We Tested The Best Telescoping Ladders, See Our Top Picks

Oct 15, 2024

By Mark Wolfe, Glenda Taylor, Kat Hodgins

Updated on Sep 2, 2024 6:55 AM EDT

Reviewed By Stephanie Cronk

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If you are tired of lugging around a heavy, traditional-style ladder for home improvement projects, a telescoping ladder is a better alternative. Typically made of aluminum, these ladders can extend 10 feet or more and then retract to a size small enough to carry under one arm. However, while telescoping ladders are popping up everywhere as alternatives to traditional ladders, are they sturdy enough to use safely? We wanted to know more about the durability of telescopic ladders, so we decided to test 10 of the most popular models on the market today.

We didn’t pull any punches with our tests—we put the telescopic ladders through the paces, focusing above all on safety and stability. We checked to see whether the ladder shoes would slip on various surfaces, and we evaluated each ladder’s overall strength and balance. Unlike traditional ladders, some of these telescopic ladders extend and contract incrementally, so we also tested to find out the probability of a user getting a finger pinched.

Our favorite ladder in this guide is the Xtend+Climb 12.5-Foot Telescoping Extension Ladder because of its light weight, compact design, and sturdiness. Keep reading to learn what features to look for when shopping for a telescoping ladder and discover how each of the best telescoping ladders on this list fared in our tests.

To qualify as one of our top picks, each telescoping ladder we tested had to be stable when extended and remain anchored in place when a user climbed it. The ladders in this guide cater to a wide range of categories; however, they all passed our stringent testing protocols to ensure durability and safety. One of these best telescoping ladders is likely to suit your needs.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5

Xtend+Climb offers a variety of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)–certified and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)–compliant telescoping ladders, including its 780P+ 12.5-foot telescoping extension ladder. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for strength and weighs 25 pounds. This pro-series ANSI Type 1A ladder measures 12.5 feet long when fully extended, for a maximum reach of 16.5 feet, and has a load capacity of 250 pounds. The retracted height is just 32 inches.

The Xtend+Climb ladder was everything we were looking for in a telescopic ladder: compact, relatively lightweight, sturdy, and offering a good reach for most interior and single-story exterior projects. It was fast and easy to set up and retract. During setup, the locking tabs clicked audibly in place, and a green dot revealed beside each tab gave visual confirmation that it was safe to climb.

This ladder felt as sturdy as a traditional extension ladder. We had no reservations about climbing up and down with tools and equipment. The feet are wide, resting firmly in place on flat surfaces, and the textured rungs provide sure-footed traction.

Get the Xtend+Climb 12.5-foot telescoping ladder at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Although it takes up more storage space than a standard telescoping ladder, the 18-foot multiposition ladder from Gorilla offers more reach for the money. This five-in-one aluminum ladder can be configured as an 18-foot max reach extension ladder, an 11-foot max reach two-sided step ladder or stairway ladder, or a 10.5-foot max reach 90-degree wall ladder. You can also separate the ladder for use as a scaffold, with the additional purchase of the rail brackets accessory. When retracted and folded for storage, it measures 4.5 feet long,

The Gorilla 18-foot MPXA 2.0 was easy to set up and use in all of the available configurations. We would have been willing to pay a little more to get the full five-in-one functionality with the initial purchase instead of adding $20 in hardware afterward. The chunky hinges and locking pins were very easy to operate with gloved hands and held the ladder perfectly steady when we climbed. We especially liked the tool hangers as an added convenience for projects that involve switching from one tool to another.

Get the Gorilla 18-foot telescoping ladder at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.7/5

We were impressed by the quality and versatility of this multiposition ladder from Werner. It features an intelligent locking mechanism with five locking positions and legs that adjust to multiple lengths, so it is excellent for use on sloping ground where traditional step ladders can present a tipping hazard. We used it as an extension ladder, a twin step ladder, a stairway ladder, and a 90-degree wall ladder. We also paired it with another multiposition ladder for use as a scaffold. It was sturdy in all positions.

This aluminum telescoping ladder comes with all the safety bells and whistles, complete with an ANSI rating and OSHA certification—and that’s evident in how stable the ladder feels underfoot. It includes an extra-wide flared bottom, well-made locks, sturdy feet that are nonmarring and slip-resistant, and push knobs that make the ladder feel secure in any position. Werner is a highly reputable name in the world of ladders, and we found this model to be comparable to the brand’s other ladders.

