Best buys · The home gym

The best pull-up bar worth buying

Our pick is the A doorway pull-up bar. Below: why, what actually matters when buying one, what to get for less, the step up, and whether today's price is a good one.

A doorway pull-up bar
The pull-up bar

A doorway pull-up bar

Pull-ups and hanging leg raises build more upper body than most machines, and a bar that hooks over the door frame needs no screws. This pick is a specification: whichever reputable one is cheapest today.

Buy it for
Anyone starting strength training at home.
Skip it if
Your door frames are thin trim or unusually wide. Check the maker's fit before buying.

What actually matters when buying a pull-up bar

  1. The fit to your door frame. Check the width and trim depth the maker lists.
  2. A weight limit well above your body weight.
  3. Padded grips, and a neutral grip for easier shoulders.

Either side of the pick