Stair climbers are found in most commercial gyms, and many gym-goers love the challenging cardiovascular exercise these machines provide. However, the biggest drawback is the price, as commercial stair climbers can easily cost $7,000 to $10,000. For those assembling a home gym, this is quite an expensive investment.
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That’s where STEPR comes in. They’ve created a more compact stair climber with smart features and a significantly lower cost than many commercial machines. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing such a large piece of equipment.
In this STEPR review, I’ll share our thoughts after extensive testing, the pros and cons, and our experience using the machine, and help you decide whether or not this is worth adding to your home gym.
Tested by Fitness Equipment Experts
The GGR testers include certified personal trainers, gym owners, registered dietitians, and equipment experts with years of experience. We love testing and reviewing every piece of equipment we can, and our reviews are always unbiased and honest.
For this review, GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell tested the STEPR, taking it through a series of workouts and sharing his honest feedback. To rate this product, we used our equipment testing methodology, which scores equipment based on a variety of important factors, including:
- Footprint and portability
- Durability and construction
- Ergonomics
- Technology features and benefits
A Quick Look at the STEPR
STEPR has taken the classic stair climber design—a staple in commercial gyms around the world—shrunk it, and added modern features, making this a great choice for home use. It only requires an 8-foot ceiling height and can fit through most doorways.
The company offers the STEPR GO, a budget model; the classic STEPR; and STEPR PRO, a high-end, commercial gym-quality version. We reviewed the STEPR+, which is the STEPR classic with an upgraded screen, and the one most home gym owners will likely choose.
Compared to traditional stair climbers, the STEPR is smaller and features an optional, large Wi-Fi-connected touchscreen. Smart touchscreens are common in many popular cardio machines today. There aren’t many classes, but you can use the screen to log into your favorite streaming services and watch something while you work out.
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The STEPR+ we tested costs $4,999 plus shipping, which will vary depending on your location. Although expensive, this is still significantly more affordable than most commercial options.
Coop loved a few things about this machine and called out a few other features he didn’t like. Overall, though, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to install a stair climber in their home or garage gym.
Before You Buy
- The STEPR model with the 27-inch touchscreen costs $4,999, but there are no ongoing subscription fees.
- Each step is shorter than traditional stair climbers, and you can really only climb one step at a time.
- The small footprint is fantastic, and this should easily fit in most home gyms without taking up too much space.
STEPR Video Review
Is the STEPR Worth It?
With a price tag of just under $5,000, this machine isn’t cheap once you factor in shipping (and the extra fee for the large touchscreen if you opt for that model). But it may be well worth it if you truly love using stair climbers, and don’t mind spending the money.
Great for:
- Steady-state cardio at home, with plenty of streaming entertainment options
- Those looking for a cardio machine with a small footprint
- People who will be using this primarily in their homes, rather than a commercial setting
Not recommended for:
- Anyone on a tight budget
- Those who want the option to take large steps during their workout
- People who want a large library of on-demand classes
STEPR Specs
| Footprint | 42” L x 27.5” W x 78” H (82” H with the 27” touchscreen) |
| Weight capacity | 375 lbs |
| Display | LED panel or optional 27” HD touchscreen |
| Step Height | 5.2” |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, extended coverage available for an extra fee |
Workout Experience With the STEPR
Coop used the STEPR himself, extensively testing it for a video review, and made sure to test all of the features.
Overall, he was very impressed but said it doesn’t feel quite like a traditional stair climber. This is due to the compact size. A smaller machine works much better in home gyms, but the steps are a bit shorter. The STEPR is best for steady-state cardio, as HIIT workouts would feel unsafe on such short steps.
Those used to taking long steps when using commercial machines will need to adjust to taking shorter steps. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s worth calling out, especially if you like using every other step to increase the challenge. This isn’t possible with the STEPR.
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On the model with the 27-inch touchscreen, the screen rotates up to 360 degrees. You can spin it around and keep your streaming services going while you do a different exercise. The stair climber also features hooks for attaching light bands, though Coop suggests avoiding any heavy use that could tip the machine.
