Stihl and Greenworks approach cordless outdoor tools from opposite directions. Stihl's legendary reputation was built on professional-grade gas equipment, and their AK 36V system is deliberately designed as an approachable homeowner platform — light, simple, dealer-supported. Greenworks came up as a cordless-first specialist, and their 80V line is built around gas-equivalent power delivered through a broader tool ecosystem.
Both platforms are legitimate. The question isn't which brand is "better" — it's which platform fits your specific yard, your budget, and how you actually plan to use the tools. This comparison walks through the honest strengths and tradeoffs of each so you can make an informed call.
The Fundamental Positioning Difference
Before comparing specs, understand what each platform is designed to be:
- Stihl AK 36V: Stihl's homeowner line. Deliberately positioned for smaller yards and lighter tasks. Stihl's own materials describe the AK system as "not for full-time crews or five-acre properties." The AK line sits below Stihl's AP 36V pro line and above their AS ultra-compact line.
- Greenworks 80V: Greenworks' prosumer line. Designed to deliver gas-equivalent power for demanding residential and light commercial use. Sits at the top of Greenworks' consumer ladder, above their 40V and 60V homeowner platforms.
This positioning gap matters because you'll often be comparing tools that aren't quite in the same class. A Stihl AK mower is designed for a small suburban yard; a Greenworks 80V mower is built for half-acre-plus with hills. Both are quality tools — but for different use cases.
Voltage and Power
| Greenworks 80V | Stihl AK 36V | |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 80V | 36V |
| Gas equivalent (string trimmer) | ~27cc | ~21–25cc |
| Gas equivalent (chainsaw) | ~40cc | ~30cc |
| Cutting deck size (mower) | 21" standard | 19.7" standard |
Voltage isn't a marketing gimmick — it directly determines how much torque a tool can deliver under load. 80V has meaningful advantages in thick grass, dense brush, hardwood cutting, and continuous heavy use. Stihl's 36V is optimized for lighter, shorter-session work where the extra power isn't needed.
The honest read: for a small flat suburban yard with regular maintenance, 36V is plenty and the AK's lighter tools are more pleasant to use. For anything larger, hillier, or heavier-duty, 80V is the right voltage tier — and Stihl's own AP pro line acknowledges this, sitting at the same 36V but with dramatically different battery packs.
Tool Ecosystem Breadth
| Greenworks 80V | Stihl AK 36V | |
|---|---|---|
| Total tools in platform | 75+ | ~15–20 |
| Push mower | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-propelled mower | ✓ | ✓ |
| Riding mower / zero-turn | ✓ (Crossover Z 42") | ✗ (not on AK system) |
| String trimmer | ✓ (multiple sizes) | ✓ |
| Hedge trimmer (handheld) | ✓ (up to 26") | ✓ |
| Pole hedge trimmer | ✓ (20" blade, 9' pole) | ✓ (HLA models) |
| Chainsaw | ✓ (up to 18") | ✓ (MSA 140/220 for AK) |
| Pole saw | ✓ (10", 11' reach) | ✓ (HTA 50) |
| Leaf blower | ✓ (770 CFM) | ✓ (BGA 60) |
| Backpack blower | ✓ | ✗ (backpack on AP line) |
| Pressure washer | ✓ (3000 PSI, 80V) | ✗ (not on AK system) |
| Cultivator | ✓ | ✗ |
| Snow thrower | ✓ | ✗ (limited on AK) |
| Edger | ✓ | ✗ (attachment only) |
This is Greenworks' biggest structural advantage over Stihl AK: if you want to run your entire outdoor tool kit on one battery platform, Greenworks covers categories that Stihl AK simply doesn't — riding mowers, pressure washers, cultivators, and more. To match Greenworks' 80V breadth with Stihl, you'd need to buy into multiple Stihl platforms (AS, AK, AP, plus their AL pro line for larger tools).
Battery Ecosystem Economics
Cordless tool batteries cost $150–$400 each. The math of platform choice matters more than most buyers realize because those battery costs compound as you buy more tools.
Greenworks 80V ecosystem: One battery type across 75+ tools. Buy the first tool as a kit (battery + charger), then add tool-only versions of everything else. Over 4–5 outdoor tools, you save $600–$1,200 vs. buying separate kits.
Stihl AK ecosystem: Three battery sizes (AK 10 for light use, AK 20 general purpose, AK 30 S for longer runtime). All are interchangeable within the AK line — but you'll need larger AK batteries for demanding tools like the RMA 348 V mower. Runtime scales with battery size like Greenworks, but the AK line's overall tool count is smaller, so the ecosystem savings are less pronounced.
Both systems support the "buy the platform once, save on future tools" strategy — Greenworks just has more tools within that platform.
Where Greenworks 80V Wins
The strengths that push most homeowner buyers toward Greenworks:
- More total power. 80V vs 36V is a real 2x voltage advantage. For anything beyond light residential trimming — thick grass, tall weeds, hardwood cutting, larger yards — 80V handles work that pushes AK tools to their limits.
- Broader tool ecosystem. 75+ tools on one battery platform, including product categories Stihl doesn't offer on AK (riding mowers, pressure washers, cultivators, edgers). If you're building out a full outdoor kit, staying inside 80V is more comprehensive.
- Better price-to-performance for the target use case. Greenworks 80V typically costs 30–50% less than comparable Stihl AP (pro) tools while delivering higher voltage. Versus Stihl AK, prices are closer, but Greenworks delivers more power at the same price point.
