The practical guide
STIHL AK vs AP batteries: what fits what?
Check the battery family before buying another tool. The STIHL name—and even the same voltage—does not make two batteries interchangeable.
AK and AP are different STIHL battery systems. An AK battery is not a substitute for an AP battery. You may also see ALLPRO on current products: STIHL uses that name for its professional battery system, which includes compatibility with the earlier AP tool range.
Start with the label on your tool
Write down the exact tool model and battery family. Then check the approved batteries in that model's instructions. A chainsaw and a blower may share batteries when they belong to the same compatible system, but looking at the brand alone is not enough.
STIHL positions AK around garden use and ALLPRO/AP around professional work. Those labels help explain the ranges; they do not replace checking whether an individual tool suits your task.
Three compatibility checks
Scroll sideways to see the full comparison.
| Check | What it means |
|---|---|
| Tool family | Match AK with an approved AK battery; match AP/ALLPRO tools with their approved battery options. |
| Recommended pack | Confirm the pack is recommended for that tool's workload and performance, not merely that it fits. |
| Charger model | Read the charger compatibility list separately. Some chargers serve more than one battery family. |
A shared charger does not make the batteries interchangeable between tools. STIHL also has other systems, including AS, so do not treat every cordless STIHL tool as either AK or AP.
Two chainsaws, different systems
Interline's MSA 60 C-BQ listing is a 12-inch AK-system chainsaw kit. Its MSA 200 C-BQ listing is a 14-inch AP-system chainsaw sold as a bare tool. Both are listed as 36V, but that does not mean they use the same battery.
These examples show why reading the full listing matters. They are not a like-for-like performance test: compare the cutting task, approved battery, bar and chain, weight and controls for each saw.
Before you add to your kit
Make a list of the battery and charger model numbers you already own, then compare it with the new tool's approved combinations. Check what is actually included in the box. A larger-capacity battery can change weight and balance as well as runtime.
If you expect to add a hedge trimmer, blower or another saw later, check those tools now too. Choosing a system around several planned jobs can avoid buying a second set of batteries by accident.
Browse STIHL batteries and chargers, or ask Interline to confirm an exact combination before ordering. Follow the tool's manual for operation, maintenance and protective equipment.
