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The Stihl chainsaw most often called the best ever made is the 044 (later sold as the MS 440), a roughly 70 cc professional saw that combined big-saw power with a weight a logger could carry all day; the 066/MS 660 and the 026/MS 260 round out the shortlist, while the MS 500i is the strongest claim among saws Stihl sells new in 2026. “Best ever” depends on what you cut, so this guide separates the legends from the saws that make sense to buy today.
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Why the Same Few Models Keep Coming Up
Ask arborists, fallers and saw shop mechanics and the answers cluster around saws built roughly from the late 1980s through the 2000s. They share three traits: a high power-to-weight ratio, simple carbureted engines that are easy to rebuild, and huge parts support, including a large aftermarket. A saw can only be “the best ever” if it is still running decades later, and these are.
The Legendary Stihl Saws Compared
| Model | Era | Displacement | Approx. power | Powerhead weight | Typical bar | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 026 / MS 260 | 1990s-2000s | about 48-50 cc | about 3.5 hp | about 10-11 lb | 16-20 in | Light pro limbing and firewood saw, nimble and tough |
| 036 / MS 360 | 1990s-2000s | about 60 cc | about 4.6 hp | about 12 lb | 18-20 in | Fast-revving mid-size workhorse |
| 044 / MS 440 | 1990s-2000s | about 70.7 cc | about 5.4 hp | about 14 lb | 20-28 in | The benchmark felling saw for power-to-weight |
| 046 / MS 460 | 1990s-2000s | about 76.5 cc | about 6 hp | about 14-15 lb | 20-32 in | Torquey big-timber saw |
| 066 / MS 660 | 1990s-2000s | about 91.6 cc | about 7 hp | about 16 lb | 25-36 in | Hugely powerful, popular for milling and big wood |
| 090 | 1970s-1990s | about 137 cc | about 8-9 hp | over 25 lb | 36 in and longer | Collector’s giant, slow-revving milling saw |
Figures are approximate because specifications changed across production years and regional versions.
The case for the 044 / MS 440
It delivered enough power to run a 25 inch bar in hardwood while staying around 14 pounds without bar and chain. That balance is why it became the default felling saw in many logging crews and why clean used examples still command strong prices. Parts are plentiful, and a worn one can be rebuilt with a new piston and cylinder kit rather than scrapped.
The case for the 066 / MS 660
If “best” means most raw power you can still realistically run, the 660 wins. It pulls long bars through big hardwood and is a favorite for chainsaw mills. The downsides are weight, fuel consumption and vibration on long days compared with modern saws.
The case for the 026 / MS 260
Many sawyers argue the best saw is the one you actually pick up most, and for limbing, storm cleanup and firewood the 026 was ideal. Its successor line, the MS 261, carries the same idea forward with modern emissions technology.
The Best Stihl Chainsaws to Buy New in 2026
Collectible saws are great, but most buyers want a warranty and a local dealer. These current professional and farm models are the modern answers to the legends.
| Current model | Displacement | Approx. power | Powerhead weight | Recommended bar | Spiritual successor to | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS 261 C-M | about 50 cc | about 4 hp | about 11 lb | 16-20 in | 026 / MS 260 | $650-$850 |
| MS 271 Farm Boss | about 50 cc | about 3.5 hp | about 12.5 lb | 18-20 in | Homeowner and farm use | $450-$550 |
| MS 362 C-M | about 59 cc | about 4.7 hp | about 12.5 lb | 18-25 in | 036 / MS 360 | $850-$1,050 |
| MS 462 C-M | about 72 cc | about 6 hp | about 13 lb | 20-32 in | 044 / MS 440 | $1,150-$1,400 |
| MS 500i | about 79 cc | about 6.8 hp | about 13.7 lb | 20-32 in | Top-end felling, fuel injected | $1,450-$1,750 |
| MS 661 C-M | about 91 cc | about 7.3 hp | about 16 lb | 25-36 in | 066 / MS 660 | $1,400-$1,700 |
“C-M” refers to Stihl’s M-Tronic electronic engine management, which adjusts fuel delivery automatically for altitude, temperature and fuel quality. The MS 500i goes further with electronic fuel injection and is widely regarded as one of the fastest-accelerating production saws available.
Which Stihl Is the Best for You
| Your main work | Best pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood and storm cleanup, a few cords a year | MS 271 Farm Boss or MS 261 C-M | Enough power for 18 in bars, light enough for long sessions |
| Heating with wood, 5-10 cords a year | MS 362 C-M | Faster cutting in hardwood without big-saw weight |
| Felling trees over 24 in diameter | MS 462 C-M or MS 500i | Best power-to-weight in the lineup |
| Chainsaw milling, very large logs | MS 661 C-M or a rebuilt 066 / MS 660 | Torque for 36 in bars and sustained cuts |
| Collector or tinkerer | Used 044, 026 or 066 | Simple carburetors, endless parts support |
Buying a Used Legend: What to Check
- Compression. A healthy pro saw usually reads somewhere around 150 psi or more on a gauge. Low readings mean a top-end rebuild.
- Cylinder and piston. Pull the muffler and look at the exhaust side of the piston. Vertical scoring means the saw has been run lean or with bad mix.
- Clones and replica parts. Many “Stihl” saws for sale are built partly or wholly from aftermarket parts. Look for genuine case markings and consistent serial plates, and price accordingly.
- Crank seals. Leaking seals cause erratic idle and lean running; a pressure and vacuum test reveals them.
- Bar and sprocket wear. Cheap to replace, but a worn rim sprocket chews new chains quickly.
Ownership Realities for Any Stihl Saw
- Fuel is the biggest killer. Run fresh fuel at the 50:1 mix Stihl specifies with a quality two-stroke oil, or use pre-mixed ethanol-free fuel for saws that sit for weeks.
- Air filters decide engine life. Clean them every tank or two in dusty cutting; a clogged filter makes the saw run rich and lose power, and a torn one lets dust destroy the cylinder.
- Chains wear faster than anything. Sharpen every refuel or whenever the saw produces dust instead of chips. Expect to buy several chains per year if you cut a lot.
- Safety gear is not optional. Chaps or chainsaw trousers, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, and cut-resistant boots matter more with powerful pro saws.
The Verdict
As a piece of history, the 044/MS 440 holds the strongest claim to being the best Stihl chainsaw ever made, with the 066 as the power king and the 026 as the most loved all-rounder. If you are buying new in 2026, the MS 462 C-M and MS 500i carry that legacy for felling, the MS 362 C-M is the sweet spot for serious firewood cutters, and the MS 261 C-M is the modern 026.
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