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The Best Vertical Climbers for Fast, Full-Body Workouts at Home
Our top picks make high-intensity, low-impact exercise easy
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Mallory Creveling is a health and fitness writer and ACE-certified personal trainer whose work has been published in Prevention, Runners World, and Men's Journal.
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Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine.
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Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.
Verywell / Sabrina Jiang
If you're looking for a comprehensive machine that can change up your workout routine, a vertical climber can be a great addition to your home gym, says physical therapist Joe Knapp, PT, DPT. Vertical climbers elevate your heart rate, without putting too much stress on your joints, for an effective full-body workout. These machines simulate rock climbing, but they're safer and can be used at a faster pace. Both activities also engage all major muscle groups—plus, most vertical climbers are portable, making them an ideal option for smaller spaces.
To find the best vertical climbers, we first asked Knapp and other experts which key features to look for. Then, we spent hours researching expert-approved models from popular fitness brands. We prioritized vertical climbers that are easy to use, budget-friendly, durable, and space-efficient. For more guidance, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article. She checked for accuracy and how to safely incorporate a vertical climber into your at-home exercise routine.
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Adjustable height
Budget-friendly
Comes with free MaxiClimber app
Low weight capacity
Small foot pedals
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Stats Offered: Calories, steps | Dimensions: 35.8 x 28.3 x 86.6 inches | Assembly: Mostly pre-assembled
Who It's For
Best for anyone who likes having a workout program and meal plan to keep themselves accountable while working out at home.
Why We Love It
The MaxiClimber Vertical Climber is our top overall pick because it's simple to set up, easy to use, and adjustable for users of different heights. We love that it comes almost fully assembled, so you can get started using it right away. Plus, the durable steel frame folds up for storage when you're not using it.
For added motivation, you can use the free MaxiClimber Fitness app, which provides structured workouts and allows you to track your progress over time. Dive into the 21-Day Maxi-Challenge interval training program or take advantage of the included meal plan to round out your at-home fitness routine.
Some home fitness machines can cost thousands of dollars. But we like that the MaxiClimber is a budget-friendly option that doesn't require a major investment up front. You'll be well on your way to hitting your fitness goals with this vertical climber.
Potential Flaws
- We like that this climber is easy to use—however, the foot pedals are on the smaller side.
- This machine has a lower weight capacity compared to some of our other top picks.
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Adjustable handlebars
Durable cable
Budget-friendly
Not as smooth
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 260 pounds | Stats Offered: Scan, count, total count, time, calories | Dimensions: 28 x 37.5 x 85 inches | Assembly: Self-assembly
Who It's For
Best for a small household where multiple people will be sharing the same vertical climber, since it's so compact and adjustable.
Why We Love It
We recommend RELIFE's Vertical Climber for anyone with limited space because it's lightweight, compact, and folds up for simple storage. When fully set up, this vertical climber is just 37.5 inches long, 28 inches wide, and up to 85 inches high. We also like that it features a wear-resistant cable and comes with extra lubricant to keep things moving smoothly.
The handlebars have five levels of adjustability to simulate jogging, running, and rock climbing, while your bodyweight provides the resistance. As you use the machine, increasing the height also increases the level of difficulty—just make sure you don't overstretch yourself. Another bonus? Like our top overall pick, this is one of the more budget-friendly vertical climbers on our list.
Potential Flaws
- Some users have noticed that this machine can feel a little jerky, even after using the included grease.
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Larger foot pedals
Built-in device holder
Leveling mechanism for uneven floors
Tricky to fold up
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Stats Offered: Calories, steps | Dimensions: 25.8 x 41.3 x 92.9 inches | Assembly: Mostly pre-assembled
Who It's For
Best for anyone who wants a machine that can grow with them as they progress.
Why We Love It
When it comes to adjustable settings, the MaxiClimber XL-2000 Vertical Climber has it all. Turn up the burn with 12 resistance levels and two sets of handlebars. Complete with a lightweight aluminum frame that can support up to 300 pounds and a smooth roller for a quieter workout, it has all the features you need in an all-around home exercise machine (and then some).
