9 Best Stair Climbers in 2024

Climbing machines such as stair or vertical climbers are excellent for engaging your entire body in dynamic workouts. Using natural movement and our weight as resistance, they build our lower body and core strength, burn calories, and improve stamina. This article will help you find the best stair climber for you and show you how to use it.

Our dedicated team of professionals and elite athletes has rigorously tested 17 stair climbers to present you with 9 of the best picks. Each stair climber was carefully evaluated on 5 critical aspects, with our team investing over 40 hours in testing them. Beyond their hands-on assessment, they’ve also analyzed hundreds reviews from users online. We regularly update our list, so we welcome your input, experiences, and discussions!

Top 9 Best Stair Climbers Reviewed

1. VersaClimber H/HP Consumer Model – Top Pick
2. Relife Vertical Climber Exercise Machine – Runner-Up
3. VersaClimber SM Sport Model – Premium Pick
4. VersaClimber Commercial TS Climber
5. Sportsroyals Vertical Climber Exercise Machine
6. MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber
7. Sole CC81 Cardio Climber
8. CrossClimber Vertical Climber with Both Natural Climbing Motions
9. CLMBR 01 Connected Full-Body Resistance Indoor Fitness Machine

Product	Total	Adjustability	Monitor Functionality	Portability	Multifunctionality	Price/ Quality
VersaClimber H/HP	48.5	10	8.5	10	10	10
Relife	47.5	10	8	10	9.5	10
VersaClimber SM	47	10	10	8	10	9
VersaClimber TS	46	9	10	8	10	9
Sportsroyals	45	8.5	8.5	10	8	10
MaxiClimber	44	9	7	10	9	9
CC81	43	9	8.5	8.5	9	8
CrossClimber	42.5	9	9	8.5	8	8
CLMBR01	42	8	10	8	8	8

1. VersaClimber H/HP Consumer Model – Top Pick

The VersaClimber H/HP is a combined vertical and stair climber workout machine. It has almost unmatched versatility with all the extra settings, the build quality and materials are excellent, and some unique features are present as well. With all of that in mind, and considering the price point it sits at, this is the best home stair climber I’ve found.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and stair climber
• Item weight: 65 Pounds
• Weight Limit: 350 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 36” x 44″ x 91.2″
• Display: Digital display
• Workout programs: 1-20 inches step height and arm travel, three hand grip setting, three foot pedal settings

Additional features: Aircraft quality aluminum and steel structure, side handrails, adjustable foot and grip settings, contralateral movement setting, optional heart rate monitor. With the grip and pedal settings, this machine can be set up for anything from stepping, walking, jogging, running, or climbing simulating various heights. It comes in two versions – with and without a heart rate monitor – marked as H and HP.

The side handlebars are also a great addition, not often seen on similar products. They can help you stabilize your workout and rest your arms, and are especially good if you’re recovering from an injury or have other reasons to lower hand engagement as you climb.

The contralateral movement setting is a unique feature not often found in similar products. Contralateral movement is excellent for stability and core training and hits some muscle groups that normally go unengaged.

The digital display can feel quite outdated, especially compared to modern machines in similar price ranges. However, the monitor will serve its purpose well enough with settings and mods and basic info tracking.

2. Relife Vertical Climber Exercise Machine - Runner-Up

The second best stair climber machine is the Relife Vertical Climber. This is an easy-to-assemble, compact, and lightweight multipurpose exercise tool that will easily fit into homes or garages. This is also a great pickup if you’re on a budget, since it has one of the lowest price ranges in its category.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and stair climber
• Item weight: 43 Pounds
• Weight Limit: ‎250 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 37.5 x 28 x 85 inches
• Display: Digital numbered display
• Workout programs: Five adjustable climbing levels, two for stair simulation, two for inclined mountain climbing, one for cliff climbing
• Additional features: Inclined metal foot pedals, compact design, foldable for easy storage

When folded, the size of the machine is 72 x 28 x 16.1 inches, making it easy to store under a bed, behind a wardrobe, or just let it rest next to a wall. At just 43 pounds, it’s one of the most lightweight stair climbing equipment and easy for an adult to move around, so taking it from room to room shouldn’t be a problem either. With each purchase, there’s a one-year warranty on the main frame and a Lifetime warranty on vulnerable parts.

