The 8 Best Vertical Climbers of 2021

Best Overall: Maxi Climber The Original Patented Vertical Climber

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This free-standing vertical climbing machine adjusts to your height so you’re in a comfortable, upright position when you break a sweat. It holds up to 240 pounds, comes almost fully assembled, and easily folds up so you can store it out of the way. The foam handlebars also offer a firm, easy grip while the foot pedals have lugs to keep you from slipping as you climb fast.  

The vertical climber also comes with an app, complete with workouts to do on the machine and challenges to help you hit your fitness goals and track your progress. 

Best Budget: SHZOND Vertical Climber

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Your own bodyweight serves as the resistance on this vertical climber, which allows you to test your speed and endurance by working faster and for longer. At an affordable price, you get a strong steel frame as well as a folding design that lets you conveniently store it out of the way after exercise.

The climber comes with foam grips and anti-slip steps and can support up to 330 pounds. It does not come fully assembled though, so make sure you read the directions carefully when setting it up.

Best 2-in-1: Hifashion 2-in-1 Total Body Vertical Climber

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Get two cardio workouts in one with this vertical climber and exercise bike hybrid machine. Stand up on the front of the machine to tackle the climbing, or sit down on the seat in the back to pedal through some miles—just as you would on other stationary bikes.

The screen on the front of the machine will tell you the distance, calories burned, and time you’re climbing so you can easily track your progress. The steel frame holds up to 350 pounds.

Best for Small Spaces: RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Vertical Climber

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When fully set up, this vertical climber spans 37.5 inches deep, 28 inches wide, and up to 85 inches high. Folded up, it’s even smaller and can come down in height to reach 69 inches. When using the machine, increasing the height means you up the difficulty of the exercise—just make sure you don’t overstretch yourself.

This machine also has a few features that help stop wear and tear over time, like a nylon liner and metal guide rails, both of which help to keep the climber quiet as you move. The climber also has rubber features that won’t wear out as you move the handles and pedals up and down. 

Best Folding: Soozier Folding Adjustable Vertical Climber

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The footprint on this machine is smaller than others on the list, spanning just under 27 inches wide, about 36 inches deep, and up to 71 inches high. Fold it up, and it stores even smaller. The machine also has four height levels to fit your body and skill level.

Holding up to 220 pounds, it has large foot pedals and non-slip grips underneath the machine so you don’t have to worry about it moving around or your feet slipping off the steps as you climb. With the small monitor, you can check out your calories burned and the duration of your workout. 

Best for Beginners: Aceshin Vertical Climber Machine

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This lightweight and sturdy vertical climber comes with two handlebars on each side, so you can test which grip is most comfortable for your body, especially as you get used to the movement.

As a newbie, it’s always helpful to see your stats so you can monitor your progress, and this machine has a screen that reveals your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Make a mental note (or even write it down) and try to beat those numbers as you progress through your workout plan.

Like other machines, you can also fold this one up and put it away when you’re not using it. 

Best Advanced: VersaClimber Machine

Buy on Versaclimber.com

If you’re looking to take your workout to the next level, a high-quality machine like this VersaClimber is probably your best bet—you'll just have to shell out a little more money than for other climbers on the list. In addition to the traditional vertical climber features—like an adjustable pedal height, adjustable handlebars, and a sturdy steel frame—the VersaClimber has 16 pre-set training programs that will take your workout up a notch. It even features a race mode to help you push your speed and test your cardio capacity. 

If you want to focus only on your legs one day, you can also hold onto the steady side handlebars and use it as a regular stair stepper—a great way to target the lower half and build powerful, strong glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Stand on the floor and you can focus solely on the upper body instead, building strength in the shoulders, arms, chest, and back.