Best budget saw or premium blower? The answer is clearer than it looks

Display

Neither product has a display in the usual sense, so this category is really about controls and usability. The EGO LB7654 has the more modern interface: variable-speed control, battery status via the EGO 56V platform, and a generally more user-friendly cordless experience. The Stihl MS 170 is a straightforward petrol saw with simple mechanical controls, which is fine, but less refined. Winner: EGO, because it offers easier, more intuitive day-to-day operation.

Performance

This is where the products diverge most sharply, and there is no direct performance comparison because they are built for different tasks. The Stihl MS 170’s 1200 W petrol engine and 30 cm guide bar are suited to light domestic cutting: pruning branches, cutting firewood, and occasional small tree maintenance. It is not a powerhouse, but for typical UK homeowner jobs it does the basics reliably. The EGO LB7654 is a serious blower, rated at 765 CFM, which is exceptionally high for a cordless unit and ideal for clearing wet leaves, grass clippings, acorns and debris from larger gardens, drives and paths. If you need raw air-moving force, the EGO wins decisively. If you need to cut wood, the Stihl is the only one that can do the job at all. Overall winner for performance in its intended role: EGO.

Build quality and design

Stihl has a strong reputation for durable, no-nonsense outdoor power equipment, and the MS 170 reflects that. It is compact, lightweight for a petrol saw, and designed for straightforward home use with a 30 cm bar that is manageable for less experienced users. The trade-off is the usual petrol-saw downsides: fuel mixing, more noise, vibration, fumes, and more maintenance. The EGO blower is well designed too, with a cordless layout that feels modern and practical. EGO’s build quality is generally excellent, and the LB7654’s variable-speed control and included 5.0Ah battery and charger make it a polished package. For pure robustness and proven brand heritage, Stihl edges it; for ergonomic design and ease of use, EGO is better. Winner: tie, with Stihl for toughness and EGO for convenience.

Battery life

This category only really applies to the EGO, because the Stihl MS 170 is petrol-powered. The EGO LB7654 includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger, which is a major value point because you can start using it straight away. Runtime will depend heavily on speed setting; at lower speeds it is suitable for routine tidy-ups, while max power will drain the battery much faster. For a typical UK suburban garden, the included battery should handle most leaf-clearing sessions, but larger properties or repeated heavy use may need a second battery. The Stihl has no battery life concerns, but it does require fuel and oil, and that means ongoing running costs. Winner: EGO for convenience, though petrol still wins for unlimited runtime as long as you refuel.

Price and value for money

This is the clearest category in the whole comparison. The Stihl MS 170 costs £308.00, while the EGO LB7654 costs £575.60, a difference of £267.60. On pure purchase price, the Stihl is much better value if you need a chainsaw and want a trusted entry-level model for domestic cutting. The EGO is expensive, but it includes a battery and charger, and you are paying for premium cordless performance. If you already own EGO 56V batteries, the blower becomes far better value; if you do not, the upfront cost is hard to justify unless you have a large, leaf-prone garden or want a top-tier cordless blower. Winner: Stihl, because it delivers useful domestic capability for far less money.

Game library/features

Not applicable in the gaming sense, but in practical feature terms the EGO has the richer feature set: variable speed, cordless operation, included battery and charger, and compatibility with the wider EGO 56V platform. That ecosystem matters if you plan to add a mower, strimmer or hedge trimmer later. The Stihl MS 170 is simpler and more focused, with fewer convenience features but a very clear purpose. For feature depth and platform potential, EGO wins.

Overall user experience

For everyday use, the EGO LB7654 is easier, cleaner and quieter. It is the better tool for quick seasonal jobs in the UK, especially in autumn when wet leaves can blanket lawns, patios and block paving. It also avoids the hassle of petrol mixing, pull-start frustration and engine maintenance. The Stihl MS 170 is more old-school, but it gives you dependable cutting power for pruning and firewood without worrying about battery runtime. If your real need is clearing debris, the EGO is the more pleasant tool to own. If your real need is cutting wood, the Stihl is the correct purchase. Overall winner: Stihl for value and versatility in a home workshop/garden context, EGO for premium leaf-clearing performance.

Overall summary: the better buy depends on the job, but if you are choosing purely on value and broad domestic usefulness, the Stihl MS 170 is the smarter purchase. It is dramatically cheaper and gives you a proper chainsaw for pruning and light cutting. The EGO LB7654 is the superior blower and the better cordless experience, but it is a much more expensive specialist tool. Choose Stihl if you need cutting capability; choose EGO only if leaf and debris clearance is your main priority and you want premium cordless convenience.