Best stair gates 2024: our expert picks from independent tests

Our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice will help you find a safe and sturdy stair gate that's simple to use. 

To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. 

The very best stair gates won't just be secure and safe. They'll have simple instructions for a straightforward installation, and will be easy to open and close.

We've found some flimsy and unsafe gates in our testing, so read on to find the ones we're most impressed with. You'll find all the advice you need to make the right decision for you and your child. 

Go straight to our stair gate reviews to compare 40 models we've tested in the lab

Best stair gates for 2024

The following stair gates are the very best of all the models our experts tested in the lab. 

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Stair gate reviews by type

• Pressure-fit stair gates
• Screw-fit stair gates
• Classic gate style stair gates
• Retractable stair gates
• Wooden stair gates

Stair gate reviews by price

• Stair gates under £40
• Stair gates under £80
• Stair gates under £150

Why you can trust our stair gate reviews

We buy all of the stair gates we test, ensuring unbiased reviews without influence from manufacturers. Our tests simulate real-world use in family homes, so the top-scoring models will effectively keep little ones safe while remaining adult-friendly. We evaluate each gate for safety, ease of installation, durability, and convenience. 

Our aim is to find gates that offer strong protection, a simple setup, and resilience against active children.

If you want to find out more, have a read about how we test stair gates.

What should I look for when buying a stair gate?

The type of gate you choose will depend on its purpose and where you are putting it.

• Material A wooden or metal side-opening stair gate will need plenty of room to swing open, so you need to think about potential obstructions and whether it will be awkward to navigate around.
• Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big.
• Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs.
• How easy is it to open and close? You don’t want your toddler to be able to flick the mechanism open but, at the same time, you may also need to be able to open and close the gate with a wriggling child under one arm. Some stair gates close automatically.

Support your growing family: Our expert advice can help you make the right choices, from improving your home to planning your finances

Types of stair gates

There's a wide range of different stair gates available. We run through the pros and cons of each to help you decide which would work best for you. 

Pressure-fit stair gates

• Pros: Easy to install, no drills or screws needed so it won't damage your wall, some have additional features such as alarms and auto-closing mechanisms.
• Cons: Bottom of U-shaped frame can be a trip hazard - for this reason, they shouldn't be used at the top of the stairs.

Pressure-fit gates can be made of wood or metal and sit within a fixed U-shaped frame that is held in place by pressure at four points. Extensions are often available if your doorway or stairway is wider than average. If the pressure is insufficient, then wall cups can be used to increase the security of the fixing.

See our pressure-fit stair gate reviews

Screw-fit stair gates

• Pros: Very strong, sturdy fitting, no rail at the bottom, so no trip hazard. It's recommended that screw-fit gates are used for the top of the stairs.
• Cons: Can be harder to assemble, will leave holes behind once they're removed.

Screw-fit gates are fixed to the wall with metal screws and can be made of wood or metal. You need to measure up carefully before buying as you may need extensions.

See our screw-fit stair gate reviews

Retractable stair gates

• Pros: No trip-risk, discreet when retracted, can be good for wide openings.
• Cons: Sometimes tricky to install, can be as much as twice the price of wood or metal gates, some lack structural strength. 

These types of gate can be retracted when not in use so they're less obvious. They're usually either made of heavy-duty mesh which rolls up like a window blind, or hard plastic that folds in on itself like a concertina fan. They need to be screwed into the wall.

See our retractable stair gate reviews

Wooden stair gates

• Pros: Can be more aesthetically-pleasing than other materials. 
• Cons: Might be harder to wipe clean than metal gates. 

Wooden stair gates can be either pressure-fit or screw-fit. You may decide to opt for a wooden stair gate if you have a particular style of decor in your house and you want the stair gate to match.

See our wooden stair gate reviews 

Extendable stair gates

• Pros: Customisable stair-gate width. 
• Cons: May have to buy extensions separately, can be fiddly to construct. 

Extendable stair gates give you more flexibility for fencing off wider spaces. Some models let you extend the gate by sliding it to the correct width, while others offer individual attachable extension bars to connect to the main stair gate.

Travel stair gates

• Pros: Light and easy to fold up for travelling. 
• Cons: Not the best option for daily use, as they have to be taken down every time you go through them.

These are made of mesh, don't sit in a frame and completely come away from the wall when you release the pressure. They act as fixed barriers rather than gates, and are designed to be more portable than other types.

Stair gates are a great safety addition to your home. See the only guide you'll ever need to babyproof your home for more

How much do I need to spend on a stair gate?

This depends on what style you want and the width of the space you're closing off.

A simple, cheap stair gate can cost as little as £20 to £25, but if you want something more stylish, or one that fits an extra-wide or narrow space, it could cost up to £100.

We also now highlight Great Value stair gates – models have scored at least 60% in our testing, but are also at least 20% cheaper than the average price of comparable stair gates we've tested.

See our Great Value stair gates or compare all our stair gate reviews to find the best that suits your budget.

Where to buy a stair gate

Stair gates can be found at a variety of online and high street retailers. Be careful to buy from a reputable trader and always check the returns policy and warranty information.

We've listed the most-searched for stair gate retailers below, with information on stock, price range and delivery options. 

• Argos supplies around 40 baby gates and additional accessories from brands including Cuggl and Lindam, with extensions and extra-wide sizes available. Prices range between £20 and £80. You can Click & Collect from your local Argos free of charge, otherwise home delivery starts at £3.95, and same-day delivery can be selected for an additional £1 (subject to availability). 
• John Lewis stocks a variety of safety gates and guards from BabyDan, Fred and Safety 1st. Prices start at £29 for a simple stair gate, but you can pay up to £220 for pricier models.
• The Range sells a small selection of safety gates, including retractable, pressure-fit and extra wide models, with prices starting around £30. If you change your mind on your purchase, you can return your product to any The Range store within 28 days, with your receipt and delivery note.
• Amazon offers a wide range of stair gates from brands including BabyDan, Lindam and DreamBaby. Prices start at less than £20, and you can get free delivery if you're a Prime member. Try sticking to products that are fulfilled by or sold by Amazon if you can – it’s much easier to resolve issues if something goes wrong.

What is the safest baby gate for the top of stairs?

Screw-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard. 

Pressure-fit and retractable stair gates are not a good option for the top of stairs because their design incurs a trip hazard and they are not as sturdy. 

Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.

Find the perfect screw-fit stair gate for your home.

How to dispose of an old stair gate?

Stair gates are difficult to recycle because they're usually made from a mixture of metal railings and plastic fixings. If your local recycling centre won’t take it, it will need to go to your council waste centre to be properly disposed of.

You could also try selling it on an online marketplace. Just be sure to check there are no areas where the gate has weakened from one too many shoves or rattles by a determined child or pet. 

Dog gates for stairs

Lots of people use safety gates as dog gates for stairs and to keep pets in or out of certain rooms.

Some stair gates also come with a small door inset into the gate, to let a smaller pet through while keeping large people and dogs out.

We put all stair gates through an impact test where they are hit three times with a 25kg weight (that's roughly the same weight as a small female labrador or a large springer spaniel), to see if the gate comes loose or breaks.

Some gates pass this test, but others come loose after a couple of further hits.

It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard. 

If you're planning on getting a dog (but a baby could also be on the horizon), you're best off choosing a baby stair gate that holds up in our tests so you can be assured that it will be suitable for protecting both children and animals.

Keep your furry best friend safe and happy by using the best dog harnesses and feeding them one of the best dog food brands