How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Bruno is the best overall pick for straight stairs, with USA-made lifts and strong warranties.
- Lifeway Mobility is the best installer, with local service and multiple brands to choose from.
- Stannah offers the best premium warranty, with up to 10 years of coverage.
- Harmar handles the heaviest users, with capacity up to 600 pounds.
- AmeriGlide is the cheapest entry at $1,499 for DIY self-install, though professional install costs more.
Quick comparison
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The best stair lift companies
#1Bruno
Best for: Overall straight stairs4.5/5 on
G2 (9 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit bruno.com
Starting price$3,900
Free planNo
Bruno is the best overall pick for straight stairs, with veteran-founded, USA-made lifts and solid construction. Straight models start around $3,900, curved around $11,000, with weight capacity of 300 to 400 pounds depending on model. The Elite model reaches 400 pounds with wireless remotes, power folding footrest and seat, and a power-folding rail. Power swivel seats and extended tracks add cost but improve safety at the top landing. Warranty covers lifetime limited on indoor straight models and 5 years on curved and outdoor models.
Bruno also offers direct financing subject to credit approval and rentals for short-term use. For a buyer who wants American-made quality with strong warranty backing, Bruno is the safest overall choice.
What we like- USA-made
- Veteran-founded
- Lifetime limited warranty on indoor straight models
Watch out for- Curved models from $11,000
- Outdoor warranty shorter at 5 years
- Dealer pricing varies
Starting price$2,900
Free planNo
Lifeway Mobility is the best installer and dealer, offering in-home consultations, local service, and brands like Bruno and Harmar. Straight installations start from around $2,900, with curved projects from $12,000 or more, and weight capacity ranges 300 to 600 pounds depending on the brand chosen. The service warranty covers labor, while device warranties vary by brand, with lifetime major components and 3 years parts on some models.
The multi-brand approach means you get an honest recommendation rather than a single-brand pitch, plus a local team for service. For a buyer who wants a local team to handle consultation, installation, and service, Lifeway is the best full-service choice.
What we like- Multi-brand dealer
- Local service teams
- In-home consultations
Watch out for- Device warranty varies by brand
- Curved projects from $12,000 plus
- Service warranty is labor only
Starting price$3,000
Free planNo
Stannah offers the best premium warranty, with coverage up to 10 years and lifetime major components plus 2 years parts in some listings. Straight models run $3,000 to $5,700, curved $12,000 to $15,000, with weight capacity up to 350 pounds. The company has over 150 years in business, and models feature custom upholstery choices and refined European safety sensors.
Stannah does not currently offer direct financing, though refurbished lifts are available at a deep discount and rentals cover temporary needs. For a buyer who wants premium build quality and is willing to pay more, Stannah is the premium pick.
What we like- Up to 10-year warranty
- Over 150 years in business
- Custom upholstery choices
Watch out for- Straight $3,000 to $5,700
- Curved $12,000 to $15,000
- No direct financing
Starting price$2,600
Free planNo
Handicare is the best choice for curved and custom curves, with a slim rail design built specifically for narrow staircases. Straight models run $2,600 to $3,700, curved $6,200 to $8,600, the lowest curved starting price here, with weight capacity of 285 to 440 pounds. Warranty covers lifetime on motor and gearbox for most models and 5 years on other components.
Curved rails are still custom-fabricated, so final pricing depends on your staircase measurements. For a home with turns, landings, or narrow stairs, Handicare custom curves offer the best value.
What we like- Slim rail for narrow stairs
- Curved from $6,200
- Lifetime motor and gearbox warranty
Watch out for- Weight capacity 285 to 440 pounds
- Curved still custom-priced
- Dealer network smaller
Starting price$2,200
Free planNo
Harmar handles the heaviest users, with capacity up to 600 pounds, the highest here, and straight models from $2,200 to $4,000. The Pinnacle series is known for a compact profile and low-maintenance nylon polymer chassis, with folded width as narrow as 10.5 inches on some models. Warranty covers 3 years parts, 10 years gear rack, and 1 year battery.
Curved models run around $14,000, and Harmar sells only through authorized dealers, so financing and rental options vary by dealership. For a heavier user or a narrow staircase that needs a slim lift, Harmar is the best heavy-duty choice.
What we like- Up to 600 pounds capacity
- Compact profile
- Low-maintenance nylon chassis
Watch out for- Curved around $14,000
- Warranty 3 years parts
- Dealer-only sales
Starting price$1,499
Free planNo
AmeriGlide is the best budget and DIY option, with straight stairlifts starting at $1,499 for self-install and curved from $7,199 or more. Weight capacity runs 264 to 350 pounds, and warranty covers 2 years on core components. Prices are listed online, so you can set your budget before calling, unlike brands that require a quote call.
Self-installation saves labor cost but carries safety and damage risks unless the product is specifically designed for it, and professional installation costs extra. Financing is available through a Bread partnership. For a budget buyer comfortable with DIY or a tight budget, AmeriGlide is the cheapest entry point.
