Our shortlist of chainsaws under $200 has three distinct choices: the WEN CP1216 for a low-cost corded saw, the Greenworks 40V 12-inch kit for working without an extension cord, and the Oregon CS1500 for its built-in PowerSharp sharpening system. Each offer below includes a saw, bar and chain; the cordless option also includes a battery and charger.
We compared current seller listings, package contents and manufacturer manuals. We have not tested cutting speed, runtime, vibration or long-term durability, so the recommendations reflect documented features and practical tradeoffs.
Three chainsaws under $200 compared
These U.S. item prices were checked on October 12, 2026. They exclude tax, delivery and separately needed equipment such as bar-and-chain oil, protective gear and a suitable extension cord for the corded models. Confirm the final total and local availability before ordering; a saw below $200 does not guarantee a complete starting setup below $200.
| Chainsaw and selected package | Seller and checked price | Why choose it | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEN CP1216: 12-amp corded saw, 16-inch bar and chain, protective cover | WEN Products: $74.99 | Lowest listed price of these three; automatic oiling and tool-free chain tensioning | Needs suitable mains power and an extension cord; bar-and-chain oil is extra |
| Greenworks CS40B210, SKU 2020002: 40V 12-inch saw, one 2.0 Ah battery and one charger | Greenworks: $139.99 | A complete cordless kit with a smaller bar | One battery means planning around charging; no measured runtime is established here |
| Oregon CS1500, part 603352: 15-amp corded saw, 18-inch bar and chain, guide-bar cover | Lowe’s: $133.87 | Built-in PowerSharp system and tool-free chain tensioning | Still needs a suitable extension cord; PowerSharp sharpening requires the specified compatible chain |
WEN CP1216: our low-cost corded choice
At WEN Products’ checked price of $74.99, the CP1216 leaves the most room in this comparison for accessories. It is a 120-volt, 12-amp corded model with a 16-inch bar and chain. Choose it when a suitable outdoor power connection is practical and low purchase cost matters more than cordless mobility.
WEN lists an automatic oiler, kickback brake, tool-free chain tensioning and a cable strain-relief notch. Its CP1216 manual lists the saw, guide bar, saw chain and protective cover in the package. Bar-and-chain oil is explicitly not included.
The main compromise is the cord. Use the manual’s extension-cord table for this model’s amperage and the required length; an undersized cord can cause voltage drop and overheating. We would choose this saw for accessible ground-level wood work, not assume its low price makes difficult tree work appropriate for a beginner.
Greenworks 40V 12-inch kit: our cordless choice
The Greenworks CS40B210 kit, SKU 2020002, was $139.99 direct from Greenworks. The selected Gen2 package includes the 12-inch saw, one 2.0 Ah battery and one charger. Check those package details when comparing prices: a tool-only listing leaves a new buyer with additional battery and charger costs.
This is our choice when avoiding an extension cord is the priority. Greenworks documents automatic oiling and tool-free chain tensioning. The product page links the 12-inch saw manual, which says the machine comes without bar-and-chain oil. The included battery and charger therefore do not make the kit ready for use without preparation.
The tradeoff is battery capacity and the smaller bar. We have no measured cuts-per-charge result for this kit, and Greenworks says runtime depends on the wood and cutting load. Plan around charging one battery, and use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers. The manual describes outdoor domestic use by adults and excludes professional tree-service use.
Oregon CS1500: our PowerSharp option
The Oregon CS1500 at Lowe’s had a checked listing price of $133.87. This is the 15-amp, 18-inch corded saw identified by Oregon as part 603352. It is the option to consider if the built-in PowerSharp system appeals to you and a suitable corded power connection is available.
Oregon documents automatic oiling, tool-free chain tensioning and a chain brake. Its North American CS1500 manual specifies 120-volt power and lists the powerhead, saw chain, guide bar and guide-bar cover in the box. The longer bar is a specification difference, not evidence that this is the fastest or easiest saw to handle.
PowerSharp is the main reason to pay more than the WEN’s checked price. However, the system requires the specified PowerSharp chain; do not assume any replacement chain can be sharpened by it. Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions. This corded saw also requires an extension cord matched to its own manual, rather than borrowing a cord recommendation for a different model.
How to choose within the budget
Decide where power will come from. The WEN and Oregon avoid battery charging but keep you within a suitable cord’s reach. The Greenworks includes its battery and charger and removes that cord, with charging and battery capacity as the tradeoff. For a first purchase, compare complete packages rather than mixing kit prices with bare-tool prices.
Price the equipment you still need. All three require appropriate bar-and-chain lubrication and protective equipment. WEN and Greenworks explicitly say oil is not supplied. Add any extension cord, oil and protective gear to the checkout total before deciding whether the whole purchase fits your budget.
Do not buy solely by bar length. These choices span 12, 16 and 18 inches, but bar length alone does not establish cutting performance or make a hazardous task safe. Match the saw to work you are trained to do, and check the exact manual before buying replacement bars or chains. A compatible replacement needs more than the same advertised length.
Safety limits that matter before buying
These are wood-cutting tools that can cause serious injury. Read the selected model’s complete manual and wear its required protective equipment, including eye and hearing protection. Use both hands, keep secure footing and do not cut above shoulder height. For this buying guide, keep intended work at ground level; tree climbing, ladder work and complex or tensioned tree removal call for qualified help.
A chain brake, automatic oiler or built-in sharpener does not replace safe handling and maintenance. Disconnect a corded saw or remove the cordless saw’s battery before the adjustments and servicing specified in its manual. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, lubrication, chain tension and replacement parts; do not improvise those procedures from a shopping comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest complete saw here?
The WEN CP1216 had the lowest checked item price at $74.99 from WEN Products. That includes its bar and chain, but the full starting cost still depends on tax, delivery and the equipment you already own.
Does the Greenworks price include a battery and charger?
Yes. The selected CS40B210, SKU 2020002, offer includes one 2.0 Ah battery and one charger at the checked $139.99 price. Verify that exact package at checkout; other Greenworks listings may have different contents.
Can these cut all day or handle any tree?
We have no testing that supports either claim. The cordless saw’s runtime varies with the cutting load, while corded power does not remove the saw’s operating limits or the need for safe work practices. Use qualified help when the task exceeds your training or the manual’s intended use.
Is a self-sharpening saw maintenance-free?
No. Oregon’s PowerSharp system is a sharpening feature with its own chain requirements. The CS1500 still needs the inspection, lubrication, tension checks and other care described in its manual.
