So you are looking for a good pull-up bar?

From personal experience, I have to say that this is the most important piece of equipment you can get for calisthenics.

With the help of a good pull-up bar, you can train your whole upper body, core and build a lot of explosive power, strength, and grip power.

Unfortunately buying a good pull up bar you can use daily isn’t an simple process.

Using a cheaply made bar can cause you to fall down and injure yourself or even worse – break something…

That’s why I highly recommend you to read this article till the end!

If you stick till the of this post you are going to know:

• What are the 5 different types of pull-up bars and what is the best option for you…
• What should you look for in a good pull-up bar?
• What are the 5 best pull-up bars for calisthenics you can currently find…
• What are the main differences you should know about…
• Which is my personal favorite pull-up bar I use and why…
• And much more…

Hi there, my name is Bozhidar and I’m the person that is going to help you learn all the basics about pull-up bars in order to help you make the best decision that is going to save you money, time, and few broken bones.

Yes, I’m 100% serious because I once fell from a cheap pull-up bar and it wasn’t pretty…

As a person who owns and uses a home gym pull-up bar for calisthenics almost daily I can really help you pick a solid and affordable option.

But why stop there…

If you want to get everything out this guide I highly recommend you to take 3 seconds and download my latest FREE guide – How to Start Calisthenics: The Ultimate Guide

It contains 10 times more information than this post and it’s going to help you get better and faster results.

Simply enter your email below and I’m going to send it over…

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Are you ready to learn awesome stuff about pull-up bars and calisthenics?

Cool.

Let’s go!

Short on time?

Hey, I get you.

If that’s the case and you can’t read the whole article I would recommend you to take a look at my personal pull-up bar I use regularly at my home – the Ultimate Body Press XL Pull-up Bar.

Click Here to check my pull-up bar’s latest price on Amazon

I really like training on this bar because it’s lightweight, durable, very safe to use (it attaches securely to your door frame) and provides plenty of space and height.

That way you can freely do all kinds of bodyweight exercises such as wide-grip pull-ups, muscle-ups (if you have enough space), front and back lever, leg raises, etc.

I really like to use it with my resistance bands and gymnastic rings and everything works fine.

Attaching and detaching it takes only a couple of seconds and it’s super easy to do.

I have been using this pull-up bar for many months and even after hundreds hours of abuse it’s still stays stable and secure without any wobbling or cracking noises. (yes these are actual and very serious problems cheaper models have)

And the price is also good. In my opinion, this bar is very affordable and worth every penny.

And let’s not forget the fact that this bar doesn’t require any installation or drilling and it isn’t permanent. That way you can take it with you when you travel to another house, etc.

Click here for Ultimate Body Press’s latest price on Amazon

With that being said let’s see what are your other options…

Are there different types of pull-up bars? Which one to choose?

Yes, there are 5 different types of pull-up bars you can use in your home. Each one has its own pros and cons so you should pick the one that is most suitable for your needs and space.

Let’s take a closer look.

Doorway Pull Up Bar: This type of pull up bar is great option for home workouts because it’s small, lightweight and portable. All you need is a strong doorway or 2 walls that are close enough to set it up. Sadly in most cases you are limited to the width of this type of pull-up bar depending on your dooway size.

Door Frame Pull-Up Bar: In order to attach this pull-up bar you would need to have a strong and wide enough door frame. But if you do you get the benefits of better stability, more grip options and most-importantly wider pull-up bar in general. When not attached you can still use it for dips and push-ups making it an excellent addition for your calisthenics home gym.

Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: I really like the wall-mounted pull-up bar because it’s very sturdy and safe and it gives you plenty of head space to move around. If you have a high ceiling and wall space this is another great option you should check. It usually can hold more weight compared to the doorway and door-frame pull-up bars but it costs more and it’s not portable.

Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar: This is the best pull-up bar money can buy because it gives you the biggest range of motion in any direction. The big drawback is that you will need some help attaching it and a lot of ceiling space. But once attached this pull-up bar is going nowhere making it perfect for explosive type of bodyweight training.

Power-Tower Pull-Up Bar: Even if this type of equipment is not specifically a pull-up bar it does contain one. In addition to the great and wide pull-up bar you also get a dip and push-up station. That means that for a very competitive price you can get 3 different types of equipment at once and be able to do way more exercises compared to the traditional pull-up bar. Sadly you would need a lot of space if you want to own a power tower so be prepared.

With all 5 types of pull-up bars for calisthenics explained it’s time to get more in-depth over the products so you can see which one is the best for your needs.

Here we go!

Top 5 Best Pull Up Bars for Calisthenics You Can Get 

In order to be able to help you the best I’m going to review and compare each pull-up bar using these 8 categories and give them a rating from 1 to 10 in the most important categories:

• Мy experience and opinion
• Weight capacity
• Height and stability
• Portability
• What makes this pull-up bar unique and better?
• Who is this pull-up bar best suited for?
• What I like
• What I don’t like

But before we jump in and examine my favorite products and all their specifics I want to show you what are your different options when it comes to pull-up bars and calisthenics. 

Here’s a quick preview and comparison table of what to expect so you can have an idea:

Here are my Top 5 Best Pull Up Bars for Calisthenics

Now let’s learn about what makes each pull-up bar great so you can find out which one is the best fit for you and your needs…

1. Feierdun Doorway Bar – Best Doorway Pull-Up Bar for Calisthenics

Click Here to check Feierdun’s latest price on Amazon

Мy experience and opinion:

As you can guess this doorway pull up bar is very affordable but even so, it’s still very well made.