- 4-year tool AND battery warranty. Stihl's AK line typically warranties tools for 2–3 years and batteries for 2 years. Greenworks' 4-year coverage on both is one of the strongest in the industry.
- Direct-purchase availability. Buy online, ship to your door. Stihl requires visiting a dealer for most purchases — which some buyers prefer, others find inconvenient.
Head-to-Head: The Flagship Mower Comparison
The mower is the biggest single purchase in either ecosystem. Direct comparison:
| Greenworks 80V 21" Self-Propelled | Stihl RMA 348 V (AK 36V) | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 80V | 36V |
| Deck size | 21" | 19.7" |
| Cutting area per charge | Up to 45 min (~½ acre) | Up to ~3,500 sq ft (~1/12 acre) |
| Drive | Self-propelled, variable speed | Self-propelled |
| Warranty | 4 years tool + battery | 2 years tool, 2 years battery |
| Battery included | 4.0Ah 80V | AK 30 S (in set) |
| Battery ecosystem tools | 75+ | ~15–20 (AK line) |
The Stihl RMA 348 V is a well-built mower for small-to-medium suburban yards. But for anything approaching a half-acre, the Greenworks 80V has substantially more capacity per charge and a larger deck for faster mowing.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Straight recommendation based on use case:
Choose Greenworks 80V if:
- Your yard is ¼ acre or larger, or has hills or thick grass
- You want the broadest tool ecosystem on a single battery platform
- You need product categories not on AK (riding mower, pressure washer, cultivator)
- You want gas-equivalent power without the gas
- You prefer online purchasing and direct-to-door delivery
- Long warranty coverage matters (4 years on tool AND battery)
The Overlap Case: What if Both Fit Your Yard?
If your yard is right at the boundary (a large-quarter-acre or small-half-acre), both platforms could technically work. In that case, the deciding factors usually come down to:
- Which additional tools you'll buy over the next 3 years. If you plan to add a chainsaw, blower, hedge trimmer, and pressure washer over time, Greenworks 80V's broader ecosystem wins on total cost.
- Whether you have a local Stihl dealer you trust. A strong relationship with an authorized service center is genuine value for some buyers — especially for warranty claims down the road.
- Whether you value maximum residential power now. 80V's headroom means the tools handle everything with margin to spare. 36V handles your current needs but has less overhead for future overgrowth.
FAQ
Is Greenworks 80V actually more powerful than Stihl AK?
Yes — meaningfully so. Greenworks 80V operates at more than double the voltage of Stihl AK 36V, which translates to more torque under load, better performance in thick grass and hardwood, and less bogging on demanding cuts. Stihl's own product tiering confirms this: their AK line is deliberately positioned as their homeowner platform, with the professional-grade AP line reserved for serious work. Greenworks 80V competes with (and often outperforms) Stihl's AP tier on power — at homeowner prices.
Which platform gives me more tools on a single battery?
Greenworks 80V, by a wide margin. The 80V battery powers 75+ outdoor tools — mowers, string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, pole saws, pressure washers, cultivators, snow throwers, riding mowers, and more. Stihl AK's lineup is 15–20 tools and doesn't include categories like riding mowers, pressure washers, or cultivators at all. If you're building a complete outdoor kit on one battery platform, Greenworks 80V covers what Stihl AK doesn't.
Can I use Stihl AK batteries in Greenworks tools (or vice versa)?
No. Cordless platforms are proprietary. But Greenworks 80V batteries work across all 75+ tools in the 80V lineup — so once you buy in, every future outdoor tool becomes cheaper because you skip the battery cost.
How does the warranty compare?
Greenworks 80V offers 4 years on both tool AND battery. Stihl AK typically warranties tools for 2–3 years and batteries for 2 years. That's a real 1–2 year gap on both components, and battery warranty coverage matters most because batteries are the highest-wear part of any cordless tool.
Are Greenworks 80V tools easy to buy in Canada?
Yes. Greenworks 80V is available direct through greenworkstools.ca with shipping across Canada, and through Canadian retail partners. Stihl requires visiting an authorized dealer for most purchases — which some buyers find inconvenient, especially if the nearest dealer is far away or has limited hours.
What's the price difference for a typical outdoor tool setup?
For a comparable 5-tool setup (mower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, blower), Greenworks 80V typically costs 25–40% less than a Stihl AK equivalent — and delivers more power per tool. The gap widens if you add categories Stihl AK doesn't offer (pressure washer, cultivator, riding mower), where you'd have to leave the Stihl AK platform entirely.
The Bottom Line for Most Homeowners
Both Stihl AK 36V and Greenworks 80V are legitimate cordless platforms with genuine strengths. Stihl wins on brand heritage, dealer network, and premium handheld feel. Greenworks 80V wins on total power (2x voltage), tool ecosystem breadth (75+ tools), warranty coverage (4 years on both tool and battery), and price-to-performance.
For most Canadian homeowners with a quarter-acre or larger yard who want a full outdoor tool ecosystem on one battery, the Greenworks 80V platform is the better long-term buy. For small-yard homeowners who value the Stihl brand and dealer support, the AK line is a solid choice.
Keep reading:
- Greenworks 80V vs EGO 56V — The Battery Showdown — How Greenworks 80V compares to EGO's competing 56V platform.
- Greenworks vs Ryobi — A Canadian Buyer's Comparison — Power, price, battery tech, and Canadian availability compared.
- One Battery System Saves You Money — The Greenworks Ecosystem — Why staying inside one battery platform saves Canadian homeowners hundreds.
- Greenworks Lawn Mower Review — Every Model for 2026 — Full lineup review across the entire 80V platform.