5 Best Belay Devices - May 2026

If you're interested in a Grigri belay device, this is the one for you. It's equipped with lots of safety features and built to last.

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PROS

Assisted braking helps belayer protect climber when they fall and also makes descent easier.
Owners have gone as far as to say it's the perfect belay device for top rope and lead belay.

CONS

Expensive.
Make sure you know how to use this device, as it functions differently than a typical belay.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Black Diamond

ATC-XP Belay Device

A great budget belay device from one of the best brands in the industry.

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PROS

A durable device that will last for years.
Requires very little force to hold a heavier climber so it's great if you're climbing with a partner who is significantly larger than you.

CONS

Not as smooth for belaying as it is for repelling.

GM CLIMBING

Micro Belay Device

A trusty belay device that's perfect for indoor climbing and won't break the bank.

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PROS

Climbers appreciate the groove, as it makes belaying safer.
Better for top rope rather than lead belay.
Durable product for a lower price than brand names.

CONS

Good for climbing inside, but some owners feel hesitant about using it outside.
Hard to fit larger ropes.

Epic Peak Climbing Gear

Epic Peak Rescue Figure 8 Descender

Sturdy, practical, and easy to use. A good choice for climbers who want a straightforward design for rappelling and descending.

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PROS

Features a figure-8 design that works well in a variety of conditions and a sturdy build that's made to last.
Works well for rappelling.
Some owners rave about how well it works for practicing aerial skills, too.

CONS

Smaller than some consumers expected.

Petzl

Verso Belay/Rappel Device

A simple belay device that can be used with all sorts of ropes and for all different activities.

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PROS

Simple to use and makes belaying larger partners easy.
A good price for anyone just getting into climbing who doesn't want to invest too much money.
Very little binding.

CONS

Has a lot of tension for bigger ropes – 13.55 cm or more.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

October 01, 2021

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considered

Hours
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