What is the best Husqvarna chainsaw?
These 10 models are some of the best performers in various classes. Most of truly good Husqvarna saws are XPs/Pro-level, but we’ve got a few non-pro models listed too.
To come up with these models we’ve scanned the Husqvarna Saws FB group. There are tons of threads along the lines of “What is the best Husky for…” and this is a collection of the most commonly recommended.
1. Husqvarna 372 XP
The 372 XP tops most lists and polls as the best all-around Husqvarna Chainsaw.
- Kyle said, “372xp is the best, 272xp close second.”
- Dan said, “372xp is probably the best all around saw but my absolute favorite is a 357 xp lots of power in that little package.”
- Kenneth said, “372 is a great all around saw not too heavy.”
- Nathan said, “372 is better than a 572 XP. I’m not too keen on the 5 series.”
- Matt said, “I’ve had my 372 xp for 23 years now. Never lets me down! Still got plenty of grunt too.”
Samial said:
I only have one saw: the 372 XP and it has been great for all kinds of different jobs. Between cutting firewood, yard cleanup, and accurately cutting logs in my house.
I bought it off a buddy for $50 in rough shape. I fixed it up for maybe $150 and it’s been great.
If you want a good deal on a pro saw, then find one worth fixing. I didn’t know anything about chainsaws when I bought it. But all the information is online if you want to learn.
Ron said:
Best all around 372xp
Favorite 346xp
Most versatile 357xp
Ben said:
I have 22 Huskies and 1 top handle Stihl. I’d personally say the 372 XP is one of the best all round saws you can get.
I’ve been using Huskies for many years professionally, I just love em. I use what I use because it works for what I do.
There aren’t a lot of top handle saws that can compare to the 200t.
2. Husqvarna 550 XP
The 550 XP is another Husqvarna model that always comes up whenever someone asks for a mid-range saw recommendation.
- Nick said, “550xp is the king of category.”
- Garret said, “A ported 550 is a great runner.”
- Allen said, “550xp. Is the best chainsaw made. Period. 😎”
Some comments on the 550 XP vs the 550 XP Mark II…
Shoo said:
I have both the 550 xp 18” and 550 xp mark II 20”.
II starts a bit easier, but 18” xp runs like a r***d ape. Seems to have way way more torque.
Rusty said:
Mark II.
They made a ton of improvements on the mark two in regards to temperature and air circulation. It’s night and day difference.
Paul said:
Mk2 without a doubt.
I wanted to stick with original 550xp, but there are so many improvements in the Mk2, there are very few interchangeable parts between the two.
3. Husqvarna 346 XP
The 346 XP was made from 1999 – 2011, but there are still plenty of them out there running.
- Steve said, “346XP is the best in class by far.”
- Jeremy said, “Love these little screamin’ babies!”
- Kevin said, “This saw never stop surprising me. First saw i have bought and I like it still.”
- Ford said, “Love my 346s. I actually prefer them over my 550 mk ll.”
- Steve said, “Mine is 15 years old, and still runs like new. Awesome saws.”
- Tony said, “One of the best small saws ever made the mighty 346XP almost 20 years old and still in regular use.”
Haze said:
I’ve got a 346xp that served me well for 17 years but recently had to have it rebuilt
Without a doubt it is the best saw I’ve ever owned
Looking for another one as we speak.
Tom said:
I have a 346XP and the model after, 550XP.
Very much power in both of them with 50 cc engine, light in weight, and perfect for woods up here in Norway.
4. Husqvarna 592 XP
The 592 XP is one of Husqvarna’s newest chainsaw models, and it’s quickly become a favorite of many tree workers.
- JD said, “592 XP is the best saw ever made hands down 💯”
- Daniel said, “Better than 395.”
- Bruce said, “Best 90-95 cc off all time…”
- Brendan said, “Awesome saw. Good power to weigh ratio.”
- Cal said, “Mines a beast and better than a 395 XP.”
- Izzy said, “I use a 592 on my chainsaw mill. It does not disappoint.”
Jim said:
Good saw. Doesnt like to idle for long periods of time or it will need a factory reset by ripping a log or at least mine is that way.
If I let mine set and idle too long it starts this odd idle thing that happens every so often where the idle speeds up and slows down then goes back to normal then the process repeats. Maybe mine is an oddball though.
