8 Best Stair Steppers for Reaching Your Fitness Goals at Home
Hit your daily step goal without ever leaving the house.
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Nearly two years ago, gyms around the world shut their doors, leaving countless people in search of a new way to fit some daily exercise into their routines. Some fled to the nearest parks and outdoor trails to get in a daily walk, while others invested in at-home exercise machines to really feel the burn.
Even if you didn't jump on the treadmill trend or snag a cycling bike early in the pandemic, there's yet another piece of exercise equipment worth adding to your at-home gym arsenal: a stair stepper. Steppers are incredibly underrated pieces of fitness equipment: They target your calves, thighs, and hamstrings, can help improve your posture, and boost your cardiovascular endurance with regular use.
What to Consider
If you’re interested in a stair stepper of your own, there are some things to consider before making your purchase.
For starters, is there actually space for a stepper in your home? You’ll need to clear out room to accommodate the machine, so you should first measure the dimensions of your available space to ensure that the stepper you're eyeing will fit. Luckily, many steppers are compact enough for even the smallest spaces, and can be easily tucked under a bed or into a closet when not in use. If you have more available space at home, there are some larger, more complex steppers that could be a perfect fit.
You’ll also want to think about which parts of the body you want to tone. While most steppers can help tone your lower body, you may want to invest in one with resistance bands if you want to get in an upper body workout at the same time.
How We Selected
To make our selections, we first looked up the most popular stair steppers on Amazon and consulted research from Best Products on the best stair stepper models on the market. We then assessed each model's features, size, and price, and narrowed our results to only steppers that have earned average consumer ratings of four or more stars to bring you eight stair steppers that will make you excited to work out again.
Sunny Health & Fitness Twisting Stair Stepper
Pros
- Space-efficient
- Digital monitor displays step count, time, and calories
- Affordable price
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Maximum weight is low compared to other models
Key Specs
- Size: 21.9 x 18.5 x 49.8 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Step tracker: Yes
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Batteries included
- Special feature(s): Adjustable height and handlebars
This twisting stair stepper from Sunny Health & Fitness is our best overall pick, thanks to its affordable price and smart lineup of features. Not only is it compact enough to fit in any corner or closet, but it also has several adjustable settings to satisfy a variety of exercise needs.
You can adjust the height of the steps for a steeper climb with more resistance, or increase the speed for shallower, more intense steps. The twisting steps offer a more complex, full-body workout than traditional steppers, and reviewers praise the machine's quiet operation.
Pros
- Easily stored when not in use
- Includes resistance bands for a more intense workout
Cons
- May not be ideal for those without great balance
Key Specs
- Size: 16.9 x 13 x 8.3 inches
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
- Step tracker: Yes
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Batteries included
- Special feature(s): Resistance bands and floor mat included
If you have limited space in your house or apartment, this portable stair stepper is perfect for you. At just a foot wide, this stepper can be stored in a closet, under a bed, couch, or in a corner; it will hardly take up any space, and can conveniently be pulled out for a quick midday workout.
Because of its compact and ergonomic design, all you have to do is situate your feet on the pedals and start stepping. If you want to upgrade your workout to one that’s more full-body-focused, this machine includes resistance bands to really put your arm strength to the test.
Pros
- Can connect to Bluetooth
- A separate app can create custom workouts
- Relatively average size for a stepper
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Key Specs
- Size: 49.2 x 30.5 x 65.1 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Step tracker: No
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Plug
- Special feature(s): Bluetooth-compatible; an app can be downloaded for personalized workouts
There's no need to worry about creating your own workout routine with this stair stepper from Bowflex. If you download the JRNY app, you’ll have daily custom workouts that will adjust their intensity and duration as you start to see progress. If you opt out of the app, you can still follow along with pre-programmed workouts on the machine's screen to maximize your exercise time and get into a rhythm of efficiently toning your body.
Whether you follow the app or not, the M8 Max is a serious calorie burner, combining the motions of a traditional stepper with those of an elliptical, and giving you a full-body workout every time you use it.
Pros
- Works out all parts of your body
- Folds up easily to be stored in a closet or under furniture
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer traditional steppers
Key Specs
- Size: 26.8 x 39.4 x 78.8 inches
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Step tracker: No
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Manual
- Special feature(s): Has hand grips to tone arms
Imagine if you could get the thrill of climbing a rock wall right at home. The good news is that you can when you work out on this vertical climbing machine. This alternative to a typical stepper combines a traditional lower body stepper with an upper body climber to work and tone your arms, legs, lower back, and more, giving you a full-body workout in just 30 minutes.
