Cutting logs or clearing leaves: which tool actually earns its keep?

Display

There is no display or screen on either product, so this category is not relevant in the usual sense. If you mean visibility of controls and usability, the EGO wins slightly because its battery gauge and electronic controls are straightforward, while the Stihl is a more traditional petrol tool with choke, primer and pull-start operation. Winner: EGO, for simpler status feedback and easier everyday use.

Performance

This is the biggest deciding factor, and it is not a close comparison because the tools do completely different jobs. The Stihl MS 170 uses a 1200 W petrol engine with a 30 cm guide bar, which is a sensible size for small-to-medium domestic cutting tasks: pruning branches, cutting up logs for a burner, and dealing with storm-damaged limbs. It is the stronger choice if you need a saw that can actually cut timber, and its petrol power gives it consistent output without waiting for a battery to charge. The EGO LB6504 is a 650 CFM blower, which is excellent for shifting wet leaves, grass clippings and debris from paths and lawns, especially in UK autumn and winter conditions when gardens get heavy with damp leaf fall. It cannot cut wood at all, but as a blower it is far more capable than a general-purpose handheld model. Winner: tie, because each is best in its own category; the Stihl wins for cutting performance, the EGO wins for clearing performance.

Build quality and design

Stihl has a strong reputation for durable, no-nonsense petrol tools, and the MS 170 fits that mould. It is compact, simple and built for occasional domestic use rather than professional daily abuse, but the brand’s long-standing service network and parts support are major positives in the UK. The EGO LB6504 is also well regarded for build quality, with a modern, well-balanced design and a brushless motor that should be quieter, cleaner and lower-maintenance than petrol. In practical use, the blower’s cordless design is less tiring for quick jobs, while the chainsaw’s petrol layout is more demanding but proven. Winner: tie, with Stihl edging durability and EGO edging modern ergonomics.

Battery life

This category only really applies to the EGO, because the Stihl is petrol-powered. The EGO includes a 56V 5.0Ah battery and charger, which is a real advantage because it is ready to use out of the box and avoids the hidden extra cost of buying into the platform separately. Runtime on a 5.0Ah pack is typically enough for many suburban UK gardens, especially if you are clearing leaves from a patio, driveway and borders rather than trying to do a large estate in one go. The Stihl has no battery life to worry about, but you do have fuel mixing, refuelling and more maintenance. Winner: EGO, because the included battery system is convenient and low-maintenance, even if runtime is finite.

Price and value for money

At £308, the Stihl is £209.72 cheaper than the EGO, which is a huge gap. If your job is cutting wood, the Stihl offers much better value because it is the only one of the two that can do that job at all. However, the EGO’s £517.72 price includes the battery and charger, which matters because EGO batteries are expensive and the ecosystem is one of the main reasons to buy the brand. For people who already own EGO 56V tools, the blower becomes better value; for first-time buyers, it is a premium purchase. Winner: Stihl for outright value, unless you specifically want a cordless blower platform.

Game library/features

This category is not applicable in the literal sense, but if we translate it into features and ecosystem, the EGO has the richer modern feature set. You get cordless convenience, low noise, no fuel mixing, and the ability to expand into the EGO 56V platform later. The Stihl MS 170 is far more basic: it does one job well, but it does not offer the same convenience features or ecosystem flexibility. On the other hand, the Stihl’s simplicity is part of its appeal, especially for users who want a straightforward saw without charging routines. Winner: EGO, for features and ecosystem depth.

Overall user experience

For most UK homeowners, the better experience depends on the task. The EGO LB6504 is easier to pick up and use for 10-minute clean-up jobs after mowing, autumn leaf fall, or winter debris on a block-paved drive. It is cleaner, quieter and less faff than petrol, which makes it ideal for regular maintenance in smaller-to-medium gardens. The Stihl MS 170 is more specialised and less convenient day-to-day, but when you need to cut branches or logs it is the only tool here that can actually do the job. For users with a patio, lawn and a few trees, the EGO is the more pleasant tool; for anyone who needs a saw, the Stihl is the essential one. Winner: EGO for ease of use, Stihl for actual cutting utility.

Overall summary: these are not direct substitutes, and that matters. The Stihl MS 170 is the clear buy if your real need is a chainsaw for pruning and light firewood, especially at £308. The EGO LB6504 is the better choice if you want a premium cordless blower with included battery and charger, and you value convenience over outright price. If you need one tool to clear a UK garden, buy the EGO; if you need to cut timber, buy the Stihl.