If you’re the type who always takes the stairs, you may already appreciate the benefits of tackling elevation one step at a time. For those uninitiated, the best stair climbers can provide you with the heart and mental health benefits of cardio while also providing strength training benefits for your glutes, quads, and calves. (1)(2) 

The best compact stair steppers won’t provide as intense a climb as full-sized models, but they can still make you sweat without overcrowding your home gym. Our expert testing team got their hands on dozens of stair steppers, from big-ticket models to wallet-friendly home fitness machines, to find the right stepper to best suit your space, training intensity, comfort, budget, and body type. See our picks below. 

The 7 Best Compact Stair Steppers of 2024

How We Tested and Chose the Best Compact Stair Steppers

The makeup of BarBend’s roster includes competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches. We own equipment. We test equipment. We love equipment. To select the best compact stair steppers, we got our hands on nearly 20 different models to see how they stood up to our workouts. To convey our findings, we utilized the BarBend equipment testing methodology, where we rate each product on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great) in areas like durability, workout experience, and value. Below are some of the key factors we looked at.

• Space-Saving Designs: “For people who don’t have the space for regular home gym equipment but still want to exercise at home, compact items provide a solution,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Even for people who do have ample space, compact home gym equipment can keep your gym feeling clutter-free and organized.” 
• Stability: Compact equipment likely won’t be as sturdy as heavy-duty machines, but we sought to choose fun-sized steppers that still made us feel stable during climbs. When it comes to weight capacity, we prioritized models with user weight capacities between 250 and 400 pounds.
• Value: Compact stair steppers range in terms of functionality, and as such, they can cost anywhere from $139 to $4,000. For big-ticket items, we assessed whether its value lived up to the cost, particularly in terms of the quality of its build, the usefulness of its tech, and the range of its resistance capabilities. 

Best Compact Stair Stepper Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

This unique profile combines a stair climber and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance training experience. The Pro HIIT H14 is also integrated with the iFIT online workout program, giving you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14, one of the best commercial ellipticals we’ve tested, is our choice for the best compact stair stepper overall thanks to its reasonable footprint of 10.47 square feet, 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, and 14-inch HD touchscreen, which comes integrated with iFIT programming. Durability, tech capabilities, and dynamic programming all scored a 5 out of 5 with our team.

This hybrid machine utilizes a vertical and horizontal stride length that provides the workout of a stair climber with the low-impact nature of an elliptical, since your feet remain planted on the footplates. Plus, the compact vertical design takes up 10.47 square feet of floor space, about the same size as a standard coffee table. 

Compact equipment often sacrifices tech capabilities, but that isn’t the case here. “The 14-inch HD touchscreen is iFIT-enabled, and you can stream coaching cues and music through the dual Bluetooth speakers or use Bluetooth headphone connectivity when you’re getting your workout in before the house is awake,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. Tech capabilities scored a 5 out of 5.

However, an iFIT subscription is needed for full functionality of this stepper. iFIT is the only programming that can stream from the HD touchscreen, and access to this programming starts at $39 a month. Without a subscription, you won’t have access to iFIT programming or its SmartAdjust functionality, but you’ll still be able to use the stepper in manual mode and adjust the resistance manually. Plus, you’ll have access to basic stats like speed, calories burned, and time elapsed.

The biggest pain point with this machine was the sweat sesh needed for assembly. “I needed a vacation after putting this machine together,” mentioned our tester, who scored setup a 2 out of 5. “It took me more than two hours and there were lots of steps. I’d recommend having an extra set of hands available to help you.” 

Read our full ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Review.

Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper

Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper

Torch calories and fat with this stair-climbing machine that features 15 levels of magnetic resistance. Unlike revolving style stair climbers, this stepper’s motion is more reminiscent of an elliptical with a vertical stride length to keep you climbing upwards.

If you’ve got some big tootsies, there’s room for you on the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper, a hybrid machine that combines the vertical climb of stair steppers and the low-impact nature of ellipticals. This machine’s footplates measure 15.25 inches long and 7.5 inches wide — enough room to fit a size 24 men’s shoe. For reference, Shaq’s size 22s could slip comfortably into them.

Big shoes often accompany bigger bodies, so this machine’s 330-pound user weight capacity and lifetime frame warranty can help put your mind at ease when it comes to this machine’s durability. 

Its footprint of 12.89 square feet is larger than the average hybrid elliptical/stepper machine — between 9 and 12 square feet — but it still takes up less space than a standard loveseat. (3) When you want to make room for other activities, the built-in handle bar and wheels make maneuvering this stepper into the corner or out of the way fairly simple.

