Fire escape ladders are vital emergency evacuation equipment that every multi-story home should have. The best fire escape ladders can be stored conveniently near an evacuation window, are easy for anyone in the home to deploy, and are strong enough for multiple people to descend at the same time.
Home fires account for 74% of civilian injuries and 74% of fire deaths. Be prepared! Fire escape ladders provide additional emergency evacuation points so that you and your loved ones can flee to safety faster.
After reviewing dozens of fire escape ladders we have identified the best to bolster your home fire escape plan. This is a vital tool for emergency situations, and so we made sure to compile a list of only top-quality fire escape ladders so that you can be sure you’re purchasing a reliable product for when it really matters. We considered factors such as ladder weight capacity, ease of deployment, and storage practicality in choosing our top picks. We’ve also created a detailed list of many other great options to help you find the right one for your home.
We thoroughly examined each product we looked at and have chosen the HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder as our overall top pick. It’s a well-rounded choice for 2-story homes, and there are longer versions available for those of you who live multiple stories above ground level.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Fire Escape Ladders
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fire Escape Ladder Overall | HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder | 4.9 |
| Best Rope Fire Escape Ladder | ISOP Emergency Fire Escape Rope Ladder | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Fire Escape Ladder | Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder | 4.7 |
| Best Window Fire Escape Ladder | Werner Fire Escape Ladder | 4.5 |
| Best 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder | Hausse Retractable 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Fire Escape Ladder Overall: HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder
The HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder weighs less than competitor products while retaining superior build quality. This was accomplished by the engineers who chose to use lightweight aluminum, rather than heavy steel, for the ladder’s strong yet flexible steps. Weighing in at a hair over 11 pounds, this ladder can be effortlessly lifted and deployed by nearly everyone, kids included. Though its lighter overall weight is certainly a boon, this product didn’t cut corners and utilizes steel in the window hooks where unbreakable strength truly matters.
There are many other ladders that resemble and are built very much like this HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder, but they’re not quite as polished as this product. The aluminum rungs are one example of this ladder’s refinement. Those rungs feature anti-slip grooves and have rigid standoffs to keep the ladder away from the building. And because of their impeccable design, these rungs pack down tightly, wrapping together neatly in a supplied storage belt. The entire unit folds down flat enough to where it can be easily stored behind a chair or under a bed.
The steel window hooks are incredibly strong, and they are bolstered by an adjustable V-shaped bracket for added security. Three people can descend this ladder at once, enabling a speedy escape for the entire family. There are longer 25-foot and 50-foot versions of this ladder available for those who live in multi-storied houses or apartment buildings..
HYNAWIN Fire Escape Ladder Key Features:
- 15 feet long (longer options available)
- 990 pound weight limit
- Lightweight aluminum rungs
- Rigid standoffs
Best Rope Fire Escape Ladder: ISOP Emergency Fire Escape Rope Ladder
The ISOP Emergency Fire Escape Rope Ladder is the safest rope ladder we’ve seen, and perhaps the safest fire escape ladder of all the ladders we examined. Not only does this ladder have a chart-topping 2000 pound weight limit and can hold 7 people at a time, but it also comes with a full-body harness and safety line so that you can descend without any risk of a dangerous fall. This model we’re showing has an included complete full-body harness, but there are also smaller hip harness and safety belt options to choose from.
You can descend down this ladder like a well-prepared mountain climber, and it anchors like a climbing rope too. Instead of steel windowsill hooks, this rope ladder had two metal-reinforced hooped ends that can be connected by the included heavy-duty carabiners for a secure hold onto almost anything. Because it can be mounted nearly anywhere, this is a great option for those who do not have or want to use traditional windowsills as mounting platforms for their evacuation ladders.
This rope ladder is fairly heavy at 22 pounds, but because it is stored loosely it can be unraveled and deployed by anyone of any size. A red safety line is attached so that you can clip the harness while you descend, making this a perfect option for those with limited mobility and strength such as children or the elderly.
