Best Stair Lifts 2025: We Rode Each Brand—See Which Models Made Our List
We tested the best stairlifts on the market. Our top pick is the Bruno for its quiet and smooth ride.
- Lifeway Mobility is our best stair lift dealer for its free consultations and wide variety of options.
- Bruno is our top pick for the best stair lift because it has a smooth and quiet ride.
- The stair lifts on this list range from $3,000–$15,000.
- Stair lifts can help make your multistory home more accessible and safe.
Our mission at NCOA is to support everyone’s right to age well. We take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you lead a healthier life. We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing stair lifts to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best stair lifts, we:
- Consulted with mobility specialists including gerontologists, physical therapists, and primary care doctors for guidance on choosing the best stair lift
- Put more than 10 models through a series of 17 different tests at several different stair lift showrooms
- Mystery-shopped more than seven brands
- Surveyed more than 500 older adults on their experience using a mobility product like a stair lift
- Interviewed experts on the importance of mobility, independence, and aging in place for older adults
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
Read more about our mobility products review methodology.
Lifeway: Best Stair Lift Dealer
- Free in-home or virtual consultations
- Provides additional parts and labor warranties
- Offers budget-friendly choices, including refurbished and rental stair lifts
Bruno: Best Overall
- Slimmest rail
- Smoothest and quietest ride
- High weight capacity
Most of us want to stay in our homes for as long as possible while we grow older (also known as “aging in place”). But mobility limitations can make some home features, such as stairs, a challenge. If you want to age in place but find your multistory home has become difficult to navigate, a stair lift could be a good choice. Stair lifts use a motorized chair to transfer you from one story of your home to another, reducing the risk of a fall on the stairs.
In our best stair lifts review, we highlight the top brands and why we recommend each one. Learn more about stair lifts, their benefits and costs, and how to find the right stair lift for your home.
Best stair lifts in 2025
- Lifeway Mobility: Best Stair Lift Dealer
- Bruno: Best Stair Lift Overall
- Stannah: Easiest Stair Lift to Use
- Harmar: Most Comfortable Stair Lift
Comparing the best stair lifts
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.7 |
9.9 |
9.8 |
9.7 |
| Best for | Best Stair Lift Dealer |
Best Overall |
Easiest to Use |
Most Comfortable |
| Standout feature | Access to multiple brands |
Slimmest rail |
Accessible seat belt |
Ergonomic seat |
| Weight capacity (pounds) | Varies |
400+ |
350 |
400+ |
| Warranty | Varies |
Limited lifetime |
2-year |
Limited lifetime |
| Financing | Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Feeling sticker shock? Try this tip to save money on stair lifts
If you’re worried a stair lift is out of your budget, consider renting or buying used. Some companies (like Lifeway Mobility) rent stair lifts or sell used models, which could save you thousands.
What we look for in the best stair lifts
We looked for the following features when choosing the best stair lifts:
Accessibility
Stair lifts are designed to enhance your mobility. So they should be easy to access for a wide range of people. We looked for accessible features like automatic folding footrests, power-swivel chairs, and seat belts you can buckle with one hand.
Comfort
Stair lifts should be comfortable, since you may be using them daily. We looked for comfort features like lower-back support, extra cushioning, and ergonomic design.
Ease of use
Similar to accessibility, a stair lift should be easier to use. We paid close attention to how easy it was to sit down, buckle the seat belt, and maneuver the chair.
Lifeway Mobility: Best Stair Lift Dealer
We chose Lifeway Mobility as the Best Stair Lift Dealer because we were impressed by their personalized customer service and the wide range of stair lift brands they have available. If you want to buy your stairlift from a company that offers financing and buyback programs, Lifeway Mobility is our top choice.
- Sells stair lifts from a range of brands
- Showrooms allow buyers to test different lifts
- Free consultations
- Standout feature: Excellent customer service
- Where to buy: Locations across the country
- Warranty: 3-year warranty on parts and 1-year labor warranty
- Used models available: Yes
- Rental options: Yes
Pros
- Lots of stair lift brands to test
- Professional and friendly
- Personalized service
- Financing options to fit your budget
Cons
- Showrooms not available in every state
Bruno: Best Stair Lift Overall
We chose Bruno as our Best Stair Lift Overall because it offered the quietest and smoothest ride. Bruno has a wide range of models, including indoor and outdoor lifts, as well as curved and straight, so you can choose the right lift for your unique home and needs.