Other nice-to-have features include rollers for portability, larger foot pedals, and a leveling mechanism for using the MaxiClimber XL-2000 safely on uneven floors. Plus, a built-in device holder makes it easy to access MaxiClimber's free app while you work out. If you're willing to invest more in a machine that can level up as you do, we think you can't go wrong with this option.
Potential Flaws
- Some users have found that this vertical climber can be tricky to fold up—the process requires multiple steps. Still, we think this is a fair trade-off, considering how many helpful features it has.
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Non-slip foot pedals
8 resistance levels
Floor stabilizers
Low weight capacity
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Stats Offered: Calories, distance, speed, time, scan | Dimensions: 23 x 42 x 60.5 inches | Assembly: Self-assembly
Who It's For
Best for beginner and intermediate users who enjoy traditional ellipticals.
Why We Love It
For a user-friendly vertical climber that's ideal for fast-paced cardio and toning muscles, we love Sunny Health & Fitness' Cardio Climber. We like that this machine has a unique climbing stride and handles that move forward and backward instead of up and down. This design resembles an elliptical machine, providing a cross-training experience that challenges beginners and intermediate exercisers.
Depending on your fitness goals, we also like that you can easily move between eight resistance levels just by turning a knob. The built-in monitor features a handy clock and calendar (alongside your time, speed, distance, and more) to help you stay motivated. Non-slip foot pedals and built-in floor stabilizers help you feel steady, even during intense workouts. And, when you're not using the machine, we love that you can simply tilt it and roll it wherever's convenient.
Potential Flaws
- It has a relatively low weight capacity of 220 pounds.
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High maximum weight capacity
Touchscreen display with Alexa compatibility
Very durable
Membership is required to access all features
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Stats Offered: Time, distance, pace, calories, tempo, reach, power | Dimensions: 32 x 35 x 88 inches | Assembly: Self-assembly
Who It's For
Best for anyone who has a bigger budget and wants to invest in a commercial-quality machine.
Why We Love It
For an immersive, studio-like experience, we recommend the CLMBR Connected 02 vertical climber. Equipped with a 21-inch, high-definition touchscreen display that's compatible with Amazon Alexa and a powerful sound system, it rivals most machines found in upscale gyms. We also like that it has a high maximum weight capacity, adjustable handles, and oversized, textured foot pedals for safety.
We also appreciate that the magnetic resistance settings allow you to customize your climb and stay on track during your workout. When you’re done, the heavy-duty caster wheels enable the CLMBR to glide over carpet or hardwood, so you can tuck it out of the way. You can sync your CLMBR profile across all of your devices to access your statistics, including any badges, challenge progress, or achievements. This vertical climber also offers access to a library of over 400 on-demand fitness classes with a monthly paid membership.
Potential Flaws
- It's worth noting that you'll need a paid membership to access most of this climber's features.
- This machine is pricier than most of our other picks, although we think it's a worthy investment if you have room to spare in your home gym.
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Sturdy steel frame
Folds up for storage
Adjustable height
Not as durable
Key Specs
Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Stats Offered: Time, distance, calories | Dimensions: 37 x 25 x 85 inches | Assembly: Self-assembly
Who It's For
Best for beginners, especially anyone who's never used a vertical climber before and wants to test one out.
Why We Love It
Unsure if a vertical climber is for you? Looking for a climber that won't break the bank? We recommend Body-Solid's Vertical Climber. With adjustable resistance levels and an adjustable height, we like that this climber allows you to tailor your workouts to your fitness level and ability.
Track your progress and adjust your routine as needed using the multi-functional display, which records your time, distance, calories burned, and more. After your workout, you can fold this climber's sturdy steel frame up and stash it underneath your bed or in a corner. If you lack space for a full home gym or want to test a vertical climber out, this one is our top pick.
Potential Flaws
- We love that this vertical climber is budget-friendly. But some users have found that it's not as durable as some of our other top picks are.
