Petrol power or cordless convenience: which 30cm chainsaw wins?

Display

Chainsaws do not have displays in the usual sense, so there is no screen quality advantage for either product. What matters instead is how clearly each tool communicates its status and how easy it is to monitor in use. The DEWALT is the better modern user experience here, because cordless tools typically offer simpler operation: battery in, press the trigger, and go. The Stihl MS 170 is more old-school, with petrol starting, fuel mix, and more manual checks. Winner: DEWALT, for simpler day-to-day usability.

Performance

This is where the choice becomes clear. The Stihl MS 170 is a petrol chainsaw with a 1200 W engine and a 30 cm guide bar, so it is built for consistent cutting through thicker branches, logs, and general property maintenance. Petrol power gives it stronger sustained torque and no battery fade, which matters if you are cutting dense, wet timber after a windy UK autumn or clearing several wheelbarrows of logs in one session. The DEWALT DCM565N-XJ is a brushless 18V cordless saw with a 30 cm bar, and while brushless motor technology is efficient, it simply cannot match petrol for sustained heavy-duty work. It is excellent for pruning, light-to-medium log cutting, and quick jobs, but it will feel less authoritative on larger hardwood pieces. Winner: Stihl MS 170, for raw cutting performance and endurance.

Build quality and design

Both brands have strong reputations. Stihl is the benchmark name for petrol garden tools, and the MS 170’s design is proven, simple, and rugged. It is a familiar choice for homeowners who want a straightforward saw that can keep going for years if maintained properly. DEWALT’s DCM565N-XJ is well-designed too, with brushless efficiency and a compact cordless layout that reduces fuss. It is usually easier to store, easier to carry around the garden, and less intimidating for occasional users. However, the Stihl’s petrol construction is better suited to hard, repeated use, while the DEWALT’s design is more about convenience than brute durability under constant load. Winner: Stihl MS 170, for traditional robustness; DEWALT wins only on portability and convenience.

Battery life

This category strongly favours the DEWALT in one sense and the Stihl in another. The DEWALT is tool-only, so battery life depends entirely on the 18V XR batteries you already own. If you are already invested in DEWALT’s battery platform, it is a very efficient way to add a chainsaw without buying a new system. But for runtime, cordless is always finite: you will need spare batteries for longer jobs, especially in cold UK weather when battery performance can dip. The Stihl MS 170 has no battery limitation at all; as long as you have fuel and chain oil, it can keep working. For long sessions, bigger jobs, or remote areas of the garden where charging is inconvenient, the Stihl is the practical winner. Winner: Stihl MS 170, for unlimited runtime; DEWALT only wins if you already have spare XR batteries and want short bursts of work.

Price and value for money

On sticker price, the DEWALT is cheaper at £225.20 compared with the Stihl at £308.00, saving £82.80. That said, the DEWALT is tool only, so the real cost may be much higher if you do not already own DEWALT 18V XR batteries and a charger. The Stihl costs more upfront too, but it is a complete petrol machine with no battery ecosystem to buy into, and it gives you continuous runtime. For buyers starting from scratch, the Stihl may actually represent better value if they need a serious cutting tool and do not already have compatible batteries. For existing DEWALT users, the DCM565N-XJ can be excellent value because you are leveraging batteries you already own. Winner: tie, because value depends heavily on whether you already have DEWALT batteries.

Game library/features

Chainsaws do not have game libraries, but if we translate this into features and ecosystem, the DEWALT has the advantage for modern accessory compatibility. It slots into the wider 18V XR platform, which is a major selling point if you already run DEWALT drills, hedge trimmers, or blowers. That ecosystem benefit can be huge for UK gardeners with a compact patio, small lawn, and multiple cordless tools. The Stihl MS 170, by contrast, is more of a standalone specialist tool: fewer ecosystem benefits, but a very focused job. In practical feature terms, the Stihl wins on uninterrupted cutting ability, while the DEWALT wins on system convenience and lower daily hassle. Winner: DEWALT, for ecosystem and convenience.

Overall user experience

For most UK homeowners, the DEWALT is easier to live with. It is quieter, simpler to start, and better suited to quick jobs around a small or medium garden, especially if you already own DEWALT 18V XR batteries. It is the more pleasant option for occasional use and light pruning. The Stihl MS 170 is the better tool when the job gets serious: storm cleanup, thicker trunks, repeated cutting, or longer sessions where battery swapping would become annoying. Petrol maintenance is the trade-off, but the payback is stronger real-world cutting confidence. Winner: DEWALT for convenience, Stihl for serious gardening work.

Overall summary: if you want the best all-round cutting machine for demanding tasks, choose the Stihl MS 170. If you want easier handling, lower noise, and you already own DEWALT 18V XR batteries, the DCM565N-XJ is the smarter buy. For pure performance and long-run reliability, the Stihl takes the win; for convenience and ecosystem value, the DEWALT is the better fit.