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Best Steppers and Climbers 2025
Few workouts hit as hard as a good climb. It's a simple, honest movement that fires up your legs, lungs and heart faster than you expect. Steppers give you a steady burn that builds strength and control. Climbers take things higher, adding that all-out stair feel that really drives the challenge. We’ve picked out the standouts of 2025, from compact home machines to serious commercial gear. These are the ones that feel good to use, push you in the right ways and deliver results that stick.
Top Steppers
Top All-Round Steppers
BodyMax MXT40 M2 Incline Step Trainer
Small in size, big on results.
At a Glance
- Compact frame that fits comfortably into small spaces
- Smooth, full-body motion that blends stepping and gliding
- 8 levels of quiet magnetic resistance to keep progress steady
- Self-powered console that shows all your key stats
- Handy extras: tablet shelf, bottle holder, and transport wheels
Why It Stands Out
The MXT40 M2 punches well above its weight for such a small machine. It blends the simplicity of a stepper with the motion of an elliptical, giving you a smooth, low-impact climb that works both upper and lower body. With eight resistance levels, it’s easy to start light and push harder as your fitness builds, and its compact footprint makes it a smart choice if space is limited.
Key Features
- Resistance type: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Flywheel: 7 kg
- Stride length: 25.4 cm
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Footprint: 93 × 64 × 158 cm (L × W × H)
- Power: Self-powered, battery console
- Use: Home
Matrix Endurance Stepper
Serious stepping power for busy training spaces.
At a Glance
- Smooth, natural stepping motion that mimics real stairs
- 30 resistance levels for steady progress and tougher climbs
- Hybrid power so you can plug in or go self-powered
- Large, non-slip pedals and a sturdy frame for solid footing
- Choice of LED, premium LED or touchscreen consoles with smart tracking
Why It Stands Out
The Matrix Endurance Stepper feels every bit as sturdy as it looks. The angled, independent stepping motion gives that proper “climbing stairs” feel, and it stays smooth thanks to a belt drive that barely needs any upkeep. You can position it anywhere, mains or no mains, and the console choice lets you decide how connected you want to be. With 30 resistance levels to explore, this stepper machine grows with you and pushes your limits as you improve.
Key Features
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 30 levels
- Stepping motion: Angled, independent
- Drive: Quiet belt system
- Console: LED, Premium LED, or touchscreen options
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, smartwatch compatible
- Pedals: Large, non-slip design
- Power: Hybrid – self-powered or mains-powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Best Compact Steppers
Taurus ST9.9 Stair Trainer
Small frame, serious climb.
At a Glance
- Smooth stair-climbing motion with pacing from 14 to 140 steps per minute
- 15 resistance levels and 36 workout programmes
- Compact frame that fits easily into most home or studio spaces
- Low 31.5 cm step-on height for easy access
- Safety features include auto stop, self-lock, and anti-rolling protection
Why It Stands Out
The Taurus ST9.9 packs serious climbing power into a compact frame. The belt-driven motor keeps each step smooth, from an easy warm-up pace to a challenging 140 steps per minute. Its low step-on height and 14.5 cm step distance make this exercise stepper easy to use in most spaces, and with 15 resistance levels and 36 workout options, there’s plenty of room to mix up your training.
Key Features
- Step range: 14–140 steps per minute
- Resistance levels: 15
- Programmes: 36 pre-set options
- Step distance: 14.5 cm
- Console: intuitive controls with wireless charging
- Max user weight: 130 kg
- Footprint: 130 × 76 × 198 cm (L × W × H)
- Power: Belt-driven motor
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
ProForm Trainer HL Elliptical Machine & Stepper
Elliptical flow meets stepper power in one compact design.
At a Glance
- Smooth hybrid motion that blends stepping and gliding
- 22 levels of silent magnetic resistance
- 14 kg flywheel for a steady, balanced feel
- Soft cushioned pedals and moveable arms for full-body training
- Tilting screen with iFIT workouts on and off the machine
- Handy extras: cooling fan, dual speakers, tablet shelf, and transport wheels
Why It Stands Out
The Trainer HL gives you the best of both worlds: the drive of a stepper and the smooth stride of an elliptical. It works your upper and lower body together while keeping your joints happy. The resistance adjusts quietly across 22 levels, so you can move from light recovery days to solid cardio climbs without missing a beat. iFIT brings trainer-led sessions straight to the screen, helping you mix up your training.
