According to the National Health Service of the UK, adults between the age of 16 and 64 should try being active every day. This includes dedicating at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity like brisk walking each week. Using a stepper machine is one way of engaging in physical activity.
You can use it at home or in the office. Plus, it is designed to simulate stair climbing movement. But what makes it extra special is that it allows you to work out not only your legs, but also the back, arms, and chest. Furthermore, they are small and lightweight for easy transportation.
But the main aim of this article is to help you find the best stepper exercise machine out there.
What should you look out in a mini stepper?
Are there specific features that you must keep in mind?
Yes, you should keep some factors into considerations, but the main point of focus is to go for one that is functional enough. It is all about finding a unit that meets your workout needs and personal preferences.
Our Picks: 6 Best Steppers Listed Below
| Picture | Model | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SportPlus 2 in 1 Dual Exercise | 8.4 | Check |
 | MAXOfit MF-3 (with Handle) | 7.4 | Check |
 | MAXOfit MF-15 | 7.4 | Check |
 | Ultrasport Swing Stepper | 7.2 | Check |
 | HOMCOM | 7.0 | Check |
 | Ultrasport Up-Down Stepper | 6.9 | Check |
Last update on 2020-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So, we reviewed a couple of units and we will be sharing our findings with you. We hope that you will get the proper information to help you choose the right unit. So, which is the best stepper machine?
Without any further ado, let’s get down to business.
We kick off our list with this stepper machine from Ultrasport. This is a piece of great equipment for a beginner because it comes with basic features to offer you an effortless workout session. When working out on this unit, you can be sure of building your endurance in the event. Furthermore, it lacks tension adjustment. While that might seem like a disadvantage to some users, it helps to achieve a consistent workout.
We loved the nice and cool silver color of it. It will look good on your space too. The equipment is made of sturdy steel construction, along with large treads that have a black theme. By the way, the treads are non-slip, so you can be confident of a swift workout session.
If you want to track your workout stats, simply do so through the integrated console. With this console, you can check out your workout progress in terms of the steps per minute, the time elapsed, as well as the total calories burned.
This mini exerxiser measures 33.5cm by 35.5cm by 18 cm. It also comes with aligned footplates. Plus, it comes in at 6.5 kg, which we thought was lightweight enough. As light as this stepper exercise machine might seem, it is capable of supporting a maximum user weight of 100kg.
Using it is effortless, and getting started with it is also quite easy. Even though it comes with a minimalistic design, it is still capable of offering an intense workout session. The best part is that it is usable by both the beginners and professionals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Large and non-slip treads
- Features hydraulic cylinders for an intense workout
- Computer display for tracking workout progress
Cons
- It is not the best choice for plus-size users
- It can be challenging to step down on the treads
If you want to get more from a stepper machine, this is one of the units you should consider. It is a 2-in-1 fitness equipment that offers both the side and up-and-down movements. In other words, it allows you to train your cardiovascular system even in a confined step. Besides that, the unit allows you to strengthen and tighten your butt and leg muscles.
This one also features a high-quality hydraulic cylinder for factoring the resistance. It means that you will achieve an intense workout on this compact workout equipment. And yes, it is compact but comes with sizeable non-slip footplates.
Are you concerned about switching from the up/down to side? Well, you shouldn’t because this unit comes with an advanced patented switch-over technology. With this technology, you can easily switch from side function to normal stair climbing function (up/down). So generally, this equipment allows you to work out your calves, thighs, lateral thigh muscles, buttocks, as well as the hips.
Mr. SportPlus comes in at 10.7 kg, measuring 40 cm by 35 cm by 23.5 cm. If you are keen, you will notice that it is slightly bigger than the first unit on the list. It is also heavier than the previous product we just reviewed. Still, it is easy to carry around and can support a maximum of 100kgs of user weight.
A computer display is onboard to help you track your workout stats like the number of steps, calories burned, and time elapsed. The equipment will also automatically display changes in the function.
Pros
- It comes with a seriously stable construction
- Made of steel, hence sturdy and rust resistance
- It doubles as an up/down sand side stepper
- Comes with a modern design
- Easy to change between the functions
- Large treads with non-slip surfaces
Cons
- It might give a slight creaking sound if a plus-size person steps on it
Our next equipment also comes from Ultrasport, and it promises to offer an intense workout. One of the things that made us go for this one is the fact that it also comes with resistance bands for the arms. So yes, you can get this stepper machine to work out your legs, butt, and arms as well. There is also a twist in the stepping motion that enhances the entire workout experience.
