We extensively tested many best ladders of different types, including stepladders, extension ladders, and multi-position ladders, at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to find the perfect ladder for your home or workspace. Our testing team carefully set up each ladder, climbed to the top, and then folded it back down to see how easy it was to do these things. We looked at how stable each ladder was, how easy it was to set up and fold up, how portable it was, how much it cost, and what other features it had.
Larry Campbell, a certified electrician and valued member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board, says that safety should be your number one concern when choosing a ladder, especially in terms of height. “Make sure your stepladder is tall enough so that you never have to stand with your knee higher than the top step.” Also, when working with electrical wiring, it’s important to put safety first by picking a fiberglass ladder instead of an aluminum one, since aluminum is a good conductor of electricity. Below we have mentioned the best ladders.
Best Ladders Comparison Table
| Step Ladder/Stool | Features | Weight Capacity | Foldable | Handrails | Tool Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HBTower 5 | Wide steps, tool platform | Not specified | Yes | No | Yes |
| Little Giant Ladders M17 | Multi-position ladder, wheels | 300 lbs | Yes | No | No |
| HBTower 3 | Handrails | 330 lbs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rubbermaid RMA-3XST 3 | Oversized project tray | 225 lbs | Yes | No | No |
| Delxo Three | Not specified | 330 lbs | Yes | No | No |
HBTower 5-Foot Wide-Step Folding Step Ladder with Tool Platform
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ladder Height | 5 feet (approximately 1.52 meters) |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs (approximately 150 kg) |
| Number of Steps/Rungs | 4 steps/rungs |
| Platform Size | 13.8″ x 7.9″ (approximately 35cm x 20cm) |
| Material (Frame/Steps) | Steel frame with non-slip rubber steps |
| Folded Dimensions | 5.1″ x 59.8″ x 18.1″ (approximately 13cm x 152cm x 46cm) |
| Additional Feature | Tool platform for keeping tools within reach |
Ladders can be expensive, but we found that the HBTower 5-Foot Wide-Step Folding Step Ladder with Tool Platform worked just as well as many more expensive ladders, but didn’t hurt your wallet as much. We liked how sturdy the stepladder was, even on slightly uneven ground, and how easy it was to climb up and down because the rungs were bigger than usual. When it’s folded up, this sturdy ladder is just over 5 feet tall.
It has strong, 8.5-inch-deep plastic rungs that fit one of our team member’s men’s 9.5 shoes nicely. Because of the top rail, you can safely stand on the fourth step. This gives you a reach of about 9 feet. At the very top of the ladder is a strong plastic base with molded spaces that can hold a 1-gallon paint can and a few tools. If you want to, you can take the tray out. Even though the steel frame is not the strongest, it holds up well to normal home use, and the rubber feet keep it from slipping or sliding on smooth floors.
If you need a ladder to do big projects on the outside of your home, we suggest looking for one with more height and a fiberglass frame. However, this choice is great for apartments and smaller homes for tasks inside the home. The ladder folds up to an impressively thin size, which makes it easy to store in a small room. It was light enough that we could carry it with one hand, and it was also easy to open and close.
Pros
- Wide steps provide stability and comfort while standing.
- Tool platform offers convenient access to tools and materials.
- Folding design allows for easy storage and transportation.
Cons
- Limited height (5 feet), may not reach higher areas.
- Bulkier compared to smaller step stools.
- May not be suitable for professional or heavy-duty use.
Little Giant Ladders M17 Velocity with Wheels 17-Foot Multi-Position Ladder
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ladder Height | 17 feet (approximately 5.18 meters) |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs (approximately 136 kg) |
| Number of Positions | 24 positions |
| Material (Frame) | Aluminum frame for lightweight |
| Wheel System | Wheels for easy transport and maneuvering |
| Folded Dimensions | 5.1″ x 8″ x 120″ (approximately 13cm x 20cm x 305cm) |
| Additional Feature | Tip and Glide wheels for moving ladder with ease |
You don’t have to buy multiple ladders because the M17 Velocity from Little Giant is a stepladder, stairway ladder, extension ladder, 90-degree ladder, and scaffolding (trestle kit sold separately). One ladder for many projects is great for homeowners who don’t have a lot of storage room but need different kinds of ladders.
During testing, we noticed that the ladder could be used for a wide range of jobs or repairs inside and outside the home. The main benefit of this multi-position it is its Rock Lock adjustment system, which lets you change the ladder’s configuration quickly and easily. We liked how easy it was to change the ladder’s configurations, and we also noticed that it was very sturdy and could easily hold the weight of a team member in any configuration.
With ratcheting leg levelers, the ladder can be put in a safe place even if the ground is not level. Even though it is a heavy ladder, it can be folded down to a reasonable size when not in use, and the wheels make it easy to move when business calls. You might need help moving it from one place to another or putting it away.
Pros
- Versatile ladder with multiple positions and configurations.
- Includes wheels for easy mobility and transportation.
- Sturdy construction allows for heavy-duty tasks.
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier compared to smaller ladders.
- Requires more storage space due to its larger size.
- Higher price point compared to basic step stools.
