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind that budget alternatives often lack.
For whom this saw is bad
Users cutting very large hardwood logs. The 58cc engine bogs down on dense wood over 20 inches. Anyone expecting premium build quality should budget for a Husqvarna or ECHO instead.
9. EGO POWER+ CS2005 Kit – Battery Done Right
EGO POWER+ Chain Saw, 20” Battery Powered Chainsaw, Electric Cordless, Includes 56V 6.0Ah Battery and Charger – CS2005
56V brushless
6.0Ah battery
20 inch bar
320W charger
Pros
- No gas mixing required
- Includes 56V 6.0Ah battery
- Impressive cutting power
- Much quieter than gas saws
Cons
- Heavy at 30 pounds with battery
- Battery life limits extended use
- Premium price with battery included
The CS2005 kit is the complete package: bare tool plus 56V 6.0Ah battery and a 320W rapid charger. For first-time EGO buyers, this kit solves the chicken-and-egg problem of needing a battery to use the saw. The 6.0Ah battery delivered the full 135-cut rating in my testing on 6×6 dimensional lumber, which is genuinely impressive. Cold-weather capacity dropped to about 95 cuts at 28 degrees, but that still beat my expectations.
Tool-less chain tensioning makes field adjustments painless. The digital display shows real-time battery percentage and current speed mode, which is helpful for managing work sessions. The LED work light illuminates the cut line in low-light conditions like early morning or dusk, and IPX4 weather resistance means you can use the saw in light rain.
At 30 pounds with the battery installed, this is the heaviest saw in the roundup. The weight is partly due to the battery itself, but the saw body is also robust. For limbing overhead, this matters; for bucking rounds on the ground, it’s manageable. The 320W charger refills the 6.0Ah battery in roughly 45 minutes, faster than most competitors.
Forum users on multiple tool subreddits praised the EGO platform for its interoperability. Once you own this chainsaw, you can add an EGO mower, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, and string trimmer that all share the same batteries. That ecosystem value is hard to quantify but real for many homeowners.
For whom this saw is good
Homeowners entering the battery tool ecosystem who want everything in one box. This EGO kit suits users with noise-sensitive neighborhoods or storage constraints on gas and oil. If you cut fewer than 200 cuts per session and value convenience over absolute runtime, this kit delivers.
For whom this saw is bad
Users with extended firewood cutting sessions. Even with two batteries, you’ll run out of power before a gas saw runs out of fuel. Anyone who already owns 56V EGO tools should buy the CS2000 bare tool instead and save money on the redundant battery.
10. GTHAN STORE 62cc Gas Chainsaw – Ultra-Budget Starter
62cc Gas Powered Chainsaw 2-Cycle Gasoline Chain Saw with 20-Inch Guide Bar
62cc 4.2 HP
20 inch bar
14 lbs
8500 RPM
Pros
- Excellent value for price
- Strong 62cc 4.2 HP engine
- Easy to assemble and use
- Installation toolkit included
Cons
- Some units fail after few uses
- Not as durable as name brands
- Limited customer support
The GTHAN STORE saw is the most affordable option in this roundup, and I tested it with low expectations. The 62cc engine and 4.2 HP rating match more expensive saws on paper. In practice, my test unit cut cleanly through pine and smaller hardwood rounds, but felt underpowered on dense 18-inch oak. The 14-pound weight is competitive, and assembly took about 15 minutes with the included toolkit.
Starting was inconsistent. My test saw took 8-10 pulls cold, and once it stalled, restarting required patience. Multiple reviewers reported similar cold-start struggles, while others had saws that started easily. This variability suggests quality control inconsistency typical of the lowest-priced options.
What this saw does well is provide a 20-inch bar for users who otherwise couldn’t afford one. If you have a one-time project like clearing a fallen tree after a storm, and you don’t expect the saw to last a decade, the GTHAN gets the job done. Reviewers who cut 1-2 cords per year generally had positive experiences; users pushing daily use reported failures.
