The 8 Best Ladders of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Oct 14, 2024

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Out of 23 ladders, these are the sturdiest and most dependable.

In This Article

Whether you’re looking to paint a ceiling, change a lightbulb, or trim tree branches, a trustworthy ladder is essential for many types of home improvement projects.

To find the best ladders, we first tested 23 models in our Lab—including various types such as extension, multi-position, and step ladders—and evaluated them based on qualities like design, portability, overall value, and more.

Following those tests, we continued to evaluate these ladders at home for six months. We also spoke with Susan Orenga, executive director of the American Ladder Institute, to get expert advice on what to look for when shopping for ladders—plus, tips on how to use them safely and securely.

Her most important piece of advice? “Do not assume that a longer ladder has a higher weight capacity,” says Orenga. “There is no relationship between ladder length and weight capacity.”

This sturdy, dependable ladder requires no assembly.

It’s not the most versatile option on our list.

By far the best ladder that we tested in our Lab was this foldable step ladder from Bauer Corporation. It was lightweight yet secure and sturdy, so it’ll give you all the stability you need when working on your next project. During our six months of real-world testing, this ladder became our favorite for most everyday tasks around the house—it was reliable, sturdy, and showed no signs of wear.

Made with solid fiberglass and designed with deep treads on the steps for foot support, this bright yellow step ladder also has rubber feet to add traction and prevent damage. We also appreciate that it comes with a sturdy locking mechanism to prevent any accidents from occurring during use.

We found that this ladder is reasonably priced compared to similar high-quality models, especially considering that it comes with helpful features like a small parts tray and six tool holders. It doesn’t have wheels, but we think it’s lightweight enough that transporting it from room to room won’t be much of a hassle, especially since it easily folds up. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, but the only downside is that this five-step ladder is only 6 feet tall, so if you need a ladder with more height, you might want to go with a larger-size model.

Type: Foldable | Height: 6 feet | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Material: Fiberglass

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

This tall, extendable ladder has minimal wobble.

It’s 31 pounds, which is heavier than some of our other selections.

For home projects involving high ceilings, rooftops, or tree branches, you’ll need an extension ladder that gets you where you need to go—and we recommend this one from Louisville Ladder. This model smoothly extended and retracted as needed (once we got the hang of it), and had a minimal wobble despite its impressive height. Even though stability is an important factor for all ladders, it’s especially essential for extension models that take their users to far-reaching heights. During our testing, this ladder was easy to adjust to different tasks and lightweight enough to move around as needed.

This extension ladder is made of strong fiberglass and features D-shaped rungs that are sturdy and easy to stand on. This durable pick has solid, supportive feet and is surprisingly lightweight for its height. Since fiberglass ladders are generally pricier, we think this one is on the average side, especially considering that it showed no wear after six months of real-world testing. After using this ladder for an extended period, we can confidently recommend it to anyone who does exterior work on siding, windows, gutters, or stairwells.

Type: Extension | Height: 16 feet | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Fiberglass

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This ladder is portable, easy to store, and extends to impressive heights.

There aren’t any additional features.

Telescoping ladders are great options for people with limited storage space, as well as anyone who just values convenience. The best telescoping ladder we evaluated was this 8.5-foot option from Meanfun. We found it quite easy to set up and use, though it was quite heavy and required two hands to carry it from place to place. It’s made from heavy-duty stainless steel that gives it serious stability, and the rungs were solid and wide enough that we easily scaled to the top without any difficulty.

The ladder earned a 4/5 score for portability since it was compact at just 2.3 feet once collapsed. Even though this ladder performs its basic functions with ease, we wish that it came with some of the extra features that other models have. That said, if you need a ladder to easily access a roof, scale a stairwell, or otherwise prop on an existing wall or siding, this telescoping pick does the job.

Type: Telescoping | Height: 8.5 feet | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Material: Stainless steel

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

This affordable pick is ideal for small projects around the house.

During testing, we found that the ladder required some strength to take down.

For a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use step ladder, look no further than this one from HBTower that won our approval throughout our real-world testing. The budget-friendly ladder features three wide and sturdy steps that stand 27.6 inches off the ground, which is ideal for regular use around the home. Throughout the six-month testing period, we used this step ladder for various household tasks, including grabbing things from hard-to-reach cabinets, changing light bulbs, and hanging outdoor canopy lights. It was overall sturdy, durable, easy to move around, and versatile, making it a reliable option we reached for again and again.

