STIHL 044 vs MS 440 vs MS 441: How the Three Chainsaws Compare

What’s better, the STIHL MS 441 or the MS 440?’

The 440 was made from  2001 to 2012. The first version of the 441 was made from 2007 – 2012, while the second version with M-Tronic was made from 2011 – 2019.

These saws follow on from the very popular STIHL 044, which is considered one of the best STIHL saws ever made.

While the MS 440 lives up to the legacy of the 044, it’s another story with the MS 441, which is considered one of the worst STIHL saws ever made.

Here’s how the basic specs measure up.

STIHL 044, 440, 441 specs

Here’s a summary of the saws.

1. STIHL 044

• This is the oldest model of the three.
• It has a powerful, reliable engine.
• Built tough and simple — no fancy electronics, just reliable and strong.
• Great for experienced users who like the “classic” feel and raw power.

2. STIHL MS 440

• This is basically an updated version of the 044.
• It has the same engine size.
• Improved design and build quality, a little more comfortable and user-friendly.
• Still carbureted and fairly simple, but with small refinements in handling and weight.

3. STIHL MS 441

• This is the most modern of the three.
• Slightly less powerful than the 044, but more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly.
• It comes with modern features like an improved anti-vibration system and the M-Tronic system (on some versions), which adjusts performance automatically depending on conditions.

Comparing Saws

There are some great threads on FB which give a good indication on which of these models are the best.

This thread asks, “MS440 vs MS441??”

• Alex replied, “440 and it’s not even close.”
• Corey said, “The 440. 441 is one of Stihl’s biggest flops.”
• James said, “441 because it has 1 more cc.”
• Ray said, “441 lives in the boat with the 271, 291, and 391. Great anchors…”
• David said, “Not even a close… 044/MS 440 all day every day.”
• Billy said, “440 all day every day.”
• Aeron said, “Anything but the 441.”
• Brian said, “440 = great saw, 441 = 💩🗑️”
• Greg said, “440. No question. The 441 is a completely over complicated saw.”

Terry said:

I have had both and still have the 441, but if both were in front of me for sale, I would pay more for the 440. 441 is not that bad but no 440. But just my opinion.

Jason said:

I’ve ran 441’s quite a bit. Both the old regular carb models and the newer mtronic ones. They’re as heavy as a 460 but with a higher rpm powerband like a 372. Would much rather run an 044/440. They have the same power and weigh like a pound and a half less.

Sunbear said:

I would take the 440 all day long any day of the week. Better parts support, lighter weight, no 1st gen e-carb issues, and just plain runs better

Adam said:

Not run a an 044/440, however I have run a couple of 441. The Mtronic ones are better than the non Mtronic from my experience. They’re not bad on fuel, the air filter does not clog up very quickly and the antivibes are pretty good. The power is reasonable, but nothing special. However they are very heavy for the power, and are quite a challenge to work on. The 044 and 440 have quite a following, and I would imagine for good reason. I have a 441 purely because it was cheap, and I have it for doing jobs that I wouldn’t be happy using a nicer saw for. An MS400 might be worth a look too, as that is similar to the 441 in power but much lighter.

Ben said:

Wish I would’ve known how shitty the 441 is 16 years ago, it was the biggest saw on the shelf at my local dealer when I went in. I was young and didn’t know any better, now my tree clearing days are over and I don’t need a bigger saw!

Kyle said:

441s are boat anchors. Guys that have them convince themselves they are decent (don’t blame em) but they were never good. 440/460 or skip the 441 and go 461 or 462.

Sean said:

MS 440 without a doubt.

That 441 is a great runner when it runs, but it’s a nightmare to work on.

This thread states, “The 044, 440, and 441 get nothing said about it on here and I say there a damn good saw.”

Brad replied:

The Stihl 044 is hands down the greatest chainsaw ever built. Not only by Stihl but by any company.

When asked the difference between it an the 460 saws I always say the 044 is more of a gentleman. Easy to get along with and the 046 is just a mean ol sumbitch that dont like anyone. Just pure mean.

Jack said:

I’ve always liked the 044 and the 440 never a big fan of the 441. None of them can still hold a candle to my 462 tho.

Kieran said:

Problem I have with my 441 is the weight of it. Its the reason I bought the 500i. Way more power and lighter.

Ragen said:

I have a 441 I bought new many years ago. I’ve cut a lot of wood with it. It’s never give me any trouble.

Tim said:

I think the 044 is one of the most talked about saws around here… the 441 isn’t discussed for good reason lol.

• James said, “044 one of the best saws ever made…”
• Rod said, “My 044 is my main saw. If I could have only 1 that would be it.”
• Kevin said, “Gotta say, I like my 372 XP but the 044 is a better saw.”
• Tommy said, “044 is a good saw. I don’t share that opinion with 441.”
• And Clem said, “The 044 and 046/460 are the best saws Stihl ever made.”

You get the idea.

The 044 and 440 are considered great saws. The 441 is a lemon.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!