Acorn vs Stannah Stairlifts Compared
Acorn and Stannah are two of the biggest and best-known stairlift brands in the UK, and they're often shortlisted together. Here's an honest side-by-side to help you decide.
Quick answer: Stannah is generally rated highest for build quality, customer service and warranty, and is usually the more premium, expensive option. Acorn is known for competitive value, fast installation and nationwide coverage. Neither is simply "better" — the right choice depends on your budget and priorities.
How we work: UK Mobility Stairlifts is an affiliate of Acorn Stairlifts — we earn a commission if you buy through Acorn, at no extra cost to you. We've kept this comparison balanced so it's genuinely useful. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Acorn vs Stannah at a glance
| Acorn | Stannah | |
|---|---|---|
| Best known for | Value & fast installation | Quality & service |
| Pricing | Competitive / value | Premium (usually higher) |
| Coverage | Nationwide, large installer network | Nationwide, long-established |
| Installation | Often quick, sometimes next-day | Established, may take a little longer |
| Warranty & aftercare | Standard warranty, aftercare available | Strong reputation for warranty & service |
| Heritage | One of the UK's largest stairlift makers | Long-established UK family-owned firm |
About Acorn
Acorn is one of the UK's largest stairlift manufacturers, known for competitive pricing, a wide installer network and fast fitting — a straight lift can often be installed quickly. It offers straight, curved, outdoor and reconditioned models. As with any supplier, it's worth comparing quotes and taking your time rather than feeling rushed into a same-day decision. More in our Acorn Stairlifts guide.
About Stannah
Stannah is a long-established, family-owned British company with a strong reputation for build quality, customer service and warranty. It's frequently rated the top brand in independent UK surveys. That quality typically comes at a higher price than value-focused brands.
Price comparison
As a general guide, UK stairlift prices are:
- Straight: £2,000–£4,000
- Curved: £4,500–£8,000+
- Average paid for a new lift: around £3,900
Acorn tends to sit at the more competitive end, Stannah at the premium end — but exact prices depend on your staircase, so compare quotes for your home. Eligible customers pay no VAT with either brand. See our costs guide.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Acorn if value, competitive pricing and fast installation are your priorities.
- Choose Stannah if you want the highest-rated build quality and service and are comfortable paying a premium.
- Either way: get at least three quotes, check exactly what the warranty and aftercare include, and don't feel pressured into deciding on the spot. Our how to choose a stairlift guide helps.
Get a free Acorn quote
If Acorn is on your shortlist, you can get a free, no-obligation quote through us, with VAT relief applied if you're eligible — fill in the form below. We'd always recommend comparing it against another quote before you decide. For a wider view, see our best stairlift brands comparison.