What's the difference between a step stool and a learning tower?

A simple step stool (like the OXO Tot or Dreambaby picks here) is a low, lightweight boost for the sink or toilet that a toddler can move themselves. A learning tower is a taller, enclosed standing platform with rails that lets a child safely reach counter height to help in the kitchen. Reviewers in parenting subreddits note towers are far more stable for counter work but are bulkier and harder to store; step stools are cheaper and more portable but offer less fall protection at height.