As mentioned, there are five total workout settings - 1 and 2 are for simulating stairs, 3 and 4 are for inclined mountain climbing (hiking), and 5 is for full-body vertical cliff climbing. The pedals are made from metal and can take quite a beating, so you won’t have to worry about breaking them. They have a slight inward inclination that puts the center of gravity closer to the middle. This is a great addition for maintaining balance and preventing you from slipping as you work out, although it may tire your feet slightly faster.

3. VersaClimber SM Sport Model - Premium Pick

The VersaClimber SM Sport is a well-rounded quality machine you’d expect a professional to use, but it also comes at a premium cost. Essentially it’s a more advanced version of my #1 choice, made by the same brand, with a few extra features, but requires more space as well. This would be my choice for someone who doesn’t mind spending a little extra and has a permanent place to put the machine. It’s also a great pick for a professional gym or fitness center, as the steel construction can handle more stress and will outlast other stair climbing equipment.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: 150 Pound
• Weight Limit: 350 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 43 x 46 x 94 inches
• Display: Digital display with manual controls
• Workout programs: Quick start option with on-the-go adjustability, six race and six distance programs built in, 1-20 inches step height and arm travel, 75-degree climb angle, 1-150 lbs tension setting, speed setting of up to 350 vertical feet per minute
• Additional features: Adjustable step and arm grip, hand-welded steel construction, heart rate monitor, standing or wall-mounted versions, optional Bluetooth feature

It comes in two versions, wall mounted or with a floor stand. The latter is more expensive and takes up a bit more space, but offers portability, although it is quite heavy. The 1-20 inches adjustable step and arm height settings extend workout possibilities, from long-strived climbs to stairway sprints and everything in between.

The machine has a built-in voice module that provides feedback or instructions depending on which workout setting you choose. If you’re looking for a challenge, the race options can put you against six different virtual opponents. For a slight cost increase, you can add Bluetooth connectivity to the machine, which allows you to pair it with a smart device via the VersaClimb app.

4. VersaClimber Commercial TS Climber

VersaClimber takes yet another spot in my top five best stair climbers and steppers list. The commercial TS version is, once again, very similar in use to the H/HP in terms of capability. However, this version has the most modern workout equipment features and smart device compatibility, with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection and a tablet display.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: 150 Pounds
• Weight Limit: Available in variable and fixed resistance
• Product Dimensions: 42 x 45 x 94 Inches
• Display: 8 x 4.5-Inch touch screen display (tablet)
• Workout programs: 1-20 inches step height and arm travel, contralateral movement setting, tablet device offers a large quantity of workout programs and settings
• Additional features: Hand-welded steel construction with 3-year warranty, adjustable step and arm grip, tablet-based smart device console, heart rate monitoring, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, exportable and importable stats, leaderboards feature, plus more features with purchasable software packages

The key feature of this product is the tablet-based touchscreen console. The device is very intuitive and works just like any tablet, and it connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to allow endless stat tracking and processing. It can record, save, review, export, import, and compare your stats to help set and improve on your workout goals. If you’re proud of your achievements and like competition, the console can even share your progress on social media or connect to a wider leaderboard. There are also additional purchasable software packages to check out, too.

However, this means that to use it, this stair climber workout machine must be plugged into electricity the entire time. In terms of safety features, the adjustable velcro foot straps will lock you in place and prevent your feet from slipping. This is especially useful when going for shorter, rapid movements such as sprinting sessions. On top of the hand-welded, premium steel construction is covered with a 3-year warranty, which is a nice addition as well.

