TOP 15 best Stihl chainsaws: rating 2024-2025 and which professional model is better

The German company Stihl has been on the market for over 80 years and is popular with both ordinary users and professionals and amateurs.

All models are of high quality, excellent ergonomics due to vibration damping technology and ergonomic handles, excellent performance indicators.

Model lines include many modifications from light household to professional units. But how to choose the right chainsaw of this brand?

To understand this issue, we have compiled a rating of the best Stihl chainsaws for you. The choice of models was carried out taking into account the ratio of cost and quality, performance and technical indicators.

The opinions of professionals and ordinary users, as well as official purchase statistics from Rosstat, were also taken into account. Here you will find only the best models.

Rating of the TOP 15 best Stihl chainsaws for 2024-2025

This rating includes the best Stihl chainsaws according to experts and users for 2024-2025.

How to choose a Stihl chainsaw?

When choosing a suitable chainsaw, you should pay attention to such characteristics as:

• power - for domestic needs, saws with a power of up to 2 kW are suitable, and professional units have indicators from 3 kW;
• tire length - most often household units are equipped with tires up to 40 cm long, for professional models this figure can reach 120 cm;
• the weight - the lighter the model, the easier it is to manage and the later fatigue occurs during long-term operation, however, this indicator largely depends on the volume of the tank and engine power. Light models have less power;
• the presence of additional nozzles – depends on the intended use of the saw. Some models are additionally equipped with attachments for working on stone or concrete, cutting hedges.

TOP 5 best Stihl chainsaws by price / quality for 2024-2025

STIHL MS 180 C-BE-16

A lightweight chainsaw with good power can easily cope with wood up to 0.4 m thick. This option is available with 16 inch tire. Equipped with excellent vibration damping, thanks to which even a long session of work will not cause discomfort.

The patented QuickStop brake system is designed to stop the chainsaw in an emergency if necessary. Additionally, the saw is equipped with a quick chain tension system, thanks to which it is popular with both amateurs and professionals.

An excellent helper in the preparation of firewood, construction work and work on the site for clearing thickets.Users note unpretentiousness, build quality, ease of repair and maintenance.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 W / 2 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 l;
• Weight: 4.2 kg.

STIHL MS 180-16

A simple model, unpretentious in maintenance, distinguished by reliability due to high-quality components. Versatile in use, suitable for both professional work and home use.

Copes well with firewood, trees up to 40 cm thick, building materials. It weighs a little, so it can be used in cases where there is no stable position, as well as cutting high branches and branches.

The compensator saturates the fuel mixture with oxygen. If the filter is clogged. The main disadvantage of users is the fast fuel consumption, small tank and instability during cold start.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 W / 2 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 l;
• Weight: 3.9 kg.

STIHL MS 170

The junior model and one of the lightest in the range of garden chainsaws. Popular with private developers, residents of private houses with stove heating and gardeners.

It has high productivity when harvesting firewood and working with building materials, and trimming bushes and trees can be done even with one hand. Equipped with a traditional vibration dampening system, patented QuickStop chain brake technology, compensators in the carburetor.

Ideal for precise work and cutting high branches, but for thick trees, its power may not be enough.

Specifications:

• Engine: petrol 1300 W / 1.7 l. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 l;
• Weight: 3.9 kg.

STIHL MS 180-14

Household chainsaw for construction work or firewood, as well as work on the garden plot. Great for pruning or cut fruit trees, logs up to 30 cm thick, pruning hedges.

Due to its low weight, it can be operated with one hand, does not cause discomfort during a long session of operation. Automatic chain lubrication occurs depending on the intensity of work. Smooth start is ensured even during long periods of inactivity.

The chain is easily tightened without the use of additional tools. Like all brand saws, it has a high build quality and components, a vibration damping system and a chain brake.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1500 W / 2 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.25 / 0.145 l;
• Weight: 3.9 kg.

STIHL MS 230

Light weight and a good power reserve make the model very relevant on the market in 2024-2025. Its parameters allow saw logs of sufficiently large diameter without any problems, while pauses in work are not at all necessary thanks to the overheating protection system. The only thing that needs a break is the need to refuel.

It does not have viewing windows in the tank, so it can be difficult to track the amount of fuel at the current moment. Otherwise, the chainsaw is an excellent solution for both small woodworking or construction work, and for long-term work in logging enterprises.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1900 W / 2.5 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 l;
• Weight: 4.6 kg.

TOP 5 best lightweight Stihl chainsaws

STIHL MS 260

An all-purpose model with good power for both logging and firewood and construction work. It has a special nozzle for trimming hedges, and the power will be enough to cut down trees in the garden.

Easy to maintain and operate due to the decompression valve. Does not cause fatigue even with a long session of work, has a relatively low weight. Not prone to breakage when used correctly; It should be remembered that original spare parts cost an impressive amount.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2600 W / 3.5 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40-50 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.46 / 0.29 l;
• Weight: 4.8 kg.

STIHL MS 250

Reliable lightweight household chainsaw is famous for its versatility, good ergonomics and quality accessories. Easily copes with large volumes of firewood, thick branches and trees in the garden or home garden, and can also be used for cutting hedges.

Light weight and vibration damping provide high ergonomics and pleasure from working with the unit. The capacious tank guarantees long work without refueling. It consumes fuel economically, the volume of exhaust gases is significantly reduced. Oil supply is carried out automatically, which significantly reduces its consumption.

Specifications:

• Engine: petrol 2300 W / 3.1 l. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 l;
• Weight: 4.6 kg.

STIHL MS 230 C-BE

Powerful and reliable petrol tool. Easily copes with thick building materials and firewood up to 30 cm thick.

