The 8 Best Extension Ladders 2023

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Reach your gutters, rooftop, or exterior windows with ease.

Unlike step ladders that have a fixed height, extension ladders let you adjust their length, allowing you to shrink them back to a more manageable size when not in use. This design makes them ideal for tasks that require you to access tall heights, like cleaning out your gutters, painting the outside of your house, or hanging Christmas lights.

Traditional extension ladders have two sections—a “base” and “fly”—that slide together and lock in to your preferred height, but there are now several different types, like telescopic models, and A-frame ladders that can swing one side up to double their length.

Keep in mind that working on any type of ladder is dangerous, so make sure to follow any and all safety recommendations and precautions that come with your ladder.

Do you plan on using your ladder anywhere near power lines or live wiring? If so, you should definitely opt for a fiberglass option, since they don’t conduct electricity like aluminum ladders. You should also think about what exactly you’re going to be using your ladder for. Take the time to figure out the measurements of the room, ceiling, or roof that you plan on accessing with your ladder, and base your selection on that, otherwise you could end up with an extra long ladder that is impractical to store, or one so short that it loses its function.

My years of designing, crafting, and installing large furniture pieces have given me a significant amount of experience with all types of ladders, including extension ladders. I used this experience to curate this list, taking the time to balance it out with a variety of options. I made sure to include a range of ladder styles, including a couple of multipurpose options that can also be used as A-frame options. These are shorter than most models, but would still be a great choice for anyone starting from scratch, and only plan on using their extension ladder occasionally.

For more home-maintenance accessories, check out our top picks for step ladders, paint rollers, and pressure washers.

Ladder manufacturers these days are paying more attention to creating a multifunctional top platform, and this Louisville model is a great example of that.

The integrated work tray on this ladder makes it especially useful for home repairs and other tasks that require small hand tools and accessories. Its four holes are perfect for storing screwdrivers, and the larger opening keeps your power drill handy and off your belt, which reduces the twisting and bending that can lead to falling off balance. A V-shaped cutout in the top also allows you to easily position it on the corner of a building.

We love the bright orange color of this ladder, which increases visibility and reduces the chances of anyone tripping over it while in use. Its swiveling safety shoe makes this a great option for a variety of surfaces, with rubber no-skid treads that can flip up to reveal a point, allowing it to stick into rough terrain and provide a sturdy foundation.

Metal guides keep both the base and fly sections of the ladder in line, and eliminate the chance of it overextending. Plus, its heavy-duty rung locks give you the peace of mind that the ladder is secure while you work.

This is one of the lightest options we included on our list, and at just 18 pounds, would be great for users who are unable to handle heavy ladders, or just don’t want to deal with the hassle. Its 200-pound capacity is a bit lower than similar-sized options, though, and keep in mind that includes your weight in addition to the weight of any tools you may be carrying.

The low price of this ladder makes it a great choice for those who don’t have the budget for—or aren’t ready to make the investment in—a larger ladder.

This 16-foot Werner ladder provides all the benefits of a fiberglass model at a budget-friendly price. It’s sturdy enough to support up to 300 pounds of weight, and the slip-resistant D-rungs should provide a safe and stable climbing surface. Plus, the spring-loaded rung locks ensure smooth and secure adjustments.

At 36 pounds, it is a bit heavier than our other fiberglass options, but if you’re strong enough to handle it, the savings could be worth the extra effort.

Though it extends to 12.5 feet in length, it can also be extended to shorter heights, making it convenient for those times you just need a little boost to reach a light bulb or first-story window. It’s also easier to store than nearly any other extension ladder you’ll find, able to retract to a manageable 2.9 feet.

Plus, its impressive 250-pound load capacity means it can handle a decent amount of weight. The plastic components probably won’t be able to stand up to heavy use, but for the occasional project, it should do just fine.

It’s not cheap, but the versatility offered by this Little Giant ladder could be worth it to the right customer. Its multifunctional design allows it to be used as both an extension ladder as well as a classic A-frame, making it useful for a variety of tasks.

It’s also simple to adjust by folding up the rear legs, and may be ideal for users who are intimidated by the sliding “base and fly” design of typical extension ladders. Its rotating wall pad is also a great perk, allowing you to set up against flat walls, inside and outside corners, and even wood studs.

Though its reach extends to 12.5 feet in length, it can also be extended to shorter heights, making it convenient for those times you just need a little boost to reach a lightbulb or first-story window. It’s also easier to store than nearly any other extension ladder you’ll find, able to retract to a manageable 27 inches.

Plus, its 250-pound load capacity means it can handle a decent amount of weight. The plastic components probably won’t be able to stand up to heavy use, but for the occasional project it should do just fine.

In addition to extending to a height of 13 feet, this versatile little model can also be used as an A-frame ladder, as well as an asymmetrical staircase configuration. We appreciate the wide-flared legs and the strong aluminum framing, which result in a secure and stable unit, however you decide to use it. It’s also fairly convenient to store, and completely folds up to just 8 inches wide.

Though they might look a little intimidating, Little Giant ladders are remarkably simple to use, and their spring-loaded locks are easy to loosen and lock into place.

Aluminum ladders are known for their durability, and this Louisville model is no different. In addition to being supported by heavy-duty I-beam rails, the end caps on the tops and bottoms of the fly section protect against bumps and drops.

This ladder is also designed to support up to 300 pounds of weight at once, and the D-shaped rungs give users much-needed stability when climbing and descending the unit. Its large, 24-foot length does make it a bit heavier than other options, and at 42 pounds, you may require a buddy to move it around.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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