5. Sportsroyals Vertical Climber Exercise Machine

The Sportsroyals vertical climber is a compact workout machine designed specifically for at-home usage. It won’t blow you away with its features or versatility, but it’s surprisingly well constructed, with some smart additions to make the workout more comfortable and easier. It’s also arguably the most affordable on the list, competing in price with the Relife vertical climber, depending on where you shop.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: 32 Pounds
• Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 30.2 x 25.6 x 50.2 - 78.7 (maximum height) Inches
• Display: LCD monitor
• Workout programs: Five adjustable arm grip levels
• Additional features: Large LCD, compact and foldable for easy storage, wear-resistant pulleys, steel bottom springs for reduced knee and ankle impact, suction cup bottom for added stability

Though it is fairly light, the triangular frame build makes it sturdier than similar lightweight stair climber workout machines. Below the pedals are steel springs that reduce the impact on your knees and ankles by absorbing and spreading out tension. The bottom of the steel frame that sits on the floor is equipped with suction cups, which help keep the machine in place. The assembly is very easy as it comes 90% assembled already, with all necessary tools and instructions included in the package. When fully folded, it can be reduced to just 30 x 16 x 9 inches, making it very easy to store around your home.

6. MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber

The MaxiClimber XL-2000 has a unique design choice that can be both a pro or con depending on who you ask. Namely, it does not feature a built-in display or command console, but relies on the smart device holder and free MaxiClimber workout app. For those who use smart devices in their workouts, this is a great choice.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: Around 45 pounds
• Weight Limit: 300 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 25.78 x 41.33 x 78 inches
• Display: None, smart device holder
• Workout programs: None integrated as there is no console on the machine, everything is handled through fitness apps
• Additional features: 12-level adjustable hydraulic system, compact design, transportation wheels, smart device holder, free fitness app

With MaxiClimber, it’s all about the free fitness app. In it, you’ll find workouts, track your progress, and even find meal plans and recipes. The base of the machine has integrated transportation wheels, and even an anti-sliding mechanism so that it can be used on uneven surfaces. The 12-level hydraulic resistance system can help you adjust your workout for anything from HIIT training to full-body climbing simulation.

7. Sole CC81 Cardio Climber

The Sole CC81 Cardio Climber combines the best stair climber machine and elliptical features into one. It offers good adjustability and has more workout variety than most vertical climbers, but it also requires more space. The front drive elliptical system provides adjustable resistance levels not found in other products on the list.

• Type/Model: Cardio climber and stair stepper machine
• Item weight: 265 Pounds
• Weight Limit: 400 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 31 x 59 x 86 inches
• Display: 5 x 3 inch LCD
• Workout programs: Six preloaded programs and manual setting option, 20 resistance levels
• Additional features: Large weight capacity, resistance level dial on console, arm handles adjustable by height and rotation, transportation wheels, smart device holder, water bottle holder, lifetime warranty on frame

The low impact required to work out on this machine protects your knees, joints, and lower back, and is perfect for beginners to burn calories. The arm handles are adjustable in height and feature a unique rotation mechanism, allowing you to find both your ideal reach and arm´s spread position. On the console, you’ll find settings for cardio exercises, hill climbing, strength, calorie burn, and HIIT training, as well as manual setting. The 20 resistance level dial is easily accessible by hand, allowing for quick switching mid-workout.

8. CrossClimber Vertical Climber with Both Natural Climbing Motions

The CrossClimber advertises itself as the only vertical climber with both natural climbing motions - both ipsilateral and contralateral. Although other products like the VersaClimber also feature this setting ability, the self-locking grips that can be adjusted mid-workout are unique. The oversized steel frame of the CrossClimber is slightly heavier than other products, but it does prove more stable in fast-paced (HIIT) workouts.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: 85 Pounds
• Weight Limit: Around 250 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎40.4 x 25.5 x 79 inches
• Display: Digital monitor
• Workout programs: The display counts strokes, speed, and calorie burn but there are no built-in programs
• Additional features: Foldable construction, adjustable pedal straps, adjustable grips, all-roller design, smart device holder

The CrossClimber does not use cables or sliding surfaces to create motion. Instead, it uses an all-roller mechanism that’s both smoother and removes the possibility of jamming mid-workout. This design choice also makes it fairly low maintenance, since there are no parts that work on friction that require lubrication. The display shows your workout time, average speed, stroke count, and calories burnt, and there’s also a smart device holder in case you want to expand your stat tracking or entertain yourself as you exercise.

