The STEPR Stair Climber and Matrix C50 ClimbMill are both premium in-home stair climbers with a compact design and a sleek modern aesthetic.
In fact, just looking at them, you’ll notice major similarities in the shape. Many of their performance specs are similar as well.
But they’re certainly not identical, with minor differences in design specs (e.g. step size) and major differences in the technology and content side of things.
Let’s delve into how they stack up against each other in this detailed Matrix C50 ClimbMill vs STEPR Stair Climber comparison.
RELATED: A comprehensive review of the STEPR Stair Climber
Table of Contents
Key Specs
Specification | Matrix C50 | STEPR |
Height | 75” | 82” |
Length | 53” | 42” |
Width | 28” | 27.5” |
Weight | 297 lbs | 286 lbs |
Step Height | 5.6” | 5.2” |
Step Width | N/A | 15.7” |
Step Depth | 9” | 8.7” |
Steps Per Minute | 24 to 137 | 24 to 137 |
Step-on Height | 10.5” | 15.2” |
Minimum Ceiling Height | 8’ | 8’ |
Price | $4,999 to $6,999 (Check price on Amazon) | $4,999 |
Design and Footprint
Starting with the physical design, the STEPR features a compact design and fits easily into your home, whether in a garage, basement, living room, or spare room. Its footprint is small, measuring just 42″ L x 27.5″ W, taking up less floor space than a yoga mat or treadmill.
The Matrix C50 is also designed with residential use in mind and should fit comfortably in most home workout spaces. Its footprint measures 53″ L x 28″ W, making it almost a foot longer than the STEPR – however, that extra length is mostly due to the short platform at the front of the steps. So it doesn’t take up a lot of extra volume. Nonetheless, you need to account for that extra floor space.
Mobility is another design strength of the STEPR, as it comes with built-in wheels and removable lift handles. The ease of transportation and small width allow it to fit through standard door frames without issue.
Moving the C50 around isn’t difficult since it weighs about the same as the STEPR and has wheels, too. But maneuvering the C50 is not quite as effortless as the STEPR since it doesn’t have lift handles that let you use leverage to move it like a wheelbarrow.
The STEPR uses “stadium steps” which is to say noticeably shorter steps than on a commercial stepmill. It’s more akin to walking up the steps in a stadium vs walking up a regular staircase.
Like the STEPR, the C50’s steps are significantly shorter than on a commercial stepmill. That being said, the C50 beats the STEPR with a 6” step height vs 5.2” for the STEPR. So assuming the same step speed on both units, each step is a bit more challenging on the C50.
Performance and Features
When it comes to performance, both stair climber models stand out, but for slightly different reasons.
The STEPR features an impressive “Step Sync” functionality (coming soon) for its on-demand classes, automatically syncing your pace and flow with the on-demand coach’s machine. Plus, you have access to virtual trail hiking sessions. These features bring a unique dimension to your workouts, allowing you to feel more connected and engaged.
The Matrix C50 also boasts engaging workout features, specifically the ability to virtually climb 21 famous landmarks around the world. It’s important to note that this landmark feature sets a goal for the number of steps based on the real-world landmark (e.g. the Eiffel Tower).
However, it does not offer a visual representation of the climb, other than still photography. So while it provides a fun and engaging goal, it may not offer the same level of interactive intensity as the STEPR’s on-demand classes or virtual trail hike feature.
Both machines use the Exact Force Induction Brake system, providing smooth and precise speed changes during workouts. Speeds for both units range from 24 to 137 steps per minute.
When it comes to heart rate monitoring, the STEPR has a Bluetooth chest strap monitor (sold separately) for accurate wireless tracking. There are no contact heart rate monitors built into the handles. While contact monitors aren’t as accurate, they can be convenient. The Matrix C50 has contact monitors as well as a wireless option.
However, it’s worth noting that STEPR plans on releasing a software update that will allow you to pair your Apple Watch (and other popular smartwatches) to share real-time heart rate data.
Connectivity and User Interface
The STEPR sports a rotating 27″ 1080p HD touchscreen with nearly 360º of movement. It’s equipped with WiFi to connect to both the on-demand classes as well as various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and others. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth, and front and rear speakers, and a USB-C port.
The Matrix C50 offers four different console choices including:
- XR: 8.5” basic backlit LED display
- XER: 10” touchscreen display
- XIR: 16” touchscreen display
- XUR: 22” touchscreen display
The three most advanced consoles (XER, XIR, and XUR) include WiFi (with access to entertainment apps) and Bluetooth connectivity just like the STEPR.
Notably, the two most advanced consoles (XIR and XUR) also include HDMI so that you can mirror your phone or tablet on the touchscreen. I think it would be cool if STEPR added this feature to a future version of their stair climber.
The XR, which is the least advanced C50 console, lacks all of these connectivity features (no WiFi, Bluetooth, or HDMI).
Keep in mind that the more advanced the console option for the C50 is, the higher the its price.
Noise Level
Noise level is an important factor to consider when buying any piece of cardio equipment, especially if you’re training when other people in your home are sleeping.
The STEPR is one of the quietest stairmills on the market, if not the quietest. How quiet? Seventy-seven decibels when at the highest setting. That’s about as loud as an average treadmill at max speed. Considering stepmills are generally louder machines than treadmills, this noise stat is impressive.
The Matrix C50 isn’t loud as far as stepmills go. I haven’t tested it yet, but considering the similar size and design, it will be comparable to the STEPR.
Durability and Safety Features
On the durability front, both machines seem built to last when it comes to home use scenarios. Their frame materials (carbon steel) and chassis materials (ABS plastic) are sufficiently sturdy. Plus, they both have sweat management systems to protect critical electronic components.
Both the STEPR and the Matrix C50 have been designed with the user’s safety in mind. They both have sensors to automatically stop the machine if you fall or jump off the machine or if anything approaches the bottom step. They also both have a pair of manual emergency stop buttons.
Price and Warranty
The STEPR Stair Climber has just one version and it’s available for $4,999. Plus, you can get a free 36-month extended warranty by using code KING at checkout, which is a $259.99 value – Just make sure you add the warranty to your cart first before applying the coupon code.
The Matrix C50 retails at $4,999 for the base model (XR), which has a basic LCD display. However, the price increases for each successive model, going all the way up to $6,999 for the XUR console, which gives you a large 22” touchscreen. Check the current Amazon price here.
In terms of tech, the Matrix C50 with the XUR console is the most comparable model to the STEPR unit because they both have large touchscreens. Of course, the STEPR’s screen is still 5″ bigger (27″ vs 22″).
The C50 offers a better warranty with a lifetime on the frame, 5 years for parts, and 1 year for labor.
Compare that to the STEPR’s default 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
However, as I mentioned earlier, you can bump the STEPR’s warranty up to 3 years for parts and labor for free with code KING. Additionally, if you want even better warranty coverage on the STEPR, they also offer these options:
Conclusion
Both the STEPR and the Matrix C50 are high-quality, feature-packed fitness machines designed to provide a robust and engaging cardiovascular workout at home.
They both have their strengths:
- The STEPR Stair Climber has its unique on-demand classes with Step Sync, a smaller depth footprint, and a larger touchscreen (that comes standard)
- The Matrix C50 ClimbMill has slightly taller steps, contact heart rate monitors in the handles, and a stronger warranty.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on how you value the above attributes.
If you’re interested in buying either of these units, you can buy them below:
- Buy the STEPR Stair Climber — Use code KING for a free 36-month extended warranty
- Buy the Matrix C50 ClimbMill
For further reading to help you choose the best stair climber for your needs, check out these articles:
It seems like they’re made by the same manufacturer with different labels on them. Stepr is brand new so there’s no history behind it. What service problems are there the C50?