5 Best Telescoping Ladders (2023 Guide)

More compact than extension ladders, telescoping ladders lengthen and shorten to meet your specific project needs and collapse down for convenient transport and storage.

To help you select the ladder that’s right for you, our Reviews Team researched the best telescoping ladders on the market today. Here are our top five recommendations.

Top 5 Telescoping Ladders

• Best Handling: WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multipurpose Ladder
• Best for Medium Tasks: ARCHOM Telescopic Ladder
• Most Customizable: Xtend & Climb Telescoping Ladder
• Best for Indoor Tasks: Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder
• Best Multipurpose Ladder: Bowoshen Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder

Best Handling

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a weight capacity of 330 pounds
✔ Includes a smart-close system and one-button retraction
✔ Has compact storage and easy portability

✘ Some customers found it difficult to set up
✘ May not be as durable as some other models

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that some customers liked this ladder because it had a sturdy design, was compact, and was easy to close. However, others found the locking mechanism difficult to use, and others had issues getting the ladder set up properly.

Best for Medium Tasks

Pros and Cons

✔ Is waterproof and corrosion resistant
✔ Can hold up to 330 pounds
✔ Is available in several different sizes

✘ Velcro strap lacks durability
✘ May not support as much weight as it indicates

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who liked this product said it was easily maneuverable, lightweight, and had easily adjustable height levels. On the other hand, other customers felt it closed too quickly, and others felt it could have been sturdier.

Most Customizable

Pros and Cons

✔ Is compliant with ladder safety standards created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
✔ Contracts into a lightweight model that’s easy to store
✔ Comes with an integrated carrying handle

✘ Dismantling can be cumbersome
✘ Has a high price point

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that customers who gave this product a positive review said that it was easy to handle, was long-lasting, and had useful safety features. Alternatively, others who didn’t care for this ladder said that it could be hard to set up, while a few others said it was not easy to collapse.

Best for Indoor Tasks

Pros and Cons

✔ Is lightweight at 17 pounds
✔ Is made from high-quality, durable aluminum alloy
✔ Has non-slip end caps for added durability

✘ Has a smaller maximum height than other ladders
✘ May wobble when at full extension

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that customers who were pleased with this product liked that it was sturdy, easily collapsible, and easy to carry. On the other hand, we also saw some customers who said it was hard to stabilize and some who said the retracting motion could be difficult to get used to.

Best Multipurpose Ladder

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a large load capacity
✔ Is available in multiple sizes
✔ Has separate mechanical locks on rungs 2–15

✘ Some customers felt it couldn’t safely operate at its maximum load capacity
✘ Can be difficult to retract

What Customers Are Saying

We found that those who were pleased with this telescoping ladder said that it was made with durable materials, was well-designed, and was easily adjustable. However, we also noticed some customers who said this ladder was unstable, and others felt it was difficult to lock into place.

Telescoping Ladder Buyer’s Guide

Read our buying guide below to learn more about telescoping ladders and how to choose one.

Adjustable Height

Telescoping ladders will have a maximum height when at full extension. However, you can also open each rung individually, usually in 12-inch increments, allowing you to customize the ladder’s height to best fit your needs.

Duty Rating

This rating tells you how much weight your ladder can hold. This refers to your weight plus the weight of any items you bring.

The classes include:

• Type III: This ladder can hold up to 200 pounds
• Type II: This ladder has a maximum weight capacity of 225 pounds
• Type I: This type of ladder has a weight capacity of 250 pounds
• Type IA: These ladders can hold up to 300 pounds
• Type IAA: Ladders with this rating have a maximum capacity of 375 pounds

Feet and Treads

The feet are what keep your ladder stable. Most telescoping ladders have non-slip rubber feet or treads to prevent slipping.

Portability

The weight and closed size of your ladder will affect portability, as smaller and lighter ladders are easier to carry and store.

Some ladders may also come with cases to keep the ladder clean when it’s not in use.

Safety Tips for Using a Telescoping Ladder

Using a telescoping ladder, or any ladder for that manner, is something that can’t be done haphazardly. Falling off an unsteady ladder can cause serious injury or even death, so it’s essential to always operate the ladder as safely as possible.

Our team gathered the following important safety tips to remember when using a telescoping ladder. 

• Choose a sturdy and reliable ladder: Ensure your telescoping ladder is in good condition, with no visible signs of damage or wear. Check for any loose or broken parts before each use, and never use a ladder that appears compromised.
• Pay close attention to your specific ladder’s instructions: Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your ladder. Pay attention to weight capacity limits, height restrictions, and any recommended safety precautions.
• Set up on a stable surface: Before extending it, ensure that you set up your ladder on a flat and stable surface. Avoid using the ladder on slippery or uneven ground, as this can increase the risk of accidents. If necessary, use a ladder stabilizer or place the ladder on a non-slip mat for added stability. You can also have a friend or family member spotting you in case there was an emergency. 
• Maintain three points of contact: Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down a telescoping ladder. This means having either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times. This helps provide stability and reduces the chances of falling.
• Extend and retract the ladder carefully: When extending or retracting your telescoping ladder, do it slowly and carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid placing your hands or fingers between the rungs while adjusting the ladder to prevent any pinching injuries. Take your time and ensure that each section is securely locked in place before climbing.

Telescoping Ladder FAQ

What are telescoping ladders made of?

Telescoping ladders are typically made of aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, affordable, and rust-resistant. However, it can’t hold as much weight as fiberglass, which is used to make standard extension ladders.

How do I safely use my telescoping ladder?

Here are some safety tips for using a telescoping ladder:

• Wear close-toed shoes that won’t slide off your feet.
• Inspect the ladder before every use to ensure it’s working properly.
• Use work gloves for better grip while climbing.
• Use at least one hand to climb the ladder.
• If you need to carry more than one item up the ladder, use a lanyard, a belt hook, or another method to secure the items to your body.

What does it mean if my telescoping ladder meets ANSI or OSHA safety standards?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) create safety standards for ladders. The ANSI also tests ladders to ensure they meet its standards. Testing isn’t a requirement, so just because a ladder says it meets ANSI or OSHA standards doesn’t mean it has been tested to prove that.

How We Selected the Best Telescoping Ladders

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of ladders with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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