A budget gas saw for homeowners who cut a little firewood and clean up after storms. Pick a bigger engine if you buck hardwood every year.
Amazon $219.99The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is the better chainsaw overall, rated 3.3 to 3.0. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III leads on warranty, value and power. The STIHL MS 182 wins on weight. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III costs $20 less ($219.99 vs $239.99).
The best value small STIHL for homeowners cutting branches and light firewood.
STIHL $239.99Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Husqvarna 120 Mark III for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), value ($13.75 per inch of bar ($219.99, 16 in bar) vs $15 per inch of bar ($239.99, 16 in bar)) and power (38 cc engine vs 35.8 cc engine).
- Choose the STIHL MS 182 for weight (10 lb (powerhead) vs 10.7 lb (powerhead)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas chainsaw; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Husqvarna 120 Mark III | STIHL MS 182 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 87 $13.75 per inch of bar ($219.99, 16 in bar) | 79 $15 per inch of bar ($239.99, 16 in bar) |
| Power 25% | 12 38 cc engine | 3 35.8 cc engine |
| Weight 15% | 76 10.7 lb (powerhead) | 86 10 lb (powerhead) |
| Bar 10% | 50 16 in bar | 50 16 in bar |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Husqvarna 120 Mark III | STIHL MS 182 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Bar length | 16 in | 16 in |
| Chain speed | 55 ft/s | - |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in mini | 3/8 in Picco (PM3) |
| Automatic oiler | Yes | - |
| Tool-free chain tension | - | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 38 cc, 1.9 hp | 35.8 cc, 2.2 hp |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 10.7 lb (powerhead) | 10 lb (powerhead) |
| Anti-vibration | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
