The 11 Best Ladders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Bauer Corporation 6-Foot Fiberglass 350-Series Folding Step Ladder

4.8

View On Wayfair View On Zoro.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Features
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

Our top choice, the Bauer Corporation 6-Foot Fiberglass Folding Step Ladder, scored high marks with our tester for its stability, sturdiness, and reasonable weight that makes it easy to carry the ladder to wherever it’s needed. At an overall height of 6 feet, you can safely stand on the fourth rung up from the bottom, giving you roughly 10 feet of reach. That’s enough for most people to easily change ceiling light bulbs, paint walls, or reach lower tree branches for trimming. And the ladder’s sturdy locking mechanism prevents scary sway while you’re above the ground.

You’ll feel secure while climbing this ladder; our tester commented that the deep treads provided excellent foot support, even with his size 11 shoes. Plus, the feet of the ladder are capped with non-marring rubber “boots” that provide an extra layer of stability—no wobbles here. The top of the ladder has a small tray and six tool holders to keep your hammer, nails, and other necessities right at hand while you work. And you’ll appreciate the ladder’s 20-degree angle when fully open, which is an easier climb than many similar brands’ offerings. 

With the ladder’s strong fiberglass frame, aluminum rivets, zinc-plated steel supports, cross braces, and reinforced spreader mounts, it’s no wonder that our tester felt this was an ideal choice for any homeowner who wanted a commercial-grade ladder for frequent tasks around the house or yard. The ladder is rated for up to 375 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $250

_{Type: Stepladder | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 10 feet | Ladder Weight: 25 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Fiberglass | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best Budget

HBTower 5-Foot Wide-Step Folding Step Ladder with Tool Platform

4.6

View On Amazon View On Hbtowershop.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Features
  4/5
• Value
  3/5

Ladders can be expensive, but we found that the HBTower 5-Foot Wide-Step Folding Step Ladder with Tool Platform performed as well as many more costly ladders, but without as much damage to your wallet. Our tester praised the stepladder’s sturdiness, even on slightly uneven ground, and added that it was very easy to climb up and down the wider-than-typical rungs. This sturdy ladder stands a bit over 5 feet when closed and has 8.5-inch deep, strong plastic rungs, which perfectly fit our tester’s men’s 9.5 shoes. Thanks to the top rail, you can safely stand on the fourth rung, giving you roughly nine feet of reach. 

The very top of the ladder is a strong plastic platform with molded compartments designed to hold a 1-gallon paint can and a few tools. The tray can be removed if desired. While not the most robust ladder, the steel frame holds up well to typical household use, and it has rubber feet to prevent slipping or sliding on smooth floors. The ladder folds down to quite impressive thinness, making it easy to store if your closet space is tight. As for weight, our tester commented that he could easily tote the ladder with one hand and added that it was very easy to open and close.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Type: Stepladder | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 9 feet | Ladder Weight: 18.5 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Steel | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best Splurge

Little Giant Ladders M17 Velocity with Wheels 17-Foot Multi-Position Ladder

4.6

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lowe's

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Portability
  3/5
• Features
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

No need for multiple ladders: Instead, Velocity from Little Giant gives you a stepladder, staircase ladder, extension ladder, 90-degree ladder, or scaffolding (a separate trestle kit is required) all in one. One ladder for many projects is a big win for homeowners who are short on storage space but need access to various types of ladders. Our product tester commented that the ladder could be used in a wide variety of scenarios for projects or repairs around the home, both inside and out.

The big advantage of this multi-position ladder is its Rock Lock adjustment system that lets you reconfigure the ladder quickly and easily—our tester praised the ease of changing the ladder’s configurations and noted that it was very sturdy and easily supported his weight in any of the configurations. Ratcheting leg levelers allow the user to safely position the ladder, even on ground that’s not level. The ladder folds to a reasonable size when not in use, and the wheels make it easy to maneuver wherever you need it when duty calls, although our tester noted that it’s a heavy ladder. 

The M17 has a total height of 17 feet when fully extended, with a maximum standing level of 11.7 feet and a maximum reach of 18.1 feet. When used as a stepladder, you can adjust it to anywhere between 4 feet and 7 feet in height, depending on how you configure it. The ladder is rated 1A, which means it can hold up to 300 pounds and is made of aluminum.

