Widely considered to be the ultimate bodyweight exercise, the pull-up is one of the best ways to work key muscles of the upper body including the lats, biceps, and deltoids (shoulders). In our humble opinion, this multi-joint exercise is equal to the back squat, deadlift, and bench press in terms of developing real-world, functional strength.
No matter how far you are on your fitness journey, a pull-up is never out of reach – literally.
Performing this versatile exercise is as simple as finding something overhead that you can hang onto, and will support your body weight. For this reason, pull-ups should be a non-negotiable exercise in most strength training routines.
However, while pretty much any overhead support can be used for pull-ups, a proper pull-up bar for home use makes them significantly more comfortable and effective.
But with the plethora of options currently available on the market, getting the best home pull up bar can be easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate list of the top 10 best pull up bars for home workouts, grouped into 3 categories: Mounted, Doorway, and Alternatives. Irrespective of your situation, read on and we guarantee you’ll find a pull up bar that meets your needs.
Top 2 Pull Up Bars for Home Workouts at a Glance
Best Mounted Pull Up Bar for Home Use Fringe Sport Pull Up Bar SystemIt’s not fancy but it’s cheap and effective, and that’s really all you need in a great pull up bar. Fringe Sport’s Pull Up Bar System can be mounted to either wall or ceiling, and is built to last. Even with free shipping baked into the price, this is the best value pull up bar you’ll currently find. |
Best Doorway Pull Up Bar for Home Use ProSource Multi-Grip Pull Up BarProSource’s doorway pull up bar allows for a variety of grips, including wide and narrow grips as well as a neutral grip. This allows you to target different muscles and ensure their development is well-balanced. It’s quick and easy to set up, and built nice and strong. |
Best Mounted Pull Up Bar for Home
Fringe Sport Pull Up Bar System
It’s not fancy but it’s cheap and effective, and that’s really all you need in a great pull up bar. Fringe Sport’s Pull Up Bar System can be mounted to either wall or ceiling, and is built to last. Even with free shipping baked into the price, this is the best value pull up bar you’ll currently find.
Best Doorway Pull Up Bar for Home
ProSource Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar
ProSource’s doorway pull up bar allows for a variety of grips, including wide and narrow grips as well as a neutral grip. This allows you to target different muscles and ensure their development is well-balanced. It’s quick and easy to set up, and built nice and strong.
Best Mounted Pull Up Bars for Home Workouts
Mounted pull-up bars usually need to be attached to a wall or ceiling. The advantage here is a solid, shake-free grip and the ability to support significant amounts of weight. If you’re planning on doing weighted pull-ups (i.e., with a dip belt) or kipping pull-ups, then a good mounted pull up bar is probably your best bet.
The obvious downside is the subsequent measurement, drilling, and effort that comes with setting it up. If this kind of handy work is not one of your areas of expertise, then you may need to hire some help to ensure it’s done correctly. You’ll also be left with a few unsightly holes in your wall if and when you take your bar down.
Also, while you do have the benefit of multiple grip options (depending on the bar you go with), your choice of exercises can be a little more limited due to the lack of space (particularly with some wall-mounted options). That said, mounted pull-up bars are still a great all-around choice for your home gym, especially if you have the option of bolting it to your ceiling. They’re durable, reliable, and versatile enough to satisfy most athletes.
#1 Fringe Sport Pull Up Bar System for Ceiling/Wall
Half an hour and some basic tools are all you need to install the Fringe Sport Pull Up Bar System in your home or garage gym. It can be attached to both walls and ceilings ranging between 8 ft and 10 ft high. The bar itself can be adjusted to extend from 14” to 22” from the mounting point, making it suitable for athletes of all heights.
The basic but durable 14-gauge steel build weighs in at a total of 23 lbs. Despite this, it manages to support up to 600 lbs of weight. A one-year warranty is included with every purchase to remind you that this pull-up bar is built to last.
Fringe’s mounted offering is inexpensive, reliable, and arguably the best home pull-up bar you can get.
Fast, free shipping and included mounting hardware further sweeten the deal, making this the best value-mounted pull-up bar on the market.
