11 Best Pull-Up Bars for Home Workouts in 2023

Pull-up bars enable lifters to perform a variety of pull-up variations with great form for maximum gains and minimal injury risk. They’re a great addition to your home gym alongside wall-mounted or doorway dip bars.

The 11 best pull-up bars are: 

1. Iron Age Pull-Up Bar For Doorway – Best Overall Pull-Up Bar  
2. REP Fitness 2 Inch Pull-Up Bar – Best Thick Pull-Up Bar
3. Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Budget Pull-Up Bar 
4. KT KHANH TRINH Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar – Best Free Standing Pull-Up Bar
5. Rogue Jammer Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Customizability  
6. REP Fitness Wall Mounted Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar – Best Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar  
7. Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Comfort  
8. Ally Peaks Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Beginners  
9. Prosource Fit Foldable Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best for Taller Lifters 
10. Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Sturdiness 
11. FitBeast Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Maximum Load 

If you’re looking for a pull-up bar to buy for your home workouts, keep reading. Below, we will review the best pull-up bars from the top fitness brands in the industry and discuss their pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for you. 

Featured Products 

1. Iron Age Pull-Up Bar For Doorway – Best Overall Pull-Up Bar
2. Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Budget Pull-Up Bar
3. KT KHANH TRINH Free Standing Pull-Up Bar – Best Free Standing Pull-Up Bar

11 Best Pull-Up Bars 

1. Iron Age Pull-Up Bar For Doorway – Best Overall Pull-Up Bar 

Rating: 5/5 

Pros 

• Made out of high-quality materials 
• Easy to assemble and install 
• Has ergonomically angled handles for easy, pain-free use 

Cons 

• Foam elements may deflate after extensive use of the bar 

The Iron Age Pull-Up Bar is the best pull-up bar on the market. It’s made out of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand heavy loads of up to 400 lbs. This chin-up bar is simple to assemble or disassemble, and it’s sturdy once mounted to your door frame. The ergonomically shaped handles place your wrists in the optimal position for pain-free pull-ups. 

I couldn’t find any major downsides to this bar. The only minor criticism I would give is that the foam padding on the handles can flatten over time. But this is to be expected, especially if you’re loading your pull-ups significantly. 

2. REP Fitness 2-Inch Pull-Up Bar – Best Thick Pull-Up Bar

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Made from sturdy 11-gauge steel
• Easy to attach resistance bands to the bar
• Grippy texture to prevent your hands from slipping

Cons 

• Relatively expensive
• Only compatible with certain REP Fitness power racks

The 2-inch Pull-Up Bar by REP Fitness is an ideal choice for those of you with larger hands due to its 2-inch thick diameter. Most pull-up bars have a diameter of 1.25 inches. Thicker bars can increase muscle activation in the upper back and forearms and strengthen your grip, which will improve your performance in other lifts, such as deadlifts.

It’s important to note that this pull-up bar is only compatible with certain REP Fitness power racks. You can get the 4000 series if you have the PR-4000 rack or the 5000 series if you have the PR-5000 rack. If you are building a custom REP Fitness power rack, like the Omni Rack or Apollo Half Rack, you can contact REP Fitness to determine which series is best for your rack.

3. Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Budget Pull-Up Bar 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Available in multiple options, including one that offers a wide grip and one that is more compact 
• Made using soft foam materials for a comfortable grip 
• Easy to assemble and install 

Cons 

• Not the sturdiest option and may come loose after several uses 

The Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull-Up Bar is a great option when you want an easy-to-assemble and affordable pull-up bar for a doorway. Despite being one of the cheapest options, it’s quality is just as good as many of the more expensive bars on the market.

It’s available in multiple options, so you can use a variety of grips to increase activation in certain upper-body muscles. You can also remove the pull-up bar from your doorway and use it to practice push-ups and sit-ups, adding versatility to your workouts.

It mounts onto any door frame between 27 and 35 inches wide, so you can enjoy accessible workouts at any time from any area of your home.

