10 Best Fire Escape Ladders Reviewed in 2024
We all hope to never need an emergency fire escape ladder to exit a burning building, but these outstanding products are important to have in the home that has more than one floor. Being that exit from a window is easy, manufacturers have created simple, lightweight ladders for the home that are ready to use for emergencies. We feature the most-reviewed and the best-rated of these items in this informative buying guide. More than half of these excellent ladders are for one-time use only to ensure the safety and function of the product. Although they are constructed of different materials and are of various lengths, these life-saving ladders all operate in the same fashion. Surprisingly, they can support some very heavy weights of several people using them at one time. We are proud to highlight them for your shopping experience. Here are the best fire escape ladders in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 33 hrs of research

Deploys quickly and is tangle-free
Has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds
Steel rungs are zinc-plated and anti-slip
Assembly or tools is not required before use
Comes with a warranty of five years












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Kidde 468093 KL-2S Two-Story 13 Foot
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First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story Anti-Slip
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X-IT 2 Story 13' Emergency
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Werner ESC220 Two Story
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ResQLadder 4 Story Portable 35 Foot
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American Ladder Co Easy Escape 2 Story
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Kidde 25' 3 Story
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Hausse Retractable 2 Story 13 Feet
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ISOP 2 Story & 3 Story Solid Flame Resistant
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Hynawin Portable Two-Story15 Foot
10 Best Fire Escape Ladders
1. Kidde 468093 KL-2S Two-Story 13 Foot


Deploys quickly and is tangle-free
Has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds
Steel rungs are zinc-plated and anti-slip
Assembly or tools is not required before use
Comes with a warranty of five years
Can only use it one time and must be thrown away afterward
Might be hard for kids to secure the large frame in a window
With over 1,500 online customer reviews, the Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder is the most popular product of this category judged by customers. Made for two-story building rescues, it is thirteen feet long, tangle-free, and compact for storing.
Read moreHaving a durable and strong frame that hooks onto window frames of almost any size and type, this fantastic ladder deploys quickly and has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds. It is durable, flame-resistant, and designed for one-time use only. It should be discarded after using it. Pulling the release strap once the ladder is in place in the window will unfurl the ladder for use quickly. Assembly or tools are not required before use, and it comes with a warranty of five years.
Design
The newer models of escape ladders are one-time use only to make them more economical and safer for the consumer. This one is of that type, so when used, you simply throw it out and get another one.
Durability
Several people can use this terrific ladder at one time because it has a large weight capacity. It will support up to 750 pounds on one rung at a time of 1,000 pounds in total on the entire ladder at one time.
Ease of use
This incredible ladder comes ready to use and requires nothing to assemble it. By just placing the frame in a window and pulling the release strap, you have an instant escape route from danger.
Portability
The steel rungs are zinc-plated and anti-slip, plus the entire ladder stores simply under the bed, by the window, or in the closet. It is always at the ready when your family needs it.
2. First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story Anti-Slip


Can be used as is and right away
Does not need to be assembled
Has a tested weight limit of 1,125 pounds
Comes with a warranty of six years
Meets the standards of ASTM
Can only be used one time
Ladder rungs are narrow
Made for two-story escapes, the First Alert Fire Escape Ladder is anti-slip, fourteen feet long, and constructed of strong steel material.
Read moreIt can be used as is and right away as it does not need to be assembled. It has a tested weight limit of 1,125 pounds and comes with a warranty for six years. Included is a nylon DuPont Cordura strapping for additional durability and strength. This fabulous ladder meets the standards of ASTM and deploys easily. It works just like the ladders that are used only once, but this one is good for multiple uses.
Design
This incredible ladder takes away the work before and during the time of need for leaving the home quickly. You just put it in the window and deploy it to the ground for use.
Durability
Not only is this amazing ladder made of strong steel material, but it also has tough nylon strapping to hold it too. This makes the ladder sturdy and less apt to shift when you need to use it to escape.
Ease of use
There is no assembly for this superb product because it comes ready to use. The only thing you must do to use it is to place it in the window and pull the release strap to unfurl it down to the ground.
Portability
This item comes to you in the compacted form that it is kept until needed. You can store it in the usual places of an upstairs room such as under a bed, by the window, or in a closet.
3. X-IT 2 Story 13' Emergency