It may be an excellent option as a first pull-up bar for people, not looking to invest too much right from the start. 

Even if this model attaches to your doorway without any bolts it can still hold the impressive 440 lbs.

Have in mind that each type is different from the rest and gives you unique benefits and difficulties. 

So if you are going to get a cheap pull-up bar you certainly won’t make a mistake if you go for Feierdun. 

But before you buy it make sure to measure the width of your doorway and choose the applicable size.

The thing that makes this product unique and separates it from the cheaper similar options is the locking technology.

This model uses a unique, fast and secure locking system that doesn’t require any upfront installation.

You simply put the bar on the doorway, rotate it a couple of times and lock it in place.

It’s very simple to do and only after a few seconds, you are literally ready for the first set. 

What makes this my favorite product from this category is that it’s very cleverly designed.

It uses gravity in a very efficient and useful way and the higher the weight the stronger the anchoring is going to be.

Click here for more details

That detail makes it a lot safer than its competitors.

Both ends of the product do have protective mats so it’s hard to damage the door frame or any other surface it interacts with. 

The whole bar is pretty lightweight, compact and easy to move around.

You can attach and detach it in only a few seconds and use it literally anywhere where you can find 2 sturdy walls with enough space between them.

The bar and locking mechanisms are made from strong anti-rust stainless steel and the other used materials are also good making the overall product quality solid.

I know how slippery stainless steel can be so in order to fix that problem Feierdun has included 2 removable cotton pads that also absorb sweat very well.

With their help, you could improve your grip without causing calluses.

That way you can easily take them off and wash them when they get soaked with dirt and sweat.

To be honest with you I really haven’t seen anything like this in similar products and in my opinion, this is one unique and very handy feature to have. 

The customer service is decent and the product has a good return policy.

So if you don’t want to drill holes or deal with screws and power tools this bar might be a good option for you. 

It’s simple, yet effective.

Weight capacity: I really like this pull-up bar because even if it’s very portable and light it’s still pretty strong. As a matter of fact, it can withstand up to 440 lbs which is more than enough for me and most people. And that is also 130 lbs over the minimum weight capacity I recommend you to go for. That’s why I would rate it a 9 out of 10 in the weight capacity category.

Height and stability: The height you get with this pull-up bar is easily changeable which gives you more options for exercises. You can easily set it up at the top of your doorway, at the bottom side, or even between 2 walls if you have enough space. The stability is also good even if it’s not held by bolts or anything else except physics. So because of that, an 8 out of 10 is a worthy rating.

Portability: When it comes to portability this pull-up bar is my favorite one because it takes a couple of seconds to put it on and off and you can carry it anywhere you want. That way you can remove it when you don’t use it or leave it. I prefer to remove mine because I don’t want to hit my head every time I enter my room. And that’s why this is an easy 10 out of 10 when it comes to portability. You can easily remove and store it anywhere you like.

What makes this pull-up bar unique and better?: The biggest thing that makes this doorway pull-up bar unique from the rest cheaper ones is the design. Instead of screwing both sides to the ends of the door, you use gravity to your advantage. The more weight you put on top will result in better grip at the ends. 

Who is this pull-up bar best suited for?: In my opinion, this pull-up bar is best suited for people who don’t want to drill holes or buy bulky and heavy home gym equipment that comes with a pull-up bar. It’s designed to be used at home and gives you plenty of options for a very low price. And you can store it anywhere without a problem when you don’t use it.

What I like:

• Affordable and very durable.
• Easy to use and has an excellent innovative locking system.
• Made from thick anti-rust stainless steel.
• Lightweight, portable and safe.
• It uses removable pads that can be cleaned.
• Doesn’t require any drilling or screws for installation.

What I don’t like:

• Even if it has removable pads it can still damage certain doors

Quick Summary:

If you are looking for a doorway bar that can stay in one place and it’s comfortable and safe to use at the same time then you should definitely check Feierdun.

Their bar is innovative, safe, easy to use, and still affordable.

It works great and it’s a good option for people looking for a basic pull-up bar for calisthenics that works.

Click Here to check Feierdun’s latest price on Amazon

2. Ultimate Body Press XL – Best Door Frame Pull-Up Bar for Calisthenics

Click Here for Ultimate Body Press’s latest price on Amazon

Мy experience and opinion:

The next option on my list is great for people looking for something more complex but still affordable pull-up bar.

In my opinion, if you are going to buy only one pull-up bar and have a solid door frame let it be this one.

I’ve used it for months now and everything looks and works like it’s brand new.

But the best part about it is its design. That’s exactly why I’ve bought it in the first place.

As you can see from the photo above this isn’t the average door frame pull-up bar you can find.

Because of the unique shape, this product provides extra headroom and gives more available height and width so you can have a better range of motion. 

Click here for more details

That is something definitely lacking in the first product I have reviewed.

But it’s not only that. The way the tubes are shaped places you way further from the door which results in more freedom of movement. 

And believe me, even if this detail might not sound important it really makes the difference.

The combination of good materials and a strong anchoring system is why I believe this product can hold up to 300 lbs.

That’s more than enough for the majority of people and the overall design makes the entire thing very safe and secure. 

Another plus of this type of bar is that you only have to assemble it once.

Once that’s completed you can put it on your door frame in just a few seconds and you are ready.

No drilling or screws is required. And once you finish with your workout you simply have to take it off, place it under the bed (like me) and you are done.

Speaking of assembly the whole thing is fairly easy to assemble and it took me about 20 minutes to do it alone.

The whole thing is fairly lightweight so it won’t be hard to put it under the bed or somewhere high when you are not using it. 