The only downside I could find with this door pull-up bar is that it may come loose on the door frame over time. You’ll need to keep a close eye on this during your workouts and tighten it when necessary. 

If you’re also searching for a dip bar so you can do dips at home, check out our recommendations for the best doorway dip bars.

4. KT KHANH TRINH Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar – Best Free Standing Pull-Up Bar

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros

• Sturdy and ideal for use outdoors
• Foldable for easy storage
• Great weight capacity of almost 800 lbs

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than door And frame or wall pull-up bars

The KT KHANH TRINH Free Standing Pull-up Bar is the best pull-up station for those who don’t want to mount a pull-up bar to their wall or door frame. It’s around 100 inches tall, so most lifters will be able to safely do pull-ups without their feet contacting the ground. Shorter lifters might need to use a step to reach the bar.

Due to its size, it weighs a lot more than other types of pull-up bars. However, with the help of a friend or family member, you’ll easily be able to transport the bar around. Plus, it’s foldable for easy and space-efficient storage in your home.

5. Rogue Jammer Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Customizability 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros

• Available in a wide range of colors and finishes 
• Sturdy and stable 
• Available smooth or with knurling 

Cons

• The depth of the bar is quite narrow
• More expensive than other options 

There are very few, if any, other pull-up bars that are as customizable as the Rogue Fitness Jammer Pull-Up Bar. It’s available in an extensive range of colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect pull-up bar for your home gym. You can get the bar with full knurling if you want extra grip strength or a smooth finish if you’d rather go for a comfortable, sleek pull-up bar.  

It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs and is made of thick steel that offers a high level of durability. The bar mounts onto the wall using wooden studs, which makes the bar nice and sturdy. However, because it uses wooden studs, it won’t be appropriate for every wall in your home. 

The major downside to this at-home pull-up bar is the fact that there are just seven inches between the mount and the bar, so it’s almost impossible to do anything besides standard pull-ups and chin-ups using this bar. You wouldn’t be able to use it for toes to bar or muscle-ups, for example, if you’re a CrossFitter.

It’s also pricey, so it may not be the right pull-up bar for your home if you’re on a tight budget.

Wondering what the differences are between pull-ups and lat pulldowns? We discuss the differences in Lat Pulldown vs. Pull-Up: Differences, Pros, Cons.

6. REP Fitness Wall Mounted Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar – Best Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros

• Multiple grip options 
• Maximum weight capacity of 700 lbs 
• Manufactured with strong 11-gauge steel 

Cons

• Large dimensions aren’t appropriate for all door spaces 

Thanks to the multiple grip options (wide grip, close grip, and neutral grip) offered with this bar, you can target your upper body muscles from different angles. For example, a neutral-grip variation targets your lats, biceps, and forearms. A wide-grip variation targets your lats, traps, and front deltoids. Close-grip pull-ups increase activation of the inner lats, biceps, and triceps.

When installed correctly, this chin-up bar can withstand weights of up to 700 lbs. The 11-gauge steel makes the bar highly durable and strong for years of effective upper body workouts. 

Because the bar is relatively long, it will not fit in narrower doorways, which is something to consider if you live in a small apartment. If you want the best pull-up bar for an apartment, you may need something smaller. 

7. Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Comfort 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros

• Padded grips for stronger, more comfortable grip  
• Ergonomic grip for extra comfort 
• Sturdy if installed correctly 

Cons

• Installation isn’t the easiest 

The Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar is one of the best chin bars for comfort. With an ergonomic design, neutral grip, and soft foam padding grips that are placed 20 inches apart, you can enjoy your workouts without the risk of pain or injuries.  

The main complaint I have about this ceiling-mounted pull-up bar is that it isn’t the easiest to install. Although it comes with an instruction manual, a lot of the pull-up bar reviews for this product complained about the difficulty of the installation process due to unclear manufacturer instructions.

