STEPR+ Stair Climber Review 2024

Dimensions/Storability

The STEPR+, like other stair-steppers, is a large machine. Even though it is substantial, it doesn’t take up that much floor space. Its dimensions are 50″ L x 29″ W x 82″ H. So it’s more compact than a treadmill or rowing machine, regarding how much space its footprint occupies.

You will want to factor in a few extra feet of floor space behind the STEPR to get on and off it properly. If you plan on utilizing the anchor points for resistance training off the STEPR+, you’ll want to keep some extra floor space open around it to do so, too.

Although the STEPR+ is a tall machine at around 6.8 feet tall, STEPR claims that it can be used with 8-foot tall ceilings.

The step-up height of the lowest stair is 15.2″, and the upper step is around 2 feet high. Your height plus two feet is the minimum ceiling height you need for the STEPR+. Our testing found that an 8-foot high ceiling should work for people up to 6 feet tall.

STEPR also limits users to a height range of 4’11” up to 7’2″. Our team is 5’1″ up to 6’5″, and we all can comfortably use the STEPR+. However, if you are over 6 feet tall, you’ll need a ceiling taller than 8 feet high to comfortably and safely use the STEPR+.

The STEPR+ weighs 286 lbs, so it’s a beast! It can be moved when needed, but we don’t recommend moving it often. There are removable transport handles that screw into the base at the rear. These allow you to tip up the back end of the machine to engage the front two transport wheels.

The STEPR+ can be rolled around.

Due to its weight and height, it’s not realistic nor recommended by us to move it very much. It is heavy to move, and it might not be possible for some people to move on their own. It’s best to keep the STEPR+ in the area where you plan on using it in your home.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

What sets this stair stepper apart is its large touch screen for streaming content and its build quality, which I’ll get into later. Often, commercial stair steppers include basic consoles that track workout metrics as you go. The STEPR+ includes a massive 27″ touch screen for streaming content.

Here’s what you can expect from STEPR’s All-Access Membership.

All-Access Membership

Currently, STEPR includes their All-Access Membership for free with the STEPR+. They might charge a subscription fee in the future, but at the time of writing this, everything I will discuss is included on the touchscreen.

Note: STEPR has stated that they plan to update the membership. Some of these updates are listed directly on the touch screen but weren’t available while writing this review. We will work to update this review with those updates once they’re available.

STEPR offers indoor trainer-led workouts on the STEPR+. These workouts feature an instructor who guides you through the workout. A camera points at them as they lead you through. These workouts are on-demand and can be taken whenever you want. There are workouts on the machine and off for well-rounded training options.

There’s a good amount of these workouts available to take.

The fact that they’re free makes their quality just fine. In the future, if STEPR were to charge a subscription fee to access them, I’d like to see them improved a bit. I think adding music to each class would be beneficial. There isn’t any music integrated into them currently, but you can log into Spotify and play music of your choice.

STEPR could take a page from Peloton and amp up their filming studio, add live workouts, and lean into incorporating all kinds of music into these studio workout classes.

It is really nice that these workouts are included with the STEPR+. They’re helpful for beginners and good if you like following along with an instructor while you workout.

The outdoor workouts feature a hiker as he hikes up various trails. It isn’t a formal workout where he guides you through it, telling you what your intensity level should be. Instead, he shares his experience hiking.

There are shots of the surrounding location shown on the screen, too.

There are trainer-led workouts and the outdoor-filmed videos. More are sure to come as STEPR continues to make updates. These workout sessions consist of HIIT, Steady Step, Just Strength, Stretch and Mobility, and the Free Step: Guided Adventures outdoor videos.

The Just Strength, Stretch, and Mobility workouts are available to take off the STEPR+. Some require resistance bands, and others are just available to take on a mat. These are nice to add at the end or beginning of your stair-stepper workouts or to add on days you’re not planning on hopping on the STEPR. Boot camp classes are said to be coming soon, too.

STEPR also includes entertainment apps that can be streamed directly from the STEPR+ screen. Right now, Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube are available to log into and stream from. Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video all say they are coming soon, so we expect to see them in the coming weeks or so. It is nice to be able to use these apps while training on STEPR+.

Console

The STEPR+ features a large 27″ touch screen. It’s bright, easy to see, and very adjustable. Depending on your height, it tilts up and down so you can keep it within your line of sight.

It also pivots to either side of the stair climber so that you can use it for off-the-machine training.

The screen is easy to navigate. The home screen includes featured workouts, access to the streaming apps, and the option to select from some of the classes. Under the “Sessions” tab, you can filter and search for specific workouts. The filters are by type, duration, difficulty, and coach.

The screen is a bit sensitive when scrolling through the workout classes. I sometimes accidentally select a class when trying to scroll.

In a workout, the metrics at the bottom of the screen include speed level, SPM, floor, steps, calories, and altitude. The duration and time remaining are at the top of the screen. You can adjust the speaker volume and access the entertainment apps. The speakers offer plenty of volume and sound clear. There are speaker buttons on the right side of the screen, too.

