I took both saws to the woods on a cold Tuesday. I had a big oak tree to cut. It was the perfect time to test them. Everyone asks me the same thing. Can the cheap Echo really hang with the pro Stihl?
I have to be honest. This is not a fair fight. The Stihl costs almost double the price of the Echo. So, the real test is simple. Is the Stihl worth all that extra cash?
The Price Gap: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 362
I looked at the price tags first. It is a shock. The Echo CS-590 is a steal. The Stihl MS 362 costs a lot. I stood there and looked at both saws. I had to know if the Stihl was truly twice as good.
| Feature | Echo CS-590 | Stihl MS 362 C-M |
| Cost | Low | High |
| User | Farm | Pro |
| Value | Great | Fair |
Rating: Echo CS-590 – 10/10 | Stihl MS 362 – 7/10
Cutting Speed: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 362
I started the Stihl first. It screams. It has a smart chip that tunes it. It cuts very fast and clean. It feels like a race car. Then I grabbed the Echo. It sounds deep. It is more like a tractor. It is not as fast. But it pulls hard in the wood. It keeps up well for the price.
| Feature | Echo CS-590 | Stihl MS 362 C-M |
| Power | 4.0 bhp | 4.69 bhp |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Feel | Strong | Zippy |
Rating: Echo CS-590 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 362 – 10/10
Weight & Feel: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 362
My back felt the difference here. I cut wood for four hours. The Stihl is light. It weighs just over 12 pounds. It is thin and sleek. It is easy to move. The Echo is heavier. It feels wide and boxy. After a long day, that extra pound feels heavy. The Stihl is much kinder to your body.
| Feature | Echo CS-590 | Stihl MS 362 C-M |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs | 12.3 lbs |
| Shape | Wide | Slim |
| Comfort | Okay | Best |
Rating: Echo CS-590 – 7/10 | Stihl MS 362 – 10/10
Build Quality: Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 362
This is the secret weapon for Echo. Most cheap saws use plastic. But the Echo CS-590 uses metal. It uses magnesium cases. This is the same tough metal the Stihl uses. So, for half the price, the Echo is just as strong. That is why I like the Echo so much. It is built to last.
| Feature | Echo CS-590 | Stihl MS 362 C-M |
| Case | Metal | Metal |
| Toughness | High | High |
| Deal | Great | Good |
Rating: Echo CS-590 – 10/10 | Stihl MS 362 – 10/10
My Final Take
I own both saws. I use them for different jobs.
Pick the Stihl MS 362 if:
- You cut wood every day.
- You need speed and comfort.
- You have a big budget.
Pick the Echo CS-590 if:
- You want a great deal.
- You cut wood for your home.
- You want a pro build for less cash.
The Stihl is the better saw. It is faster and lighter. But the Echo is the better deal. It does almost all the work for half the price. That is hard to beat.
FAQs – Echo CS-590 vs Stihl MS 362
Is the Echo CS-590 too heavy?
The Echo CS-590 is heavy. It weighs one pound more than the Stihl. You will feel it in your arms. The Stihl MS 362 is light and sleek. It is easier to hold for a long time.
Does the Echo CS-590 have a metal case?
Yes, the Echo CS-590 uses metal. It has a strong case like the Stihl. Most cheap saws use plastic. This makes the Echo a great deal. It is built to last for many years.
Why does the Stihl MS 362 cost more?
The Stihl MS 362 has more tech. It is lighter and runs smoother. The Echo CS-590 is simple. It is built tough but lacks the fancy features. The Stihl is a pro tool.
Which chainsaw cuts faster?
The Stihl MS 362 is faster. It uses a smart chip to run at high speed. The Echo CS-590 is a bit slower. But it is still very strong in the wood. The Stihl wins this race.
Which saw is the best value?
The Echo CS-590 is the best value. It costs half the price of the Stihl. It does almost the same work. If you want to save cash, pick the Echo. It is a bargain.