What makes this product different from the rest is that it offers you 3 different grip variations at the same time – reverse, wide and neutral. 

Having 3 options available can really help you target more muscle groups from different angles.

The padding material is sweat-absorbant and could help with calluses and grip strength. It’s really comfortable to hold and doesn’t slip.

A hidden gem about this item is that you can still use it for exercising even when it’s not attached to the door. 

Its design allows you to do different kinds of push-ups, dips, and sit-ups on the floor. 

And as a bonus, you also get a 10-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

I’ve never had a reason to use it but it’s good to have one.

Weight capacity: With its 300 lbs weight capacity this pull-up bar is at the bare minimum I would go for but so far it has held really good. That’s why I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting out and want to have a doorway pull-up bar that is wider than the door frame and has multiple grip options. So even with the not-so-good weight capacity because it’s really sturdy I would rate it a 7.5 out of 10 in this category.

Height and stability: Sadly with this design, you are limited on how much height you would have entirely depending on your door frame. You can’t move it up and down but the plus on that is that this pull-up bar has a really solid and sturdy design (click here to learn more about it) so you won’t have any problems when it comes to stability. And when you combine the 2 things you can see why I’ve given it an 8 out of 10 when it comes to these 2 things.

Portability: Because of the fact that this is not a permanent pull-up bar you can somewhat move it around. Even if it’s not the smallest thing once assembled you can still move it around different door frames or use it as a dip/push-up station. But if you don’t mind taking the time to disassemble it you would be able to take it anywhere you go. All you would need is more time. So that’s why I’ve decided to give it a 9 out of 10 in the portability category. Compared to many of the bolted options you can still move it around even tho it’s not the smallest one once assembled.

What makes this pull-up bar unique and better?: The biggest thing I really like about this pull-up bar that makes it unique is the width of the handles. I usually find the width of any doorway not enough to do wide-grip pull-ups and with the help of this pull-up bar, I don’t have any problems with that. I also really like the fact that in addition to that you also get a neutral grip which is also great.

Who is this pull-up bar best suited for?: In my opinion, this pull-up bar is a great alternative to the doorway pull-up bar because it’s wider, more stable, and gives you more grips you can use. So if you are someone who looks to do wide pull-ups at your home this might be a great choice. It’s also great if you are doing calisthenics or even weight pull-ups, push-ups, and dips.

What I like:

• Great value and affordable price.
• Unique design offering more space and height for a complete range of motion.
• Sturdy and well made.
• Easy to assemble and doesn’t require any drilling or screws.
• Offers 3 different grips and has great bar padding.
• It comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

What I don’t like:

• Some customers are having trouble with missing parts.
• Instructions are not that great.

Quick Summary:

If you have a strong and sturdy door frame and some extra storage space available I highly recommend you to invest in my personal pull-up bar.

It gives you plenty of space to work with, a lot of options, different grips, and can hold a lot of weight.

The price is reasonable and everything works fine.

Click Here for Ultimate Body Press’s latest price on Amazon

3. CFF FIT Wall Bar – Best Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar for Calisthenics

Click Here to check CFF bar’s latest price on Amazon

Мy experience and opinion:

If you are looking for something more stable and permanent you can’t go wrong if you go for this wall-mounted pull-up bar.

I believe this product has everything you really need.

It’s made from thick stainless steel, nice welds and can hold a lot of weight. 

To be specific we are talking of something of the like of 300 lbs.

This bar does also has a special triangle shape for extra safety and stability.

The outer part has a nice anti-scratch and anti-rust layer that isn’t slippery. 

You can be sure that once this pull-up bar is installed it’s over.

The whole thing is attached securely to the wall using 8 long bolts that are included.

All the mounting equipment that is included is actually good so you won’t have to buy any additional things. 

What I like about these types of bars is that they are extremely sturdy and once installed correctly they won’t move an inch for many decades. 

The actual bar is located about 30 inches from the wall so you can have plenty of space to work with. And in addition to that, the bar itself is 46 inches long which is insane.

Those 2 things combined give you the freedom to do almost any exercise imaginable. 

Of course, that is only true if you have the available height at your disposal.

The bar itself has a nice thickness and works well with any additional equipment because of the free space you have around.

I’m talking about things like gymnastic rings or resistance bands. 

The quality of this bar is very high and the majority of customers are happy with it. In my opinion, buying this bar is a great long term investment because it’s going to hold for a very long time. (after all every part of it it’s made from thick stainless steel)

And the cool thing is that even with such great quality the price is very reasonable and normal. 

A few not that important drawbacks about this item are that it requires 2 people to install it and doesn’t have any padding or additional grip options.

To be honest, except for those two issues I don’t really find anything seriously wrong and that’s why I believe this is one of the best pull-up bars for calisthenics you can get.

Weight capacity: Similar to the previous pull-up bar this wall-mounted pull-up bar withstand only up to 300 lbs which is the bare minimum I would go for. But because of the design, materials, and how it’s secured to the wall, I believe this number to be higher than that. So if you are looking to do 100 lbs weighted pull-ups and you weigh around 240 lbs I don’t believe this pull-up bar is the best one for you. But even so because of the way it’s built it deserves an 8 out of 10 in the weight capacity category.

Height and stability: I really like this pull-up bar because it gives you the freedom to attach it anywhere to your wall and even to your ceiling as well. But because of the triangle construction, I believe this is better suited for a wall-mounted pull-up bar. If you mount it correctly it should be super stable and safe compared to the previous 2 models which rely on wood and friction. That’s why it gets a 9 out of 10 for me when it comes to these 2 things.