- Slim rail makes the Bruno a good option for narrow stairs
- Indoor and outdoor lifts available
- Weight capacity upgrades available
- Standout feature: Slimmest rail
- Where to buy: Local dealers
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs+
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Used models available: No
- Rental options: Yes
Pros
- Slimmest rail
- Quietest ride
- Indoor and outdoor options
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Not as comfortable as the Harmar
- No financing or buyback program
Stannah: Easiest to Use
Stannah earned our title as the Easiest to Use Stair Lift because of its thoughtful accessibility options. You only need one hand to fasten the seat belt. It also features easier-to-press armrest controls and extra safety features. Stannah is our favorite user-friendly option for people with dexterity issues.
- Accessible and user-friendly seat belt
- Remote to call the seat to you
- Comfortable and secure
- Standout feature: Easier-to-use seat belt
- Where to buy: Local dealers
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Warranty: 2-year
- Used models available: Yes
- Rental options: Yes
Pros
- Accessible seat belt needs only one hand to buckle
- Remote to call the chair to you
- Comfortable chair
- Customizable design
Cons
- More expensive than Bruno
- Gears are loud
- Feels slightly less steady than Bruno
Harmar: Most Comfortable
We chose Harmar as the Most Comfortable Stair Lift because its ergonomic chair offers great back support. It features an extra high back, a wide, rechargeable swivel chair, and a padded seat. Most other brands we tested use a seat that’s one piece of molded plastic. Harmar uses a separate seat and chair back that sits higher on the back, making it more supportive and better contoured. The adjustable chair was the most comfortable one we tried during our testing.
- Smooth ride
- Adjustable chair for various sizes/heights
- Grippy footrest for stability
- Standout feature: Adjustable chair may help with back pain
- Where to buy: Local dealers
- Weight capacity: 400+ lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Used models available: No
- Rental options: Yes
Pros
- Seat can be raised or lowered
- Smooth ride
- Stable footrest for security
Cons
- Exposed gear track
- Louder sound
- Some models look clinical
- More expensive
Our process testing the best stair lifts
Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching and testing stair lifts so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in medicine, mobility, aging, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Those experts help us learn what features are most important when searching for the best stair lifts.
For this review, we personally tested 10 models of stair lifts identified through our research to offer safe, smooth, comfortable, and quiet rides. Each stair lift was subjected to 17 rigorous tests to ensure we have real-world data on how they perform.
We considered these important factors when testing the best stair lifts for older adults:
Accessibility
We tested the overall accessibility of each stair lift by sitting in them ourselves, riding them up and down, and trying every feature (seat belt, footrest, chair swivel, etc.). We made note of any difficulties (like one-handed versus two-handed seat belts) that make one brand or model more accessible than the others. We wanted to make sure the stair lifts were accessible for a wide range of people.
Comfort
We tested the comfort of each stair lift by riding in them ourselves. We noted which chairs offered extra back support, more cushioning, and ergonomic chairs that mold to your body’s shape.
Ease of use
In each stair lift we tested, we rated how easy it was to sit down, buckle up, and maneuver the chair. We made sure each one had safety features or child locks to help keep everyone in the household safe.
How do stair lifts work?
Stair lifts have two main parts: a rail and a chair. The rail is typically installed on top of each stair. The chair then travels up and down the rail. You sit on the chair, buckle yourself in, and use a control (typically located on the end of the armrest) that allows you to direct the chair up or down. The chair swivels, either automatically or manually, so you safely face away from the stairs as you enter or exit the lift.
How long do stair lifts last?
Stair lifts typically last about 10 years. They might last longer or shorter, depending on how heavily they are used and the quality of the brand.
How much do the best stair lifts cost?
