The 8 Best Ladders of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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.”
Bauer Corporation 6-Foot Fiberglass Folding Step Ladder at Wayfair
$280
Louisville 16-Foot Fiberglass Extension Ladder at Amazon
$285
Gorilla Ladders 19-Foot Reach MPXT Multi-Position Ladder at Home Depot
$259
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This sturdy, dependable ladder requires no assembly.
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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
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Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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This tall, extendable ladder has minimal wobble.
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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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Wade Review / Dera Burreson