Build quality is where corners are cut. Plastic housing parts, basic chain tensioning, and minimal vibration damping. The chain brake works but lacks the positive engagement of premium saws. For occasional use on a small property, it’s a reasonable starter; for anything more demanding, you’ll want to invest in a step-up model.
For whom this saw is good
First-time chainsaw buyers on a strict budget who need a 20-inch bar for occasional tasks. This GTHAN model works well for storm cleanup once and yard maintenance a few times per year. If you want to learn chainsaw basics without a big investment, this is a reasonable starting point.
For whom this saw is bad
Anyone planning regular or heavy use. Limited customer support means warranty claims can be challenging. Users who value reliable cold-weather starting should look at saws with proven Smart Start or X-Torq technology.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 20-Inch Chainsaw
Buying a 20-inch chainsaw involves balancing power, weight, budget, and power source. Our team tested each saw across dozens of cuts in different wood types, and a few key factors consistently determined how each model performed. Below is what we learned.
Power and Engine Size
Engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), directly correlates with cutting power. Most 20-inch chainsaws fall into the 50-68cc range. Saws under 55cc work well for limbing and small trees but bog down on dense hardwood over 18 inches in diameter. Saws above 60cc handle larger trees with authority but weigh more and cost more.
For most homeowners, a 55-62cc engine provides the right balance. The Husqvarna 450 Rancher at 50.2cc is an exception because its X-Torq technology extracts more useful power per cc than competitors. Professionals cutting daily should target 60cc and above. If you’re unsure, our guide to the 8 Best Chainsaws for Homeowners covers smaller-bar options that might suit lighter tasks.
Gas vs Battery: Which Power Source Wins?
Gas chainsaws still lead in raw power and runtime. A full tank of fuel delivers 30-45 minutes of cutting under load, and refueling takes 60 seconds. The trade-off is weight (12-20 pounds), emissions, noise, and the need for fuel mixing and maintenance. Cold-weather starting can also be temperamental on cheaper gas saws.
Battery chainsaws like the EGO POWER+ CS2005 have closed the gap significantly. The 56V brushless motor delivers cutting performance equivalent to a 55cc gas saw, and you get instant starting with no pull cord. Runtime is the limiting factor: expect 30-50 minutes of heavy cutting per 6.0Ah battery. For homeowners with fewer than 200 cuts per session, battery makes sense. For daily professional use, gas still wins.
Cutting Capacity: How Big a Tree Can a 20-Inch Saw Handle?
A 20-inch bar cuts through trees up to about 24 inches in diameter in a single pass, though dense hardwoods require more bites. The actual diameter you can fell depends on the wood species, engine power, and chain sharpness. Softer woods like pine and cedar cut faster; hardwoods like oak and hickory require more time and power.
For most residential and small commercial tasks, a 20-inch bar handles the job. If you regularly fell trees over 24 inches, stepping up to a 24-inch or 28-inch bar makes sense. Otherwise, a 20-inch saw provides the best balance of reach and maneuverability.
Weight and Ergonomics
Weight matters more than most buyers realize. A 17-pound saw feels manageable in the store but tires your arms after 45 minutes of bucking rounds. Saws under 13 pounds (like the Husqvarna 450 Rancher at 11.3 pounds) are noticeably easier to use for extended sessions. Anti-vibration systems reduce fatigue further, and the best ones (LowVib, Anti-Vib) make a measurable difference.
Ergonomic features to look for include a wrap-around handle for cross-cutting at angles, a top handle for limbing, and a chain catcher that prevents broken chains from flying toward you. Test the balance point by holding the saw at the front handle; a balanced saw reduces wrist strain.
Chain Brake and Safety Features
Every chainsaw sold in the US must have a chain brake, which stops the chain within milliseconds of kickback. Inertia-activated brakes (found on Husqvarna, ECHO, and several budget models) trigger automatically when sudden motion is detected. Manual chain brakes require you to push a lever forward with your wrist.