Portability: Sadly this pull-up bar is not portable at all. At least not after you drill the holes. While you can still detach and take it with you it won’t be a quick or easy process so think about that before you order it. So in the portability department, it wins a 5 out of 10. You can still detach and reattach it but it will be a real hassle and you will have to drill and fill some holes.

What makes this pull-up bar unique and better?: I’ve trained a couple of times on a similar one and it really is better than the previous 2 models because it’s very wide and far away from the wall. That means that you will be able to do muscle-ups, explosive dips, planche, and all kinds of movements that require a lot of space.

Who is this pull-up bar best suited for?: If you have a bigger budget and don’t mind having a long-term strong pull-up bar attached to your wall then this is definitely something you should check out. (click here to see more details about it). It’s ideal for calisthenics, home gym setup, cross-fit, and because of all the space, it gives you a solid anchor point for gymnastic rings (click here to read which ones I use), resistance bands (learn more about my favorite resistance bands) or a punching bag.

What I like:

• Great value and affordable price.
• Unique design offering more space and height for a complete range of motion.
• Sturdy and well made.
• Easy to assemble and doesn’t require any drilling or screws.
• Offers 3 different grips and has great bar padding.
• It comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

What I don’t like:

• Some customers are having trouble with missing parts.
• Instructions are not that great.

Quick Summary:

If you have enough wall space and are looking for something wide and sturdy check out this CFF Wall Mounted bar.

It’s extremely well made, can hold a lot of weight and it’s designed to last.

It may take more time and effort to install it but once that’s done you are literally ready to do all kinds of different calisthenics workouts.

Click Here to check CFF bar’s latest price on Amazon

4. Stud Bar Ceiling Bar – Best Ceiling Pull-Up Bar for Calisthenics

Click Here to check Stud bar’s latest price on Amazon

Мy experience and opinion:

If you have a very high ceiling and don’t want to take any wall space then buying a good ceiling bar could be a very smart decision. 

For this specific item, you are really getting very good value in return for the price.

Everything about this bar speaks of high quality and if you decide to buy it you won’t get anything less than that. 

This pull-up bar uses a very simple but effective design that can easily withstand up to 600 pounds of force.

With that high number (the highest one I’ve seen), you can be sure it won’t break or fall down no matter how much weight you use. 

The whole thing is very heavy and made from solid stainless steel with reinforced welds.

Once installed you can be reassured that this bad boy is going nowhere.

Similarly to the previous design Stud Bar uses 8 long bolts to get secured to the ceiling. 

Of course, mounting it is not a one-man job so if you decide to go for it make sure you have some available spare hands.

Unfortunately, the included bolts are not that great so I highly recommend you to pay a few extra bucks and buy better ones. 

The overall size of this thing is pretty amazing – the bar is 48 inches long and the height can reach up to 10 feet.

When you combine those two things you really see why this product is specifically designed for a large and high room.

Even if you don’t have a very high ceiling you can still get this bar because it also comes in 2 different sizes – 8 or 9 feet high.

I really like this little addition and find it very helpful.

With those metrics, this bar is not too different from the ones you can find in the public street fitness grounds.

Yes,’ I’m 100% serious.

That size is going to allow you to have complete freedom of movement so you can do whatever you like without any constraints. 

The outer layer is powder-coated for extra protection but even if something happens you don’t need to worry because you are backed up by a lifetime guarantee.

Yes, this is not a joke – but with this great quality, I don’t think you will ever have to use it. 

Weight capacity: With its 600 lbs weight capacity this ceiling pull-up bar can withhold anything. It’s the strongest one money can buy and it’s definitely worth the money. If we talk about numbers that are literally 2 times more than the previous 2 pull-up bars. And that’s exactly why I give this pull-up bar a 10 out of 10 when it comes to weight capacity.

Height and stability: In order to use this pull-up bar you need to have a high ceiling. The good part is that you can get the Stud bar in 3 different sizes (click here to learn more) but if you have the available space I definitely recommend you to go for the biggest one. And because of that option and the very solid design this I would rate it a 9.5 out of 10 in this category.

Portability: Once you have attached it to your ceiling this pull-up bar is going nowhere. So I would have to say that the Stud bar doesn’t go hand in hand with portability. But on the other hand, that means that it’s super safe. So if you are caring more about safety than portability definitely give it a shot. But because I’m talking specifically about portability in this category I will have to rate it a 4 out of 10 because it’s mainly going to be placed on the ceiling and that is a really difficult place to work with if you have to remove it.

What makes this pull-up bar unique and better?: The huge and wide design, the options to choose different sizes, and the weight capacity of 600 lbs. And for this low price, nothing can beat it? (check price here)

Who is this pull-up bar best suited for?: If you are a home junkie who wants to have the best of the best and you don’t mind drilling some holes on your ceiling this is the perfect pull-up bar money can buy. You can literally do anything you want on it and it won’t budge. So if you are seriously into calisthenics, bodybuilding, or CrossFit, this pull-up bar is one of the best things you can buy for your home gym. Of course only if you don’t care about portability.

What I like:

• Extremely well made – it can hold up to 600 lbs.
• 3 different heights to choose from.
• Simple but very sturdy and safe design.
• Uses 8 long bolts to hold it in one place.
• It has the longest bar – 48 inches of usable space.

What I don’t like:

• The bar doesn’t have any padding or curve.
• Some people are not happy with the included mounting bolts.

Quick Summary:

If you have plenty of space and you want to have complete freedom of movement I highly recommend you to go for the Stud ceiling pull-up bar.

