Stihl
Which STIHL Battery System Is Right for You?
STIHL offers cordless tools for everything from occasional garden tidying to full-time professional work. The main choice is not simply which system has the most power, but which battery platform best matches the tools you need, how often you use them and whether you plan to expand your collection.
The range includes the built-in AI Line, compact AS System, homeowner-focused AK System and professional AP platform. The new STIHL ALLPRO System is the latest development of the AP professional range rather than a completely separate and incompatible platform.
STIHL AI Line: Built-In Batteries for Occasional Jobs
Best for light garden maintenance
The STIHL AI Line is the simplest cordless option. The battery is built into the tool, so there is no separate battery or charger to choose.
- Built-in battery
- Simple cable charging
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Suitable for occasional trimming, edging and clearing
The AI Line works well for smaller jobs, but the integrated battery means it cannot be swapped between tools or replaced with a charged spare during use.
STIHL AS System: Compact Tools with Removable Batteries
Best for pruning, shaping and detailed work
The STIHL AS System uses the compact removable AS 2 battery. It powers smaller handheld tools where low weight and precise control matter more than long working times.
- Compact removable AS 2 battery
- Battery can be moved between compatible AS tools
- Ideal for pruning, shrub shaping and detailed garden work
- Uses its own AS System chargers
The AS System is a better choice than the AI Line when you want swappable batteries, but it is not intended to power larger mowers, blowers or chainsaws.
STIHL AK System: Versatile Tools for Homeowners
Best for regular work in medium and larger gardens
The STIHL AK System is STIHL’s main interchangeable battery range for domestic users. Its 36V batteries power a broad selection of lawn mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, blowers and other garden equipment.
- AK batteries work across compatible AK System tools
- Choice of AK 10, AK 20 and AK 30 S batteries
- Suitable for regular garden maintenance
- Broader tool range and longer working times than the AS System
- Compatible with the AL 101, AL 301 and AL 501 chargers
The AK System is usually the best all-round choice for homeowners who want several cordless garden tools but do not need equipment designed for daily commercial work.
STIHL AP System: Professional Cordless Equipment
Best for landscapers, contractors and demanding workloads
The STIHL AP System is STIHL’s established professional battery platform. It covers a much wider selection of high-output equipment designed for landscaping, arboriculture, estate management and other regular commercial work.
- Professional tools designed for frequent use
- Choice of insert batteries and AR backpack batteries
- Suitable for high-demand chainsaws, blowers, brushcutters and mowers
- Rapid, multi-slot and mobile charging options
- Compatible with the newer ALLPRO batteries
The AP System costs more than the domestic ranges, but it offers the tool choice, battery output and charging options required for heavier workloads.
STIHL ALLPRO System: The Next Generation of AP
Best for professionals who need faster charging and higher output
The STIHL ALLPRO System introduces a new generation of professional batteries and charging equipment while retaining compatibility with the existing AP platform.
ALLPRO does not make existing AP tools, batteries or chargers obsolete. ALLPRO batteries can be used with compatible AP tools and chargers, allowing professional users to add the newer technology without replacing their complete setup.
- Fully compatible with the professional AP platform
- Higher-output Performance battery options
- Reduced heat generation from tabless cell technology
- Faster charging with compatible ALLPRO equipment
- Longer projected service life for selected Performance batteries
- Improved IPX5 water protection on selected Performance batteries
The main ALLPRO benefits are aimed at users who discharge and recharge batteries repeatedly throughout the working day. Existing AP equipment remains a practical choice where it already provides enough power and runtime.
What Is the Difference Between STIHL AP and ALLPRO?
AP is the established professional battery system, while ALLPRO is the latest generation built around the same compatible platform.
The difference is mainly in the newer batteries and charging technology. Selected ALLPRO Performance batteries provide higher output, faster charging, lower heat generation and a longer working life across repeated charge cycles.
Existing AP users do not need to switch immediately. ALLPRO batteries can be introduced gradually when faster charging, lower battery weight or greater output provides a genuine benefit.
See our full STIHL ALLPRO guide for a closer comparison of the new batteries and chargers.
AK and AP Both Use 36V, So What Is the Difference?
Voltage alone does not determine how powerful a battery tool will be. Although AK and AP batteries are both rated at 36V, they use different battery designs and power separate tool ranges.
The AP and ALLPRO platform supports higher-output professional equipment, larger battery capacities, backpack batteries and more advanced charging setups. AK batteries are designed around domestic garden tools and are not interchangeable with AP or ALLPRO batteries.
STIHL Battery and Charger Compatibility
STIHL batteries only fit tools from their own compatible platform. Some chargers work across more than one system, but that does not mean the batteries can be moved between those tools.
- AI Line: Uses built-in batteries and dedicated charging cables
- AS System: Uses AS 2 batteries and AS System chargers
- AK System: Uses AK batteries only
- AP and ALLPRO: Share the same compatible professional platform
- AL 101, AL 301 and AL 501: Can charge compatible AK and AP or ALLPRO batteries
- AL 301-4: Multi-slot charger for AP and ALLPRO batteries, not AK batteries
- AL 1802 MO: High-speed dual-slot charger for professional AP and ALLPRO batteries
Always check the recommended battery and charger for the individual product. A battery may fit a tool but still provide reduced performance if its output is too low for the machine.
Which STIHL Battery System Should You Buy?
- Occasional light trimming: STIHL AI Line
- Pruning and compact handheld tools: STIHL AS System
- Regular maintenance of medium or larger gardens: STIHL AK System
- Professional tools and demanding workloads: STIHL AP System
- Latest professional batteries and high-speed charging: STIHL ALLPRO System
Shop STIHL Cordless Tools
Browse our STIHL range, including compact garden tools, professional cordless equipment, batteries and chargers.
Choosing the right system at the start can save money later. Consider the complete range of tools you may need rather than choosing a battery based on one machine alone.