The Best Doorway Pull-Up Bars

Buying Guide for Doorway Pull-Up Bars

Why buy a doorway pull-up bar?

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.

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.
• Installation Needs: While some pull-up bars you just place onto the frame, others require greater installation for stable use.  These will, of course, take more time to assemble, and it will also mean that they are a more permanent fixture rather than one you can use on the floor for other exercises.
• 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 the pectorals and triceps, too.

Our Picks for the Best Doorway Pull-Up Bars

Pros: This pull-up bar is made with heavy-duty steel and features comfortable foam for ergonomic grip, no matter where you hold on. This bar comes with three grip positions: narrow, wide, and neutral. It can also accommodate push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, sit-ups, and dips. The basic pull-up bar is a solid option for a great workout, but it’s also available in three other purchase options with additional accessories, so you can get what best suits your needs for your workout goals. The maximum weight limit is 300 pounds.

Cons: The pull-up bar pads might leave black marks on the door frame.

Bottom Line: Once you measure to ensure this pull-up bar will fit your door frame, the heavy-duty steel can support a full at-home workout on a regular basis. The comfortable and multiple grips allow for workout versatility, and if you choose to purchase a bundle with additional accessories, there are even more options.

 

Pros: Instead of a full bar, these pull-up handles come in two, making them easy to travel with or use anywhere. The handles also make it easy to adjust which type of grip you want to use for your pull-ups. You can also use these on the floor for push-ups, dips, and sit-ups. There are no tools required to assemble these pull-up bar handles, which makes them ready to use in minutes. The weight limit for these handles is 250 pounds.

Cons: These pull-up handles can only work if your door frame and molding have the correct dimensions. They can only be used with straight-forward pull-ups; any twisting can make them unstable. The handles are also slender, which might make the grip uncomfortable for some.

Bottom Line: It’s imperative that your door molding is between 2 and 4 inches high and the wall plus trim thickness is 4.5 to 7.5 inches for these pull-up bar handles to work. If you are planning to do straight and strict pull-ups, these can be a great option, especially for traveling. However, any movement that moves weight away from the door frame will cause these handles to become unstable. These handles can also be used for other exercises on the floor, so they’re travel-friendly.

 

Pros: This pull-up bar extends up to 34 inches to fit most door frames. Thanks to its unique locking mechanism, you can keep it in place and never feel the bar spin or loosen during a workout. The bar is made of steel and is encased in foam for a comfortable grip, whether you want to do it narrow or wide. The pull-up bar comes with hardware that can safely support 300 pounds.

Cons: Installation is required for the most sturdy setup and includes hardware that also makes it a more semi-permanent setup.

Bottom Line: This pull-up bar can be used and kept in place while still allowing the door to close. The extendable bar fits a variety of doorway dimensions, and the locking mechanism makes the bar stable during use. The comfortable foam allows for multiple grip positions, but the installation does limit the bar’s portability and versatility.

 

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 door frame 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 tiny and not very clear. The door frame 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 can also be used for other exercises, making it even more versatile for at-home bodyweight workouts.

 

Pros: This doorway pull-up bar features 12 different grips for wide, close, hammer, and neutral grips for exercise variation. Each grip space is made of comfortable, non-slip foam. You can also easily take it from the door to the floor for push-ups, sit-ups, and dips. Made of steel, this pull-up bar is durable and can safely support 300 pounds.

Cons: The pull-up bar arrives in several little pieces, making assembly a bit time-consuming.

Bottom Line: Once you’re done with assembling this pull-up bar, you can use it comfortably on the door frame with a variety of grip positions or on the floor for even greater workout diversity. Since the pull-up bar is made of thick and durable steel, it can also support a high weight capacity.

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.