Check current price at Fringe Sport
#2 Rep Fitness Home Gym Pull Up Bar
When it comes to mounted pull-up bars intended for home use, nothing beats quick and easy installation. With the Rep Fitness Home Gym Pull Up Bar, you get exactly that. All necessary mounting hardware is included in the box. The bar can be attached to both walls and ceilings, allowing you to utilize it for a wider variety of exercises.
The blacked-out 11-gauge steel frame is rated to support up to 500 lbs of weight. Various adjustment levels allow you to extend the bar from 14” to 26” away from the wall or ceiling. Rep Fitness includes a one-month money-back guarantee and same-day shipping as standard, adding even more value to this pull-up bar.
Check current price at Rep Fitness
#3 Rogue P Series Pull Up Bars
The P Series includes four different variants of Rogue’s top-end pull-up bar.
The P-5V is the most affordable offering, but maintains the same level of unrivaled build quality as the rest of the range. It features bar slots at both 14” and 22” from the mounting point, making it suitable for most exercises.
The P-6V on the other hand, features only one mounting point at a sizeable 30” away. It’s also rated to support a whopping 1000 lbs of weight while only weighing around 31 lbs itself. The width can be set from 16” all the way up to 48” between brackets, making this pull up bar highly customizable.
The P-3 and P-4 introduce a slightly different build that’s still compact, durable and versatile. The P-3 can be set to 14” and 22” away from the mounting point, while the P-4 sticks to a distance of 30”. Setup is a fairly quick and painless process thanks to the simple design. The rock solid screws and brackets ensure that these bars stay put for good.
Keep in mind that picking up any of these models will mean also having to purchase the necessary mounting hardware as not everything you need is included by default.
All versions are made in the US out of 11-gauge steel and can be mounted to both walls and ceilings. These are some of, if not the highest quality pull-up bars for home workouts you can buy. Of course, the premium design comes at a premium cost, which is why the P Series isn’t higher up on our list.
Check current price at Rogue Fitness
#4 ProSource Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar
If you’re looking to perform neutral grip pull-ups, then ProSource has you covered. This model features a multi-grip design that gives you three different sets of bars to grab onto. The PVC grips themselves happen to be very comfortable to hold and don’t get too slippery over time.
The 300 lbs weight capacity is made possible thanks to the heavy-duty metal construction and high-quality mounting hardware – which is included in the box along with some installation instructions. Unfortunately, this bar can’t be mounted to ceilings, so be sure to check whether you have a suitable wall before picking it up.
Using the discount code FITFREAK15 will get you a 15% discount of this pull up bar, and everything else at ProSource.
Check current price at ProSource Fit
#5 Rogue Jammer Pull Up Bar
The Jammer is a completely unique take on the pull-up bar. Choose from a variety of finishes ranging in color, texture, and pattern. You also have the option of choosing between a knurled and smooth finish on the US-made gauge steel bars. The laser-cut brackets are, as you’d expect, second to none and will last a lifetime.
It’s designed to be mounted above your door frame on a wood stud wall. This one-of-a-kind mounting method gives you the best of both worlds. You have the advantage of maximum movement space without running the risk of the bar coming loose or damaging your door frame. A Cerakote finish ensures that your bar stays looking brand new for as long as you have it.
Check current price at Rogue Fitness
Looking for a more complete bodyweight training system? The Best Power Towers
Best Doorway Pull Up Bars for Home Use
As the name suggests, doorway pull-up bars require a door frame to be mounted. There are also versions with adjustable lengths, which can be set up between any doorway.
Because there’s very little anchoring the bar in place, they tend to be more dangerous as you always run the risk of your bar losing grip – usually when you least expect it. Your doorframe may take a toll from all the weight being forced onto it as well. Ensure that yours can handle it before installation.
Doorway pull-up bars are still a considerably affordable and highly portable alternative to mounted bars. They’re easy to set up and don’t leave a bunch of holes in your wall when you remove them. In certain instances, you’ll also be able to perform a wider variety of exercises due to the increased space in front and behind you.
#1 ProSource Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar
Unlike mounted bars, doorway bars like this one require nothing more than some basic assembly to set up. As the name suggests, ProSource’s bar comes with six different grip options. This allows you to perform anything from hammer and close-grip pull-ups to hanging abdominal exercises.
Each grip is wrapped in cushioned foam for maximum comfort. The high-grade steel construction supports up to 300 lbs of weight and will fit between door frames 24” to 36” wide. Fast shipping, discount offers, and excellent customer service help make the ProSource Multi-Grip one of the best value doorway bars on the market.
