Over-the-door pull-up bars are a very convenient way to get in a quick workout in the comfort of your home gym. Pull-up bars offer a variety of exercise opportunities for the user. While this of course includes upper body exercises such as pull-ups and chin-ups, these bars can be used for core workouts, including leg raises.
With a variety of over-the-door pull-up bars available on the market, it’s important to pay attention to specifics while shopping. While some models require more intense installation, others are designed to simply fit right between an existing door frame. We took a look at some of the best over-the-door pull-up bars and gave our picks.
Best Over-The-Door
For a wider range of motion.
Pros:
- Once installed over a doorway, this pull-up bar sets 1” above and 10” away from the door. This allows athletes to do complete pull ups or chin ups without worrying about banging your head on the doorway.
- Fits doors between 24” and 36” wide.
- High density foam padding intended to cut down on calluses, and positioning that allows for narrow, wide, and neutral grip exercises.
- All hardware and tools needed for assembly are provided.
Cons:
- A bit pricey compared to some of the offerings from competing brands.
With a bar set out 10” from the door frame, this pull-up bar is designed to allow more range of motion than a typical over-the-door rig. Featuring high density foam padding, this piece of equipment allows for workouts in wide, narrow, and neutral grip.
Versatile Design
More grips for more options.
Pros:
- Very competitively priced.
- Designed to slip over any sturdy door frame without any hardware or tools. If desired, screws can be inserted to provide added stability.
- Fits doorways between 24” and 32” wide. Total width of the device is 36.75”.
- Includes grips for six positions – allowing athletes to work in wide, narrow, and neutral grip.
- In addition to chin ups, pull ups, leg raises, and other hanging activities, it’s possible to take device off the doorway and use on the ground to do dips, push ups, and sit ups.
- Built to accommodate folks up to 300 pounds.
Cons:
- Assembly is not as simple as some of the other comparable devices on the market.
Th pull-up bar is a very straightforward piece of equipment designed to fit in door frames between 24” and 32” wide. Available at a very competitive price point, this device allows for a variety of at-home, basic exercises.
Contender
No assembly required.
Pros:
- Foldable frame can offer easier storage between uses.
- Weight capacity of 440lb on the higher end of the market.
- The higher bar can make it more comfortable to use for taller athletes.
Cons:
- May leave scuff marks the door frame.
- The protected sleeves included may lose effectiveness over time.
- On the more expensive end of the market.
This pull-up bar uses smart hook technology to change downward force to horizontal force to prevent damage to the frame. It utilizes two handles that are six inches apart, has a foldable frame, and can support up to 440lb.
Most Portable
Easy to move.
Pros:
- Shamrock Triple Gym Folding Pull Up Bar has a folding design for convenient storage or portability.
- Comes fully assembled out of the box.
- Includes white, thick foam blocks that are designed to protect the door frame from wear and tear.
- Designed for doorways between 28” and 36” wide and 4” to 6.5” deep.
Cons:
- Due to its design, this piece of equipment is a bit less versatile than some of the other competitors, only allowing for wide and close grip exercises.
With the capability of being folded up flat for easy storage, this pull-up Bar is a great option for folks who value portability.
Contender For Versatile Design
Extra padding, extra safety.
Pros:
- Additional bumpers on both ends of the bar can help protect the door from from damage.
- Adjustable height and length can allow for easier use across different sized door frames.
- Lighter than many comparable options at just over 6lb.
Cons:
- May need to retighten bolts after prolonged use.
- Potentially prone to bending under heavier pressure.
- Might not be compatible with door frames that have thicker trim.
- Assembly required.
This portable pull-up bar has padded handles that offer up to three different grips and can support up to 300lb. It can fit door frames that range from 27 to 35 inches and can also be used on the floor to support push-ups, sit-ups, and dips.
Extra Wide Grip
Great for targeting lats.
Pros:
- No need for screws or drilling, as this device is designed to fit over doorways.
- Padded handles allow for workouts utilizing close, wide, neutral, or hammer grip.
- Fits doors up to 33” wide and up to 6” deep.
- Competitively priced.
Cons:
- Assembly instructions include many small photos and are not incredibly intuitive to follow.
With wide grip and curved handles, this pull-up Bar is a great option for folks looking for an at home pull-up bar that provides a variety of exercise options.
Simplest Installation
Easy to assemble.
Pros:
- Bar is designed to fit in doorways between 29.15” and 37.5” wide.
- No screws or hardware needed to install.
- Features silicone pads on the end to prevent slipping and to protect door frames from being damaged.
- Unique locking feature helps keep the bar stable as force is exerted downward.
- Capable of supporting folks up to 440 pounds.
Cons:
- From a price standpoint, this bar is a bit more expensive than some other options.
- Since this is simply one bar that goes straight across the doorway, it’s a bit less versatile of a tool compared to some other over-the-door models.
For those looking for a very straightforward pull up bar designed to fit in any doorway, the Uflyy Fitness Pull Up Bar may be a solid option. Designed to fit doorways between 29.15” and 37.5” wide, this bar sports a unique locking feature designed to increase stability as force is applied downward.
Methodology
Over-the-door pull-up bars are a great resource for an at home workout. Whether it’s a quick set of chin ups before work, or a more intense full body workout, these versatile tools can play an essential role in helping folks meet their fitness goals. Before selecting a particular brand’s offering, consider a few key features.
Size
Naturally, it’s important to take a look at the size of a given over-the-door unit to ensure it fits your desired workout space. Measure your own door frame as well, to make sure you find a compatible unit.
Weight Allowance
Not all pull-up bars are created equally. While most are designed to accommodate folks up to 300 pounds, some can exceed that threshold, which may be advantageous for folks looking to do weighted pull-ups.
Assembly
Many over-the-door pull-up bars don’t require any type of screws or drilling, and can simply be placed atop a doorway, provided your doorway has a lip of trim at the top. Others may require more involved set-ups. Consider your own handiness, as well as the limitations of your home or apartment, before clicking purchase on any units that require intense installation.
Versatility
Depending on the design of a given over-the-door pull-up bar, some units may include more diverse functionality than others. While a straightforward bar may limit you to narrow or wide grip workouts, some units offer neutral or hammer grip alternatives.
FAQs
Are pull-up bars safe on doorways?
So long as your doorway is structurally sound, a well-made over-the-door pull-up bar should be safe for exercising. That said, it may not be wise to try swinging too wildly on one of these devices.
How much weight can over-the-door pull-up bars hold?
Each over-the-door pull-up bar holds a differing amount depending on its construction and materials used. Check with the individual manufacturer to make sure you’re finding a unit that suits your needs.
How can I get better at pull ups?
Practice! And it probably won’t hurt to clean up your diet and eat healthy.
BarBend Tips
- Measure twice, shop once! Make sure you’re very thorough when measuring the doorframe you intend to use for this piece of equipment. Take into account not just width, but the depth from the front of the door to the back.
- Start slow! If you’re new to pull ups or chin ups, they can certainly be a bit humbling. Check out our Ultimate Beginner Pull-Up Guide for pointers.