Advantages:

Simplicity – Fewer moving parts, no track required along the driveway.
Aesthetics – Often more traditional and elegant in appearance, especially in residential settings.
Less maintenance – No track to keep clear of debris, ice, or leaves.

Disadvantages:

Space required – Needs a large, clear arc area to open (inwards or outwards).
Terrain limitations – Doesn't work well on sloped driveways where the gate would swing uphill or downhill.
Wind vulnerability – All swing gates can act like sails and be affected by strong winds.
Obstruction risk – Vehicles or objects can't be in the gate’s swing path.

Advantages:

Space-saving – Great for narrow or steep driveways; doesn't need arc clearance.
Security – Typically harder to force open, often more secure.
Wind resistance – Better in windy conditions since there's less surface area exposed like a sail.
Modern appearance – Sleek and ideal for contemporary architecture.

Disadvantages:

Track maintenance – Tracks can get clogged with dirt, leaves, snow, or ice, requiring regular cleanin
Side clearance – Needs enough horizontal space along the fence line for the gate to slide open.

Pros of articulated arm openers:

They can be fit on to most gates, regardless of where their hinges are which makes them a great choice for gates where the hinges are placed awkwardly

Can be faster than underground or ram arm motors as the mechanism undergoes less travel than ram arms

Easier to install than regular arms (although, as with most gate motors, some welding will be required) and can be mounted on to wide pillars and columns.

Ultra reliable motors – due to the exceptionally simple mechanism, articulated gate openers which have been correctly installed require little maintenance and rarely breakdown which makes them a sound investment for your property

Cons of articulated arm openers:

Can create a trapping point during operation; this should be taken in to consideration especially if you have children who can access the back of the gate during its operation

Not as attractive to look at compared to other types of electric gate motor due to the arm mechanism

Cannot be used on closed boarded gates due to the ‘sail effect’ that creates strong resistance on the gates in windy weather

You need a significant amount of space to mount the gate motor so they are only really suitable on wide columns or pillars

Compact installation - A big plus to a sliding gate is that it leaves more room on your drive for your car(s).
Sliding gates can be seen to offer more as they are harder to force open and they may also appear to be more secure so act as a deterrent.
It maximises space on the drive because the gate opens sideways rather than inwards.
Therefore if you are short of space on your drive or simply want more space on your drive, then a sliding gate is a good option.
Sliding gates can be fitted in small spaces where there isn’t enough space for the gate to open inwards or outwards.
Sliding gates aren’t affected by the wind like swing gates can potentially be.
More suitable for wide openings.
Suitable for drives that turn sharply left or right.
Often give a more contemporary look
If you have a very heavy weight you may need to go for a sliding gate due to the equipment that is required to move a sliding gate compared to a swing gate.
Suitable for slopes or uneven ground.

Need space to the side of the gate. Sliding gates need space for the gate to slide open sideways either left or right, depending on the space available. The space that the gate will need to slide open is the same width of the gate plus a third. The gate will usually slide along the boundary fence or wall.
You will need to fit a track across the ground which will need maintenance and to be kept clean. Unless you choose a cantilever gate which doesn’t require a ground track.
Can be noisier than swing gates.
Your gate design can only be rectangular in shape.