Best chin-up pull-up bars | From ceiling and wall to freestanding

Are you also such a health freak and do you want to stay in shape at all costs? Then you will be desperate in need for a good pull up bar.

Pull-up bars, also known as pull-up bars, are not for the faint of heart. When you are young, you can often perform a number of pull-ups in a row without difficulty.

But after years of eating fries and burgers, and long hours sitting in front of your laptop, you'll find that you can't pull yourself up as quickly as you used to.

Fortunately, there are plenty of types of pull-up bars for training, chin-up bars that are specially made for different types of people at different stages of their lives.

We are going to show you the world of the different pull up bars, so that you - when you can - steal the show with your upper body muscles!

Pull-up bars for everyone

So if you thought that pull-up bars are just for young people buzzing with energy, or just for expert bodybuilders, we've got some good news for you.

Pull-up bars come in all shapes and sizes and are for everyone, including the hamburger lover!

Especially now that we spend more and more time at home than outside and at the gym, we could use some extra muscle training.

The question is, of course, whether you can properly store such a device at home; even if you live small, don't worry, there are perfect pull up bars for sale for every room.

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Pull-up bars can often be easily added to the gym equipment you already have at home and are ideal for achieving effective strength training.

Pull-up bars are the perfect tool to train strong biceps and a strong back.

We must advise that you first consult your doctor before you start with this intensive physical effort.

You don't have to experience it like many ambitious former athletes, who after years suddenly went back to the pull-up bars without proper preparation and have torn a muscle or two in their shoulder.

Take it from us and put your safety first!

The best choice pull-up bar

My first pick for the best pull-up bar is this one Rucanor chin-up bar for strength training.

We chose this pull-up bar because the bar can be used in many ways.

In our opinion, this pull-up bar is the best pull-up bar without screws and drilling, meeting the minimum requirements for the user.

We chose this one because of the great price and the fact that it fits in every doorway/frame.

With the simple clamping system you clamp the rod in place.

Our number 2 on the list is again one with a good price, but with more pull on possibilities.

It is a 5 in 1 Pull-up Station. The 5 exercises are pull ups, chin ups, push ups, tricep dips and sit ups, so a complete workout for your upper body.

The Best Pull Up Bars Reviewed

In this article we have listed the best pull-up bars or chin-up bars for you according to the different purposes for which they are intended.

This way you can make a targeted choice and you don't lose a lot of time looking for the best pull-up bars or the best chin-up bar.

For the sake of convenience, we have placed all our favorites in an overview below.

We also have a few large devices in it, for the sports fanatics who have more space at home.

Do you perhaps have an outside wall available, pay attention to this one Strongman Pull Up Bar Outdoor!

If you have a little more time, read the extensive review per product a little further in the article.

Best pull-up bar or chin-up bar	Images
Best pull-up bar without screws and drills: Rucanor chin-up bar for strength training	(view more images)
Best pull-up bars for different purposes: 5 in 1 Pull-up Station	(view more images)
Best pull-up bar for the door frame: Focus Fitness Doorway Gym Xtreme	(view more images)
Best Pull Up Bar For The Wall: Pull-up bar (wall mounting)	(view more images)
Best pull-up bar for the ceiling: Flashing Chin Up bar	(view more images)
Best pull up bar standing: VidaXL Power Tower with sit-up bench	(view more images)
Best outdoor pull up bar:  Southwall Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar in White	(view more images)
Best pull up bar for crossfit: Tunturi Cross Fit Pull Up Bar	(view more images)
Best Pull Up Bar With Punching Bag Holder: Victory Sports Punching Bag Wall Mount with Pull-Up Bar	(view more images)

How do you choose a pull up bar?

For the enthusiasts looking to get into strength training, you can essentially start with dipping as the first step to the pull-up bar.

You could also hang the pull-up bar a little lower or stand on an elevation.

Then pull yourself to the pull-up bar with your feet on the floor at an increasingly difficult angle.

The good news is that the pull-up bars we'll explore in this article are versatile, helping you gradually reach your goals with a suitable pull-up bar.

Three categories of pull-up bar

Generally there are 3 major groups of pull up bars.

One of the most popular pull-up bars are cantilever pull-up bars, which require no permanent assembly and are easy to install and remove after use.

These usually have different grip options.

