Best Mini Stepper Machines Reviewed

Mini Stepper Comparison Table 

Types of Stepper Machines

Mini

Mini steppers will often give you more of an actual rotation than the regular steppers do. Not only that, but you can use them either sitting down or standing up, depending on your preference. Many include handlebars so you can use them standing up without having to worry about falling over or solely using your balance.

Twist

These are just like your typical mini stepper, but there is one definite difference: these include a pedal twist. The twisting works in toning various areas of the body, and help strengthen your core muscles like the obliques and abdominals. These help to give a complete workout as increased core strength helps in just about everything you do. 

Elliptical

Stair

Benefits of Mini Steppers

Finding the Best Mini Stepper - Buying Guide

Size & Weight Capacity

How much room do you have in your space to be working out in? Where will you be using it? Many of us use them under our desks at our home or work office, while others may prefer to use it in the living room while watching TV, or somewhere else. Make sure the dimensions of the portable stepper fit the space you have in mind.

Aside from the size, make sure your stepper can support your weight! Each model will vary, so get one that can support at least 10 more pounds than your current weight to be safe.

Durability & Stability

As your stepper is going to be supporting your entire weight, you want it to be made well, and of sturdy materials. Make sure that while it's heavy-duty, it's also lightweight enough for you to transport easily. My favorite models are typically made with aluminum, as it's the perfect balance between durability and lightweight. Keep in mind that there are some less-important components of the step-up machine that can be made of “cheaper” materials, like plastics to help reduce both price and weight.

Cylinder System

Quite possibly, the most critical component of each mini stepper is the hydraulic cylinder/s. The cylinders are made to be very durable, allowing you to use them for extended periods. It's crucial to select a model with high-quality cylinders. Otherwise, there's a good chance they could overheat which will result in noisiness or damage.

Resistance & Step Height

To get the most out of your mini stepper, look for a model with various resistance levels and step heights to choose from. You should be able to adjust the step height precisely to your liking. Multiple resistance levels are important to have, as over time you're going to get stronger, and the level that used to be challenging for you will become easy. At a minimum, look for a model that has at least 3.

Pedal Movement

You'll find that different models feature different types of pedal movements. Some will have an elliptical/straight forward movement which almost resembles rollerblading. Most will move up and down, simulating walking up the stairs, and some will even twist a bit, which further helps to strengthen the core muscles and provides more of a challenge.

Noise Level

Even if you're not worried about bothering anyone else, noisy machines can be annoying if you like to watch TV or listen to music, or enjoy the sound of silence while working out. However, if you're planning on bringing your stepper to use at work, silence is crucial, so as not to disturb your coworkers or boss!

Extra Features

Though individually, they may not be the reason you select a certain model, together, they can make or break your experience.

For example, a clear and large digital display will make it easy to track where you are in your workout, even from standing up or sitting at your desk. You want to make sure you can see the distance traveled, calories burned, and time spent/left.

Some models have dials to let you quickly adjust the tension levels, while others feature bands that are used to add or reduce tension.

If you're new to stepping or aren't so great with your balance, then selecting a mini stepper with handlebars is also very helpful. I'd recommend those with removable handlebars, so when your core is stronger, you won't feel obstructed.

Price & Warranty

As with most purchases, the cost is a factor in how we value mini steppers. I've done my best to feature products that come packed with an array of valuable features while remaining at a budget-friendly price.

Warranties help to give you an idea of the quality you’ll be receiving. It’s a manufacturer’s way of telling you more or less how long their product is going to last you without issues. This means that the longer the warranty, the less money you’ll probably have to spend and the more use you’ll get out of it!

1. Soozier A90-147

2. BEOUZO Fitness

Our next stepper exercise machine is the BEOUSO Fitness Stair Stepper, which helps you make the most of your workout by taking your traditional small stepper and twisting things up. They've incorporated a twisting motion on the pedals so it will help engage and work out your entire body.