Emergency tested and recommended
Exceeds regular safety standards
Comes with a handy storage bag
Has a tested weight limit of 1,000 pounds
Compacts in size to a regular shoe box
Might be deemed as narrow and small
Could be difficult to use with kids
Thirteen feet in length, the Emergency Fire Escape Ladder is good for a two-story building escape and fits all sizes of walls and windows.
Read moreEasy to use, lightweight, strong, and safe, it has been emergency tested and is recommended as one of the best ladders currently. It exceeds regular safety standards, comes with a handy storage bag, and has a tested weight limit of 1,000 pounds. This terrific, tangle-free model deploys quickly and easily and compacts in size to a regular shoe box. It is always at the ready for all of your emergency needs of escaping the home quickly.
Design
Small in size but big on performance, this incredible escape ladder is one of the more versatile models featured. It is light to set up and extra strong to hold several people at a time for the descent to the ground.
Durability
It is really surprising that such a compact ladder could support so much weight when extended. This thirteen-foot ladder will hold 1,000 pounds and takes up no more space than a regular shoe box or a two-liter bottle of soda.
Ease of use
Even older children can put this lightweight ladder into place in the window quickly and easily. In an emergent situation, time is crucial, so be sure to have this near the window always.
Portability
You get a nice storage bag with this incredible ladder to keep it in until you need it. This covering will keep it clean, safe, and wrapped to prevent kids from playing with or exploring it.
4. Werner ESC220 Two Story


Rungs are flat with standoffs and grooves
Has an easy exit strap for assistance
Installs below the window and in a wall
Is paintable to match the room wall
Safety compliant with OSHA and ANSI
Must be attached to the wall
Might be hard for kids to remove and use
The Werner Fire Escape Ladder is made for two-story buildings and installs in a couple of hours to permanently mount on the wall.
Read moreIt installs below the window and in a wall with the storage pan that has a door to conceal the folded ladder. This fantastic product has an easy exit strap for assistance and is a white color to go well with room decors. Compatible with most window sizes and sills, it deploys in seconds and is paintable to match the room wall. Safety compliant with OSHA and ANSI, this splendid ladder is durable, lightweight, and made of nylon rails and aluminum rungs.
Design
Although this ladder comes in the color white, it can be painted easily to match the color of the room. With it in the little cabinet it comes in, this superb ladder will be tucked away out of sight.
Durability
With a weight limit of 1,200 pounds for the entire ladder and 400 pounds for a single rung, several people can use it at once. The dependable rungs are flat with standoffs and grooves to prevent slipping.
Ease of use
If the members of your family would have trouble in an emergency situation with a portable ladder, then this is the one to get. it is installed before the need arises and works quickly.
Portability
This is not a one-time use ladder because it permanently installs below the window it will be used if there is an emergency. This helps secure it in the window for added safety.
5. ResQLadder 4 Story Portable 35 Foot


Is highly portable and requires no installation
Tested weight limit is more than 1,000 pounds
Standoffs on rungs for stability and flexibility
The vertical chain has plastic sleeve coverings
The bottom rung is color-coded for easy identity
Could possibly get tangled up
The chain may swing with people on it
Made for a four-story building, the ResQLadder Fire Escape Ladder is a thirty-five-foot safety ladder that requires no installation and is highly portable.
Read moreIt has a tested weight limit of more than 1,000 pounds and will fit most standard-sized windows. There are standoffs on each rung for stability and flexibility. The standoffs help you avoid wall hazards or obstructions and are simple to remove or install if not needed. It is a sturdy chain ladder made of steel chain, hook, and rungs with plastic sleeve coverings on the vertical chain for easy gripping when descending. The bottom rung is color-coded for easy identification at the end of the ladder for deploying.
Design
There are standoffs on each rung of this marvelous product. Standoffs are steel pieces on the rung that keep the ladder from touching the wall. This prevents damaging the other windows and anything that is on the exterior wall.
Durability
This excellent product has a durable hooked frame to attach to the windowsill. Made of steel chain, it can support several people at one time that must leave the home quickly.
Ease of use
The bottom rung of this terrific chain ladder is color coded red for quick identification. In an emergency, it will be easy to see the end of this wonderful ladder in order to toss it out the window first. This will decrease the ladder from becoming tangled also.
Portability
As a chain ladder, this item is more portable and lightweight than a few of the other models highlighted. It would certainly be easier for kids or older folks to deploy since it is less cumbersome.
6. American Ladder Co Easy Escape 2 Story


