The Best Doorway Pull-Up Bars

The doorway pull-up bar has been around for decades. These days, they’re more than just a simple bar across your doorway. They’re ergonomically designed, they have multiple grip areas to consider different muscle activations and wingspans of users, and many of them can be flipped around to become a tool for other exercises like dips or push-ups.

Buying Guide for Doorway Pull-Up Bars

Why buy a doorway pull-up bar?

One of the best reasons to get a doorway pull-up bar is for the ability to conveniently do workouts in your home whenever you want. It only takes a few minutes to install for you to get going. From simple challenges like doing one pull-up each time you go through the doorway to full bodyweight workouts, your pull-up bar can make it easier to fit fitness into your routine. Plus, it won’t take up a ton of space in your home like a full-on power tower.

What should you consider when purchasing a doorway pull-up bar?

• Door Specs: Before purchasing a doorway pull-up bar, decide which doorway in your home you’re going to put it in. Be sure to take measurements of the frame. Then, also take note of the door trim width and any relevant measurements around the door to ensure the bar you pick will fit well and give you the space you need to complete your workouts.
• Multifunctional: If you’re only concerned with your pull-up bar functioning as a pull-up bar, that’s great. If you’re curious about using it as a tool for dips, core work, or push-ups, find a multipurpose model.

Which muscles are targeted when using a doorway pull-up bar?

If you’re looking to chisel your upper body, the doorway pull-up bar is a great piece of equipment to help you do it. Your lats and biceps are the primary muscles you’ll develop, but you’ll also be working your deltoids, rhomboids, and your core. With models that flip for dips or push-ups, you’ll work pectorals and triceps, too.

Our Picks for the Best Doorway Pull-Up Bars

Pros: This doorway pull-up bar holds up to 300 pounds when used as the standard pull-up bar or on the floor for push-ups, sit-ups, or dips. It has a patented doorframe guard which helps stabilize the bar during use. This pull-up bar is designed with wide-grip ergonomic handles that encourage correct form for three different styles: hammer, wide, or close grip pull-ups. The padding is then helpful for other floor exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, and dips.

Cons: Even though the assembly isn’t too difficult, the instructions are important to follow since you’re going to hang from it off the ground. Unfortunately, the instructions are tiny and not very clear. The doorframe guard is a nice feature, but it may scuff your frame.

Bottom Line: This is a versatile pull-up bar, providing three different ways to grip the bar, which will target different muscles. It’s also able to be used for other exercises as well, which makes it even more versatile for at-home bodyweight workouts.

 

Pros: This pull-up bar is specially made for those who travel regularly. It’s actually two handles with individual bars for each hand, which is what makes this option portable. Everything is already assembled, all you have to do is clip them above your doorframe. It’s lightweight; both handles combined weigh less than 4 pounds, making it perfect for stashing in a carry-on. The portable handles are made with aerospace composite material, making them extremely durable yet lightweight. It doesn’t damage the doorframe and wall paint, which is impressive. Since each handle is separate, you can adjust where you put the clamps to customize your grip width.

Cons: This pull-up bar system has a max weight limit of 250 pounds, which is lower than others. It is a more expensive option for a doorway pull-up bar, but it is also much more portable.

Bottom Line: This is a favorite item for many fitness enthusiasts, especially for people who want to keep up with their fitness routines when they travel. While it’s more expensive than other doorway pull-up bar systems, its durability and portability add a ton of value.

 

Pros: This pull-up bar has wide nonslip ends that help keep your bar in place. It is a no-screw bar, making it easy to adjust the height or even take it to a different doorway. Twisting the middle of the bar allows you to adjust the length. Installation is made nearly foolproof with a level meter on the bar itself, so you won’t end up with one hand higher than the other while doing pull-ups at home. This easy-to-install bar has an impressive max weight load of 440 pounds.

Cons: The padded areas on the bar for grip placement can’t be moved, so there is little customization for the type of pull-up grip you want to use during your workouts. It can be challenging to change positions without causing damage to the doorframe.

Bottom Line: This is a sturdy doorway pull-up bar that comes with features to make installation easy. If the grips are appropriate for your arm span, this bar should support your workout goals and gains well.

 

Pros: A pull-up is a difficult bodyweight exercise to perfect. One of the best ways to get better at pull-ups is to build the main muscles for the movement. Using the included suspension system is a fantastic modification to help you achieve your pull-up goals. You can also use the suspension system for other movements to build your core and diversify your workouts. The upper bar has four sections for you to find the most comfortable grip to do your pull-ups.

Cons: After several months of use, some pieces can wear down more than expected. It could potentially cause damage to the doorframe.

Bottom Line: Many people love the versatile workouts that this pull-up bar and suspension system offer. The grips are comfortable, and the upper bar allows for a greater range of motion. If you want to get started with pull-ups, this is a solid choice.

 

Pros: The upper bar on this doorway pull-up bar sits higher than the door trim and 10-inches away, creating more headroom and allowing for a greater range of motion. It can expand to fit most doorways. The pull-up bar has multiple cushions for close and wide grips. It’s made of alloy steel and supports 300 pounds, making it one of the stronger models. It can even support added accessories like gymnastics rings or ab straps to create an entire gym around the pull-up bar. You can use it on the floor as well for push-ups, dips, and sit-ups.

Cons: The padding for the doorframe guard is thin and doesn’t protect much against damage. The padding can stick to the paint of doorframes. Assembly is a bit more detailed than other products.

Bottom Line: This pull-up bar is designed with added functionality to fit the needs of athletes doing a variety of workouts.

Final Thoughts

When pull-ups are incorporated into your regular workout routine, you can expect an increase in upper-body strength and muscle tone. These doorway pull-up bars will help you get closer to achieving your fitness goals.