Every part of this monster is very well made and I don’t really see how it can be damaged.

This product is pure quality and it can offer you the freedom to do all sorts of calisthenics bar exercises without any restrictions.

And the price is also good.

Click Here to check Stud bar’s latest price on Amazon

5. Kingkang T0566 Workout Station – Best Power Tower with Pull-Up Bar for Calisthenics

Click Here to check Kingkang T0566’s latest price on Amazon

Мy experience and opinion:

The final product I’m going to review is quite different from the previous 4 options but it can still provide you with the same benefits.

What makes this power tower a great option for calisthenics is that it includes a lot more useful equipment than just a pull-up bar. 

That way you can target far more muscle groups and have bigger variety of exercises.

In this specific model, Kingkang is combining 4 different things in one exercise machine – a pull-up bar, dip station, hanging abdominal station and push-up handles. 

If you decide to buy all 4 of them separately it’s going to cost you way more than the price of the machine.

Speaking of pricing even with so many included things I have to say that the price is very tolerable. 

Its design is space-efficient, lightweight (it weights only 60 pounds) and portable. Even so, the whole thing is designed well and can hold up to 330 pounds.

Everything is made from solid steel and the whole frame uses additional reinforcements for extra stability and safety.

The assembly process is quite easy and straightforward. You can do it alone by following the nicely written and clear instructions.

The whole thing is pretty sturdy because of a few things. Firstly the base is wide and relatively heavy which results in a lower center of gravity.

Secondly, there are 4 rubber suction cups that are going to help keep the entire thing in one place during usage while still protect your floor from additional scratches and damage. 

What makes this power tower unique is that it has an adjustable height.

Sadly none of the previous 4 pull-up bars can say the same thing…

Because of that, Its height can easily go from 165cm/64.96inch up to 235cm/92.52inch making it an ideal option for people with both lower or higher ceilings.

That can also be useful for different people with different heights or specific exercises. 

To be honest I haven’t seen such a feature in any similar product and find this very useful.

Another unique feature is the weight rack you can find on the backside.

Click here for more details

Having such rack can be used for a couple of things of useful things.

Obviously it’s designed for basic compound movements or if you are a little more creative you can stack some weights there and use them to make the whole thing even more stable.

A good addition to this model is that there is padding on the pull-up bar and all the handles.

In my opinion, this product is definitely worth a shot because you are getting a lot more than just a simple pull-up bar. 

Weight capacity: For such a low price 330 lbs is enough. Because this is not a really heavy model it would do the job just fine. You only need to be a little careful if you plan to do very explosive movements using the pull-up bar but 330 lbs are plenty of weight for a power tower. So it would be enough for most of you. That’s why I would rate it a 7 out of 10 when it comes to weight capacity. After all, it could be better but 330 lbs are enough for most people.  

Height and stability: I really like and recommend this power tower over the rest is because it has adjustable height which is something I really like. When it comes to stability using this type of equipment is quite stable but I wouldn’t go for muscle-ups unless I have places some heavy plates on the bottom side for extra safety. But it will work fine for the majority of exercises you can think of. So because of all those features, I will give it a realistic rating of 8 out of 10. It’s far from perfect but it still has decent stability and a funny adjustable pull-up bar which is a rare and very useful feature.

Portability: While possible to move around It’s a very difficult process to do once the power tower is assembled. But even so, it still has better portability than a wall or ceiling mounted pull-up bar while giving you an even bigger variety of exercises. So in this category, I would rate it a 7 out of 10. If you really need to you can move it but it won’t be the easiest thing to do.

What makes this built-in pull-up bar unique and better?: Even if this is not technically a pull-up bar I’ve decided to include it inside this comparison guide because it has a pull-up bar combined with a dip and push-up stations. That alone gives you more exercises and ways to train your body compared to a regular pull-up bar. Another thing that makes it unique is the fact that it is priced somewhat close to some of the pull-up bars I’ve reviewed above so if you are looking for the biggest variety of exercises for the money you spend, this is your best bet. It’s extremely well made and you will save money as well.

Who is this power tower best suited for?: From personal experience, I can say that this type of equipment is perfect if you want to be able to do dips, pull-ups, chin-ups, push-ups, and different cable exercises without needing to drill any holes or own multiple different machines. So if you are really into home bodyweight (or weighted) workouts this power tower is the way to go. Click here to learn exactly what exercises you can do with it.

What I like:

• Lightweight and compact.
• Affordable and durable.
• Can withstand up to 330 lbs of weight.
• Very wide and secure base.
• Adjustable height and easy assembly.

What I don’t like:

• Depending on the type of the exercises the pull-up bar can be a little too close to the body.

Quick Summary:

The Kingkang T0566 is a great option for people looking to get the maximum number of exercises in the most compact way.

Everything is well made and comfortable to use.

You can also easily adjust the height towards your needs and use it as a squat rack as well.

If you have the free space and budget I highly recommend you to go for it.

In my opinion, this power tower is really worth it.

Click Here to check Kingkang T0566’s latest price on Amazon

Which type of pull-up bar you should get?

In case you haven’t decided which pull-up bar to get I’m going to give you even more details about each type so you can make the most accurate decision.

Here we go…

The Doorway Pull-Up Bar (Pros and Cons)

Buying a good doorway pull-up bar is the cheapest and simplest way to get a decent product.

That makes it a great choice for people on a limited budget or lacking the necessary tools for anchoring. 

Click Here to check it’s latest price on Amazon

The doorway pull-up bar doesn’t require any installation or drilling. It’s not fixed at a specific spot and you have the freedom to place it whatever you like.

