Best stepper machines 2023, from beginner to expert
Experts say a stepper machine is a brilliant choice for anyone wanting a solid cardio workout.
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If you’re thinking about making an investment into gym equipment for your home, a stepper machine is a great place to start.
Ben Lucas, director of Flow Athletic, says a stepper machine offers you a great cardio workout.
“Stepping is a brilliant exercise as it works your glutes, hamstrings and core mainly. If you step quickly it is also a great cardio workout,” he told news.com.au.
Stepper machines are also popular on TikTok with users saying there are “no excuses now” and that they are “obsessed” with the workout machine to easily fit extra steps into your day.
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best stepper machines for beginners, experts, and everyone in between including the top rated Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Underdesk/Standing Portable Elliptical Machine loved by over 7000 shoppers.
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Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
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EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST STEP MACHINES
When shopping around for a stepper machine, it’s key to consider all the different types available on the market. You could opt for a stepper that you can slide under your desk while you work, or you can invest in an elliptical or stair climber machine. There are a plethora of different sizes on the market, and they all differ in functionality.
Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands, $179.70 at Amazon Australia
Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands
What You Need To Know
With over 1500 five-star ratings on Amazon, the Stair Stepper Machine from Sunny Health & Fitness takes the cake for the best stepper machine overall.
The stepper machine comes with built-in resistance bands to keep you stable and work out your upper body at the same time, making it a full body workout. The height is fully adjustable and there’s also a digital monitor that displays the time spent and calories burnt.
One five-star reviewer said, “It feels sturdy and safe … I love that it is compact and can be moved easy from room to room.” Another one said “this machine performed better than expected … really practical.”
Because this is so popular, you may see this product go out of stock. Keep in mind that stock levels are often replenished, but if it dwindles and you simply can’t wait to make your purchase, you can check out this option from the Amazon US store. You do have to pay for delivery (and it might take a little longer), but the option is there for you.
BEST COMPACT AND PORTABLE STEPPER
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Underdesk/Standing Portable Elliptical Machine
What You Need To Know
Turns out, you don’t have to stand up to get a great step workout in. This underdesk stepper machine is great for exercise beginners and those who suffer from joint pain. If you work from home, this machine offers you the option of working out while you work.
This unique machine comes in a compact size for easy transportation, plus it offers a digital monitor to track your progress and comes with eight levels of resistance.
It’s racked up over 7000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with many customers claiming it’s been great for elderly parents and that is “so easy to use”. One reviewer said: “[It’s] helpful being able to sit in a comfortable chair rather than (uncomfortable) exercise equipment when dealing with chronic pain.”
BEST MINI STEPPER
leikefitness Premium Portable Twist Stair Stepper, $120 at Amazon Australia
leikefitness Premium Portable Twist Stair Stepper
What You Need To Know
Here’s a stepper machine that’s great for beginners and your bank balance. The handy adjustable resistance bands allow you to tailor your workout to your fitness level and the foot bases are wide and steady, with comfortable non-slip texture pedals. So you can jump on and trust that your workout will go smoothly and safely.
Similar to other products on the market, it also features a LCD monitor so you can track your time, step count, calories burnt count and more.
BEST BUDGET STEPPER MACHINE
Aerobic Stepper, $79.99 at Amazon Australia
Aerobic Stepper
What You Need To Know
Keen to keep your budget under $100? This product is one of Amazon’s bestsellers and we can see why.
The affordable price tag is complemented by a great resistance system to give you a safe and stable workout. The pedals promise to be large with a comfortable, anti-slip surface. And you also get a pair of resistance bands to add more oomph to your workout.
BEST HIGH-END STEPPER MACHINES
Proform Endurance 420E PF20 Elliptical, $1299 at rebel
Proform Endurance 420E PF20 Elliptical
What You Need To Know
With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, this elliptical from Proform provides you with everything you need to get a great cardio workout in at home.
Challenge yourself with 12 levels of resistance, and use the display screen to track your progress. Ergonomic grip handles ensure you stay safe and steady throughout your workout.
If you needed any more convincing, one five-star reviewer said it's not cheap but “well worth the investment price”.
Lifespan Fitness ST14VERTEX Vertex Stair Climber, $4438 (down from $6599) at Appliances Online
Lifespan Fitness ST14VERTEX Vertex Stair Climber
What You Need To Know
A machine you normally find in a gym, this stair climber holds a hefty price tag but may be exactly what you’re looking for. This commercial grade step machine is made from a high quality steel and the frame itself comes with an eight year warranty.
Features include the option to adjust it anywhere from 24 steps a minute to 164 steps a minute. There are 15 levels and eight steps in total that revolve within the machine. It also features an LCD display, pulse sensors and comfortable hand rails.
BEST MULTI-USE STEPPER MACHINE
Everfit 4 in1 Fitness Machine, $233.95 (down from $291.95) at Myer
Everfit 4in1 Fitness Machine
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a fitness machine that’s going to give you bang for your buck, look no further than this 4-in-1 pick from Everfit. Use it as an elliptical cross trainer and an exercise bike, use the added resistance bands, pedal forwards or backwards for different levels of adjustable resistance.
Enjoy the comfortable seat base, foot pedals and handlebars, and maybe you’ll never want to get off.
One reviewer said the “product is easy to put together and great value for money.”
WHY IS STEPPING SUCH A GREAT EXERCISE?
“Stepping is a brilliant exercise as it works your glutes, hamstrings and core mainly. If you step quickly it is also a great cardio workout,” explains Ben.
To get the best workout from a stepper machine, Ben recommends two different methods.
“If you are stepping at a moderate pace you will need to train longer to get results, so for 45-60 minutes. Or you can do interval training, where you go all-out for a minute (for example) and then reduce the intensity for 20 seconds. After 20 minutes of that you will feel a burn.”
STEPPER MACHINE VS STAIR CLIMBER MACHINE
When deciding what sort of stepper machine to invest in, you’re going to want to think about your budget and how much space you have in your home.
Generally speaking, stepper machines are more affordable and easier to fit into your home. A stair climber machine is almost always more expensive.
Ben Lucas says “a stair climber will work you harder as it mimics real life, but it does take up a lot of space so you may be better off getting a stepper that you can use in front of the TV (for example), and then just walk or run up the steps to mimic a stair climber.”
More Excercise Coverage
Best cross-trainers and elliptical machines
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