Steps are twelve inches wide and sturdy
Does not have to be unfolded for use
Requires no assembly or installation
Comes in a red zippered storage container
Has a strong attachment hook for the window
Can only be used one time
Might be hard for kids to manipulate when needed
The Easy Escape Emergency Fire Escape Ladder is made for a two-story building and is thirteen feet in length. It stores easily, is compact and has a strong construction.
Read moreThe steps are twelve inches wide and sturdy and do not have to be unfolded for use. Unfortunately, this amazing ladder can only be used one time and then discarded. It requires no assembly or installation and comes in its own red zippered storage container. There is a strong attachment hook for the window, plus it securely stores in the hook compactly with a Velcro strap until used.
Design
The problem of untangling or deploying the ladder in a well-organized manner is eliminated with this product because the unfolding does not have to be done. This saves time during an emergency.
Durability
With wide and sturdy steps, this incredible ladder is one of the strongest ones on the market. It has steps instead of rungs, so it is easier to descend and steadier to hold onto on the way down.
Ease of use
Unlike most other emergency fire ladders, this one does not have to be unfolded before using it. It will deploy easily right from the large window hook when you need it to prevent any tangling.
Portability
You can keep this one-time-use escape ladder near the window in its own case for easy identification. It is not hard to move, so older folks and kids can handle it when an emergency strikes.
7. Kidde 25' 3 Story


No needed tools for installation or assembly
The design is twist- and tangle-free
Ready in an instant for use
Rungs are anti-slip for stability
Has a large strong hook and handlebar
Is a single-use item that must be thrown away after using
Steps are not very wide – could sway with weight
Made for a three-story building, this Escape Ladder is twenty-five feet long and does not need tools for installation or assembly. It is simple to use with a design that is tangle-free.
Read moreReady in an instant for use, it has a large hook and handlebar for attaching to the windowsill. The rungs are anti-slip for stability on this single-use ladder that must be discarded after use. Hopefully, you will never need to use this fabulous product, but it always great to have it in case you do. Because of the hook that mounts on the window, prior attachment is not necessary.
Design
Some escape ladders must be mounted when you get them to use during an emergency. This one has a large hook for attaching that can be fastened quickly in just seconds.
Durability
The large handlebar that is part of the hook for the window is sturdy and has a secure grip. You will be able to leave the window quickly with this helpful aid that is strong and durable.
Ease of use
The manufacturer promises that this terrific ladder will not tangle or twist when it is unfurled. You can trust that it will stay in a stable form for you to descend to the ground in an emergency.
Portability
Longer because it is made for a three-story building, this wonderful product is still light enough for kids or older people to use easily. It is the kind that must be thrown out after using it, which makes it much safer to use.
8. Hausse Retractable 2 Story 13 Feet


Has a strong hook and handlebar
Hook on the ladder is retractable
Does not need tools or assembly
Rungs are slip-resistant and steady
Comes in a red durable canvas bag
Might be too heavy for kids to handle
Can only be used once
The Hausse Retractable Fire Escape Ladder is thirteen feet in length and made for a two-story building.
Read moreIt has a strong and secure hook and handlebar for the windowsill attachment and will not slip or detach. No tools or assembly is needed for this durable and strong item that deploys quickly and easily. The amazing rungs are slip-resistant giving a foothold that is steady. This fabulous ladder makes escape easy and quick and has a tested weight limit of 1,000 pounds. It stores neatly by the window or under the bed and comes in a red durable canvas bag for storage.
Design
The hook on the ladder is retractable, but the product is designed to be used only once. Ladders are much safer that they are used only once because then you know that they are reliable.
Durability
The weight limit is 1,000 pounds for this sturdy product. This means that several people can use it at one time safely when an emergency occurs. Not having to wait for turns may save someone’s life.
Ease of use
You get a nice canvas bag with the purchase of this outstanding ladder. It is bright red for a good identity and durable to protect the ladder from curious and exploring hands and minds.
Portability
The ladders that come with their own storage bags, such as this one, are quite portable to store in many places out of the way. The bright bag marks it well for quick identification during a crisis.
9. ISOP 2 Story & 3 Story Solid Flame Resistant


