STIHL MS250 vs MS251: Brutally Honest Review

If you’re stuck choosing between the STIHL MS250 and MS251, here’s the quick answer:

The MS250 is simpler and easier to fix. The MS251 runs smoother, uses less gas, and feels better to hold.

I’ve owned both. I’ve used them in cold Michigan winters and hot Southern yard work. The MS250 always worked great for firewood. But on long days, the MS251’s smooth grip saved my wrists.

In this guide, I’ll show you the key differences. That way, you can pick the one that fits your cutting style.

STIHL MS250 vs MS251: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the MS250 and MS251. I’ve cut firewood in upstate New York and cleaned up after storms in the South. Both saws work great—but they shine in different ways. Let’s break it down.

Cutting Power: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

Both saws handle tough jobs. But the MS251 has a bit more torque and cuts smoother through hardwood. It also uses less gas, which helps on long days.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Engine Displacement	45.4cc	45.6cc
Max Power Output	3.0 hp	3.0 hp
Fuel Efficiency	Lower	About 20% Higher

Last winter, I used both saws on thick hickory. The MS250 worked fine, but the MS251 ran smoother and didn’t need gas as often. That fuel savings adds up.

Rating: MS250 – 8/10 | MS251 – 9/10

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Starting System: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

Both start well if they’re tuned. But the MS251 has Easy2Start®, which really helps—especially in cold weather. The MS250 is old-school and easier to flood.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Choke Sensitivity	High	Moderate
Cold Start Time	3–5 pulls	1–2 pulls
Easy Start System	No	Yes (Standard or C-BE)

In Michigan winters, my MS251 usually fires up in two pulls. The MS250 needs a bit more care with the choke.

Rating: MS250 – 7/10 | MS251 – 9/10

Handling and Comfort: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

The MS251 is more comfy to use. Its anti-vibe system makes a real difference if you cut for hours.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Anti-Vibration	Standard	Advanced
Weight (Powerhead)	10.1 lbs	10.8 lbs
Balance	Front-heavy	Balanced

After three hours of cutting, my hands felt better with the MS251. The smoother feel is worth it.

Rating: MS250 – 7.5/10 | MS251 – 9/10

Maintenance and Repairs: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

The MS250 is easier to fix at home. It has a simple build and lots of parts. The MS251 opens faster, but it’s more picky when tuning.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Air Filter Access	Needs screwdriver	Twist lock
Carb Tuning	Manual	Manual (Precise)
Parts Availability	Excellent	Good

I fix my MS250 myself. Parts are easy to find. The MS251’s carb needs fine-tuning—get it wrong, and it runs lean.

Rating: MS250 – 8.5/10 | MS251 – 7.5/10

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Durability and Build: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

Both saws are made for homeowners, not pros. But the MS250 feels a bit tougher. The C-BE features on the MS251 can wear out faster.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Clutch Housing	Mostly plastic	Mostly plastic
Chain Adjust	Side	Side or Quick Adjust (C-BE)
Durability	Moderate	Moderate (lower with C-BE)

I’ve seen MS250s last 10+ years with care. My MS251’s Quick Adjust got stuck after a muddy job.

Rating: MS250 – 8/10 | MS251 – 7/10

Noise Level: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

Both saws are loud. You’ll need ear protection. But the MS251 sounds smoother and less harsh.

Feature	MS250	MS251
Idle Noise	Moderate	Lower
Full-Throttle Tone	Rougher	Smoother
Hearing Gear	Required	Required

After long jobs, the MS251’s softer tone helped. Less buzzing in the ears.

Rating: MS250 – 7.5/10 | MS251 – 8/10

Value for Money: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

They cost about the same up front. But the MS250 wins long term. It’s easier to fix, and parts cost less.

Feature	MS250	MS251
MSRP (18″ Bar)	$399.99	$399.99 (Standard) / $439.99 (C-BE)
Fuel Use	Higher	About 20% Lower
Repair Costs	Lower	Higher

In the U.S., the MS250 gives more value if you don’t mind a little DIY. But if you run your saw all day, the MS251 saves gas.

