Independent UK research into what things cost to buy, install and run, with the working shownUK cost research, working shown
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Researched and written by Look Into · Published 6 Jul 2025 · How we work

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A stairlift lets someone with limited mobility keep using the whole of their home. There are more than a dozen stairlift companies selling in the UK, and their prices for a comparable straight lift can differ by thousands of pounds.

Below are the top stairlift brands, how they differ, and what to check before choosing a company.

What is the most reliable stairlift brand?

Reliability usually comes down to:

  • Build quality
  • Safety features such as seat belts, obstruction sensors and emergency stop buttons
  • Aftercare services
  • Professional installation

These stairlift manufacturers sell in the UK:

Acorn Stairlifts

  • Promotes fast installation; ask for the fitting date in writing
  • Offers straight and curved stairlifts with a single rail design
  • Suits buyers who need a quick turnaround and simple controls

Handicare Stairlifts

  • Offers customisable options and a range of safety features
  • Offers swivel seats and slimline designs
  • Offers models suited to tight spaces and narrow staircases

Get free quotes from up to 3 stairlift companies that cover your area.

Stannah Stairlifts

  • A long-standing UK stairlift company
  • Offers straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts
  • Offers warranty options and local service; check the length of both in the quote

Bruno Stairlifts

  • An American brand now sold in the UK
  • Focuses on heavy-duty construction
  • Suits buyers who put durability first

What is the list of stairlift companies?

These stairlift brands also sell in the UK:

Companion Stairlifts

  • Offers stairlifts tailored to the staircase and the user
  • Offers aftercare alongside its stairlifts; ask what it covers and for how long

Brooks Stairlifts

  • Focuses on lower prices and simple controls
  • Offers lifts for straight and curved staircases

Bison Stairlifts

  • An independent company selling lower-priced stairlifts for straight stairs
  • A budget brand; check its safety features match those of dearer models

TKE Home Solutions (formerly Thyssenkrupp)

  • Offers custom-fit options
  • Offers modern styling; ask which features come as standard

Age UK / Age Co Stairlifts

  • Offers lower-priced stairlifts aimed at older adults
  • Offers simple designs and nationwide support

Which are the best stairlifts in the UK?

How the brands compare:

BrandBest ForMain features
StannahPremium usersWarranty and local service
HandicareCustomisation & comfortSafety sensors, slim designs, and custom rails
AcornQuick installationStraight stairlifts, ease of use
CompanionAll-round useTailored options, mid-range pricing
BrunoDurabilityHeavy-duty build
BrooksLower budgetsSimple units
BisonStraight staircasesLow price, compact design
TKE Home SolutionsCustom fittingCustom-fit options

Ask for a free home survey to find which model suits your staircase, and compare prices and features from several suppliers before deciding.

Which is better: Stannah or Acorn stairlifts?

Stannah and Acorn Stairlifts are both large UK suppliers, and they suit different buyers:

FeatureStannahAcorn
Product RangeWide, includes curved & outdoorFocused on straight & curved
CustomisationHighModerate
Speed of InstallationModerateFast
Brand ReputationLong-standing, premiumFast installation
AftercareLocal coverageService packages
Best ForLong-term useQuick setup

If you want a bespoke stairlift with extended service support, Stannah may suit you better. If you need a stairlift fitted quickly, Acorn is the faster option.

How to choose the right stairlift

The features matter as much as the brand. Check:

  • The shape of your staircase (straight vs. curved)
  • Your physical needs (swivel seat, remote controls, battery backup)
  • Budget (reconditioned stairlifts cost less)
  • Warranty and aftercare service
  • Custom fit and optional extras

Most established companies offer:

  • Free home visits
  • A lift fitted to your staircase
  • Finance options
  • Both new and reconditioned stairlift models

Get free quotes from up to 3 stairlift companies that cover your area.

Which brand should you call first?

There are a dozen brands worth considering, and the differences that matter are price transparency, whether the company fits its own lifts, and how soon it can survey. Ask each one for a written quote that separates the chair, the rail and the installation, because that is where the differences show up.

Compare prices, ask for a free quote, and look at new and reconditioned models before choosing the best stairlift for your stairs.

Popular guides

lookinto.co.uk publishes dated UK household cost research: what things cost to buy, install and run across home energy, mobility, later-life care and home improvement. The only quote form on the site is for stairlifts and home lifts. Every index states its method, capture date and sources on the page it appears on.