An honest, side-by-side comparison of the UK’s two biggest stairlift brands. We cover pricing, build quality, installation, warranties, curved staircase options and which one suits your situation.
Updated May 2026 · Written by Jacob Whitmore, Founder of Review Mobility · Independent, not sponsored
Quick answer: Stannah is the better choice for curved staircases, long-term reliability and comprehensive warranties (up to 10 years). Acorn is typically cheaper and faster to install, making it a strong option for standard straight staircases on a tighter budget. Stannah straight stairlifts start from around £3,300. Acorn straight stairlifts start from around £2,000. Both offer 0% VAT for disabled and chronically ill buyers.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Acorn | Stannah |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift price | £2,000 – £3,000 | £3,300 – £4,500 |
| Curved stairlift price | £4,000 – £6,000 | £4,200 – £10,000 |
| Rail system | Single rail, electronic levelling | Twin rail, mechanical levelling |
| Installation time | 1 – 2 hours (modular, same-day) | 2 – 4 hours (custom survey, 1 – 3 weeks lead) |
| Warranty | 1 – 5 years | Up to 10 years (motor and gearbox) |
| Curved staircase handling | Modular curved rails, suits standard curves | Bespoke rails, handles complex multi-turn layouts |
| Company history | 25+ years, global presence in 80+ countries | 150+ years, family-owned, UK heritage brand |
| Sales model | Direct to consumer only | Direct and through approved dealers |
| Reconditioned available? | No (new only from Acorn directly) | Yes, Stannah-approved refurbished units |
Pricing: What You Will Actually Pay
Acorn is typically the cheaper option for straight staircases. Their modular manufacturing process keeps costs lower because components are standardised rather than custom-built. For a standard straight staircase, expect to pay £2,000 to £3,000 with Acorn versus £3,300 to £4,500 with Stannah.
For curved staircases, the gap narrows. Acorn curved stairlifts cost £4,000 to £6,000, while Stannah ranges from £4,200 to £10,000 depending on complexity. The higher end of Stannah’s range reflects genuinely complex staircases with multiple turns and landings where their bespoke rail manufacturing excels.
Important: Both companies offer 0% VAT if you are chronically sick or disabled. On a £3,000 stairlift, that saves you £500. Always claim this before you pay.
Build Quality and Engineering
Acorn’s approach: modular and electronic
Acorn uses a single-rail system with electronic levelling. The rail is manufactured in standard sections and cut to length on site. The electronic system adjusts the seat angle automatically as the stairlift travels. This approach allows for rapid installation and keeps manufacturing costs down.
The trade-off is longevity. Electronic levelling systems introduce more potential failure points as the stairlift ages. Over a 10 to 15 year lifespan, electronic components are more likely to need replacement than mechanical ones.
Stannah’s approach: bespoke and mechanical
Stannah uses a twin-rail system with mechanical levelling. Each rail is custom-manufactured after a detailed home survey. The mechanical system uses the physical shape of the rails to maintain the correct seat angle, with fewer electronic components that can fail.
This approach costs more and takes longer to install, but the mechanical system tends to perform more reliably over 10 to 15 years. Stannah also offers a wider range of seat styles, colours and finishes, allowing you to match the stairlift to your home decor.
Installation Process
Acorn: fast and efficient
Acorn’s modular design means installation is quick. A straight stairlift can be fitted within 1 to 2 hours of the engineer arriving. In many cases, Acorn can survey and install on the same day or next day. This speed is a genuine advantage if you need a stairlift urgently, for example after a hospital discharge.
Stannah: thorough but slower
Stannah begins with a detailed home survey by a trained assessor. The rail is then custom-manufactured (typically 1 to 3 weeks for straight, 3 to 6 weeks for curved). Installation itself takes 2 to 4 hours. The process is slower, but the custom approach means the stairlift fits your staircase precisely.
Curved Staircases: Where Stannah Pulls Ahead
If your staircase has bends, turns, intermediate landings or unusual geometry, Stannah has a clear advantage. Their bespoke rail manufacturing can accommodate virtually any staircase layout, including tight 180-degree turns, narrow staircases and multi-flight configurations.
Acorn’s modular curved rails handle standard curved configurations well, but may struggle with particularly complex layouts. If your staircase has more than one turn or an unusual shape, get quotes from both companies and compare how each proposes to handle the curves.
Warranty and After-Sales
This is where Stannah has a significant edge. Stannah offers warranties up to 10 years on the motor and gearbox, reflecting their confidence in the product’s longevity. Acorn’s warranty ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the model and location.
Stannah also sells directly and through a network of approved dealers, giving you more options for servicing and repairs. Acorn sells direct to consumer only, which means all after-sales support goes through Acorn’s own service team.
Safety Features
Both brands include the essential safety features: seatbelts, obstruction sensors that stop the stairlift if something is on the stairs, and a swivel seat at the top of the stairs so you can step off safely away from the staircase edge.
Stannah offers additional safety options including pressure-sensitive controls (the stairlift only moves while you hold the control), a powered swivel seat and a powered footrest. These features are particularly valuable for users with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Acorn if:
- You have a standard straight staircase with no bends
- Budget is a primary concern
- You need the stairlift installed quickly (same-day or next-day)
- You are comfortable with a shorter warranty period
Choose Stannah if:
- Your staircase has curves, bends or multiple turns
- Long-term reliability and a comprehensive warranty matter to you
- You want more customisation options (colours, seat styles, finishes)
- You prefer having local dealer support for servicing
- You are buying for a property where the stairlift will be in use for many years
Consider a third option
Acorn and Stannah are not the only choices. Handicare, Brooks (manufactured by Acorn) and TKE Solutions (formerly ThyssenKrupp) all offer competitive alternatives. Getting quotes from at least three companies, including one independent installer, will give you the clearest picture of your options and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acorn or Stannah cheaper?
Acorn is typically cheaper for straight staircases, with prices starting around £2,000 compared to Stannah’s £3,300. For curved staircases the difference narrows, with Acorn starting around £4,000 and Stannah around £4,200.
Which lasts longer, Acorn or Stannah?
Stannah stairlifts generally have a longer lifespan due to their mechanical twin-rail system and heavier-duty construction. Stannah backs this with warranties up to 10 years. Acorn stairlifts are reliable but their electronic levelling system introduces more potential failure points over time.
Can Acorn fit a curved staircase?
Yes, Acorn offers curved stairlifts using modular rail sections. They handle standard curves and single turns well. For complex multi-turn staircases or unusual layouts, Stannah’s bespoke approach may be a better fit.
Do both brands offer VAT relief?
Yes. If you are chronically sick or disabled, you can buy from either brand at 0% VAT. You sign a declaration form and the company charges you at the reduced rate. No benefits or registration are required.
Are Brooks stairlifts the same as Acorn?
Brooks stairlifts are manufactured by Acorn. The Brooks Lincoln straight stairlift is essentially the same product as the Acorn 130, sold through a different brand name and dealer network. If you are quoted for a Brooks stairlift, you can compare it directly against Acorn pricing.
How do I get a quote from Acorn or Stannah?
Both companies offer free home surveys. Acorn can often survey and install on the same day. Stannah schedules a survey followed by a separate installation date. Always get quotes from both companies plus at least one independent installer to ensure you are getting a fair price.
Related guides on Review Mobility