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We won’t deny that gym memberships have their perks—tons of machines, classes, and, if you’re lucky, a sauna. But there’s also something to be said about keeping your workouts at home: No fighting for machines, judgemental gym rats, or smelly locker rooms. If you’re building a home gym with limited space, stair steppers are a great way to add a cardio machine without the bulk of something like a treadmill, bike, or elliptical.
There are actually tons of at-home options for steppers that will help you get your heart rate up and your calved toned without taking up your entire living room. And, some are even equipped with resistance bands for full-body workouts.
“If you love getting your heart rate up, but have found yourself in a slump on the bike or treadmill, introducing a stepper can be a fun way to stick with your goals while keeping your workouts interesting,” says Sydney Sherman, an NASM-certified personal trainer.
We’ve found the best steppers on the market, including models tiny enough to fit in a tote bag, those you can use while sitting, and models very similar to the machines you’d find at the gym.
The Best Steppers
- Best Overall: Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Stepper
- Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper
- Best Compact Stepper: Nordic Lifting Mini Stepper & Stair Climber Machine
- Best for Core Strength: Sportroyals Stair Stepper
- Best Basic Model: Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stair Stepper Machine
What to Consider
Fitness Level
All steppers have basic stair-stepping ability, but some have higher resistance, add-ons like resistance bands for upper body toning, and even multiple functions like built-in elliptical or treadmill functions. If you’re just looking to get in a quick, easy workout or build in some light movement during the day, you can opt for a simpler, more affordable option.
However, if you’re looking to train seriously and get an intense workout in, you’ll likely have better luck with a commercial model with more resistance levels, a better range of motion, and more workout stat tracking. “Steppers can be safe for all levels of fitness, and with the guidance of a fitness professional, can be adapted to beginner, intermediate, or advanced exercise programming,” adds Sherman. “If you’re new to using a stepper, start slow. I also recommend a non-slip mat to set underneath your step for added safety.”
Size
The model you pick is largely dependent on how much space you have available. “Before purchasing your stepper, be sure you’ve cleared space to place a non-slip mat and your stepper, and that you have significant headspace between the top of your head and the ceiling,” says Sherman. Commercial models—while they can provide the most intense workout—tend to take up the most space.
Budget
The smallest options consist of only pedals and a simple handle for balance. These are by far the most affordable, and while you won’t be able to bang out a HIIT workout, they’re great for getting in some movement while bingeing your favorite show or working at your computer. If you’re willing to splurge, commercial models have settings that provide more intense and comprehensive workouts and stats.
Midrange models are great options as well. Although they may lack some of the more expansive features of commercial models, they’re generally smaller—some models can even fold up for storage in a closet or under your bed. These are great if you still want to get in a solid cardio workout, but you’re willing to sacrifice appearance and some stats.
How We Selected
To determine the best steppers on the market, we looked at research from our colleagues at sources like Women’s Health and Best Products, as well as researching the most popular steppers and consumer reviews from people who have used them. We considered a range of workout preferences, fitness levels, and budgets to land on a selection that includes an accessible stepper for everyone.
Pros
Great for HIIT workouts - Has both elliptical and stair-stepper motions
Cons
- Requires some assembly
This trainer is a hybrid of an elliptical and a stair stepper, and it offers eight resistance levels and two built-in workouts. It is also designed to give you the full effects of cardio training in only 14 minutes, so it’s great for sweating it out when you’re pressed for time. It also features target zones and burn indicators to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Key Specs
| Size (LxWxH) | 46.5 x 22.5 x 26.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs. |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Display | Calories burned per minute and activity level targets (LCD display) |
| Handles | Yes |
2
Best Budget
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper
Pros
- Resistance bands help with a full body workout
- Very small footprint
Cons
- LCD screen can be hard to read
Workout machines don’t get much more affordable—or more compact—than this model from Sunny Health & Fitness. But don’t let its small size fool you: this model can still give you a great workout.
It has a mini LCD screen that displays your steps per minute, total steps, time, and calories burned, and the removable resistance bands are great for adding in some shoulder, arm, and ab exercises. If you have poor balance, though, this might not be the right pick since it lacks a handle.
