Stirling engines are efficient heat engines distinguished by their capacity to employ alternate fuel sources as a source of heat, such as solar energy, making them an important study issue. The goal of this research is to discover new ways and strategies for improving Stirling engine performance for future development. This article presents reviews a series of research studies on Stirling engine technology, focusing on the main factors and characteristics influencing engine performance, such as Stirling engine types and mechanical configuration, operating parameters, geometric parameters, and working fluid properties. It demonstrated its capacity to work in a varied range of temperatures, and many different types of fuels which can be used as a heat source for operation. Regarding Stirling engine types, the Gamma engine is the most efficient due to its capacity to produce high efficiency and power when compared to Alpha and Beta engines. Stirling engines require working fluids that have high thermal conductivity, high heat capacity, and low viscosity, helium and air are common working fluids used practically. Moreover, phase angle is an important geometric parameter affecting Stirling engine performance. The optimal value is theoretically around 90°. The findings obtained in this article describe the Stirling engine's potential. In conclusion, the mechanical and physical characteristics of the engine and the properties of the working fluids are the most important factors in the performance of Stirling engines.