Price at time of publish: $320

_{Type: Multi-position | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 18.1 feet | Ladder Weight: 35 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: No}

Best With Handrails

HBTower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails

4.5

View On Amazon View On Hbtowershop.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Features
  1/5
• Value
  4/5

Sometimes you don’t need a tall ladder—you just need a little boost. And for those times, the HBTower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails is perfect for your needs. Says our tester, “It’s great for reaching high cupboards in a kitchen or screwing in a lightbulb that’s over your head.” This sturdy ladder has a steel frame and three heavy-duty plastic rungs, which at 8.3 inches deep, give plenty of support for your feet. Metal handrails on both sides of the rungs as well as at the top of the ladder are covered with a cushiony foam to provide even more safety and stability while using the ladder. Our tester stated that she felt very stable while climbing up and down. 

The ladder includes a handy detachable tool bag with four pockets to hold paint brushes, screwdrivers, hammers, or other small tools. When fully open, the entire ladder, including the upper handrail, measures 55 inches high. The top rung is 27.6 inches above the floor, so you’ll have approximately a 7-foot reach height, which is enough for most small tasks around the house but not high enough for painting the tops of the walls. Our tester noted that the ladder is lightweight and easy to open but did take a hard yank to close. Still, this is a useful ladder for around-the-house use, particularly for a user who isn’t very tall. The maximum weight capacity stated by the manufacturer is 500 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Type: Stepladder | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 7 feet | Ladder Weight: 16.1 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Steel | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best for Versatility

Gorilla Ladders 14-Foot Reach MPXA Multi-Position Ladder

4.6

View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Features
  1/5
• Value
  4/5

If you want all the versatility of the Little Giant Velocity but don’t need quite as much reach, nor do you want to spend quite as much money, then the Gorilla Ladders 14-Feet Reach MPXA Multi-Position Ladder is just what you are looking for. The ladder has four configurations with a total of 13 height possibilities; you can use it as an extension ladder, a 90-degree stepladder, a double-sided stepladder, or a staircase ladder. Our tester noted that although the owner’s manual was a bit confusing, he easily figured out the ladder’s workings on his own, after which it was very easy to use. He added that this ladder is likely the only one an average homeowner would need. 

Made of sturdy aluminum with large strong hinges, the ladder remains steady without too much sway. Our tester said that the rungs were somewhat narrow but felt strong, and although there was a bit of wobble in the fully extended position, he felt safe and secure while climbing up and down the ladder. Two wheels at the base make it easy to maneuver the ladder to your worksite.

When used as a stepladder, there are three height settings, with the lowest at 3.5 feet and the highest at 5.5 feet for a reach height of around 9.4 feet. As an extension ladder, there are five height settings, with the lowest at 6.10 feet and the highest at 10.10 feet for a reach height of around 14.3 feet.

Price at time of publish: $179

_{Type: Multi-position | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 14.3 feet | Ladder Weight: 24 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: No}

Best Telescoping

Ohuhu 12.5-Foot Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

4.6

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Lowe's

Our Ratings

• Design
  3/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Features
  2/5
• Value
  4/5

This sturdy aluminum telescoping extension ladder from Ohuhu unfolds to a maximum height of 12.5 feet, giving you a reach height of around 11 feet. That’s high enough for many tasks around the home, including reaching most ceiling lights, painting walls, and accessing high cabinets. However, it isn’t high enough to safely hang holiday lights or clean gutters on most houses. Fully folded, it’s only 33.5 inches high, and our tester noted that it’s light and easy to store.

Despite its telescoping design, the ladder is very stable and steady. Our tester says, “The ladder felt very sturdy, even toward the top, and the rungs are solid and wide enough to be comfortable.” Collapsing the ladder is easy: Just depress the two red buttons simultaneously, and the ladder slowly retracts, making it less likely you’ll get a finger pinched. Our tester felt the ladder was easy to set up, extend, and collapse and very easy to carry when fully collapsed. All in all, this is a solid choice if you only need a basic ladder for occasional simple tasks around your home.

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Type: Telescoping extension | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 11 feet | Ladder Weight: 25.4 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: No}

Best With Platform

Cosco 6-Foot Signature Series Step Ladder

4.6

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Features
  5/5
• Value
  3/5

For the best stability when standing atop a ladder, a platform-style stepladder with an extended frame for support and grip is your best option. And the Cosco 6-Foot Signature Series Step Ladder won our top score for ladders in this category. Our tester noted, “The overall build is secure and sturdy. I went to the top, and it did not move.” The ladder has three regular rungs, but the fourth top rung is a large platform that measures 14.2 inches wide and 13.5 inches deep. The platform is 45 inches above the ground, and the frame extends 24 inches higher, providing a secure grip should you need one. The reach height of this ladder is around 8 feet, making it a good choice for many projects.