Where We Stand
After reviewing dozens of options, the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber easily emerged as our top choice. The setup process couldn't be simpler—plus, it's portable and easy to use. We continue to review the latest vertical climbers as new models are released, and we'll update our recommendations if we notice anything new or noteworthy.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Vertical Climber
- Size and Space: Although vertical climbers aren't as large as most treadmills are, they're much taller, says certified personal trainer Michelle Leachman, MS, ACE-CPT. Many climbers require at least a seven-foot vertical clearance, so always check a product's dimensions and measure the height of your ceiling before buying. You'll also need a hard, flat surface underneath your machine, like a hardwood or cement floor.
- Durability: Make sure the machine you choose can safely hold your weight and won’t move around while you're working out. Look for a strong steel frame and other wear-resistant components to ensure your climber will last for years to come. Following the manufacturer's guidelines and lubricating your machine can also extend its lifespan.
- Additional Features: On most machines, you can measure basic statistics like time, distance, speed, and calories burned. But some high-tech vertical climbers also have a companion app, on-demand workouts, or guided training programs. Just keep in mind that a high-tech machine may require investing more money upfront or paying for a subscription-based service.
- Price: The price point of vertical climbers can vary from under $200 to over $3,000. You get what you pay for—so if you'll be using your climber several times a week, consider increasing your budget to find a more durable machine, says Erica Ziel, founder of Knocked Up Fitness and deep core fitness specialist.
How We Selected the Best Vertical Climbers
To find the best vertical climbers, we researched dozens of machines and carefully reviewed product specifications. As we created our final list of recommendations, we considered these key features:
- Materials: Which materials a vertical climber is made from affect its quality and durability. We prioritized machines with steel frames that can withstand repeated use. We also analyzed customer feedback to make sure our top picks don't have parts that break or wear out quickly.
- Features: Does the vertical climber come with any additional features that set it apart from its competitors? We looked for included or on-demand classes, adjustable components, and solid statistic-tracking capabilities.
- Size: Vertical climbers come in a range of sizes. We prioritized models with a reasonable footprint that can be tucked away when not in use.
- Weight Capacity: A vertical climber's weight capacity is an important safety consideration. We looked for sturdy, well-built machines that can accommodate a variety of users.
Our Experts
We spoke with experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story. Some, like Knapp, helped us learn the benefits of incorporating a vertical climber into your exercise routine. Others, like Leachman, gave us an idea of which muscle groups a vertical climber works. We choose products independently, but we use expert input to influence our choices.
- Joe Knapp, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Advanced Physical Therapy in Wichita, Kansas
- Michelle Leachman, MS, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer in Denver
- Erica Ziel, founder of Knocked Up Fitness and deep core fitness specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vertical climbers bad for your knees?
Even if you have a history of knee issues, it's most likely safe for you to use a vertical climber, says Knapp—but if you feel any pain while exercising, you should stop right away, he adds. If you have a history of knee issues, it's a good idea to consult a physical therapist first to determine the best cardio machine for your workout routine.
Are vertical climbers just as effective as the Stairmaster?
Vertical climbers and the Stairmaster both provide a low-impact, aerobic workout. But climbers allow for more muscle group activation, while the Stairmaster only requires you to use your core and upper body for stability (instead of overall movement and strengthening), says Leachman.
Do vertical climbers make you a better climber?
Since the movement on a vertical climber mimics rock climbing and engages many of the same muscle groups, regular workouts could boost your climbing skills and performance. Working out on a vertical climber may also improve your coordination—an essential skill in climbing.
Do vertical climbers help you lose weight?
Maybe, as part of a healthy lifestyle: The vertical climber is a high calorie output machine that increases your VO2 max, which is a fancy way of tracking how fast your body consumes oxygen that translates into calories burned and energy used. It's a high-intensity, low-impact workout that could help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Writer and personal trainer Mallory Creveling, ACE-CPT, has been covering the wellness industry, including fitness gear, for more than a decade. As a certified personal trainer, she also knows what works for those looking to improve their fitness and how to choose the right equipment to achieve specific health goals.
Additional reporting on this story by Christine Luff
Certified personal trainer, running coach, and fitness writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear and equipment can tremendously improve performance and comfort.
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