Two very different tools: which one actually earns a place in your shed?

Display

There is no display or screen on either product, so this category is not relevant in the usual sense. If we interpret this as the quality of the user-facing controls and feedback, the EGO has the edge because its 3-speed turbo setup is straightforward and lets you quickly match power to the job. The Stihl MS 170 keeps things simple too, but as a petrol saw it relies more on manual operation and routine engine management. Winner: EGO, because its control system is easier to use for everyday garden work.

Performance

This is where the products diverge completely. The Stihl MS 170 is a chainsaw with a 30 cm guide bar and a 1200 W engine output, so it is designed to cut timber, prune thicker branches, and handle firewood preparation. For UK users with small to medium gardens, it is the better choice if you regularly cut logs for a burner, tackle storm-damaged limbs, or need a saw for heavier pruning. The EGO LB5302, by contrast, is a 530 CFM leaf blower with 3-speed turbo output, which makes it excellent for shifting wet leaves, grass clippings, light twigs, and debris from patios, driveways, and lawns. It will not cut anything, but it will clear a typical suburban garden far faster than sweeping or raking. Winner: tie, because each product is best-in-class for a different task and neither can replace the other.

Build quality and design

Stihl has a long-standing reputation for robust petrol tools, and the MS 170 reflects that with a compact, no-nonsense design focused on durability and ease of maintenance. It is a proven format for gardeners and homeowners who want a straightforward saw that can be serviced and kept going for years. EGO’s LB5302 is also well regarded, with a modern cordless design that prioritises balance, reduced noise, and less vibration than petrol alternatives. The blower is typically easier to store, start, and carry around the garden, especially for older users or anyone who dislikes pull-start engines. Winner: Stihl for rugged, workhorse construction; EGO for ergonomic design and user comfort. Overall winner: tie, depending on whether you value traditional durability or modern convenience.

Battery life

This category only applies meaningfully to the EGO, which includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger. In real-world use, that battery is enough for short to medium garden tidy-ups, especially if you use lower speeds for most of the job and reserve turbo for stubborn piles. For a compact UK garden, it should handle routine leaf clearing, but larger plots, long driveways, or heavy autumn leaf fall may require a second battery. The Stihl MS 170 is petrol-powered, so it is not limited by battery runtime, but it does require fuel mixing, refuelling, and more maintenance. Winner: EGO for convenience in cordless use, but Stihl for unlimited working time as long as you have fuel.

Price and value for money

At £308.00, the Stihl is £49.10 cheaper than the EGO, which costs £357.10. On pure price, the Stihl looks better value, especially considering Stihl’s premium brand reputation and the fact that chainsaws are usually more expensive tools to buy and maintain. However, value depends on what you need: if you want a chainsaw, the Stihl’s lower price is excellent; if you want a leaf blower, the EGO’s price includes a battery and charger, which makes the package far more practical than a bare tool. For UK buyers, that bundled battery ecosystem matters because EGO batteries can be reused across other EGO garden tools, improving long-term value if you plan to expand. Winner: Stihl on upfront cost, EGO on ecosystem value.

Game library/features

Neither product has a game library, but if we translate this to features and versatility, the EGO wins for everyday garden convenience. The LB5302 offers 3-speed control and turbo mode, which gives you flexibility for delicate areas like gravel paths or lighter flower beds, as well as more aggressive clearing for wet leaves. It is also part of EGO’s wider 56V platform, which is a strong advantage if you already own or plan to buy other cordless tools such as hedge trimmers, mowers, or strimmers. The Stihl MS 170 is more specialised: it is excellent at cutting wood, but it does one job very well rather than offering multiple modes or platform integration in the same way. Winner: EGO.

Overall user experience

For most homeowners, the EGO is easier and more pleasant to use. It starts instantly, is quieter than petrol, and avoids the mess of fuel mixing and engine servicing, which is a major plus in typical UK garden conditions where you may only need it seasonally through autumn, winter, and post-mowing clean-ups. The Stihl MS 170 is the more capable tool if your actual need is cutting, not clearing, and it will feel more purposeful for pruning and log work. But if you are looking for a general-purpose garden clean-up tool, the blower is simply more convenient and less intimidating. Winner: EGO for ease of ownership, Stihl for raw cutting utility.

Overall summary: these are not direct substitutes, but if you are choosing the better buy for typical garden maintenance, the EGO Power+ LB5302 is the more versatile and user-friendly tool. If you need a chainsaw, the Stihl MS 170 is the right choice and the better value at the lower price. If your priority is clearing leaves and debris around a UK home garden, driveway, or patio, the EGO wins. If your priority is cutting wood, the Stihl wins decisively.