Rating: MS250 – 9/10 | MS251 – 8/10

Overall: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

It depends on what you want. The MS250 is simple and solid. The MS251 is smoother and more fuel-smart—if tuned right.

Category	MS250	MS251
Best For	DIY, Firewood	Long jobs, Comfort
Strengths	Easy to fix, Great value	Smooth cuts, Fuel savings
Weaknesses	Can flood, Vibrates more	Needs tuning, Pricier parts

If you like to wrench and tune, the MS250 is a winner. If you want smooth starts and less hand pain, go MS251.

Rating: MS250 – 8.2/10 | MS251 – 8.6/10

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What I’ve Learned Owning the MS250 and MS251

I’ve owned both saws for years. I don’t baby them—I use them hard. From storm cleanups in Georgia to frozen oak in upstate New York, they’ve both earned their place.

Why I Grab the MS250 Some Days…

The MS250 is my go-to for quick jobs. It’s simple, fast, and tough. I’ve used it on fence posts, firewood, and downed limbs after storms. If it breaks, I can fix it. Parts are easy to find—even in small towns.

What I love:

• Light and quick
• Runs well with basic care
• No fancy electronics
• I can tune it in minutes

What bugs me:

• More vibration
• Easy to flood if you miss a step when cold

If I’m only cutting for 30 minutes or less, I grab the MS250. It just works—no fuss.

…And Why I Pick the MS251 on Long Days

The MS251 is my choice when the job takes time. It feels smooth, sounds quieter, and saves my arms. I used it to clear a big pine from my driveway. It ran strong all day and didn’t burn much fuel.

What I love:

• Starts easy—even after weeks in the shed
• Smooth throttle and grip
• My hands and arms don’t get as sore

What bugs me:

• Quick Chain Adjust jammed in mud
• Carb is touchy—I had to get it tuned once

The MS251 is better for long jobs. If I’m cutting all weekend or after a big storm, I trust it more.

Seasonal Use and Job Fit

• Spring/Fall limb trimming? MS250—light and fast.
• Winter firewood runs? MS251—less fuel stops and smoother grip.
• Storm cleanup? Depends. MS251 if it’s a big job. MS250 if I just need a few cuts.

Both saws are tough. I’ve done more home repairs on the MS250, but both held up well. STIHL’s support has been great in the U.S.—especially helpful with the MS251.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Getting the best out of your MS250 or MS251 is all about simple habits. These quick steps have helped my saws run better and last longer.

• Let it warm up. In cold states like Michigan or Montana, let it idle for a few seconds before cutting. It makes a big difference.
• Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain burns gas and wears you out. I touch it up with a round file every 2–3 tanks.
• Clean the air filter. After every few jobs, give it a check—especially if you cut dry pine or dusty wood. The MS250 clogs faster.
• Use good fuel. Ethanol-free gas is best. In the U.S., I use TruFuel if I don’t trust the pump.
• Skip the C-BE model unless you really want tool-free chain tweaks. It’s handy, but mine jammed after muddy work.

These steps take just minutes. But they’ve kept my saws cutting strong—year after year.

Final Thoughts on the MS250 vs MS251

If you cut now and then—like for firewood or after storms—the MS250 is all you need. It’s cheap, tough, and easy to fix. I’ve used mine for over five years. It still chews through hardwood like new.

But if you cut more often or for longer runs, go with the MS251. It starts easier, runs smoother, and uses less gas. After two hours of work, your hands and back will thank you.

Still can’t decide? If you want pro-level power and fewer small issues, look at the MS261. It’s a step up in price—but also in build.

In the end, both saws work great. I’ve used them in real backyards and storm zones across the U.S. The key is choosing based on how much—and how often—you cut.

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FAQs: STIHL MS250 vs MS251