ISOP Emergency Fire Escape Rope Ladder Key Features:
- 32 feet long
- 2000 pound weight limit
- Harness and safety clip included
- Double carabiner anchor
Best Budget Fire Escape Ladder: Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder
With similar design and capability to that of our top overall pick, the Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder proves to be a reliable emergency ladder at an incredible bargain. At first glance, and maybe even a second glance, many wouldn’t be able to tell this budget pick and our top overall pick apart. This Kidde ladder does not fold as flat as the top pick, and it is a couple of feet shorter, but they are otherwise nearly identical in form and function.
The steel rungs are zinc-plated and feature an anti-slip texture to keep your footing secure. This ladder is designed for one-time use only because any damage caused by the fire, whether seen or unseen, will weaken the integrity of the straps and rungs. This should be fine as most people would hope to never have to use a fire escape ladder once, and certainly not ever more than once.
Sturdy nylon straps connect each rung and can hold up to 1000 pounds across the length of the ladder. Adjustable steel hooks provide a secure mount that will fit most common windowsills, and between them is a V-shaped bracket that adds to its strength and flexibility. Overall, this is a reliable escape ladder that people on a tight budget can afford.
Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder Key Features:
- 13 feet long
- 1000 pound weight limit
- Tangle-free design
- 5-year warranty
Best Window Fire Escape Ladder: Werner Fire Escape Ladder
Rather than featuring another portable fire escape ladder that fits most traditional windowsills, we want to highlight the in-wall mountable Werner Fire Escape Ladder as our top pick for window use. This fire escape ladder mounts underneath a window where it is permanently stored and securely fastened between two wall studs.
You won’t need to find a nearby hiding sport for your fire escape ladder, because you’ll be installing it into your wall. The process is simple, and the end result is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. What you end up with is an always-accessible, extremely sturdy emergency ladder that is easy to deploy and use. It can even be used multiple times, unlike the many one-time-use only ladders.
This ladder extends 24 feet in length and can hold up to 1200 pounds at once. There is a smaller 17-foot long variant available as well. The flat metal rungs have anti-slip grooves and rigid standoffs, and the extra thick nylon straps connect and support each rung. A bright red first step assistance strap extends from the mounted box to aid you as you climb out of the window and begin your descent.
Werner Fire Escape Ladder Key Features:
- 24 feet long
- 1200 pound weight limit
- First step assistance strap
- Mounted in wall design
Best 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder: Hausse Retractable 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder
The Hausse Retractable 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder is designed much like our top overall and budget picks, but this one has been made specifically for third-story rooms. At 25 feet long, it’s just the right length between most third-story windows and the safety of the ground outside, and at 15 pounds it is light enough for most people to deploy without issue.
This Hausse ladder’s lightweight design and compact storage size are what make it stand out from its competitors. The retractable ladder hooks help keep storage dimensions small. They extend to securely mount just about any windowsill, but when retracted the arms fold flat for convenient storage inside the provided canvas storage bag, The entire package can easily slide under a nearby bed.
It also has all of the expected features that’s we’ve mentioned while discussing the aforementioned ladders that share this design, including anti-slip metal rungs, a secure V-shaped bracket between the hooks, and thick nylon straps. It also has a packaging thick strap that keeps the rungs held snugly together during storage, but it opens easily when the ladder needs to be deployed during an emergency. This is a one-time-use ladder.
Hausse Retractable 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 1000 pound weight limit
- Retractable ladder hook
- Durable canvas storage bag included
Who Should Buy Fire Escape Ladders
Anyone who lives in a multi-story home should buy at least one fire escape ladder, if not more. This goes for those who live in houses, condos, apartments, or wherever there are at least 2 stories of living space. A fire escape ladder is an essential emergency evacuation tool and may serve to be your only means of escape when a hallway or stairwell is blocked by fire.
