How much does a stairlift cost?

A new straight stairlift runs $2,500–$5,500 installed. Curved stairlifts are custom-built to your staircase and cost $9,000–$18,000. Renewed straight units start around $1,800.

Will my staircase work?

Almost any staircase 36 inches wide or wider works. Narrow stairs, spiral stairs and very steep angles need a custom curved unit and a site survey.

Does Medicare or insurance cover stairlifts?

Original Medicare does not. Some Medicare Advantage, Medicaid HCBS waivers and VA HISA grants reimburse a portion. Most brands offer 0% APR financing for 24–36 months.

How long is installation?

Straight stairlifts are typically installed in 2–4 hours. Curved units take 1–2 days because the rail is custom bent and shipped after a site survey.

What if there's a power outage?

All major brands run on rechargeable batteries that continue working for 20–40 trips during a power outage and recharge automatically when power returns.

Updated April 2026

Best Stairlift Brandsof 2026

Compare the most-installed stairlift brands of 2026 on price, straight-vs-curved availability, warranty and customer support.

5Pros
compared

Vetted &
insured

Editor
verified

?Quick Answer

Bruno is the top US-made choice for both straight and curved staircases, while Acorn delivers the best value with fast next-day installs. Stannah is the longest-running brand globally with the best service network, Handicare leads on slim curved-rail design, and AmeriGlide offers the cheapest renewed and DIY options.

Top pick for Stairlifts

Bruno

BEST FOR MADE IN USA

4.5(2.4k reviews)★ Trustpilot

Designed and assembled in Wisconsin since 1984
Industry-leading 400 lb weight capacity (Elan)
Power-folding rail option for shared staircases
5-year warranty on drivetrain

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Next-day install

Acorn Stairlifts

BEST FOR FAST INSTALL & PRICE

4.4(8.9k reviews)★ Trustpilot

Often installed within 24 hours of order
DC battery powered - works in power outage
Lifetime warranty on the lift mechanism
Most installs come with a price-match guarantee

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Family-owned since 1867

Stannah

BEST FOR SERVICE NETWORK

4.4(3.3k reviews)★ Trustpilot

Largest service network - 24/7 emergency call-out
Smooth start/stop with 5-point safety sensors
Powered swivel seat option
Fully customizable upholstery

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Slimmest fold-up

Handicare

BEST FOR SLIM CURVED RAIL

4.3(1.5k reviews)★ Trustpilot

Folds to just 12.5 inches - best for narrow shared stairs
FreeCurve design installs faster than rivals
Continuous charging anywhere on the rail
Lifetime warranty on motor and gearbox

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DIY & renewed available

AmeriGlide

BEST FOR CHEAPEST RENEWED

4.0(1.1k reviews)★ Trustpilot

Renewed straight lifts from under $2,000
DIY install kits with phone support
Lifetime warranty on the drivetrain
Wide selection of accessibility products

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Stairlifts Comparison Table

Side-by-side overview of every pro we reviewed.

Pro	Rating	Best For	Starting Price	Straight / Curved	Weight Capacity	Warranty
#1Bruno	9.3/10	Made in USA	From $3,000	Straight & curved	300–400 lb	5 yr / lifetime structural
Acorn Stairlifts	9.0/10	Fast install & price	From $2,500	Straight & curved	Up to 350 lb	Lifetime mechanism
Stannah	8.9/10	Service network	From $3,200	Straight & curved	Up to 350 lb	2 yr full + lifetime parts
Handicare	8.6/10	Slim curved rail	From $9,500 (curved)	Straight & curved	Up to 309 lb	Lifetime motor
AmeriGlide	8.2/10	Cheapest renewed	From $1,800	Straight & curved	300–600 lb	Lifetime drivetrain