With this motion, it's easy for your feet to start sliding around. That is if the pedals weren't textured. The large pedals on the BEOUZO are made to be non-slip and promote blood flow to the soles of the feet, which helps with recovery. If you take your shoes off, the unique surface also gives you a wonderful massage-like experience as you pedal away!

Incorporating European-standard hydraulic cylinders, the machine is extremely quiet to use yet very durable as well. Its internal energy spring helps to keep the joints safe, simultaneously cushioning.

If you want to take your workout to the next level, the package even comes with 2 resistance bands so that you can work out your upper body as well. To keep you on track, the LCD display will let you know the time passed, row count, total count, and calories.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness NO. 012S

If you’re on the hunt for a well-rounded stepper exercise machine, then look no further than the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands. It allows you to work out every part of your body while remaining compact enough to be used in just about any size of space! This makes it perfect if you’re looking to take it with you to the office and back home again.

Despite being so convenient and efficient, the portable stepper is one of the most affordable selections out there. If you're looking for one of the best portable stepper machines but don't want to empty the wallet, then I couldn't recommend this Sunny NO.012S model more.

With resistance bands that connect right to the step machine, you don't have to worry about them coming loose and having to stop your workout to go chase after them. With a weight capacity of up to 220 pounds, most users will be able to comfortably use the device. Slip-resistant footplates ensure you keep your balance and a solid grip at all times. Finally, the digital monitor presents the distance and time, so you know how close you are to hitting your goals!

4. Stamina In-Motion E1000

Contrary to what many may think, not all mini steppers can be used sitting down. If you'd like to move your legs while playing video games or watching Netflix or at least have the option to use it sitting or standing, check out the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer.

Not only will you receive high quality, but you'll receive it at an extremely affordable price. Coming with a 90-day warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on the frame, the manufacturer has built it to last. Pedal either forward or backward to target different muscle groups and change up your workout, so your body pushes through plateaus.

Coming in either Green, Orange, or Silver, you have a few options when it comes to personalizing your cardio mini stepper. Each one looks sleek, modern, and well put together. Adjust tension with ease thanks to the adjustable dial, even while you’re using it. The display monitor will clearly show your stats, so you know how far you need to go to reach your daily goal.

5. Xiser Commercial

The Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster is here to show us that not every stepper is made to the same level of quality. While it’s more expensive than others on this guide, it’s more than worth it if you’re looking for the highest level of performance and durability.

While I’ve seen results from every mini stepper I’ve used on this guide, I’ve never seen such drastic results as with the Xiser. It's the only model that can be used for sprint training HIIT and aerobic protocols!

Just like airplanes and high-quality sports bikes, this model is made from aluminum. Aluminum is the perfect choice here, due to how simultaneously durable and lightweight it is. Judging by the fact that the maximum weight capacity is an impressive 400 pounds, I’d say it is indeed quite tough. The model itself is surprisingly lightweight, however, at just 14 pounds!

Designed by Ph.D.'s in the United States, you can feel confident that this mini stepper workout machine is made with precision. With hydraulic resistance, motions are always fluid and even while ensuring it’s 100% stable at all times. You’ll also receive several resistance settings which you can adjust with the knob on the frame in just seconds.

Once you’re finished, it can be easily folded up to be stored just about anywhere or transported with ease.

6. GOPLUS 

The GOPLUS Mini Stepper is another excellent mini-workout machine that's ideal if you're limited on space or are trying to find a suitable model on a budget. Weighing 16 pounds, it's just a bit heavier than the last product, making it very easy to take with you to the office and back home again. However, keep in mind that the weight capacity is much lower, at 220 pounds. The machine is so compact that transportation is no issue.

Once again drawing similarities to the Xiser, the GOPLUS uses hydraulic resistance to give you a smooth and reliable workout each time you use it. The large, non-slip pedals also work to provide safe operation, and the buffer and steadiness keep your knees and ankles protected from injury.