Depending on the product design and the placing location the whole process of making it ready for work could be fairly easy and fast thing to do. 

With this type of product, you have to be careful because some models are not very stable because of the way they attach to the doorway.

Another negative thing about this product is that it could scratch and damage the anchoring surface if the ends are not well isolated. 

The length of the pull-up bar is limited to your door frame and you in addition to that you don’t get much hanging space (this isn’t true if you attach it to a tall hallway).

Depending on your height you have you may have to lift your legs in order to do certain exercises to avoid touching the ground. 

The good side is that this type of a pull-up bar is extremely lightweight and portable so you can use it in different places and even attach it to close walls if their surface is good enough.

In addition to that, you can also easily store it away when not in use and hide it almost anywhere because it’s very compact. 

It’s good to know that no matter how fast the attaching process is you still have to do it every time before and after your workouts.

Of course, this is necessary only if the bar stands in your way and you don’t want to accidentally bump your head.

It’s not something you would enjoy, trust me…

Finally, I want to add up that most models do come with anti-slip padding which does help with calluses and sweaty hands.

On rare occasions that material can even be removed and washed – how cool is that!

Recommended Doorway Pull-up Bar for Calisthenics and Home Gym

If you are looking for an extremely safe, affordable and well-made doorway pull-up bar that will not fall down and is super easy to set up I highly recommend you to take a look at my personal favorite I’ve used a couple of times – the Feierdun Doorway Bar.

Click Here to check Feierdun’s latest price on Amazon

The Door frame Pull-Up Bar (Pros and Cons)

If you have a solid door frame and are looking for something with more options then you might like this type.

It’s something like the upgraded version of the doorway pull-up bar or simply said: “it’s older brother“. 

Click Here to check my pull-up bar’s latest price on Amazon

Owning a solid door frame pull-up bar can cost a little more and take more space compared to the doorway bar but it offers you a lot more options. 

Similarly to the previous type, this kind of bars doesn’t require any drilling or complex installation – you just hop it on and are ready.

Because of the design you can place and remove it from your door frame in only a couple of seconds.

Because of the way it leverages the frame, it’s a lot safer to use and you won’t have to worry about falling down.

In addition to that the width and height of the bar are better and provide you with more freedom and plenty of new exercising options. 

Some specific models like mine are designed so they can provide you with a full range of motion and total freedom to do whatever you like. That way you are going to have better results from your workouts [2]

With the extra width of the bar (compared to the doorway pull-up bar), you can easily do wide pull-ups and have more available space to work with.

Many of the products also include different types of grips so you can target your muscles from different angles which can be really beneficial for your results. [3]

Many products from this type have excellent padding to keep your grip strong and dry.

With all those great features you see why the price could be a little higher but I do find that every penny is well spent.

This is a great type of calisthenics pull-up bar specifically designed for your home.

Recommended Door Frame Pull-up Bar for Calisthenics and Home Gym

If you are looking for a solid, affordable and durable door frame pull-up bar I highly recommend you check the one I’m using almost every day for many months now – the Ultimate Body Press XL.

It’s a great pull-up bar that gives everything you really need.

Click Here to check my pull-up bar’s latest price on Amazon

The Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar (Pros and Cons)

The third type I would like to talk about is more expensive than the rest and it does require installation and once that’s done you can’t move it around.

Of course, that’s not all bad because having the ability to use several long bolts to anchor it on a wall is going to make it a lot more secure, sturdy and safe to use. 

Click Here to check CFF Fit’s latest price on Amazon

Because of the size of the whole thing, you may want to have all the available space and height it requires. (as you can see wall-mounted bars are not small)

And let’s not forget the tools.

If you do possess both those things (the space and the tools) you may still need to have additional manpower because this type of equipment is usually very heavy and bulky. 

It’s easy to guess that this type of quality is going to cost you more but at the same time it’s going to last way longer than some of the cheaper options.

Wall-mounted pull-up bars are very spacious and wide so you are going to have a lot of space to hold on to.

I have seen models that are so wide that even 2 people can use them at the same time. (like the model above)

When it comes to vertical space depending on the height of your room you may want to have enough space so you can freely do all kinds of over the bar calisthenics exercises such as muscle-ups, planks, dips, etc.

A cool thing I like is that most wall-mounted bars are designed to be far away from the wall so you would have plenty of space to work with. 

But the biggest benefit is the fact that they can withstand huge amounts of weight without any issues and are usually very tough and made from solid steel.

That makes them an excellent choice for explosive type of training if this is something you like to do. 

When it comes to padding unfortunately this type of bars don’t come with any but that’s not a big deal because you can always wear a nice set of gloves that could really help.

Recommended Wall-Mounted Pull-up Bar for Calisthenics and Home Gym

If you are a big fan of wall-mounted pull-up bars I highly recommend you check the CFF FIT Wall Bar.

This bar is an absolutely beast that uses 8 long bolts, is made from thick steel and can hold up to 300 lbs with ease. And the width is more than enough.

But even with all those things, this bar has still a pretty good price.

Click Here to check CFF Fit’s latest price on Amazon

The Ceiling Pull-Up Bar (Pros and Cons)

The ceiling pull-up bar is very similar to the wall-mounted pull-up bar when it comes to quality and price.

The only big difference between them is the anchoring location. 

Click Here to check its latest price on Amazon

The ceiling bar is an excellent choice for people looking to get the same benefits from a bar that mounts to the wall but don’t have the opportunity to attach it there. 

My favorite model from this type has a lot of width, height and can provide a ton of usable space.

