Top 4 best doorway pull up bars [2024]

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What is the best doorway pull-up bar? To answer that question, we’ve written this blog post. A pull-up bar for your door frame is indeed one of the most convenient fitness devices you can have at home, as it allows you to train with a variety of different exercises.

We’ve personally gone through quite a few different pull-up bars in our years of calisthenics training. Based on this experience, we’re happy to guide you to the best pull-up bar that you can install on or in your door frame.

2 types of doorway pull up bars

There are 2 variants of the doorway pull-up bar, with the main difference lying in the installation of the bar. In the first variant, you place the bar between the door frame, while in the second variant, you anchor it at the top of the frame.

There are several advantages to using a door pull-up bar. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and require little storage space.

Choose the variant that best suits the doorframe where you want to hang it and get started with pull-ups!

Top 4 best doorway pull up bars

Below you’ll find our top 5 pull-up bars for your doorway. Our selection for the best pull-up bar is based on factors such as our own experiences, price, weight capacity, and safety.

#1 Sporneer Doorway pull up bar

Sportneer Pull up bar

Best in between pull up bar 

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amazon.com

Safe

As the number 1 on this list, we have chosen the Sportneer doorway pull-up bar. This pull-up bar comes with several significant advantages.

The Sportneer bar features a specially developed safety mechanism, allowing this door pull-up bar to support a weight capacity of 200kg.

This means you don’t have to worry about the bar slipping out of the door frame during your workout. Plus, you don’t even need to drill holes in your wall for it.

Low price

This door pull-up bar is attractively priced. For the cost of just one month’s membership at a decent gym, you can have the convenience of doing pull-ups every day in the comfort of your own home.

Adjustable

The Sportneer doorway pull up bar is suitable for almost all door frames. This is due to the convenient closing system, allowing you to use the bar for door frames between 75-94cm (29.5”-37”).

However, please note that if you have hollow door frames, it is not advisable to choose a pull-up bar between your frames.

#2 Kakiclay pull up bar

Kakiclay pull up bar

Best anchored doorway pull up bar 

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amazon.com

Height of the bar

The main advantage this pull up bar has over the rest is the height of the bar you pull from.

As you can see in the photo, this pull-up bar is anchored at the bottom of the door frame, while the bar you pull on extends above the frame.

With most door frame pull-up bars, the bar you pull on hangs below the door frame.

Therefore, this bar is the best option for tall individuals. In fact, if you’re over 5.8ft (180cm), I definitely recommend choosing this one.

Installation

Due to the innovative hooks on this pull up bar, it can be installed on pretty much every door. Even the ones in the corner.

Thereby, it has a load capacity of 440lbs / 200kg More than enough for the taller individuals among us. And you could even add weight to your pull-ups!

#3 Prosourcefit doorway pull up bar

Prosourcefit Multi Grip doorway pull up bar

Prosourcefit Multi Grip pull up bar

Most versatile pull up bar 

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amazon.com

Most versatile pull up bar

The Prosourcefit pull-up bar for your door is the most versatile in this list.

With this bar, you not only have the option to train standard pull-ups and chin-ups, but you can also vary your grip. You can train small grip, wide grip, and neutral grip pull-ups with this bar.

This is, of course, ideal for training your muscles in a balanced way.

Safe anchoring

When hanging on the Prosourcefit pull-up bar, the anchor clamps behind the door frame. This makes it a safe way to train your pull-ups at home.

To make sure the bar fits in your frame, it’s advisable to measure it beforehand. It fits in doorways ranging from 24 cm to 36 inches wide.

Finally, this door pull-up bar has a weight capacity of 136kg. More than enough for the at home athlete.

#4 Prosourcefit basic pull up bar

ProsourceFit Basic doorway pull up bar

Best priced 

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amazon.com

We conclude the list with this budget-friendly bar, from ProSourceFit. This doorway pull up bar offers a practical solution for those looking to incorporate pull-ups into their home workout routine without breaking the bank.

With a robust weight capacity of 136kg, this bar proves to be sturdy and reliable, catering to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, you can confidently engage in pull-up exercises without concerns about the bar’s durability.

In summary, this bar not only offers a cost-effective solution for home fitness but also prioritizes safety with thoughtful design elements. For those seeking a reliable pull-up bar that won’t strain their budget, this option stands out as a practical and affordable choice.

Benefits of a doorway pull-up bar

A door-mounted pull-up bar is the ideal fitness device for home use. Below are some of the benefits of a door-mounted pull-up bar:

Convenience: A door-mounted pull-up bar is an easy and safe way to start training pull-ups. You don’t have to travel to the gym and never have to wait for someone else to finish. All you have to do is attach the pull-up bar to your door, and you’re ready to train.
Space-saving: A door-mounted pull-up bar takes up very little space. And you can easily store it away when you finish your workout. This makes it ideal for people living in small spaces or those with limited storage space.
Affordable: Compared to other fitness devices, a door pull-up bar is very affordable. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive home equipment to get a good workout.

All in all, a door pull-up bar offers many benefits for anyone looking to train at home. For just a few tens of euros, you can perform a full-body workout whenever you want.