9. CLMBR 01 Connected Full-Body Resistance Indoor Fitness Machine

The CLMBR 01 full-body workout machine focused most of its design on the large multipurpose HD display. From it, you can not only track your stats, but also follow immersive on-screen workouts or entertain yourself.

• Type/Model: Full-body vertical and step climber
• Item weight: 180 Pounds
• Weight Limit: 350 Pounds
• Product Dimensions: 35 x 32 x 88 inches
• Display: 21.5-Inch touch screen stat tracker and entertainment system
• Workout programs: Catalog of downloadable workout programs, some free, some purchasable
• Additional features: HD touch display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for smart devices, fit bands or wireless headphones, subscription service with extended

There are some cool features unique to this machine and only possible because of the HD display, but they’re locked behind a subscription service. If you don’t mind the monthly fee, you’ll get full access to on-demand workout classes, real-time performance feedback, audio-guided workouts, and animated climbing simulations, among other things. Other than that, it’s still a well-built, sturdy machine that can be used for near full-body workouts. The critical mechanism parts are easily accessible on the machine, making maintenance fairly easy. For such a large and bulky machine, it is also surprisingly smooth and quiet as it works.

What Are the Benefits of Using Stair Climbers?

✅ Near Full-Body Engagement

Climbing stairs is a natural motion that engages up to 90% of your body. Stair climbing offers an excellent return on energy expenditure - it burns calories, improves your posture, and strengthens your body, among other benefits.

✅ Low Impact

Since climbers rely on your natural weight, they won’t cause too much stress on your joints, ankles, lower back, and other affected workout areas that people typically hurt while using resistance-based cardio machines.

✅ Choose Own Workout Type

Climbers can be used both for quick high-intensity or prolonged stamina-building workouts, among others. Their versatility is unmatched by most cardio machines.

✅ Less Noise Than Other Cardio Machines

Vertical and stair climbers are quieter compared to bulky cardio machines that rely on motors, gears, conveyor belts, and similar moving parts that create noise.

What to Look For in Stair Climbers:

1. Design

Vertical climbers are fairly straightforward machines, so they don’t vary too much in terms of visual design. However, designs aren’t just about looks, they play an important role in the machines’ functionality as well.

A well-designed stair climber for home use does not take up too much space, especially compared to other cardio machines such as ellipticals or treadmills. Some designs focus on workout versatility with plenty of adjustable parts, while others offer better features such as smart device compatibility, for example.

2. Adjustability

Home fitness equipment is made to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes and fitness goals, so most manufacturers opt to add adjustability features to expand customer reach. Movable parts such as handles and pedals typically have a few adjustment levels to account for people of different height, arm span, weight, and other proportions. In some stair climber reviews, space-saving features are counted in adjustability, too. Not everybody has space in their home or garage gym to store large gym equipment. For this reason, some manufacturers opt for compact designs with small footprints, while others have adjustable parts that help with storage and movement.

3. Monitor Functionality

While monitor functionality used to be one of the most important aspects in the past, many manufacturers opt for removing or severely reducing screen size because it adds bulk and extra cost to the machine. Some machines, such as the MaxiClimber XL-2000, skip monitors altogether and opt for a smart device stand instead.

Nowadays, most athletes track their stats with things like smartwatches and apps that sync with their phone or tablet. It's important to ask yourself how necessary a multi-functional monitor is to you because it can be a big price difference maker.

4. Portability

One great thing about the stair climber for home workouts is that it is relatively easy to move around the house and store. Many climbers have some form of foldability to reduce their size when not used, some have transportation systems such as wheels, and some are light enough for an adult to carry around.

5. Multifunctionality

Multifunctionality comes in various forms. Some exercise machines opt to add various adjustability features or combine more machines into one to expand workout possibilities. Others tend to stick to a simple design where multifunctionality is achieved through your approach (how you use the machine) instead of through extended features. While most stair climbers rely on your natural weight for resistance, others have built-in resistance setting systems that can offer some unique workout methods.

In recent years, multifunctionality has been expanded even further with smart devices either directly integrated in the console, or the machine having a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. While these features don’t necessarily expand the multifunctionality of the climber itself, access to more precise and extensive stats can help you adjust and improve your workout regimens, which adds multifunctionality.

