Ladders are essential for homeowners and professional contractors. However, it becomes a challenge to store, transport, and use bulky standard ladders. As a result, different manufacturers have improved the traditional ladders to telescoping ladders.

Telescoping ladders are a smart device that retracts and folds down to a smaller and less bulky size. This feature makes it easy to transport from one working area to the other. Storing also becomes more manageable due to this feature. Furthermore, they are lighter than other standard ladders, and their height is adjustable. This means that you can use them in different spaces without any problem.

But when it comes to the decision on which ladder to go for, it’s essential to consider your safety. Other factors like weight, the material used to make, and the maximum height are also aspects you should consider. 

And given the fact that choosing from a wide range of products is overwhelming, we have outlined and discussed the best telescoping ladders in this review.

Through our Pros and Cons sections, we will highlight the best features each one has to offer. Also, have a better insight about the items below through the verdicts we composed with the guidance of our field experts.

Once you have made your best choice, be sure to click the buttons below to see their best deals on Amazon!

Best Telescoping Ladders Comparison & Rating

Telescoping Ladders

Features

Toolitin Telescoping Ladder,12.5 FT One Button Retraction Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder,Slow Down Design Extendable Ladders Portable Best for Household Daily or RV Work,330 Pound Capacity…
  • one-button retraction
  • erospace engineered 6061 aluminum alloy
  • available in 4 sizes (8.5’, 10.5’, 12.5’, 15.5’)
Xtend & Climb 770P telescoping-ladders, 12.5 ft, Yellow/Gray
  • 12.5 feet
  • no-pinch closure system feature
  • can hold a weight of up to 225 pounds
Yvan Telescoping Ladder,12.5 FT One Button Retraction Aluminum Telescopic Extension Extendable Ladder,Slow Down Design Multi-Purpose Ladder for Household Daily or Hobbies,330 Lb Capacity
  • oxidized to prolong their durability
  • maximum load of 330lb/150kgs
  • available in three sizes (8.5’, 10.5’, and 12.5’)
Ohuhu 12.5 FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder, One-Button Retraction Extension Ladder, Collapsible Ladders with Spring Loaded Locking Mechanism, Telescopic Compact Ladders for Home, 330 Pound Capacity
  • available in two sizes (8.5’ and 12.5’)
  • 330 pounds capacity
  • non-slip cap
WolfWise 15.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Stabilizer, Telescopic Extension Ladder 330 Pounds Capacity
  • available in two sizes (12.5’ and 15.5’)
  • premium aluminum alloy
  • stabilizer bar and non-slip mat

1. Toolitin Telescoping Ladder

Toolitin Telescoping Ladder,12.5 FT One Button Retraction Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder,Slow Down Design Extendable Ladders Portable Best for Household Daily or RV Work,330 Pound Capacity…
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

Toolitin

Weight

17.46 pounds/22.3 pounds/26.2 pounds/40.6 pounds

Material

Aluminum

Size

Available in 4 sizes (8.5’, 10.5’, 12.5’, 15.5’)

98%
stability
97%
durability
98%
features
97%
ease of use
Pros:
  • Durable. Made with premium aluminum alloy and plastic parts are reinforced with nylon fiber to improve aging resistance and extend service life.
  • Lightweight, easy to carry, but it can support a weight of up to 330 pounds.
  • Takes less time to retract. You just press a thumb button, and the ladder slides down in a matter of seconds and effortlessly.
  • Convenient and less storage space. You can store it behind the cabinet or door, under the bed, and if you want to carry it, it fits perfectly in the trunk of your car and use it anywhere.
  • Has skid-proof pedals. The anti-skid design makes it comfortable and safe when in use.
  • Has Adopt Air damper. Helps the ladder to retract slowly and effortlessly from its maximum length to a compact size.
  • Easy to carry. It has a skid-proof handle which gives a comfy hold. More so, you can walk with it directly and around the house without bumping on things.
  • Has an upgraded structure that has an intelligent locking mechanism in each rung. This feature ensures each rung folds smoothly when the ladder is retracting. This also reduces and solves the problem of pinching your hands.
Cons:
  • No swivel feet at the base to aid it while being set on the ground.
  • Challenging to manage due to its height.
  • The 8.5' ladder is a bit heavy for its size.
Final Take:

This collapsible ladder is a good helper at home. You can use it to paint your walls, clean the windows, change a faulty bulb or even trim the roof. To open the ladder to full length, hold hand grips on each side of the rung and pull up to extend the rung. You will hear a "click" sound when each rung is fully extended. This sound confirms that the locks are engaged to that specific level. To open an intermediate length, stabilize the ladder by putting your foot on the bottom rung. Starting with the second rung from the bottom side, hold the hand grips on each side of the rung and pull upwards to extend the steps. This telescopic ladder is very easy to use for both homeowners and professionals.

