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What's inside
Ready to take your training to the next level? A vertical climber does just that – literally.
This exercise trainer, also known as a mountain climber machine, simulates the movement of rock climbing by using both the arms and legs to mimic the motion of an upward climb.
This relatively inexpensive, simple, and compact piece of equipment can be used in the comfort of your home, giving you convenient access to a body-blasting workout from head to toe.
Few exercise machines pack in the cardio and strength-building benefits you get from a vertical fitness climber.
If you’re unfamiliar with vertical climbers, you’ve come to the right place.
Our reviews guide you through everything you need to know about the best 8 vertical climbers for in-home use, so you can confidently choose the right climber for you.
Vertical Climber Benefits
Related: 10 Best Vertical Pull Exercises
Before jumping into our vertical climber reviews, let’s take a second to check out some of the awesome benefits of working out on a vertical fitness climber.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or improve endurance, a vertical climber has you covered.
- Mega calorie burning – almost twice the number of calories as a treadmill!
- Most have a relatively small footprint and are lightweight and foldable.
- Full-body workout and strength training for optimal fat burning.
- Less expensive than most other home exercise machines.
- Low-impact and easy on joints.
- Time-saver – cardio and strength in one training session.
1.Maxi Climber
If you’re ready to build your stamina with a realistic rock climbing workout, then try out this mountain climber machine.
Maxi Climber is the original vertical climber, and it continues to be one of the best on the market. Just check out all the rave reviews on Amazon – fitness enthusiasts love it!
With an ergonomic design, the Maxi Climber will keep you comfortably supported through long climbing sessions.
It features non-stick, non-slip hand grips, which can be adjusted to accommodate users of all heights. And thanks to its sturdy, durable design, you’ll get zero wobble.
This vertical climber supports users up to 250 pounds and promises a quiet and smooth experience, even when you’re reaching for new heights.
But what makes the Maxi Climber truly unique? Besides its excellent durability and sturdy design, it comes with a fitness app that you use on your smartphone or tablet.
Follow along with the app to get guided training and a boost of motivation to help you power through an intense workout.
The Maxi Climber also includes a display with a workout timer and calorie counter, making it easy to track your performance.
Another awesome feature of the Maxi Climber is its quick and easy assembly.
In fact, it arrives almost 90% pre-assembled – finish setting it up in just minutes, so you can hop on and start climbing.
And once you’re done, simply fold up your Maxi Climber and store it away in a corner or behind a door until you’re ready to rock again.
The lightweight, foldable design of this vertical climber makes it super portable and perfect for any room in your home.
Maxi Climber did it first and arguably best. But if you’re not satisfied, you can take advantage of the 30-day satisfaction guarantee and return your Maxi Climber for a full refund.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Maxi Climber.
The Good
- Includes fitness app
- Adjustable height
- Display with timer and calorie counter
- Easy assembly
- Folding design
- Durable and sturdy
The Bad
- Oddly positioned display
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
2.Conquer Vertical Climber 3.0
Get results without all the fuss with the Conquer Vertical Climber 3.0. Priced at under $100, this is an excellent basic climber for those on a budget!
If you’re strapped for cash or space, this is the vertical fitness climber for you.
Don’t let the low price scare you away – this is a high-quality machine. The Conquer Vertical Climber’s steel construction makes it steady and durable for users up to 240 pounds.
Plus, the stable base and quality design ensures a smooth, quiet workout – ideal for use while watching TV or listening to music.
As with most vertical climbers, the Conquer Vertical Climber 3.0 has adjustable handle heights, and it also includes comfortable hand grips.
A bonus feature on this climber is its second set of stationary handles – you can skip “arm day” and focus on blasting your lower body for maximum effectiveness in your legs and booty.
This vertical climber is foldable (like most of the climbers on this list), but its slim, compact design saves space even when in use.
It’s the perfect machine for anyone who wants to reap the rewards of a challenging workout but has limited space.
And its very easy to assemble as well, so you can get to stepping in no time at all.
