"Let's all go to the bar."
Despite its simplicity, a horizontal bar is probably the single best piece of strength equipment you can have. Dollar for dollar, you can squeeze out more exercises and hit more muscle groups than with any other piece of home fitness equipment. Want a V-shaped back? No problem – do wide- and short-grip pull-ups. Bulging biceps? – bust out some chin-ups. Six-pack abs? – leg raises and windshield wipers are your ticket to that coveted chiseled torso.
We’ve spent our fair share of time on a pull-up bar, but not nearly as much as 24-hour pull-up world record holder, Brandon Tucker. Tucker, a Georgia-based former Army Ranger and Manager and Head Coach at Uncommon Athlete, busted out an astonishing 7,715 pull-ups in 24 hours. Over a 14-month period, he logged more than 220,000 pull-ups, so saying he knows what makes a good pull-up bar is a gross understatement.
Tucker says width and depth are the most important things to look for in a bar. “You need room,” he says, “and the ability to do advanced movements,” such as muscle-ups, wide-grip pulls and leg raises without hitting the wall or beams. He recommends a bar width of at least 48 inches and a set-up that sits far out from the wall.
With Tucker’s recommendations in mind, your search for a proper pull-up bar does not stop solely at dimensions. There are plenty of structures that can cater to your fitness needs. Ranging from removable door-mounted options to standalone structures like power racks, here are a handful of common pull-up bar types to make the buying process less of a strain.
How We Tested
While our living space isn’t capable of housing multiple pull-up bars at once (they’re not the best wall decor), we have had experience with a handful of these fitness essentials. In training and testing, we’ve made note of how stable the structures felt on the wall or within a doorway, as well as how easily we could grab hold of the bar for effective workouts. We also looked at how capable these pieces were when performing more dynamic movements like kips or muscle-ups, because after all, you’re really going to need some space and support when your workouts take this more aggressive, hard-nosed turn.
Now, let’s hop up and get into our picks of the best pull-up bars on the market today.
Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 53.5"
- Material: 11-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.
Thanks to an 11-gauge steel frame, this wall-mounted bar from Titan Fitness is as solid a pull-up bar as they come. We really enjoy the 34 inches of depth, which provides ample room for kips, muscle-ups and other exercises. Plus, this bar can be mounted from the ceiling, which is great for those with limited wall space. While the powdercoat across the bar does feel nice across your palms, sweaty hands can lead to some compromised grip during longer sessions. A good tip is to add some athletic tape to the profile or chalk up before getting into a workout.
Rep Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
- Bar Length: 44"
- Material: 14-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
If you want to perform pull-ups and chase down a new squat PR, then we recommend the PR-1100 Power Rack from Rep Fitness. The multi-grip structure allows for varied hand placements and exercises, and the space within the rack allows for plenty of movement, too. Because of the durable yet heavy 14-gauge steel construction — as well as the fact that a power rack will most likely be accompanied by a barbell and free weights — we recommend setting up this home gym equipment on your ground level. You don’t want your pull-ups to cause your second floor to come crashing down.
Best Choice 50-inch Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 50"
- Material: Iron
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs.
This bar boasts some impressive stats at a very approachable price point. Sporting a 50-inch bar width and 32 inches of wall clearance, you’re free to kip, swing and wide-grip away without encountering any space limitations. Why is it cheaper? Well, the discount is in the details, as iron is a cheaper alternative to other steel pull-up bars. Steel is more rigid than iron, making it more stable during dynamic movements and, thus, more expensive. Will you notice the difference? That depends on your size and strength.
Rep Fitness Wall-Mounted Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: N/A
- Material: 11-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 700 lbs.
Varying your grip during pull-ups is a great way to emphasize certain muscles over others. For example, wide-grip pull-ups target the back, whereas a close grip works the arms. For this versatile training style, we like the Wall-Mounted Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar from Rep Fitness. The variety of grip positions can add some versatility to your training, and they’re also a great mounting position for gymnastics rings, resistance bands and other accessories. Mounting hardware is also included, which eliminates the need for a hardware store trip before installation. Be sure to measure your ceiling height before setup, though, as you may need to invert the bar to accommodate your space.
ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Lite Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 39.5”
- Material: Steel
- Weight Capacity: 440 lbs.
If you’re curious about adding a pull-up bar to your home gym setup, this can be an excellent profile to start with. The ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Lite profile takes just minutes to set up, and the structure can fit multiple doorways ranging in widths from 27.5”–36.2”. We also enjoy this pull-up bar given its taller grip points, which can allow taller athletes to achieve a better range of motion. Be careful, though, if you want to preserve your wall’s aesthetics. The hook-style hinges don’t have wide feet, and the pressure of training could lead to some scuffs and punctures over time.
Yes4All King Stud Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 36"
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
If you want the benefits of a doorway pull-up bar but still want to secure your gear to a sturdy wall, this mounted pull-up bar from Yes4All is our top choice. Multiple grip options are spread across the 36-inch bar, all with soft foam coverings for a comfortable lifting experience. Plus, the inline holes make finding a stud much easier for simple, quick installation. We do recommend, however, upgrading the screws for a sturdier, more secure setup. That mid-training security is only as strong as the hardware, after all.
Iron Age Doorway Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 39.17"
- Material: Iron
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
The Iron Age Doorway Pull-Up Bar provides plenty of security in a compact, easy-to-use profile. The center support rod and opposite-entry hooks keep this structure in place as you perform each rep. Additionally, the foam padding at each grip point makes your pull-up sets exceptionally comfortable. There’s also an additional suspension training hook in the center, but the weaker weld around this joint could be susceptible to failure, especially over extended use. Best to save this foldable pull-up bar for just that: pull-ups.
Flybird Fitness Doorway Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 28.3"–36.2"
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight Capacity: 660 lbs.
Interior doorway pull-up bars can be another great solution for those tight on space without the need for a sturdy trim. This pick from Flybird Fitness is easy to install, and we appreciate the safety features built into the design. For one, the 360-degree safety locks help keep the bar from twisting in your hands when in use, as well as putting unnecessary strain on your doorframe. Additionally, the non-slip pads on the boots can be great for providing traction and security without damaging your doorway. The 660-pound weight capacity is also plenty strong, but no doorway pull-up bar can be as sturdy as other wall-mounted options. Also, make sure you have a level with you when setting up, as finding that ideal plane can take some time.
Rogue SM-2 Monster Squat Stand 2.0
- Bar Length: 43"
- Material: 11-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Want to have the potential to combine your pull-up modalities with some hearty barbell squats? This SM-2 Monster Squat Stand 2.0 from Rogue Fitness is one of our favorites for providing sleek, durable performance to every garage gym workout. 11-gauge steel creates an impressive frame capable of holding over 1,000 pounds, and it’s hard to ignore that clean, satin black finish. When thinking of adding this squat stand to your at-home setup, do make sure you have the clearance — at 93 inches tall, you’ll need some taller ceilings to house this rig.
Sportsroyals Power Tower
- Bar Length: 41.2”
- Material: 14-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 440 lbs.
For athletes that want the convenience of pull-ups at home yet aren’t sold on potentially damaging their doorways, a power tower structure can be an excellent pick. This profile from Sportsroyals is a top recommendation of ours thanks to its sturdy base that keeps you upright through multiple workouts like pull-ups, dips, knee raises and more. We do recommend being mindful of your body’s orientation before getting into a set, though, as the middle support beam across the back can get in the way of your knees during inclines and declines.
Titan Fitness Ceiling Mounted Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
- Bar Length: 47.5"
- Material: N/A
- Weight Capacity: N/A
With an out-of-the-way design and plenty of grip options to choose from, if you’re looking for a ceiling-mounted structure, we can’t recommend this impressive steel profile more. The medium knurling gives plenty of bite for that locked-in feel, although it may be too much for some. Plus, expansion bolts are included, so you can securely mount this pull-up bar to your ceiling with ease … provided you have a handy associate at the ready to help facilitate the build.
Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Peg Board
- Bar Length: N/A
- Material: Birch Wood
- Weight Capacity: N/A
Peg boards are another fun and interesting way to achieve a worthwhile upper body workout, as you’re essentially performing a hammer-style pull-up with each peg movement. The Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Peg Board is constructed from sturdy birch wood, and we appreciate the smooth, splinter-free feel of the dowel pegs. Plus, this peg board comes equipped with mounting hardware, but only for concrete walls. While the board itself is able to be mounted to wooden wall studs, you’ll need to pick up some lag bolts separately for a safe indoor setup.
Types of Pull-Up Bars
In essence, any stabilized structure can serve as a pull-up bar. All you need, really, is a sturdy surface to grip and an area to raise and lower your frame. But, rather than running through your local park searching for the perfect branch — or undoubtedly ripping out your downstairs plumbing pipes with an attempted free-hang — there are a number of pull-up bar types to fit your needs.
Two of the simplest forms of pull-up bars are wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted bars. These structures bolt into already present studs or joists in your house framing, providing a durable, sturdy build that can support your weight. Wall-mounted units typically feature enough depth for you to comfortably move without hitting the wall, while ceiling-mounted models hang from the beams above your head. These pull-up bar types do require some more advanced installation and may not fit every household, however.
Next, if you don’t have a secure wall or joist to mount into, structured pull-up bars can be a safe option that don’t require additional hardware. These pull-up bars can pull double-time as a horizontal beam in squat stands or power racks, providing excellent structural support for a variety of other strength training exercises. If you’re not in need of extra equipment and want to solely focus on pull-ups or dips, there are pull-up towers that give you plenty of bar length for a comfortable grip in a freestanding silhouette.
Lastly, For fitness enthusiasts tight on space, doorway pull-up bars can repurpose your room’s entryway into an all-encompassing fitness studio. This style of bar uses leverage to maintain its positioning, either by applying outward force against the doorframe or pushing against the opposite side of the wall for locked-in support.
How to Choose a Pull-Up Bar
Available Space
Like any piece of at-home equipment, you need to consider how much space you can afford to house a proper pull-up bar. For athletes that have a garage or ample room to spare, a more robust structure can be great due to the heightened sturdiness across the larger silhouette. For apartment dwellers or those with cramped living situations, you may need to opt for a doorway model that fits conveniently within your abode.
Dimensions
Per Tucker, you want to look for a pull-up bar setup that grants you ample room to complete a full rep, and how much room you need can be reliant on your training goals. If you’re looking to complete kips and muscle-ups, you’ll need to look for a rig that has enough overhead space as well as depth away from the wall. For chin-ups and traditional pull-ups, you can get by with a smaller arrangement.
Ease of Installation
No piece of fitness equipment should be more work to install than it is to use, so make sure to opt for a pull-up bar that’s simple and straightforward when it comes to construction. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more complicated setup that mounts to the ceiling or wall, make sure you’re capable of operating the required tools. You don’t want to reach the halfway point of an installation only to find you’re under equipped or the job at hand. All that leaves you with is a damaged home, a useless pull-up bar and a head full of anxiety.
Durability
You’re going to be putting your entire bodyweight across your pull-up bar, so there’s no sense in choosing a silhouette that’s shoddy from the start. Look for profiles featuring sturdy steel as the main component, as this material is one of the most structurally sound on the market. Also, many pull-up bars list the rig’s weight capacity in the description, so be sure your chosen equipment is capable of handling your bodyweight from the start.
Versatility
How versatile your pull-up bar is should be reflective of your training goals. While there’s no problem with a simple, straight handle to facilitate pull-ups and chin-ups, you may be able to unlock more strength potential with a rig offering multiple grip points. Naturally, though, this extra material can up the price point and may require a more stable mounting procedure. This is why many doorway pull-up bars only feature a few grip points.