Beyond the chain brake, look for a throttle lockout (prevents accidental acceleration), a chain catcher (captures broken chains), and a kickback guard. The PROYAMA and Husqvarna both have all three. Battery saws add a safety benefit: the chain stops instantly when you release the trigger, which is faster than any gas-saw chain brake.
Brand Ecosystem Compatibility
Battery platforms matter if you’re building a tool collection. EGO, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi each have their own battery system. Buying into one brand lets you share batteries across mowers, blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. EGO’s 56V platform is particularly strong for outdoor power equipment.
Gas saws don’t have ecosystem lock-in, but parts availability matters. Husqvarna and Stihl parts are widely available; ECHO and budget brands sometimes require direct-from-manufacturer ordering. If you cut professionally, factor service network into your decision.
Bar and Chain Quality
The bar and chain are wear items that need periodic replacement. Husqvarna, Oregon, and Stihl make the best aftermarket bars and chains. Most 20-inch saws accept standard 3/8-inch or 0.325-inch pitch chains, and parts are widely available. Budget saws sometimes use non-standard sizes, which complicates replacement.
Premium bars use replaceable nose sprockets that extend bar life. Look for this feature if you cut frequently. Stihl and Oregon bars are widely considered the gold standard for quality and longevity.
Cold Weather Performance
Few chainsaw reviews address cold weather, but it matters if you cut winter firewood. Gas saws can be hard to start in sub-freezing temperatures; the Husqvarna Smart Start system handles this better than most. Battery saws lose capacity in cold weather but fire instantly; expect 20-30% reduced runtime below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you cut firewood in winter, prioritize saws with proven cold-start performance. The Husqvarna 450 Rancher and ECHO CS-590-20 both performed well in my 25-28 degree morning tests, while several budget saws needed multiple pulls to fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of 20-inch chainsaw is the best?
Husqvarna and ECHO consistently rank at the top for professional-grade 20-inch chainsaws. For homeowners, EGO’s battery platform delivers excellent results without gas maintenance. Budget brands like NEO-TEC and SUPMIXTOOLS offer solid performance at lower prices but with less long-term reliability.
Which brand of chainsaw is the most reliable?
Stihl, Husqvarna, and ECHO are widely considered the most reliable chainsaw brands based on decades of professional use and consistent performance. EGO and Makita have strong reputations in battery tools. Budget brands can perform well but typically don’t match the long-term durability of established manufacturers.
How big of a tree will a 20-inch chainsaw cut?
A 20-inch chainsaw can fell trees up to about 24 inches in diameter in a single pass. Dense hardwoods like oak may require multiple bites for trees over 20 inches. Softwoods like pine and cedar cut faster and easier. For trees over 24 inches, you’ll need a 24-inch or longer bar.
Which chainsaw bar is considered the best quality?
Stihl and Oregon manufacture the highest-quality aftermarket chainsaw bars. Husqvarna bars are also excellent and come standard on their saws. Look for bars with replaceable nose sprockets for longer life. Budget bars work but wear faster and may need replacement sooner.
Final Verdict on the Best Chainsaws With 20 Inch Bar
After three months of testing ten models, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher stands out as our top pick for the best chainsaws with 20 inch bar category. Its combination of light weight, Smart Start reliability, X-Torq fuel efficiency, and proven long-term durability justifies the premium price for serious users. If you’re already invested in the EGO battery ecosystem, the CS2005 kit delivers gas-comparable performance with the convenience of instant starting. Budget-conscious buyers will find genuine value in the NEO-TEC 62cc, especially for occasional firewood duty.
Whatever saw you choose, prioritize safety gear: a helmet with face shield, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and hearing protection. Even the best chainsaws are dangerous tools that deserve respect. For more guidance on chainsaw selection and homeowner tools, revisit our 8 Best Chainsaws for Homeowners roundup. Here’s to safe cutting in 2026 and beyond.