This one comes in at 7.35 kg, and it measures 43 cm by 39 cm by 22 cm. It is compact and lightweight to let you store it easily when you’re not using it.
It is made of a robust metal frame, which is strong enough to serve you without making any creaking noises. There are also high-quality shock absorbers that prevent your joins from those shocks as you work out on it. You’d love the resistance bands that are attached to the main unit. With these bands, you can work out your upper body. This means that you can do some biceps curls or shoulder presses.
If you are looking for something that can perfectly handle your whole body, this one over here would be a great pick for you. It lets you work on your lower body and upper body as well.
As usual, on most modern equipment, this one also comes with a console for tracking your exercise progress. It will display the number of steps per minute, the training time, as well as calories burned.
Best of all, you can adjust the level of resistance individually based on how you prefer it to be. This makes it ideal for both beginners and experts as well. By the way, it can support a max user weight of 100kg.
Pros
- Low-noise operation
- It comes with resistance bands for upper body training
- The resistance level is adjustable
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Non-slip treads
- Affordable
- Non-slip edges to assure you of training when training
Cons
- It might not be as durable as other units out there
HOMCOM is a well-known equipment brand in the UK, and we won’t fail to feature their model. This unit from HOMCOM is among the sturdiest and most robust units out there. If you have been using mini stepper before, then you must know that some of them tend to move around when using them.
It comes with a rubber floor mat for free. You can place the mat under the mini machine to prevent it from sliding as you are stepping on it. In most cases, the equipment will come as a single product, but you will have to purchase the mat separately. The equipment measures 56 cm by 50 cm by 21 cm and weighs around 9kgs.
We noticed a very strong resistance on this unit, which is a unique feature among most products out there. You can be confident in having reliable equipment for working on your calves, glutes, hamstrings, and the whole leg.
And yes, the resistance is adjustable. If you want to adjust the resistance of the equipment, all you will need to do is adjust the dial below the right tread. This will then adjust the height of the pedals between 10 cm and 38 cm. It also changes the amplitude of swing from between 15 cm to25 cm.
It comes with a basic design that is simple to use. In other words, you will be getting a user-friendly unit that delivers an intense workout session. This unit also allows you to track your workout progress through the tiny LCD screen.
If you are living or working in a confined space, this would be your best workout buddy. The steel construction makes it strong and rust/corrosion resistance.
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction
- Comes with a free mat to prevent it from moving when using it
- The steps are textured to offer a non-slip surface
- It comes with an adjustable resistance
- Comes at an affordable price
- It offers a quiet operation
Cons
- Not ideal for users over 100kgs
We move on with our list and introduce you to this MAXOfit product. It comes with some incredible features that make it one of the best units out there.
If you are looking for a stepper machine that comes with an attractive look but also offers a top-notch workout session, this one wouldn’t be such a bad pick for you. It comes with a nice white-green theme that makes it stand out in your home or office.
This unit comes with a compact size, but it is longer in its height compared to other ones on the list. Generally, it measures 40 by 35 by 110 cm. The extra height means that it comes in somehow heavier than the first products we have covered. This one comes in at 11kgs, which might be heavy to carry on your own. Even with that weight, this unit can accommodate a user weight of not more than 100kgs.
It comes with a handgrip to offer you extra comfort when working out. But don’t be fooled by the comfort level of this baby because it still manages to give you an intense workout. If you are afraid of falling off or losing control when working out on a stepper machine, this one will fix that. The handgrip doesn’t only offer comfort, but it also offers support when working on the equipment.
This unit comes with two hydraulic shock absorbers that prevent joint injuries as you are stepping on it. Each step you take will be protected by the shock absorbers. You can get this unit to help you work on your legs, hips, and buttocks muscles.
There is a digital display with plenty of functions for a swift workout experience. But still, this one is very easy to use.
Pros
- It comes with an elegant design
- Features a handgrip for comfort and support
- It comes with two hydraulic shock absorbers to protect the joints
- It is easy to set it up
Cons
- It can get wobbly, especially when mounted by a plus-size user
Our final product on the list is the MF-3, but that doesn’t mean that it is the least favorite. Conversely, the stepper machine comes with the best features to offer you an intense session but also making it comfortable enough.
This equipment also comes with a handle to make your workout session comfortable enough by offering you the needed support.
The product comes from one of the leading workout equipment manufacturers, Maxofit. So with this unit, you can be sure of getting a reliable unit for your work out needs. It will help you work on your legs, hip, and butt muscles.
