If you’re shopping for one of the best chainsaws, you will likely have considered models from Husqvarna and ECHO. These companies make some of the most popular and highly rated battery-powered and gas-powered chainsaws for professionals and home users.
Husqvarna is a long-established global yard tool brand with its headquarters in Sweden. Founded in 1689, the brand is almost a century older than the United States. Over the ages, Husqvarna has garnered an outstanding reputation for the quality of its yard tools, which are tailored to a wide range of users, from homeowners to professionals – including arborists. We give this manufacturer’s chainsaws the edge over Stihl models.
ECHO also has a long and celebrated history, launching its first chainsaw in 1963. In its early decades, the brand established itself as an accessible, reasonably priced provider for domestic users, although ECHO now makes a wide range of chainsaws for both homeowners and pro users. ECHO’s growing reputation and impressive products are spurring some chainsaw users to consider switching from their traditional favorite brands.
While Husvarna remains an excellent chainsaw manufacturer, ECHO’s rise begs the question: which company is making the best chainsaws today? To help you choose the right chainsaw, we’ve compiled this guide comparing Husqvarna and Echo’s tools. Learn how the two brands differ in performance, features, price, care, and maintenance. We’ll also ask a professional arborist which is his preferred choice: Echo or Husqvarna.
Arborist Joe Hardaker has amassed over a decade of tree work experience in England, Jersey, New Zealand, and Australia. He holds multiple academic qualifications in arboriculture (ND Arb, FdSc Arb, BSc Hort), and is Director and Proprietor of J H Arboriculture, which serves clients throughout Leeds, York and surrounding areas in the north of England.
Husqvarna vs ECHO chainsaw: Price & value
Echo chainsaws range in RRP from $199.99 to $1,189.99, so the brand can be either a budget or a premium option, depending on which tool you choose. That said, most Echo chainsaws cost closer to the $300-400 range, which is a good, mid-market price for domestic users.
Husqvarna divides its chainsaws into ‘domestic’ and ‘professional’ sub-categories, and the price you pay will vary greatly depending on which grade you buy. The most affordable Husqvarna chainsaw has a $239.99 RRP, while the most expensive professional model is $1,449.99. Many Husqvarna chainsaws are in the $300-600 price range.
In summary, if you have a decent budget to spend on a chainsaw, you’ll likely be able to find a suitable option from either Husqvarna or Echo, although Husqvarna chainsaws are slightly more expensive on average.
“Price-wise, ECHO used to be a lot cheaper than ‘Husky,’ but they’ve caught up in recent years, so there’s not much difference anymore,” says Joe.
Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has over two decades’ experience in the construction industry. He continues to work on building projects while providing advice to professionals and consumers on topics such as home improvement and power tools.
Husqvarna vs ECHO chainsaw: Features & functions
Chainsaws are pretty uniform in terms of features compared to other types of yard tools, like lawnmowers. However, because chainsaws are potentially dangerous tools that require total concentration during use, we suspect that manufacturers would consider it risky to add unusual features that could distract the user.
One key difference between chainsaw models is the power source. These days, almost all chainsaws are either cordless electric (powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery) or gas-powered.
The ECHO cordless electric range is relatively limited, with only four chainsaw models, while the same brand makes 22 models of gas chainsaw. Meanwhile, Husqvarna has a broader range of options, with 16 battery-powered models and 37 gas chainsaws. So, if you want a cordless electric chainsaw, Husqvarna gives you a wider selection.
Husqvarna and ECHO both offer enhanced core features with selected models. For example, some gas-powered Husqvarna models have a ‘Smart Start’ ignition that reduces the effort required to start the engine. ECHO saws are often equipped with excellent vibration reduction measures, making them comfortable choices for domestic users.
Husqvarna vs ECHO chainsaw: Performance
The performance of a Husqvarna or ECHO chainsaw will vary depending on the model you buy. One thing that’s for sure is that users highly rate both brands. ECHO chainsaws are regularly rated between 4 and 5 stars by Amazon customers, and the same is true of Husqvarna models, which often score average ratings of 4.5 stars and higher.
So, if you plan on buying a Husqvarna or ECHO chainsaw, you’ll likely get a quality tool regardless of the two brands you pick.
According to Joe Hardaker, an arborist and Owner of J H Arboriculture, Husqvarna offers a slight advantage for professional use.
“It’s a tough choice, as they both make amazing saws,” he says.
“For the pro user, I’d probably edge towards Husqvarna, but I own both makes, and some classes of ECHO saws work beautifully. There’s nothing as small and capable as the ECHO CS-2511T ($509, Amazon).
“But as for a professional ground saw [used for working at ground level], there’s no beating the Husqvarna 550 XP ($699.99, Acme Tools)!”
Husqvarna vs ECHO chainsaw: care and maintenance
A chainsaw needs ongoing care and maintenance, so choosing a model that simplifies this process will save you a lot of time and effort over the years.
“The teeth need to be regularly sharpened, and the tension of the chain on the guide bar should be checked often and adjusted as needed,” says Thomas Goodman, a Construction Expert at MyJobQuote.
“Lubrication is vital to keep the chainsaw working smoothly, and regular cleaning out of the interior of the chainsaw stops it getting bunged up with sawdust and causing operating issues or rust.”
One useful chainsaw maintenance feature is tool-free tensioning, making tightening the chain much more straightforward. Husqvarna and ECHO provide this feature routinely (though you should check your chosen model’s specs before buying).
Another effort-saving feature is auto-oiling, an automatic bar lubrication system in many Husqvarna and ECHO chainsaws.
Regarding maintenance requirements, a more critical factor than Husqvarna vs. ECHO is whether the chainsaw is electric or gas-powered. Gas chainsaws are far more complicated to maintain, as you’ll need to regularly service the engine, clean the air filters, and top up the oil reservoir.
ECHO chainsaws come with a 2-year professional or 5-year domestic warranty, depending on your usage category. Meanwhile, Husqvarna offers 2-year warranties on its professional chainsaws and 2-year or 3-year warranties on its domestic-grade models.
Husqvarna vs ECHO chainsaw: which is best?
It would be unfair to simply name Husqvarna or ECHO the superior chainsaw brand. Both companies have much to offer and make excellent tools for a wide range of domestic and professional users.
Husqvarna has a broader range of chainsaws, and its tools are slightly more highly rated, on average, by the reviews and experts we’ve consulted. However, ECHO chainsaws are also highly rated and often come at a slightly lower price than their specifications.
Ultimately, you’ll need to make your decision on a product-by-product basis. Identify which Husqvarna and ECHO chainsaws could meet your requirements, and go from there. What matters most is that both brands will likely sell you an excellent chainsaw!