Very powerful, in fact Ive pulled a 52″ bar and 3/8 .050 chain, starts easy since it has a purge bulb. Mine is harder to start if you run it completely out of gas and let it set for weeks on end, but that said, if you are running it daily or weekly even and dont run it out of gas it starts right up.
Jesse said:
Great saw. Only thing I can knock is there mufflers. Wish they made them out of a little thicker material.
Make sure you mix your oil with non ethanol gas. Other than that. They’re a beast.
5. Husqvarna 460 Rancher
The 460 Rancher is a homeowner level saw, but it’s not bad for the price!
- Unripe Apple said, “I love my 460 I know it’s not a professional saw but it’s great.”
- Mark said, “Take care of it and it will last a long time. They are slow and heavy but solid.”
- Gary said, “A 460 is perfectly fine for 90% of the population. The other 10% either need to run a long bar or are snobs.”
- Paul said, “Good mid grade saw lots will tell you XP this or XP that 460 is a good saw for firewood and such.”
- Ray said, “Out of all the 400 series saws the 460 is the one to buy they are a good reliable saw.”
Chuck said:
460 rancher with a 24″ bar. I’ve had mine for 9 years and have cut over 20 cord and dropped trees 36″ across the butt. Had zero issues and plenty of power, no complaints! Great all around saw.
Justin said:
I was thinking that about mine the other day… I’ve had two basic home owner saws. 435 460.. and i freaking love them.. they just kick ass every time.
Curly Bill said:
You need to keep in mind l ran pro saws, after my heart attack l bought the 460 rancher, not the saw l wanted but lets say they made me buy it.l have had it 5 yrs now cut about 90 cords of wood with it, it doesnt need rebuilt yet, always starts, not crazy about the small oil holes in the bar but l fixed that, all in all its a good solid first saw.
Blake said:
I have one that i use for firewood.love it. Had to do some carb adjustments but runs like a champ now. I have a 24″ bar with a full chisel chain on it.
6. Husqvarna 562 XP
The Husqvarna 562 XP is an excellent pro saw in the 60 cc class.
- Tim said, “Fast and light. Great saw to have. I have two of them.”
- Jeff said, “I have 562 with ported head muffler mod. Mine rips, love it.”
- Blair said, “You won’t be disappointed. 562 is one of my favorites.”
- Taylor said, “I’ve always ran a 24″ light bar on my ported 562s and had zero issues. It pulls and oils it great.”
Michael said:
It feels a little bit lighter and smaller than my 2022 MK1, and it’s got about the same peak power, but also has a wider spread of power, not just at the very peak.
I really, really like it!
Jeremy said:
562 mk2 is maybe the best saw they have ever made. And I own several 372’s.. it’s just better.
People cuss the auto tune but mine has been solid.
Billy said:
I’ve had several Husqvarna saws. 61, 440, 257, 266xp.
Bought this 562 xp mk2 new Saturday and ran it a couple hours that day on large Helene down trees. Definitely my favorite so far.
I was skeptical about newer saws and wasn’t sure how I felt about auto tune but read that the mk2 was a big improvement. It’ll cut that’s for sure.
7. Husqvarna T540 XP
The T540 XP is known to be an excellent climbing saw.
- Ryan said, “Absolutely love mine just got it also got a west coast muffler for it for 60 bucks what an absolute game changer!”
- Davis said, “I just bought one. It ripppppps.”
- Sean said, “Best top saw on the market. Don’t listen to the Stihl groupies.”
- Marcello said, “I do really Love the T540XP Mk III. She runs like the Devil!”
- Dave said, “I have 3. They are all monsters”
Mike said:
I have almost every trim saw they made/make. The T540xp mark 3 Is definitely more powerful than any stock trim saw to date.
It has plenty of power and has great Ergonomics very comfortable to run. It is one of the heavier top handle saws.
Overall in my opinion it is a great saw and worth the price.
Wade said:
Husqvarna T540XP Mark 3 will spank any saw out there. I didn’t know that before I had my 200T ported or I would of went with the 540.
Jacob said:
Husqvarna made 3 different t540xp models. Mark 1 mark 2 and mark 3 why they didn’t change the name is crazy to me.
