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Best Doorway and Wall-Mounted Pull up Bars Reviewed
Simple wall mounted or doorway pull up bars will be one of your better options. Freestanding units called towers can be used, but they often take up quite a bit of unnecessary space. What we love most about wall-mounted options is that they have absolutely no footprint in your home or gym.
In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite pull up bars to help you work on your upper body strength!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Advanced Features
Using a pull up bar is a difficult motion to master, which is why we were drawn to pull up bars that gave you more options as well as additional tools to make things a little easier!
Pull up bars are a fairly simple movement, and therefore they are pretty basic. A well-balanced breakfast and adequate protein is just half the battle when it comes to building muscle. There were a few features that can make things just a little easier on you. Plus, a few tweaks in the design of the bar can actually help trigger more than one muscle group. Below, we have broken down a few features that you want to look out for.
Alternative grip points: If you can change up your grip, it means that you can activate different muscle groups. We like pull up bars that offer over 4 different basic grips. These grips include your standard underhanded grip for bicep work and a more narrow standard grip to throw in a little triceps as well.
Parallel handles that you hold like a hammer curl work like an inverted pushup. This motion is a great compound movement that doesn’t concentrate on one specific muscle group. It is important to note that this motion is a little more advanced than your standard pull up.
A wide grip is another excellent exercise to fit in because it takes the pressure off of tired biceps and puts in on your lats and triceps. You lats are a difficult muscle to work because a lot of isolated exercises cannot effective hit them. That’s why a wide grip option is incredibly helpful.
Assistance straps: There were some brands out there on the market that offer a really helpful too called an assistance strap. If you are new to weightlifting and starting at a base of zero- you want an assistance strap!
It’s hard to build any muscle or work in reps when you exert all of your energy just to get in one pull up. An assistance band provides you with very light feathering to help pull yourself up to the top. Whenever working out with new muscle groups, it's important to engage in proper stretching to prevent injury!
Materials
High-quality materials are one of the biggest things that stands between you and the ground.
Pull up bars are usually pretty simple, so we wanted to make sure that they were made with the best materials so you can get the best out of your training. There were two different places that we looked at when considering a pull up bar, and we went into just a little more detail below.
Steel construction: It goes without saying that we wanted to select pull up bars that were made from steel tubing. Pull up bars hold a lot of weight that is in motion, so steel tubing is the best way to go. To ensure that it won’t fall apart on you, be sure to select pull up bars that are welded together.
When you select pieces that need to be assembled or put together, you run the risk of them falling apart on you when in use. The joints of any pull up bar withstand a lot of pressure when in use, so we made sure that every pull up bar on our list was crafted as one solid piece.
Grips: There are a few schools of thought when it comes to the grips of each pull up bar. Most of the home gym models utilize foam grips at all points of contact. Foam is the best material to use when you train by yourself at home because it provides a sure grip that still lets air travel through.
However, if this is something that gets frequent use by multiple users, you may want to skip out on the foam. You may notice that a lot of gym equipment doesn’t sport foam grips, and that’s because they get a lot of use. Over time, the foam has a tendency to wear down and eventually tear.
If you are looking for gym grade equipment for continuous and frequent use, we suggest ditching the foam and opting for a grooved metal that is similar to that of a barbell.
Stability
There are tons of pull up bar fails on the internet, and we didn’t want you to be one of them!
One of the reasons that users are often a little reluctant to try door frame mounted is that they worry they will be unstable. While that can be the case with low-quality pull up bars, we made sure that the pull up bars that we selected for our list had the ability to be mounted securely so that you can feel confident about your weight training!
There were a few things that we considered when determining which pull up bar was the most secure. The first thing that we looked at was what past users had to say. If we found that there were an overwhelming number of users that reported back that it wasn’t secure, we quickly moved on to another model.
Of course, there were always a few users that reported that their device was a little wobbly. If there was just a few, we chalked it up to improper installation.
The inclusion of mounting hardware was also something that we looked into. We wanted to make sure that you had all of the hardware that you needed to ensure that it would fit correctly the first time. It is important to note that pull up bars that require installation may do damage to doorways or drywall due to the fact that you will need to drill into the wood.
