10 Best Ladders in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Ladders have evolved tremendously over the years. From work equipment typically used by contractors, they are now standard household equipment. A product with sound structural integrity will guarantee your safety when cleaning fans, changing tube lights, or reaching high shelves in your garage.

We all love a good bargain. However, it is worth making a “proper” investment when choosing a ladder. It took us many hours to evaluate different ladders and handpick ten sturdy products designed to make your work easier and safer.

Check them out!

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		EdMaxwell 4-Step Ladder	Plenty of safety features Sturdy steel construction Visually appealing design	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder	User-friendly design Sturdy with 330 load capacity Ideal for indoor and outdoor use	CHECK PRICE
		Little Giant Ladders 17 Ft Multi-Position Ladder	Highly versatile and stable Up to 300 pounds weight capacity Adjustable to multiple configurations	CHECK PRICE
		Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder	Easy setup Lightweight yet sturdy Can collapse into a compact size	CHECK PRICE
		DeWalt DXL3010-04 Fiberglass Stepladder	Suitable for electrical projects Ideal for most indoor projects Sturdy with a fiberglass construction	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Ladders

1. EdMaxwell 4-Step Ladder — Best Overall

Top on the list is the EdMaxwell 4-Step Ladder, which measures 4 feet from the ground. It offers just enough length to give you a height advantage during typical home applications like changing light bulbs and reaching high cabinets.

We choose it as our best overall for its stability and safety features.

With heavy-duty steel construction, this ladder is a beast that can withstand up to 500 pounds without wobbling. It features extra-wide standing platforms and anti-skid rubber feet for enhanced stability. Also, the padded handrails on both sides are a welcome feature that provides extra support when working.

The EdMaxwell 4-Step Ladder does not leave you with much of a wish list regarding its design and build quality. It is visually appealing, easy to set up, and folds into a more compact form for storage. You only need to beware that it’s bulky and not the easiest equipment to move around.

2. Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder — Best Value

The Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder offers the best value for the money for its user-friendliness. The one-button adjustment system makes it dead simple and fast to lengthen and shorten the equipment.

Thanks to its aluminum construction, it only weighs 22.9 pounds, even though it can support a weight of up to 330 pounds.

What’s more, the ladder won’t get wobbly under your weight and that of your supplies. It features rubber feet that increase stability, especially on rough floors. However, you may want additional footing to reduce slide risk when working indoors or around sites with smooth floors.

3. Little Giant Ladders 17 Ft Multi-Position Ladder

We choose the Little Giant Ladders 17 Ft Multi-Position Ladder as our premium choice for its stability and ability to adjust to multiple configurations. Depending on your project needs, you can configure it into an A-frame ladder, 90-degree ladder, or extension ladder. This makes it highly versatile and ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

There are knobs situated on different joints that allow you to adjust the ladder to a specific configuration. Irrespective of your choice, the ladder remains sturdy and able to hold up to 300 pounds.

Even though this equipment is made from aluminum, it is heavy at 35 pounds. Portability from one site to another can be a problem, even with the built-in wheels designed to make moving easier. Moreover, the price point of the ladder makes it unsuitable for folks on a budget.

4. Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

Are you looking for a lightweight ladder you can easily move from one site to another? One of the best products to consider is the Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder.

The telescoping design allows over 60% overlapping, ensuring you can fold the equipment to a compact size. When folded, this 12.5-foot ladder is easy to carry and store. It can even fit in your car’s trunk!

Furthermore, setting up the ladder is a breeze. With a single push of a button, you can retract an extra rung for additional height. The extra-wide steps and non-slip end caps provide added stability for your safety.

The Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder is not ideal for electrical projects. Moreover, it is a no-frills ladder with a simple design and a load capacity of only 250 pounds. Generally, it is only ideal for indoor use on light-duty projects.

5. DeWalt DXL3010-04 Fiberglass Stepladder

The DeWalt DXL3010-04 is a step ladder, also known as an A-frame ladder. Even though its entire length is only four feet, it’s tall enough for most indoor projects. It is ideal for cleaning your kitchen’s chandeliers, ceiling fans, or top cabinets.

An aspect that makes the DeWalt DXL3010-04 a top choice for many is its safety features. First, it has extra-wide steps for enhanced stability and comfort. Secondly, each step has a double rivet construction to reduce the risk of accidents. The self-supporting ladder also features slip-resistant feet, ensuring it does not wobble.

Fiberglass ladders are strong and more durable than their aluminum counterparts. They are also ideal for handling electrical projects. However, the DeWalt DXL3010-04 is bulky and weighs 14 pounds. Even though it is still lightweight, we wish it had wheels for enhanced portability.

