tc-w3 in gasoline

What is the best brand of motor oil for a 2 stroke engine?

Two simple points, with nothing to do with brand. If it is a boat or watercraft, it should say TC-W3 on the label to avoid deposits on the valves and head from the quick cooling of the water that circulates, and to not pollute the water as much. This can also be used in all other applications. All brands of a particular spec (TC-W3 in this case), will work similarly. If it is hand tool or motorbike, you can use the cheaper 2-stroke oil. You will breathe more smoke, and have more deposits in your engine, but it will work. Do not use regular motor oil, gear oil, etc. 2-stoke oils have a special additive to maintain the oil in suspension. Regular oils, diesel, and a few of the cheaper 2-stroke oils will skip that additive. That is why many manufacturers say to drain the mixture at the end of the day and shake well before filling. When you use a product without that additive, the next morning you will have a lot of smoke and carbon deposits at first, then running the rest of the tank on gasoline only without the lubrication, with high engine wear.