Size
Saving space in your home or home gym is important.
We want to save you a little bit of room whenever we can, which will allow you more space for things like weight benches and treadmills for cardio days.
You may be wondering why we didn’t include power towers on our list, and there is a very simple reason for that. Pull up bars are great for one basic compound exercise, and they typically sit up off of the floor. We found no reason to take up valuable real estate on in your home for a device that can easily be set up off of the ground. Power towers are a great multi-function tool for pull ups, dips, and knee tucks. They are considered overkill in terms of space if you only want to use the pull-up bar.
Saving space was out number one concern, which is why we stuck to a wall or door mounted pull up bars. If you want to save even more room, we suggest a ceiling mounted design. These pull up bars hang down from the ceiling and affix to ceiling beams. Just be sure if you are installing them over drywall that you made sure you find the ceiling beams first!
We also took into consideration weight capacity. The general weight capacity for the standard pull up bar is about 300 pounds, and we stuck to that number. However, there were also some pull up bars out there on the market that were able to hold upwards to 600 pounds. This heavy-duty pull up bars may be overkill, but they give the user peace of mind if they are worried about falling! If you have been bulking up at the gym, a heavy capacity device is your better options
Ease of Use
The unavoidable fact when it comes to pull up bars is that assemble will be required.
We wanted to ensure that this process would be quick and easy. There were a few things that we looked at when considered each and every pull up bar for our list.
The first thing that we checked on was the inclusion of easy to read instructions. Some pull up bars that require the use of power tools are a little more complicated to install over their door frame mounted counterparts, so simple instructions is key. We read through countless user reviews to weed out pull up bars that had unclear instructions, or that omitted instructions altogether.
To avoid falling, proper installation is key! No one wants to use a training day to soak tweaked muscles. It is important to note that for really secure pull up bars that affix to the wall, you will need to dust off your power drill to make sure that the pull up bar is incredibly secure. The good news here is that we found that even some of the more complicated and complex pull up bars typically take users under 30 minutes to go from the box to be ready to use.
Top 10 Wall Mounted and Door Frame Pull Up Bars Reviewed
1. Ultimate Body Press Wall Mount
The reason we placed this pull up bar in our number one spot is that it is one of the most sturdy wall-mounted pull-up bars we found out there the market. It has a comfortable grip that allows you to engage in a few different grips to trigger specific muscle groups. Plus, it is super easy to install.
Due to the fact that this bar mounts to the wall, it isn’t going anywhere. Users that weighed over 245 pounds used this wall-mounted pull-up bar on a daily basis and it didn’t budge. The installation will require the use of a few power tools, but many users found installation took about 30 minutes.
The bar measures to be 42 inches long, which allows for wide or close grip exercises. It is coated in a thin layer of foam which provides a very comfortable and secure grip even for sweaty palms. It has 4 grip positions in total which target very specific muscle groups.
What we liked most about this option from Ultimate Body Press is that it is incredibly secure so that you can feel good about really pushing yourself. It is a cinch to install, and 4 different grips allow you to target specific muscle groups. It is a great supplemental tool to use on days you just don't feel like going to the gym.
2. Iron Gym
This pull up bar from Iron Gym is a very simple doorway pull up bar that affixes to your door frame. Installation is simple and easy, and it can really hold a lot of weight. The grips are a little more narrow than most, but they are coated in a layer of foam to ensure a great grip.
Instead of screwing it into your doorframe, the curved design creates leverage to support a lot of weight without damaging your doorframe. Previous users found that this design of bar is able to be installed in just a few minutes. Without even using tools, this bar will easily hold up to 300 pounds.
The bar itself measures to be 36.6 inches wide, which is just slightly smaller than most. This means you won’t be able to achieve that really wide grip some users like to work lats and triceps if you have a wide wingspan. The good news is that the entire unit only weighs in at just over 5 pounds.
For those that want a bar that is simple and easy to install without the use of tools, this is one of your better options. Just keep in mind that your doorway has to be at least 24-32 inches wide, and molding needs to be at least 3.5 inches wide.
3. Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mount
Perhaps you don’t like the idea of taking up a door frame, and you don’t have enough space in your home gym for a wall mounted unit. This ceiling mounted design takes up zero space on your walls and has a simple and sleek design. Plus, a wide bar allows for a lot of different compound movements.
To install this unit, you need to affix it to ceiling beams to ensure a secure base. Most users employ the use of a power drill to ensure that the mounting hardware is firmly secured to the ceiling. The downside to this unit is that it isn’t able to hold the same amount of weight as wall mounted pull up bars.
One of the things that we liked most about this pull up bar is that the entire bar, as well as the parallel grips, are coated with a thin layer of foam. This foam lets air circulate to your hands even when they start to get a little sweat with high reps. It also allows for a secure grip without worrying about slipping. Plus, the slight curve to the bar is perfect for overhand or underhand movements.
If you are working with limited space in your home or home gym, this option from Ultimate Body Press is one of your better options. It is incredibly easy to mount to your ceiling, and the curved bar is perfect for a myriad of compound movements to light up your upper body like a Christmas tree!
4. Pro-fit
Just one look at this doorway pull up bar from Pro-fit and you know it is a little different. Instead of utilizing one simple bar that limits your grip, this pull up bar uses two parallel bars so you can change up your form as needed. This is beneficial because it lets you target specific muscle groups easily with a simple movement of your grip.
This bar is mounted inside of a doorframe for an incredibly easy installation. You won’t even need to employ the use of any power tools to get this unit up and running. The biggest thing to note about this pull-up bar is that it can hold a whopping 600 pounds- which is double of what we have seen on many standard options!
It is constructed from welded heavy duty steel that is finished with a bright yellow powder coated finish. It has foam grips on all of the points where you can change up your grip to activate more muscle groups. The use of parallel bars not only create more grip points but it also distributes the weight evenly so it is more secure.
What we liked most about this bar is that it is made to hold a lot of weight. With a capacity of 600 pounds, you can get in a lot of reps without worrying about it losing stability after so many reps. Plus, it is incredibly easy to install in just minutes to get you up and running.
5. Garren Fitness Maximiza
What we liked most about this doorway pull up bar from Garren Fitness is that it is incredibly simple. The user just needs to mount it to the inside of any doorway, and you are good to go. It comes with two sets of mounting hardware for heavy duty and medium duty door frames. We also really liked the very comfortable foam hand grips that run the span of the entire bar.
While it may look like a tension rod, it actually has mounting hardware that screws to the inside of your doorframe. The heavy-duty mounting hardware is recommended because it can withstand weights of up to 300 pounds. The medium-duty mounts won’t be as hard on your doorframe, but it is only able to withstand weights of up to 150 pounds.
Simple straight bars that screw into the doorjamb often run the risk of spinning in your hands, but that’s not the case with this doorway pull up bar from Garren. It holds firmly in place while in use, and the rubber grips keep your hands from slipping even when they get a little sweaty from a lot of reps.
If you want something that won’t really take up all that much room at all, this is one of your better choices. It is important to keep in mind that due to the fact that it fits inside of the door frame it means that you will not be able to achieve wide grip reps with this bar.
6. Fitness Kings
If you are starting from square one and really want to improve your pull up game, this package is a perfect choice. It has a sleek and versatile frame that can hold a lot of weight and feels secure in your hands. Plus, it comes with a lot of additional tools as well as a workout program to crank up your upper body strength to an 11!
The frame itself is mounted to the inside of any door frame. It is composed of high-quality steel that will not bend or break under higher weights (over at least 225 pounds). The bar uses a sleek grooved foam that offers a superior grip, even when your palms start to sweat.
The great part about this pull up bar is that it comes in a package with a lot of other accessories to help you step up your game. It comes with abs straps, resistance band, and a pamphlet for ideas for workout routines. The one thing we liked best about this doorway pull up bar is that it also comes with an assistance band.
Pull-ups are hard, and for some, it is something that you need to work up to. With the help of an assistance band, you can train all those muscles in your upper body to get used to this specific motion. If you are just starting out on your journey to really built up some muscles in your upper body, this package from Fitness Kings is a great place to start.
