Five STIHL battery chainsaws, one important decision: how much saw does your job actually need? We've compared bar length, weight and runtime so you can pick the right MSA model for firewood, garden maintenance or professional tree work — without over- or under-buying.
A chainsaw is the one piece of garden machinery where getting the choice wrong genuinely matters — too little saw and you're fighting the wood; too much and you're carrying unnecessary weight and cost for jobs that never needed it. STIHL's battery-powered MSA range spans everything from a light homeowner saw for firewood and pruning through to a professional top-handle climbing saw and the most powerful battery chainsaw STIHL makes.
This guide compares five STIHL battery chainsaws for 2026 — the MSA 60 C-B, MSA 70 C-B, MSA 80 C-B, MSA 220 TC-O and MSA 300 — across battery system, bar length, weight and real-world cutting performance, from garden pruning to professional tree work. As an authorised STIHL dealer, every figure below is drawn from official STIHL data and our own experience selling and supporting these saws across the UK.
Quick Recommendations
STIHL Battery Chainsaw Comparison
| Model | Battery System | Bar Length | Weight (excl. battery) | Runtime (typical) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA 60 C-B | AK System | 12" | 2.5 kg | Up to 40 min (AK 20) | Light garden pruning, occasional firewood |
| MSA 70 C-B | AK System | 12" | 2.5 kg | Up to 45 min (AK 30) | Firewood & garden maintenance |
| MSA 80 C-B | AK System | 14" | 2.9 kg | Runtime scales with AK 30 | Regular firewood & property maintenance |
| MSA 220 TC-O | AP System (top-handle) | 12" or 14" | 2.8 kg | Up to 29 min (AP 300 S), 34 min (AP 500 S) | Trained arborists — in-tree pruning & crown work |
| MSA 300 | AP System | 14"-18" | 4.5 kg | Up to 44 min (AP 500 S) | Professional felling, cross-cutting & forestry |
*Runtimes vary depending on the battery selected and wood type/diameter being cut. Figures shown are based on official STIHL data for the recommended battery for each model.
STIHL MSA 60 C-B Best Entry-Level
STIHL MSA 60 C-B Cordless Chainsaw
The MSA 60 C-B is the lightest chainsaw in STIHL's AK Homeowner Battery System, built around a 0.70kW brushless motor and a 12" bar with 1/4" PM3 chain. The Quick Chain Adjuster makes tensioning tool-free, and the Ematic lubrication system cuts oil consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional methods, so day-to-day maintenance stays genuinely simple.
Who should buy it: Homeowners who need a chainsaw occasionally rather than constantly — pruning branches, clearing storm debris, or cutting the odd log for a fire pit. It's an easy, unintimidating first chainsaw for anyone stepping up from loppers or a bow saw.
Pros
- Lightest saw in the AK System line-up at 2.5kg
- Ematic lubrication cuts oil use by up to 50%
- STIHL Quickstop chain brake for added safety
- Tool-free chain tensioning
Best For
- Occasional garden pruning
- Light firewood cutting
- Storm debris clearance
- First-time chainsaw owners
STIHL MSA 70 C-B Best Value
STIHL MSA 70 C-B Cordless Chainsaw
The MSA 70 C-B is a nimble, efficient step up from the MSA 60, built around the same 36V AK System but delivering around 25% more cutting performance without adding meaningful weight. Paired with an AK 30 battery on eco power, expect up to 45 minutes of cut time — roughly 210 cuts — which comfortably covers a session of firewood processing or pruning around the garden.
Who should buy it: Homeowners who use a chainsaw regularly — a woodburner to keep fed, ongoing garden maintenance, or light DIY carpentry — and want noticeably better cutting performance than the entry-level MSA 60 without stepping up to a professional AP System saw.
Pros
- 25% more cutting performance than the MSA 60 C-B
- Whisper-quiet and low vibration for noise-sensitive areas
- Transparent oil tank for at-a-glance monitoring
- Soft-touch handle stays comfortable even when wet
Best For
- Regular firewood processing
- Ongoing garden maintenance
- Light DIY carpentry
- Neighbour-friendly, noise-sensitive use
STIHL MSA 80 C-B Best Overall
STIHL MSA 80 C-B Cordless Chainsaw
The MSA 80 C-B tops the AK System line-up, and it's the first battery saw in that range to feature a 14" guide bar — a genuine heavy-duty option for firewood cutting and yard maintenance rather than just light pruning. Its 36V brushless motor delivers 1.2kW while keeping noise low enough for noise-sensitive environments, and the variable-speed trigger lets you dial performance to match the task and stretch runtime when you don't need full power.