Much like the Sunny Health & Fitness NO.012S model, it also comes with two 35-inch resistance bands which can help you to keep your arms, waist, and stomach in shape. The LCD display will show you time, scan, rep count, total count and calories burned so you can keep track of your progress easily.

7. Marcy Home Cardio 

If you're starting out with exercising or your balance isn't the best, then you may feel like mini steppers are ruled out for you. That's not the case at all, thanks to mini steppers that come with handlebars, like the Marcy Home Cardio Exercise Mini Stepper!

Made with a sturdy steel frame, this little mini stepper machine is made for the long haul and is capable of holding up to 250 pounds. Despite its toughness, it is relatively sleek and thin so, despite its height, it's very compact and easy to use in any room in the house. The handlebars are ergonomically designed to ensure your spine stays appropriately aligned while reducing any risk of strains or sprains.

If your lower body isn’t very strong yet, you can even use them to support your upper body. The hydraulic drive system is similar to a few others on this guide, working to absorb shock and using fluid power to ensure gentleness on your joints. If you're dealing with knee stiffness and pain, then the Marcy Mini Stepper is an excellent option.

To help you remain comfortable on your feet, the pedals are made extra-wide and have a non-slip surface with rubber polymer that let you use any training shoes with them.

8. Sunny Health & Fitness NO. 045

The Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper No. 45 is the ultimate all-in-one machine to get your entire body in better shape. Start to feel and look better after just a week of using it! So, what does this mini stepper have that others don’t? It features up-and-down and side-to-side action along with attached resistant bands. Reach down and twist the knob to adjust your intensity in mere moments.

The twisting motion helps to improve your balance, activating your glutes, abdominals, and obliques further. Resistance bands help to strengthen your shoulders, traps, biceps, pectorals, triceps, and more. 

While you're twisting, you don't have to be concerned over your feet moving around. The fitness foot pedals are textured to ensure you keep safe footing the entire time. To make sure your stepper is at the ideal height for you, increase or decrease height with the included height adjustment knob. During all of this, your LCD display will keep track of time, calories burned, rep count, and total count.

9. Sunny Health and Fitness P8000

Finally, we have one more product from Sunny Health & Fitness. This time, we’re going to take a look at their Adjustable Mini Stair Stepper P8000 which is also a twister. You'll get the up-and-down and side-to-side movement which is ideal if you want to sculpt your glutes and thighs. Aside from looks, it will rapidly improve your balance, which will help you in your day-to-day life and with sports.

Despite looking pink and rather delicate, the steel construction makes it a very sturdy machine that's made to hold up to 220 pounds. You can use the height adjustment knob to change the step motion height, which can broaden your fitness horizons and work with a wider array of exercises.

Oversized, slip-resistant footplates make it comfortable and simple to use, without having to worry about sliding off or losing your balance. The digital display screen will show you time passed, total count, steps/minute, calories burned, and scan to keep you feeling motivated and achieving your goals.

Optional Mini Stepper Features

Handlebars

Handlebars are great if you're an absolute beginner to stepping or if your balance isn't quite where you want it to be. If you're not sure if you can stay balanced adequately on your own, it's best to select a model that comes with removable handlebars. If you end up not needing them, great! If you would like to use them to support your upper body while you gain strength in your lower body, that’s another handy way of using them.

Ideally, the handlebars will be covered with a comfy foam covering so your hands don’t get blisters or chafed. You’ll also want them to be ergonomically designed to prevent any potential strains or sprains.

Resistance Bands

As you probably noticed, there were a few models I covered above that come with resistance bands. Some are removable, while others do come attached to the machine. These are an excellent way to work out your entire body at once, saving you time and giving you the best bang for your buck. They can help you shed body fat quicker and help tone your muscles in your upper body.

Progress Tracking

While not everyone will want it, having a display that shows your progress can be motivating. Not only that but tracking your progress is essential if you're going to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. If you can, try to select a model that provides stats like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, time spent, and more.