Key Features
- Resistance type: Silent Magnetic Resistance, 22 levels
- Stride path: 12 cm horizontal, 25 cm vertical
- Flywheel: 14 kg inertia-enhanced
- Max user weight: 147 kg
- Footprint: 130 × 79 × 166 cm (L × W × H)
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home
Most Challenging Steppers
Taurus ST10.5 Stair Trainer
A serious climb for those who don’t back down.
At a Glance
- Motorless chain drive with 25 resistance levels
- Eight circulating steps for a realistic stair feel
- Step range from 22 to 125 steps per minute
- Smooth, self-powered motion
- LED console with all key workout stats
- Handy extras: transport wheels, wireless phone charging, tablet tray, music controls, and bottle holder
Why It Stands Out
The Taurus ST10.5 brings gym-grade stepping into any serious training space. With 25 resistance levels and a smooth chain drive, the stepper covers everything from steady climbs to leg-burning sprints. Eight wide, deep steps feel natural underfoot, giving you a realistic stair workout that hits glutes, quads and calves hard. The LED console shows your stats clearly, and you get extras like music controls, a phone shelf, wireless charging, and a roomy bottle holder for those long climbs.
Key Features
- Resistance levels: 25
- Step design: 8 circulating steps (182 mm high, 500 mm wide)
- Drive system: Chain drive
- Speed range: 22 – 125 steps per minute
- Console: LED display with full stat tracking
- Extras: Wireless charger, tablet tray, music controls
- Safety: Sensors, anti-slip steps, and emergency stop buttons
- Power: Self-powered
- Max user weight: 180 kg
- Footprint: 176 × 80 × 211 cm (L × W × H)
- Power: Self-powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Top Climbers
Top All-Round Climbers
StairMaster 4G Gauntlet StepMill
Compact frame. Monumental workout.
At a Glance
- Compact frame that fits neatly into home gyms or studios
- Step range from 24 to 162 steps per minute
- Choice of 10″ LCD or 15″ OpenHub touchscreen console
- Tracks heart rate through contact grips or a chest strap
- A frame that keeps up with your pace
- Handy extras: cooling fan, bottle holder, and accessory rack
Why It Stands Out
The StairMaster 4G packs serious training power into a smaller footprint. It delivers that unmistakable StairMaster climb without taking over your space. The 4G gives you full control of your pace, from steady climbs to all-out efforts, while the OpenHub consoles add all the data and entertainment you could want. Go for the 15" touchscreen if you like extra features like streaming and workout tracking, or or the 10" LCD if you’d rather just hop on and get moving (see the larger 8GX version for even more power and features).
Key Features
- Step rate: 24 – 162 steps per minute
- Console options: 10″ LCD or 15″ OpenHub touchscreen
- Heart rate monitoring: contact sensors and telemetry compatible
- Frame: powder-coated steel
- Footprint: 137 × 74 × 163 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 1597 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Matrix Lifestyle Climbmill
Big performance, compact design.
At a Glance
- Gym-level training packed into a smaller frame
- Smooth, natural step motion with 30 resistance levels
- Four console choices: LED, 16″, 19″ or 22″ touchscreen
- Stream workouts, catch up on shows or track your stats
- Solid frame, smart design and simple upkeep
Why It Stands Out
The Matrix Lifestyle ClimbMill feels like the real deal. The steps move smoothly, so your rhythm never feels off. You’ve got 30 resistance levels to play with, so it’s just as good for a long steady climb as it is for a quick leg burner. The console choice keeps things interesting too. Go for the LED if you like the basics or grab a touchscreen packed with workouts, entertainment and tracking tools. The frame stays rock steady, and the front panel opens in seconds when it needs a quick once-over.