HBTower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ladder Height | 3 feet (approximately 0.91 meters) |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs (approximately 150 kg) |
| Number of Steps/Rungs | 3 steps/rungs |
| Material (Frame/Steps) | Steel frame with non-slip rubber steps |
| Handrail Height | 32.3 inches (approximately 82 cm) |
| Folded Dimensions | 18.1″ x 45.7″ x 4.3″ (approximately 46cm x 116cm x 11cm) |
| Additional Feature | Handrails for added stability and support |
Sometimes, all you need is a little help, not a tall ladder. And for those times, you need the HBTower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails. This ladder could come in handy if you need to reach high cabinets in your kitchen or quickly change a lightbulb. It has a steel frame and three heavy-duty plastic steps that are 8.3 inches deep and give your feet plenty of support.
Cushioned foam covers the metal bars on both sides of the rungs and at the top of the ladder to make it even safer and more stable to use. During our testing process, we felt very stable as we climbed up and down. This ladder also comes with a handy tool bag that you can take off and put somewhere else. It has four pockets that can hold paint brushes, screwdrivers, hammers, and other small tools. The whole ladder, including the top bar, is 55 inches high when it is fully open.
The top step is 27.6 inches above the floor. This gives you a reach height of about 7 feet, which is enough for most small jobs around the house but not enough for painting the tops of the walls. From what we have seen, this ladder is light and easy to open, but it took a strong pull to close it. Just be careful where you put your hands so you don’t pinch your fingers. Still, this ladder is useful around the house, especially for people who aren’t very tall.
Pros
- Handrails provide additional safety and stability.
- Compact size makes it easy to store and transport.
- Suitable for tasks at lower heights.
Cons
- Limited height (3 steps), may not reach higher areas.
- Not ideal for professional or heavy-duty use.
- Handrails may limit maneuverability in tight spaces.
Rubbermaid RMA-3XST 3 Lightweight Aluminum Step Stool with Oversized Project Tray
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ladder Height | 3 feet (approximately 0.91 meters) |
| Weight Capacity | 225 lbs (approximately 102 kg) |
| Number of Steps/Rungs | 3 steps/rungs |
| Material (Frame/Steps) | Aluminum frame with non-slip rubber steps |
| Project Tray Size | Oversized tray for tools and supplies |
| Folded Dimensions | 5.8″ x 19″ x 60″ (approximately 15cm x 48cm x 152cm) |
| Additional Feature | Foldable design for compact storage and portability |
The Rubbermaid Lightweight Aluminum Step Stool can help you get the job done whether you’re painting the inside of your house, putting in a new light fixture, or starting a new home improvement project. It folds up, so it’s easy to store in a room when you don’t need it. When you do need it, it’s easy to fold out and lock into place.
Even on the top step, our testers found that this ladder was very stable and didn’t move around. They felt safe putting their full weight on it without worrying that it would fall. It has big feet that don’t slip, so you don’t have to worry about it moving around when you move.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable, easy to move around.
- Oversized project tray offers space for tools and materials.
- Durable aluminum construction.
Cons
- Limited height (3 steps), may not reach higher areas.
- Smaller step stool may not be suitable for tasks requiring extended reach.
- Not as versatile as multi-position ladders.
Delxo Three-Step Folding Step Stool Ladder
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ladder Height | 3 feet (approximately 0.91 meters) |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs (approximately 150 kg) |
| Number of Steps/Rungs | 3 steps/rungs |
| Material (Frame/Steps) | Steel frame with non-slip rubber steps |
| Folded Dimensions | 52.5″ x 3.5″ x 20.1″ (approximately 133cm x 9cm x 51cm) |
| Additional Feature | Lightweight and portable design for easy carrying |
When all you need is a little extra height to reach the top shelf in your closets or change a lightbulb in your bedroom, it doesn’t make sense to buy a full-size ladder for your home. Instead, a small step ladder like the Delxo Step Ladder Folding Step Stool is a simple solution that won’t take up a lot of storage room.
This sturdy step stool is made of alloy steel and has a step that is 43.2 inches high. This gives you just enough height to reach things in your home that are up high without having to get out your full-size ladder. You can use it to hang picture frames, put up wallpaper, and do other tasks around the house that require a little extra height. When you open it up, it instantly locks into place, so it won’t fall down on you.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry and store.
- Folding design for space-saving storage.
- Suitable for various tasks around the house.
Cons
- Limited height (3 steps), may not reach higher areas.
- Not designed for heavy-duty or professional use.
- Smaller step stool may not provide as much stability as larger ladders.
FAQs
Most of the time, a stepladder is the best type of ladder to use around the house. Stepladders can be used for many things, are easy to use, and give you support and balance. Look for a stepladder that is made well, has a wide base, feet that won’t slip, and a comfy place to stand.
Different types and models of stairs can hold different amounts of weight. It’s important to check each it’s manufacturer’s instructions. Most ladders for home use can hold between 200 and 300 pounds (90 and 136 kilograms) of weight. But there are stairs that can hold more weight and are called “heavy-duty.”
To choose the right ladder height, think about how far you need to reach. Find out how far it is from the ground to the highest place you want to stand on the ladder to reach. Add your height to this number to figure out the minimum height of the ladder you should choose. To be safe and easy, you should always choose a ladder that is a bit higher than you think you’ll need.