If you decide to place it in the middle of a room that has a high ceiling and a lot of space around then you are pretty much done.

You can have all the freedom you like and do almost any exercise you can think of. 

Here are some great exercises you could do with so much space:

So if you have a high ceiling, spacious room and don’t mind drilling some holes I highly recommend you to go for this type of a pull-up bar. 

I know what you are probably thinking – “It’s probably not very safe to use because it’s anchored to the ceiling. What if my ceiling fell down?” 

I don’t believe that to be true and if you trust basic physics and some common sense you will see that if you use long and strong bolts, have a solid ceiling and buy a well-made product there isn’t any chance of that ever happening. 

I don’t know how exactly they do it but most of these products can hold a lot of weight –around 300 up to 600 lbs. 

When ordering such type of product be careful of how much space there is between the anchoring and the bar itself.

Focus on something that has enough space so you can do plenty of exercises without problems.

Recommended Ceiling Pull-up Bar for Calisthenics and Home Gym

If you are looking for a high-quality wide and tough ceiling pull-up bar you should definitely check the Stud Bar.

As you can see from the photo below this pull-up bar is a beast and is perfect for explosive and advanced calisthenics because it’s held with 8 long bolts and can withstand up to 600 lbs of weight.

Click Here to check its latest price on Amazon

Power Tower with a Pull-Up Bar (Pros and Cons)

The final type I want to show you isn’t just a pull-up bar.

Instead, it’s something a lot more complex than that.

If I have to be honest this is the most expensive piece of equipment for calisthenics you can get but it’s all worth it.

With a solid power tower you can have huge variety of exercises you can do. (way more than the ones you can do on a normal pull-up bar)

Click Here to see Kingkang T056’s latest price on Amazon

Using a power tower is a great way to do calisthenics at home.

Another good thing is that you won’t have to make holes in your walls or ceiling.

What makes this option great for calisthenics is that in such type of equipment you get many different things in one place.

That way you save money by getting all the necessary equipment for calisthenics in one machine. 

We are talking about things such as a wide pull up bar, fully functional dip station and handles for push-ups replacing parallettes.

All those things combined give you huge variety of exercises you can do for your calisthenics workouts. 

Some models even have places where you can attach resistance bands in order to increase or lower the difficulty of certain moves.

If you are looking for equipment that can handle explosive training you may consider the power tower to be a good alternative.

You can always anchor it to the floor for extra safety or you could simply place some plates or other heavy objects on the frame (most models come with special pins for that).

That way you are going to keep it stable so you can do all kinds of explosive movements.

Speaking of movements the pull-up bar on the power towers is usually wide, has a nice curve and some alternative grips giving you plenty of options.

It’s usually well made and can hold a lot of weight.

In my opinion, getting such equipment in your home is going to help you a lot with calisthenics. And it’s not that expensive either.

Recommended Power Tower for Calisthenics and Home Gym

If you are looking for a solid power tower that has a great and wide pull-up bar I highly recommend you take a closer look at Kingkang T0566 Workout Station.

It’s a solid machine that is very affordable and gives you plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do. If you ask me it’s literally the best when it comes to functionality.

Click Here to see Kingkang T056’s latest price on Amazon

5 Things You Should Look for When you Buy the Best Pull Up Bar for Calisthenics

Here is what I find to be the 5 most important things you should know before you buy the best pull up bar for calisthenics. It really doesn’t matter which type you choose.

These tips are universal and work for any type out there. 

Ready to learn? Here we go!

How many exercises can you do on a pull-up bar?

Not all pull-up bars are the same. Depending on your budget, available space, type of the pull-up bar, and additional accessories you already have you may get a different number of exercises. But in general, if you know what to do you should be able to do at least 10-15 different exercises.

Here are the top features that are responsible for how much freedom and variety you get:

More Grip Options – Some models come with a simple straight pull up bar while others are way more complicated than that and have neutral grip, bar angle, circle shape, etc. If you ask me the more grip options you have, the better. Having the option to change the grip once in a while can have a big impact on your results by allowing you to target your muscles from a different angle.

Number of Exercises – Because of the design and anchoring, some pull-up bars can be very limited when it comes to the total number of exercises you can do. 

Here are some great options to check. Having options is very important for a good development:

Depending on what specific movements you would like to do pick a product that suits your needs the best. In my opinion, this is a very important thing you should not underestimate. Some pull up bars offer you larger freedom of movement which is going to allow you to do more exercises.

Others have additional features that allow you to target the muscles differently. Of course, there is a type that combines a lot of different equipment in one machinery. That way you are getting many different movements and equipment for a reasonable price. That way not only are you saving some bucks but you are also providing a good way to also train your chest, triceps and even legs.

Additional Features and Equipment – It’s always a good thing if your calisthenics pull-up bar comes with additional features or attachments. I’m talking about things such as a place where you can attach a punching bag, resistance bands, rope, straps, etc. It could also be very handy if you have the option to do dips on a dip station, etc. The more things you get, the bigger value you receive back. It’s good practice to always have a quick look at what’s included in your package.

Width of the pull-up bar – For me personally this is one of the first things I look for in a pull-up bar. A good bar should give you enough gripping surface so you can freely do wide-grip pull-ups and other exercises that require more space.

Don’t worry, all my recommended products above do have pretty decent width so you won’t be limited to what you can do. If you are looking for something extremely wide go check out the wall and ceiling pull-up bars I have recommended above.

What is the weight limit of a pull-up bar?

This number is directly correlated to the overall quality of the bar. The better materials a specific product uses the higher the limit but the average weight limit of a pull-up bar varies between 300 to 600 lbs. (150 to 300 kg). 