Heart rate pulse sensors are situated on the upright handles, and a media shelf can hold your phone or tablet while you work out. There’s a basic LED display with stat tracking like calories burned, RPM, time, and pulse readings, and some built-in programming. However, with a $1,499 price tag, we would have liked to see a touchscreen with the option to stream programming.

While we haven’t tested this stepper yet (we just got it, just haven’t put it together yet), it’s fairly new on the scene and we’ll update this mini-review once we’ve logged some HIIT workouts on it. We’re most curious to see how the 15 levels of resistance compares to other steppers, since we often see between 16 and 20 levels of resistance available on similarly-priced machines.

Best Foldable Compact Stair Stepper: Echelon Climber Sport

Echelon Climber Sport

This climber can fold down when not in use, making storage under beds or in closets ideal for those short on space. There are three levels of manually adjustable incline and a turn knob to adjust resistance while you train. Track your progress with the built-in LED monitor or attach your phone to the device mount to stream programming.

The Echelon Climber Sport is our choice for the best foldable compact stair stepper thanks to its lightweight build, affordable price tag, and, obviously, its folding capabilities. When folded, the Climber Sport shrinks from 55 inches tall to just 11 inches. 

When your hill running workout is over and you want to stow your equipment away, this machine can fold down fairly flat, making it ideal for storage under beds. “I appreciate that this stair stepper folds, but it’s not the most intuitive process,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “There’s a lot of plastic knobs you have to twist and tighten.” Footprint and portability scored a 3 out of 5.

This is a non-motorized stair climber, which means your steps are all that’s necessary to get it going. (The LCD monitor, though, requires four AA batteries.) “This isn’t a high-quality display that’s going to give you a ton of metrics, but it’s an affordable option for those on a budget,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5.

They added, “The footpads are wide and comfortable. Even when I have the incline set at its highest, I don’t feel like my feet are going to slip off.” 

While there are three levels of manual adjustable incline, ideal for those looking to tackle some serious cardiovascular exercise, our tester felt uncomfortable about this machine’s durability. “While on it, the climber feels sturdy, but thinking about the small hooks keeping the machine in its angled incline position makes me nervous,” they said.

[Related: Best Cardiovascular Exercises]

There are adjustments that can be made to resistance via a plastic turn knob, but there aren’t any markings to tell you what resistance level you’re at. As such, adjustability scored a 2 out of 5. 

The biggest concern we had was with a scraping sound when stepping. “I’d recommend this machine for those looking for a budget-friendly stepper with folding capabilities, however we did have a loud scraping sound on each step we took,” said our tester. “I’m not sure if this is a problem with this individual piece of equipment, or if it’s a problem more users are facing.”

Best Compact Commercial Stair Stepper: STEPR Classic

STEPR Classic

STEPR created this climbing machine to be able to fit in the average home — with dimensions that can both fit through typical doorways and a height that allows users to step when faced with ceiling heights as low as 8 feet tall. This is a more compact version of the stair climbers you tend to see in commercial gyms, with Bluetooth capabilities to connect and stream with the free STEPR app.

If you’re building out your itty-bitty home gym with the best compact exercise equipment, take a moment to peruse what the STEPR Classic has to offer. This stair climber is our choice for the best compact commercial stair stepper thanks to its rotating stadium step design, which is reminiscent of commercial gym stairmasters. There are 36 built-in programs on the center console, and users can also stream STEPR programming by stowing their phone or tablet on the media shelf.

“STEPR took commercial stair-climbing machines, shrunk them down so they could fit in most homes, and paired it with Peloton-style programming,” said our tester. “Best of all, this programming doesn’t carry a monthly subscription fee. It’s free.” Programming scored a 4 out of 5. 

When I took a class on STEPR, I was delighted to see Trace Gotsis — a former coach on Tonal — as one of their coaches. If you like good vibes and a tough workout, he’ll give it to you.

Its footprint of 8.05 square feet is smaller than the average coffee table, and can comfortably operate in homes with ceilings as low as 8 feet. (3) “People with a small home gym that are looking for cardio equipment will want to give this machine some consideration,” said our tester.

One limitation our tester noted was in the step height and amount of steps. “When you’re doing a stairmaster workout at the gym, you can typically skip a step. But because of the compact design on the STEPR, you can’t do that,” said our tester. 

Also, the 5.2-inch height of each step is less than the 6+ inches of height found on commercial stepping machines, so there’s the possibility that some may feel a bit cramped.

During my testing, I experienced a slight amount of wobble at higher speeds. I also would have liked some heart rate pulse sensors on the handlebars, just to help me keep track of how hard I was working. However, I love that there’s Bluetooth connectivity so I can pair the app with the STEPR unit to track my training. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.