Key Specs
| Size (LxWxH) | 16 x 12.5 x 13.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 220 lbs. |
| Batteries Required | Yes (a Lr44 battery is included) |
| Display | Steps per minute, total steps, calories burned, and time |
| Handles | No, but it comes with removable resistance bands |
Pros
- Comes with three pairs of resistance bands
- Compact and doesn’t take up much space
- Pre-assembled
Cons
- Doesn’t have handles
- May have to regularly swap out the battery
If a compact stepper is what you seek, look no further than this one from Nordic Lifting. Not only does it come fully assembled, but it doesn’t take up a lot of space so you can quickly squeeze in a workout and easily move it to the side until your next one.
What makes this stepper stand out is that it comes with three pairs of resistance bands (20-inch, 28-inch, and 29-inch) that can be attached for a simultaneous upper- and lower-body workout. Regardless of how you design your workout, you can see your calories burned, steps per minute, and other information on the machine’s digital display.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 330 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 11.5 x 16.5 x 7.9 in. |
| Battery Required | Yes (1 AA battery is included) |
| Display | Time, calories, step count, and steps per minute (digital display) |
| Handles | No, but three pairs of resistance bands are included |
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Pros
- Twist helps tone core
- Easy to store
Cons
- Can be difficult to balance on
This stair stepper has an added twist—literally. Not only does it move up and down, but it can move side to side, giving you an additional workout option that can strengthen and tone your core.
It has wide, grippy footbeds, so it’s sturdy and secure despite not having handles, and it comes with resistance bands that allow you to add in some additional upper-body work.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 330 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 18.5 x 17.32 x 15.75 in. |
| Batteries Required | Yes (but is included) |
| Display | Time, calories, distance, scan, total count, and count (LED digital display) |
| Handles | No, but it is equipped with resistance bands |
5
Best Basic Model
Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stair Stepper Machine
Pros
- Sturdy but small
- Fluid, natural stepping motion
Cons
- Resistance only controlled by step height
This small stepper has a simple, effective design, and is a great option if you like mini steppers but want a bit more stability. It has two options—steep or shallow steps—and features a twisting step that helps work additional muscles and allows for a more fluid stepping motion.
This model comes from a brand we trust for affordable home workout equipment as Sunny Health & Fitness makes some of our most frequently recommended machines.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 21.9 x 18.5 x 49.8 in. |
| Batteries Required | Yes (1AAA - included) |
| Display | Calories, step count, total count, time, and scan (digital display) |
| Handles | Yes |
6
Best Seated Option
Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Strider Stepper
Pros
- Can be used in conjunction with a smartphone app
- Can be used while sitting or standing
Cons
- The display may be difficult for some to read
If you want to get your steps in but would prefer (or need) to stay seated, consider this compact stepper. You can pedal your feet while working at your desk or when watching television without even thinking about it.
Although many people opt to use this machine while sitting, it can be used standing up as well. Don’t forget to pair the machine up to your smartphone via the Muuv app. We also love its black-and-orange color scheme which can add a pop of color to your workout experience to make it even more engaging.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 17 x 24.5 x 11.38 in. |
| Batteries Required | Yes |
| Display | Number of strides and calorie count (electric display) |
| Handles | No |
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Pros
- Auto-adjusts incline along with classes
- Bluetooth compatible speakers
Cons
- Requires a lot of space
While this machine is on the pricier side, it’s also a three-in-one model, with options to use it as a stepper, an elliptical, or a treadmill. To switch between modes, you simply change your movement and it will automatically adjust to move with you.
If you enjoy group workouts, you can invest in an iFit membership, which gives you access to tons of online classes, and will even adjust the incline and resistance for you as you follow along with your instructor. It also has a built-in fan, water bottle holder, Bluetooth-compatible speakers, and an interactive touchscreen that makes it feel super high-end.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 375 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 in. |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Display | 10-inch HD touchscreen |
| Handles | Yes |
Pros
- Quiet design
- Does not require batteries
Cons
- The hydraulic tube requires rest after 20 minutes of use
If you want to start stepping but have a small child at home or are worried about disturbing the neighbors downstairs, this mini stepper is a good pick. Since its pedals contain shock-absorbing rubber pads, you’ll notice a lot less noise while using it. And, since it’s not a bulky item, you can easily (and noiselessly) move it to whichever spot you want to get your step on, whether that be in your bedroom or in front of the television.
In addition to serving as a stepper, this machine can be used to do some strength training moves like push-ups by placing your hands on the pedals or using its resistance band.
Key Specs
| Weight Limit | 330 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Size (LxWxH) | 15.7 x 13 x 7.8 in. |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Display | Count, time, calories, strides per minute, and scan (LCD display) |
| Handles | No |
Jenna Clark
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, the Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.
Gabrielle Hondorp
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