Get a powerful cardio, endurance, and muscle toning workout without breaking the bank. This vertical stepper has all the basics you need to get a killer workout!
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Conquer Vertical Climber 3.0.
The Good
- Great value
- Both moving and stationary handlebars
- Adjustable height
- Slim design
- Foldable
- Easy assembly
The Bad
- Not as durable as some
- No display
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
3.Merax Vertical Climber
Ramp up the intensity with the Merax Vertical Climber – it can handle tough workouts that really challenge your strength and endurance.
And with its adjustable height and heavy-duty construction, this vertical climber is built for users of all shapes and sizes.
With a weight capacity of 350 pounds, this super heavy-duty climber doesn’t skimp on sturdiness – from the base to the leg pegs to the handlebars. Yet it still folds for easy storage when not in use.
If you have a small space, this is a great exercise option. With its small footprint and foldable design, this vertical climber can easily be tucked away into an apartment or corner of any room.
And despite its heavy-duty construction, it’s still relatively easy to assemble.
The durable steel frame adjusts to different heights, with five adjustments for a custom fit to your body. And by varying the height and length of your reach and stride, you can vary the intensity and burn more fat than ever.
If you’re powering through an extra intense workout, you’ll appreciate the ergonomic handles with non-stick grips for those sweaty palms.
The Merax Vertical Climber also includes an LCD display, which tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories. It also stores your workout info so you can track your performance over time.
Overall, the Merax Vertical Climber is a mid-priced climber that’s well-built and suitable for a wide variety of users.
If durability and strength are at the top of your list, then this vertical fitness climber is the one for you.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Merax Vertical Climber.
The Good
- Super durable and heavy-duty
- Adjustable height
- Folding design
- LCD monitor to track and store workout info
- Easy assembly
The Bad
- Odd placement of display
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
4.RELIFE Vertical Climber
The RELIFE Vertical Climber comes with all the bells and whistles you need to optimize your workouts and sculpt the body of your dreams.
With a super sturdy, sleek design, the RELIFE makes your fitness journey easier than ever.
This vertical climber is designed for ultimate durability and includes wear-resistant parts and square steel tube construction to ensure stability.
Users up to 250 pounds can work their arms, legs, core, and glutes without the slightest wobble from this RELIFE climber. It also includes a one-year warranty.
Users of all heights will love this climber, as it has five adjustable height options. Use the longer reaches to really crank up the intensity for a true mountain climbing feel.
And the sweat absorbent, anti-slip foam handles will keep your hands soft and secure through even the toughest climbs.
For low-intensity training or rehab exercise, use the lower heights and the stationary handles – this is more like a traditional stair stepper workout, but it still blasts all the major lower body muscle groups.
The RELIFE climber also includes an LCD monitor to track your workouts (time, speed, and calories burned).
Assembly is super simple, and the fully assembled machine can easily be folded up and stored out of the way when not in use.
When it comes to price and features, the RELIFE Vertical Climber falls solidly in the middle of the pack – you get a budget-friendly machine without sacrificing quality or performance.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the RELIFE Vertical Climber.
The Good
- LCD monitor to track workouts
- Adjustable height
- Folding design
- Sweat absorbent foam handles
- Durable and includes one-year warranty
- Easy assembly
The Bad
- Not as smooth as some other climbers
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
5.VersaClimber
If you’re serious about your fitness, then get serious about your equipment with the VersaClimber.
This top-of-the-line product is optimized for personal use at home but is built to commercial standards. While it’s the most expensive vertical climber on the list, it’s also a beast of a machine.
The VersaClimber combines both a stepper and climber in one powerful machine. With the stationary handrails, you can use it as a traditional climber, or use the adjustable hand grips for a full-body climbing workout.
The step height is also adjustable and varies from one to 20 inches, which means you can use this one machine for stepping, jogging, running, or climbing.
No matter which exercise you choose, the VersaClimber supports you with virtually zero impact and extremely smooth operation.
