The short version: Three brands dominate the US stair lift market. Acorn, Bruno, Stannah. Acorn is the volume leader at lower prices ($3,000-$5,000 straight). Bruno is the workhorse American-made brand ($4,000-$7,000). Stannah is the premium British heritage brand with the strongest warranty ($5,000-$8,000). Pick by price tier and dealer presence in your area.

Why brand picks matter for stair lifts

A stair lift is a 10-15 year purchase that the user uses 4+ times a day. Reliability and dealer service availability matter more than features. The brands below have established US dealer networks; smaller brands often vanish leaving warranty orphans.

Stair lifts must comply with ASME A18.1 safety standard.1 All three picks below are A18.1 certified.

Our picks

1. Acorn Stairlift: best value

Acorn is the volume leader in the US stair lift market. The 130 series for straight stairs is the entry-level workhorse. About $3,000-$5,000 installed for straight stairs, $9,000-$15,000 for curved.

Why we pick it: Most US dealers carry Acorn; service is widely available. 350-pound capacity meets most user needs. 1-day install on straight stairs. 1-year warranty (extendable to 5).

Where it falls short: chair design is utilitarian. Some users find the seat depth shallow.

2. Bruno Elite: best for users wanting US-made and longevity

Bruno is American-made (manufactured in Wisconsin) and has the longest reputation for reliability. The Elite SRE-2010 is the straight-stair workhorse; the Elan SRE-3050 is the residential premium. About $4,000-$7,000 straight, $12,000-$18,000 curved.

Why we pick it: highest reliability in independent contractor surveys. Strong warranty (2-year standard, 5-year extended). 400-pound capacity option (Elite Plus). Excellent service network in Midwest and Northeast.

Where it falls short: higher price than Acorn for similar specs.

3. Stannah: best for premium quality

Stannah is the British heritage brand (founded 1867) with the strongest US presence among premium options. The Sadler model is the entry; the Siena 600 is the premium residential. About $5,000-$8,000 straight, $14,000-$20,000 curved.

Why we pick it: best chair comfort and quietest operation. 5-year warranty standard. Excellent technician training program.

Where it falls short: highest price tier. Dealer network thinner than Acorn or Bruno in rural US.

What we don’t recommend

Smaller brands without 5+ years US presence, service support evaporates. Refurbished stair lifts under 3 years old can be a bargain; under 5 years old, get a service contract before buying. DIY stair lift installs, these are professional installs requiring electrical and code compliance.

Sizing for your stairs

Before any quote, measure the stairs yourself. Our staircase measurement guide walks through the 5 numbers a dealer asks first. Three measurements matter:

  1. Total stair run length, top tread to bottom tread.
  2. Number of turns, straight, one curve (90°), two curves, or spiral.
  3. Stair width, minimum 28 inches typically; some narrow stair lifts fit 24-inch openings.

Curved stairs need a custom-built rail. Lead time is 6-8 weeks. Get the measurement done in person; do not order based on photos.

Cost details

Beyond the lift itself, factor in:

  • Electrical outlet at top of stairs: required by code, $150-$400 if missing.
  • Permit: varies by jurisdiction, $50-$200.
  • Removal of existing rail: $100-$300 if needed.
  • Outdoor extension: for users who want exterior stair lifts, weatherproofing adds $500-$1,500.

Coverage and grants

  • Original Medicare: typically does not cover.
  • Medicare Advantage: some plans cover up to $500-$2,500.
  • Medicaid HCBS waivers: cover stair lifts in many states (income-eligible). See senior programs by state.
  • VA HISA grant: up to $2,000 (general veterans), $6,800 (service-connected disability).4

What to do next

If your stairs are straight: get quotes from Acorn and Bruno dealers. Pick the better-rated local dealer.

If your stairs are curved: only the brands above (and a few specialty options like Handicare) make quality curved-rail systems. Get measurements done by 2 dealers.

For the cost decision, see stair lift cost: straight vs curved. For the comparison against alternatives, see stair lift vs walk-in tub: which to install first.

The 30-second summary:
  • Acorn for value, Bruno for US-made longevity, Stannah for premium quality.
  • Straight stairs $3,000-$8,000. Curved $9,000-$20,000.
  • VA HISA grants help veterans up to $6,800.
  • Pick the brand with strong local dealer presence, service matters more than feature lists.