Best Budget Compact Stair Stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper

Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine

The adjustable handlebar and stabilizer ring provide stable workouts for users up to 250 pounds, despite weighing just 25.4 pounds. Keep track of your steps, time, calories, and more via the digital display. 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper is not only one of the best mini stair steppers we’ve tested but also our choice for the best budget compact stair stepper. Its $139.99 price tag is one of the least expensive we’ve seen in a market where steppers can cost thousands of dollars. We also love how its compact profile only takes up 2.81 square feet — about the size of a dining chair. (4)

While budget equipment can often be lacking in the durability department, this stepper can accommodate users up to 250 pounds. It also includes a stabilizer ring at the base to provide a bit of added support.

Users can track stats — time, calories, and total steps — on the digital monitor. There isn’t an option to adjust resistance, but changing the step height can help make your workout easier or more challenging. 

Regardless of how you train on this stepper, the user manual suggests taking breaks after 15 minutes to allow the hydraulics and moving parts to cool down. I previously had a Sunny Health & Fitness stepper that was similar to this, and I can confirm that these machines get hot. I once smelled something burning and burned my finger when touching the stepper to investigate. 

I’ve owned a few pieces of Sunny Health & Fitness equipment over the years — shout out to the Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bike, which I’ve owned since the pandemic — and I think the company makes affordable machines that are fairly reliable. 

However, if you do have a problem with your purchase, getting in touch with customer service can be a struggle. “They don’t have a chat function on their site, and I was waiting over a week for an email response,” said Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. As such, we scored the company’s customer service a 3 out of 5.

[Related: Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Compact Stair Stepper for Heavy People: Xiser Pro Trainer

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Xiser Pro Trainer

Its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame provides a stable workout for users up to 400 pounds, despite weighing just 13.5 pounds. 

Our choice for the best compact stair stepper for heavy people is the hardy — yet impressively tiny — Xiser Pro Trainer, which is built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to support users up to 400 pounds. This sturdy build doesn’t come cheap, though, and you’ll be forking over $577 for this added durability. That’s several hundred dollars more than other mini stair steppers we’ve tested. 

For that price, you’re getting the most compact and lightweight option on our list, weighing just 13.5 pounds. It takes up a measly 2.04 square feet, and tops out at a height of 4 inches. If you’re in need of a stepper that can support a larger build, but need to be able to move it around with ease, this may be the choice for you.

There aren’t handlebars to hold onto for balance, but maintaining your balance throughout your HIIT cardio workout can help strengthen your core muscles. One thing we do feel is missing is a built-in digital monitor, as being able to track your time, distance, and step count can be a useful feature.

There are 264 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. However, noise seems to be an issue with some users. “As other reviews state, it is extremely easy to set up and it is a good, smooth workout. However, as soon as the shocks get heated up a bit, there is a loud clicking and squeaking noise that comes from the shocks,” reads one customer review. “I basically have to lubricate the shocks on a weekly basis or this thing is so loud it is unusable.”

Best Compact Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands: Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Its quiet hydraulic drive system and oversized pedals have made it a favorite on Amazon. Use the removable resistance bands to add upper body exercises while you step. Its LED monitor lets you keep an eye on your step count, calories burned, and time.

The Sportsroyal Stair Stepper is a compact stepper that brings the upper body in on the cardio party with attachable resistance bands you can use while you step. Weighing only 19.8 pounds and measuring just 2.46 square feet, it takes up about the same amount of floor space as a bar stool. (5) Users who want a piece of cardio equipment that can target their total body, but need something that they can tuck out of the way when not in use, will definitely want to give this stepper a closer look.

The resistance bands attach to the base with included carabiners, and you’ll be able to crank out bicep curls, tricep extensions, and some of the best shoulder exercises, such as front and lateral raises, as you step. However, these bands and the stepper machine’s resistance are not adjustable to increase or decrease your workout intensity.

Customer reviews are mixed on the available resistance. Some say it’s too much and some say it’s too little. But, hey, perhaps you may find it’s just right. “The resistance, which isn’t adjustable, is very high… it takes effort to push the pedals down, so it’s a good muscle workout but it’s hard to go fast enough to get my heart rate up,” reads one customer review. “The resistance is not strong enough and I feel, after a couple of week’s use it would not be beneficial to me,” said another.

While mini steppers like this one can be noisy, there are shock-absorbing cushions to keep the pedals from clanking against the floor. Additionally, in line with other hydraulic steppers, parts can become hot with extended use and it’s suggested you let the unit cool down after 20 minutes of work.

The LED monitor tracks steps, time, distance, and calories burned, so you can set a target and work towards a time, distance or calorie burn goal for your workout. However, some customers have noted problems with the monitor. “The counter stopped working after less than a week,” mentioned one customer review.

[Related: How Many Calories Are Burned Walking?]