One of the biggest selling points of the VersaClimber is its heavy-duty construction. Made from commercial-grade materials, this bad boy is built to last.
It’s a very solid, sturdy climber that won’t budge, with a max user weight of 350 pounds. Even its cables are heavy-duty – the coated cables make for super silent operation that’s smooth and natural.
While the sturdiness of this hardcore climber makes it rather heavy, it’s also compact and foldable, so it’s perfect for home use.
The VersaClimber’s display is also better than most – it includes three different modes (standard, program, and race) with 16 different routines to choose from.
The VersaClimber HP model also includes a heart monitor, so you can make sure you’re in the fat burning zone.
This is one of the few at-home vertical climbers that can match the durability and performance of any climber you’ll find at a mega gym.
The Versaclimber is a top mountain climber machine and a fan favorite for those who demand the best.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the VersaClimber.
The Good
- Durable and very sturdy
- Display for tracking performance
- Very expensive
- Silent, smooth operation
- Versatile workout modes
- Adjustable hand grips and foot pedals
The Bad
- Very expensive
- Not the easiest climber to assemble
Check Price and Reviews on RogueFitness.com
6.Vertical Climber/Bike 2-in-1
Don’t settle for just one great workout – check out the Best Choice 2in1 Vertical Climber and Bike.
This machine functions as both a vertical climber and a traditional stationary bike, giving you double the options by combining two popular cardio workouts into one.
The vertical climber gives you that realistic mountain climbing experience, while the bike includes 8 levels of quiet, magnetic resistance for a heart-pumping workout.
With the climber, you get adjustable climbing arms to suit all heights or to push yourself harder and farther in your training.
With the bike, you get adjustable pedal straps to keep your feet secure and ready to roll.
Another awesome feature of this machine is that two people can use it at the same time! Hop on the bike while your workout buddy powers through a grueling climb.
Then, switch places to keep your workout interesting, your heart rate in the zone, and your muscles engaged. Just keep in mind that the overall weight capacity is 330 pounds.
The attached display tracks time, distance, speed, and calories for both he climber and the exercise bike.
Plus, even with the bonus bike attachment, this Best Choice machine still folds for easy storage in small spaces.
Get the best of both worlds – cardio and strength – with this hybrid trainer.
With its quiet operation and versatile workouts, you can’t go wrong by adding the Best Choice 2in1 Vertical Climber and Bike to your home gym!
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Best Choice 2in1 Vertical Climber and Bike.
The Good
- Versatile exercise machine
- Varying resistance when using bike
- Heavy-duty
- Displays time, distance, speed, and calories
- Adjustable height
The Bad
- Not the easiest climber to assemble
- Not as smooth or quiet as some climbers
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
7.Weslo Stepfit Climber Machine
What sets the Weslo Stepfit Climber Machine apart? It’s the only vertical climber on our list with adjustable resistance levels, so you can adjust your workout intensity to fit your needs and goals each day.
Feeling sore from an incredibly challenging workout the day before? Turn down the resistance and take it easy today, so you’ll be ready to tackle another tough workout session the next day.
This vertical climber also offers separate resistance settings for arms and legs, making it one of the most customizable vertical climbers on the market.
And this machine is quiet and smooth, even when using the more challenging resistance levels.
The Weslo Stepfit Climber Machine features a durable steel frame for extra support and stability, and users up to 250 pounds can use this climber without any problems.
The adjustable handlebars are perfect for a variety of heights as well, so users of all sizes can hop on and train hard.
Plus, the non-slip foot plates are larger than what most vertical climbers offer.
This machine also features a convenient, built-in device shelf for your smartphone or tablet, so you can watch a movie or stream music from your device.
And it also features a larger than average LCD display to keep track of your performance, with distance, steps, and calories burned all monitored.
The Weslo Stepfit Climber Machine makes the list as one of our top vertical fitness climbers thanks to its adjustable resistance, making it customizable for every fitness level.
Get the exact workout you want with this climber.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Weslo Stepfit Climber Machine.
