DEAL OF THE DAY: Get up to 70% off at Walmart's luggage clearance sale!
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bring Everything Within Reach With The Best Step Ladder

Last updated on June 14, 2023

We looked at the top 18 Step Ladders and dug through the reviews from 121 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Step Ladders.

Best Step Ladder

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

While working in your home or garden, you may find that a few tasks are hard to complete without getting yourself a little bit higher. Instead of risking standing on an object or dining room chair, it’s best to invest in a step ladder.

As you search for the best step ladder, keep in mind the weight of the person who is going to be using it. Some models only hold up to 200 pounds. Since the average man weighs between 194 and 201 pounds, that’s cutting it close. The HBTower 3 Step Folding Step Ladder might be a better choice as it can hold up to 500 pounds.

Look at the weight of the ladder itself next. Some models are heavy, which is necessary if you plan on using them for work. For home use, however, you’ll want something lighter and more portable, like a 3-step ladder that weighs less than 8 pounds.

Check to see if any safety measures are put into place to make using the step ladder less risky. For example, some models have a rubber grip covering the handle and waves embedded in each step. Most ladders also have a locking mechanism that will keep the ladder in an open position, so it doesn’t fold up or fall over while you’re using it.

Determine how far you need to reach. Most models will give you an extra 4 to 6 feet. If you’re looking to complete jobs that require a higher reach, you’ll want to go with a model that actually converts to a 19-foot extension ladder.

Finally, consider any extra features the step ladder may have to offer. For example, it may come with a handy tool tray or it may offer heel-to-toe support to reduce foot fatigue.

Our Picks For The Top Step Ladders

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Good Life Steel Industrial Step Ladder, 3-Step

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Good Life

Steel Industrial Step Ladder, 3-Step

Since this step ladder folds up flat when not in use, storage is never an issue. The ladder has a high 300-pound weight capacity and offers three steps to give you a bit of extra height when you need it. The anti-slip step mats and upper handle grip add an element of safety to the tool.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionYou'll love the affordable price tag on this economical step ladder.

 Runner Up

ALPURLAD Anti-Sweat Handle Impact Resistant Step Ladder, 2-Step

ALPURLAD

Anti-Sweat Handle Impact Resistant Step Ladder, 2-Step

Not only is the handle on this step ladder designed to provide a solid grip, but it also prevents sweat. The ladder itself is constructed from a durable iron with a 330-pound weight capacity. There are two steps to help you reach everything from lightbulbs to your mischievous climbing cat.

Overall Take

Choice of ColorsYou'll find this step ladder comes in a choice of black, green or white.

 We Also Like

HBTower Non-Slip Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

HBTower

Non-Slip Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

This step ladder comes with rubber feet that not only hold the ladder firmly in place while you use it, but also protect the surface of your floors from scratches. The ladder itself has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, which is one of the highest on the market. The ladder folds up nice and neat for easy storage when not in use.

Overall Take

Large Weight CapacityOne of the most durable step ladders on the market, this model is able to handle as much as 500 pounds.

 Also Great

Best Choice Products Lightweight Anti-Rust Step Ladder, 4-Step

Best Choice Products

Lightweight Anti-Rust Step Ladder, 4-Step

Whether you're project is indoors or outdoors, you'll find this step ladder is invaluable. It comes with four steps and has a hand rail to keep you nice and sturdy. The frame is made out of a durable high-grade steel and is designed to fold up for easy storage when not in use.

Overall Take

Strong and DurableThis step ladder can hold up to 330 pounds of weight at any given time.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
25

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the step ladders available to purchase.
18

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

121

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Review Unfold, Easy Get Product, Paint Sprayer Mag, Top Ten Product Review, Drill Press View.

68,248

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 18 Step Ladders and also dug through the reviews from 121 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Step Ladders.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval
Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

ALPURLAD Anti-Sweat Handle Impact Resistant Step Ladder, 2-Step

User Summarized Score

9.4
1,429 user reviews

Our Take

Not only is the handle on this step ladder designed to provide a solid grip, but it also prevents sweat. The ladder itself is constructed from a durable iron with a 330-pound weight capacity. There are two steps to help you reach everything from lightbulbs to your mischievous climbing cat.

What to Look For

  • Some models can be configured into a scaffolding system, but they typically require you to purchase additional accessories to do so.
  • The assembly of some models might be difficult. Check to see if there are any required tools for assembly before you buy.
  • The top platform can be sharp. When on the rungs, your knees may hit the sharp edges.
  • Keep in mind taller step ladders are harder to store. They may not fit in a closet, so you’d have to place them in a basement or garage when not in use.
  • Warning: Aluminum is a conductor of electricity. It is possible to be electrocuted while standing on an aluminum ladder if you are working with electricity.
  • The price for a step ladder is directly related to the size and reach of the ladder. You’ll find smaller ladders are the most affordable.

Step Ladder Rankings

1. Good Life Steel Industrial Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.8
Reviews Included: 1

3. HBTower Non-Slip Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 1

6. Rubbermaid RMS-2 Compact Steel Step Ladder, 2-Step

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

7. Delxo Space Saving Anti-Slip Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 13

8. Delxo Anti-Slip Folding Step Ladder, 4-Step

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 3

9. Rubbermaid RMS-3T Easy Store Steel Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 6

11. Cosco Alloy Steel Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 9

12. Best Choice Products Safety Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 21

13. Rubbermaid Plastic Folding Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 20

14. Little Giant Aircraft-Grade Step Ladder, 15-Foot

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 7

15. Little Giant Multi-Use Step Ladder, 22-Foot

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 19

16. Cosco Slip-Resistant Tread Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 14

17. Little Giant Tip & Pull Wheels Step Ladder, 3-Step

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 6

18. VonHaus Folding Ladder, 4-Step

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 21

More to Explore

Ladders have been around for quite a long time. In fact, cave paintings in Valencia, Spain reveal a type of ladder made from grass that was used to reach a bee’s nest to gather some sweet honey. This ladder was thought to be constructed at least 10,000 years ago!

Did you know there is a festival every three years in China that features a ladder made of knives? Participants climb the ladder barefoot and receive prizes when they reach the top.

When it comes to step ladders, it was John H. Balsley from Dayton, Ohio who constructed the first model. He did so back in 1892, and his purpose was to make a smaller ladder that folded for easy storage.

More to explore