Of course, this number is also responsible for the overall safety. I would feel a lot safer knowing that a pull-up bar can hold 2x my weight than my weight being relatively close to the maximum it can hold. 

Because every type and product has a totally different weight limit I can’t really give you a specific number to look for. 

Instead, I would tell you this:

I personally won’t use a product that can’t handle at least 300 pounds. 

Of course, the number also depends on how well have you installed it. For example, if you had to use 8 bolts in total and you have done an excellent job, followed the instructions to the letter and even bought longer and stronger bolts then it’s not going to surprise me if the bar can handle more than what it says it can. 

No matter how much weight a pull-up bar can handle it’s still really important to install it correctly. That way you can be reassured that it’s going to hold you!

Do you need to have padding on a pull-up bar? Is it important?

Even if most pull-up bars don’t come with any padding it is still better to have in case you have sweaty hands. You don’t want to slip down in the middle of your set or had to rely on wrist wraps to hold you in one place. 

Trust me, I know how annoying it could be for your hands to start slowly slipping away during the middle of a set… And on top of that, you have to dry them after every single set you do…

If you don’t want to face such problems make sure the bar does have padding.

Having padding on a pull-up bar could be really helpful in such a situation because it does improve your grip while keeping your hands dry in the same place. 

Padding can also make working out more comfortable and can even lower the chance of getting calluses or hand injuries. 

If a specific model you like doesn’t have any padding that’s not the end of the world – you can still use some chalk or round up some cheap injury tape around the tube so you can get a similar effect.

How safe and stable should a pull-up bar be?

No matter if you have to mount the pull-up bar on your doorframe, wall, or ceiling you want only one thing –  to be extremely stable and safe to use. In order to make sure that is going to happen you will have to have enough space, a sturdy and flat attaching surface, and a well-made and durable pull-up bar. Especially focus on the attachment system and its quality.

If the pull-up bar of your choice does come with bolts try to find out how long and strong are they. Usually, most companies overlook this part and include weak or short bolts that won’t last for a very long time. If that’s the case then I highly recommend you to buy a few stronger bolts of your choice. 

Remember we are talking about your own safety!

Make sure that the mounting equipment is compatible with where you are going to place the pull-up bar. Some models come with bolts specifically designed for bricks and concrete and if you are going to mount it on top of wood that may be a problem.

You can find out such information on the product page. If needed buy exactly the type of bolts that are going to work for your situation, etc.

If you are going to have to drill holes in your walls or ceiling make sure to pick a model that has at least 8 holding points.

Because your whole weight is going to rely on every single bolt it’s very important not to be conservative when talking about the total number of anchor points. 

How much does a pull-up bar cost?

Depending on your budget and the type of pull-up bar the usual price for a pull-up bar start from $50 and can go up to $200 and above. 

In my opinion, all 5 types I have listed above are really affordable and can help you improve your skills and become strong so even if you don’t have a big budget you can still get a fairly good way of training.

You can still get big and strong from using a simple doorway pull-up bar. Of course, there are a lot better options available but I’m just saying that if there’s a will there’s a way.

Before you buy a product always ask yourself – what value am I getting in return? Is that price justify and am I getting something that is going to last me years or only a few months?

If you are not familiar with a particular product it’s always good to read some of the reviews and see what previous customers think.

My final tip is going to be this: 

Don’t be cheap when it comes to something that is going to hold you above the ground. It’s always better to pay more now and be safe than saving a few bucks that could potentially cost you a lot of future problems. Better be safe than sorry!

Final Thoughts and My Personal Pick

I’ll be extremely happy if you have reached this part without skipping the essential information.

I do believe every chapter above is useful and packed with great value and useful tips. 

If you have read most of them than congrats!

You are now well educated and have everything you need in order to buy the best pull up bar for calisthenics for you. 

Don’t worry if the type and model that suits you the best is something totally different for what I’m using.

We are all different and have different needs.

Now it’s time to act!

Use all the information above and pick a product you would love to train with.

You can’t really go wrong with my recommendations because all of them are proven to be the best by hundreds of happy customers worldwide. 

If all this information is overwhelming and does come too much for you don’t worry!

If you are not quite sure which product to buy I would recommend you go for my favorite pull-up bar I use daily – the Ultimate Body Press XL Pull-up Bar. 

Click Here to check my bar’s latest price on Amazon

I love it because it’s simple, portable, lightweight and safe.

With the help of this bar, I’ve built massive back and improved many different skills and moves.

It’s rock solid and you won’t go wrong if you decide to try it out yourself.

After all, it’s affordable as well.

Click here to check its latest price on Amazon <<.

And that’s really it!

If you are looking for more awesome articles about calisthenics feel free to check some of my latest posts.

You can find them in my 2 category pages – Good Equipment and Useful Guides.

Also, I highly recommend you to read my latest article about supplements and calisthenics.

It’s really interesting and you can learn a lot from it.

But if you want more articles about pull-up bars feel free to check these:

• 5 Easy Ways To Keep A Pull-Up Bar From Spinning
• What is The Best Width, Diameter, Pipe, Size for a Pull-Up Bar?
• 7 Best Exercises to Work & Grow Your Triceps on a Pull-Up Bar
• Learn How To Do Dips On a Pull Up Par (+4 Great Alternatives)
• How Much Weight Can a Pull-Up Bar Hold (Door, Wall, Ceiling)

Thank you very much for reading my article.

I really hope it was useful and you learned something new.

If you want me to continue writing similar posts, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend and show me some love!

I’ll see you in the next time,

– Bozhidar