The best pull-up bars are a great piece of exercise kit to have at home. Doorway-mounted models don’t take up much space, and some can even be left in place without causing any issues.
As far as exercises that hit all kinds of useful muscles in the upper body go, the pull-up is hard to beat. While they can be tough to perform at first, the technique itself is easy.
Even the most basic pull-up bars also give you access to a range of other exercises. Chin-ups, leg and knee raises, and dead hangs are all brilliant for muscle-building, mobility, and grip strength.
In this guide, we’ve looked at a range of different options. Most of the best pull-up bars available these days are doorframe-mounted as they’re simple to fit and remove, and don’t require you to drill into your woodwork, but we’ve also picked out a telescopic model and a freestanding option.
Best pull-up bar overall
(Image credit: Harry Bullmore)
The DMoose Dooway Pull-Up Bar is a very robust piece of kit. It’s well-made and feels rock solid when in use – unlike some cheaper doorway-mounted models which can flex.
There are four hand positions so you can work on your lats, back, and chest from different positions. We hung gymnastic rings from the bar which worked well, and there’s an eyelet designed for attaching ‘sling trainers’ (such as the TRX) for even more workout options.
Silicone pads are fitted to the areas that come in contact with door frame woodwork to guard against marks. They also help keep the bar locked in place.
It’s easy to remove and refit the bar from the doorframe and there’s no need for any drilling. The only downsides are that the DMoose bar is quite chunky, so it’s not the easiest to store. It also requires a fair bit of assembly out of the box before you can use it.
Best budget pull-up bar
(Image credit: Ally Peaks)
If you’re after a doorway hook pull-up bar but want to keep the cost down, this Ally Peaks model is a great option.
As you’d expect from a budget-conscious option, it does require a fair bit of assembly out of the box. But once built, you have a versatile piece of training equipment that’s easy to fit and remove from your doorway.
Like most doorway models, the Ally Peaks pull-up bar hooks on to the top of the frame inside your doorway, with another bar that presses against the outside to hold it in place. There’s a little flex when working out vigorously, but the unit itself stays firmly in place.
Three grip positions enable you to vary your pull-ups and chin-ups. You can also use the bar for performing push-ups and dips on the floor. Ally Peaks also offer options that come with resistance bands and handles enabling you to do seated rows too.
Best telescopic pull-up bar
(Image credit: Sportneer)
The advantages of a telescopic pull-up bar are that it doesn’t need to be removed to close the door, and it’s easy to store should you decide to take it down.
Sportneer’s Pull-Up Bar is a great option. To fit, loosen the locking rings at either end and rotate the central section to extend the telescopic end sections into place. Use the built-in spirit level at either end to get the bar straight, check the rotatable central section is tight, do up the lockrings, and you’re all set.
There’s zero flex in this bar and, unlike doorway hook models, you have a wide area in which to play your hands for grip positions that suit you best. You also have the option of fitting the door at different heights, enabling you to expand its use beyond pull-ups.
Maximum load is 440lb / 200kg, but this is only when the bar is minimally extended, and the load limit drops significantly to 165lb / 75kg at full extension. Be sure to measure your doorway and check the weight limit for your door width (see the chart on Amazon) before you buy.
Best foldable pull-up bar
(Image credit: Kakiclay)
Kakiclay produces three different pull-up bars, but this foldable one is a great option as it folds flat for storage when not in use. It hooks into place above a door frame and provides a solid base for pull-ups and chin-ups.
Padded grips enable users to train on the bar using three different hand positions. Also supplied are a pair of suspension straps with handles. Attaching the straps to the bar gives you access to even more pulling and pushing exercises – rows, push-ups and more.
Like most hook-style bars, the Kakiclay model can also be used on the floor for enhanced push-ups, dips and other exercises.
Some reviewers reported that the Kakiclay bars damaged their door frames, so the latest versions come with protective silicone pads on the areas that come in contact with the frame.
Best freestanding pull-up station
(Image credit: Sportsroyals)
Sportsroyals’ Power Tower is a well-regarded option for doing all kinds of exercises as well as pull-ups. With a footprint of 41.2in (104.6cm) by 39.7in (96.2cm), it’s the kind of pull-up station likely better suited to a garage or dedicated home gym, than a living room.
The pull-up bar height is adjustable and is designed to suit users from 4ft 8in to 6ft 6in tall. In addition to pull-ups, the Power Tower is ideal for doing dips, while forearm pads and a back pad with an adjustable position also mean it’s great for leg raises too – a brilliant exercise for hitting your core.
As well as needing a fair bit of space, the Sportsroyals Power Tower also needs to be assembled before use. The process is straightforward if you’re familiar with such things, but can take a bit of time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need solid walls to use a doorway mounted pull-up bar?
Unfortunately yes. We definitely recommend using doorway-mounted pull-up bars with solid walls only. While it may seem like a wooden doorframe is enough to support the bar with your weight on, stud walls can struggle with the load which can result in damage. In extreme cases, the wall can fail around the doorway, causing the pull-up bar to come loose which could result in serious injury.
Are pull-ups good exercises?
Most definitely, they target a range of useful muscles. Primarily, pull-ups hit your lats (latissimus dorsi) and other back muscles, as well as your biceps and arm muscles. To a lesser extend they work your shoulders, chest, forearms and grip, so are great for strengthening much of your upper body.
What exercises can I do on a pull-up bar?
As well as pull-ups, you can also perform chin-ups by switching your grip to the other side of the bar. Dead hangs are also great for your shoulder health and building up grip strength, and you can also do leg or knee raises to work your core.
By attaching gymnastic rings and straps to your bar, you can perform inverted rows, ring push-ups, dips and much more.
Most doorway hook pull-up bars can be used on the floor too. This allows you to do enhanced push-ups, dips and possibly assisted sit-ups – depending on the model you have.
How can I make pull-ups easier?
If you struggle with full pull-ups, one option is to attach a resistance band to the bar and then stretch out the band by stepping onto it with your feet. As the band contracts, it will give you some assistance. Thicker bands will give more lift.
Another method is to use a step to get into the top of a pull-up and work on slowly lowering yourself down. This will help you build the strength you need to start pulling yourself into full pull-ups.
Like push-ups, pull-ups are one of those exercises that can be tough at first, but if you stick with them, they will get easier in a relatively short space of time.