It is important to build a thorough fire escape plan for your home. Once this is completed you will have a good idea of how many fire escape ladders your home needs.
If you’re looking for something a bit more sturdy or smaller, then you won’t want to miss The Best Step Ladders.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing fire escape ladders.
- Length. Fire escape ladders come in an endless array of lengths. Even when they are advertised as being 2-story ladders, or likewise for any other amount of stories, these ladders can come in any number of lengths within a nebulous range. Every household is different as well, and not all will have the same height between their different floors. Measure your home from your intended evacuation window to the ground to know how long of a ladder you actually need.
- Weight capacity. A fire escape ladder’s weight capacity determines how much weight can be hanging from the ladder at any given time without breaking the ladder. This is important to know if you expect that multiple people will try to use the ladder at once, or if a heavy individual may use the ladder as some ladders are not rated for more than 250 pounds.
- Size, weight, and ease of use. One of the most important aspects of a fire escape ladder is how easy it is to deploy. Not only must the ladder be easy to use for capable adults, but it should be lightweight and compact enough for any person in the house of any age or capability to use. If you have small children or are not particularly strong, it’d be best to purchase a fire escape ladder that is less bulky and easier to lift, even if that means spending a few extra dollars or sacrificing its overall weight capacity.
- Storage. Your fire escape ladder needs to be easy to access and stored near an evacuation window. Bulk and portability are factors worth considering.
- Standoffs. Standoffs are protrusions that keep the ladder away from the exterior walls of the building. They help you keep your footing by protecting the space where your toes will hang over the ladder rungs. Standoffs are an important factor for people who will have a difficult time descending a wobbly ladder.
- Price. There certainly is a wide range of prices in the fire escape ladder market. You don’t necessarily want to bargain hunt for the cheapest fire escape ladder, but the budget options we’ve included in our list do meet or exceed the minimum criteria of what we’d consider necessary for an emergency fire escape ladder. Any ladder is better than no ladder at all, but we encourage you to purchase the best ladder you can find that fits within your means.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire escape ladder and how does it work?
Fire escape ladders are compact, often portable, ladders that can be used in emergency situations to escape from 2-story or higher windows and balconies. Many fire escape ladders use windowsill hooks that easily attach to standard household windows, while others utilize rope loops and carabiners that can be attached to different secure mounts in a variety of ways.
These fire escape ladders are usually comprised of strong ropes, steel chains, or polyester seat belt-like straps that are capable of holding hundreds or thousands of pounds without issue. Most are intended for one-time use during an emergency evacuation situation.
How do you store a fire escape ladder?
It is important to develop a household fire escape plan so that everyone knows the primary and secondary exits on any given floor of your home. Fire escape ladders should be stored close to the planned emergency exit windows where a ladder escape would make the most sense. Many fire escape ladders are packaged with bags for safe-keeping.
How many fire escape ladders do I need?
You should have at least one fire escape ladder on each upper floor of your home, if not more. Once you build your home fire escape plan you will see what opportunities you have to improve your escape options and will better know how many ladders your home needs.
How do you make a fire escape plan?
Building a successful fire escape plan requires the entire family’s input and understanding. The National Fire Prevention Association has free escape planning tools and provides an excellent list of tips for building the perfect plan. The key takeaways are that you should plan for multiple escape options from every floor of your home, you should have a designated meeting location for when everyone evacuates the building, and everyone should practice the plan in order to ensure the plan’s successful execution during an emergency.
Other Fire Escape Ladders We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other fire escape ladders. Even though they didn’t make our five best fire escape ladder list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option to add to your fire escape plan and evacuation toolkit. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- 2-Story Fire Escape Ladders
- 3-Story Fire Escape Ladders
- 4-Story and Higher Fire Escape Ladders
- Budget Escape Ladders
2-Story Fire Escape Ladders
DELXO Portable Emergency Escape Ladder
Easy to store and even easier to deploy, the DELXO Portable Emergency Escape Ladder is a convenient option for 2-story homes. This ladder features 1-inch-thick anti-slip steel rungs that are spaced 14 inches apart, and it has retractable hooks that compact tightly for storage and can be adjusted to fit just about any window.