What’s even better about this machine is that it’s so low-impact that your risk of exacerbating existing aches and pains is slim (although, of course, you should still exercise caution when using it).
This stepper can also be easily folded and stored so it doesn’t take up too much space in your home.
Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Cardio Stair Stepper
Pros
- Small enough to be stored out of sight
- Can be used for full-body workouts
Cons
- Must download the app to get some of the perks
Key Specs
- Size: 23 x 16 x 19 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Step tracker: Yes
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Batteries
- Special feature(s): Adjustable resistance bands included; Bluetooth connectivity
Elevate your next at-home workout with this interactive stepper. This machine provides non-swivel step motion that reduces impact on your knees and increases the number of calories you burn.
If you want studio-like classes while using this stepper, you can download the MyCloudFitness app to monitor your workouts. The app will allow you to choose personalized programs, track your progress, and even give you scenic routes to follow during your workout.
This stepper is also incredibly versatile, as it has three adjustable heights for different step goals, comes with resistance bands for an upper body workout, and is compact enough to be stored in a closet or under your desk.
Pros
- Landmark Challenge Program includes scenic routes from landmarks around the world
Cons
- Very expensive
Key Specs
- Size: 58 x 34 x 89 inches
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Step tracker: No
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Plug
- Special feature(s): Landmark Challenge Program included on the LCD screen
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to really upgrade your at-home gym? This StairMaster stepper will make any home workout setup look professional—and the workout you get on this machine will feel that way, too.
If you can sneak in a 30-minute workout on your lunch break, you can easily hop on this stepper and start burning calories. However, if you'd prefer a working lunch, there are USB ports that can power a phone or tablet, and compartments that can hold them safely while you exercise.
If you're new to stair stepper workouts and want more stability while using this stepper, there are also side railings to hold onto.
Sportsroyals Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands
Pros
- Resistance bands really elevate your workout
- Low-impact design won't hurt your knees or back
- Affordable price compared to other steppers
Cons
- Some might prefer a traditional stepper machine
Key Specs
- Size: 18.5 x 17.3 x 15.8
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
- Step tracker: Yes
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Manual
- Special feature(s): Operates on a hydraulic drive system
If your arms are itching to be worked out just as much as your legs, then this compact stepper with resistance bands is a must-have—and it’s small enough to fit in practically any space in your home. All you have to do is secure your feet in the wide, nonslip pedals, strongly grasp the bands, and start stepping.
While you’re working out, you’ll notice how low-impact the machine actually is, thanks to its twisting action, so you won’t worry about overworking your knees and calves.
Even though the resistance bands are included, they can also be removed if you want to focus exclusively on your lower-body workout.
Pros
- Includes removable resistance bands
- Can be folded up when not in use
Cons
- Resistance can't be adjusted
Key Specs
- Size: 20 x 15 x 31 inches
- Weight capacity: 220 pounds
- Step tracker: Yes
- Calorie counter: Yes
- Plug, batteries, or manual: Plug
- Special feature(s): Removable resistance bands are included
Get ready to feel the burn with this two-in-one stepper machine. Not only can you freely climb and test your balance, but you can also use the included removable resistance bands to tone your arms. There's also an adjustable handlebar that can help you steady yourself when you're first getting used to the machine.
Throughout your workout, the stepper's digital monitor can track how many steps you've taken, the calories you've burned, and how long you've been exercising. That way, for your next workout, you can compare your progress.
What's even better about this machine is that it can be folded up and stored in a closet or under a bed, so it doesn't take up too much space.
Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magazines’s Enthusiast Group. She works with content for brands such as Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. Kylee graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in journalism and a minor in French. During her undergraduate career, she spent a majority of her time writing for, and eventually editing, VALLEY Magazine: Penn State’s only student-run fashion and lifestyle magazine. She has produced content ranging from beauty and health, to lifestyle and self-improvement. After spending four years in the happiest of valleys (State College, PA), she moved back home to South Jersey—otherwise known as the famous “outside of Philly” area. Kylee can be found working out of her local Starbucks with her best friend, an iced chai in hand, and endless hours of music playlists to get her through the day. When she’s not working, she is more than likely on her daily walk in her neighborhood, at Orangetheory, binging Sex and the City or Gossip Girl, checking out local coffee shops, or trying new bars and restaurants in the city with friends and family.
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