The pull up bar is an essential piece of equipment for anyone interested in calisthenics.  Since the pull up is such an effective move that helps you in ways beyond just the back muscles, a pull up bar is necessary to make any kind of progress.  One of the most popular kinds of pull up bars is the over-the-door pull up bar.  They are convenient, take up little space, and are still sturdy enough to support your weight.  If you’re looking for the best over-the-door pull up bar to meet your specific calisthenics goals, then look no further!  This brief guide will show you which pull up bars are best for you based on a variety of categories:

 

I Will Review The Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar Based On:

• Versatility
  
• Ease of Setup
• Affordability
• Portability
• Best for Beginners

 

 

1.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Versatility:

The Kaufam Doorway Pull Up Bar with Dip Station

I know the picture is a lot to take in, but believe me when I say this slightly pricier over-the-door pull up bar is worth it.  This is a clear winner when it comes to versatility – you can target so many muscle groups with all its grips and peripherals.

*UPDATE: As of April, 2021, this product is no longer available on Amazon. 🙁

Specs:

• Fits doorframes between 23.6in.-37.5in.
• Multiple foam grips for different pull up types
• Removable dip bar station (optional)
• Pull up bar can be removed for push up variations and sit up assistance
• Poster with a workout guide
• Straps for extra workouts
• Ring attachments for your own extra equipment

Pros:

• Very sturdy – your weight is leveraged into the wall during pull ups
• Padding prevents walls from scratching
• Easy to install and remove
• So many options for pull up variations – even hammer grip pull ups
• Removable dip bar station. Optional add-on (extra charge)
• Ring attachment is helpful for resistance band workouts

Cons:

• Reports of straps and/or dip bar screws not being included
• Some complaints about uneven dip bars
• Dip bar isn’t easy to remove or store
• Not adjustable – measure your door before you buy!

 

2.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Ease of Setup:

The Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

By far the most popular bar on this list, the Iron Gym bar has sold so well because it is so easy to set up and because it WORKS.

Specs:

• Fits doorframes up to 35.4in.
• Multiple foam grips for different pull up types
• Can be taken down for push up variations and sit up assistance

Pros:

• Foam padding prevents walls from scratching
• SUPER easy to hang and take down
• Fits most frame sizes
• Several grips for different pull up variations

Cons:

• Foam padding wears faster than other bars on this list
• Material is not as sturdy – be careful when using
• Not adjustable – measure your door before you buy!

 

3.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Affordability:

Perfect Basic Pullup Progression Bar

If you are looking for an amazing deal for something that will last years, then this “Progression” Bar is the best over-the-door pull up bar for you. I can’t recommend it enough!

Specs:

• Fits doorframes 27in.-36in. wide
• Foam grip
• Adjustable swinging arm for variations

Pros:

• Extremely sturdy
• Only requires a few drilled holes for installation
• The swinging arm is AMAZING for pull up progressions and variations
• Several grips for different pull up variations
• Much less expensive than the other bars on this list – an amazing deal

Cons:

• Installation requires you to drill holes into door frame
• Not recommended for doorways that need to be closed – it will block the door from closing
• Not removable like other bars on this list
• Not adjustable – measure your door before you buy!

 

4.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Portability:

OneTwoFit Doorway Pullup Bar

Not quite an “over” the door pull up bar, but OneTwoFit have created something really special here.  The shape isn’t awkward and can fit inside a suitcase if needed.  Great for traveling!

Specs:

• Fits doorframes 27.5in.-35.4in. wide
• Rubber and nylon grip
• Rubber siding mats to prevent sliding down the door frame
• Locking mechanism to prevent rotation

Pros:

• Very easy to install – just follow the instructions carefully
• Fits into a suitcase if you want to travel with it
• Sturdy material
• No rotating mid-pullup thanks to the locking mechanism
• Telescopic build makes it easy to adjust for different doorway widths

Cons:

• Installation needs to be done precisely – not too tight or too loose – to prevent doorframe damage or injury
• You can’t close the door if this bar is installed
• The rubber/nylon grips aren’t as good as foam in my opinion – my sweat causes my palms to slip
• A bit expensive

 

On second thought…

4.5.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Portability… Runner-Up:

Lifeline Portable Power Chin Up Grips

These are even MORE portable, but less sturdy than the OneTwoFit bar.  Although they are a great cheap alternative and even easier to travel with, there are some important things to note before you buy them instead of the OneTwoFit bar.

Specs:

• Lock in place over a closed door
• Foam grips
• Cushions to protect wrists and knuckles

Pros:

• Easy to hang – you just need a door that closes
• Extremely portable and lightweight
• The fact that they’re two separate grips means you can adjust them for wide, narrow, etc. pull up variations
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• The wrist/knuckle cushions aren’t soft enough – I suggest wearing gloves
• The door NEEDS to be shut securely or they will slip out
• The grips aren’t as sturdy as they could be – many reports of them breaking mid-pullup. Be careful if you weight more than 150 lbs., and do your reps slowly and smoothly. Nothing explosive.
• You will be “sliding” up and down the door when you use these.  It feels awkward at first.

 

5.  Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar for Beginners:

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar (Elite)

Although this ergonomically designed bar is great for any and all calisthenic trainers, its multiple grip options make it ideal for those who want to get started with pullups.

Specs:

• Adjustable design fits doorframes up to 33in. wide and 6in. thick
• Multiple foam grips for different pull up types
• Can be taken down for push up and dip variations and sit up assistance

Pros:

• Foam padding prevents walls from scratching
• Very easy to hang and take down
• Adjustable, which is great for unusual doorway sizes
• Covered in foam grips, allowing for all kinds of ways to practice your pull ups
• Several grips for different pull up variations

Cons:

• Somewhat expensive
• Instructions for assembly aren’t very clear
• Material isn’t as sturdy as others on this list

 

BONUS:  Max’s Opinion: Best Over-the-Door Pull Up Bar Overall:

Iron Age Pull Up Bar

To me, this is the absolute BEST over-the-door pull up bar when you’re just looking for top-notch quality.

Specs:

• Fits doorframes 22.8in-36.2in.
• Many foam grips for different pull up types
• Center ring for additional training with resistance bands
• Hooks to anchor the bar more securely
• Comes with suspension straps

Pros:

• Foam padding keeps scratches off walls
• Hanging it up and taking it down with the hooks is easier than it looks
• Fits most frame sizes
• 100% money back guarantee if there are issues of any kind
• Many grip options for different pull up variations
• Comes with suspensions straps – hook them to the central ring for even more great workout options
• Somewhat portable – it can be folded flat when you’re done

Cons:

• Fairly expensive
• Not adjustable – measure your door before you buy!
• Hangs very high – shorter folks might need a stool, taller folks might need to mind the ceiling

 

Measure Your Door Frame, Then Get to Pulling!

I hope this guide has been helpful research as you search for the best over-the-door pull up bar to fit your needs and goals.  There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming, but the items listed here are tried and true, and I recommend them all.  If you have suggestions of your own, leave a comment below.  And remember to stretch!