If you're shopping for a car lift, you might be stuck deciding between a scissor lift and a 2 post lift. Both are great options depending on what you're trying to do — but they’re very different when it comes to setup, lifting power, and working space. In this guide, we'll break down the main differences so you can figure out which one fits your garage, your budget, and your needs.
2 Post Lift vs Scissor Lift - What's better?
2 post lifts are one of the most popular lifts you’ll see in pro shops and serious home garages. They use two upright columns with arms that reach under your vehicle. Scissor lifts, on the other hand, use a set of crisscrossing arms (like a scissor) that raise your vehicle straight up from below.
2 Post Lift
Positives:
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Full access to the vehicle’s undercarriage
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Higher lift height (plenty of standing room)
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Takes up less floor space when not in use
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Great for major repairs (suspension, transmission, exhaust work)
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Handles heavier vehicles (especially asymmetric arm designs)
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Long-term, professional-grade solution
Negatives:
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Requires professional installation or serious DIY skills
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Needs strong, thick concrete (usually 4" minimum)
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Permanent — not easy to move once installed
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More expensive than scissor lifts
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Needs higher ceiling clearance (usually 10 ft+ recommended)
Scissor Lift
Positives:
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Compact and easy to store
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Some models are portable and can be rolled away
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Lower cost compared to 2 post lifts
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Quick setup and takedown
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Works in garages with low ceilings
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Good for quick jobs like brakes, tires, oil changes
Negatives:
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Limited access to the center of the vehicle
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Lower lift height (not as much room to stand under)
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Somewhat blocks the underside depending on model
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Not ideal for heavy mechanical work
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Can be less stable with very heavy vehicles (depending on model)
When a 2 Post Lift Is Better:
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Full engine removals or installs
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Transmission repairs or replacements
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Exhaust system work from front to back
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Suspension overhauls (control arms, shocks, ball joints)
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Brake line replacements that run the full chassis
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Serious mechanical work (frame repairs, rust repairs)
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Shops where you need to walk completely underneath the vehicle
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Lifting heavier vehicles (trucks, full-size SUVs, some vans)
When a Scissor Lift Is Better:
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Quick oil changes
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Tire rotations and brake jobs
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Light suspension work (shocks, struts)
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Working in low ceiling garages (under 10 ft height)
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Mobile service or working outdoors
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Temporary setups (you can move it out of the way after)
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Projects where you don’t need full undercarriage access
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Budget builds where a permanent install isn’t possible
Final Summary:
Choosing between a scissor lift and a 2 post lift depends on the type of work you’re doing. 2 post lifts are best for full mechanical repairs, while scissor lifts are great for quick service jobs and small spaces. If you need full undercarriage access, go with a 2 post; if you want portability and easy storage, a scissor lift makes more sense. Pick the lift that fits your garage, your budget, and the kind of work you’ll actually be doing.
