Stair climbers have become one of the most popular cardio machines for home gyms and commercial spaces with STEPR leading the climb. But choosing between the STEPR Go, Home, Pro, and XL can feel overwhelming when you're trying to figure out which model fits your space, budget, and fitness goals.

This guide breaks down the key differences between all four STEPR models so you can make the right choice for your home gym.

What Makes STEPR Different: The Floating Step Design

Before we dive into individual models, it's worth understanding what sets STEPR apart from traditional stair climbers.

Most stair climbers connect each step to the one above it at a 90 degree angle. This means your toes can clip the edge of the next step as you climb. It might seem minor at first, but over thousands of steps, it becomes uncomfortable and unnatural, especially if you have larger feet.

STEPR solved this with their unique floating step design. Each step moves independently, with a gap inbetween, so your toes never hit the step ahead. The result? A more natural climbing rhythm that reduces impact and feels better during longer workouts.

All four STEPR models use this same belt driven system, which makes them smoother, more comfortable and quieter than most stair climbers on the market.

Close Up shot of Floating Step Design of the STEPR

STEPR Go: The Compact Option

The STEPR Go is firstly the most affordable and compact model in the lineup. Created in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, it delivers the core STEPR experience in a lighter, more home friendly package. 

The 5.2 inch step height gives the Go a quick, athletic feel that's more like running up bleachers than traditional stair climbing. If you're used to the deep, slow steps of commercial gym climbers, this might take a workout or two to adjust to, however most people find that after about a week, the shorter stride feels completely natural and actually more efficient for high intensity cardio.

The Go is also lightweight, rolls easily on transport wheels and fits through standard doorways, making it perfect for small spaces where you need to move equipment around. It also has industry leading safety features with auto sensing, multiple emergency stop buttons and a laser safety sensor. Just keep in mind it only comes with a basic LED console and doesn't have the resistance band attachment points found on the other models.

 Best for: Apartments, compact spaces, beginners, or anyone on a tighter budget

Key Features

  • Step height: 5.2 inches
  • Max speed: 120 steps per minute (25 speed levels)
  • Console: LED display (Classic Console)
  • Footprint: Compact, fits through standard doorways & under 8ft ceilings
Colin on the STEPR GO

STEPR Home: The All Rounder

The STEPR Home is where the STEPR story began, and it remains one of the most balanced options in the lineup. It has the same 5.2 inch step height as the Go but features heavier, more robust construction and a higher top speed of 140 steps per minute.

It fits comfortably under an eight foot ceiling and easily passes through standard doorways, making it perfect for most homes and apartments. This is where we step up from the Go, with the Home including resistance band hooks, allowing you to attach bands for upper body, lower body or full body training. It’s a great feature that can really help switch up your workouts. 

The Home is available in two versions: a standard LED console (Classic) or the Home+, which adds a 27 inch connected touchscreen and offers: Entertainment & streaming apps, scenic route sessions, over 100 on demand classes, monthly challenges, full workout tracking & more all subscription free.

Best for: Most home gym users looking for quality and versatility

Key Features

  • Step height: 5.2 inches
  • Max speed: 140 steps per minute
  • Console options: LED (Classic) or 27 inch touchscreen (Home+)
  • Footprint: Fits through standard doorways & under 8 foot ceilings 
Colin Stepping on the STEPR+

STEPR Pro: The Sweet Spot for Serious Users

The STEPR Pro steps up to light commercial grade performance with a 7 inch step height that changes the entire workout experience. Instead of quick cardio, you get something that feels more like genuine stair climbing with serious lower body engagement.

For many users, the Pro hits the perfect middle ground. The 7 inch step is deep enough to really engage your glutes and hamstrings but not so deep that you have to slow down to maintain a good rhythm. This balance of depth and speed makes it incredibly versatile for both strength focused and cardio focused workouts.

The STEPR Pro is built for light commercial use, which means it’s built to handle multiple daily users or high intensity training sessions. It still fits under an eight foot ceiling, however taller users over 6ft should double check their clearance. It's wider than the Go or Home, so you'll want to ensure you have adequate space or a wider doorway. Garage gyms and dedicated workout rooms are ideal for this model. 

The PRO also includes resistance band hooks, a classic version (LED Console) as well as the same subscription free touchscreen found on the Home+, along with wireless charging and USB-C connectivity for your devices.