Key Features
- Resistance type: 30 levels, manual adjustment
- Step rate: 24 – 160 steps per minute
- Consoles: LED, 16″, 19″ or 22″ touchscreen
- Workout programmes: 13 options including manual, interval, hill and heart rate
- Connectivity: Access to apps, training data and entertainment in one place
- Frame: Heavy-duty steel with sealed, tactile controls
- Maintenance access: Quick front panel for easy checks
- Extras: Cooling fan, bottle holder, USB charging ports
- Footprint: 160 × 72 × 208 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 136 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Life Fitness Integrity+ PowerMill Climber
Power, control and consistency in every climb.
At a Glance
- 26 resistance levels give you full control over the climb
- Steps move smoothly and feel solid underfoot
- Step range from 12 to 185 steps per minute
- Wide steps give room to move and a strong, secure grip
- Dual brakes keep you steady and safe at every pace
- 24″ or 16″ Discover SE4 touchscreen console that brings up workouts, progress and entertainment
Why It Stands Out
The Integrity+ PowerMill Climber moves smoothly and responds quickly, so every step feels controlled and powerful. With 26 resistance levels, you can keep a steady climb going or drive up the effort when you’re ready to work. The Discover SE4 console adds variety with guided workouts, progress tracking and entertainment that breaks up long sessions. Dual brakes and a recovery mode give you confidence when it’s time to slow things down. It’s a sturdy, reliable machine built to handle the toughest training environments.
Key Features
- Resistance levels: 26
- Step rate: 12 – 185 steps per minute
- Step size: 52.7 × 25.1 × 19 cm (W × D × H)
- Braking: Dual system with recovery mode
- Console: Discover SE4 touchscreen, 16″ or 24″
- Workouts: Compatible with Life Fitness On Demand+
- Integration: Halo Facility system for tracking and maintenance alerts
- Frame: Commercial-grade design for high-traffic use
- Footprint: 143 × 84 × 210 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 182 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Best Compact Climbers
StairMaster 8FC FreeClimber
Small frame. Big climb.
At a Glance
- Smooth step motion that feels natural and easy on the joints
- Step rate from 26 to 174 per minute for everything from steady climbs to fast bursts
- 26 – 36 cm step range keeps movement comfortable and controlled
- Three OpenHub consoles to choose from: LCD, 10″ or 15″ touchscreen
- Tracks progress and syncs with wearables and training apps
- Self-powered design, ready to go wherever you put it
Why It Stands Out
The 8FC FreeClimber gives you that classic StairMaster challenge without taking up much room. It feels smooth from the first step and keeps that rhythm the whole way through. The resistance changes right when you do, keeping the climb steady and responsive. You can set it up your way with three console options: a simple LCD for the basics or bigger touchscreens that bring up workouts, stats and entertainment. It also links to watches and training apps, so you can see how you’re doing in real time. Tough, compact and easy to get on with, the 8FC is the kind of machine that keeps you coming back for one more climb.
Key Features
- Resistance system: Electronically controlled alternator with chain drive
- Step rate: 26 – 174 steps per minute
- Step range: 2.5 – 36 cm
- Consoles: LCD, 10″ or 15″ OpenHub
- Workout programmes: 10 pre-set options including Heart Rate Zone Trainer
- Pedal system: Patented four-bar linkage for smooth motion
- Extras: Cooling fans, USB charging, multiple accessory holders
- Connectivity: Syncs with Apple and Samsung Galaxy Watches
- Frame: Compact powder-coated steel design
- Footprint: 110 × 69 × 173 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 159 kg
- Power: Self-generating
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Best Compact Climbers
BowFlex Max Trainer SEi
A full-body climb that feels smooth, quick and surprisingly quiet.
At a Glance
- Blends the motion of a stepper and elliptical for balanced, low-impact training
- 16 resistance levels for everything from warm-ups to tough sessions
- 7″ colour LCD keeps stats clear and easy to read
- Connects to the JRNY™ app for adaptive workouts, scenic routes and coaching
- Quiet, compact frame that fits easily into smaller spaces
Why It Stands Out
The Max Trainer SEi blends the movement of a stepper with the glide of an elliptical, giving you a tough, low-impact workout that hits your whole body. It runs quietly and tracks every stat on its clear 7″ LCD screen. Connect to JRNY™ to unlock adaptive workouts, scenic routes and guided sessions that adjust as you progress. Compact, connected and smooth, it’s an easy fit for home spaces where you want gym-level results.
