Best STIHL Battery Chainsaw 2025 ⚡ Full Lineup Review & Compare (GTA26, MSA60, MSA220, MSA300+ More)

Best STIHL Battery Chainsaw 2025: Full Lineup Review and Comparison

Written by: Mary Clementi

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Published on

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Time to read 9 min

Best STIHL Battery Chainsaw 2025: Full Lineup Review and Comparison (GTA 26, MSA 60, MSA 220, MSA 300 + More)

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.

Why Choose STIHL Battery Chainsaws in 2025?

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.

  • Lightweight designs that reduce fatigue
  • Multiple battery families for different needs
  • STIHL quality from a family-owned, Virginia-made brand with real dealer support
  • Online ordering with delivery to your door

If you want a saw for weekend yard work or full-time production, there is a fit here.

Residential Lineup: Perfect for Homeowners

Overview of Bundles and Power Levels

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.

GTA 26: The Handy Little Pruner

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:

  • Small, light, and easy to carry
  • Great for anyone, from pros to seniors
  • Handy holster option for all-day yard work

Cons:

  • No automatic oiler, you apply oil from a small bottle
  • Manual chain adjustment using a twist knob and pull
  • Slower chain speed, so less heat and wear, but also less bite

Best uses:

  • Yard cleanup and storm debris
  • Light trimming and shrub work
  • A smart add-on in a tool kit

Want one? Check it out here:  Buy GTA 26 Online

MSA 60, MSA 70, and MSA 80: Step-Up Home Saws

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:

  • Toolless chain adjustment to take out slack fast
  • Automatic oiler with a worm gear to feed oil and keep the bar cool
  • Quarter-pitch chain that cuts fast with low drag

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.

Professional Lineup: Built for Heavy Duty

GTA 40: Compact Climber’s Tool

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:

  • Automatic oiler with a reservoir and gear feed
  • Durable side-access tensioner that you adjust with a tool
  • More power to pull the longer bar and chain

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

MSA 160: Entry-Level Pro with the AP System

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:

  1. AP 200 for light weight and short jobs
  2. AP 300 S for balanced runtime and cost
  3. AP 500 S for maximum runtime and long life

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

MSA 220: Powerful Mid-Range Option

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

MSA 300: The World’s Most Powerful Battery Saw

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:

  • Magnesium alloy body for strength and heat management
  • Metal bumper spikes and dual bar nuts
  • Side-access chain tensioner
  • Full AV system for vibration reduction
  • Adjustable oil flow control
  • Control panel shows bar oil level, chain brake status, and power mode
  • Three selectable power settings

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 Models: For Arborists and Climbers

MSA 161 T vs. MSA 220 T

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.

  • MSA 161 T: Older design, 0.99 kW motor, all-plastic housing, and $329 tool-only. Best paired with the AP 200 battery for about $200, plus a $64 charger.
  • MSA 220 T: Newer, stronger 1.7 kW motor that matches the rear-handle MSA 220. Magnesium alloy build for better strength and heat control. Recommended with the AP 300 S battery for about $320.

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:

  • Power: 0.99 kW (161) vs. 1.7 kW (220 T)
  • Build: Plastic (161) vs. Magnesium (220 T)
  • Battery pairing: AP 200 (161) vs. AP 300 S (220 T)

Shop the T models:

Quick Tips for T-Model Use

  • Use a proper saddle, lanyard, and PPE when climbing
  • Keep a sharp chain, the small kerf helps but dull chain slows everything
  • Mind your battery plan, runtime mirrors the AP system used on rear-handle saws
  • The 220 T’s Magnesium durability makes it the better choice for heavy daily use

How to Pick the Right STIHL Saw for You

Match the saw to your wood size, cut frequency, and budget.

  • Light yard work, shrubs, and small limbs: GTA 26 for grab-and-go trimming
  • General homeowner use on small to mid branches: MSA 60 or MSA 70 bundles
  • Larger limbs and light firewood: MSA 80 bundle for extra power and bar length
  • Entry-level pro work and property care: MSA 160 with an AP 300 S battery
  • Serious cutting and aggressive chain options: MSA 220 with a 16 inch bar
  • Maximum battery power with pro features: MSA 300, plan for extra batteries
  • Climbing and in-tree work: MSA 161 T for light pruning, MSA 220 T for stronger performance

Battery families at a glance:

  • AS2 for compact handheld tools like GTA 26 and GTA 40
  • AK for homeowner bundles that deliver great value
  • AP for pro-grade saws with longer life batteries and more options

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.

Want to see more comparisons and tests?

Conclusion

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?