Top 7 20-Inch Chainsaws to Buy in 2025: Expert Reviews & Ratings

In 2025, 20-inch chainsaws are the go-to tools for professional arborists, loggers, and homeowners tackling heavy-duty cutting tasks. These powerful machines are designed to handle large trees, thick logs, and storm cleanup with ease. With advancements in battery-powered and gas-powered models, the market offers a variety of options to suit different needs. This article compiles expert reviews, real-world test data, and a detailed buying guide to help you choose from the top seven 20-inch chainsaws available in 2025.

Why Choose a 20-Inch Chainsaw?

Once you hit the 20-inch bar size, you’re getting into true professional territory. Saws with longer guide bars can take on bigger jobs, but they’re heavier. As a general rule, you want your bar to be two inches longer than the maximum diameter of the log or tree you intend to cut. If your electric chainsaw is going to be your only chainsaw, go with a longer bar length of 18- to 20-inches. The longest options, 20 to 24 inches, are made for loggers and professional arborists who need to cut down mature trees.

Top 7 20-Inch Chainsaws for 2025

Below, we dive into the seven best 20-inch chainsaws for 2025, based on expert testing and user feedback. Each model has been evaluated for cutting speed, power, ergonomics, and safety features.

1. EGO Power+ CS2005

We perform the most extensive side-by-side tests on gas, electric, and battery-powered chainsaws from Ego, Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, and more to find the best models to match your needs. After thousands of test hours, we recommend the EGO Power+ CS2005 as the best chainsaw overall. Nothing touched it in our timed cutting performance tests; it even beat all the gas saws! It blew away the competition in our standardized, 4 x 4 cutting time test, with a blazing 3.5-second cutting time, beating the next best by 1.5 seconds (a gas saw), and leaving the average 15.4-second cutting time in the dust. It also has no wind-up time. Our testers had the same comment again and again, “it feels like you’re cutting through butter.” It also has a handy display that tells you how much battery you have left and if you are in eco, medium, or boost modes. The biggest downside with the saw is the weight. While it’s about the same weight as a 20-inch gas chainsaw, it’s 4-5 pounds heavier than the 18-inch battery models in our tests. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Exceptional 3.5-second cutting time, no wind-up, user-friendly display, cuts through wood effortlessly.
• Cons: Heavier than 18-inch battery models, weighing around 15-16 pounds.

2. Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf

The champion gas model of this evaluation was the Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf. This model was the only gas model in our review to break below the five-second barrier in our controlled test, with an average cut time of 4.9 seconds. As far as a subjective evaluation of the feel of the saw, the Timber Wolf is noticeably better at cutting through bigger logs than the others. With a long bar, a 59.8cc cylinder, and weighing close to 20 pounds, you can practically set this machine on a log, pull the throttle, and then watch it do the work. We found a lot of power in the Echo CS 590’s 59.8cc two-cycle motor. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Powerful 59.8cc engine, 4.9-second cut time, excels at cutting large logs.
• Cons: Heavy at nearly 20 pounds, requires regular gas engine maintenance.

3. Stihl MSA 300 C-O

We’ve worked with Stihl products for decades and knew we had to try this electric model¡ªand we’re not disappointed by what we found. With a 20-inch bar, this is a professional-duty saw capable of bucking firewood, limbing, and storm cleanup. The Stihl has pro-duty torque and pivots quietly and neatly through any cut. We also liked the saw’s vibration dampening and appreciated its thrifty oil use, owing to a feed mechanism and bar and chain design that cuts oil consumption significantly. A battery-conservation button helps you increase run time, using three power levels. The MSA 300 C-O has 3 different performance settings. This gives you options when you want to prioritize runtime over power. It has an LED screen that displays power status, mode, the chain brake position, and has a low oil alert. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Professional-grade torque, quiet operation, efficient oil use, customizable performance settings.
• Cons: Limited battery runtime compared to gas models, high initial cost.

4. DeWalt DCCS677

Without a doubt, DeWalt’s 60V Max 20-inch cordless chainsaw (DCCS677) is the best model in Yellow’s lineup. As one of three professional battery-powered 20-inch chainsaws targeting the farm and ranch class, it’s in an elite class and it happens to be the least expensive model. In designing the saw, DeWalt’s development team used the largest brushless motor in any tool they have¡­period. We appreciate the tool-free chain tensioner, self-oiling, and chain brake features. We also like that the batteries are cross-compatible with all of DeWalt’s 20V tools. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Powerful brushless motor, cost-effective for a professional-grade saw, cross-compatible batteries.
• Cons: Battery life may not suffice for extended professional use.

5. Husqvarna 455 Rancher

I love the Husqvarna 455 Rancher for its combination of power and value. The 455 Rancher gives me a low-vibration 55cc saw that cuts through firewood like butter. I prefer the stock 20-inch blade as a great size for cutting all manner of firewood. I didn’t find it intrusive when cutting smaller wood. The chain tension adjusts quickly and easily using a single screw, and changing the air filter requires no tools. Retailing at $500, I can easily call this the best professional chainsaw for cutting firewood. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Low-vibration design, powerful 55cc engine, easy maintenance.
• Cons: Slightly heavier than some competitors, gas-powered maintenance required.

6. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 18-inch chainsaw is a fantastic example as one of the very few 20-inch models available on the residential scene. With cutting performance that can replace a 50 cc gas engine, it’s far ahead of Ryobi’s other models and enters the Farm and Ranch class. With metal bucking spikes, dual bar studs, and an adjustable oil flow, Ryobi’s flagship cordless chainsaw acts more like a professional model than one designed for occasional use. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: Strong performance for a residential saw, professional features, adjustable oil flow.
• Cons: Not as robust as top-tier professional models, battery runtime limitations.

7. PRORUN PCS560C

Despite having a slightly less powerful motor than the ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf, PRORUN’s PCS560C still manages to tie the Timber Wolf for highest RPMs on this list at 13,000 per minute. Its 12.68-pound frame is reasonable to handle, and its 20-inch bar offers plenty of cutting surface to work with. The PCS560C makes use of great materials, too. With a magnesium crankcase and a chrome-plated piston, this saw is certainly not lacking in terms of durability. To simplify its rope start, it makes use of a spring-assisted pull handle and a decompression valve that helps take the strain out of the process. Buy on Amazon

• Pros: High RPMs, lightweight for a gas saw, durable materials.
• Cons: Less powerful than top gas models, lesser-known brand.

Comparison Table of Top 20-Inch Chainsaws

Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights

Standardized Cutting Tests

To gather objective data, we timed how long each model took to slice through a stack of Douglas fir 4x4s. After timing five cuts for each saw, we calculated an average while omitting outliers. The EGO Power+ CS2005 achieved a cutting speed that ranked among the fastest chainsaws we’ve evaluated, with a 3.5-second average. The Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf followed closely at 4.9 seconds, showcasing gas-powered reliability for larger logs.

Real-World Applications

In our tests, we went to the real world and cut up pine trees, so that we could measure how many 9-inch pine trees you could cut per minute. The Stihl MSA 300 C-O excelled in storm cleanup, limbing, and bucking firewood, with its quiet operation and vibration dampening making it a favorite for extended use. The DeWalt DCCS677 handled softwood projects and medium-sized trees efficiently, though its battery life was a limiting factor for all-day tasks.

Buying Guide for 20-Inch Chainsaws

Key Factors to Consider

• Power Type: Gas chainsaws are typically more powerful and can handle larger jobs, but they require more maintenance and are louder. Battery-operated chainsaws offer the mobility of gas chainsaws without the need for fuel, but they may not be as powerful and batteries will need recharging.
• Bar Length: The bar length of a chainsaw determines the size of wood it can cut. Chainsaws with longer bars can cut larger trees and logs, but they may be heavier and harder to maneuver.
• Safety Features: Look for safety features like kickback protection and chain brakes. These features can protect you from common chainsaw injuries.
• Weight and Ergonomics: Consider factors like weight, handle comfort, and ease of starting the chainsaw. A chainsaw that’s easy to use can reduce fatigue and increase efficiency.

Steps to Choose the Right Chainsaw

• Assess your cutting needs: Are you felling large trees or doing occasional yard work?
• Compare power types: Decide between gas, battery, or corded based on mobility and maintenance preferences.
• Check safety features: Ensure the saw has a chain brake and kickback protection.
• Test ergonomics: If possible, handle the saw to ensure it feels balanced and comfortable.
• Review battery or fuel requirements: For battery saws, check runtime and compatibility; for gas, consider fuel efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best 20-inch chainsaw for professional use?

The Stihl MSA 300 C-O is highly recommended for professionals due to its powerful torque, customizable performance settings, and efficient oil use, making it ideal for demanding tasks like storm cleanup and firewood bucking.

Are battery-powered 20-inch chainsaws as powerful as gas models?

Top battery-powered models like the EGO Power+ CS2005 can outperform some gas saws in cutting speed, as seen in its 3.5-second 4×4 cut time. However, gas models like the Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf offer sustained power for larger logs and extended use.

How do I maintain a 20-inch chainsaw?

Regularly check and adjust chain tension, lubricate the bar and chain, clean the air filter (for gas models), and sharpen the chain. For battery saws, ensure the battery is charged and stored properly to extend its lifespan.

What safety features should I look for?

Prioritize chainsaws with chain brakes, kickback protection, and trigger locks. Models like the DeWalt DCCS677 include tool-free chain tensioners and self-oiling systems for added safety and convenience.

Where can I buy these chainsaws?

Most of the chainsaws listed are available at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. For Stihl products, visit authorized dealers or check online availability.

Conclusion

The top seven 20-inch chainsaws for 2025 offer a range of options for professionals and homeowners alike. The EGO Power+ CS2005 stands out for its unmatched cutting speed and ease of use, while gas-powered models like the Echo CS 590 Timber Wolf and Husqvarna 455 Rancher deliver raw power for heavy-duty tasks. Battery-powered options like the Stihl MSA 300 C-O and DeWalt DCCS677 provide eco-friendly alternatives with professional-grade performance. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect chainsaw for your needs, and always prioritize safety and maintenance for optimal performance. For more insights on outdoor power tools, visit Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics.