A dip bar is one of the most significant parts of a power tower.
But since power towers are extremely bulky and expensive, many manufacturers made specific dip bars that are dubbed as “portable”.
These ones fit right into your home gym and allow you to work out easily without costing you a lot of money or space.
So what is the best portable dip bar on the market? After 45 hours of product research and testing, the Yoleo Adjustable Portable Dip Station is the best portable dip bar. Yoleo offers the most sturdy option on the market (no matter your weight) and provides good customizability for different body shapes. Also, it’s priced more competitively than other portable dip bars.
In this article, I’ll discuss other portable dip bar options for different circumstances (some bigger, some smaller, some for different types of activities). But first, let me tell you the factors that you need to consider before purchasing a portable dip bar.
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Factors That Contribute To Making A Dip Bar Portable
To call a dip bar portable, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Here are the criteria of classification that this guide is based on:
Easy to Transport
Power tower dip bars are too heavy to move around and they usually take up a huge space in the gym.
On the other hand, a portable dip bar is usually much easier to move around because they’re lighter in weight and smaller in size.
Of course, some of these dip bars are more portable than others. For example, dip stations are usually bulky when compared to the much smaller parallettes (basically a tiny version of a dip bar).
This allows you to take them along with you if you’re going to work out outdoors or change where you’re going to do the dips without worrying about the bulkiness or heaviness of the dip bar.
Easy to Store
Of course, the small size will also allow you to move them from and to the storage spot, whether that’s in a closet or under your bed.
Another form of portability while storing a dip bar is compression or foldability. For example, some dip bars are made of various parts that are connected together using foldable hinges or are simply compressed together when not in use to take smaller space.
This feature makes them great if you have limited space in your house to store the dip bars when they’re not in use.
Easy to Deconstruct
In many cases, some products are small enough to be moved around easily and can be stored without taking up a huge space. However, they may require a lot of tools or taking the entire machine apart to be stored.
For good portability, always make sure that the dip bar you’re buying doesn’t need special tools to unfold or adjust while being stored. I have definitely made this mistake in the past.
In fact, there are plenty of options that won’t require any tools to be stored, so you don’t have to go down the road of complex machinery anyway.
Top 10 Portable Dip Bars Available on the Market
The 10 best portable dip bars are:
- Yoleo Adjustable Portable Dip Station – Best Overall
- BalanceFrom Multi-Function Portable Dip Machine – Most Durable
- AmazonBasics Dip Fitness Bar – Best Budget Option
- JFIT Pro Push Up Bar Stand – Most Compact Dip Machine
- Fuel Pureformance Deluxe Dip Station – Best Portable Dip Machine With Ring Handles
- Ultimate Body Press Dip Bar Fitness Station – Best Portable Dip Machine For Tall People
- Lebert Fitness Dip Bar Stand – Most Versatile Option
- Trademark Innovations Fitness Training Dip Station – Best Dip Lightweight Bar
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6507 Dip Station – Best for Petite Bodies
- PULLUP & DIP Wooden Parallettes – Travel-Friendly Dip Bar
1. Yoleo Adjustable Portable Dip Station – Best Overall
The Yoleo Adjustable Portable Dip Station is considered one of the all-around best options because it offers great durability and versatility for a very good price.
Even though you’re looking for a portable dip bar, let’s talk about the durability first because if the product doesn’t last, then it won’t be a good use of your money.
The dip bar frame is made of heavy-duty steel and was tested up to 500 lbs without bending or feeling shaky. This is good if you plan on adding weight to your movements either by using a dip belt or weighted vest.
It’s also nice to know that while you might not be doing heavy weighted movements today, you can progress into it over time.
Moreover, it comes with 3 levels of width adjustments, and 6 levels of height adjustments. This makes the Yoleo Portable Dip Station the most customizable option out of all the products we reviewed.
This is great if you have different people using the dip bar around your house.
In terms of portability, the feature I liked the most was the ability to put the handles together for easier storage. This made it fit into tighter spaces in my closet, which is where I store my dip bar between workouts.
As well, because the height of the dip bar is customizable, you can reduce the overall size of the equipment making it easier to tuck away into small corners of your house.
An additional feature that I didn’t think I’d like, but it turned out to be really useful, is that the handle area is covered with a non-slip material to also promote security and stability while using the dip bar. This made it easier to work with when my hands got sweaty throughout my workout.
Pros
- Extremely durable construction with comfortable handles
- Highly adjustable in terms of width and height
- Ability to fold and reduce overall height when storing
- A great value for its price
Cons
- Some people reported the package arrived without connectors, which were then later provided by the company. However, this didn’t happen to me.
2. BalanceFrom Multi-Function Portable Dip Machine – Most Durable
Most dip machines last for several years before they collapse or bend due to excessive weight. If you do weighted dips using vests or dip belts, you need a durable dip machine like this one.
The BalanceForm dip machine is great for a variety of exercises, which makes it a great addition to your home gym, especially that it’s quite bulky to move around a lot.
The powerhouse dip bar can lift up to 500 lbs without shaking back and forth. And even with using it several times a day, you should expect this one to last you for quite some time!
However, keep in mind, what you gain in durability you lack in portability. While this dip machine is still quite portable compared with other dip bars on the market, it’s the bulkiest out of our ‘portable options’.
So you just have to decide what feature you value in the most – because there’s often a trade off between durability and portability.
Pros
- Supports up to 500 lbs and lasts for a long time
- Features lower handles for advanced dips
- A highly affordable price due to lack of customization
Cons
- Relatively bulky and can’t be folded together
3. AmazonBasics Dip Fitness Bar – Best Budget Option
This Dip fitness bar here from AmazonBasics is my budget pick. Although there are some dip bars that are quite cheaper than this one, I don’t recommend that you go any lower with the price because the options available are quite flimsy and won’t deliver.
It’s also well optimized for portability, weighing less than 22 lbs. Although the product claims that it can handle up to 660 lbs, I heavily doubt that because of the thin design and the small pinholes, especially with the slant design.
However, it seems to support up to 350 lbs just fine, which is what I tested it up to, as long as you keep your hands centered and train on a carpet for stability.
Due to it being pretty light and maneuverable, I’d say Amazon did a great job building a portable dip bar. It’s not my favorite, but it’s good enough for anyone who is price-conscious.
Pros
- A suitable option for buyers on a budget
- Relatively lightweight design
- Slip-resistant foam grips all the way through
Cons
- Won’t hold up a lot of weight as advertised
4. JFIT Pro Push Up Bar Stand – Most Compact Dip Machine
The JFIT Pro is a parallette, which is a miniature version of a dip bar. This type of dip bars is used mainly by advanced athletes because it requires you to spread your legs forward during a dip.
This puts a lot of pressure on the core that requires extra strength or experience with calisthenics.
The unique feature about these dip machines is how compact they are, which makes them great for limited storage spaces. You can also mount them over high blocks or wooden boxes to turn them into a standard dip bar.
Remember, just because you see that this is a small dip bar and is great for portability, it is an advanced piece of equipment. So only purchase it if you already know how to take advantage of the type of calisthenics exercises that can be performed on it.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Can be used for a variety of workouts (if you have boxes)
- Foam-padded legs and handles for added stability
Cons
- Mainly suitable for advanced athletes
5. Fuel Pureformance Deluxe Dip Station – Best Portable Dip Machine With Ring Handles
If you’re a CrossFit athlete who does a lot of workouts with rings, such as ring dip and ring fly, you’re going to like this one!
The Fuel Pureformance Dip Station has a specific model that comes ready with ring attachments, although you can also buy them separately for your preferred model.
You can use these rings to do a variety of workouts with rings as well as all the classic dib workouts.
Pros
- Comes with ring handles for added versatility
- Very sturdy construction
- Excellent choice for CrossFit athletes
Cons
- A bit pricey
6. Ultimate Body Press Dip Bar Fitness Station – Best Portable Dip Machine For Tall People
This one is really great for a tall person because it’s designed to fit users up to 6.5 ft tall. I like the overall design of the dip machine, especially that it’s made of a thick steel tubing frame of about 1.5 inches.
This allows the dip machine to accommodate up to 350 lbs comfortably. It’s one of the few product designs on the market that allows you to adjust the width to suit your arm’s length.
Despite being quite expensive, this one comes with a 10-year warranty, which adds a lot of value to its price.
Pros
- Designed to fit tall exercisers
- Width-adjustable design for comfort
- Comes with 10 years of warranty against defects
Cons
- Relatively low weight limit for a dip bar designed for taller athletes
7. Lebert Fitness Dip Bar Stand – Most Versatile Option
If you’re torn between having a versatile dip bar that allows you to do all kinds of exercises without compromising limited space in your indoor gym, you should keep this one in mind.
What I like about it is that it has one of the widest size spectra with 2 options to suit all kinds of athletes’ builts (from less than 5 ft 10 to much higher). However, you should keep in mind that it has a maximum weight limit of about 400 lbs only.
Another feature that makes it super easy to use and store is the lack of connectors. This allows you to use it at technically any width you like and it won’t wobble because the feet are quite wide and stabilized with rubber!
Pros
- Available in vibrant colors
- Balances between versatility and compact size for storage
- Comes with a guide that has multiple dip machine workouts to try
Cons
- Low weight limit for its premium price tag
8. Trademark Innovations Fitness Training Dip Station – Best Dip Lightweight Bar
If you’re training at different parts around your house, your main concern should be the weight of the dip bar.
Luckily, this dip bar weighs only 17.5 lbs, making it one of the lightest steel tube frames on the market.
I really like that this one also comes with suspension rings, making it great for ring dips and other CrossFit workouts!
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Comes with suspension rings for a variety of workout
- Easy to put together
Cons
- It doesn’t fold
9. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6507 Dip Station – Best for Petite Bodies
What I like about this model is that it’s small-scale, which is great for women and shorter athletes in general. They also have small handles for a better grip.
I only recommend dip bars that are made from steel tubes or tougher materials. Aluminum frames are lightweight and portable but they won’t last you a couple of months before they’re broken, which is why I recommend this solid steel frame even if you’re lightweight.
For its price, this one is a really good option with plenty of features, such as the foam grips that prevent slipping and allow for a more comfortable hold.
Pros
- Cost-effective price
- Suitable for short and petite builds
- Can be easily stored
Cons
- Not suitable for weighted dips
10. PULLUP & DIP Wooden Parallettes – Travel-Friendly Dip Bar
If you’re always on the move and looking for something sturdy and reliable enough to use for dips, you might want to check this one out!
These wooden parallettes are so small that you can fit them in your bag and only need solid blocks to function properly. However, you can also use them on their own if you’re experienced enough.
The small parallettes can be also used for modified push-ups and come in a variety of heights to suit your needs.
Pros
- You can take them anywhere
- Durable construction
- Available in different heights
Cons
- Requires sturdy blocks to be used as dip bars
Main Features: What to Look for In a Portable Dip Bar & Station?
You should know that finding a dip bar with factors that makes it portable doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be good.
For that, there are plenty of other features and key considerations that you have to keep in mind while choosing any portable dip bar out there.
General Construction
The general construction of a dip bar or a dip machine stands for its dimensions and its overall structural stability. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Dip Bar Height
Unlike dip bars that are hanging from walls or attached to a power tower, portable options have varying heights.
Most dip bars on the market are designed for average human heights between 5.3 ft (160 cm) to 6.6 ft (200 cm).
If your height falls out of this dimension, you’ll need a special dip bar with adjustable height that suits your height. Keep in mind that some dip bar styles, such as parallettes, aren’t dependent on your height.
Dip Bar Width
The width between the two bars is quite essential because it depends on various aspects, such as your wingspan (the length of your arms) as well as personal comfort.
Ideally, high-end and advanced dip bar designs come in an adjustable design that allows you to change the width to suit your body dimensions.
On the other hand, some dip bars are designed with a lock bar width. In that case, always make sure that you find the width between the bars and apply it in real life to see if it’s suitable for you.
Materials Used & Stability
The last aspect that makes up the general construction of any dip bar is the materials used, especially in the assembly frame.
The material here is critical because you’ll load all your body weight plus potential add-on on the frame, so it needs to be made of a tough material that won’t bend or break.
Lastly, the structural stability of the frame is highly reliant on the wide and sturdy base, so keep an eye on that regardless of the type you opt for.
Weight Limit
The weight limit is mainly based on the material used as well as the fortification with bolts and screws.
Ideally, a good portable dip bar should be able to carry at least 350 lbs with some lifting up to 600 lbs and more.
A good tip here is to get a dip bar with a maximum weight limit that is quite higher than your body weight to last longer and handle any add-ons you use.
Handles
The handles are the point of contact between you and the dip bars, so you have to make sure that they’re made of comfortable materials and have decent thickness and size.
Dips may make your hands sweaty, so it greatly pays off to buy a dip bar with anti-slip handles. As for the thickness of a portable dip bar handle, you should know that it’s not limited to a specific number.
However, most dip bars, whether they’re portable or within a large station will have a circumference that makes them suitable for all hand sizes.
Unless your hands are extremely small, you shouldn’t worry much about the thickness of the handles because they’re usually designed to fit most hand sizes comfortably.
If you have large hands, you can always wrap more material around the handle to make it thick enough for your comfort.
Customizability
As previously mentioned, the width between the handles is essential. The best portable dip stations will allow you to widen or narrow the dip handles based on your size and build.
There are other aspects that premium products on the market will allow you to customize, such as the height of the bar and the angle at which the bars are used.
Versatility
Since there are plenty of types of dip bars on the market, not all of them will provide the same level of versatility.
So, one of the most important questions that you should be asking yourself while choosing is does this dip station make it easy to do other exercises?
In the following sections, I’ll walk you through some of the most common exercises you can do with a portable dip bar.
For instance, you can go under a sturdy dip bar and use it to perform inverted rows. As a rule of thumb, if the dip bar is the only piece of equipment in your home gym, make sure that it’s one of those highly versatile options
Other Add-ons to Go with Your Portable Dip Machine
Although portable dip bars and stations are known for their huge versatility, there are plenty of additions and extra tools that you can use along with the dip machines to benefit even more from them. Here are 3 of the most common add-ons that usually go with portable dip machines:
1. Rings
Gymnastic rings are the most common add-ons to dip bars. These rings are usually made of plastic or wood and are attached to the dip bar via nylon straps.
These rings take the dip machine to the next level by allowing you to do more varied exercises, such as ring chest flys and other exercises that work the chest and triceps with greater volume than dip bars alone.
There are plenty of good options on the market but my recommendation goes to Fuel Pureformance Gymnastics Ring with Straps for plastic and Double Circle Wood Gymnastic Rings for wood. These ones are made of high-quality materials and can be adjusted to your liking.
2. Dip Belts
For someone who’s a little stronger than average, adding more weights is the best way to ramp up their dips.
One of the best ways to do this is by using dip belts, which allow you to strap weight plates to your body for extra resistance.
In my option, the Rogue Dip Belt is one of the best options to combine with your dip machine because it’s extremely well made, durable, and can support up to 29,400 lbs of weight.
3. Weighted Vests
If you’re looking for something a little more versatile, you can use weighted vests instead of dip belts. These vests are designed so that you can load their pockets with different weights.
Similar to dip belts, you can control how heavy these vests are. However, the vests have the added advantage of working with a wider variety of exercises.
In addition to dips and pull-ups, you can also use them for deadlifts, lunges, push-ups, squats, and even running!
The only drawback about these weighted vests is that a handful of them are durable enough to handle intense use and they’re typically much more expensive than dip belts.
For example, the 5.11 Tactical Vest and Plate Carrier is almost 4 times more expensive than the previously mentioned belt.
Workouts That You Can Do on Your Portable Dip Bar
At first glance, you might think that dips and weighted dips are the only exercises you can do with a dip bar.
However, more and more workouts can be performed using these structures, which makes them a great bang for the buck!
Portable dip bars can be used to perform a huge variety of strength exercises that target the upper body, such as:
- Tricep dips
- Inverted rows
- Modified plank holds
- Extended ROM push-ups
- Modified Handstands
- Kneeling triceps extension
- Hip extensions
- Leg raises
- Knee raises
- L Sits
Here’s a sample workout to do every other day with a standard style portable dip bar to train your upper body:
- Dips: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Modified Planks holds: 3 sets, 1 minute hold each
- Knee raises: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Inverted rows: 3 sets of 10 reps
Frequently Asked Questions
How Thick Should The Handles Be on a Portable Dip Bar?
Ideally, most portable dip bars will have a circumference that averages around 1 1/16 inches (26.9 mm) in North America, which is similar to the circumferences of the grip section of most barbells. However, dip bars may still be slightly thinner or thicker than this depending on the quality of the product, the manufacturing country, and the addition of anti-slip lining on the handlebars.
Is a Portable Dip Bar Worth the Money?
For a product to be worth the money, it needs to give you an ample range of versatility while doing its job perfectly. And while any product that you actually need is worth the investment, dip bars are a great addition to your home gym, whether you’re a beginner or advanced exercisers. Moreover, for their significantly low price, compared to some training equipment, they’re extremely cost-effective, regardless of the type. Dip bars come in a huge variety of designs and can be used for tons of exercises, including general workouts, bodyweight exercises, or CrossFit WOD exercises.
How Long Will Your Portable Dip Bar Last?
The average lifespan of a portable dip bar depends on several factors, such as its construction design, materials used, and how frequently they’re used. That said, the average portable dip bar, just like any piece of exercise equipment, may last anywhere between 7 to 15 years. Of course, portable dip bars that are regularly used near their maximal weight limit and without proper maintenance will usually fall on the lower end of the scale.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, after extensive research, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Yoleo Adjustable Portable Dip Station is the overall best portable dip bars out there because they give you the most value for money.
However, if you’re a beginner or on a strict budget and you only need a dip bar for your bodyweight training without all the bells and whistles, you may go with the AmazonBasics Dip Fitness Bar