If you are having trouble with your stairs and are seeking solutions that don’t involve giving up the home that you love to move to a single-story alternative, a stairlift can be a great option. But choosing the right stairlift model can be overwhelming. You want something that is in your budget of course, but you also want to make sure it’s a quality product.
At 101 Mobility, we’re committed to finding you not just a stairlift, but the right stairlift for your home.
Choosing Your Stairlift Brand: A Head-to-Head Comparison
If you’ve started looking into stairlifts, you’ve probably got a list of questions you keep asking as you think through what you want to buy. You’ll be using it every day and it has to work efficiently and safely. Inevitably, things will need to be serviced, so you want a company that has a good reputation for quick and easy servicing. Not to mention it has to work in your home for your particular situation. It’s a lot to consider.
After doing some research with these questions in mind you’ve surely seen two brands come up time and time again: Bruno and Acorn.
This guide will walk you through a clear, side-by-side comparison of Bruno vs. Acorn stairlifts focused on quality, reliability, warranty and value. By the time you get to the end you should be able to confidently choose the option that best fits your home and lifestyle.
Key Differences: Bruno vs. Acorn Stairlifts
When you’re comparing Bruno and Acorn stairlifts, it’s a little like comparing two cars. Both get you where you need to go but one is built for long-term reliability, and the other is built for quick delivery. Both brands are well-known and trusted in the mobility world, but the way they design, install, and support their stairlifts is quite different.
Below is a simple comparison chart to help you see how they stack up side by side; from product quality and installation process to warranty coverage and overall value.
| Acorn Starlift | Bruno Starlift | |
| Product Quality | Supports up to 350lbs. Lightweight aluminum rail design. | Support 300 lbs to 400lbs depending on the model. Heavy-duty steel rail construction, precision gear rack system. |
| Installation Process | Installed directly on the stair, not the wall, and can be installed in hours. Direct sales model through a national hub with fewer technicians and local support. | Installed directly on the stair, not the wall, and can be installed in hours. Sold and installed through certified local dealers. Installed by trained technicians with ongoing local service and maintenance support. |
| Warranty | 12-month manufacturer’s warranty | Limited lifetime warranty on major parts. 2 year warranty on all parts. 30-days labor after installation. Backed by 101 Mobility’s One-Year Limited Service Warranty in addition to manufacturer’s warranty |
| Pricing | Starting price is $2,500 but goes up depending on customizations and length. Marketed as a budget-friendly option. | Starting price is $3,000 but goes up depending on customizations and length. Marketed as a higher-quality product with dependable support. |
Product Quality & Engineering
Quality matters when you’re investing in a stairlift that will be in your home for decades to come. The materials, craftsmanship, and engineering behind your lift will determine how it performs from the day it arrives through the years and years of use.
Both Bruno and Acorn stairlifts are designed to make everyday life easier, but they take very different approaches to how they’re built. If you’re wondering which brand offers greater peace of mind and real staying power, the comparison below breaks down how each performs where it matters most: durability, customization, and long-term reliability.
| Acorn Starlift | Bruno Starlift | |
| Manufacturing Origin | Manufactured in the UK and distributed internationally. | Proudly made in the USA, engineered and manufactured in Wisconsin. |
| Build Quality | Lightweight aluminum rail and compact design; functional but less robust for long-term or heavy use. | Heavy-duty steel rail construction, precision gear rack system, and smooth, quiet ride. Built to last decades. |
| Design Features | Available primarily in standard, mass-produced models, with one option each for straight, curved or outdoor stairs. | Offers custom-fit options and multiple models for straight, curved, and outdoor stairs. |
| Performance | Operates well when new, but may experience wear or noise issues over time. | Known for durability, stability, and long-term reliability. Minimal maintenance needed when professionally installed. |
The Installation and Service Model
Even the best stairlift can only perform as well as the person who installs and maintains it. That’s why understanding how each company handles installation and service is one of the most important parts of your decision.
This is where the biggest difference between Bruno and Acorn truly shows. Acorn operates on a direct-sales model, meaning you purchase your stairlift straight from the manufacturer, usually over the phone, and a technician is dispatched to install it. It’s fast and convenient, but often lacks the personal touch and consistent follow-up care that ensures long-term reliability.