If you purchase this bar and struggle to install it in your home, consider calling the company’s customer support line for guidance.

8. Ally Peaks Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up for Beginners  

Rating: 4/5 

Pros

• Relatively easy to install and assemble 
• Soft foam grips for comfort 
• Comes with two resistance bands (25 lb and 30 lb)

Cons

• Not the sturdiest option 

The best door pull-up bar for beginners is this one by Ally Peaks. It’s comfortable and has soft foam padding for you to grip onto so you won’t tear up your hands. This bar comes with two resistance bands (25 lb and 30 lb) that you can use to assist your pull-ups until you’re able to do them unassisted.

This doorway pull-up bar is an easy-to-install option that won’t damage your door frame, as long as you install it properly. Although it’s not the sturdiest option on the market, it’s an inexpensive option that you might want to buy when you’re first starting out with home workouts. 

9. Prosource Fit Foldable Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best for Taller Lifters 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros

• Higher handlebar for taller lifters 
• Foldable, so it can be stored away when not needed 
• No assembly required 

Cons

• May damage your door frame due to hooks 

The Prosource Fit Foldable Doorway Pull-Up Bar gets the top place for easy assembly. Once it arrives at your door, it’s ready to install immediately. All you need to do is hook it over your door frame!

While this is great for ease of use, it does mean that there is a slight risk of damage to your door frame, such as peeling the paintwork off or pulling the frame off altogether if it is only glued to the wall. You can use protective padding or styrofoam on your doorway to protect it from the steel pull-up bar ends.

The pull-up bar has a handlebar that sits six inches higher than a standard door pull-up bar, so it’s ideal for taller lifters. It has a foldable design, so you can store it away when it’s not in use. It can withstand around 440 lbs and is ideal for door frames between 27 and 36.5 inches wide. 

10. Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Sturdiness 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros

• Made using 11-gauge steel 
• Very sturdy once installed 
• Durable and high-quality 

Cons

• May be slippery to hold, which could impact your grip 

The Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar is made out of 11-gauge steel, making it a highly durable and sturdy option that can withstand years of daily home workouts. You can mount this adjustable pull-up bar either 14 or 22 inches away from the wall to suit your needs. If you have narrow shoulders or want to use a narrower grip for your pull-ups, the former will be better.

If you prefer a knurled bar or struggle with grip strength, this wall-mounted pull-up bar won’t be suitable, as the bar is smooth and may feel slightly slippery if your hands are sweaty. However, you can use chalk or pull-up gloves to help with your grip.

11. FitBeast Doorway Pull-Up Bar – Best Pull-Up Bar for Maximum Load 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros

• High maximum load of 600 lbs 
• Easy to install and durable 
• Smooth, high-quality bar 

Cons 

• May damage cheaper door frames  

The FitBeast Doorway Pull Up Bar is one of the best door pull-up bars for ease of installation and durability thanks to its solid steel construction and locking mechanism. It’s also perfect if you plan on loading your pull-ups with additional weight, as it can withstand up to 600 lbs, which is around double the weight capacity of an average pull-up bar.

However, you’ll need to make sure that the door frame itself can also handle the total weight you’re lifting (including your body weight). Otherwise, you might damage the frame.

Most doors will easily support 250 to 300 pounds of weight. Generally, nailed doorframes will hold more weight than glued frames. You can check the weight capacity of your frame by hanging from the top of it with the ends of your fingers. If the frame doesn’t wobble or feel loose when you do this, it should be sturdy enough for a pull-up bar.

Why You Should Trust Us 

Our team comprises powerlifting coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, and fitness experts who have decades of experience in the industry. We have used various gym equipment to test the market and see which products are worth the investment. 

Based on our personal and professional opinions, we can provide expert recommendations so you can build the home gym of your dreams.

How We Chose the Best Pull-Up Bars  

To find the best pull-up bars, we have tried and tested dozens of products from various manufacturers. We tested the products over several weeks to determine their quality, usability, value for money, construction, grip options, and mounting or assembly options.  