We noticed two hydraulic shock absorbers that will catch each step you take. In turn, this helps to protect your joints from injuries. It also offers moderate resistance. If you want to take the resistance to another level, simply do so with the integrated adjustment dial. This then allows you to set the resistance to the level of your choice. We thought that was a plus feature.
This one measures 50 cm by 32.5 cm by 127 cm and weighs 11kgs. Notice that the height of this unit is contributed to the size of the handle. This handle is long and convenient enough to help you hold on to it as you working out. Oh, and this one also supports a maximum user weight of 100kg.
There is a tiny digital display that allows you to check out your work out progress. Luckily, it is located on the handle, which is easier to view than those ones located near the steps.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Comes with an extended handle for comfort and support
- Non-slip steps
- Adjustable resistance
- Easy-to-view digital display
Cons
- It might squeak when mounted by a plus-size user
- The tension can be challenging to set
So there was our top 6 stepper machine reviews. Notice that all of them come with a max user weight of 100kg. This means that they are not the best choice for plus-size users. Some of them will squeak when a heavy user steps on them.
When choosing for the perfect equipment, consider the construction, resistance level, comfort level, if the treads are non-slip, and if it is generally easy to use. A good unit should have an adjustable resistance level, and it should be light enough to move it around with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Mini Machines Any Good?
A simple answer to this question is that stepper machines are good enough to offer you an intense workout session. They offer you cardio exercise with several health benefits. Nevertheless, they are not comparable to the large units if you are in need of an extremely intense session.
Still, these units are portable and very affordable compared to most workout equipment. They can assure you of a convenient workout session without a problem. So, if you will be looking for equipment to offer an intense workout and extreme bodybuilding, then this equipment shouldn’t be your best choice. But if you want a mild workout session, that can be moderately intense, this unit would serve you decently.
In the UK, a lot of people are relying on steppers to offer them a workout session at home or office. They are simple to use and can offer a good exercise to keep you active all along. So, these units can perfectly offer you a reliable cardio-vascular workout session.
Does A Stepper Tone Your Bum?
One of the major reasons that someone might get this mini unit is to help them work on their leg muscles. But another reason is that these units help in building the bum muscles as well. So, how do they help in building your butt muscles?
It works in a process. For every step you take, your thigh and gluteal muscles will contract. As a result, it will help to strengthen and tone your butt. The more you do this, the more the butt will lift over time. So, if you want to tone your bum, you will have to be consistent on it. Do some steps every day so as to help you grow your bum and give them a nice curve.
If you want a fuller workout, there is an option of using it backward. But, you will need to ensure that the model can be safely used backward. The best part is that this move will still engage your glutes (bum). However, it will reach different areas.
Furthermore, this equipment will also help to promote heart and lung function. Ideally, commit yourself to use it at least 30 minutes, five days a week to get positive results. If you level up your workout to a vigorous stage, you can lessen the minutes to 20 minutes.
Are They Good For Weight Loss?
Any physical workout can help you lose weight, as long as you are dedicated to it. With a stepper machine, you can be sure of burning excess body fat too. If you are dedicated to engaging in stepping on this equipment 30 minutes each day, then you can be sure of getting positive results. But the best way to handle this is to work on the machine but accompany it with some other cardiovascular workouts. Don’t forget to watch a healthy diet if you want better results.
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
Experts suggest that you must burn 3,500 calories more than you ingest if you want to lose a pound of weight. One UK woman was recorded to burn calories at a rate of around 450 per hour, which equates to around 225 for every 30 minutes.
On paper, this means that the woman would lose around one pound every week if she is consistent with her daily workout on the equipment. In the long run, this will help her lose overall weight. But remember that you can lose even more than a pound or two of weight per week by combining other exercises.
So yes, you can be confident of losing around two pounds of weight every week with a daily work out on the mini stepper.
All The Benefits:
There are many benefits of a stepper machine, and we will look at them. Here are the reasons for getting one of these units as your workout equipment:
- They promote overall fitness levels and enhances the endurance of the user
- They help to burn calories and body fat
- They promote cardiovascular health
- They enhance the toning of muscles in the lower torso
- These units are space-saving
- They promote stability and balance
- They support people of different ages and fitness levels
- They promote heart and liver function
- They are easy and straightforward to use
With a stepper machine, you won’t need to prepare the space to set it up. It comes ready to use, and you will only have to pull it out from the storage and use it. Above all, they are very affordable compared to other workout machines.