When purchasing a cantilevered pull-up bar, make sure to consider the size of the pull-up bar in relation to the size of your door frame, so that you choose a pull-up bar with a good fit.

Then you have pull-up bars, which do require some drilling and installation work. There are models that you can mount on the ceiling, the wall or on a door frame.

These pull-up bars are usually used by heavyweights, but are less portable and movable.

Finally, there are 'power stations or power towers'.

These are freestanding appliances that require no drilling or installation. This usually allows you to perform multiple exercises, but there are some drawbacks.

You need more space for these type of pull-up bars. They can also wobble quite a bit during use because the anchorage is sometimes not anchored.

And heavier weights can hardly make use of such a chin-up bar.

What you need to know before buying a pull-up bar

There are some important things to keep in mind before buying a pull-up bar. We have listed them here for you.

Maximum loadable weight of the bar

The heavier the bar can be loaded, the sturdier the bar is.

Choose a bar that suits your current weight plus 20 kg, because as you build muscle you will also gain weight over time.

In any case, the bar must be able to bear your weight during training without falling.

If you want to make it even more difficult for yourself, get a chin-up bar that can support your weight plus extra weight for a weight vest.

Mounting the rod

There are a number of variants to this, as we have already seen above:

• wall mounted rods
• door mounting
• ceiling mounting
• freestanding 'power stations'
• door bars that you don't have to assemble

Each variant has its own advantages. A screwed pull-up bar can carry more weight anyway, while a pull-up bar that does not require screwing offers the convenience of being able to remove the bar after use.

Best Pull Up Bars for Different Purposes Reviewed

Pull-up bars come in different sizes and models.

Depending on what you want to do with it and how you want to or can attach it, it will mainly matter which pull-up bar is best for your situation.

Best pull-up bar without screws and drills: Rucanor pull-up bar for strength training

For example, if you live in an apartment where you are not allowed to screw and drill, this one will come chin-up bar for strength training comes in handy.

But even if you don't feel like doing odd jobs or a 'nailed' installation in your own home, this rod is the best option.

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The rod is a high-quality product that is easy to handle. The bar has a width of 70 centimeters and a maximum load-bearing weight of 100 kg.

And if you decide to screw it on (optional), the rod can handle 130 kg.

It is a simple and affordable product that allows you to variety of exercises can do to train your back, shoulder, arm and abs muscles.

Thanks to its compact size, you can quickly store it under your bed after use.

Best Door Post Pull-Up Bar: Focus Fitness Doorway Gym Xtreme

This pull-up bar is a multi-purpose bar that is ideal for both push-ups and pull-ups.

This rod fits standard doorposts between 61-81 cm and works by means of a lever technique.

You can decide for yourself where and when you train. Either in the bedroom or the living room.

What is also useful about this chin-up bar is that you can move your workout to the floor, because the bar also offers the possibility to do floor exercises.

In short, with this sturdy pull-up bar for the door frame you can perform a complete workout.

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Another great recommendation for a door frame pull-up bar, our number 2 in the list, we think is the 5 in 1 Pull-up Station.

Working out at home and doing 5 different exercises is peanuts with this pull up set. For a good price you can do pull ups, push ups, chin ups and tricep dips exercises.

Due to the soft anti-slip layer, your door frame will not be damaged. You don't have to drill any holes.

Your complete workout starts here, right from home.

Best Pull Up Bar for the Wall: Pull Up Bar (Wall Mount)

If you want to be able to lift more than your own weight, you will have to choose a fixed attachment.

Pull-up bars that are permanently attached can carry more anyway.

This wall-mounted pull-up bar is a perfect example of a simple-looking pull-up bar, but it can take a bit.

The loadable weight is 350 kg. With this gym-quality bar you train the back muscles, abs and the biceps.

So you don't have to go to the gym, but you can train on your own time and at your convenience.

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For an alternative you can look at the Gorilla Sports Pull-Up Bar. The quality of this bar is without doubt high-quality and you can load it up to 350 kg.

Train your back muscles, biceps and abs with this simple, yet multifunctional chin-up bar, which is also well suited for leg raises.

The rod is supplied with screws and plugs. You see that you don't have to go to the gym for a strong and muscular body.

'Old school training' continues to grow in popularity; just train with your own body weight. You can hang this bar at the perfect height so that there is no opportunity for cheating.

