Chainsaw Showdown: From Regret to Reliable – Ranked from Worst to Best
#10. Makita – Smooth Operator, Short Runtime

Regret Rating: ★★★★☆
Makita chainsaws feel like driving a quiet, well-tuned hybrid. They’re precise, clean-cutting, and surprisingly quiet—great for neighborhoods or early-morning jobs. But here’s the catch: the battery doesn’t last long.
Perfect for smaller tasks like cutting firewood or pruning trees, but if you're clearing a large area, keep a second battery handy—or two.
What users like:
- Super quiet and low-vibration
- Easy for beginners
- Great safety features
What could be better:
- Battery life is pretty limited
- Not ideal for bigger jobs