Who should buy it: Homeowners tackling demanding garden and woodcutting tasks who want the most capability available on the accessible AK battery platform before stepping up to a professional AP System saw. At just under 10lbs with the battery fitted, it's still light enough to hold at arm's length for extended periods.
Pros
- First AK System saw with a 14" bar
- 1.2kW brushless motor for genuine heavy-duty cutting
- Variable-speed trigger for task-matched performance
- Light enough for extended one-handed use
Best For
- Regular firewood processing
- Larger pruning jobs
- General property maintenance
- Homeowners wanting maximum AK System capability
STIHL MSA 220 TC-O Best for Arborists
STIHL MSA 220 TC-O Cordless Top Handle Chainsaw
The MSA 220 TC-O redefines cordless power and agility for professional tree surgeons, tackling deadwood removal, pruning and crown correction with an electric motor that delivers power comparable to a petrol saw — without the fumes or noise. Choose between a 12" or 14" Light P04 guide bar with 3/8" P PS3 chain, and rely on the electronic trigger with LED display, automatic oiler with low-level sensor, and side-mounted chain tensioning for fast, reliable field adjustments.
Who should buy it: Trained, certified arborists working aloft. This is a top-handle saw — Gustharts requires a valid CS39 certificate (or equivalent chainsaw qualification) before this can be purchased. It is not designed or approved for ground-based use by untrained users. Homeowners wanting a light saw for garden use should choose a rear-handle model like the MSA 60 C-B, MSA 70 C-B or MSA 80 C-B instead.
Pros
- Petrol-comparable power in a cordless top-handle saw
- Choice of 12" or 14" guide bar
- Automatic oiler with low-level sensor
- Side-mounted, tool-free chain tensioning
Best For
- Trained arborists working at height
- Deadwood removal & crown correction
- Professional pruning & precision cuts
- Not for ground-based or untrained use
STIHL MSA 300 Best Professional
STIHL MSA 300 Cordless Battery Chainsaw
The MSA 300 is STIHL's flagship cordless chainsaw, delivering 3.0kW of electrical power with the AP 500 S battery — power STIHL positions as directly equivalent to the petrol MS 261 C-M. Three operating modes (Eco, Felling, Delimbing) and an adjustable chain speed across three settings (20, 24 and 30 m/s) let you match performance precisely to the task, while a lightweight magnesium motor housing and IPX4 weather resistance keep it genuinely usable across a full working day outdoors.
Who should buy it: Professionals running full working days on cordless power — felling, cross-cutting logs, or demanding forestry tasks — who want petrol-level performance without the fuel, fumes or two-stroke maintenance. Note that full 3.0kW output is only delivered with the AP 500 S battery; other AP System batteries run the saw at reduced power.
Pros
- Most powerful battery chainsaw STIHL makes
- Power comparable to the petrol MS 261 C-M
- Three operating modes for task-matched performance
- IPX4 weather-resistant, lightweight magnesium housing
Best For
- Professional felling & cross-cutting
- Forestry & large timber processing
- Landscapers & grounds professionals
- Full-day cordless professional use
STIHL Battery Runtime Guide
Runtime on any STIHL MSA chainsaw depends on which battery it's paired with, plus the wood diameter and density being cut. As a rule, softer, thinner wood extends runtime well beyond the figures below, which are based on typical mixed cutting.
| Battery | System | Typical Runtime Range | Compatible Chainsaws |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK 10 / AK 20 / AK 30 | AK | 18-55 minutes | MSA 60, MSA 70, MSA 80 |
| AP 300 S | AP | Up to 29 minutes | MSA 220 TC-O |
| AP 500 S | AP | Up to 34-44 minutes | MSA 220 TC-O, MSA 300 |
| AR 2000 L / AR 3000 L (backpack) | AP (via cable) | Multiple hours per charge | Compatible AP System saws for sustained daily use |
Ranges reflect typical working time based on official STIHL data and mixed cutting conditions; actual runtime varies with wood type and diameter.
Browse the full range of STIHL batteries and chargers, including the AK System and AP System platforms, to plan your runtime around a full day's work.