6. Louisville Ladder FE3216 Extension Ladder

An extension ladder can come in handy when handling outdoor projects. The Louisville Ladder FE3216 is one of the sturdiest in its range and boasts a fiberglass construction. With a height of up to 16 feet, it will come in handy when cleaning your gutters or hanging Halloween outdoor lighting on the trees.

Retracting the steps to make this ladder longer is super easy. The metal guides operate smoothly, and the rungs lock into place once you achieve the desired height.

The ladder’s overall build is great, but the extension locks are made of plastic.

You’ll appreciate its 300-pound load capacity and the D-shaped steps that reduce foot fatigue when standing for extended hours. Unfortunately, it weighs 31 pounds, meaning moving it around without help can be challenging. Fortunately, it’s easy to store because it can fold down to 8 feet.

7. Gorilla Ladders GLMPXA-18

One of the most versatile ladders on our list is the Gorilla Ladders GLMPXA-18. It offers just the right height and stability to tackle most home projects. The best part is that you can convert this into an extension ladder, step ladder, or wall ladder, making it invaluable for both indoor and outdoor projects.

The Gorilla Ladders GLMPXA-18 has an aluminum construction that makes it lightweight, considering that it’s 19 feet long. However, it’s still on the bulkier side, especially if you need to move it up the stairs. Fortunately, the in-built wheels support easier moving from site to site.

Also, this is not the most beginner-friendly ladder to set up. It is necessary to go through the manufacturer’s instructions to understand how to achieve different configurations. On the bright side, the manual is quite detailed and easy to understand.

8. Delxo 3-Step Ladder

• Ladder Type: Step ladder
• Load Capacity: 500 pounds
• Material: Alloy steel
• Height: 3 feet

Are you looking for a basic budget-friendly ladder for simple tasks like reaching overhead spaces in your pantry or kitchen? This three-step ladder from Delxo may be what you need. It’s small enough to ensure easy storage (folds to a 2.2-inch depth) yet strong enough to hold up to 500 pounds.

Thanks to the heavy-duty steel alloy construction, the equipment does not wobble during projects involving bulky items. Still, it is incredibly lightweight at only 12.5 pounds. While it is not tall enough for certain applications, it can save you from having to constantly drag your full-size ladder from your garage. This is more so when handling low-level household tasks.

Unfortunately, this ladder lacks handrails. The steps also lack rubber grips which could enhance your safety. To prevent slip risk, don’t use the ladder while wet.

9. HBTower 3-Step Ladder with Handrails

Are you looking for a strong and sturdy ladder for low-level projects? The HBTower 3-Step Ladder is worth considering for its build quality and safety features. With steel construction, this three-step ladder offers an impressive load capacity of up to 500 pounds. It also provides remarkable stability even at the highest point, making it perfect for folks with height phobias.

Another feature you will appreciate is that with each step, the metal buckles lock into place with a cracking sound. This reassures you of your safety as you climb higher up. Also, the sponge-covered handrails offer enhanced stability, while the rubber feet prevent the ladder from unwanted movement.

This is probably not the ladder for you if you need to reach your ceiling to clean your chandelier. For that, you may need more than a three-step ladder. The HBTower is mainly ideal for low-level tasks like reaching your kitchen cupboards.

10. Rubbermaid RMA-3XST Aluminum Step Stool

If you need a basic ladder for light chores like changing your curtains and reaching the top shelves in your pantry, bulky equipment can be a turnoff. The Rubbermaid RMA-3XST might be a good choice because it weighs only 10.5 pounds.

Also, it won’t consume massive space in your garage because you can fold it to a more compact size.

Safety-wise, the Rubbermaid RMA-3XST provides commendable stability with no wobbling, even on the highest step. The wide steps and non-marring feet ensure the equipment remains firm in place. However, you need to beware of its limited load capacity of only 250 pounds.

Generally, this is a well-engineered product that ensures you enjoy good value for the money. It has enough height for most basic projects, although it may not be tall enough to let you reach a ceiling higher than the standard 9 feet.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ladder

Are you looking to invest in a top-quality ladder? Here are a few crucial pointers to help you make an educated call.

Type of Ladder

There are different types of ladders ideal for varying projects.

Step ladders are the most common and a top choice for many households for their versatility. They are self-supporting with a fixed number of steps or rungs. On the other hand, Multipurpose ladders can alter to different positions. They can be self-supporting, like step ladders, or you can open them to a more extended position and use a wall for support.