There’s also a large tray for holding your can of paint, paint brushes, or whatever other tools you need, and most handy of all, there’s an attachment for holding a roll of paper towels. Our tester especially appreciated that feature, which is perfect for quick cleanups of paint drips or similar messes. He also commented that the ladder was very easy to carry, open, and collapse, and even with a fully loaded tray, it remained steady. The ladder’s maximum weight capacity is 350 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $165

_{Type: Stepladder | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 8 feet | Ladder Weight: 17.6 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best Aluminum

Gorilla Ladders 19-Foot Reach MPXT Multi-Position Ladder with Project Top

4.6

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  3/5
• Features
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Multi-position ladders provide the utmost in versatility, but this aluminum offering from Gorilla Ladders also provides a little more reach height than many similar ladders. The MPXT 19-Foot Reach Multi-Position Ladder transforms from a double-sided stepladder to an extension ladder to a stairway ladder to a 90-degree ladder fairly easily, although our tester commented that it’s helpful to read the user’s manual for an overall idea of how the ladder works before using it. 

The ladder has a tool tray at the top, providing an easy way to stash your paint can, drill, hammer, or other tools while you work. There’s also one oversize rung, which serves as a small standing platform in the extension configuration. Our tester noted that the ladder felt safe and sturdy, even when extended and leaning against a wall. 

This aluminum ladder adjusts to four different heights in the double-sided stepladder position, with a maximum reach height of 12.2 feet. There are seven adjustable heights in the extension configuration, with a maximum reach height of 19.1 feet, which is high enough to clean gutters, hang holiday lights, or paint fascia trim on a one-story house or even some two-story homes.

Price at time of publish: $239

_{Type: Multi-position | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 19.1 feet | Ladder Weight: 38.6 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best Fiberglass

DEWALT 4-Foot DXL3010-04 Fiberglass Step Ladder

4.7

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Walmart

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Features
  3/5
• Value
  4/5

If you just need a sturdy stepladder for tackling tasks around your home while feeling secure in your footing, then the DEWALT DXL3010-04 Fiberglass Step Ladder will serve you well. This 4-foot ladder offers an approximate 8.5-feet maximum reach, which is enough in most homes to paint walls, clean ceiling fan blades, change ceiling light bulbs, and access the highest cupboards. Our tester especially liked the ladder’s wide feet and sturdy base, which provided excellent stability, even when reaching overhead. The rungs are 25 percent wider than typical rungs, making them feel a little more comfortable to stand on, even during long work sessions.

The ladder has a useful tray top with compartments designed to hold a paint can or paint tray, power or hand tools, and small parts such as screws or nails. This ladder doesn’t have wheels, but according to our tester, it’s light enough for most people to easily carry. Made of fiberglass, the ladder is constructed for heavy-duty use, with wide braces and an impact-absorption system. The maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $155

_{Type: Stepladder | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 8.5 feet | Ladder Weight: 14.1 pounds | Wheels: No | Material: Fiberglass | Incorporated Tool Holder: Yes}

Best All-Purpose

Stealth 17-Foot Multifunction Telescoping Ladder

4.8

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Features
  1/5
• Value
  4/5

If you’re looking for a good, all-purpose ladder that can help you with the widest variety of projects inside and outside your home, give the Stealth Multifunction Telescoping Ladder a look. It functions as a 4.4-foot stepladder, a 7.1-foot stepladder with a maximum reach of 11.1 feet, a staircase ladder, a 90-degree ladder, or a 14.9-foot extension ladder with a maximum reach of 17.7 feet. According to our tester, some of the safety locks were a bit difficult to open, but that was a testament to their effectiveness. 

Made of aluminum, the ladder has wide-flare legs with rubber boots for extra stability, as well as two wheels for portability. The rungs are somewhat narrow, but the ladder is stable and without sway, especially when used as a stepladder. All in all, this is a good choice for general use, although not the best pick if you are looking for a heavy-duty ladder that’s going to see hours-long work sessions. The ladder has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $269

_{Type: Multi-position | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Max. Reach Height: 17.7 feet | Ladder Weight: 41 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Material: Aluminum | Incorporated Tool Holder: No}