2. Xtend & Climb 770P Telescoping Ladder

Xtend & Climb 770P telescoping-ladders, 12.5 ft, Yellow/Gray
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

Xtend & Climb

Weight

27 pounds

Material

Aluminum

Size

12.5 feet

98%
stability
96%
durability
95%
features
95%
ease of use
Pros:
  • Easy to store. It has a compact retracted height of 32 inches, making it great for small storage areas.
  • Has non slip end caps. These caps give support and avoid falling when the ladder is in use.
  • Easy and safe to use. The ladder has a no-pinch closure system feature that protects you by letting you know when the rungs are locked into place. The ladder also has indicator tabs that light red/green to let you know when the steps are locked in place and when the ladder is ready to climb.
  • Portable, and you can maneuver with it even in hard-to-reach areas in and around your house.
  • Can extend to the desired length.
  • Rungs are tough to ensure sturdy footing with no problems.
  • Strong. It can hold a weight of up to 225 pounds.
  • Made of aerospace-engineered 6061 alloy.
Cons:
  • Harsh closing mechanism. It can injure your fingers if not used carefully.
Final Take:

Considering the small space, it occupies when retracted. It is an ideal ladder for homeowners to have. It's an excellent alternative for the standard bulky ladders. The ladder has an angled thumb release which ensures proper hand positioning that helps safe operation and easy adjustments for everyone in your household. This ladder is also manufactured using aerospace engineered 6061 alloys with a touch of anodized finish, making the ladder heavy-duty and durable. The rungs are also firm enough to hold 225 pounds, which it can withstand easily around the house jobs.

3. Yvan One-Button RetractionTelescoping Ladder

Yvan Telescoping Ladder,12.5 FT One Button Retraction Aluminum Telescopic Extension Extendable Ladder,Slow Down Design Multi-Purpose Ladder for Household Daily or Hobbies,330 Lb Capacity
Specifications:
94% Overall

Brand

Yvan

Weight

15.43 pounds/19.37 pounds/25.6 pounds

Material

Aluminum

Size

Available in three sizes (8.5’, 10.5’, and 12.5’)

95%
stability
95%
durability
93%
features
92%
ease of use
Pros:
  • Made from premium aluminum alloy. The aluminum surfaces are oxidized to prolong their durability.
  • Nylon fiber reinforcement on the plastic parts improves stability, load capacity and extends the service life of the ladder.
  • The ladder can withstand a maximum load of 330 lbs / 150 kgs.
  • One-button retraction function. You just press one button and the ladder retracts to its compact size.
  • Has an intelligent interlocking mechanism. You can adjust the height of the ladder as desired by only pressing the buttons under each rung and each step falls smoothly.
  • Lightweight. It is easy to carry around since it has a weight of just 25.5 pounds.
  • Space-saving. Since it's retractable to a compact size, you can store it under the bed, behind the door, or even behind the cabinet.
  • Available in three sizes (8.5’, 10.5’, and 12.5’). You can use it to clean your windows, climb the tree, paint the walls, or changing the bulb.
Cons:
  • For the ladder to retract into the locking position, you need to extend it fully.
Final Take:

This telescoping ladder is ideal for homeowners. This ladder is safe because it has a one-button retraction mechanism. You simply press the button and the ladder descends smoothly from its maximum height to its compact size. For you to adjust each rung, you just press the red buttons under each rung. This also will adjust the height of the ladder to your desired height. This telescoping ladder also solves the problem of pinching your hands since each step falls slowly.

4. Ohuhu Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

Ohuhu 12.5 FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder, One-Button Retraction Extension Ladder, Collapsible Ladders with Spring Loaded Locking Mechanism, Telescopic Compact Ladders for Home, 330 Pound Capacity
Specifications:
93% Overall

Brand

Ohuhu

Weight

16.91 pounds/25.3 pounds

Material

Aluminum.