Extension ladders have a base and extendable fly. The fly uses guided tracks that allow you to adjust the ladder’s height and double (or triple) it to reach higher places. Because extendable ladders are straight, you need to lean them on a tree or wall for support.

Telescoping ladders are just like extension ladders because they allow height adjustment. However, they are more versatile and convenient because they feature patented technology that enables them to extend and lock per foot. After use, you can fold the ladder to a size small enough to fit in your car’s trunk.

Platform ladders are self-supporting and portable with non-adjustable height. They feature a platform at the highest standing level to protect your feet and shins from fatigue when standing for extended periods. The platform also ensures your stability, especially when working with both hands.

Folding ladders have periodically placed hinges that allow you to expand or fold the ladder. Most varieties can be altered into self-supporting or straight ladders (that require wall or tree support). You can fold the ladder into a more compact shape when not in use for easy storage.

Material

Most ladders are made from aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. Understanding the unique pros and cons of each material option is imperative.

Aluminum is lightweight yet durable and sturdy enough to handle a good load capacity. Moreover, it is cheap, allowing ladder manufacturers to provide top-notch yet affordable equipment. The main downside is that an aluminum ladder is not ideal for working on electrical projects.

If you intend to work on electrical projects, wooden ladders are your best bet. However, they are heavy and unsuitable for moving from one work site to another. Compared to aluminum ladders, wood ladders are less durable, especially if left exposed to weather elements.

Fiberglass ladders are slightly more expensive than wooden and aluminum ladders. However, the increased cost is worth it. These ladders are ideal for electrical and outdoor projects, even during the hot summer. They are lightweight, durable, and strong for increased load capacity.

Steel ladders are the strongest and most durable. They are mainly ideal for use within warehouses and industrial settings. However, they are heavyweight and unsuitable for folks that need to move from one work site to another. Another potential drawback is that steel ladders are prone to corrosion damage if stored improperly.

Plastic ladders are inexpensive and ideal for light workloads. They are made from plastic with fiberglass reinforcement, making them safe for simple tasks like cleaning your fans or changing a light bulb.

Height

The height of a ladder is the length from the primary first step at the peak to the ground. It can range between two and 22 feet. Some ladders have adjustable heights, allowing you to extend them if you need to reach a higher place. Ensure the maximum height is ideal for your project needs.

Load Capacity / Duty Rating

It is imperative to take note of your job demands and ensure your ladder has the appropriate load capacity. Account for the weight of all users likely to require the equipment and the weight of your supplies.

Generally, ladders have a load capacity of between 150 and 330 pounds. Steel ladders are typically more robust, with a bigger load capacity than their aluminum counterparts. The duty rating of a ladder informs you of the overall weight it can hold.

The duty rating classifications are as follows.

Storage & Portability

Unless you are a die-hard home improvement enthusiast, you will likely not use your ladder frequently. This makes its size when ready for storage a big deal. If you have limited space, consider purchasing a folding ladder.

A telescopic design is even better if you want to ensure that transporting the equipment will not be an issue. Make sure the ladder is also not too heavy, especially if you often need to move it from one point to another. Foldable aluminum or fiberglass ladders are smaller, lightweight, and easier to carry.

FAQs

Which Type of Ladder Is the Safest?

Well-engineered ladders, irrespective of the type, are safe. The key to avoiding accidents is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and good safety practices¹. For instance, always uphold the three-point rule. It means you should always maintain three points of contact with the ladder. Either have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder.

Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladder: Which Is Better?

Both fiberglass and aluminum ladders have their pros and cons. Aluminum ladders are cheaper and more lightweight. On the other hand, fiberglass ladders are stronger and more durable but more expensive. When choosing between the two, it is crucial to consider your project needs. Choose fiberglass ladders if your projects involve electrical work.

How Long Should a Good Ladder Be?

The ideal height of a ladder depends on various factors, including your project needs. Ensure you won’t have to stand on your toes when reaching a specific height. You must also not stand on the top three rungs. Generally, a 2-foot to 8-foot ladder will suffice when handling indoor projects. Consider a longer 16-foot to 28-foot ladder for outdoor work.

Conclusion

Safety is a priority when choosing a ladder. We put tens of ladders to the test and graded them based on their design, stability, and performance to sieve out the top 10. Our word is backed by tons of great reviews from actual users of the listed products.

We awarded the best overall ladder to the EdMaxwell 4-Step Ladder for its stability and safety features. According to our tests, the Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder offers the best value for money for its overall design. It’s easy to set up and adjust the height, has a practical load capacity, and is reasonably priced. If you have a larger budget, the Little Giant Ladders 17 Ft Multi-Position Ladder is our top premium choice.