Best 14 Inch Chainsaws in 2026: 3 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want the best overall chainsaw for home use Husqvarna 120 Mark III 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw This gas model features an automatic oiler and weighs just 10.7 pounds for easy handling.
• You need the most compact and lightweight cordless option Makita 18V 14-Inch Brushless Chainsaw Weighing only 10 pounds with a 21.6-inch length, this 18V brushless saw is the smallest on the list.
• You own existing Makita batteries and need more power Makita 36V Brushless 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw This 36V brushless unit delivers higher performance while remaining compatible with your current battery platform.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Husqvarna 120 Mark III 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw

Best for: homeowner pruning and light wood cutting

Tilling Width

14 Inch (what this guide is about)

Bar Length

14 Inch

Power Source

Gas

Engine Displacement

38-cc

Motor Type

2-Cycle

Features

Automatic Oiler

View on Amazon: Husqvarna 120 Mark III 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw Affiliate link

The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is a 38-cc, 2-cycle gas chainsaw with a 14-inch bar. It features X-Torq engine technology for efficient combustion and low vibration dampeners for comfort. The unit includes an automatic oiler and inertia-activated chain brake. Weighing 10.7 pounds, it is designed for homeowners needing a lightweight tool for pruning and wood cutting tasks.

Pros

• 38-cc 2-cycle X-Torq engine for efficient power
• 14-inch bar with automatic oiler
• LowVib technology reduces operational vibrations
• Inertia-activated chain brake for safety

Cons

• Gas-powered operation requires fuel mixing and maintenance
• Heavier than comparable cordless 14-inch models
• Manual choke and stop switch controls

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight gas saw for yard pruning
• You prefer manual controls over electronic triggers
• You want reduced vibration during extended use

Skip if

• You require a cordless electric chainsaw
• You need a high-displacement engine for heavy logging
• You prefer automatic choke systems

Verdict: Husqvarna 120 Mark III 14-Inch Gas Chainsaw suits homeowners who need a lightweight, vibration-dampened gas saw for pruning and light wood cutting tasks.

2 Best budget

Makita 18V 14-Inch Brushless Chainsaw

Best for: light yard work and pruning

Tilling Width

14 Inch (what this guide is about)

Bar Length

14"

Power Source

Cordless

Voltage

18V

Motor Type

Brushless

Chain Speed

1,520 FPM

View on Amazon: Makita 18V 14-Inch Brushless Chainsaw Affiliate link

This Makita chainsaw uses two 18V batteries for 36V power. It features a brushless motor and a 14-inch bar. The chain speed reaches 1,520 FPM. You get a compact design that weighs 10 pounds. It cuts without gas or emissions. This tool suits users who want quiet, clean power for light to medium tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor for increased torque
• 1,520 FPM chain speed
• Compact 21.6-inch length
• No gas or oil mixing required

Cons

• Sold as tool only, no battery included
• Requires two 18V batteries for operation
• Limited to cordless power source

Good fit if

• You want to avoid gas and emissions
• You need a lightweight 10-pound tool
• You already own Makita 18V batteries

Skip if

• You need a gas-powered chainsaw
• You want a complete kit with batteries
• You require high-torque power for large trees

Verdict: Makita 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw fits homeowners who value low noise and zero emissions. It works best for pruning and small yard work where battery power is sufficient.

3 Best premium

Makita 36V Brushless 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw

Best for: Users with existing Makita 18V batteries

Tilling Width

14 Inch (what this guide is about)

Bar Length

14"

Power Source

Battery Cordless

Voltage

36V

Engine Displacement

32cc

Motor Type

Brushless

View on Amazon: Makita 36V Brushless 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw Affiliate link

This Makita 14-inch chainsaw uses two 18V batteries for 36V power. Its brushless motor matches the output of a 32cc gas engine. You get high chain speeds up to 3,940 FPM and an LED switch that saves battery life. It weighs 10.8 pounds. This tool suits users who want cordless convenience with gas-like performance for standard 14-inch bar tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers power equivalent to a 32cc gas engine
• Variable speed trigger reaches 3,940 FPM chain speed
• LED switch includes auto power-off to preserve battery life
• Captured bar nuts simplify tensioning and maintenance

Cons

• Requires two separate 18V batteries for operation
• Batteries and charger are not included in the tool-only package
• Heavier than some gas alternatives at 10.8 pounds

Good fit if

• You already own 18V LXT batteries and want to expand your cordless system
• You need gas-equivalent power without the noise and fumes of a 2-cycle engine
• You prefer electric tools with automatic shut-off features for safety and efficiency

Skip if

• You require a complete kit with batteries and charger included
• You need a single-battery solution for lighter duty work
• You prefer the lighter weight of a 38cc gas chainsaw

Verdict: Makita 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw offers robust 36V performance for users invested in the 18V LXT platform. It is the right choice for those who need gas-equivalent cutting power in a clean, cordless format.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right 14 inch chainsaw

1. Match power to your needs

   Select your power source based on the tasks you perform most often. Gas engines provide consistent torque for heavy pruning and cutting thicker wood without worrying about battery levels. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III uses a 2-cycle gas engine for these demanding jobs. Cordless models suit light yard work and pruning where zero emissions matter. The Makita 18V brushless saw offers quiet operation and clean cuts for smaller projects. Choose gas for runtime and cordless for convenience in tight spaces.

2. Check weight for handling

   Weight affects how easily you can hold the saw overhead or for extended periods. A lighter saw reduces fatigue during pruning. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III weighs 10.7 pounds, making it manageable for homeowner tasks. The Makita 18V model is even lighter at 10 pounds, which helps with balance. The 36V Makita sits at 10.8 pounds. Lower weight generally means easier control, especially when cutting branches at shoulder height. Consider your strength and the height of the trees you will cut.

3. Review bar length limits

   All three models feature a 14-inch bar, which is the standard width for this guide. This length handles most homeowner pruning and small tree cutting. It is not suitable for felling large timber. The 14-inch width allows you to cut through medium-sized branches with ease. If you need to cut larger logs, you would need a longer bar, but that increases weight and power requirements. For typical yard maintenance, the 14-inch capacity is sufficient and manageable.

4. Look for auto oilers

   Automatic oilers reduce maintenance and prevent chain wear. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III includes an automatic oiler, which ensures the chain stays lubricated during operation. This feature is critical for gas saws that run at high speeds. Cordless models like the Makita options rely on battery power for the pump. Manual oiling can be forgotten, leading to dry chains and broken teeth. Check if the model you choose has an auto-oiler to keep the chain healthy longer.

5. Consider battery compatibility

   If you already own cordless tools, check the voltage platform. The Makita 36V Brushless model works with the 18V LXT battery system. This allows you to use existing batteries, saving money and reducing clutter. The Makita 18V model also uses the same platform. If you do not have Makita batteries, you will need to purchase them separately. Gas models do not require batteries but need fuel mixing. Your existing tool ecosystem should guide your choice between gas and cordless options.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best wood chippers under 150
• best wood chippers under 1500
• best 14-Inch chainsaws
• best 14-Inch mattresses