Best Pull Up Bar for the Ceiling: Flashing Chin Up Bar

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For effective training of the biceps, triceps, back and abdominal muscles, you can consider the Flashing Chin up bar.

The rod is intended for hanging from the ceiling. The maximum load capacity is 150 kg.

Make sure that the ceiling where the rod will hang can support the loadable weight of the rod and your own weight.

The pull-up bar is made of sturdy, robust metal of 50 x 50 mm and can therefore be loaded more heavily.

Check it out here at Amazon

Would you rather have a white pull-up bar for the ceiling?

This beautiful white Gorilla Sports chin-up bar for the ceiling, is good for training back muscles, biceps and abs by exercising chin ups, pull ups and leg raises.

The white color makes the bar less conspicuous on a – usually – white ceiling.

You can therefore easily hang it in your living room or bedroom. It is not a disturbing factor.

This bar has a gym quality and can be loaded with no less than 350 kg.

Best standing pull-up bar: VidaXL Power Tower with sit-up bench

The best standing pull-up bar is the VidaXL Power Tower.

With this device you can do different types of exercises in addition to pulling up. The device is intended for everyone and offers many possibilities.

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This standing pull-up bar is solidly constructed and feels stable during training.

You just have to make sure that you stay within the maximum load capacity of 150 kg.

What is also useful is that you can adjust the device to your needs.

With steps and the adjustable backrest you can completely personalize this chin-up bar.

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Another good choice for intensive home sports sessions is this Weider Pro Power Tower.

A sturdy Tower with solid steel tubes, covered with comfortable cushions.

With this versatile power device you choose your own training by using the different functions of the tower.

Pull ups and push ups with handles with extra grip, also improve your dips. You make perfect vertical knee raises with this power tower, with great support.

Pro Power has a maximum load capacity of 140 kg, we think the price-quality ratio is excellent.

Best Outdoor Pull Up Bar: Southwall Wall Mount Pull Up Bar in White

A good pull-up bar for outside must be able to take a beating. In the sense that it can withstand weather influences.

De Southwall Pull-Up Bar is a good choice for this category.

The pull-up bar is made of solid hollow steel with a load capacity of 150 kg.

The rod must be installed against the wall, the necessary concrete plugs are supplied for this.

With this white bar you can do a variety of training exercises, including strengthening the chest, back, shoulder or abdominal muscles.

Of course, this pull-up bar also works well indoors.

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Prefer an outdoor pull-up bar that is adjustable?

Then take a look at this Strongman Pull Up Bar Outdoor outdoor solution with powder coating.

The bar is suitable for all weather conditions and can be loaded up to 250 kg. Of course you can also just install it indoors.

The Pull-Up Bar Outdoor is adjustable in 2 distances – 60 cm or 76 cm – from the wall or ceiling.

You can do chin-ups, ring dips and kipping with it, you can attach your ab-straps or ring set – super fine and easy – for even more possibilities.

Best Pull Up Bar for Crossfit: Tunturi Cross Fit Pull Up Bar

The biggest advantage of this cross fit pull-up bar is that you have multiple hand positions thanks to the different handles.

With each hand position you train a different muscle group.

For example, you can choose which handle you use during the pull-up burpee, which is different than for the chin-up.

The Tunturi Cross Fit Pull Up Bar can be easily mounted on the wall and takes up little space.

It is a good addition to the rest of your cross fit setup.

With a maximum loadable weight of 135 kg, you simply use your own body weight to perform the exercises in order to train a strong upper body.

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Would you rather have a pull-up addition to your existing one Tunturi RC20 Cross Fit Base Rack?

This Tunturi RC20 Cross Fit Rack Ball Pull Up Grips are pull up handles that you can easily attach to the rack.

When you use grips instead of the usual bar, you not only train the back and arm muscles with the pull ups, but also your fingers, hands and forearms.

A great, not to be underestimated extra training. These pull-ups complete a crossfit workout.

Best Pull-up Bar with Punching Bag Holder: Victory Sports Punching Bag Wall Mount with Pull-Up Bar

Do you want to lose your energy in addition to your daily pull and push ups by hitting a punching bag?

Who doesn't love multi-use products!

De Victory Sports Punching Bag Wall Mount with Pull-Up Bar has, as the name suggests, two functions.

You can pull yourself up on the bar, but you can also hang a punching bag on it.

The pull-up bar is of gym quality, which means that it works just as well in the gym as it does at home.