Bruno, on the other hand, works exclusively through a network of certified local dealers, trusted professionals like 101 Mobility, who handle everything from your first in-home consultation to installation, service, and maintenance for years to come. That means your stairlift isn’t just installed by someone qualified; it’s cared for by someone invested in your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
The table below breaks down how the two models compare — so you can see why a local, professional approach makes such a difference when it comes to long-term reliability and peace of mind.
| Acorn Starlift | Bruno Starlift | |
| How You Buy | Purchased directly from the manufacturer through a central call center. | Sold and installed through certified local dealers like 101 Mobility. |
| Who Installs It | One technician may handle both sales and installation; local availability varies. | A local, expert technician handles your in-home consultation, installation, and all future maintenance. |
| Service and Repairs | Service is handled by Acorn’s national call center, which can mean long waits for repairs. | You get a dedicated local team who knows your equipment and can respond quickly. |
| Ongoing Support | Remote phone support only; limited technician network for follow-up care. | Local offices like 101 Mobility offer maintenance plans and friendly, face-to-face support. |
Warranty and Long-Term Reliability
You want to know your stairlift will last and that help will be there if something ever goes wrong. So, it’s natural to ask: which is more reliable, Bruno or Acorn?
The truth is, a stairlift’s reliability isn’t just about the equipment itself, it’s also about the quality of installation, ongoing service, and warranty support behind it. A well-built stairlift can only live up to its potential when it’s cared for by trained professionals who know the product inside and out.
Let’s take a closer look at how Bruno and Acorn compare when it comes to long-term dependability, warranty coverage, and service support.
| Acorn Starlift | Bruno Starlift | |
| Reliability Track Record | Works well initially, but some owners report issues with wear and repair delays. | Bruno is known for its strong engineering and dependable long-term performance. |
| Warranty Coverage | Offers limited 12 month warranty, often parts only. Labor costs may be out of pocket. | Offers comprehensive coverage on major components, 2 year coverage on all parts and backed by 101 Mobility’s One-Year Limited Service Warranty in addition to manufacturer’s warranty |
| Maintenance and Support | Service requests go through a central call center, which can cause delays. | Easy, local service through your dealer with optional service plans. |
| Replacement Parts | Replacement parts must ship from the manufacturer, which may take longer. | Fast access to parts through 101 Mobility’s dealer network. |
Pricing & Value
When comparing Bruno vs. Acorn stairlift pricing you’ll notice that Acorn stairlifts are usually marketed as a lower-cost option. But as with most important purchases, the lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value.
A stairlift is a long-term investment in safety, independence, and peace of mind. While Bruno stairlifts may cost a bit more upfront, that higher price reflects stronger materials, professional installation, and dependable local support that helps prevent costly repairs or service delays down the road.
The table below highlights how both brands compare in terms of cost, value, and peace of mind — and why paying a little more now can often save a lot later.
| Acorn Starlift | Bruno Starlift | |
| Upfront Cost | Marketed as a lower-cost option, but often excludes service and follow-up care. | Usually higher initial investment due to superior materials and professional installation. |
| Lifetime Value | Reliable, durable, and supported by local service. | Short-term savings, but potential for higher future repair or service costs. |
| Peace of Mind | May require coordinating with remote customer service for repairs or troubleshooting. | Installed and maintained by trusted local professionals like 101 Mobility. |
The Best Choice: Why Bruno’s Dealer Model (with 101 Mobility) Wins
When comparing Bruno vs. Acorn stairlifts, the key differences are simple: product quality and who is standing behind your lift once it is installed.
- Bruno stairlifts are made in the USA, built for long-term reliability and a warranty that supports it, installed by local professionals who know the products well and care about your safety.
- Acorn stairlifts are sold directly from the manufacturer, have a limited warranty and limited local support making service and maintenance more complicated.
When safety and independence are on the line, choosing a trusted brand with local service isn’t just the smart choice—it’s the right one.
Ready to explore Bruno stairlifts for your home? Schedule your free, in-home consultation today. A 101 Mobility technician will measure your stairs, explain your options, and help you find the perfect stairlift for your needs.
