Stihl MS 261 vs Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 18 by Billy G.

Stihl MS 261
Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II

Verdict: Stihl MS 261 on power-to-weight and anti-vibration; Husqvarna 550 XP wins on cutting speed per cc and AutoTune's convenience.

Winner: Stihl MS 261

Stihl MS 261: 7.2/10

Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II: 6.7/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Stihl MS 261Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II
Displacement50.2cc50.1cc
Power3.4 HP3.5 HP
Weight (without bar/chain)10.3 lbs10.3 lbs
Bar Length Range16–20 in.16–20 in.
Auto Carb TuningM-TronicAutoTune
VibrationLowerSlightly higher

Stihl MS 261

What works

  • Slightly lower vibration transmission — better on long daily sessions
  • M-Tronic electronic engine management — reliable automatic adjustment
  • Stihl's dealer network is the most dense in North America — easy service access

What doesn't

  • Slightly slower chain speed than 550 XP in hardwood limbing tests
  • No automatic carburetor system comparable to Husqvarna AutoTune

Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II

What works

  • AutoTune automatic carburetor adjustment — ideal for variable altitude use
  • Slightly faster chain speed — marginally quicker cutting in hardwood limbing
  • X-Torq engine delivers efficient fuel consumption across the power band

What doesn't

  • AutoTune adds electronics that require dealer service when they fail
  • Slightly higher vibration transfer vs MS 261 in professional side-by-side tests

Bottom line

Our pick: Stihl MS 261. It edges out the alternative on slightly lower vibration transmission — better on long daily sessions. That said, Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II still wins on autotune automatic carburetor adjustment — ideal for variable altitude use — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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