The best steppers: work your entire lower body with these easy to use exercise machines

Want to work your entire lower body with one simple movement? A stepper is a piece of gym equipment that quite literally emanates the action of climbing up the stairs, is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space.

There are several styles of steppers with different features to choose from, all at varying price points. Each one aims to work your glutes and legs, from your quads and thighs to your calves and hamstrings, while improving your general cardiovascular fitness. Some come with added resistance bands so you can challenge your upper body at the same time for the ultimate full-body workout.

Ready to give it a go? We’ve done our research here at The Recommended and scoured the web for the best steppers for you to buy. Take a look at our top picks below.

The best steppers at-a-glance:

• Best universal stepper: Ultrasport Swing Stepper
• Best simple-to-use stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Stair Stepper
• Best lightweight stepper: Xn8 Steppers for Exercise Workout
• Best stepper for all ages: Oypla Aerobic Fitness Stepper
• Best stepper for beginners: Phoenix Fitness Stepper
• Best all-in-one stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands
• Best secure stepper: The Step Aerobic Platform
• Best portable stepper: Sport24 Height Adjustable Aerobic Exercise Stepper Box
• Best colourful stepper: Gallant Aerobic Step

The best steppers

Best universal stepper: Ultrasport Swing Stepper

For all fitness levels

Work out your abs, glutes, thighs and calves with this high-quality stepper, complete with optional resistance bands for extra training to the arms and shoulders.

This stepper features a digital monitor to display training time, number of steps and calories burned, with the option to vary the resistance depending on ability. It has a sturdy metal frame with non-slip pedals for added stability and is small and compact, meaning you can take it to train anywhere and store away easily.

Best simple-to-use stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Stair Stepper

As easy as up and down

Pump out a high-intensity workout, or choose steep climbs with the adjustable heights on this stepper. Using its hydraulic resistance, you can create a tailored workout to suit you.

This stepper has a digital display screen to monitor step count, time and calories and features a stabilising ring to provide secure and safe movement. Resistance bands are included to target the upper body at the same time as feeling the burn in your legs and glutes.

Best lightweight stepper: Xn8 Steppers for Exercise Workout

Get into step aerobics

Alternate between three adjustable heights on this stepper using the detachable risers and put your cardio fitness through its paces.

Featuring non-slip feet and an anti-skid textured top, this stepper provides a secure and stable surface for your workout and is ideal for taking on the move with you. Step up and down to get your heart pumping, and finish with strengthened and toned thighs and calves. Available in multiple different colours.

Best stepper for all ages: Oypla Aerobic Fitness Stepper

Cardio and muscle strengthening

Smash out an aerobic workout with this fitness stepper with two pulley bands to target your arms, legs and chest area.

This stepper’s durable steel construction with anti-slip foot pads provides a sturdy base for your exercise session and is easy to store away when not in use. Get the most out of your workout thanks to its digital performance computer, which measures steps, time and calories. Suitable for all fitness abilities.

Best stepper for beginners: Phoenix Fitness Stepper

Start as a low-impact workout

Gradually build strength and endurance with this stepper, made from durable, slip-resistant, shock-absorbing plastic.

This stepper features four removable risers to increase its height and is a great piece of equipment to improve your coordination, core stability and stamina. Add in weights and resistance bands when ready for a full-body workout.

Best all-in-one stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands

Maintain balance and stability

Designed with a hydraulic drive system for a smooth stepping motion, this mini stepper is ideal for those wanting to get fit from the comfort of their own home.

Use the height adjustment knob and track your progress with the display screen showing steps climbed, time, reps per minute and calories burned. This stepper is equipped with removable resistance bands for extra activity, tightening your core muscles, legs and shoulders in one workout. Compact and lightweight for a space-saving solution.

Best secure stepper: The Step Aerobic Platform

For aerobic and strength exercises

This stepper comprises a non-slip platform and two risers. Simply add risers to increase the difficulty of your workout and add in resistance bands using the notch to hold securely in place.

This stepper is made from durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene and features a grooved, non-slip top for extra stability. Each riser has four non-skid feet to prevent sliding or scratching floors and is the ideal base for your cardio and core workouts.

Best portable stepper: Sport24 Height Adjustable Aerobic Exercise Stepper Box

Easy to carry wherever you go

Take your workout intensity up a gear by increasing the height level on this stepper.

Complete with two different levels, adjust to tailor to you and work your whole body, from your legs and core to your arms and shoulders, by moving them simultaneously. This stepper has non-skid rubber feet and a non-slip surface for stability and is lightweight to take on the move with you.

Best colourful stepper: Gallant Aerobic Step

Increase your workout intensity

Brighten up your workout with this brightly-coloured stepper made from long-lasting and durable plastic.

Featuring a textured anti-slip and shock-absorbing platform, this stepper provides a gripping base for your activity and has four raiser steps to adjust the height. Easy to store and transport, use at home or take to the gym with you. Available in pink, green and red.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended fitness round-ups, check out our Fitness page for a full list of recommendations, including the best exercise bikes, the best rowing machines, the best weight benches, and the best dumbbells, recommended by personal trainers.