The wall mount can not only handle your weight, but can also absorb the blow that the punching bag receives.

The maximum load capacity is 100 kg and is supplied without a punching bag. If you want to buy a punching bag right away, we recommend this sturdy Hanumat 150 cm punching bag .

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Another wonderful option is this chin-up bar / pull up bar Incl. punching bag confirmation.

You can carry the bar with a maximum of 100 kg. tax, keep that in mind.

The chain length for the punching bag is 13 cm. and the bar is made of black powder coated steel. Assembly is simple and comes with a manual.

The best pull-up bar exercises

You would think that there is little variety in exercises with a pull-up bar. However, you can do more than just 'go up as standard'.

Below are some exercises to challenge yourself, or watch this interesting article from Menshealth:

Pull up bar chin up

This exercise emphasizes training the biceps. This exercise is a good one to start with because the technique is quite easy to learn.

What you need to do is grab the bar with an underhand grip (with the insides of your hands facing your body) at a distance slightly narrower than your shoulder width.

Then pull yourself up and try to lift the chest muscles.

Crossing your feet keeps your body as still as possible and all the energy and strength is taken from the arms.

Pull-up with wide grip

Widen the distance between the arms, so past the shoulders, let the broad back muscles do the work.

Grab the bar with an overhand grip (with the outsides of your hands facing your body) and pull yourself up until your chin is past the bar.

You continue by lowering yourself slowly and repeating the exercise. With this you train not only the arms, but also the back muscles.

Clapping pull up

This exercise is for when you are slightly advanced.

The name of the exercise says it all, you have to clap your hands during the pull-up and go a little further than the normal pull-up.

In addition to strength, you need good coordination and a decent dose of explosiveness for this exercise.

It is best to start this exercise with a narrow grip to train the explosiveness before you let go of the bar.

You pull yourself up and then push a little higher to create a moment for when you actually start clapping.

Practice this very well with a narrow grip first. This way the hands are close together and you can more easily proceed to clap.

Later you can spread the arms further and further apart as you get better at the exercise.

Pull up behind the neck

This exercise is to train the shoulders and the inside of the back. Grab the bar with a wide overhand grip.

While pulling up, move your head forward so that the bar falls into the neck.

You pull yourself up to the back of your head and not all the way up to the shoulders.

Some more tips for pulling up with a pull-up bar

What you want to achieve with these exercises are strong arm and back muscles.

To achieve maximum results, it is important that you perform each exercise in a controlled and calm manner. In this way the tension on the muscles is evenly distributed.

If at some point you become so adept at pulling up and your own body weight is too easy to pull up, you can always add weights in the form of a weight vest or weights on your feet.

Also consider using gloves for a better grip if necessary. The better your grip on the bar, the more you can pull yourself up.

Here you will find these and more pull-up bar exercises performed:

'Old School' training for a strong body

Old school workouts and crossfit, but also just maintain your body well through daily home training is becoming increasingly popular.

More and more athletes ignore the weights and train with 'only' their own body weight.

After all, tests show that most 'muscle bundles and powerhouses', after years of training in the gym, sometimes cannot even climb over a wall. They are often not even strong enough to make a few pull ups!

The new generation of home athletes is looking for 'real strength' through 'back to base old school workouts'.

As boxers have always done, just think of our old school hero, boxer 'Rocky Balboa' (Sylvester Stallone).

What is the purpose of pull ups?

The pull up is one of the most effective exercises to strengthen the back muscles. Pull ups work the following muscles of the back:

• latissimus dorsi: the largest muscle of the upper back that runs from the mid-back to below the armpit and shoulder blade.
• Trapezius: Located from the neck to both shoulders.

Do pull-up bars help build muscle?

The pull-up works almost every muscle in your upper body, especially your back, which is why it's such an effective calorie burner.

By changing your grip, or the height of your bar, you can also target other muscles that the standard pull-up misses.

Which is better, pull ups or chin ups?

For chin-ups, grab the bar with your palms facing you and for pull-ups, grab the bar with your palms facing away from you.

As a result, chin-ups work better on the muscles in the front of your body, such as your biceps and chest, while pull-ups are more effective for your back and shoulder muscles.

It can be nice to use fitness gloves for pull-ups on a chin-up bar. Here we have the best fitness gloves for you at a glance put.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.