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People looking for the best pull-up bar should consider multifunctional models, which allow for various exercises. It is also crucial to find a bar that supports a person’s weight and can be installed safely. Avoid buying non-attachment bars, which are more likely to lead to injuries.
Below, find specific product suggestions and learn about the health benefits and risks of doing pull-ups.
A quick look at the 6 best pull-up bars
- Best for various exercises: SOLIDEE Wall Mount Pull-up Bar Dip Station
- Best ceiling-mounted bar: Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar
- Best adjustable: The Stamina 1690 Power Tower
- Best wall-mounted model: ONETWOFIT Pull Up & Dip Station OT126
- Best user weight capacity: Armpow Pull-up Bar
- Best slip-proof: Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pull Up Chin Up Bar
Different types of pull-up bars include:
- Mounted doorframe bars: Hardware brackets mount these bars to keep them in place.
- Leverage-mounted door bars: No tools are necessary to mount them, so a person might take their bar down after each use. But a leverage bar may not be safe if the door frame is unstable.
- Wall, ceiling, or joist mounts: Brackets hold these bars in place. Compared with door bars, these are more permanent.
- Tower or free-standing bars: These require more floor space, but they do not need installation using walls. This may be preferable for people in rented homes, for example.
Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strengths.
- Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If the set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.
- Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
- Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for various exercises: SOLIDEE Wall Mount Pull-up Bar Dip Station
| Pricing | $105.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 440 Ibs |
| Pro | Pressure relieving cushioned back and arms for comfort and support |
| Con | Amazon reviewS mentions installation difficulties |
This bar is suitable for pull-ups, push-ups, vertical knee raises, triceps dips, and other exercises.
It supports up to 440 lb (200 kg) of weight.
Customers rate it well for sturdiness, thickness, and stretch. They find it useful for performing a range of different exercises.
Reviews on Amazon average 4 stars out of 5.
Best ceiling-mounted bar: Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar
| Pricing | $99.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 350 Ibs |
| Pro | Saves on space |
| Con | Some Amazon reviewers had installation difficulties |
This ceiling-mounted model frees up wall space and allows for a complete range of motion.
This bar can hold up to 350 lbs of weight.
Customers rate this model well for stretch, versatility, sturdiness, ease of installation, and value.
Reviews on Amazon average 4.7 stars out of 5.
Best adjustable: The Stamina 1690 Power Tower
| Pricing | $209.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 250 lbs |
| Pro | Has adjustable features for a more personalized experience |
| Con | Some reviewers question the stability |
This free-standing model is suitable for pull-ups, push-ups, and hanging leg raises.
It has multiple grip options and an adjustable height. It can hold up to 250 lbs of weight.
Many customers rate it well for the range of motion and ease of assembly, but some said it felt like it might tip over.
Reviews on Amazon average 4.5 stars out of 5.
Best wall-mounted model:ONETWOFIT Pull Up & Dip Station OT126
| Pricing | $169.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 440 lb |
| Pro | High user weight capacity |
| Con | May take up a lot of space and needs mounting to very stable wall |
This wall-mounted model is suitable for pull-ups, push-ups, and leg raises.
It is stable for up to 440 lb (200 kg) and has an adjustable height.
The manufacturer suggests mounting it to a brick or concrete wall.
Customers rate it well for sturdiness, versatility, and stretch, giving it extra high marks for value.
Reviews on Amazon average 4.6 stars out of 5.
Best user weight capacity:Armpow Pull-up Bar
| Pricing | $59.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 550 lb |
| Pro | High user weight capacity, low-cost |
| Con | Amazon reviews mention component issues and low durability |
This bar is door-mounted. It is stable for up to 550 lb (250 kg)
Reviews on Amazon average 4.6 stars out of 5.
Customers rate it well for ease of assembly, stretch, and thickness. However, negative reviews criticize its durability.
Best slip-proof:Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pull Up Chin Up Bar
| Pricing | $109.99 |
|---|---|
| Max weight | 500 lbs |
| Pro | Steel frames makes it sturdy |
| Con | Very basic design so only suitable for a few exercises |
This bar is made of steel and has a matte coating that the manufacturer says prevents slipping.
It has a 500 lbs weight capacity.
Customers rate it well for sturdiness, ease of installation, and ease of assembly.
Reviews on Amazon average 4.6 stars out of 5.
Below, we compare the above models side-by-side:
When shopping for a pull-up bar, keep the following factors in mind:
- Price: This might range from about $10–650, but the cheapest options may not be the safest.
- Ease of assembly and installation: People who are unaccustomed to assembling equipment may prefer a model that is simple to set up.
- Versatility: This refers to the number of grip options, and other features that allow a person to perform a range of exercises.
- Durability: This refers to the weight that the equipment can support. It ranges from 250–700 pounds (lb), or 113–318 kilograms (kg).
- Comfort: To prevent calluses from forming, opt for a model with foam padding where the hands grip the bar.
Pull-ups are exercises that involve grabbing an overhead bar and pulling the body up until the chin rises above the bar.
In a 2014 report, researchers noted that pull-ups increase upper body strength and shoulder girdle stability. The shoulder girdle is the joint between the arm bone, collar bone, and shoulder blade. A
The report observes that this exercise might also help improve the performance of activities requiring a lot of upper body strength. Examples of these activities include:
- swimming
- wrestling
- rowing and paddling
- gymnastics
- pole vaulting
- climbing ropes
Increased shoulder joint strength might also help prevent injuries and support day-to-day activities.
Taking the following precautions can help minimize the risk of injury when using a pull-up bar:
- Avoid no-attachment bars. According to anecdotal reports, these bars can fall , causing bone fractures, spinal cord trauma, and head injuries.
- Do not attach a bar to an unsteady doorframe. People should choose a bar that does not attach to the doorframe if the trim around a doorway does not appear sturdy.
- Tighten screws regularly. Every few weeks, a person should tighten the screws that hold their bar.
- Choose a wall- or ceiling-mounted model. These may be safer than those that screw into a doorframe.
- Choose a bar based on body weight. Before making a purchase, a person should confirm that the bar will support their weight. The company’s website usually provides this information.
- Cushion a possible fall. Before using a pull-up bar, place a padded mat on the floor below.
Like any exercise, pull-ups can lead to injuries — and some types of pull-ups appear to be more dangerous than others.
Doing wide pull-ups involves keeping the hands farther apart than shoulder-width on the bar.
Reverse pull-ups, sometimes called chin-ups, are similar to regular pull-ups, but when gripping the bar, the palms face the body instead of away from it.
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about pull up bars:
Do pull-up bars damage walls?
If a person installs the bar correctly according to manufacturer instructions, it will not damage the wall. However, a person should ensure the bar is secure before every use.
Do non-screw pull up bars work?
Yes, non-screw pull up bars work just as well. This is providing a person has a sufficient area in which to install them. A person can easily remove these bars when not in use.
Many non-screw models attach to door frames.
Can a pull-up bar break a door frame?
No, breakage should not happen if a person installs the bar correctly and the door frame is compatible.
It may cause paint damage, scuffs, and dents if it is not in the correct position.
The best pull-up bar might depend on factors such as how much space a person has, how much assembly they are willing to do, their range of preferred exercises, and their body weight. As always, safety should be a top priority.
Research indicates that pull-ups can boost the stability of the shoulder joint and increase upper body strength. These benefits may help with everyday activities, and sports such as swimming and gymnastics.