This step ladder is made from tough, heavy-duty steel with a metal buckle that automatically locks into place when you take your first steps. (During testing, we noticed this happening thanks to the “cracking” noise.) The sponge-covered handrails in the front will come in handy whenever you feel like you need a little extra stability, and the rubber feet are designed to prevent scratching on the floor. We also like that this multipurpose step ladder comes with an attachable, multi-pocket tool bag that you can use to store items like a set of screwdrivers or paint brushes while you complete your project. It requires minimal assembly, although it’s worth noting that we had to use a bit of muscle to take it down during our testing.

Type: Step ladder | Height: 27.6 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Alloy steel

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

This ladder folds into a compact size and is highly transportable.

The front rail could be higher.

If you want a compact, lightweight foldable ladder that won’t take up much space but can still help you accomplish routine household tasks, opt for the Delxo 3-Step Folding Step Stool. When folded, this step stool is just 2.2 inches wide, so you can tuck it into your cleaning closet without sacrificing space. At just 12.5 pounds, you can bring this ladder wherever you might need it, though its use is limited because it only has three steps.

The wide steps have a ridged anti-slip design, though we noticed that they don’t have rubber, and may become a bit slick when wet. Though this step ladder has a front rail, it was too low to grab or use beyond the first step in our testing. While we think this foldable step ladder can be helpful for tasks like reaching top shelves or changing light bulbs, you may want another, taller ladder for higher-up projects.

Type: Foldable | Height: 35.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Material: Alloy steel

This ladder is easily transportable and has handy bonus features.

The bar could be sturdier.

Many types of ladders can be bulky and heavy, but the Rubbermaid 3-Step Aluminum Step Stool is a lightweight model that’s easy to transport around the house. At just 11 pounds, this step ladder is extremely portable (it folds up easily) yet still sturdy enough to ensure its users’ safety. This ladder also felt sturdy and wobble-free, due in part to the ladder’s wide steps and non-slip, non-marring feet that stayed firmly in place during use.

During our six-month testing, we used this ladder to tackle daily tasks and home improvement projects—from watering hard-to-reach plants to hanging up curtains to installing outdoor solar lights. Because it’s so lightweight and portable, we favored this ladder over our step stool.

In addition to portability, this ladder also earned a perfect score for its features. It comes with a magnetized project tray, which can be conveniently used to store items like tools, paint cans, and brushes. We also appreciated that it includes a box to hold screws and nails, as well as a bar that can hold a roll of paper towels (although we found that the latter was a bit flimsy).

Type: Step ladder | Height: 4 feet | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Aluminum

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

This ladder has wider-than-average steps and no wobble.

This ladder could have wheels for maneuverability.

For jobs that require more support than usual, you’ll want to pick a heavy-duty ladder like the 4-Foot Fiberglass Step Ladder from DeWalt. During our testing, we found that the extra-wide, double-riveted steps and large, sturdy base help prevent this step ladder from wobbling during use. The ladder’s wide, grippy feet provide added stability on any surface, too. Other heavy-duty features include impact-absorbing bottom braces and a non-marring and slip-resistant foot pad.

Although this ladder is seriously strong, it’s also fairly lightweight and easy to set up and carry around when collapsed, despite its lack of wheels, which came in handy during our real-world testing. We also like that it comes with a full magnetic workstation system that features trays and holders you can use to store tools and accessories like a tape measure. Thanks to its array of helpful features, we think this DeWalt ladder is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable, heavy-duty step ladder.

Type: Step ladder | Height: 4 feet | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Fiberglass

This versatile pick can be used for any home project.

It’s a bit more complicated to set up and use than others.

This multi-position model from Gorilla Ladders is the most versatile ladder that we evaluated. We like that it can be used for a variety of project types since there are so many different configurations, including step ladder, extension ladder, wall ladder, and stairway ladder. It felt safe and sturdy throughout six months of testing, even when extended fully and leaned against the wall, which is likely due to its oversized hinges that prevent sway while climbing.

However, it was a bit more complicated to figure out than other ladders, so it will probably require a read-through of the instruction manual before use. But we like that the top has a project tray that can hold paint, tools, and other items, and it also serves as a platform step when the ladder is in extension mode. Because of all these features, this multi-position ladder is a bit bulkier and heavier than some other models, so transporting it around the house may be a bit of a hassle, though we found it portable enough to move around when tackling bigger projects.

Type: Multi-position | Height: 19 Feet | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Material: Aluminum

Our top pick is the Bauer Corporation 4-Foot Fiberglass 350 Series Step Ladder, due to its simple portability, sturdy feel, and lightweight design. But if you need a more versatile ladder, we recommend the Gorilla Ladders 19-Foot Reach MPXT Aluminum Multi-Position Ladder because it can be configured into multiple positions for various uses.