The ladder has a type IAA rating, which means it should safely hold up to 375 pounds. We saw no reason to doubt that claim. It features high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. This ladder is well suited for larger home DIY projects, and it would be helpful on a jobsite due to its overall durability and safety. At only 31.5 pounds, it’s also easy to lift into the back of a pickup truck.

Get the Werner 18-foot Telescoping Ladder at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

At just 30 inches tall when retracted and weighing a mere 13.9 pounds, the Archom telescoping ladder is easy to carry and stow in the trunk of the car. The extension and retraction movement is smooth and also safe for fingers as it retracts only one rung at a time. We had no problem opening or closing the ladder during our testing.

We first extended this ladder to its full height and leaned it against a kitchen wall. We then checked to see if the feet would slip with someone on the ladder, and they held firm. However, while the rungs felt solid underfoot, we doubt whether this ladder would hold up to 330 pounds as advertised. The ladder flexed slightly under 155 pounds of weight, so we estimate that anything over 200 pounds might be pushing it. Overall, we like this ladder, but we think the weight capacity is incorrect based on our testing.

This is another light-duty telescoping ladder: It’s beneficial when you need a ladder to reach items on a high shelf but not stable enough for DIY projects or extended use. The main value of this ladder lies in its ability to be stored in a small place, such as beside the fridge or in a hall closet, making it quickly retrievable for reaching something overhead. It would also be a suitable ladder for an RV.

Get the Archom 8.5-foot telescoping ladder at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.3/5

At 54 pounds, this Gorilla ladder is the heftiest of all the models we tested, but it’s also a fantastic ladder. To start, we extended the ladder to its maximum height of 26 feet and then climbed it to determine its stability. Since this is a hinged ladder, it had a little flex but still felt sturdy and safe. The ladder feet are oversize and nonslip, and the rungs are ribbed to reduce slipping. We appreciated the flared legs, which added to the ladder’s stability.

After testing the ladder in the extended position, we adjusted it to the other available positions: a twin step ladder, a stairway ladder, a 90-degree ladder, and a scaffold. We found the 90-degree position to be a good option when we wanted to work close to a wall, and this position also adds a measure of safety when working on sloped ground. This formidable Gorilla ladder is rated to hold up to 375 pounds, and we don’t doubt that claim. Everything about the ladder—the hinges, the rails, the rungs—is well constructed.

The downside is that this is not an around-the-house ladder—it’s more of a dedicated DIYer or contractor ladder. While it takes some muscle to lift into the back of a pickup, a traditional extension ladder that reaches 26 feet could easily weigh twice as much. The bottom legs have wheels, which makes it easy to roll, and we appreciated that feature.

Get the Gorilla 26-foot telescoping ladder at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.3/5

Ladders and unlevel surfaces don’t mix. That is until multipurpose ladders—such as the Little Giant 17-foot ladder—hit the market. In the past, we’ve had to balance extension ladders on single steps or stairs because it was impossible to use a step ladder in those situations. The Little Giant ladder solves that problem. Our favorite feature of this ladder is the ability to adjust to fit virtually any step configuration and still have a sturdy step-type ladder.

We also tested its other configurations, including a twin step ladder and an extension ladder that reaches up to 17 feet high. In all positions, this ladder felt sturdy and stable. It features nonslip feet and is rated to hold up to 300 pounds, and we feel it would easily live up to that weight limit. When we shifted our weight from side to side, the Little Giant ladder held firm. There is a bit of flex at its full extension, but that’s to be expected from a hinged ladder at that height.

The hinges are all made of quality material, and it’s an amazingly lightweight ladder at just 30.5 pounds given the height of the ladder. However, it’s still 56 inches long when retracted, making this model more suitable for storing in a shed or a garage than in the house. This ladder will withstand heavy DIY use and is also useful on the jobsite.

Get the Little Giant telescoping ladder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Sam’s Club.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.7/5

As the second Werner ladder in this guide, the 22-foot model is suitable for reaching second-story gutters and providing a stable climbing surface on sloped ground and steps. We tested all of those functions and found the ladder very secure, thanks in part to its flared legs. It was also stable as a scaffold, and we used a second multiposition ladder to test this function.

This ladder has only a slight amount of flex at full extension—it feels sturdy and safe. The flared legs and nonslip feet keep it well grounded. The ladder is rated to hold up to 300 pounds, and it certainly seems capable of living up to that claim. We felt secure when we bounced and swayed on the rungs to test the stability.

This Werner ladder is easy to adjust. It features an intelligent locking mechanism made with durable steel to keep it in place during use. At 42 pounds, it isn’t as lightweight as some other models we tested but is still manageable to transport for most tasks. Overall, the ladder is highly versatile and well suited for DIY and light jobsite use.