As usual, use the discount code FITFREAK15 to get 15% everything at ProSource
Check current price at ProSource Fit
#2 Ikon Fitness Pull Up Bar
Stability and door frame damage are often a concern for these types of pull-up bars. However, Ikon Fitness has come up with a clever design for their doorway bar that effectively addresses these issues. The heavy-duty frame supports up to 400 lbs of weight and is cushioned to prevent door frame damage.
Because of the unique raised bar design, taller athletes will find it ideal for exercises that require more space. The soft foam grips are cut and textured for a comfortable and reliable hold. Mounting this bar is as simple as hooking it up – no equipment necessary.
Prime members can add more value to their purchase by taking advantage of Amazon’s free shipping and product guarantee.
#3 Garren Maximiza Pull Up Bar
The simple single-bar design can be adjusted from 26” to 39” in width, making it suitable for virtually any doorway. It also comes with multiple kits that allow you to attach it to different frames. The heavy-duty chrome steel mounts support up to 300 lbs of weight and can be screwed in using the provided hardware.
Cushioned foam grips are found along the entire length of the bar, allowing you to adjust your hold and perform a wider variety of exercises. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable way to perform pull-ups at home, the Maximiza is not a bad way to go.
More bodyweight training options. Best Dip Bars Best Gymnastics Rings Best Gym Climbing Ropes
Something a Bit Different? The Best Alternative Pull Up Bars for Your Home Gym
If the above options don’t tickle your fancy, there are a couple of alternatives available that serve a similar purpose. We’ve included two of the best options later in the list – namely Rogue’s Individual Pull Up System and the Gravity Fitness Pull Up Rack.
Whether or not you’ll find these suitable for your home gym depends on your preferences and needs. Rogue’s Individual bar, for example, is only really viable if you have an overhead beam to hang it with. We’ll take a closer look at these quirks in the product descriptions below.
#1 Gravity Fitness Portable Bodyweight & Pull Up Rack
Instead of having to be mounted, the Gravity Fitness Portable rack is a free-standing structure that can be set up in any space around your home. It weighs only 41 lbs and can easily be collapsed without tools for storage. A handy carry bag is included in the box for transportation.
The basic metal structure won’t offer the same stability as mounted or doorway bars but will support up to 240 lbs of weight and features four feet to keep it in place. It’s tall enough for most athletes and can be used for dips, leg raises, incline press-ups, and of course your usual pull-ups.
#2 Rogue Individual Pull Up System
Unsurprisingly, Rogue has decided to create something different that doesn’t overcomplicate things or skimp on versatility. The “IPS” is essentially a single 14-gauge steel bar that can be hung using the included 16’ long straps. The powder-coated bar is made by hand in the US and features a comfortable textured grip throughout.
Two straps with quick feed/release cam buckles allow you to hang the bar from an overhead beam at a distance of your choosing. It works similarly to a suspension trainer and is suitable for a variety of exercises. While on the expensive side, you can expect the usual unrivaled build quality of Rogue products with the IPS.
Check current price at Rogue Fitness
Well, there you have it: The best pull up bars for your home workouts.
There’s clearly quite a lot to choose from here – even when we’re only including the very best bars that are on offer. Which one is most suitable for you comes down to your budget and the type of exercises you want to perform.
If you need more room, opt for a doorway bar or pull-up rack. If you prefer the stability and durability of mounted bars, then there are at least five great ones to choose from here. All of them will make nice permanent fixtures in your home gym. Plus, they’re all suitable for use as overhead anchors from which to hang a pair of gymnastic rings.
Regardless of which one you opt for, your pull-up bar will prove its worth and provide you with endless hours of upper body-working exercise that will get you chiseled and fit before you know it. And with proper care, your first pull-up bar will easily be your last one.
Always make sure to follow the installation instructions and ensure that your bar is attached correctly. Some unsightly injuries can arise from improperly mounted bars that give in and send you hurtling to the ground.
If you found this article useful, why not share it with your friends and family on social media?
As always, best of luck with your home workouts. Remember: When it comes to our health and fitness, we can make the effort or make excuses, but we can’t make both.
THFF (The Home Fit Freak)
