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Get this offerWhich chainsaw brand to buy in 2024
We survey owners of Stihl, Husqvarna, Bosch and Black + Decker chainsaws to find
out which develop the least faults over time, and which brands customers would
recommend
According to the results from our survey, the most common fault users will experience depends on whether you own a corded, cordless or petrol chainsaw.
For those that own a corded chainsaw, 22% reported that it was down to the chain breaking. 18% of cordless chainsaw owners said that their battery no longer held its charge, and 17% of petrol chainsaw owners said that either the carburettor failed, or that the engine would no longer turn over.
Knowing which brands develop the most faults, and how quickly, is vital when buying a new chainsaw.
Our data is based on a survey conducted in January 2022. We gathered feedback from 1,113 chainsaw owners to find out how many models remained fault-free in the first seven years of ownership. Brands with insufficient sample sizes were not included (less than 30 respondents).
In our latest analysis, we've looked at the performance of the biggest chainsaw manufacturers - including Bosch, Stihl, Black + Decker and Husqvarna - and have calculated a customer score for each, so you know which brands to choose and which to avoid.
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Best vs worst chainsaw brands compared
| Best | Worst | |
|---|---|---|
| Which? test scores | 86% | 47% |
| Customer score | 90% | 71% |
Table notes: Results from corded, petrol and cordless chainsaws combined. Test scores correct as of November 2022. The customer score is based on a survey of chainsaw owners combining how satisfied they are with a brand and whether they would recommend it to a friend.
As the table shows, there's a big difference in both our best and worst Which? test scores and the customer scores from our latest survey.
By consulting our expert chainsaw reviews before you buy, you can be sure that you're investing in a model that's easy to use and effective at what you need it for. The best models also stand the test of time, so you won't be dealing with expensive repairs and spare parts.
The most reliable chainsaw brands
The table below summarises our latest results. Brands are ranked by their customer score, which relates to whether their customers would recommend that brand.
Only logged-in members can view which brands are the most and least reliable, and which ones members are most satisfied with. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.
Corded chainsaws
| Brand | Customer score | % fault-free |
|---|---|---|
| 74% | 89% | |
| 73% | 93% | |
| 72% | 89% | |
| 72% | 89% |
Cordless chainsaws
| Brand | Customer score | % fault-free |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | 95% | |
| 76% | 92% | |
| 74 | 92% |
Petrol chainsaws
| Brand | Customer score | % fault-free |
|---|---|---|
| 87% | 91% | |
| 83% | 88% |
Table notes: The above data is based on a survey of 1,113 Which? members and the general public in January 2022 who bought their chainsaw between 2015-2021. Brands with insufficient sample sizes are not included (30 respondents minimum). Fault-free percentage based on respondents not having experienced a fault in the first seven years of ownership. The customer score is based on how satisfied owners are with a brand and whether they'd recommend it.
Common chainsaw problems
For those that own a corded chainsaw, the most common fault was down to the chain breaking. Luckily, you can usually buy a replacement.
Choosing the wrong chain, or installing it incorrectly, could damage the chainsaw or make it unsafe to use. You'll need to choose a chain with the correct pitch, gauge and number of chain drives. You can contact the manufacturer to help you track down a replacement part.
When it comes to installing the chain, read your user manual carefully. If you have any doubts, it's best to ask a professional to supply and fit it for you.
Top three common corded chainsaw faults
- Chain broke (22%) Keep your chain oiled and tighten it before use to keep it in good condition. If it does break you can usually buy a replacement.
- Carburettor failed (12%) Try cleaning it with carburettor cleaner or it may require replacing professionally.
- Problems with oil feed/leak (10%) This is commonly down to overfilling the oil tank which could give the impression of a leak. However, there are other reasons - including a poorly ventilated oil tank, a missing stud from the oil tank or a ruptured oil line. It's worth taking it to a professional if you're unsure.
Top three common cordless chainsaw faults
- Battery will not hold its charge (18%) Lithium-ion batteries always lose their ability to hold charge eventually. That's why you should always buy a chainsaw with a replaceable battery and keep your battery charged year round.
- Battery failed to charge (11%) Correct storage can help extend the life of your battery - remove it from the chainsaw after use and store it in a dry place at a moderate temperature. Make sure you don't let it run out of charge.
- Chain broke (11%) Keep your chain oiled and tighten it before use to keep it in good condition. If it does break you can usually buy a replacement.
Top three common petrol chainsaw faults
- Carburettor failed (17%) This could be down to a clogged carburettor caused by leaving petrol in the tank for long periods of time. Get into the habit of draining your petrol tank after each use. Try cleaning it with carburettor cleaner or it may require replacing professionally.
- Engine would not turn over (17%) There are many reasons why a petrol chainsaw will not start, such as a mistuned choke, faulty spark plug, or a blocked fuel line. Even if everything is working well, petrol chainsaws can still be hard to start. Clean your chainsaw thoroughly after every use, removing all covers to reach every part. Drain your petrol tank regularly, clean the air filters and check your oil filters. Invest in regular servicing to keep it running well.
- Motor failed (8%) Overuse can cause overheating inside the motor. Let it cool down and try again later.
Chainsaw brands rated
Find out more about how good each brand is, including the number of Best Buys it’s received and the average score of its chainsaws in our reviews. The customer score is based on a Which? member survey, conducted in January 2022. The customer score is based on how satisfied owners are with a brand and whether they'd recommend it.
Only logged-in members can view our test results. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.
Head to our chainsaw reviews
Know which chainsaw brand you want? Use the links to go straight to our reviews and find your ideal model:
- Bosch chainsaw reviews
- Husqvarna chainsaw reviews
- Stihl chainsaw reviews
- Ryobi chainsaw reviews
- McCulloch chainsaw reviews
- Mountfield chainsaw reviews
How we calculate the best and worst brands
Which? has a wealth of information on the UK’s favourite garden-tool brands. Every two years, we ask Which? members and the general public to tell us about the garden products they own - from how likely they'd be to recommend a brand, to how reliable the products are once you get them home. This year, 8,881 consumers told us their opinions. We calculate a brand's customer score based on the results of our biennial survey.
Our product experience surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best chainsaw you should buy.
Check our chainsaw reviews
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