Assessing each pull-up bar product with these factors in mind, we created a list of the 11 best pull-up bars below. We also considered the type of individual that each pull-up bar is good for, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs. 

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Pull-Up Bar 

When you’re searching for the best door pull-up bars or other pull-up bars, there are several factors you should take into consideration: 

• Construction 
• Weight capacity 
• Mount type 
• Grip options 
• Price 
• Versatility 
• Size 

Construction 

Most pull-up bars are made using similar materials, such as steel, plastic, and powder coating. You’ll find that some brands offer heavy-duty bars, and others sell bars better suited for lighter pull-ups. You also need to take note of the mounting options, such as whether the bar comes with wall brackets or screws and bolts. 

Weight Capacity 

For obvious reasons, your pull-up bars need to have a decent weight capacity; otherwise, they might come loose or fall when in use. If you plan on performing heavy, loaded pull-ups at home, you’ll need a mounted pull-up bar or chin-up bar for your doorway that can withstand this. You’ll have to consider your body weight plus any additional weight you may add when performing pull-ups.

Mount Type 

Every pull-up bar will have a particular mount type. The four main types of pull-up bar mounts include: 

• Wall-mounted pull-up bars 
• Ceiling-mounted pull-up bars 
• Door frame pull-up bars 
• Free-standing 

The former two options are usually the most sturdy and durable, but door pull-up bars tend to be less expensive. Free-standing pull-up bars are multi-functional and allow you to add more variety to your workouts by enabling you to perform pull-ups using a wider variety of hand holds and grip widths.

Grip Options 

You’ll need to find a pull-up bar that you can get a good grip on so that you can get the most out of your workouts. The best pull-up bars have multiple grip options so you can achieve a wider grip or a narrower grip to perform different pull-up variations and target your upper body muscles from different angles. 

Versatility 

The best pull-up bar station will offer maximum versatility so that you can perform a variety of pull-up variations. You may want to go for an adjustable pull-up bar that has several grip options or dimensions. Some pull-up bars might offer additional mechanisms, such as the options for dipping stations or chin bars. 

Price 

As with any type of gym equipment, your pull-up workout bar should align with your budget. If you’re building a home gym on a low budget, you’ll need to find the cheapest pull-up bar that still meets your workout needs.

However, in some cases, it might be better to spend a little more on the perfect pull-up bar that will last you for years to come. The price of pull-up bars ranges from as little as $15 to as much as $120.

Size 

When purchasing a door pull-up bar, you need to make sure it fits properly in the doorway. It should be narrow enough to mount onto the door without the metal ends of the bar scraping against the sides of the frame, which could damage it. Some pull-up bars have rubber ends that are designed to protect your door frame from scratches and scrapes. 

To measure your doorframe for a pull-up bar, you’ll need to measure the depth and width of your doorframe and find a bar that fits within these dimensions. There should be a few spare inches between the bar and the frame on either side to avoid causing damage.

If you’re purchasing a free-standing pull-up bar, make sure to measure the area you want to keep it in. It might also help to tape out a box with the pull-up bar’s dimensions so that you can better visualize how it will fit in your space. Buying the best pull-up station will do you no good if you can’t use it because it’s too large for your space.

Benefits of Having a Pull-Up Bar for Home Gym

Getting a pull-up bar for a garage or home gym offers several benefits, including: 

1. Increased upper body strength 
2. Better functional fitness 
3. Easy access to workouts 
4. Takes up little space in your home 

1. Increased Upper Body Strength 

If your goal is to maximize muscle growth and strength gains, you can’t go wrong with a pull-up bar in the doorway. Pull-ups are one of the most effective compound exercises to build the upper body. They target multiple muscles in the upper back, including the lats, traps, and rhomboids, as well as the anterior delts, biceps, and forearms. 

Don’t feel your lats working when doing pull-ups? Check out our tips for activating your lats during pull-ups.

