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Best Performance
Fastest cutting + highest torque
Average Finish: 3.3
Purchased for: $430
Made In: USA
18" bar. 45.4cc. Fastest cutter by a wide margin and highest torque on the dyno (32 lb stop). Loudest gas saw (115.8 dB) and hardest to start in this lineup (~9 pulls). More vibration than the most refined options.
Dominated both the test log and hardwood cutting, and led the torque dyno.
Best Value
Under $100 and surprisingly fast
Average Finish: 4.4
Purchased for: $96
Made In: China
18" bar. 52cc 2-cycle. Claimed 2.55 HP and 12,000 max RPM. Loud (114.6 dB), ~7 pulls to first start, strong budget torque (23 lb dyno stop) and very fast cutting for the price.
Near-top cutting speed on the test log with strong torque for the price.
Runner-up
Most refined gas saw (tie for best overall)
Average Finish: 3.3
Purchased for: $379
Made In: Japan
18" bar. 45cc pro-grade 2-stroke. Best-built feel in the lineup, easy access oil port, and strong balance of performance and refinement. ~3 pulls to first start (tie best). Very low vibration for a gas saw.
Very low vibration, consistent performance, and easy starting in the tests.
Prices shown are as stated in the narration (DeWalt price not stated). Gas saws ranged from $96 to $430, with ECHO and STIHL at the top end.
DeWalt price was not stated in narration; it’s included as 0.0 to avoid guessing.
Lower is easier to handle for long sessions. Husqvarna 440 and Ryobi were the lightest gas saws; DeWalt (battery) was heaviest overall.
Gas saws were tightly clustered around ~113–116 dB; the DeWalt battery saw was dramatically quieter.
Some values were described as 'very close to' / 'just under' in narration and are recorded here as approximate integers.
Higher is better here. STIHL led by a large margin; ECHO and VEVOR were next.
Lower is faster. STIHL was the clear leader; DeWalt battery saw was second; ECHO and VEVOR were very close behind.
Adds load to reveal torque/chain-speed resilience. STIHL stayed far ahead; ECHO and VEVOR were nearly tied in this pass.
Hardwood punished the lower-torque saws. STIHL and DeWalt were nearly tied for fastest; VEVOR was the best-value third place.
Lower is more comfortable over time. Husqvarna and Echo were best among gas saws; DeWalt battery measured lowest overall.
Lower is better. Ryobi and Echo tied best at ~3 pulls; STIHL took the most pulls in this lineup.
Lower is easier on arms/shoulders. Troy-Bilt required the least force; STIHL required the most.