Coop likes using stair climbers, and plans to take this one home from our testing facilities to use in his personal garage gym. Coming from someone who reviews home gym equipment for a living, this is high praise.
Footprint and Portability
Footprint and portability earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating, and these are two of the main benefits of STEPR.
The compact footprint was specifically designed for home gyms. The stair climber should fit through most doorways and work in spaces with an 8-foot or higher ceiling. It’s not as small as the best mini stair stepper, but it will likely fit in most home gyms.
While the weight isn’t disclosed, several reviews mention moving the machine around their home several times with the built-in transport wheels. If you’re able-bodied and live with multiple people, it should be easy enough to transport as needed.
Durability and Construction
The durability and construction earned a 4 out of 5 from Coop. He noted that it feels slightly wobbly at times, but overall, he was impressed with the build quality. In his video review, he mentioned that most home users shouldn’t worry about purchasing the extended warranty, saying it should last for years in a home gym where only a few people would use it.
The steps are designed with a stadium step feature, which means your foot can actually go underneath the next stair, where you’d normally stub your toe on a regular staircase. This allows you to take a wider step, even though the unit is compact.
Ergonomics
For ergonomics, the STEPR earns a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
While many traditional stair climbers feel just like a traditional staircase, with 90-degree angles and the ability to skip steps, the STEPR is different. The floating step design uses smaller steps that can fit most feet, but you can only take one step at a time. If you stay on the bottom step too long, the machine will shut off when you get close to the bottom as a safety feature.
RELATED: 10 Benefits of Cardio
The step is also 5.2 inches, which is shorter than most other options on the market that range from 7 to 8 inches. If you’re used to taking longer steps, this may require an adjustment period, but Coop got used to the small steps after only a few minutes.
Both handles have buttons built in to adjust the settings, which is a nice feature to see on a stair climber. You don’t have to worry about trying to balance yourself while reaching for a button.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The STEPR can be upgraded to include a 27-inch HD touchscreen, which is the model we received. Our score for this category is 4 out of 5, although we haven’t tested the standard LED console, and can’t share any thoughts on that.
The HD touchscreen is compatible with most streaming services, like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, and more. Best of all, no ongoing subscription is required to use the feature.
STEPR also offers streaming classes, but Coop didn’t love them. With a bike or rower that offers programming like iFIT, you can feel like you’re cycling or rowing in different locations around the world. But with a stair climber, all you can really do is simulate climbing a flight of stairs.
RELATED: Best iFIT Workouts
Still, the large touchscreen with no subscription is awesome, as we’re used to seeing monthly subscription fees to use smart features in most cardio machines. STEPR is getting ready to launch a mobile companion app, which you’ll be able to pair to the screen via Bluetooth. We’ll update this review once the app is released and we can test that feature.
However, one big callout from Coop was that the touchscreen was very laggy and felt frustrating if you’re used to a fast screen, like the Peloton touchscreen. Several reviews mention the software continues to improve with regular updates, so the issue may be resolved over time.
The STEPR is safe for beginners and advanced exercisers alike. It includes multiple safety features that stop the machine if your foot touches the bottom or if you press one of the safety buttons.
STEPR vs CLMBR
CLMBR
CLMBR
Product Highlights
- Immersive technology
- Full-body, low-impact workout
- Small footprint
- Bluetooth-enabled
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Immersive technology
- Low-impact
- Full-body workout
- Small footprint
- Quiet operation
- Ergonomic, adjustable dumbbells
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Caster transport wheels
Cons
- Expensive
- Membership required for access to classes
Bottom Line
The CLMBR is an interesting investment for someone looking for an efficient, functional and interactive workout experience that’s high-intensity in nature but low-impact on the joints. That said, its price tag may make you pause.
There aren’t many other options for continuous stair climbers unless you want a commercial machine, so let’s compare STEPR to CLMBR, which won “best vertical stair climber” in our guide to the best stair climbers.
CLMBR features a vertical climbing movement and also includes a built-in touchscreen. However, your hands and feet are secured in place, so it’s not a true stair-climbing movement like STEPR provides.
If you want a full-body challenge that’s similar to rock climbing, the CLMBR is the better choice. If you want to simulate walking up a flight of stairs, we’d suggest sticking with STEPR.
To learn more, check out our complete CLMBR review.
| STEPR | CLMBR | |
| Footprint | 42” L x 27.5” W x 78” H (82” H with the 27” touchscreen) | 35” L x 32” W x 88” H |
| Weight capacity | 375 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Display | LED panel or optional 27” HD touchscreen | 21” touchscreen |
| Step Height | 5.2” | N/A |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, extended coverage available for an extra fee | 1-year warranty |
Customer Experience
When it comes to the overall customer experience, the main things we look at are the return policy, warranty, and customer service. For this category, our rating is a 3 out of 5.
STEPR offers a great warranty that includes a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. You can also purchase an extended protection plan that gives you up to 60 months of extra coverage. Optional white glove delivery is available for in-home assembly, and customer support can be reached via email or phone.
However, the return policy is only 14 days, and you’ll need to pay for your own return shipping, which is common with heavy pieces of equipment. You also need to pay for your initial shipping. If you do need to return your STEPR, you may be spending quite a bit of money on shipping both ways, which is why we couldn’t rate it higher than a 3 in this category.
Ordering and Assembling the STEPR
We give the STEPR a 3 out of 5 for ordering and assembly.
There’s no free shipping, so your shipping costs may be quite expensive depending on where you live. However, you can finance your order through Affirm, or use an eligible FSA or HSA to pay. Certain products may not be ready to ship right away, though you’ll see the shipping lead time when you go to order—at the time of writing, the STEPR wouldn’t be ready to ship for about 3 weeks.
STEPR claims a 30- to 45-minute setup time, but ours was delivered and assembled by a white glove delivery service, so we don’t have personal experience with assembling the STEPR.
Customer Reviews
On the STEPR website, the average rating is 4.6 out of 5, with 88 reviews.
Most customers are very happy with their purchase. Some reviews specifically mention how the screen continues to improve with updates.
Final Verdict of Our STEPR Review
Overall, the STEPR is a good choice for anyone who wants a great workout at home and loves using stair climbers. In fact, Coop loved it so much that he wants to take it home and use it in his garage gym, so his wife and kids can also enjoy it.
It’s compact, and while the steps are smaller than traditional stair climbers, it’s significantly more affordable than commercial machines.
If you have the money to spare and want a challenging way to get your cardio done at home, the STEPR is a solid choice.
- The small frame is designed to fit through most doorways and won’t take up too much space in your home gym.
- The shorter steps may feel awkward at first, but you’ll quickly adjust with regular use.
- If you want the 27-inch touchscreen, you’ll need to pay an extra fee, but there are no ongoing membership fees to use the software.
Full Rating
STEPR
The STEPR is a smart stair climber that features a 27-inch HD swiveling touchscreen. The STEPR has a compact design and a “Fit Anywhere Promise”—the machine can fit through traditional doorways and has a suggested ceiling height of 8 feet.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 4999.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.95
STEPR: FAQs
Is STEPR good for weight loss?
STEPR can help users burn calories and increase their heart rate, which provides a great cardiovascular workout that can support weight loss goals when paired with a proper nutrition plan.
Is a STEPR or treadmill better?
Both can work very well for cardiovascular exercise. The STEPR works on a fixed path, although you can adjust the speed. Most treadmills feature adjustable speed AND incline levels. Both are great machines, so it depends on what sort of workout you’re looking for.
Which gym machine is best for belly fat?
A gym machine alone won’t help you lose belly fat. It can help you burn calories and expend energy that aids fat loss, but your genetics will also dictate where you lose fat from first. Your best bet is to pair exercise with a proper nutrition plan and calorie deficit.
For more options, here’s our guide to the best cardio machines for weight loss.