6. Quality for Price

All products on the list adhere to necessary fitness standards and are of good quality. While the general consumer rule is that higher pricing also means a better product, that's not always the case.

Sometimes, a machine is more expensive only because of its specialty or unique features compared to others. When choosing the top products to feature, I make sure to include items for various price ranges. Usually, my #1 and #2 choices offer the best “quality for price” and are a good reference point before you decide which one to get. However, you may find one of the other stair climber exercise machines better suited for your budget and needs.

What Is the Difference Between Stepper, Climber and Elliptical?

Compared to larger cardio machines such as ellipticals or stationary bikes, steppers and climbers require less space. Large cardio machines mostly rely on weighted resistance to provide the workout difficulty. Some climbers also have resistance settings, however, the primary workout method of climbers is going against gravity.

The best home stair climber uses your instinctive motion input and weight resistance for a more natural workout feel. Steppers, ellipticals, and stairway machines also severely limit movement types you can perform, as they narrow the workout approach. Vertical and stair climbers on the other hand allow for a variety of workout possibilities, from stepping, jogging, hiking, climbing, etc.

How to Use Stair Climbers Right?

1. Use Your Legs to Work Out, and Your Arms as Support

Just like with any cardio exercise, your primary focus is on leg motions such as walking/hiking/running. It may be tempting to use your hand strength to reduce, but for most stepping exercises your arms should be used for balance and not much else.

2. Stand With Your Feet, Not on Your Toes

When you start losing strength, you’ll naturally start pushing down harder with your legs and end up standing on your toes. Not using your whole foot not only reduces the exercise impact, but it can hurt your feet as well. That said, some workouts are done on your toes, such as calf or glute exercises, so you can skip this tip if those are your targeted muscle groups.

3. Focus On Your Posture

Maintaining good posture not only increases the impact of your workout, but prevents injuries and chronic pain as well. If you feel yourself losing posture, reduce the workout intensity.

FAQs

Are stair climbers worth it?

Climbers are one of the most versatile fitness machines. Climbing workouts can activate up to 90% of your body and are perfect for building lower body and core strength. Compared to other cardio machines, they also take up way less space and will cost less as well, making them great for at-home or garage gyms.

How many minutes of stair climbing is a good workout?

The amount of time you’ll spend on your climber will depend on your health and fitness goals. Consult a professional or find a workout program tailored to your needs. On average, beginners shouldn’t be spending more than 15 minutes per day, people familiar with climbing can go for 30-minute sessions, while advanced athletes can go for hour-long intense workouts.

Is it okay to climb stairs every day?

Yes, you can do stair climbing every day. Stair climbing every day not only improves your physicality, it also boosts blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, among other benefits.

Conclusion

Stair climbing is an excellent workout method that engages nearly your entire body. Apart from keeping you in shape and improving your coordination, it has various health benefits as well, especially in terms of cardiovascular improvement. Climbing as an exercise uses natural movement patterns and our own weight for resistance, making it accessible and beneficial for all athlete levels, and perfect for beginners. After personally trying various machines and comparing my findings to other stair climber reviews, I concluded VERSA CLIMBER H/HP Consumer Model was the best stair climber. That said, all choices on the list offer some unique features and come at various price points that may be better for your needs.

Do you perform regular stair climbing exercises? Do you use a machine for them or stick to a regular set of stairs? Leave a comment sharing your thoughts and remember to follow me on social media for more exercise tips, equipment reviews, and other fitness content.

Also read:

• Portable Stair Stepper
• Stepper Exercise Machine
• Stair Climber Benefits

References:

1. What is: Contralateral Movement // Steady Strength: http://steadystrength.com/glossary/contralateral-movement/
2. Benefits of Taking the Stairs // Duke: https://hr.duke.edu/wellness/exercise-fitness/take-stairs/benefits-taking-stairs
3. Is it good to climb stairs everyday? // The Healthy Journal: https://www.thehealthyjournal.com/faq/is-it-good-to-climb-stairs-everyday