Two very different tools: petrol cutting power or cordless leaf-clearing freedom

Display

There is no display or screen on either product, so this category is not relevant. In practical buying terms, neither tool offers digital controls, app connectivity, or battery readouts beyond basic hardware indicators. Winner: tie.

Performance

This is the biggest difference and the deciding factor. The Stihl MS 170 is a 1200 W petrol chainsaw with a 30 cm guide bar, which makes it suitable for cutting branches, small trunks, and firewood in a typical UK garden. It is the clear winner for actual cutting performance because it is a chain-driven tool designed to bite through wood, not just move debris. The EGO LB5300, by contrast, is a 56V cordless blower rated at 530 CFM, with 3-speed control and turbo mode, so its job is to shift leaves, grass clippings, and light garden waste rather than cut anything. For leaf clearance, the EGO wins outright: 530 CFM is a strong figure for a domestic blower, and cordless convenience makes it fast for patios, artificial lawns, and driveways. Overall performance winner depends on the task, but for most people comparing these two directly, the Stihl wins on power and versatility because a chainsaw is a more capable tool category.

Build quality and design

Stihl has the stronger reputation for rugged, pro-grade garden equipment, and the MS 170 reflects that. It is a simple, proven petrol saw with a 30 cm bar, designed to be durable and serviceable over many seasons, especially if you already know how to handle petrol maintenance. The EGO LB5300 is also well regarded, with a lightweight cordless design that is easier to carry, quieter, and less tiring for longer clearing sessions. In terms of ergonomics, the blower wins for ease of use: no pull-start, no fuel mixing, and much less vibration and mess. In terms of robustness and long-term hard use, the Stihl wins. For UK homeowners who want a tool that feels solid and lasts, Stihl takes build quality; for comfort and simplicity, EGO takes design.

Battery life

This category only really applies to the EGO, because the Stihl is petrol-powered. The LB5300 is sold battery and charger not included, which is important: the real cost and runtime depend on which EGO 56V battery you already own or plan to buy. With a suitable battery, the blower can handle a standard garden tidy-up very well, but runtime will vary significantly in Turbo mode, which is where you’ll often want the extra power for wet autumn leaves. The Stihl does not have battery life concerns, but it does have fuel and maintenance considerations instead. If you value all-day readiness without charging delays, the Stihl has the advantage; if you want cordless convenience and are already invested in EGO batteries, the blower is better. Winner: tie, because it depends on whether you prioritise petrol endurance or cordless ecosystem convenience.

Price and value for money

The EGO is cheaper at £227.53, undercutting the Stihl by £80.47. On paper, that makes the blower better value if your goal is a cordless garden cleanup tool, especially since it avoids the cost and hassle of petrol storage. However, value has to be judged against capability: the Stihl costs more because it is a chainsaw, and it gives you a much more serious cutting tool for pruning and firewood. The EGO is good value for a premium blower, but the battery and charger are not included, which can significantly raise the true entry cost if you are not already on the 56V platform. The Stihl is better value if you need a chainsaw; the EGO is better value if you need a blower and already own EGO batteries. Overall price winner: EGO, but overall value depends on the job.

Game library/features

Neither product has a game library, so this category is not applicable. If interpreted as feature set, the EGO has the more modern convenience features: 3-speed control, turbo mode, cordless operation, and compatibility with EGO’s 56V battery ecosystem. The Stihl is much more basic, but that simplicity is part of its appeal: fewer electronics, fewer things to go wrong, and straightforward mechanical operation. Winner: EGO on features, Stihl on simplicity.

Overall user experience

For a typical UK gardener, the EGO LB5300 is the easier tool to live with. It is cleaner, quieter, and ideal for regular leaf clearing on small to medium gardens, especially in autumn when wet leaves can quickly cover lawns and paths. The Stihl MS 170 is more demanding to own, with petrol mixing, starting, and maintenance, but it delivers a level of practical cutting ability that a blower simply cannot match. If your main pain point is tidying up after mowing or autumn leaf fall, the EGO will feel more useful day to day. If you need one tool to cut branches, tidy storm damage, and prep logs, the Stihl is the more capable and more serious machine. Overall summary: these are not direct substitutes, but if forced to choose one, the Stihl MS 170 is the more powerful and broadly useful tool, while the EGO is the easier and cheaper choice for leaf clearance.

Final verdict

Choose the Stihl if you need cutting power and a dependable petrol chainsaw for pruning, storm cleanup, or firewood. Choose the EGO if your main job is clearing leaves and garden debris quickly with less noise, less maintenance, and cordless convenience. The better buy depends on the task, but for pure capability, Stihl wins; for everyday convenience and lower upfront cost, EGO wins.