7. Perfect Fitness
What we loved most from this pull-up bar from Perfect Fitness is the ergonomic wide grip that is great for sculping lats and those smaller stabilizing muscles in your upper back. It affixes to most door frames simple and easy, and will not require the use of any additional tools. Plus, it sticks out from the wall quite a bit which means you can push yourself just a little bit higher and activate more muscle groups.
Instead of using one simple bar, this door frame pull up bar has a pair of curves bars that stick out from the door for a wider grip. The bar is coated in a thick layer of foam to create a really strong grip in your hands. This same foam also coats the points of contact with your frame to protect the woodwork and paint as well.
To install this pull up bar, simply use the Allen wrenches that are included with purchase. These Allen wrenches are actually affixed to the bar, so you will always have them on hand in you want to change doorways. Installation typically only takes a few minutes, and will not leave any marks in the frame.
For those that are looking for something that allows for a full range of motion that is mounted in a doorway, this bar is one of your better options. It’s super easy to install, and you won’t have to worry about it damaging any of your woodwork.
8. Sagler
What we liked about this doorway pull up bar from Sagler is it is simple and easy. It has a curved design that creates leverage in your doorway so you can feel confident and secure. It is super easy to get set up so you can start working out immediately.
It doesn’t come with any extra bells and whistles, but the one thing that users like most about this option is its stability. The bar isn’t as wide as most, which means you won’t be able to achieve a very wide grip. This narrow bar does offer a lot more stability, however, which is one of the most important factors when it comes to these products.
The narrow bar juts out from the way just enough so you can achieve a full range of motion. It is also coated with a thick layer of foam on all of the important points of contact. This foam ensures a surefire grip even when your hands get a little sweaty.
For those that want something super simple and easy to use, this is a great choice. What we liked most about this pull up bar is that it doesn’t take up all that much room in your home, and it will not leave any marks on your door frames. Plus, previous users found this bar is incredibly quick and easy to install.
9. ProsourceFit
This door frame pull up bar from ProsourceFit has a complex bar with a wide variety of grips so you can always change things up. Alternating your grip is the best way to activate different muscle groups that sometimes get overlooked when engaging in the standard motion. Plus, it is very easy to install and affixes to your door frame. This means it will not take up very much space in your home.
The first thing that we noticed about this pull-up bar was that the bar itself is made to accommodate a lot of different grips. In total, you can use this bar 12 different ways to ensure that you work every single muscle in your upper back and arms. Each suggested grip is coated with a thin layer of foam to keep you from slipping as you push for more reps.
There are two ways to install this device. You can elect to simply hang it from the top of a doorway, and the curved J-shape prevents it from slipping and falling. If you want a more permanent structure, it also comes with a set of mounting hardware to securely affix it to your doorway to create additional stability.
We loved this product because it allows users to change up their grip in a wide variety of ways to really activate all of the muscles in their back. Plus, it is incredibly easy to install, and high-quality materials mean it will withstand up to about 300 pounds.
10. Yes4All
If you want something that is built like a tank and has the ability to hold quite a bit of weight, this pull up bar from Yes4All is one of your better choices. What we liked about this option is that it mounts directly to the wall using an A-frame for maximum stability. It also has a grip that is just a little bit different than many of the models that we have seen so far.
Instead of using foam grips, this pull up bar simply uses grooved metal for its grip. Many users prefer this type of grip because it is similar to that of the traditional barbell that you use for bench presses and deadlift. If you want to add even more stability to your grip, a little bit of chalk on your hands is a great option as well.
You will need to employ the use of some power tools to install this wall mounted pull up bar to your wall. We found that users were able to install this pull up bar in no time, and it hangs incredibly secure to any type of wall. The heavy duty powder coated steel means this is something that will hold up incredibly well over many years of continued use!
For those that are in the market for something that looks like it came right out of Gold’s Gym that you can install right at home, this is an excellent choice! Just be mindful that it will stick out from your wall a good deal, so you will need to create a little more available space than most.
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