By clicking a retailer link you consent to third party cookies that track your onward journey. If you make a purchase, Which? will receive an affiliate commission which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.

Best stair gates 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

We reveal the best stair gates to suit your baby and home, with advice on what to look for and the different types available
Hannah FoxSenior researcher & writer
Best stair gates 2022

The key purpose of a stair gate is to keep your curious toddler away from anything that might cause them harm, including flights of stairs and busy kitchens. 

To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. This ensures that they're sturdy, and can withstand the shakes and rattles of a determined child.

However, 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.

Keep scrolling to see the top five stair gates we recommend. If you're keen to learn more before investing in a stair gate, we also weigh up the pros and cons of different types, and answer common queries such as where and when to buy a stair gate, how tall it should be, and how to dispose of an old one.


Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly.


Best stair gates for 2024

These are the stair gates which impressed in our tests and earned themselves a Best Buy. 

We've split our recommendations into the different types of stair gate you can buy, so you can find one that's best suited for your house and needs.

You don't need to break the bank to get a reliable product either - one of our top models was among the cheapest we tested.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access. 

Cheapest Best Buy stair gate


    • best buy
    • great value
    • Ease of installation
    • Safety
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

Best pressure-fit stair gate


    • best buy
    • Ease of installation
    • Safety
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

Best wooden stair gate


    • best buy
    • Ease of installation
    • Safety
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

Best extendable stair gate

    • best buy
    • Ease of installation
    • Safety
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

Best retractable stair gate


    • Ease of installation
    • Safety
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

Tables last checked December 2023.


Not seen the stair gate for you? See all of our stair gate reviews


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.

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

Pressure-fit stair gate

Pressure-fit gates 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.

They can be made of wood or metal. 

  • 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.

See our pressure-fit stair gate reviews

Screw-fit stair gates

Screw-fit stair gates

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.

  • 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.

See our screw-fit stair gate reviews

Retractable stair gates

Retractable stair gate

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.

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. 

See our retractable stair gate reviews

Wooden stair gates

Wooden stair 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.

Pros: Can be more aesthetically-pleasing than other materials. 

Cons: Might be harder to wipe clean than metal gates. 

See our wooden stair gate reviews 

Extendable stair gates

Extendable stair gate

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.

Pros: Customisable stair-gate width. 

Cons: May have to buy extensions separately, can be fiddly to construct. 

Travel stair gates

Travel stair gate

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.

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.


Keep your baby snoozing soundly even when they're away from home - find out how to buy the best travel cot.


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 gates reviews to find the best that suits your budget.

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

stair gate at 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 tall should a stair gate be?

A stair gate needs to be tall enough that your toddler can’t climb over it. 

Ideally, you want your stair gate to be at least 75cm (30 inches) in height. Extra-tall models are available, and range in sizes from 1m (39 inches) and beyond.

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 its own John Lewis range, listing products such as the John Lewis Extending Wooden Safety Gate (£40) as bestsellers. Prices start at £29 for a simple stair gate, but you can pay up to £225 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.

Can I reuse or repurpose my old stair gate?

Yes. For example, you could use it to keep a dog or other pet out of your kitchen.

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. If possible, sell the gate with the original instructions and all fixings.

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.

Dog gates for stairs

Dog sitting behind a stair gate

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.