Acorn is the most commonly owned stairlift brand in the UK, named by around 53% of owners in our survey, ahead of Stannah and Handicare. Satisfaction is high and broadly similar across the major brands, so the right choice usually comes down to your staircase, price and local service.
We asked 450 UK stairlift owners which brand they bought and how they rated it. The brand share and satisfaction figures below are live and update as more people respond.
Brand share among UK owners
Acorn dominates by volume, reflecting its heavy marketing and large reconditioned range. Stannah and Handicare follow, with a long tail of smaller and local brands grouped under "Other".
Share of owners by brand live
Among owners who named a brand.
- Acorn 53%
- Other 18%
- Stannah 16%
- Handicare 9%
- Brooks 2%
- Companion 1%
- TKE 1%
How satisfied are owners?
The good news for buyers is that satisfaction is high across the board. Most owners rate their lift four or five out of five regardless of brand, so volume leaders are not winning on volume alone. Where owners were unhappy, the complaint was almost always about after-sales service and warranty cost rather than the lift itself.
Owner satisfaction live
86% of owners rated their stairlift four or five stars out of five.
What owners say about each brand
Verified comments from surveyed owners.
“Go for it its far better than struggling”
Other · Straight · South West“very difficult to get a good price when trying to sale it . Unfortunately my Mum died 3 months after purchase and the stairlift didnt keep its value. So maybe renting would be better option than buying for most .”
Acorn · Straight · South East“Gave me the independence to be able to stay in my home”
Other · Straight · Scotland“My mother, would prefer it to go a bit faster and would have liked a little more leg room.”
Acorn · Curved · South East“Go to a well know firm, The one i chose seems to have vanished The name Serenity Stairlifts.”
Other · Straight · South West“Very helpful and quick insulation”
Reconditioned · South West
What each stairlift brand is best at
There is no single best stairlift brand for every home. Each of the main brands has a clear strength, so the best one for you depends on your staircase, your budget and how quickly you need it fitted.
| Brand | Made by | Best known for | Straight from | Warranty (new) |
|---|
| Acorn | Acorn, Yorkshire | Low prices and fast installation, often within days | Around £1,800 | Varies by dealer |
| Stannah | Stannah, British family firm dating to 1867 | Premium build and bespoke twin-rail systems for complex stairs | Around £2,500 | 2 years |
| Handicare | Handicare, part of the Savaria group | Slim rails for narrow or awkward staircases | Around £2,295 | 2 years |
| Brooks | Built by Acorn | Dependable, budget-friendly straight lifts | Around £1,650 | Varies by dealer |
| Companion | Handicare's retail arm | Customisable curved stairlifts, plus rental and finance | Around £2,300 | Ask the supplier |
| Homelife | Homelife, UK manufacturer | British-made straight and curved lifts with handcrafted rails | Get a quote | 12 months |
| Platinum | Platinum, Yorkshire | Heavy-duty and complex curved lifts, sold through dealers | Get a quote | Ask the dealer |
Prices are indicative starting points for new straight stairlifts including installation and vary by staircase, features and supplier. Curved models cost significantly more.
Which brand suits which staircase?
- Tight budget, straight stairs: Acorn or Brooks usually offer the lowest starting prices, and both have a large reconditioned range.
- Narrow staircase: Handicare's slim rails leave more room for others to use the stairs.
- Complex curved stairs or a premium finish: Stannah's bespoke twin-rail systems are built to fit tight turns and unusual angles.
- British-made with a tailored rail: Homelife designs and manufactures its straight and curved lifts in the UK.
- Higher weight capacity: Platinum and Stannah both offer heavy-duty options.
Who owns which stairlift brand?
Several brands share an owner, which matters when you compare quotes. Brooks stairlifts are designed and built by Acorn, so a Brooks and an Acorn lift can share much of the same engineering. Companion is the retail arm of Handicare, which is itself part of the Savaria group. The same lift can therefore reach you through different companies, each with its own price, warranty and aftercare, so it pays to choose the brand first and then compare suppliers.
For the companies that sell and fit these brands, see our guide to the best stairlift companies in the UK, or compare stairlift prices by brand.
How to choose a brand
- Match the brand to your stairs. Some brands are stronger on curved rails, others on budget straight lifts.
- Weigh up local service. Owners repeatedly valued a nearby engineer for fast call-outs over a big national name.
- Compare on total cost. Include servicing and warranty, not just the headline price.
- Do not assume the biggest is the best. Satisfaction is similar across brands, so shop on price and service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stairlift brand in the UK?
There is no single best brand for every home. Acorn is the most commonly owned in our survey and satisfaction is high across all the major names. Acorn and Brooks suit tight budgets, Handicare suits narrow staircases, Stannah suits premium and complex curved installs, and Homelife suits buyers who want a British-made lift.
What is the most popular stairlift brand in the UK?
Acorn is the most commonly owned brand among UK buyers in our survey, followed by Stannah and Handicare.
Which stairlift brand is the most reliable?
Satisfaction is high and broadly similar across the major brands. Most owners rate their lift four or five out of five, so reliability is rarely the deciding factor between the leading names.
Is Stannah better than Acorn?
Both score well with owners. Stannah is often chosen for curved and premium installs, Acorn for value and a wide reconditioned range. The better choice depends on your staircase and budget.
Should I choose a local brand or a national one?
Many owners said a local supplier gave faster service and a more personal experience. A national brand can offer wider coverage. Compare response times and service cost in your area.
Who makes Brooks stairlifts?
Brooks stairlifts are designed and built by Acorn, so the two share much of the same engineering. They are sold through different dealers, which is why prices for very similar lifts can vary.
Compare stairlift brands and prices
Get free quotes and brochures from trusted UK suppliers.
Compare now
Figures based on 450 survey responses. Last updated 7 November 2026.