Get the Werner 22-foot telescoping ladder at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

The most compelling reason to purchase a telescoping ladder is its space-saving nature. When retracted for storage, the Archom 16-foot telescoping ladder measures just under 3.5 feet tall and weighs 30.9 pounds. This ladder uses very little space in storage, and you can carry it in the trunk of your car. It is also budget-friendly as one of the least expensive ladders we tested.

In action, this taller Archom telescopic ladder performed similarly to its shorter counterpart profiled earlier in this guide. It supported just over 200 pounds in our test, albeit with a slight wobble in the connection points as we climbed. The 330-pound maximum weight rating might be accurate in the lab, but we didn’t feel entirely comfortable carrying heavier loads due to the joint movement. That said, the locking mechanisms held securely throughout the test, and each locking tab exposed an image of a locked padlock when secured, indicating the ladder was safe to climb.

The only word of caution on this ladder is the slippery segments. During retraction, we learned to wear gloves and avoid letting the segments slip freely through our hands—there was very little resistance within the sections to prevent them from slamming together with the full weight of the ladder sections above bearing down. With that in mind, for higher reach and easy storage at a low price, this ladder could be your best option.

Get the Archom 16-foot telescoping ladder at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

A lightweight telescoping ladder is easier to store and transport. Weighing just 24.9 pounds, the Feete 12.5-foot aluminum telescoping ladder provides one of the best weight-to-reach ratios among our test group. It measures just 2.8 feet high when retracted and supports up to 330 pounds.

Like the Archom models we tested, the Feete telescoping ladder was easy to operate and included visual lock indicators at each tab. The nonskid feet planted firmly on hard and soft surfaces, and the rungs had a well-textured surface to prevent slipping. It was also an extremely budget-friendly option, priced about $100 less than other 12.5-foot models. However, the ladder wobbled slightly when fully extended, which made us question the 330-pound rating. And, like other models we tested, the segments could slam down and pinch fingers if they slipped through our grip.

Get the Feete telescoping ladder at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Stability 4.7/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4/5

A scaled-down version of our Best Overall pick, the Xtend+Climb 760P+ offers a sturdy reach, compact storage, and safety features not available on cheap telescoping ladders. This model measures 29 inches high when retracted and extends to 10.5 feet high, with a reach height of 14.5 feet. It weighs just 20.5 pounds and carries an ANSI Type I certification to support up to 250 pounds.

Like its larger counterpart, the 760P+ ladder was easy to use and held securely. The double over-molded feet had a nice grip on hard and soft surfaces and remained firmly in place as we ascended. The segments were fitted tightly together to prevent wobbling, and the locking mechanisms made an audible click into the locked position and revealed a green dot as a visual cue that the ladder was safe to climb. The surfaces of the rungs were well textured to prevent slipping.

After testing several other models that nearly smashed our fingers between the rungs, it was a relief to operate this model with its closure speed dampened. When we released the locks, the segments closed much more gently than other ladders. Although it comes at a premium price, the Xtend+Climb ladder stood out as one of the safest telescoping ladders we tested.

Get the Xtend+Climb 10.5-foot telescoping ladder at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.

We wanted to like the Ohuhu 8.5-foot telescoping ladder, but the second rung from the bottom broke away from the rail during our first use. None of the other rung supports cracked, but we still had to consider this model a “fail.”

We tested every available function and feature on the ladders in this guide, utilizing a point system to quantify each ladder’s strengths and weaknesses. We started by extending the ladders to their maximum height and then climbed them to determine whether they wobbled, flexed, bowed, or felt unstable in any way. We inspected their hinges, locks, and adjustment mechanisms for quality and safety.

We awarded each ladder points on a scale from 0 to 5, with 5 being the best. For example, if the ladder didn’t feel safe at all, we gave it a 0. If it felt very safe and stable, we awarded it a 5. When we completed testing all the functions, we added the scores to determine the best ladders in each category. For our testing purposes, we separated the ladders into “telescoping only” and “telescoping multipurpose,” with the latter class having many additional features to test.

We noted the safety of the ladders for a variety of projects, from cleaning gutters to fixing a roof. For example, a lightweight telescoping-only ladder might be suited for in-house use only. In contrast, a telescoping multipurpose ladder may be too heavy to be portable but would be more suitable for rigorous DIY tasks or even a job site.

The best telescoping ladders offer a compact and sturdy means of reaching new heights as you tackle tasks on your to-do list and progress through your DIY projects. Depending on your plans for the ladder, you may want to consider other factors as well. Size, weight, and safety features vary from ladder to ladder. Be sure to choose the right ladder and avoid mistakes that could lead to injury. Some telescoping ladders are better suited to specific tasks than others.

Telescoping ladders are available in either standard or multiposition designs. Here’s what consumers need to know about each type:

If users must strain their arms, stand on tiptoe, or exceed the tallest climbable step to reach the desired height, then the ladder is too short, which could cause minor discomfort or dangerous slips and falls. As such, consider reach height (or the highest point a person can safely access while standing on the ladder) when selecting a telescoping ladder.

Reach height may amount to more or less than the height of the ladder. It varies by ladder type. Standard telescoping ladders offer a reach of 1 foot less than ladder height. Multiposition telescopic ladders offer a reach equal to 1 foot over ladder height.

Unlike many traditional ladders, telescoping ladders are available in fiberglass or airplane-grade aluminum, both of which are strong and lightweight. Although aluminum ranks as the most common material, fiberglass has its share of fans.

Load capacity means the maximum weight a ladder will hold. Ladders fall into five categories based on how much weight they support:

Type I ladders, including Type IA and IAA, are most widely used in professional services, such as construction and other trades.

Type II ladders are well suited for medium-duty tasks and are also used professionally by painters and maintenance workers and in other hands-on professions.

Type III ladders work well for light use in homes for changing a light bulb, repairing a ceiling fan, and similar tasks.

When determining the load capacity required for a project, factor in the user’s weight, plus the weight of the tools and supplies the user will carry up or store on the ladder (if it has a built-in tray or shelf). Be aware that we found a few lightweight telescoping-only ladders seemingly unsuited to their manufacturer’s suggested weight limits. These ladders are still good options for light-duty use, but users will want to rely on their judgment and read consumer reviews before buying.

A telescoping ladder that locks at 1-foot increments won’t pinch fingers when it retracts. This safety mechanism requires depressing thumb levers on both sides of the ladder for each foot of retraction. While this may take a bit longer, it’s worth the extra effort to protect your hands.

Large rubber feet—another essential safety feature—keep the ladder from slipping out from under the user. Some telescoping ladders feature fold-out foot anchors that further secure the legs to prevent them from slipping.

One of the most significant advantages of a telescoping ladder is its portability. Users can transport or stow these ladders quite easily because they retract to a relatively small size. When folded, a compact ladder may measure as short as 24 inches.

Typically weighing less than 30 pounds, telescoping ladders are usually lighter than their full-size counterparts. They stand an average of 2 to 5 feet tall when retracted, which makes them easy to store. Buyers will want to choose a weight and height they can manage without struggling when deciding which telescoping ladder best suits their needs.

A lighter compact ladder still offers plenty of support. Telescoping ladders come certified to support the weight limit outlined by the manufacturer. Look for ladders that are ANSI certified, as these ladders can hold weights ranging from 250 to 350 pounds. If a ladder doesn’t bear the ANSI rating, the advertised weight limit could be questionable.

When not in use, it’s important to store a telescoping ladder in a clean, dry area where it won’t incur damage. Additionally, ladder safety and care dictate that it should be kept off the floor if possible, with the straps tightened and locks engaged.

Ladders can cause injury when not used properly or when they are not well suited to the task at hand. Even a reliable, well-built ladder poses risks when not positioned correctly, climbed responsibly, or chosen carefully. Keep the following ladder safety tips in mind to avoid injury.

Do:

Don’t:

Compared to cumbersome extension ladders, telescoping ladders are the new kids on the block. If this is the first time you’ve shopped for one, you’ll likely have some questions.

Gorilla Ladders, Werner, and Little Giant are among the most trustworthy brands and produce some of the safest telescoping ladder options.

A 12-foot telescoping ladder is arguably the best size for around-the-house DIY repairs and projects. Taller ladders are designed with professional use cases in mind.

Aluminum is the lightest option and least likely to corrode, but it is also among the most effective conductors of electricity. That means you shouldn’t use metal ladders for electrical work or near electrical lines. Fiberglass ladders, while heavier than aluminum, are stronger and more versatile. Because the material is nonconductive, it’s safe to use fiberglass ladders for both electrical and nonelectrical applications.

The tallest telescoping ladders can reach about 26 feet high, but that height is typically only necessary for construction professionals and is limited to multiposition options.

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor living goods.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Kat Hodgins.

Staff Writer

Mark Wolfe is a second-career freelance writer based in Georgia and has an extensive background in the horticulture industry. Since 2020, he has contributed numerous gardening and home improvement articles to BobVila.com, along with a variety of consumer product reviews.

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