The Good
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Durable and stable
- Built-in shelf for your smartphone or tablet
- Large LCD display
- Large foot plates
- Adjustable height
The Bad
- Pricey
- Difficult to assemble
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
8.Body Champ Vertical Climber
Want to train like a celebrity? Look no further than the Body Champ Vertical Climber, which is endorsed by fitness icon and celebrity Leisa Hart.
With its innovative suspension system, this vertical climber offers a smooth, fluid experience that’s second to none.
The Body Champ Vertical Climber uses two built-in bungee cables for a better, safer suspension system. It’s super easy on your knees and prevents strain on your other joints as well.
No harsh or jarring feeling with this climber! Plus, this climber has an adjustable height, as well as stationary handles if you prefer using it as a vertical stepper.
This trainer is constructed with heavy-duty, premium materials and features steel-plated steps.
While the maximum weight capacity of 205 pounds is on the lower side, the Body Champ Vertical Climber still boasts a solid, stable design.
For example, its extra-wide base provides superior stability, and it also offers wrap-around support rails for added stability and safety.
Users also love the integrated monitor that’s easy-to-read and tracks steps, calories, and workout time. And the Body Champ Vertical Climber is very easy to use.
In fact, it comes with workout video access to get you started on your fitness journey right away!
It also includes an assembly video and a meal plan guide to get you on the road to results.
This trainer isn’t foldable and has a larger footprint than most of the vertical climbers on this list – but it does feature transport wheels, making it easy to move and store.
If you’re looking for maximum safety and comfort, then the Body Champ Vertical Climber is at the top of the list.
Here’s a wrap up of our vertical climber review for the Body Champ Vertical Climber.
The Good
- Smooth, safe suspension system
- Durable and stable
- Built-in display
- Includes workout video access
- Steel foot plates
- Adjustable height
The Bad
- Larger footprint than most climbers
- Does not fold up
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon.com
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What muscles does a vertical climber work?
A: A vertical climber is great for toning, tightening, and strengthening to help you sculpt an amazing body.
Let’s start with that cardio boost, which works one of your most important muscles – your heart. Pump up the pace on a vertical climber to improve your heart health.
Not only do you get a great cardio workout, you also get a head to toe workout that hits every muscle in between.
The stepping motion works those legs, including calves, hamstrings, and quads, not to mention your glutes (hello, booty!). And the pulleys keep your arms, back, and shoulders working overtime as well.
Tighten your core throughout your workout, and there you have it – total body toning in one powerful exercise machine.
Q: Are vertical climbers good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely! A vertical fitness climber burns a ton of calories because it’s a total body workout, and this also means you burn more fat in less time.
Plus, because a vertical climber builds muscle and increases strength, you’ll activate your growth hormones and increase your metabolism – that’s a powerful combination when it comes to burning fat!
This is why a vertical climber is more effective for weight loss than simply walking or running.
Q: How many calories does the maxi climber burn?
A: The Maxi Climber burns an average of 500 calories in just one hour! In fact, any vertical climber can get you on the road to results faster than ever.
Tone arms, upper body, legs and burn more calories in record time by incorporating a vertical fitness climber into your workout routine.
Q: What body parts does the maxi climber work?
A: This top-rated vertical climber works your upper, lower, and core body muscles all at once.
But don’t forget about your heart – the Maxi Climber also whips your cardiovascular system into shape!
Q: Which should I choose: Conquer Vertical Climber vs. Maxi Climber?
A: When it comes to the Conquer Vertical Climber vs. the Maxi Climber, it comes down to budget.
The Conquer Vertical Climber 3.0 has a very attractive price at under $100. It’s a high-quality machine that offers all the basic functionality you need to get in a killer workout.
However, it doesn’t have a display, and some users report that it’s not the most durable vertical climber out there.
If you can spring for the Maxi Climber, it’s the better buy – all those rave reviews on Amazon don’t lie! Its ultra-sturdy design is durable and boasts zero wobble.
The Maxi Climber includes a display and a fitness app, which none of the other vertical climbers offer.