Weight limit is 2,500 pounds
Takes seconds to deploy it
Lightweight and easy to carry
Usable by children and adults
Has a quick tangle-free release
Is not steady against the wall when in use
Could be difficult to find something to clip it to for use
The weight limit is 2,500 pounds for this Solid Flame-Resistant Fire Safety Rope Ladder with carabins. It is sixteen feet long, made of high-quality materials, and fits almost all balcony railings and window frames.
Read moreIdeal for home, school, offices, or hotels, it attaches with hooks that are heavy duty and rolls up for compact storage. It only takes seconds to deploy it and no tools are needed for assembly or setup. Made for rescues of two-story buildings, this wonderful ladder is dependable in an emergency and usable by both children and adults. Lightweight and easy to carry even for kids, it has a quick tangle-free release and stores well under a bed, in a closet, or by the window.
Design
If you do not want the hassle of one of the steel metal ladders for your family during a crisis, then try this wonderful rope ladder. It is quite effective in providing an escape route from a two-story building.
Durability
The hooks for window attachment are dependable and strong on this escape ladder. Made of durable rope material, it can be used more than once and be kept for long periods for emergencies.
Ease of use
Storing this wonderful rope ladder will not be a problem no matter how little storage space you have. It takes up minimal space because it rolls up tightly and does not have a large frame.
Portability
Often the weight of a fire escape ladder is too much for an elderly person or a child to carry and place in a window. This incredible rope ladder is both easy to maneuver and lightweight making it perfect for everyone to use.
10. Hynawin Portable Two-Story15 Foot


Sturdy and flexible with wide steps
Folds completely to take up minimal space
Will fit the majority of window frames
Weight limit is 990 pounds; 15 feet long
Each step hugs the wall when in place
Might be too heavy to lift for kids or the elderly
Could be difficult to set up quickly
With a sturdy and flexible design that has wide steps, the Hynawin Portable Fire Escape Ladder is durable, portable, and folds completely to take up minimal space.
Read moreIt will fit nicely in the closet, under the bed, or by the window, as it is convenient and lightweight. This amazing item will fit the majority of window frames because it attaches on the frame of the window and will not come off. This is a trusted piece of household equipment made for family safety in an emergency. It has a durable belt of Terylene, and each step hugs the wall when in place to be safe and stable.
Design
The weight limit is 990 pounds of this safety ladder that is fifteen feet long as is EU certified for safety. The strong hook is made of steel and has a V support for sturdiness and stability.
Durability
The large weight limit of 990 pounds that this ladder can support is wonderful. This means that more than one person can be on the ladder at the same time in the case of an emergency.
Ease of use
The window frame is the attachment point for the large hook of this device. Once on there, you can trust that it will hold your family well for the descent to the ground for safety.
Portability
This terrific ladder compacts so small that it can be placed in some small spaces in the home. It will fit easily under beds, in closets, or near windows to be ready for any type of problem on higher floors.
Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design
Being that most of these incredible ladders are to be used only one time, they are economical, lightweight, and compact. They are wrapped tightly to be small in size and ready to deploy for your quick exit of the building. Even though they are flexible and small, these products can support hundreds of pounds of weight at one time. Strong and sturdy, they can hold more than one person at a time that needs to descend in an emergency. The tops of the ladders have a strong hook and handlebar feature that latches on to the windowsill. This is put in place once the ladder is unfurled to the ground. With this easy design, the anxiety is decreased, and escape is safe.

Durability
Looking at these ladders the first time you might think that they seem flimsy or too small to use. Even though the rungs and steps are thin, and the chains and supports are flexible, it does not mean that these items are not durable and sturdy enough to do the job of getting your family to safety in an emergency. Each piece of the ladders is made to be supportive of heavyweights and hold more than one person on the structure at a time. Some of the manufacturers give weight limits even for one rung, which is usually about 700 pounds for a single step. These products are durable and strong to be the dependable piece of safety equipment you need to escape from an upper floor of a building.

