Best Stair Lifts for Home (2026): Five Brands Compared
A stair lift keeps you in your home instead of moving to a one-story rental or assisted living. The five leading brands cost $3,000 to $6,000 for straight staircases. Here is how they compare on what matters.
Last reviewed: May 2026
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Acorn Stairlifts pricing checked August 2026 at the vendor's own site. Vendor pricing and plan names change, so confirm before you buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Acorn 130 | Bruno Elite | Stannah 260 | Handicare 1100 | Harmar SL350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (straight) | $3,000 to $4,000 | $3,500 to $5,000 | $4,000 to $6,000 | $3,000 to $4,500 | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Weight capacity | 265 lbs (440 HD) | 400 lbs (700 HD) | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Battery backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Curved rail option | Yes (180 model) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty (parts) | 12 months | 5 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| US manufactured | No (UK) | Yes (Wisconsin) | No (UK) | No (Netherlands) | Yes |
| Rental program | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Brand Summaries
Acorn 130
The most widely installed stair lift in the US, about half the market. Fast installation (1 to 2 days), certified technician included, and available everywhere. The 265-pound standard capacity covers most users. Best for anyone who wants a fast, reliable solution without overcomplicating it.
Bruno Elite SRE-2010
Made in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin since 1984. The standout for heavier users (700-lb heavy-duty option, unique in the market) and buyers who want US manufacturing plus the longest warranty in the class: 5 years on parts and labor. Costs more. Worth it if weight capacity or origin matters.
Stannah 260
98 years of manufacturing history from the UK. Solid build quality and smooth ride. Priced at the higher end ($4,000 to $6,000). A good option if you want a well-known brand with a long track record and do not mind the premium.
Handicare 1100
Notable for its quiet motor, good if noise is a concern in an open-plan home. Mid-range price at $3,000 to $4,500. Standard 265-lb capacity. Solid but not differentiated from Acorn at this price point.
Harmar SL350
US-made (Sarasota, Florida) with 400-lb standard capacity and a rental program. Good choice for heavier users who also want a rental option or a US-made product at a slightly lower price than Bruno.
Key Facts
- Medicare does NOT cover stair lifts. Only Medicaid HCBS waiver programs may cover them in qualifying states.
- For narrow staircases (as small as 28 inches wide), compact models from Acorn and Bruno fit where standard models do not.
- All five brands include battery backup so the lift works during power outages.
- Curved staircases cost significantly more ($8,000 to $14,000+) because the rail is custom-built per staircase.
- Rental programs from Bruno and Harmar make short-term use affordable without a full purchase commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover a stair lift?
No. Traditional Medicare does not cover stair lifts. They are classified as home modifications, not durable medical equipment. Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers may cover stair lifts in some states for qualifying low-income individuals. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out what is available in your state.
How long do stair lifts last?
A quality stair lift lasts 10 to 15 years with normal use. Bruno and Stannah models are known for long service lives. Most manufacturers offer 1- to 5-year warranties on parts and labor, with extended warranty programs available. Regular annual maintenance extends the life significantly.
What weight capacity do I need?
Most standard stair lifts handle 265 to 300 pounds. If the user weighs more, Bruno offers a heavy-duty model rated to 700 pounds, the highest in the residential market. Always buy for the user's current weight plus a comfortable margin. Weight capacity cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Can I rent a stair lift instead of buying?
Yes. Bruno and Harmar both offer rental programs, which make sense for post-surgery recovery or short-term needs. Rental costs vary by market but typically run $150 to $300 per month. After 12 to 18 months of renting, buying outright is usually more economical.
The part you can buy today
Every lift here is sold and fitted by its maker. These are the separate items that help on any staircase.
Gorilla Grip Peel and Stick Stair Treads
8 x 28 in, 4 pack
Grip for wooden stairs. Peels back off without leaving a mess.
Check price on Amazon
3M Safety-Walk Slip Resistant Tape
4 in x 15 ft roll
Rough tape for a step edge people keep missing.
Check price on Amazon
Mr. Beams MB710 Motion Night Light
15 lumens, battery, no wiring
Turns on by itself when someone walks past. Good for the route to the bathroom.
Check price on Amazon
Stanley PowerLock 25 ft Tape Measure
25 ft, 1 in blade
Measures the rise, the doorway and the run. Every quote asks for these numbers.
Check price on Amazon
These are supplies, not the job itself. Amazon does not sell the labour, the permit or the inspection.
Every lift on this page is sold and fitted by the company that makes it. Before comparing prices, it is worth checking whether this one can be self-fitted at all, because the answer is different for a straight staircase and a curved one.
If the need is temporary, price renting one before buying. Break-even is usually twelve to eighteen months.
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