Best for: Experienced athletes, home gym enthusiasts, and light commercial use

Key Features

  • Step height: 7 inches
  • Max speed: 190 steps per minute
  • Console options: LED (Pro Classic) or touchscreen (Pro+)
  • Clearance: Fits under 8 foot ceilings (Verify clearance if you're over 6ft)
Colin Stepping on the STEPR CLASSIC

STEPR XL: The Full Commercial Climber

The STEPR XL sits at the top of the lineup as a full commercial grade stair climber designed for gyms and serious training facilities. With a 9 inch step height, it delivers the slow, deliberate climb you'd expect from large commercial machines.

Each step on the XL engages your legs and glutes extensively, creating a more muscle building and defining motion rather than a quick cardio pace. If you love the deep, powerful feel of commercial gym stair climbers, the XL replicates that experience perfectly.

While it matches the Pro's 190 steps per minute capability, most users won't approach that speed given the step depth. The focus here is on strength and muscular endurance rather than cardio speed.

The XL is the largest model in the STEPR range and because of that, requires a larger ceiling clearance of 9ft. It's best suited for dedicated gym spaces, basements with higher ceilings, or commercial facilities.

Best for: Dedicated gym spaces, commercial facilities, and those who want the deepest climb

Key Features

  • Step height: 9 inches
  • Max speed: 190 steps per minute
  • Console options: LED (Classic) or touchscreen (XL+)
  • Clearance: Requires a 9ft Ceiling height clearance.
A Group of STEPR Stairclimbers

Side by Side Comparison

Here's how the models stack up:

Step Height & Focus:

  • Go & Home: 5.2 inches (fast, cardio focused)
  • Pro: 7 inches (balanced depth and speed)
  • XL: 9 inches (deeper, strength focused)

Maximum Speed:

  • Go: 120 steps per minute
  • Home: 140 steps per minute
  • Pro & XL: 190 steps per minute

Machine Use Case:

  • Go: Entry level home & apartment use
  • Home: Residential & home use
  • Pro: Light commercial rated
  • XL: Full commercial rated

Ceiling & Space:

  • STEPR Go, Home & Pro fit under 8 foot ceilings while the XL requires 9ft clearance
  • Go & Home fit through standard doorways easily
  • Pro & XL are wider and need more space
  • Users over 6 feet should verify clearance on Pro and XL

Additional Features:

  • Go: Basic LED console only
  • Home: LED or touchscreen (Home+), resistance band hooks
  • Pro: LED or touchscreen (Pro+), band hooks, wireless charging, USB-C
  • XL: LED or touchscreen (XL+), Pro features plus full commercial quality & storage tray

Touchscreen Models (Home+, Pro+, XL+): All touchscreen versions include scenic routes, 100+ on demand classes, streaming apps, and full workout tracking with zero subscription fees.

STEPR+ CONNECTED SCREEN

Which STEPR Should You Choose?

Choose the STEPR Go if:

  • You're working with a tight budget or limited space
  • You want something lightweight that's easy to move
  • You're new to stair climbers and want to try before investing more
  • You don't need extra features like resistance bands or a touchscreen

Choose the STEPR Home if:

  • You want the best all around value for home use
  • You like the idea of resistance band training options
  • You want the option to upgrade to a touchscreen (Home+)
  • You need something that fits through standard doors

Choose the STEPR Pro if:

  • You want a more powerful climbing experience with deeper steps
  • You train intensely or have multiple household users
  • You value the balance between cardio speed and strength work
  • You have adequate space and ceiling clearance

Choose the STEPR XL if:

  • You're setting up a commercial gym or training facility
  • You prefer the deep, deliberate climb of traditional gym machines
  • You have a dedicated workout space with higher ceilings
  • You want maximum durability and commercial grade construction

The Bottom Line

Every STEPR model delivers the same quiet, low impact floating step technology that makes STEPR stand out. The differences come down to step height, build quality, and features rather than fundamental experience.

The STEPR Go gets you in the door affordably. The Home offers excellent versatility for most users. The Pro balances power and speed beautifully for serious home training. And the XL brings true commercial grade performance to your space.

Whichever you choose, you're getting access to STEPR's subscription free connected platform on the touchscreen models, meaning no hidden costs or monthly fees down the road.

Still unsure which STEPR is right for you? Check out our full product lineup

Other Related Blog Posts:


5 Stair Climbing Workouts We Love (and Why They Work!)

Stepr+ vs Stepr Classic: Which One Fits Your Climb?

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Stair Climbers (2.0)

Introducing the Free STEPR App – Your New Stair Climbing Companion

https://connectthewatts.com/2025/10/27/stepr-stair-climber-buyers-guide/