Stair lifts cost anywhere between $3,000–$15,000, depending on their length, whether they are curved or straight, and the features they include. This price typically doesn’t include installation.
| Comparison Features | Lifeway Mobility |
Bruno |
Stannah |
Harmar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost (straight) | $3,000 |
$3,000 |
$3,400 |
$3,700 |
| Starting cost (curved) | $9,000 |
$9,500 |
$8,800 |
$7,000 |
| Financing | Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Warranty length | Varies |
Limited lifetime |
2-year |
Limited lifetime |
Note: Costs do not include installation
How to save money on stair lifts
There are several ways to help save money on a stair lift. Purchasing a used model is often more affordable than buying a new one. Buyback programs are also a good choice, so you can sell the lift back to the company once you’re no longer using it. Some companies, like Lifeway Mobility, offer financing, allowing you to pay for your lift in installments instead of having to pay the entire amount upfront.
Does Medicare cover stair lifts?
No, Medicare doesn’t cover stair lifts. Stair lifts are labeled as home modification, not durable medical equipment, so they are not typically covered under Medicare.
Some plans, like Medicare Advantage, may cover a stair lift with a doctor’s prescription and documentation that it is medically necessary. You’ll need to speak with your insurance provider to find out if you have coverage
Are stair lifts covered by insurance?
Like Medicare, insurance doesn’t cover stair lifts. You usually have to find other methods of funding, like financing. But it’s always worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they have options for discounts or partial coverage.
Stair lift warranties
Stair lift warranties usually cover the main mechanical components of a stair lift, like the motor and gears. Some companies, like Bruno, offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers your lift for as long as you have it, while others, like Stannah, only offer a 2-year warranty.
Benefits of stair lifts
Stair lifts have a lot of benefits, but their main one is that they can help you age in place if you live in a multistory home. Stair lifts support your ability to move safely from one story to another and minimize your risk of falling on the stairs. Falls are a significant risk for older adults. Every year 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall. And it’s the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults.2
For many people, stair lifts help them stay more mobile than they would be otherwise. They help provide access to the entirety of your home without extensive renovations.
When we surveyed 600 older adults with mobility challenges, 65% of respondents said their stair lifts have brought enhanced mobility and ease of movement. And 92% of respondents said their stair lifts have a “positive” or “very positive” impact on their life.
“After having a stair lift installed in my home, my daily life changed dramatically,” said one survey respondent.
“Before we had the stair lift,” said another survey respondent, “I was limited to going to the first floor of the house 1 or 2 times a week. Now I can go downstairs 1 to 2 times a day. This makes it easier for me to cook and have a change of scenery.”
Without a stair lift, many people try to cobble together ways to age in place in multistory homes. “My mother has a walker strategically placed in her living room or by her stairs, and then her wheelchair is upstairs right by the stairs,” said one participant in our August 2025 focus group of mobility device users and care partners.3
Others had no choice but to move to a one-story living space. Another focus group participant was living with her daughter but wasn’t able to manage the three floors safely.
“I was living in a house with my older daughter and she lived in a tri-level. So any room I wanted to go to other than downstairs where my bedroom was, I had to take the stairs, whether it was four steps to get out of the basement area or a full flight of stairs to go upstairs. It got to the point that I was falling down even those four steps, and my doctor said I couldn't do the stairs anymore for my safety.”
This participant's daughter had already installed a walk-in tub for her, and she felt guilty asking for more home modifications. She ended up moving to a trailer where she was able to manage day-to-day.
How to buy a stair lift
To purchase a stair lift, contact the dealer or company that interests you the most and schedule an appointment. They will usually send a representative to discuss your needs and walk through your home with you. Then, they will provide you with a customized quote tailored to your specific needs. Depending on what they offer, you either pay up front or apply for financing. Installation of a stair lift takes an afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stair lift?
The Bruno is our pick for Best Stair Lift Overall because it has a smooth, quiet ride and a small footprint.
Does Medicare cover stair lifts?
Usually, no. Medicare, particularly Medicare Advantage, may consider coverage if it’s been deemed medically necessary by a doctor with a prescription.
Are stair lifts covered by insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover stair lifts, but coverage may vary depending on your specific insurance plan. It never hurts to ask your insurance company, as they may cover a portion of the lift if it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor with a prescription. If you have long-term care insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out if stair lifts are covered under your policy.
How much do stair lifts cost?
Stair lifts cost anywhere between $3,000–$15,000, depending on length, whether they are straight or curved, and included features. This price does not include installation.
How much does a used stair lift cost?
The cost of a used stair lift depends on its age and the seller. It’s typically less than the $3,000–$15,000 a new one costs.