You can also adjust the speed of the steps on the screen below the bottom metrics bar. The front handles are also where you adjust the STEPR+. The stop and pause buttons are on the left, and the speed buttons are on the right handle.

These adjustment buttons are very convenient to use.

There is an Auto Speed setting, where the speed adjusts based on the workout format. This can be turned on and off. It only seems to be available in some of the workouts currently but could be added to all of them in the future. In the studio classes, many of the instructors recommend specific speed settings and effort levels throughout the workout, which is helpful.

Below the screen is a small device rack for your phone or small tablet.

It has a textured back to help keep your device in place. This is nice if you want to stream content that is unavailable on the touchscreen. Since you can’t screen mirror content from your device, it’s nice to have a place to set your phone so it’s within view.

There isn’t a fan built into the console, so you’ll need to plug in your own for when you want to cool off.

Below the device rack is a large, oversized cupholder.

This holds your water, and there are two small compartments on either side to hold smaller items like earbuds or keys. Bluetooth connectivity to connect your headphones and devices will be coming in a future update.

Other updates include the ability to create up to 5 user profiles. Workout history and milestones are available now, and I can imagine that each profile will be awarded milestones and able to save their workout history and app streaming login information.

More entertainment apps like Paramount+ and YouTube TV are also said to be coming. This, along with the ability to pair with Apple Health and Garmin Watches, will be available in the future, too. A STEPR Sync feature so you can match your pace to the instructor’s pace will also be added.

We’ll update this review with those updates as they become available.

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Build Quality

The STEPR+ has an impressive build quality, but it’s important to note that the STEPR+ is only intended for home or light-commercial use. It can be used in a light commercial setting like an apartment or condo gym, but it is inappropriate for a big box gym.

The overall construction of the STEPR+ feels similar to other stair-steppers, StairMasters, and ClimbMills that I’ve used in gyms. I think STEPR captured the gym quality of these machines while making the STEPR+ a little more compact and price-friendly for home use.

Along with heights of 4’11” up to 7’2″, the STEPR+ handles weight up to 375 lbs, a high weight capacity for fitness equipment. People up to this weight should be able to use the STEPR+.

Frame

The STEPR+ has a welded steel frame with a molded casing around the stairs, which creates a seamless design and look. The frame supports the base, and two steel uprights extend up, into which the steel handles are fixed. Another steel upright attaches to the touchscreen at the front.

Overall, the build materials make the STEPR+ feel incredibly stable and high-end.

The handles provide really good support and are slim enough for me to wrap my hands around. This design also keeps everything in place, including the large touch screen. We didn’t experience any shaking of the screen, handles, or frame.

Stadium Steps

STEPR boasts a “stadium step” design. These are the shorter steps in a stadium where the handrails lead you up and down bleachers. The steps are 5.2 ” high, so they’re shorter than the standard stair height, which is around 7″ high. STEPR’s idea behind this is that it makes the STEPR+ accessible to a wide range of people in size, height, and ability.

I will admit this step height does take a little bit of getting used to.

Since it isn’t like climbing stairs, which I’m well accustomed to since I currently live on the 4th floor without access to an elevator, I have to look down at my feet occasionally to ensure I’m not misstepping. Matt felt the same way. I’m also nine months pregnant, so my center of balance is off, making me more cautious while walking, using the stairs, and working out in general.

The STEPR+ has a lower step height than many commercial stair-steppers, so if you’re used to using one of these machines at the gym, you might find the STEPR+ feels a little bit different when you first use it.

That’s not to say that this step height isn’t effective because it certainly is! My glutes and hamstrings were on fire after putting the STEPR+ through a workout, or rather, this machine putting ME through a workout.

You can also do different step variations with this design like double steps and glute kickbacks, if you want to vary how you use this stair-stepper. You’ll probably want to slow the speed down a bit to do these though, as well as pay attention to each step. Some of the fitness classes teach these variations so you can follow along on the screen, too.

The stairs are textured, so they don’t feel slippery. They measure 8.6″ D X 15.7″ W x 5.2″ H. The “floating design” also allows for ample space to place your feet on each step. The stairs handle most shoe sizes. I wear a women’s size 7, and I could comfortably place most of my foot on each step. When I want to target more of my calves, I step more on the balls of my feet, too.

Matt, who is 6’5″, has plenty of room for each step, too.

His heels hang off a little bit, but this doesn’t inhibit his balance or stride at all.

The STEPR+ does make some noise while you’re using it. The steps when they’re in motion can be heard. This means the STEPR+ might not be best for homes requiring very little sound while working out. I don’t think the noise is bothersome or excessive, though. I actually find it helpful when using the STEPR+ to help me pay more attention to the speed of the steps.

The stairs rotate in reverse and have a 3-step design. The top and bottom steps flip as the steps move, which can keep users positioned on either the 1st and 2nd steps from the top or the 2nd and 3rd steps, depending on their preference. You have some range to work with regarding your foot positioning.