2. Better Functional Fitness 

Pull-ups are a functional exercise that not only builds muscle but also encourages better movement patterns in your day-to-day life. When you move in a way that is optimal for your body, you can protect your muscles and joints and minimize the risk of injuries. Pull-ups also strengthen your core, enabling you to support yourself during exercise and daily activities. 

Your pulling strength is a crucial element of your overall strength, and it’s essential for a variety of tasks both inside and outside of the gym, such as pulling a heavy door or lifting a large box off the ground. Finding the best pull-up bar for your home enables you to work on your pulling strength and provide more stable support for your body during movement. 

3. Easy Access to Workouts 

Pull-up bars make exercise more easily accessible. Once you’ve installed a doorway pull-up bar or another kind of pull-up bar, you’ll have ongoing access to it. There’s no additional setup before each workout, and you do not need any cables or an electrical supply to use it.

Furthermore, you’ll be able to perform quick pull-up reps throughout the day or practice a full upper body workout from the comfort of your own property. 

4. Takes Up Little Space in Your Home 

If you live in a small space, you can find a great pull-up bar for an apartment that takes up minimal space. Placing a chin-up bar in a doorway or mounting it to a wall or ceiling allows you to keep your floor space clear while you perform other exercises. 

How To Install a Pull-Up Bar 

The perfect pull-up bar should be easy to assemble and mount. Installing a pull-up bar for home use is relatively simple. 

To install a doorway pull-up bar in your home, follow these steps: 

1. Gather your tools, including a tape measure, power miter saw, stud finder, drill, and ladder. 
2. Choose where you want to hang your door frame pull-up bar and the direction you want it to face. Ideally, it should be placed on a door you don’t often close, so it doesn’t get in the way too much. 
3. Rest the back end of the pull-up bar against the door frame so that it is flat against the frame. Make sure the bar is sitting in the center of the door frame and that only the rubber (and not the metal) is touching the frame.  
4. The best door pull-up bars come with mounting brackets. Screw the mounting brackets of the door pull-up bar if you want it to be a permanent fixture. 
5. You may need to drill holes into the door frame and hammer the mounting plugs into the holes to secure the door pull-up bar. 
6. Before using the pull-up bar, check that it is sturdy enough to hold your weight. 

You can follow the same steps if using a wall-mounted pull-up bar or a pull-up bar for garage use. Make sure to use a sturdy frame in your garage that you can safely drill into and is sturdy enough to hold your weight. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Best Diameter For a Pull-up Bar?  

A standard pull-up bar is 1.25 inches in diameter. This is the optimal diameter for strong grip, durability, and sturdiness. Anything narrower than 1.25 inches may result in instability and cause the bar to break or bend more easily. 

Do At-Home Pull-Up Bars Work?  

At-home pull-up bars are effective, but only if you choose the perfect pull-up bar for your needs. The cheapest pull-up bar might not always be the most suitable option for your home and could reduce the effectiveness of your pull-ups. 

What Is a Pull-Up Bar Good For?  

Door frame pull-up bars enable you to target the muscles in your upper back, your biceps, and your core. You can focus on functional fitness while building strength and growing muscle at home using a variety of pull-up variations, including band-assisted and slow negative pull-ups.

Can Beginners Use Pull-Up Bars?  

Beginners can use pull-up bars to perform different pull-up variations at home, such as slow negatives or band-assisted pull-ups, to gain strength and practice their technique until they’re able to do unassisted pull-ups.

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Pull-Up Bar? 

When considering all of the above factors, the best pull-up bar is the Iron Age Pull-Up Bar, which is suitable for use in doorways. It’s manufactured using high-quality materials that are built to last, and the slightly angled handles enable you to gain a strong and comfortable grip during pull-ups and chin-ups. It’s a suitable option for beginners to advanced lifters and is simple to install. 

If you don’t have an appropriate doorway in your home for a pull-up bar, go for the Prosource Fit Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar or the Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar.

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About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.