Key Features
- Resistance type: Magnetic, motorised
- Resistance levels: 16
- Console: 7″ colour LCD with time, distance and calorie tracking
- Connectivity: JRNY™ app integration for adaptive workouts
- Heart rate: Bluetooth compatible (strap sold separately)
- Frame: Vibration-dampened for quiet operation
- Handlebars: Four-grip setup for full-body movement
- Extras: Media rack, USB port and water bottle holder
- Footprint: 119.1 × 77.6 × 165.6 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 136 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Most Adjustable Climbers
Spirit CSC900 StairClimber
Big steps. Smooth climb. Strong feel.
At a Glance
- Climbs reach up to 150 steps a minute for everything from easy sessions to hard pushes
- 20 resistance levels to keep training challenging and varied
- Extra-wide steps give more room and better balance
- 11 workout options including warm-up, intervals and user programmes
- LED console shows clear stats and includes a fan, tablet rack and storage shelf
- Auto stair lock adds safety before every session
Why It Stands Out
The CSC900 StairClimber feels smooth and steady from the first step. The wide steps give you room to move naturally, so you can climb straight, go side to side or mix things up mid-session. The resistance shifts quickly, so the pace feels responsive without any jolts or drag. The LED console keeps everything clear and easy to follow, and the fan gives a welcome bit of relief when the climb gets tough. Auto stair lock keeps everything secure when you step on and off, and the padded handrails help you feel secure from the start. It’s a strong, dependable machine that feels right from the first climb and keeps delivering every time you get on.
Key Features
- Resistance levels: 20
- Step rate: Up to 150 steps per minute
- Step size: 54.6 × 27.9 cm (21.5 × 11″)
- Workout programmes: 11 options including Warm-up, Fat Burn, Interval and Custom User Mode
- Safety: Auto stair lock and padded handrails
- Console: LED display with fan, tablet rack and shelf
- Handlebars: Multi-position with resistance and heart rate controls
- Frame: Heavy-duty steel with industrial drive system
- Footprint: 163 × 97 × 211 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 181 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home / Light commercial / Full commercial
Best Smart Climber
NordicTrack Step Climber
Smart climbs that move with you.
At a Glance
Compact shape that slots easily into most rooms
22 resistance levels that adjust as your fitness grows
Smooth stepping action that feels steady and joint-friendly
10″ tilting HD touchscreen with sharp visuals and plenty to explore
Access to iFIT workouts, scenic climbs and coaching that adapts as you train
Runs quietly, with cushioned pedals and a fan that keeps you cool when the pace picks up
Why It Stands Out
The Step Climber brings the feel of a stair workout into a smaller, smarter machine. Its motion blends the intensity of climbing with a joint-friendly stride. The 10″ HD touchscreen opens up thousands of guide d workouts through iFIT: one day you’re climbing mountain trails, the next you’re in a studio session with a trainer pushing the pace. The cushioned pedals feel solid underfoot, the drive runs quietly in the background, and the AutoBreeze™ fan does its bit when the climb starts to test you. It’s compact, smart, and surprisingly powerful for an at-home climber that does so much.
Key Features
- Resistance type: Digital magnetic, 22 levels
- Stride path: 13 cm horizontal / 25 cm vertical
- Flywheel: 14 kg effective inertia
- Console: 10″ tilting HD touchscreen
- Training options: iFIT workouts with trainer sessions, scenic routes and adaptive coaching
- Tracking: Syncs with Strava, Garmin and Apple Health
- Handlebars: Multi-grip setup for upper-body movement
- Extras: AutoBreeze™ fan, dual speakers, USB-C charging port and media rack
- Footprint: 130.3 × 79.2 × 166.4 cm (L × W × H)
- Max user weight: 147 kg
- Power: Mains powered
- Use: Home
Steppers and Climbers at Fitshop
The best steppers and climbers of 2025 take your training up a level, and you’ll find them all at Fitshop. Browse the range online, try them in store, or get expert advice on the right model for your space and training needs.