
Best STIHL Battery Chainsaw 2025: Full Lineup Review and Comparison
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Time to read 9 min
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Time to read 9 min
Table of contents
Looking for the right STIHL battery chainsaw in 2025? This guide breaks down the complete lineup, from compact pruners to pro-grade saws that can replace a gas unit for many jobs. You will see which models come bundled for homeowners, which are sold tool-only for pros, and what to expect for power, runtime, weight, and price. You will also get quick buying tips to match a saw to what you actually cut.
STIHL’s 10-saw lineup covers both homeowners and professionals, and it makes picking easy. The homeowner saws come as bundles with a battery and charger, while the pro models use the AP battery system and are sold tool-only to fit a fleet or crew.
Battery saws are simple to start, quiet, and clean. There is no gas to mix, no pull cord, and less maintenance. Many models feature toolless chain adjustment for fast tension checks and an automatic oiler that feeds bar oil while you cut.
If you want a saw for weekend yard work or full-time production, there is a fit here.
All homeowner models arrive as bundles with a battery and charger, and they ship right to your door. Assembly is simple. Power steps up as you move from the small pruner to larger saws with longer bars, so you can match performance to the size of wood on your property.
These models use STIHL’s quarter-pitch chain. It is slim, has low drag, and cuts fast even on lower power. Power ranges from 0.7 kW to 1.2 kW, which feels quick in wood because of that narrow kerf design.
Here is a quick comparison to help you scan the options.
Model | Bar length | Price | Power | Key notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
GTA 26 | 4 in | $199 | n/a | 25 min runtime, manual oiling, manual chain adjust |
MSA 60 | 12 in | $329 | 0.7 kW | AK20 battery, toolless chain adjust, automatic oiler |
MSA 70 | 12 in | $399 | 0.9 kW | AK30 battery, toolless chain adjust, automatic oiler |
MSA 80 | 14 in | $489 | 1.2 kW | New AK30S battery, toolless chain adjust, automatic oiler |
Runtime on the MSA 60, 70, and 80 depends on the battery and how you cut. Expect solid performance for typical yard work, pruning, limbing, and small firewood.
This compact tool is a crowd favorite. It runs a 4 inch bar, costs $199, and delivers about 25 minutes of cutting on its small battery. That number has been tested and holds up in real use. It handles small limbs and brush with ease, and it surprises people with what it can take on.
Pros:
Cons:
Best uses:
Want one? Check it out here: Buy GTA 26 Online
These are the go-to homeowner saws if you need more reach and power than a handheld pruner. The MSA 60 and MSA 70 come with 12 inch bars, while the MSA 80 steps up to a 14 inch bar. As you move up, you get more power and a bigger battery.
Shared features across the three:
Weights are friendly. The MSA 60 and 70 are just under 10 pounds with battery. The MSA 80 is just over 10 pounds. Power steps from 0.7 kW to 0.9 kW, then to 1.2 kW on the MSA 80. In practice, they cut faster than the raw numbers suggest because of the slim chain. Think of performance in the ballpark of small gas units, but smoother and quieter.
Buying tip: Pick based on how much wood you cut. For shrubs and small limbs, the MSA 60 is fine. For steady yard work and slightly bigger wood, the MSA 70 hits the sweet spot. If you want headroom for thicker branches or light firewood, go MSA 80.
Explore the bundles:
These are great value bundles if you want a saw that is ready to go out of the box.
The GTA 40 is a serious upgrade over the GTA 26 for pruning and in-tree work. It runs a 6 inch bar and comes with two AS2 batteries for $399. Runtime is about 50 minutes in testing. Total weight with batteries is only 4.4 pounds.
Upgrades you will notice:
It is a smart pick for tree climbers and crews who want a small saw that stays oiled and keeps chugging. See it here: STIHL GTA 40 pruner kit
The MSA 160 runs a 12 inch bar and uses the AP battery family. It is $359 for the tool only. You get a quarter-pitch chain, toolless chain adjustment, and an automatic oiler.
Batteries you can pair with it:
Most buyers grab the AP 300 S for about $320 and a charger for as little as $64. That setup nets about 62 minutes of runtime. It is a great day-to-day saw for pruning, limbing, and maintenance. Check it out: STIHL MSA 160 tool-only
If you need more power and bar length, the MSA 220 is the sweet spot. It is $449 tool-only and puts out 1.7 kW, which is over 2 horsepower in feel. It ships with a 16 inch bar and a 3/8 in Pico .050 gauge chain. You can run an aggressive yellow label chain that is plunge cutting capable.
You still get toolless chain adjustment and an automatic oiler. Paired with the AP 300 S battery, expect about 40 minutes of runtime because this saw pulls harder. It has largely replaced the older MSA 200 in the lineup.
For crews who need a strong battery saw without jumping to the big flagship, this is the one. See pricing and bundles here: STIHL MSA 220 Pro Power Bundle
This is STIHL’s top battery saw. The MSA 300 accepts bars up to 20 inches and is $879 tool-only. It is packed with pro features:
You will need the AP 500 S battery, around $481, plus a charger starting at $64. STIHL lists up to 44 minutes of runtime, but real-world results vary by mode and cut size. In a head-to-head test versus a gas MS 271 on a giant log, the MSA 300 cut very fast and likely outcut the gas saw, but the battery was spent after about 12 big cuts.
Who should buy it? If you are a homeowner who wants maximum power without gas, this delivers. If you are a pro who cuts nonstop all day, plan on a battery rotation to keep up. See details and specs: STIHL MSA 300 tool-only
Top-handle saws are built for in-tree work. They attach to your belt and balance well with one hand on the saw and one hand on the tree, when used with proper climbing gear.
Both models include a QuickStop chain brake and the features you expect for arborist work. If you need a lighter touch for pruning, the 161 T is fine. If you want a serious top-handle with pro power, the 220 T is the call.
Quick comparison:
Shop the T models:
Match the saw to your wood size, cut frequency, and budget.
Battery families at a glance:
STIHL is not a big-box import brand. It is family-owned, made in Virginia, and sold through dealers who support what they sell. If you do not have a dealer nearby, you can still shop online and get your gear shipped. Browse the full catalog at Main Street Mower online store.
STIHL’s 2025 battery lineup covers every kind of user. Homeowners get simple, quiet power in bundles that are ready to go. Pros get durable builds, better chains, and serious muscle with the AP system. Pick based on bar size, power, and how long you need to cut. If you want help deciding, reach out, or browse kits that fit your work. Which model fits your needs today?
Links to Main Street Mower