What we like- Lowest entry price
- DIY self-install option
- Prices listed online
Watch out for- Warranty only 2 years core components
- Curved from $7,199
- Self-install risks
Starting price$2,800
Free planNo
101 Mobility is a one-stop dealer with a nationwide network, multiple brands, and local service teams. Straight installations start from around $2,800, curved projects from $11,000 or more, with weight capacity of 300 to 600 pounds depending on brand. The local service warranty covers 1 year of labor, while device warranties vary by manufacturer.
The dealer model gives brand choice and local support, though warranty terms are less uniform than a single manufacturer. For a buyer who wants a nationwide dealer with local service and brand options, 101 Mobility is a solid alternative to Lifeway.
What we like- Nationwide dealer network
- Multiple brands
- Local service
Watch out for- Device warranty varies by manufacturer
- Curved projects from $11,000 plus
- Service warranty 1 year labor
Starting price$3,000
Free planNo
Acorn is known for the fastest straight stairlift installs, thanks to its FastTrack rail system and modular design that can install faster than custom-welded tracks. Straight models start around $3,000, curved around $8,000 or more, with weight capacity of 264 to 350 pounds. Acorn sells direct with its own installers, no third-party dealers, which keeps installation quality consistent.
Warranty covers 12 months comprehensive, with lifetime coverage on select components, shorter than Bruno or Stannah. Prices are not listed online, so you must call for a quote. For a buyer who wants fast installation with consistent quality, Acorn is the speed pick.
What we like- FastTrack rail for quicker install
- Direct sales with own installers
- Consistent quality
Watch out for- Warranty 12 months comprehensive
- Curved from $8,000 plus
- Prices not listed online
How we chose
We compared companies on straight and curved pricing, weight capacity, warranty terms, dealer versus direct sales, installation speed, and financing options. We used vendor pages and published 2026 comparisons. Where pricing varied by staircase or dealer, we listed starting figures and advised getting a written quote.
How to pick a stair lift company
Start with your staircase today. Straight stairs suit any brand here, with installed prices from $1,499 DIY to around $3,900 for Bruno. Curved stairs need a custom rail, with prices from $6,200 at Handicare to $15,000 at Stannah, and manufacturing takes two to six weeks after 3D measurements. Outdoor stairs need weather-resistant models with sealed vinyl and covers, typically $4,500 to $8,000.
Next, check weight capacity and stair width honestly. Harmar reaches 600 pounds, Bruno Elite 400, and most others 300 to 350. Measure your narrowest stair width carefully: some lifts fold to 10.5 inches, others need 28 inches or more of clear width. A lift that blocks the stairs for other users fails the household, so check folded width and whether others can still use the stairs.
Then compare warranties in writing, not just headline years. Bruno offers lifetime limited on indoor straight models, Stannah up to 10 years, Handicare lifetime on motor and gearbox, Harmar 3 years parts plus 10 years gear rack, and Acorn only 12 months comprehensive. Ask what labor, parts, and batteries each cover, and who services the lift locally after installation.
Ask about battery backup, since power outages should not strand a user between floors. Most lifts include batteries that allow 15 to 20 trips during an outage, though Harmar Pinnacle claims up to 60. Finally, get at least three written quotes now and check funding help. Stair lifts are generally not classified as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B, since they count as home modifications, though VA, HUD, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer assistance. Used, reconditioned, and rental lifts cut costs for temporary needs, and financing is available from Bruno, AmeriGlide, and most dealers. Never attempt DIY installation unless the product is specifically designed for it, since safety and home damage risks are real.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a stair lift cost?
Straight stair lifts typically cost $2,200 to $3,900 installed, with DIY options from $1,499. Custom curved stair lifts range from $6,200 to $15,000, while outdoor lifts generally cost $4,500 to $8,000. Final pricing depends on staircase shape, length, and options.
Does Medicare cover stair lifts?
Generally no, since stair lifts are considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B. The VA, HUD, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer financial assistance, and used or rental lifts reduce costs.
How long does installation take?
Straight stair lifts often install in three to four hours. Curved rails need custom fabrication, which takes two to six weeks after measurements, plus installation time. Acorn FastTrack rails can install faster than custom-welded tracks.
What weight capacity do I need?
Most stair lifts support 300 to 350 pounds, Bruno Elite supports 400, and Harmar supports up to 600. Carrying groceries or laundry adds weight, so factor that into the rating. Choose a lift rated comfortably above the user weight plus any items carried, since running at maximum capacity wears components faster.
Can I install a stair lift myself?
Only if the product is specifically designed for self-installation, like AmeriGlide DIY models. Otherwise professional installation is strongly recommended for safety and to protect your home, and most manufacturers require professional install for warranty coverage.
Should I buy new, used, or rent?
Buy new for long-term use today and full warranty. Buy used or reconditioned for budget savings from dealers like Silver Cross or Stannah refurbished programs. Rent for temporary needs now like post-surgery recovery, since rentals avoid long-term investment.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.bruno.com
- https://lifewaymobility.com
- https://www.stannah.com
- https://www.handicare.com
- https://www.harmar.com
- https://www.ameriglide.com
- https://101mobility.com
- https://www.acornstairlifts.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Lifeway Mobility
Stannah
Handicare
Harmar
AmeriGlide
101 Mobility
Acorn