We tested 23 ladders of various types—including step, extension, and multi-position models—in our Lab and evaluated each on its design, effectiveness, portability, features, and value. First, we opened each ladder and noted how easy this process would be for most people.

Since telescoping and extension ladders work a bit differently, we made sure to extend those models all the way and take note of how smoothly they glide and if they can be locked into place. We did the same for multi-position ladders: We went through every possible configuration and evaluated how difficult and time-consuming it was to adjust to and from each position.

We then stepped and climbed on every ladder, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and any weight capacities. For safety purposes, we had people spot us as we climbed up taller ladders. While on the ladder, we judged how comfortable and secure it felt and even noted how spacious the steps/rungs were. (Did our entire foot fit, or was it only wide enough for the ball of our foot?) Finally, we tested out any additional features—like magnetized trays, tool slots, and paper towel holders—to see how well they work.

Following the Lab tests, we evaluated these ladders in real-world conditions over a period of six months. We used the ladder at least once a week and assessed how secure it felt while climbing, its ease of transportation, and whether any additional features added or detracted from the ladder’s overall performance.

The type of ladder that's best for you depends on what kind of projects you need to tackle. A compact and foldable step ladder is great if you need something easy to transport from room to room, while an extra-tall extension ladder is ideal for tasks involving high ceilings, tree branches, or rooftops. Consider your home's particular needs before settling on a ladder type.

Ladders can range in height from 1–12 feet, but the "right" height of a ladder comes down to what you need to be able to reach. Opt for taller and extension models if you're planning on using your ladder primarily to reach extra-high places, or go for shorter versions if you just need the occasional boost to access a hard-to-reach spot.

If you know you'll be using your ladder for a variety of projects in and around your home, then you should choose one that has wheels or other portability features. Telescoping ladders are particularly good in terms of portability since they extend and retract as needed. They're also relatively lightweight once collapsed, making them easy to carry. Step ladders are typically quite portable due to their smaller size compared to other types of ladders.

Some ladders come with extra features like attachable workstations, tool bags, or project trays to help you store any small items you might need during your task. Other features to look for include wheels (for enhanced portability) and paper towel holders.

“Safety standards require a duty rating sticker to be placed on the side of every ladder,” says Orenga. This rating refers to its maximum safe load capacity, aka the greatest weight (including the person and any accompanying gear and tool kits) it can hold—but Orenga notes that it has nothing to do with the ladder length.

Here's a breakdown of the five types of duty ratings and their corresponding weight limits:

Little Giant Ladders Velocity Ladder: This extendable ladder is sturdy and versatile, and we like that it has wheels and can be converted into several positions. However, it's fairly heavy (which can make transportation difficult) and we wish it came at a more affordable price point.

Cosco Signature Series Step Ladder: A collapsible and portable step ladder that includes two project trays to store tools and other items, there's a lot to love about this model. Yet despite its relatively high price, it doesn't include an extension feature and may be too small for some home projects.

First and foremost, don't climb up a ladder "if you feel tired or dizzy or are prone to losing your balance," says Orenga. When you're ready to go, make sure it's in good working condition (no swaying or missing parts) and is placed on "firm, level ground without any type of slippery condition present at either the base or top support points." You should also check that the ladder isn't placed in front of a door that could open toward it—and if you're outside, make sure the weather is clear without any high winds or storms.

Once you're on the ladder (in slip-resistant shoes, of course), Orenga says you should always "have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder steps, rungs, and/or side rails" so "the climber is not likely to become unstable in the event one limb slips during the climb."

Additionally, keep in mind that "it is unsafe to use a ladder that is too long or too short," says Orenga. "When using a step ladder, for example, standing on the top cap or the step below the top cap" is dangerous since you could easily lose your balance… When using an extension ladder, the top three rungs are not to be used for climbing."

If you want a reliable ladder you can use for various projects around the house, opt for a classic A-frame ladder. They are self-supporting, so you can unfold them anywhere and get to hard-to-reach places, unlike extension ladders or telescoping ladders which need something to lean on. If you prefer a compact, lightweight pick that can easily fit in a closet, step stools are handy for routine household tasks.

We recommend fiberglass ladders over aluminum ladders because they are weather-resistant and non-conductive, making them safe to use around electrical wiring or power lines. While fiberglass ladders may be more long-lasting, they are typically heavier and more expensive than their aluminum counterparts.

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To come up with this list, we tested 23 ladders in our Lab and evaluated each one for factors such as design, effectiveness, portability, and overall value. For expert insight, Rachel spoke to Susan Orenga, executive director of the American Ladder Institute.

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.