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October 17, 2022
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For people with mobility issues, climbing stairs can be a painful or even impossible endeavor. Luckily, stair lifts address the issue. Rather than move to a one-story home or assisted living community, you can install a stair lift and restore your freedom throughout your house.
Stair lifts typically cost a couple thousand dollars, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and safety. The best stair lift manufacturers can work with any home environment, providing you the customized solution you need to navigate staircases safely.
After months of research, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite stair lift providers.
FYI: New to the world of stair lifts? Check out my guide to stair lifts for seniors.
We evaluated 13 manufacturers and narrowed them down to our five favorites. When examining each company, we looked for the following:
Pro Tip: Curious about pricing? Check out my guide to stair lift costs.
| Company | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bruno: Best Overall Stair Lifts | $3,200 to $6,000 |
| Acorn: Quickest Installation | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| AmeriGlide: Most Affordable | $1,894 to $3,995 |
| Harmar: Support for Larger People | $2,000 to $6,995 |
| Stannah: Tailor-Made Stair Lifts | $3,200 to $5,000 |
Manufactured in America and offering a wide array of stair lifts, AmeriGlide is one of our favorite companies because of its flexible and highly affordable pricing. The company unfortunately charges extra for installation, but it’s one of the only companies that offers the option to install the lift yourself — perfect for handy buyers.
AmeriGlide’s wide range of devices have different features, but the following features are standard on each of its lifts:
AmeriGlide stair lifts start as low as $1,894 for the most basic model, and it offers used and refurbished models that may cost even less. Keep in mind that these prices include neither shipping nor installation, however, so be sure to budget for those additional costs.
Since AmeriGlide stair lifts can be purchased directly from the company’s stores or from third-party retailers, the best way to figure out your total price is to pay them a visit.
AmeriGlide’s warranty policies vary with each of its many models, but none of its warranties exceed 10 years. In most cases, the drivetrain will be covered for five years for indoor models, while outdoor lifts typically have shorter warranties.
Bruno, the largest residential stair lift manufacturer in North America, is a veteran-founded and family-owned company you can trust to restore mobility in and around your home. It offers an entry-level stair lift for indoors, outdoors, and even curved environments.
Bruno stair lifts can cost as little as $3,000 with installation, and higher-end models can cost upward of $6,000. We appreciate that Bruno often includes installation in its costs, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the purchasing process.
Since Bruno stair lifts are not sold directly from the manufacturer, financing options vary depending on where you purchase your lift. The upside is many local dealers offer sales and promotions.
Bruno warranties vary by model, but all models come with between five years and a lifetime of coverage for major components such as the drivetrain, motor, gearbox, and rail system.
FYI: Another great way to augment mobility is with walk-in bathing technology. To learn more, check out my guides to the best walk-in tubs and best walk-in showers.
Acorn, one of the few stair lift manufacturers that sells directly to consumers, excels in customer service and installation. Its indoor, outdoor, and curved stairlifts can be installed in a matter of days, and the company will send a technician to complete an in-home assessment in just a couple hours.
The only way to know the cost of an Acorn stair lift is to get a free in-home estimate, but, in our experience, they cost between $2,500 and $5,500 for straight indoor lifts, including installation. The costs may vary greatly depending on home environments though. Acorn offers financing options to help you lower the up-front costs.
Every Acorn stair lift comes with a 12-month warranty that covers one scheduled service in addition to any damage or faults in the installation or manufacturing processes. It’s a bit less than other companies on this list, but Acorn offers extended warranties for a negotiable price.
Based in the United States, Harmar is known widely for its excellent customer service and superior engineering. It’s one of the only manufacturers to offer residential lifts that can support up to 600 pounds.
The most basic Harmar models start around $2,000, and custom upgrades are available for an additional price. Contact an authorized dealer to determine the exact price for a device that fits your home. You may also be able to find pre-owned models for lower costs. Installation costs extra, and the cost will vary depending on the third-party retailer.
Only the Pinnacle Premium, Harmar’s most advanced model, comes with a lifetime warranty. Most other models are covered for three years.
What separates Stannah from other stair lift companies is its ability to create custom lifts for nearly any environment — indoors or outdoors. Its lifts can fit any length of staircase, and its team of advisers can walk you through the upgrades and safety features that best suit your needs.
Stannah stair lift prices are harder to pin down than other providers’ because of their high level of customization. In our experience, most models start around $3,000 and increase in price with additional features. Curved and outdoor models tend to cost more, as do models with greater support for heavier loads. Stannah does not offer financing, but many of its third-party dealers do.
Another option available from some dealers is to rent a Stannah stair lift. This could be a great way to save money for people in need of a short-term solution.
Stannah offers extensive manufacturer’s warranties on its lifts. New stair lifts come with a 10-year warranty that covers all parts and components for normal wear and tear.
The best way to choose a stair lift that works for your needs is to visit a local showroom, where you’ll be able to ask questions about pricing and schedule an in-home consultation to learn about unique aspects pertaining to your house.
Many stair lift manufacturers also have teams with which you can schedule an in-home consultation via the phone or internet. These consultations are free, so have no fear about seeking additional information.
When priced well and installed properly, a stair lift is an ideal way to increase mobility in your home. To learn more about staying safe in your home, check out our helpful guides.
Bruno, Acorn, and AmeriGlide are our three favorite stair lift companies, but other companies offer devices ideal for larger people, outdoor use, and other special circumstances.
Bruno stair lifts generally work better for most users — and they’re more affordable — but Acorn also offers quality devices.
It typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 for a stair lift installed on a straight staircase, but the price will be higher for curved or outdoor staircases.
Acorn stair lifts typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000, but prices vary by location and the specific device.
Stair lifts are an ideal way to help people with mobility issues live freely and safely in their homes. The cost can be relatively high, but they certainly cost less than buying a one-story home or moving to a care facility.
Used stair lifts can cost less than $2,000, but it’s best to purchase from a reputable dealer such as a stair lift manufacturer.