Size

Available in two sizes (8.5’ and 12.5’)

95%
stability
94%
durability
91%
features
90%
ease of use
Pros:
  • The ladder has a one-button retraction design. You only press one button when you want to reduce its size.
  • Lightweight and portable. It is easy to carry from one place to another without so much effort.
  • The rungs are strong. They can support up to 330 lbs.
  • Has a high-quality extension mechanism that allows you to adjust to the height you need quickly and effortlessly.
  • Has a portable grip handle. The grip makes it easier to carry it with no trouble.
  • Safe to use. The high-quality construction ensures that each section of the ladder expands and retracts safely without injuring your fingers.
  • Has intelligent locking pins which hold the sections in place and prevents sliding when the ladder is retracting.
  • Fitted with a non-slip cap. The cap ensures that the ladder does not sway or slip when it in use.
Cons:
  • Takes some effort to pull.
  • The steps are not level and flat when you lean the ladder against the wall.
Final Take:

This ladder is undoubtedly one of the best telescoping ladders that will save your space. The ladder has a bonus heavy-duty carrying strap. It ensures that the ladder stays closed in tight areas such as the garage, shed, or car's trunk. The ladder has a one-button retraction design that works by pressing the two thumb buttons to retract the whole ladder at one time. To adjust the ladder from a high level to a low level, you press the two red buckles under each step—the same way to retract upper rungs one at a time.

5. WolfWise Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

WolfWise 15.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Stabilizer, Telescopic Extension Ladder 330 Pounds Capacity
Specifications:
92% Overall

Brand

WolfWise

Weight

24.7 pounds/35.3 pounds

Material

Aluminum

Size

Available in two sizes (12.5’ and 15.5’)

92%
stability
93%
durability
90%
features
92%
ease of use
Pros:
  • Has a stabilizer bar. The bar improves the stability and safety of the ladder. You don’t have to worry about swaying when using the ladder.
  • Shutter-proof bumping. The bumps prevent the ladder from cracking easily.
  • Easy to fold. The ladder retracts from its full extension by pushing the switch button.
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can carry the ladder outside for roof work, and you can also use it to change a bulb indoors.
  • Has a compact size of 49 x 100 x 5 cm. It can fit even in limited spaces such as under the bed and in the trunk of your car.
  • You can adjust it to specific requirements such as hanging picture frames, painting a wall, or repairing a roof.
  • It can support a weight of up to 330 pounds/ 150 kgs.
Cons:
  • It’s a little heavy to carry around.
  • The instructional manual is quite vague.
  • Not ideal for humid or wet conditions as it can damage the ladder.
Final Take:

This telescoping ladder is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The independent locks allow you to adjust the height of the ladder to the desired height. You can extend it all the way, and when on top, you can retract the top steps from being too high to the height you want. You can achieve this by simply pushing the red retracting buttons at the bottom of every rung. More so, you can extend it starting from the bottom to as high as you can reach. It also has a wide base that makes it more stable. You are safe when working since the ladder won’t sway. They also design it with a crush resistance at the joint to extend its service life. Ensures that the ladder serves for the longest time.

Best Telescoping Ladders - Buyer's Guide

storage and portability

Telescoping ladders fold down easily. This feature makes them easy to store and transport from one working area to another. While getting a telescopic ladder, get the one that occupies less space and is lightweight so that you can have a simple time carrying and storing it. It’s good to choose the one that can fit anywhere when it’s retracted.

height

The maximum extendable height it can reach is significant. Every telescopic ladder can reach different heights. Depending on your purpose of getting the ladder, choose the ideal height to avoid disappointments. For homeowners, you can go for lesser heights than a professional contractor who needs to get to slightly higher heights.

weight capacity

When getting a ladder for your home, consider the people who will use it and their weights. Some ladders cannot hold so much weight. Choose a ladder that can hold your weight firmly without collapsing or getting ruined.

safety

Your health is significant when it comes to choosing products like ladders. An ideal ladder should be stable enough to hold your weight without slipping or swaying when you are working. Always go for telescopic ladders that cannot injure you, be it while working or carrying it around.

application

What type of work do you need the ladder for? If you work on the ladder the entire day for weeks or even months, you need a sturdy and substantial telescopic ladder. It should also have heavy-duty rungs. A quality telescoping ladder is up to nearly any job. Get yourself a quality ladder.

Best Telescoping Ladders - FAQs

What is the difference between ladder height and reach height?

The ladder height is the distance from the base of the ladder to the top step. This height is simply the normal height of the ladder. While reach height is the maximum height you can achieve when standing at the ladder's topmost rung.

Can a telescopic ladder extend and I use less than its maximum height?

Yes, it’s possible. Individual rung locking capability is one feature of telescopic ladders. Individual rung lock allows you to extend and lock each rung individually. This feature gives you the ability to use the ladder at any height between its fully extended positions to its fully retracted position.

How should I store my ladder?

Since telescopic ladders retract to a smaller size, there are so many storage options. However, the best way to store it is in an upright position and a dry place.

How do I safely open my ladder?

It’s straightforward to open a telescopic ladder. You hold the handgrips on each side of the steps/rungs and pull up to extend the steps. If there is a button on each step, press on the buttons one rung at a time on both sides until you reach your desired height.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.