Ease of Use
Once you know how these incredible ladders function and unfurl, they are easy to use even in a time of stress. Each one comes with instructions on how to use them, but they all basically work the same. The bottom of the ladder must go out the window first with the rest of the steps or rungs being let down easily to prevent tangling and twisting. Once the ladder is twisted, it will be hard to get it straight again from the window. Once all of the rungs are out, then the handlebar and hook part must be anchored on the windowsill.

Portability
The light weight of these wonderful ladders makes them easy to transport, carry, and store. The most that any of these items weigh is about fifteen pounds for the ones of steel material. Older children and adults can lift these with ease, but younger kids and the elderly may have a bit of trouble with the heavier ones. Because of the emergency nature of these products, they must be simple and quick to lift and deploy out the window.

The portable and one-time-use ladders do not allow for fire drill practice. If you think that your family needs a fire drill, then this type will not be suitable for such preparation. They can only be deployed once.
If you must depend on an older person or a child to set up the ladder during an emergency and deploy it to the ground, make sure to get one that is light in weight and simple to handle. It should not pose a problem of tangling either.
Other Factors to Consider

Safety
The whole idea behind these excellent ladders is the safety of your family. For buildings with more than one floor, it is wise to have one of these fantastic ladders positioned at each window. In the least, you should have one in each room of any upstairs sections of the home. Even if the attic has a window or outlet to the ground, it is a good idea to have one there in case of an emergency. Just having one is not enough to save your family members because they must know how to use it. having fire drills or ladder education sessions for the family could ultimately one day save their lives.

Weight
These ladders are made light in weight so even small children can lift them and deploy them from a window. Older people can also handle them easily because they are not heavy. Even if thee ladders are never used, those that are most vulnerable, such as kids and the elderly, can have the peace of mind in knowing that help is close and ready in a lightweight form. The mechanics of these wonderful ladders and their lightweight materials make them easy to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Do these ladders attach to the window permanently?
Only one product is attached to the inside wall permanently, but all of the others only hook onto the window sill at the time they are to be used. These have large hooks and handlebars that grab onto the window sill after you let the ladder unfurl out the window.
q: Are some of these products one-time use only? If so, why?
Yes, at least half of these ladders for fire emergencies are for one-time use only. It is not really stated in the product descriptions as to why they can only be used once, but from our research, we have several conclusions concerning this issue. Once these ladders are deployed, they cannot be folded back into their original form. Being disposable also keeps the cost of these items to a minimum. The most credible answer is because of safety and liability issues. If the ladders were used in practice for fire drills and damaged, then they would not work properly when a real fire occurred. This would possibly cause the manufacturer to have liability from the occurrence.
q: What are these items made of?
Most of the metal ones are made of durable steel and aluminum. These are the ones with steps and rungs. There is one made of rope too that is lightweight and simple to deploy. Even the ones with chains are constructed of steel with plastic sleeves on the vertical sections for easy and comfortable handling.
q: Are these easy for a child or elderly person to use?
Yes, the lighter ones are the best ones for kids and older people to handle. Some of these have some weight to them and can be difficult to maneuver, especially during an emergency. The ones that are around ten pounds would be the easiest for these age group to use.
q: What is the biggest complaint online from customers about these ladders?
Because the manufacturers are not really advertising much that plenty of these ladders can only be used one time, it is coming as quite a shock to some customers. They do mention this fact in the descriptions, but it is not very noticeable. You will see it mentioned in the smaller print, but not on the main page of the details. Once you purchase the ladder, then you realize that it can only be used one time for safety reasons.
q: Are these strong enough to hold heavy people or several people at one time?
The descriptions state that these products can hold as much as 1,000 or 1,500 pounds at one time. They are made of steel and aluminum, so it is possible that the limits are accurate. These products are not that long to require many people using them at one time. For a second-story window descent, the height is about thirteen feet to the ground. It is safe to assume that two people or three at most could adequately use any of these ladders safely without going over the weight limit.
Sources
- How to choose a fire escape ladder, Online Article ,
- 10 Safety Rules for Home Emergency Escape Ladders, Online Article ,
- Escape Ladder Safety Tips, Online Article ,