Disadvantages doorway pull up bar

Another important consideration when deciding against a door-mounted pull-up bar is the structural integrity of your door frames. If your door frames are not robust enough to support the weight and stress associated with pull-up exercises, it poses a safety risk. Ensuring that your door frame can handle the load is crucial to prevent damage and accidents during workouts.

Additionally, proper alignment and fit with the door frame are essential for the stability of the pull-up bar. If it doesn’t securely attach to the door, there’s a risk of instability during exercises, which can compromise both the effectiveness of your workout and your safety.

Furthermore, if your fitness goals include mastering muscle-ups, a door-mounted pull-up bar may not be the most suitable option. The space between the door frames may limit your range of motion and hinder your ability to perform certain advanced exercises. In such cases, opting for a wall-mounted pull-up bar provides a more versatile and spacious setup, allowing you to pursue a wider range of calisthenic movements.

In summary, while door-mounted pull-up bars offer convenience and space-saving benefits, it’s crucial to assess the suitability of your door frames and consider your specific fitness goals before making a choice. For those aiming for advanced exercises like muscle-ups, exploring alternatives like wall-mounted pull-up bars may be a more effective and safer option.

Exercises with a door mounted pull up bar

With a pull-up bar for your door, your possibilities are endless. Below, you’ll find the most popular exercises that you can train at home.

Pull ups

During pull-ups, you hang from the bar with your palms facing away from you. Then, you pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar. This is an ideal exercise to train your back and arm muscles.

Chin ups

This is a variation of pull-ups where you grip the bar with your palms facing towards you. This variation, known as chin-ups, places more emphasis on your biceps.

Leg raises

This is the ideal abdominal exercise for home. In this exercise, you hang from the bar and lift your legs upward until your toes touch the bar. With this exercise, you primarily train your abdominal muscles.

Front lever

The front lever is a static exercise where you position your body parallel to the ground with your face towards the bar.

In the video below, you’ll find more exercises that you can train at home with a pull-up bar.

alternative to doorway pull up bar

Of course, there are other ways to train your pull-ups at home. You can install a wall mounted pull up bar, and this can even be done outdoors. The significant advantage of this is that you can also train muscle-ups.

Alternatively, you can opt for a pull-up station. These are a bit more expensive, but they immediately provide the opportunity to train dips as well.

Additional calisthenics equipment

In addition to having a place at home to train pull-ups, there are numerous possibilities to further expand your workout. For example, you can attach rings to the bar. This provides you with the opportunity to train many additional exercises, such as dips, support holds, and bicep curls on the rings.

If you’re not yet able to do pull-ups, it’s advisable to invest in resistance bands. These bands allow you to gradually train towards your first pull-up and chin-up. Without these bands, you make the process much more challenging for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered bodyweight pull-ups, you can take the next step in your strength training. Simply add weight using a weighted vest or dip belt. Of course, be mindful not to exceed the weight capacity of the bar.

FAQ about doorway pull up bars

Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding pull-up bars.

What is a doorway pull up bar

A door-mounted pull-up bar is a fitness device that is installed between your door frames or at the top of your door frame. You can use it to perform various exercises, including chin-ups, pull-ups, and leg raises.

Can a doorway pull-up bar cause damage to my door frame?

If the pull-up bar is installed correctly, it should not cause any damage to your door or door frame. However, it is important to ensure that your door (frame) is sturdy enough to bear the weight.

Can I use a door-mounted pull-up bar if I am heavy?

This depends on the pull-up bar you purchase. Some have a weight capacity of up to 1000lbs, making them suitable for almost anyone looking to train pull-ups.

What are alternatives for a doorway pull up bar?

There are various alternatives to a door-mounted pull-up bar. You can opt for a freestanding pull-up bar, also known as a pull-up station or power tower. Alternatively, you can choose a wall-mounted pull-up bar.

Which muscles do you train with a pull-up bar?

With a pull-up bar, you primarily train your back muscles, including the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids, as well as your biceps and forearms.

How high should a pull-up bar be installed?

Ideally, a pull-up bar should be hung at a height where, with fully extended arms, you can just reach the ground. This ensures that you can perform the full range of motion for the exercise.

What's the best doorway pull up bar?

The best pull-up bar depends on your needs, preferences, and available space. There are various types of pull-up bars on the market, including wall-mounted pull-up bars, pull-up stations, and door-mounted pull-up bars.

Can I train pull ups every day?

For beginners, we advise against training pull-ups every day. Your muscles need sufficient time to recover between sessions. Overloading can and often will lead to injuries. Start by training pull-ups two to three times a week, and you will see results soon.

Nick Verheij

Nick Verheij is a calisthenics athlete and certified calisthenics and streetlifting coach. In 2022, he founded Heavyweight Calisthenics to help other 'heavyweights,' for whom calisthenics is often more challenging, to make safe progress.Since its founding, thousands of athletes have downloaded the beginner program from Heavyweight Calisthenics. Additionally, the Heavyweight team has personally helped hundreds of athletes with one-on-one coaching and calisthenics clinics.Are you interested in collaboration? Email nick@heavyweightcali.com.