Buying Advice
Choosing the Right Battery System
AK System (MSA 60, MSA 70, MSA 80): STIHL's domestic homeowner platform — light, easy to use, and batteries are shared across STIHL's wider domestic cordless range.
AP System (MSA 220 TC-O, MSA 300): Professional-grade power and runtime, with the option to scale up to AR backpack batteries for extended daily use.
🪵 Best for Regular Firewood Processing
Regular firewood work rewards both power and bar length. The MSA 80 C-B is the strongest AK System option with its 14" bar, while the MSA 300 steps up further with professional-grade power and longer guide bars for genuinely sustained processing.
🔇 Quietest STIHL Chainsaws
All STIHL battery chainsaws run considerably quieter than petrol equivalents, with no idling engine noise between cuts. The MSA 70 C-B is whisper-quiet with low vibration, making it a good option for early starts and noise-sensitive residential areas.
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Before You Buy: Top-Handle Chainsaw Restrictions
Top-handle chainsaws like the MSA 220 TC-O are restricted to trained, certified arborists working at height. Gustharts requires a valid CS39 certificate (or equivalent chainsaw qualification) to be uploaded before purchase — these saws are designed for use one-handed while climbing or working from a rope and harness system, which carries significant additional risk compared to a standard two-handed rear-handle saw.
If you're a homeowner or general property maintenance user looking for a light, easy-to-handle chainsaw, a rear-handle model such as the MSA 60 C-B, MSA 70 C-B or MSA 80 C-B is the appropriate and safer choice. If you're unsure which category your work falls into, our team can advise before you buy.
Chainsaw Safety Checklist
Shop This Article
STIHL MSA 60 C-B
Best Entry-Level
STIHL MSA 70 C-B
Best Value
STIHL MSA 80 C-B
Best Overall
STIHL MSA 220 TC-O
Best for Arborists
STIHL MSA 300
Best Professional
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AK & AP System
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Why Buy From Gustharts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which STIHL battery chainsaw is best for a homeowner?
The STIHL MSA 80 C-B is our top pick for most homeowners — it's the first AK System saw with a 14" bar, giving genuinely more cutting capability than the MSA 60 or MSA 70 while staying light enough for regular home use.
What's the difference between the STIHL AK and AP battery systems?
AK batteries are STIHL's domestic homeowner platform, used across saws like the MSA 60, MSA 70 and MSA 80. AP batteries are STIHL's professional platform, offering higher power and longer runtimes for models like the MSA 220 TC-O and MSA 300.
Can anyone buy a top-handle chainsaw like the MSA 220 TC-O?
No. Top-handle chainsaws are restricted to trained, certified arborists working at height, and Gustharts requires a valid CS39 certificate before purchase. Homeowners should choose a rear-handle model instead.
How long does a STIHL MSA chainsaw run on one charge?
Runtime depends on the battery, wood diameter and cutting style. The MSA 60 runs up to 40 minutes on an AK 20, the MSA 70 up to 45 minutes on an AK 30, and the MSA 220 TC-O or MSA 300 up to 34-44 minutes on an AP 500 S.
Is a battery chainsaw powerful enough for firewood?
Yes, provided you choose the right model. The MSA 80 C-B and MSA 300 are both genuinely capable of regular firewood processing, with the MSA 300 offering power comparable to a petrol MS 261 C-M for sustained daily use.
Can I use the same battery across different STIHL tools?
Yes. AK batteries work across STIHL's AK System tools, and AP batteries work across the AP System range, so one battery can power multiple garden or professional tools rather than needing a dedicated pack for each.
What's the quietest STIHL battery chainsaw?
The MSA 70 C-B is whisper-quiet with low vibration, making it well suited to noise-sensitive residential areas and early morning use.
Do STIHL battery chainsaws come with a warranty?
Yes. As an authorised STIHL dealer, Gustharts supplies genuine UK-spec machines with full manufacturer warranty, professional pre-delivery preparation and expert aftersales support.
Which STIHL chainsaw is best for professional forestry work?
The STIHL MSA 300 is our top pick for professional use — STIHL's most powerful battery chainsaw, with power comparable to the petrol MS 261 C-M and three operating modes to match performance to the task.
What PPE do I need to use a STIHL chainsaw safely?
Chainsaw trousers, protective boots, gloves, a helmet with visor or safety goggles, and hearing protection are all recommended when operating any chainsaw, battery or petrol.