The mark 1 was stronger than a 201 but had issues and was cold blooded. So someone saying a t540 isn’t good doesn’t mean much, which t540?
8. Husqvarna 61
The Husqvarna 61 was made from 1980 – 1997, and it has a very good reputation.
- Brandon said, “This old brute has never let me down. Husky 61.”
- Bill said, “They’re a great chainsaw. Very reliable. Mine starts second pull and runs very strong.”
- Homer said, “I’ve used a lot of saws I still prefer the Husqvarna 61.”
- Nathaniel said, “I had a 61. It was the best 60cc saw I’ve ever had. Roared and ran a 24in bar with no issue.”
- Holden said, “Best saw ever in my opinion will take all the beating and still start every time and parts are still decently available.”
Brian said:
My 61 ran for forty years and cut about two hundred cord.
Changed the plug once or twice, new bars and chains, replaced the fuel line once but never had the carb apart.
Always started well, lots of power till the day it finally died. I’ve replaced it with a 550xp mkii and am happy so far.
The new saw is a little lighter and I don’t think it’s got quite as much power, but runs very smooth and always starts well cold or hot.
Certainly comparable to 61 cutting and some nice features. I doubt I will have a need for it to last another forty but I’m guessing it will last my lifetime.
Nelson said:
Best bottom end Husky ever mass produced. Theres a reason it was used on multiple models, the crank is next to bulletproof.
I used my 61 in an Alaskan mill, blew it up 4 times, every time it was just cylender and piston rings gone.
I’d still be using my 61 if i had not gotten a 562xpg on a really good deal. Now it just sits in my shed with a cooked top end.
9. Husqvarna 120 Mark III
The Husqvarna 120 is one of the smallest Husky saws at 38 cc, but it’s a best-seller and not at all bad for the price.
- Kevin said, “It’s a great limb saw.”
- Ryan said, “Great saw! Just bought one myself and it’s been fantastic for bigger stuff also.”
- Craig said, “Good light saw for trimming branches, tops and light work.”
- Chris said, “I own one works great. Haven’t had any issues out of it so far.”
- Doug said, “I have a 120. No issues, running it pretty hard for home and camp use for 4yrs. But not every day.”
Brian said:
I use a 120 in the bucket alot, its good for limbs and stuff 10 to 12 inches, but just not made for longevity of use, expecially one handed.
Seens to break at the vibration points, so i just throw it in the building and use it for parts.
Usually buy 2 at the time and they last maybe a year and a half to 2 years.
Andy said:
I use my 120 for the small stuff, brashing/shedding.
Whilst it’s not the best saw on the market when I do run it, it runs and cuts all day. But be gentle.
And Jim said:
I have one I use for limbing. It is ok for small stuff. Biggest gripe is remembering to turn ign button on. Both my other saws return to the on position.
10. Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
The Husqvarna Power Axe is a top-selling battery saw that is well reviewed by users.
These are some longer reviews from the Amazon listing.
Ken said:
I have been looking for a chainsaw to use around the house but due to past experiences with 2 cycle engines, I was hesitant about making a purchase.
I came across this saw on the internet and studied up on it before making the purchase. When it arrived I was surprised and how solid it was feeling much like a gas powered saw.
Upon using it it I was even more impressed with the performance. This thing is strong and has an impressive battery life. It cuts through wood much better than any gas powered saw I’ve hade before, and not having to warm it up by hand yanking on a rip cord!
Very good saw!
Jeremy said:
Cuts as good or better than a 18″ gas chainsaw.
Battery lasted longer than I expected based on other reviews. The battery will easily cut a standard 8 foot ranked truck load of wood (about a half a cord of firewood) on a single charge.
Very low vibration, when cutting the saw feels very comfortable and easy to control.
The saw is lighter then a comparable gas saw. I would definitely buy this saw again.
Best Husqvarna Saws
To be fair, any Husqvarna Chainsaw is good when used as designed… it’s when people push them beyond their limits that there are problems.
Here are some other honorable mentions for good Husky saws:
- Husqvarna 357 XP
- Husqvarna 359 XP
- Husqvarna 281 XP
- Husqvarna 262 XP
- Husqvarna 560 XP
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher
Let us know your recommendations in the comment section below.
We also have a round-up of the worst Husqvarna Chainsaws, but that’s just to say they’re not as good as others!