Mini Stepper vs. Regular Stepper Machines

Mini Stepper vs. Twist Stepper

Your standard mini stepper is just going to work in an up-and-down motion, just as if you were taking little steps up the stairs. Doing this repetitively can tone the legs while also giving you cardiovascular benefits.

Twist steppers use our “balance” muscles more, which include the obliques, abdominals, and inner and outer thigh muscles. These can more closely emulate jogging and also work to burn more calories as you're using more muscles. Keep in mind that if you have a knee injury or pain, you should avoid the twist steppers, which may aggravate it more. 

How to Use Mini Steppers

Before doing anything, you must read the included user guide that comes with your mini stepper in case it has any model-specific instructions you’ll need to keep in mind.

Keep proper posture, tightening your abs, and maintaining a neutral spine. If you have balance issues, make sure to use your handlebars or stay within a couple of feet of a wall. If seated, also keep your core tight and avoid arching your back. Press on each pedal until it's pressed down entirely, then letting that foot come back up as you push down with the other foot.

Most machines will require you to use an athletic shoe, though there are a couple of models which have pedals that work both with or without shoes.

Safety Tips When Exercising with Mini Steppers

Care & Maintenance of Mini Steppers

Properly caring and maintaining your mini stepper will drastically extend its lifespan. Regularly clean off the pedals my using a soft cloth and a mixture of soap and water to get rid of any dirt and grime that may have accumulated on it.

Another crucial part of maintenance is to regularly check the bolts to make sure they’re properly tightened. You don’t want them coming loose while you’re using it. Aside from that, make sure that it’s always oiled well enough. If not, then it’s not going to perform as well as it should, and it could result in some annoying squeaking!

Mini Pedal Stepper Exercises

There are pretty much countless possibilities as to what you can do on your mini pedal stepper, and many benefits too. However, you should decide on an exercise routine that works best for your body and goals, and stick to it.

People also Ask (FAQs)

Can you do anaerobic and aerobic workouts with a mini stepper machine?

Yes, you can! All you need to do is adjust your stance. If you're standing tall with your back straight, you can perform continuous steps (aerobic), and if you bend your knees and focus on just using your lower body, you can do 50 seconds of HIIT (anaerobic). Try envisioning a glass of water on your head for the latter, keeping your head from bobbing around.

Is a mini stepper a good workout machine?

Yes, it is. It's perfect for burning extra calories throughout the day, increasing blood flow, and strengthening and toning muscles throughout the body.

How many calories does a mini stepper burn?

This will greatly vary, depending on the effort you put in, if you’re using a standard or twisting stepper, how much you weigh, and your body composition. Generally, though, you can expect to burn around 80 to 100 calories every 10 minutes you’re on your stepper.

Is using a stepper the same as walking?

It is comparable to walking as the movements are similar, but you can adjust the stepper to increase its resistance, which lets you burn more calories than if you were walking on the flat ground.

How long should I use a mini stepper?

It's recommended that you don't use them for longer than 15 minutes at a time. This is to avoid the machine from overheating, but you can, of course, use them various times throughout the day by ensuring its properly cooled down first.

Do mini steppers have warranties?

Most of the high-quality ones do, yes. Of course, the length of these warranties does vary. Some come with a mere 90 days while others come with up to 5 years of coverage!

Is it worth adding a mini stepper to my home gym?

Absolutely. No matter who you are, you can benefit from adding a mini stepper to your home. They're a great form of low-impact cardio, which is perfect if you have pain in your joints. Not only that but if you're just getting into working out, they're helpful in toning and shaping muscles in your legs and core.

Conclusion

Now that you’re practically a pro in all things mini steppers, which one is the one that will arrive on your doorstep? If you’re unsure, let me recommend to you the Soozier Adjustable once again. It is small and compact yet comes with everything you need from beginner to advanced fitness levels.

The pedals ensure you won’t fall off, and you can adjust the resistance and height to your liking. I hope that this guide has helped you select the best mini stepper for you. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon!