Stihl is widely recognized as the best-selling chainsaw brand in the world, renowned for its global market dominance, heavy-duty durability, and extensive catalog. Stihl maintains this #1 spot by offering dozens of models ranging from lightweight homeowner saws to heavy-duty professional machines.
Stihl is the best-selling chainsaw brand in the world, while models from Husqvarna and Echo dominate the landowner and professional markets. The most popular saws vary heavily by what you need, but the top options break down into three main categories:
Professional loggers rely on heavy-duty, commercial-grade gas chainsaws from trusted forestry brands. Their saws are chosen based on the specific job—such as felling large timber, limbing, or bucking—with sizes typically ranging from 50cc to over 90cc. The most popular saws used in the industry include:
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL series are the most popular and best-selling chainsaws on the market. The Husqvarna Rancher leads among heavy-duty gas saws, while Milwaukee's brushless battery saws dominate the rapidly growing cordless sector.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher's popularity among professional loggers can be attributed to several key factors: Powerful Engine: Its 55.5cc engine delivers the power needed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. Ergonomic Design: The chainsaw is designed for comfort and ease of use, with features that reduce user fatigue.
A quality chainsaw cuts through wood much faster than axes or handsaws and will save you time and money by enabling you to handle pruning, limbing, felling trees, and cutting firewood by yourself. After thousands of test hours, we recommend the EGO Power+ CS2005 as the best chainsaw overall.
Neither brand is universally "better"; both are top-tier leaders in outdoor power equipment. The right choice depends on your specific needs: Husqvarna generally offers faster cutting speeds and a better power-to-weight ratio for pros, while Stihl excels with rugged reliability, strong low-end torque, and user-friendly maintenance.
The best commercial chainsaws are professional-grade, high-displacement gas saws designed for all-day use, with top choices being the Stihl MS 500i (best overall), Husqvarna 572 XP (top performance), and Stihl MS 881 (most powerful). These saws offer high power-to-weight ratios, durable magnesium crankcases, and advanced filtration for heavy forestry and logging.
Designed and built exclusively for forestry personnel and tree service professionals, the MS 500i is the first ever chainsaw on the worldwide market with electronically controlled fuel injection.
You will need to check with your local authorized STIHL Dealer for any specials or promotions. As a rule, trimmer and blower promotions are in the spring and early summer and chainsaw and blower promotions are offered in the late summer and fall.
For the absolute most durable and reliable chainsaw, commercial professionals and heavy-duty users consistently look to heavy-duty, gas-powered units. Leading the pack is the Stihl MS 500i, praised for its unrivaled power-to-weight ratio and low maintenance. For those needing a classic, workhorse-level design, the Husqvarna 572 XP is renowned for its magnesium crankcase, advanced air filtration, and ability to handle rugged, everyday forestry work.
Echo chainsaws offer exceptional value, fantastic power-to-weight ratios, and an industry-leading 5-year consumer warranty. They are widely praised by homeowners and light-duty users for being budget-friendly and easy to start. Stihl remains the undisputed gold standard for professional arborists, loggers, and daily commercial use, offering unmatched durability, computer-tuned engine precision, and superior low-end torque.
Information we found online suggests that Stihl Pro Chainsaws have a run time of about 2,000 hours. That means the saw would last you for a minimum of 5.5 years before dying. Keep in mind this time is rated for professional chainsaws and not for regular homeowner saws.
The most powerful production chainsaw currently on the market is the STIHL MS 881 MAGNUM. Designed for heavy-duty commercial logging and mobile sawmills, it features a massive 121.6 cc engine and can accommodate guide bars up to 41 inches long.
Stihl is widely considered one of the absolute best chainsaw brands on the market. Known for unmatched power, rugged engineering, and legendary reliability, they are the top choice for professionals, arborists, and demanding homeowners. However, for heavy daily use, brands like Husqvarna are a strong competitor.
The Stihl MS 462 and MS 500i are two of the most popular professional-grade chainsaws, but they cater to different needs. The 462 is a lightweight, all-around workhorse with traditional starting, while the 500i is a fuel-injected powerhouse designed for maximum cutting speed and heavier timber.
To celebrate our 100th anniversary, we're releasing a limited-edition MS 500i chainsaw! This special centennial model will only be available in limited numbers. Availability is extremely limited, making it a true collector's item for serious users and enthusiasts alike. Contact Jason for more details.
I run a 36 inch bar in big hard wood with it, does just fine with a dialed in sharpen. 661 is slightly more powerful but the 500i is just way more fun. I think you're in 881 territory with a 42 inch bar. Least in oak or ash.
The top three chainsaws on the market offer distinct advantages depending on your needs. For heavy-duty use, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is the best all-rounder. For professional tree work, the STIHL MS 362 C-M provides premium performance. If you prefer a quiet, zero-emission battery saw, the EGO Power+ CS2005 is the top choice.
Professional loggers choose chainsaws that combine raw cutting power with lightweight handling and long-term durability. Models like the Echo CS-620P are a top pick among working professionals.
Neither brand is universally "better"; both make top-tier, professional-grade chainsaws. However, they differ in design philosophy. Stihl tends to be favored for raw power, durability, and a highly reliable starting record, while Husqvarna is often preferred for superior anti-vibration, smoother operation, and advanced ergonomics.
The most common problem with Husqvarna chainsaws is starting failure, often caused by fuel-system issues like a clogged carburetor or spoiled fuel. Two-cycle engines rely on exact fuel mixtures; leaving old fuel in the saw or using the wrong ratio frequently leads to engine flooding, stale fuel, or damaged internal diaphragms.
If you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use chainsaw, Stihl is a great choice. However, if you need a more powerful chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks, Husqvarna is the way to go. In the end, it is important to do your research and choose the brand and model that best suits your needs.
The most powerful Husqvarna chainsaw is the legendary Husqvarna 3120 XP. Built for extreme logging, heavy timber felling, and portable sawmills, this commercial beast features a massive 119cc engine that delivers 8.4 horsepower. It is designed to pull chains on massive guide bars ranging from 24 to 72 inches.