The two-stroke engine has a reserve of power, an impressive resource and quickly starts even in the cold season. Special automatic oil supply technology reduces oil consumption. Stable engine speed keeps the carburetor warm.

Light weight and high-quality vibration damping add to the ergonomics. However, with its power, it is distinguished by a high level of noise, the manufacturer recommends using hearing protection during operation.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2200 W / 3 hp With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 45 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 l;
• Weight: 4.9 kg.

STIHL MS 211

Like all models of the brand, it is distinguished by high reliability, quality components and a vibration damping system. Allows perform a wide range of jobs around the house or at their summer cottage due to its light weight, balance and ergonomics.

Copes well with logs up to 40 cm in diameter, cuts quickly, confidently. Breakdowns most often occur during improper operation, but even with assembly errors, the model shows itself very effectively.

The quality of work is significantly affected by the use of branded lubricants, although they are somewhat more expensive than usual ones.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 1700 W / 2.3 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.28 / 0.18 l;
• Weight: 4.3 kg.

STIHL MS 250 C-BE

Functional saw, a great solution for a private home or farm. Powerful two-stroke engine copes well with both the preparation of firewood or building material, and the removal of old branches, dead wood, thinning overgrowth.

The model is easy to operate and maintain, equipped with vibration damping characteristic of all models of the brand, an ergonomic handle, easy chain tensioning and automatic lubrication. However, the saw has a high noise level, so the manufacturer recommends the use of hearing protection during operation.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 2200 W / 3 hp With.;
• Chain Pitch: 0.325";
• Tire length: 45 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank capacity: 0.47 / 0.2 l;
• Weight: 4.9 kg.

TOP 5 best powerful Stihl chainsaws

STIHL MS 880-47

Professional chainsaw for long work withstands even extreme loads, copes with large timber. High performance is provided by a powerful engine.

The model is equipped with brand-specific vibration damping, chain brake and automatic oil supply systems.

The chain is tensioned from the side, so that contact with cutting parts is excluded. Smooth start of the engine is provided by the decompression valve.

The chainsaw is quite heavy, but the comfortable handle ensures ease of use. A small tank requires regular refilling during long periods of operation, but this volume is precisely calculated for pauses in operation to avoid operator fatigue.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 6400 W / 8.7 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 120 cm;
• Oil tank capacity: 0.7L;
• Weight: 10 kg.

STIHL MS 880-36

Powerful professional chainsaw able to handle large volumes of work, thick trees and hardwoods. It has excellent balance and, despite the weight, is very easy to use.

It has an increased chain pitch. The chain, when sharpened in time, cuts wood effortlessly. Reliable and unpretentious in maintenance, there are practically no weak points.

However, it is quite noisy during operation, so the use of hearing protection is recommended. A small volume of the tank is not enough for long-term operation; for large volumes, regular refueling is necessary.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 6400 W / 8.7 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 91 cm;
• Oil tank capacity: 0.7L;
• Weight: 10 kg.

STIHL MS 661-28

Powerful chainsaw, designed for professional work or for large volumes. A good solution for forestries and logging enterprises, as well as for large-scale construction.

The cutting time is kept to a minimum due to the high torque, while the operator does not require much effort. However, the saw is quite heavy, in the absence of skill it will be somewhat difficult to cope with it.

Starts very quickly even after long periods of inactivity thanks to the easy-start manual start. The proprietary vibration damping system is complemented by a good balance, providing high ergonomics. In the presence of an accidental start blocking system and an emergency brake.

In order to avoid clogging of the carburetor during downtime for more than a day, it is recommended to drain the fuel.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 5400 W / 7.3 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 71 cm;
• Weight: 7.4 kg.

STIHL GS 461

Professional model for felling large diameter trees, cross cutting, sawing hard wood breeds, basal butts. When re-equipped with nozzles, it is possible to work not only with wood, but also with concrete, brick, stone.

It is equipped with an automatic oil supply system according to the principle “more revolutions - more oil”, there is also a manual adjustment of the supply. There are two modes of operation - winter and summer, in winter mode the carburetor warms up due to exhaust gases.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 4300 W / 5.8 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 40-50 cm;
• Fuel / oil tank volume: 0.8 / 0.325 l;
• Weight: 7.6 kg.

STIHL MS 661-20

High-performance semi-professional saw equipped with a powerful motor with 2-MIX system ensures fast and accurate cutting. Withstands long sessions of work, sawing large-sized wood.

Special M-Tronic technology provides hot and cold starts and maintains rpm stability, improves acceleration performance. It is additionally equipped with an automatic fuel supply system. Suitable for both work with firewood and building materials, and for operation in logging conditions.

Specifications:

• Engine: gasoline 5400 W / 7.3 liters. With.;
• Chain Pitch: 3/8";
• Tire length: 50cm;
• Weight: 7.4 kg.

Which brand is better - Stihl, Husqvarna or Makita?

Saws of these brands, according to statistics, are among the most popular and affordable. However, each firm has its own advantages and disadvantages in comparison with each other. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

The Husqvarna brand has Swedish roots and annually launches both the latest models and updated units on the market. Chainsaws are classified according to their purpose - there are both lines of household units and powerful professional models. Even the simplest saws are of high quality and reasonable prices. However, users complain about regular leaks of oil and gasoline through plugs and leaky hoses, unpredictable start-up and poor quality chains.

The Japanese company Makita puts on the market not only chainsaws, but also other equipment - drills, grinders, grinders, etc., but saws for them are a priority. Stable on the market, has a high quality bar, regularly updates the range. There are household, farm, semi-professional and professional lines. Differ in modern production technologies, high quality of assembly. However, the cost of both the models themselves and their components is very high.

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