4 Alternatives to the Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw — Including Better Value Picks for Light Garden Work

The Stihl MS 170 is a small petrol chainsaw with a 30 cm guide bar, and it still makes sense if you want a proper all-rounder for hedge-line clearance, storm damage, and heavier logs. But for many UK gardens — especially small to medium plots with apple trees, conifers, and seasonal pruning — a cordless saw can be easier to live with.

SEESII Mini Chainsaw Cordless 6 Inch is the cheapest option here by a long way at £47.45, and it’s best viewed as a pruning tool rather than a true chainsaw replacement. It’s much lighter and easier to use one-handed for trimming branches, cutting back shrubs, and tidying up after windy weather. What’s better: low cost, simple battery operation, and far less fatigue. What’s worse: the 6-inch bar is nowhere near the Stihl’s capacity, so it won’t handle thicker logs or serious firewood work. Choose this if you mainly need a tool for light garden maintenance and don’t want the noise, fumes, or upkeep of petrol.

SEESII 8 Inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw is a more capable step up at £64.58. Compared with the Stihl, it still loses on raw cutting ability and continuous run time, but it wins on convenience and portability. The 8-inch bar gives you more reach on thicker branches, and the dual 4000mAh batteries should suit intermittent pruning jobs around an average UK garden. What’s better: easier starting, less vibration, and better value for casual use. What’s worse: it’s still not a substitute for a petrol saw when cutting larger timber or working for long periods. This is a sensible pick if you want a budget-friendly saw for tree trimming and occasional small log cutting.

Supstable Mini Chainsaw Cordless 8 Inch & 6 Inch Brushless is the most versatile of the mini saws at £79.98. The brushless motor is a plus because it should be more efficient and durable than cheaper brushed designs, and the dual-bar setup adds flexibility for different jobs. Against the Stihl, it’s still less serious in terms of power and chain speed, but it is easier to store, lighter to use, and better suited to quick garden tasks. What’s better: brushless motor, battery convenience, and good value for light-to-medium pruning. What’s worse: it remains a mini saw, so don’t expect it to tackle thick trunks or frequent heavy cutting. Pick this if you want the best balance of features and price among cordless options.

DEWALT 18V XR Brushless 30cm Compact Chainsaw, Tool Only is the closest alternative to the Stihl in size and purpose at £199.99. With a 30 cm bar, it’s the most realistic replacement for people who want a proper garden chainsaw rather than a mini pruning saw. What’s better: cordless convenience, brushless motor, and compatibility with the DEWALT 18V XR battery platform if you already own other tools. What’s worse: it’s tool-only, so you’ll need batteries and charger if you don’t already have them, which can raise the real cost. This is the best choice for buyers who want a full-size cordless saw for regular garden maintenance and already use DEWALT batteries.

Overall, if you’re comparing purely on price, the SEESII and Supstable models are far cheaper than the Stihl. If you want the nearest like-for-like substitute in size and use, the DEWALT is the strongest alternative.