Key Features:
- 13 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Slip-resistant rungs
Cost: $60
Hausse Retractable 2-Story Fire Escape Ladder
The Hausse Retractable 2-Story Fire Escape Ladder is a one-time use emergency ladder that should be deployed only in the case of emergency and then replaced once it has been used. High-strength screws and a V-shaped support frame make this a reliable escape ladder. The convenient storage bag tucks the product away nicely for keeping near your escape window.
Key Features:
- 13 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Red canvas storage bag
Cost: $65
The ISOP Safety Rope Ladder has all of your bases covered. This ladder is available in a wide range of lengths from 8 feet all the way to 32 feet, and it comes with a pair of universally useful carabiners and a polyester drawstring storage bag. The rungs are rigid, and the rope strength is astounding.
Key Features:
- 16 feet long
- 2000 pound weight capacity
- Carabiners included
Cost: $65
ResQLadder 2-Story Fire Escape Ladder
Steel chains simply feel more secure, and that’s why the ResQLadder 2-Story Fire Escape Ladder is a popular option. The steel rungs feature adjustable standoffs that keep the hanging ladder away from the wall. They can be adjusted on the fly to avoid windows and other obstacles.
Key Features:
- 15 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Adjustable standoffs
Cost: $125
More than simply another ladder, the Safety First Emergency Ladder is packaged with a fiberglass fire blanket, and it comes paired with a lifetime warranty. There’s no better feeling of purchase security than when a company backs up their product with a guarantee, especially with a purchase as important as an emergency escape ladder.
Key Features:
- 13.5 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Included fiberglass fire blanket
3-Story Fire Escape Ladders
Aoneky Fire Escape Rope Ladder
No tools are required to set up the Aoneky Fire Escape Rope Ladder. This lightweight rope ladder is easy to lift and deploy, making it an excellent choice for upper floor children’s bedrooms. There is also a shorter 16-foot variant of this product available as well.
Key Features:
- 32 feet long
- 250 pound weight capacity
- Rungs spaced 15 inches apart
Cost: $100
The BHWHOME Rope Ladder works wherever you can clip it. This 25-foot long rope ladder is the perfect size for a 3-story escape ladder, and it’ll get the job done well. It’s lightweight and is a fine choice for when you have little storage space or expect a child to have to deploy the ladder someday.
Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 900 pound weight capacity
- Rotating-nut lockable carabiners
Cost: $100
LUISLADDERS Fire Escape Ladder
A fine option for any 2 or 3-story home, the LUISLADDERS Fire Escape Ladder is a sturdy and easy to deploy emergency ladder. The wide and flexible steps enable a rapid descent, and the rigid wall standoffs ensure that you will have enough toe space as you escape to the safety of the ground below.
Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Rigid wall standoffs
Cost: $70
QuickEscape Fire Escape Ladder
Robust and ready to roll out, the QuickEscape Fire Escape Ladder combines strong materials with a streamlined design for a ladder that is easy to maneuver and quite reliable. The 18 gauge steel construction and 2/o double loop chain ensure a minimum 1000 pound weight capacity. It is lighter and less bulky as a result of its smaller size, though it may be too short for some 3-story homes.
Key Features:
- 20 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- 18 gauge steel construction
Cost: $155
ResQLadder 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder
Much like the 2-story variant, the ResQLadder 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder is a durable steel ladder designed to fit standard window frames. It is completely made in the USA. Plastic sleeves cover the chains of the entire ladder to provide a comfortable place to grip as you descend to the ground.
Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Made in the USA
Cost: $225
ResQLadder Portable Emergency Escape Ladder 3-Pack
Inside this 3-pack are three of the aforementioned ResQLadder 3-Story Fire Escape Ladders. We’re highlighting this 3-pack because it is priced at such an incredible value. Large homes may want to have multiple emergency ladders spread around at different locations, and this convenient 3-pack is a high-value choice for those who want multiple steel chain ladders.
Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Three ladders at a discount price
Cost: $440
SHAREWIN Emergency Escape Ladder
The SHAREWIN Emergency Escape Ladder has foldable windowsill hooks that are fitted with rubber bump stops to prevent damage and slippage. Its braided ladder rope is rated to hold up to 990 pounds and is constructed similarly to how a vehicle’s seat belt is made.
Key Features:
- 25 feet long
- 990 pound weight capacity
- Braided ladder rope
4-Story and Higher Fire Escape Ladders
HYNAWIN 50 Foot Fire Escape Ladder
Put simply, this is the extra-long version of our top overall pick. The HYNAWIN 50 Foot Fire Escape Ladder is made with the same quality materials and craftsmanship as out top-rated Best Fire Escape Ladder Overall. If you live in a 5 or 6-story apartment, this is certainly among the best options available to you.
Key Features:
- 50 feet long
- 990 pound weight capacity
- Steel hooks with V bracket
Cost: $135
Rainrain 15 Meter Fire Escape Rope Ladder
The Rainrain 15 Meter Fire Escape Rope Ladder is a fine option for a 5-story apartment. Its strong polyester rope is rated to hold a minimum of 1014 pounds and its resin rungs provide support and grip as you make your way down to the ground.
Key Features:
- 49 feet long
- 1014 pound weight capacity
- Resin rungs
Cost: $425
Safe Escape 45 Foot Escape Ladder
For those that need steel chains to feel secure, the Safe Escape 45 Foot Escape Ladder is your choice if you live 4 or 5 stories off of the ground. This ladder features standoffs much like many other ladders, but unique here are the bump stops on their ends that protect your walls and windows from damage. If you’re escaping a fire, this is the optimistic option. Let’s hope the fire doesn’t do any worse damage than the standoffs would.
Key Features:
- 45 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Standoffs with bump stops
Cost: $225
XIT Emergency Fire Escape Ladder
The XIT Emergency Fire Escape Ladder is an award-winning product that comes ensured with a lifetime replacement guarantee. We’re featuring the 4-story option here, but you can also follow this link to see 5 and 6-story versions of this product as well.
Key Features:
- 33 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Lifetime warranty
Budget Fire Escape Ladders
First Alert Fire Escape Ladder
Created by an established, well-known home safety brand, the First Alert Fire Escape Ladder has set a high bar for itself, and it exceeds it. This budget option is less expensive than anything else on this list, and it comes with a better warranty and higher weight capacity than any of its competitors. Want value and need a 2-story ladder? This is it.
Key Features:
- 14 feet long
- 1125 pound weight capacity
- Six-year warranty
Cost: $35
The Kidde KL Two-Story Ladder is the sister product to our Best Budget Fire Escape Ladder pick. This option is a few dollars more for a slightly bulkier design, but all of the other statistics are virtually the same.
Key Features:
- 13 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Zinc-plated steel rungs
Cost: $40
LUISLADDERS Portable Fire Escape Ladder
The LUISLADDERS Portable Fire Escape Ladder is a highly-customizable emergency ladder. It features a retractable hook for easy storage and window size adjustment, and it also has a V-shaped bracket that can be used to adjust the width of the hooks when deploying the ladder.
Key Features:
- 15 feet long
- 1000 pound weight capacity
- Retractable ladder hook
Cost: $40
Exceptionally strong and easy to manipulate, the Zelka Evacuation Ladder punches way above its weight class. It can hold an amazing 2400 pounds, and users say they can feel how strong it is by the thickness and stiffness of the rope. It also has resin-coated rungs for enhanced grip during your descent.
Key Features:
- 16 feet long
- 2400 pound weight capacity
- Included storage bag
Cost: $50