Benefits of the Best Compact Stair Steppers

“It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of sparkly, massive home gyms, but the reality is that most people don’t have the space or funds to recreate a commercial home gym in their home,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Caprittoo. Compact stair steppers provide a wealth of benefits while prioritizing smaller builds.

• Space Saving: “Many people are making do with what they have: A corner of their bedroom, a slice of living room, maybe a spare walk-in closet,” says Capritto. The steppers on our list have footprints that range in size from 2 square feet up to 13 square feet, helping to save floor space in your home.
• Convenient Cardio: “People who want to exercise at home but don’t have a lot of space to dedicate to a home gym can benefit from compact gym equipment. People who travel frequently can, too,” adds Capritto. Many steppers on our list are small enough to fit in a suitcase, while others can be carried or rolled from room to room.
• Glutes, Quads, and Calves: Getting your workout in on a stair stepper can lift your heart rate, increase VO2 max, and build strength in your glutes, quads, and calves. (6)

How Much Do Compact Stair Climbers Cost?

The best home gym equipment for you depends on what fits your space and your budget. From stair climbers with rotating steps that mimic climbing bleachers to bite-sized steppers that can fit under your desk, compact stair climbers can cost as little as $139.99 or as high as $3,999.99. Higher-priced machines tend to offer resistance adjustments and tech capabilities like Bluetooth connectivity, app pairing, and touchscreens, while budget-friendly picks can help you stay active with a basic, hydraulic-powered stepping motion. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Stair Stepper

How much space do you have? How do you intend to train? Let these questions percolate as you peruse your options. The following are additional areas to consider before bringing a compact stair stepper into your home. 

Type of Workout

Stair steppers provide a low-impact at-home workout, but knowing what type of work you’re looking to tackle will help you navigate your options. If you want a machine that can provide you with a full-body workout, look for mini steppers with resistance bands so you can work your upper body while you step. If you want a serious lower-body workout, peruse stair climbers with adjustable resistance so you can choose the speed and intensity for your stepper workout.

Additionally, consider if you’re more inclined to do HIIT-style training or LISS cardio sessions. HIIT training requires you to pick up your intensity for short durations, and LISS cardio — low-intensity steady-state cardio — has you working for longer durations but with less intensity. If you’re interested in long LISS sessions, make sure the equipment you choose can be used for longer workouts. Some hydraulic mini-steppers can overheat after 15 to 20 minutes of exercise.

Available Space

While a stair stepper may look good on your browser or in store, if it doesn’t fit in your space you may be burdened with disassembling and returning it. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” notes our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto.

If you don’t have a dedicated area for a stepper, look for models that are either lightweight or have folding capabilities and transport wheels so you can get your workout in and then close up shop.

Mini Stepper Vs. Stair Stepper

Do you want a mini stepper or a stair stepper? Mini steppers tend to be the most compact options, with pedals that pivot up and down powered by hydraulics. They’re lightweight and portable, ideal for use at desks or wherever else you’d like to step from. They also don’t need to be plugged into an outlet to work. These cardio machines are ideal for small spaces and users of any fitness level — though likely best suited for beginner and intermediate athletes.

Proper stair steppers have larger steps that mimic walking, jogging, or running up a flight of stairs. Sometimes, they feature revolving steps that you climb. Other machines opt for footpads that cradle your feet as you step — like many of the best ellipticals. This fitness equipment tends to include adjustable resistance — useful for setting fitness goals and surpassing them — though these exercise machines are larger (and more costly) than mini steppers and will require a dedicated space for use and storage.

Best Compact Stair Steppers FAQs

References

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2. Harper, N. G., Wilken, J. M., & Neptune, R. R. (2018). Muscle Function and Coordination of Stair Ascent. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 140(1), 10.1115/1.4037791. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037791
3. Cocreativeinteriors. (2022, March 17). Standard Furniture Size Guide. CoCreative Interiors. https://cocreativeinteriors.com/2022/03/standard-furniture-size-guide/
4. Dining chair dimensions: How to choose the right size. (2020, March 11). AllModern. https://www.allmodern.com/sca/inspiration/inspiration/dining-chair-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-size-T5801#:~:text=The%20two%20most%20common%20dining,your%20chair%20and%20the%20tabletop.
5. Bar Stool Dimensions: How to choose the right size for your space. (2019, March 11). Wayfair. https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/bar-stool-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-ones-T494
6. Zimmermann, C. L., Cook, T. M., Bravard, M. S., Hansen, M. M., Honomichl, R. T., Karns, S. T., Lammers, M. A., Steele, S. A., Yunker, L. K., & Zebrowski, R. M. (1994). Effects of stair-stepping exercise direction and cadence on EMG activity of selected lower extremity muscle groups. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 19(3), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1994.19.3.173
7. World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, October 5). Physical activity. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity