Vertical climbers are a great way to get a full-body workout. Vertical climbers allow you to mimic the climbing motion, which engages just about every muscle in your body and can build endurance.
Many professional gyms use vertical climbers and they have become a favorite device among fitness enthusiasts.
But, figuring out which kind of vertical climber to buy for your home can be a difficult task. They are big machines that come in several varieties. With so many choices, it is tough to decide which one to buy, especially if you don’t know much about vertical climbers.
That is where we come in; we put together this comprehensive review of the 11 best vertical climbers and provided an ultimate buying guide of vertical climber features.
These vertical climbers have been chosen on their overall quality, build, effectiveness, and cost.
Without any further ado, let’s get to it.
11 Best Vertical Climbers Compared
To begin this list, we’re going to show you three PREMIUM PICKS. These vertical climbers are very pricey and are best suited for the more serious fitness enthusiast. If you are just looking to add an affordable climber to your home gym, then we recommend you skip these top 3.
These three are also very big and take up space, so if you don’t have room to spare, you can also skip over them.
1. Versaclimber H/HP-Consumer Model – Premium Pick
The Versaclimber H/HP is a premium consumer model that comes either with a heart monitor (HP model) or without a heart monitor (H model). It has the quality and the build of a professional quality machine you would find in a gym but is a consumer-oriented model created specifically for home use
The Versa uses bodyweight for its resistance and has features of both a stepper and a climber with its simple peg handle and pedal design. The pedals on the Versa have loops that attach to the feet and there is no need for extra safety belts.
Highlights
- Comes with heart rate monitor (also has a version without one)
- Sturdy steel frame
- 20” of variable height
- Pro-grade quality
- Smooth action reduces joint strain
What’s Included
- Climber
- Optional add-ons
Features
- Capacity: 350 lbs
- Material: Aluminum/steel
- Design: Traditional climber
- Dimensions: 36” x 44” x 7’6” (L x W x H)
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame, 5-years on the hardware
- Product Weight: 65 lbs
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It’s a simple, professional-grade vertical climber that has a smooth action and durable frame.
Bottom line
The Versaclimber H/HP is the perfect home vertical climber. It comes with or without a heart rate monitor for workout progress tracking. It’s not the most affordable pick, but if you’re serious about cardio and have the cash to spare, then you should consider it. Otherwise, there are much more affordable options on our list.
Where You Can Buy It
2. Sole CC81 Cardio Climber – Premium Pick
Up next is the Sole CC81 Cardio Climber. This vertical climber has a lot of adjustability options which makes it a great option if you want flexible multi-faceted workouts.
It has a relatively compact design which makes it space-conscious and also features a 5” x 3” LC display which keeps you updated on current climbing distance, calorie burn, and elapsed time. It also features adjustable handlebars for engaging your arms.
Lastly, the Sole has other tech features like an integrated tablet holder and water bottle holders.
Highlights
- Lots of adjustability options
- Simple resistance knob dial
- Generous lifetime warranty
- High max weight capacity
- Real-time progress monitoring
What’s Included
- Climber
- Tablet holder
Features
- Capacity: 400 lbs
- Material: Welded steel
- Design: Transitional climber
- Dimensions: 101.6” x 55” 147.3”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
The Sold CC81 has a lot of adjustability options allowing for multiple kinds of workouts.
Bottom line
The Sole is a premium pick and is a perfect device for high-intensity training. It also has good integrations with its smart tablet holder. Just like our #1 pick, it’s also very pricey so we only recommend it if you plan to use it often and are serious about cardio.
Where You Can Buy It
3. Jacob’s Ladder Step Machine – Unique/Premium Pick
This unique vertical climber is a great machine for strength and agility training. The Jacob’s Ladder combines aspects of a step machine and vertical climber for a unique exercise machine designed for home use.
The Jacob’s ladder has a gentle slope and is designed to mimic natural climbing motion. It is designed and manufactured in the USA and the eye-catching design is cool and fun.
Like our first two picks, it is really expensive, but it’s a powerful machine that gets used by professional sports teams and athletes for training. The device uses bodyweight primarily, so the faster your climb, the faster the track goes.
Highlights
- Ultra-heavy duty workouts
- Sloped design makes it easy to change speeds
- Used by pro athletes
- Solid ABS plastic and maple wood construction
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 325 lbs:
- Material: ABS plastic and Maple
- Design: Body-weight resistance
- Dimensions: 31.25” x 76” x 65.5”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: 4-year parts, 1-year labor
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It is a powerful and unique machine for heavy-duty training and really only suited for serious athletes.
Bottom line
The Jacob’s Ladder is expensive, but it is one of the best and most unique vertical climbers out there.
Where You Can Buy It
More Affordable Vertical Climbers
The following climbers are much more affordable and are better suited for probably 95% of the population. They are also much more convenient and take up less room as most of them are smaller and foldable.
4. MaxiClimber
The MaxiClimber, a simple and no-frills vertical climber is probably the most popular option on the market right now. It has been featured on TV and is a fantastic budget choice, being one of the few vertical climbers under $300 that is perfectly competent and functional.
This climber uses pure bodyweight for its exercises and has a light frame and space-conscious design, which is impressive since it supports up to 240 lbs and can be set up in just a few minutes.
The height is adjustable within 20” so it can be used by people of almost any height. The MaxiClimb also comes with an iOS or Android bonus fitness app that has lessons and instructions about fitness routines.
Highlights
- Lightweight
- Extremely easy to use
- Compact folding for easy storage
- Great for full-body and cardio workouts
- Low-impact
- Very affordable
What’s Included:
- Climber
- Bonus fitness app
Features
- Capacity: 240 lbs
- Material: Steel and rubber
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: 78” x 41.33” x 86”
- Maintenance: Wipe down after each use
- Warranty: One-year
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It has a simple, no-frills design and can be used by anyone.
Bottom line
The MaxiClimber is a great affordable entry-level vertical climber that is light, space-conscious, and easy to use.
Where You Can Buy It
5. Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
Up next is the Relief Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber, another budget pick for when you don’t want to overspend. The Relife, like the MaxiClimb, has a super simple design and uses bodyweight as its main form of resistance
It has both static and mobile handles, so you can use it as both a step machine and a pure climber. Each handle is covered with durable tactile foam and the pedals have deep grooves and treads for grip. This feature makes the Relife very stable and comfortable to use.
It also folds for easy storage.
Highlights
- Lightweight, simple design
- Compact folding for easy storage
- Tactile foam handles covers
- Wide base
- Easy to set up
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs
- Material: Steel and foam
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: 37.5’ x 28” x 85”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after each use
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
The RElife is a simple budget vertical climber great for beginners.
Bottom line
The Relife Rebuild Vertical Climber is one of the best budget climbers you can get. The simple design is accessible and easy to use for anyone.
Where You Can Buy It
6. Conquer Vertical Climber
Sitting at the halfway point is the Conquer Vertical Climber Fitness Climbing Machine. This vertical climber continues with the simple design trend and features a durable steel frame, non-obtrusive handles/pedals, and a wide base for maximum stability. The Conquer is very light and is probably the closest you can get to a genuinely portable vertical climber.
It excels at low-impact cardio workouts, so it’s great for burning fat over the long-haul. It also folds in half for easy storage.
Highlights
- Ultralight steel frame
- Great for cardio workouts
- Foam covered handles have good traction
- Foldable for storage
- Only 41 lbs
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 220 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: 77” (H)
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It has an ultra streamlined design which makes it accessible.
Bottom line
The Conquer is a fantastic entry-level vertical climber that is affordable and easy to use. It can be set up in just a few minutes and will last for years.
Where You Can Buy It
7. Weslo Stepfit Climber
The Weslo is a simple adjustable climber that has an LCD screen for showing current workout progress (which runs on two AA batteries). It also has a smartphone dock so you can listen to your tablet or other devices.
Additionally, it has an adjustable setup and can adjust resistance across 12 levels.
The Weslo also has static and mobile handles, so you can switch things up and focus on target muscle groups.
Highlights
- Multiple adjustable levels
- Static and mobile handlebars
- Brilliant LCD screen keeps track of workout progress
- Smartphone shelf holder
- Large foot pedals
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 250 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Traditional climber/hydraulics
- Dimensions: 50” x 20” x 80”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: 90-day warranty
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
The Weslo is an adjustable climber that has decent hydraulic action for strength training.
Bottom line
The Weslo is a fantastic traditional climber that has good features for more high-intensity workouts. It has multiple levels of adjustment and a handy LCD screen to keep track of progress.
Where You Can Buy It
8. Citybirds Vertical Climber
The Citybirds vertical climber is a foldable climbing machine that has a simplified design and comprehensive info panel in the middle. It is made from durable frosted steel that is specially coated to protect against rust. Additionally, it has both static and mobile handles, along with a foldable design that makes it easy to store.
The Citybirds also has an LCD monitor that records your total workout time, current speed, total distance, and total calories burned. Each climbing arm is adjustable so you can target specific muscle groups during your routines.
Highlights
- Big LCD screen
- Adjustable arms, mobile and static
- Foldable design reduces storage space by 80%
- Burn 500 calories per hour
- Suction cup feet make it more stable
What’s Included
- Climber
- LCD screen
Features
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Hydraulic press
- Dimensions: 17.9” x 225.6” x 53.5”
- Maintenance: Wipe down after each use
- Warranty: 2-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It’s a fantastic vertical climber with an intuitive and functional LCD screen for gauging workout progress.
Bottom line
The Citybirds is a great mid-grade vertical climber that anyone can use. It has a bright LCD display and several levels of adjustability.
Where You Can Buy It
9. Merax Vertical Climber
The Merax Vertical Climber has a durable folding design that marks it perfect for home use. It can stimulate a whole body workout and features a 5-step adjustable height for users of all different sizes. The Merax also has an LCD screen with a digital workout timer. The device can record all of your workout activity.
Highlights
- Simple, streamlined design
- 5-adjustable height levels
- Digital LCD display
- Very easy to put together
- Compact folding for easy storage
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 350 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: 27.2” x 35.8” x 62”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with cloth after use
- Warranty: Not listed
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It has a very simple set up and an easy to use design. It is very accessible.
Bottom line
The Merax is a perfect exercise device for those who need a fast way to get a workout in. It has a streamlined design and an LCD device that keeps track of your workouts.
Where You Can Buy It
10. Pexmor Upgraded Vertical Climber
The Pexmor is a tough and versatile vertical climber that is designed for home use. It has 5-adjustable height settings and a bright LCD monitor for keeping track of your exercise progress.
The pedals and handles feature a special anti-skid surface and the machine folds up when not in use.
This vertical climber is a perfect device for getting in a daily workout. The foldable design makes it very space-conscious and It has both static and mobile handles so you can better target specific muscle groups.
Highlights
- Streamlined design
- Relatively low ceiling clearance
- The foldable design is compact and makes it easy to store
- Durable foam handles
- Wide, sturdy base
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 350 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: 28.7” x 37” x 59.8”
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after use
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
It is a competent home-designed vertical climber perfect for cardio workouts.
Bottom line
The Pexmor is a fantastic budget pick of vertical climber that is lightweight, foldable, and great for daily use and endurance training.
Where You Can Buy It
11. Feierdun Vertical Climber
Last but not least on our list is the Feierdun Vertical Climber. This climber has a durable square steel tube construction and features 5 adjustable height options. It also has a foldable design for compact storage when not in use.
The Feierdun has a simple design without too many bells and whistles, which makes it very accessible for beginners.
Also, it is very lightweight so it is easy to set up and move around. The base is wide, sturdy, and it is easy to make adjustments using the pin-lock mechanism.
Highlights
- Simple, streamlined design
- Wide angels base is sturdy
- Compact folding for easy storage
- 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
- Convenient LCD monitor
What’s Included
- Climber
Features
- Capacity: 440 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Design: Bodyweight
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Maintenance: Wipe down with a cloth after usage
- Warranty: 2-year frame
Why it’s good for the intended usage/goal
The streamlined and foldable design is perfect for use in the home
Bottom line
If you need a solid vertical trainer for cardio and endurance training, then the Feiredun is the one for you.
Where You Can Buy It
What to Look for in a Good Vertical Climber
Vertical climbers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. So we put together this list of important features to look for. Be sure to keep the considerations in mind when looking for a vertical climber.
Size & Portability
The first thing to check is the size. Vertical climbers are generally pretty tall so you will need a good amount of vertical space. A typical vertical climber can be over 7 feet tall, so you will probably need at least 8 ½’ – 9’ of ceiling clearance. If you are shorter, you can probably get away with a lower ceiling as you can adjust the range of the handles.
Stability
Vertical climbers support your entire body weight while you are in motion. So they need to have a stable base that won’t rock around. This means that the base should be flat and wide enough so that the machine does not rock while in use. An unstable vertical machine can be dangerous. This also means you have to use a vertical climber on stable, flat ground.
Type of Climber
There are two main types of climbers that you’ll run into, traditional climbers and transitional climbers. Both have the same full-body workout motion but use different mechanisms.
Traditional climbers have pegs (or pedals) for the hands and feet. You pull your arms down while moving your feet up along the pegs. The pulling and stepping motion works your entire body. Traditional climbers are very simple and mostly work using levers; nothing too mechanically complicated. These kinds of climbers may also use hydraulic components to generate resistance.
Transitional climbers are a lot like traditional climbers, except instead of levers, they use ropes and pulleys for the resistance mechanism. Transitional climbers are good because you can use them for spot targeting specific muscle groups, but there is the risk that the pulleys and ropes get tangled.
Handlebars/pedals
Static handles are mostly for giving your hands some stability while you engage in the climbing motion. Some machines have mobile handles, and others have both static and mobile handles. Ideally, you want a machine that can do both as that opens up more exercise possibilities.
You want the handlebars and pedals to be covered in a firm tactile material such as rubber. This will ensure that your feet and hands don’t slip.
Resistance mechanism
There are a few ways that vertical climbers generate resistance.
Bodyweight
Basic climbers just utilize bodyweight. These kinds of climbers are very simple and mostly just involve levers and pulleys. They are great for cardio and endurance training, but you need to tack on some more weight if you want to up the strength training. As such, vertical climbers that work using bodyweight do not have adjustable resistance levels, short of wearing a weight belt or something similar.
Adjustable resistance
In general, vertical climbers that have adjustable resistance levels use some kind of hydraulic mechanism. These mechanisms use pressurized components to generate an opposing force. Most of the time, a model with adjustable resistance will cost more because of the more complicated components. Hydraulic mechanisms may also need more regular maintenance.
Display/tech features
Display and screens are not a necessity, but they are very useful if you want to keep track of the total distance climbed, current resistance levels, calories burned, and total time elapsed. These kinds of tracking features are great if you want to keep tabs on your progress. Machines with these kinds of displays will cost more, though.
Along with display screens, any tech features are a good option too. Things like Bluetooth speakers, extra displays, and app integration features are not standard in vertical climbers but are a nice tech addition nonetheless.
Budget
Vertical climbers are big machines and usually carry a pretty hefty price tag. A typical vertical climber can cost anywhere between $500-$5,000. The absolute highest quality vertical climbers can cost up to $10,000. So, no matter what range you settle for, a vertical climber is a pretty big financial investment.
We would recommend not buying any vertical climber less than `$500. If you are really strapped for cash, you could probably get away with $300, but you really shouldn’t go much lower than that.
Vertical climbers under this value are generally poorly made, and can actually be dangerous. There are some good vertical climbers out there for less than $300, but they are relatively rare.
In most cases, the manufacturer will allow you to go on a financing plan so you can pay for the machine as you go.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important metric for vertical climbers. They can be intimidating at first, especially if you have never used one before. It should be easy to get started on a workout with no previous experience. More modern machines with tech integrations might have programmed exercise routines to show you the ropes. Accessibility is an important feature so make sure you research it well.
By the same token, make sure it’s easy to clean too. The good thing about exercise equipment like vertical climbers is that you can just wipe them down after use. Be careful to stay away from any highly abrasive materials like ammonia or bleach. These can damage metals and other hardware components.
Material/Durability
You should only buy a vertical climber that has a sturdy frame made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. Metal is many times more durable than plastics and has a much longer operational lifespan. A solid metal frame equals a vertical climber that will last for many years.
As far as durability goes, most vertical climbers have a max weight capacity of about 200-250 lbs. That should be enough for most users. More heavy-duty models may have a max weight capacity of 300+ lbs, but these models are rarer.
Brand Reputation & Warranty
Big brand retailers usually charge higher prices, but they have a better customer reputation on their side. Brand names may be more expensive but they often have better quality or better customer service. Not always though, sometimes a smaller brand is just as good a big-name one.
Regardless of the brand, one thing you should check for is a warranty. Ideally, you won’t ever have to use it, but it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. It’s important to note that different parts of the machine may have different coverage policies. For example, the frame might be covered under a 5-year warranty but the parts and other hardware might be only covered for 2 years.
User Feedback & Reviews
Lastly, you should check customer reviews on the manufacturer’s page. These reviews are a good way to get an honest assessment of the product and how it functions. Most people tend to trust customer reviews, and they can tell you things that an official product description cannot.
Vertical Climber FAQ
What are vertical climbers?
Vertical climbers are large pieces of exercise equipment that emulates the climbing movement. You can think of vertical climbers as a kind of vertical treadmill, except that it works on your entire body. Vertical climbers have handholds and pedals that you move up and down in a climbing motion. Most vertical climbers have some kind of resistance mechanism. Vertical climbers have been around since the 80s and are a popular method of cardio and strength training.
How to use a vertical climber:
What are the benefits of vertical climbers?
Vertical climbers are an efficient and relatively low-impact method of cardio and strength training. The climbing motion engages the entire body and you can change the resistance to go from pure cardio to strength training mode. The cardio-heavy motion of vertical climbers maximizes oxygen consumption so they are effective for your fitness regiment.
Are vertical climbers a good cardio machine compared to others?
Yes, vertical climbers are excellent cardio machines. Compared to ellipticals, treadmills, and stair steppers, vertical climbers engage more muscles in the body which ultimately means a bigger cardio burn. Rowers are another common exercise device that is commonly compared to vertical climbers because rowers also involve full-body engagement.
What muscles does a vertical climber work?
Vertical climbers activate just about every muscle in the body, but you can target specific muscle groups based on the exact motion. For example, thrusting your hips back into a more “sitting” pose will work your hamstrings, calves, glutes (butt), and quads. Alternatively, you can focus on your arms to target your biceps, chest, lats, shoulders, and core.
One benefit of vertical climbers is that they evenly target muscles that may be difficult to engage otherwise. That means they are a great way to get a full-body tone by working every muscle in your body.
Conclusion
Vertical climbers are all the rage and for very good reason. They are a fun method of cardio exercise and strength training. Modern vertical climbers can emulate the feeling of climbing up a mountain and are a good full-body workout.