Most commercial stair steppers have 4-stair designs. The STEPR+ could have another step added to allow for a little bit more room, but then it wouldn’t be as compact as it is. I think the 3-step design with the stadium step height allows the STEPR+ to be more compact and work better in more homes while still being safe, stable, and effective.

Speed Settings

The STEPR+ offers 25 speed settings. This speed range allows you to find what tempos work for you. Levels 1-5 are pretty slow, while 15-25 are quick paces that increase your heart rate. The speed settings allow you to easily adjust how fast you want the steps to move. They are electronically controlled and can be adjusted on the console.

I like how you can slow it down and vary your steps with different exercises like kickbacks, and speed it up for more of a cardio workout.

The chains come pre-greased but will probably need re-greasing and tightening after much use. Most fitness equipment requires some kind of maintenance and upkeep. We anticipate the overall maintenance of the STEPR+ to be pretty low, but some maintenance is required after you use the machine for a long period of time.

The steps move on a chain-drive system.

The manual goes over how to tighten the chain. It also states that if you experience any shaking of the stairs while using the STEPR+, check the chain to ensure it isn’t loose.

Anchor Points

The anchor points on the handle uprights, console upright, and steel floor frame make the STEPR+ even more versatile. These are small welded loops. This allows you to clip resistance bands or equipment like the LIT Axis to the STEPR+ to train off the stair-stepper.

With how heavy and secure the frame is, we felt comfortable clipping or tying resistance equipment to the STEPR+.

This is a nice feature that I think more types of large fitness equipment should incorporate. It is also awesome that STEPR includes workout classes off the machine to vary your training. Add in that the screen pivots to each side, and the STEPR+ is a highly versatile machine for strength and cardio training.

Safety Features

One is on the front of the STEPR+ to reach down and press while you’re on the steps. The other is on the inside of the right upright below the side handle. Both can be reached while you’re on the STEPR+ to hit if you need to shut the stairs off quickly and lock the machine. You twist these knobs and pull them out to unlock the STEPR+. The machine must be unlocked to use.

Along with the stop and pause buttons on the left front handle, STEPR has implemented 2 emergency stop buttons.

I like the locking feature and these two red emergency stop buttons. The steps stop quickly, but it isn’t so fast that you have to worry about losing your balance and falling off. The stop button on the handle stops the steps much more slowly. I like stopping the steps with the front emergency button when I finish my workout.

A sensor at the back end of the steps also senses when you step off the machine. This way, if you step off of it (intentionally or accidentally) while the steps are moving, they will stop once this sensor is tripped.

The machine also beeps and locks until you unlock the screen. This is especially helpful if someone like a small child or pet tries to climb onto the STEPR+ while it’s in use. Although this adds an element of safety, which is appreciated, it’s important to ensure that any fitness equipment is clear of pets and children while you’re working out.

You also must be on the steps for the STEPR+ to start a workout. If it doesn’t detect you on the stairs, the stairs won’t start moving, and the screen will pause the workout.

Overall, our team is really impressed with the STEPR+’s build and quality. We think this machine is worth its price and is a great option for most people and homes.

Warranty

STEPR includes a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty with the purchase of the STEPR+. This warranty package is pretty standard and comparable to other popular fitness brands. For light commercial use, the STEPR+ has a 10-year frame, 3-year parts, and 2-year labor.

Because this is a large and heavy machine, it requires having at least two people to receive it for curbside delivery. STEPR offers white glove delivery and installation at an additional price, which might be a good idea if you aren’t able to move and assemble the STEPR+ with someone else.

Should You Buy the STEPR+

For the ultimate in-home stair stepper, the STEPR+ is the one to check out. This machine combines a gym-quality stair stepper made for home use with a touch screen, training content, and streaming apps.

The STEPR+ also takes it a step further with its compact footprint, which is accessible and accommodating for people of most heights and weighs up to 375 lbs. Its design takes up a small amount of floor space and can work for 8-foot tall ceilings for people up to 6 feet tall.

This is an excellent machine to consider if you love stair-steppers and even if you don’t. It provides a very effective cardio workout and is versatile for resistance training off of the machine.

We love that the workout videos and streaming apps are available without a subscription. All you have to do to watch Netflix is log into your account. This, paired with the incredibly stable construction, makes the STEPR+ absolutely worth it.

With everything the STEPR+ offers, it is one of the best home stair-steppers on the market, although I’d argue it’s the best.

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STEPR+ Q&A / FAQ

Is the STEPR+ worth it?

The STEPR+ could be worth it for someone who plans to train regularly and use the onboard training content. The STEPR+ does not require a subscription and has an excellent range of features.

Are stair steppers good for weight loss?

Stair steppers can be good for weight loss. Stair climbing can help you build muscle and improve your cardiovascular health. However, diet typically has more of an impact on weight gain or loss than exercise.

Is doing the stair stepper every day good?

Stair stepping can be your regular form of cardio exercise. For best results, make some days intense and others easy. Rest is also an important part of any exercise routine because it allows your muscles to repair themselves and grow stronger. Taking one to two days off from stair stepping per week could yield even better results.

Does STEPR require a subscription?

No, STEPR machines do not require a subscription.

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