7 Best Free-Standing Pull-Up Bars In 2024
Reviewed by: Jason Li (10 years of Personal Training experience)
If you’re looking to upgrade your fitness routine and update your home gym, getting one of the best free standing pull up bars is an ideal way to do that. It’s a versatile, convenient way to build upper body strength, sculpt your muscles and add something new to your routine.
They come in a lot of designs, and everyone can find the one that would work for them, regardless of their fitness level or space constraints. We have great free standing pull up bars – some have adjustable height, some are foldable, there’s even a portable option for those who like taking their equipment with them.
Let’s get into the reviews!
Our team of certified experts and professional athletes has tested 30 free standing pull up bars and only 7 made the cut. The equipment was tested on 6 key factors (height, material quality, versatility, weight capacity, grip, price/quality), and we have spent over 300 hours testing most of it. We’ve also carefully analyzed hundreds of online user reviews. This list is updated regularly, so feel free to share your experiences in the comment section!
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the TITAN FITNESS Red Outdoor Power Tower.
Titan’s Red Outdoor Power Tower is the best there is as far as freestanding pull up bars go. It’s well-built, weather-resistant, and has a reasonable price.
Top 7 Best Free Standing Pull Up Bars Reviewed
- Titan Fitness Red Outdoor Power Tower – Best Overall
- Rogue Mil Pull-Up Station – Runner Up
- Kt Khanh Trinh Foldable Free Standing Pull Up Bar – Foldable Pull Up Bar Station
- Onetwofit Power Tower – Foldable Power Tower With Dip Station
- Gobeast Pull Up Bar – Best Portable
- Soges Power Tower – Budget Pick
- Stamina Power Tower – 3 in 1 With Training App
Product | Total | Height | Material Quality | Versatility | Weight Capacity | Grip | Price/Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TITAN FITNESS | 59.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
ROGUE | 59 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
KT KHANH TRINH | 58.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
ONETWOFIT | 57 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
GOBEAST | 56 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
SOGES | 54.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
STAMINA | 54.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 |
1. Titan Fitness Red Outdoor Power Tower
- Dimensions: 49.5’’D x 29’’W x 86’’H
- Material: 3’’ steel tubing
- Item weight: 98 lbs
- Bar diameter: 32 mm
- Grip option: Multi-grip with various hand positions
- Pull-up bar length: 48’’
Titan’s Red Outdoor Power Tower is the best there is as far as freestanding pull up bars go. It’s well-built, weather-resistant, and has a reasonable price.
It’s made of 3’’ steel tubing and has a vibrant red powder-coated finish (which is a bit prone to chipping). This power tower is robust, sturdy, and has 4 comprehensive workout stations. It aims to sculpt various muscle groups, like the chest, abs, shoulders, and biceps. It’s a versatile piece of equipment and allows you to focus on exercises targeting lats, back, and biceps through various hand placements.
When you use the built-in dip station at various angles, it engages the chest, triceps, and core and uses your bodyweight for resistance. The vertical knee raise station lets you work on your abs and engages the core, hip flexors, and quads. It gives a comprehensive core workout.
The integrated elevated push-up station lets you do chest and shoulder workouts and allows for different arm positions so you can target the muscles that you want to focus on precisely.
You’ll notice that there’s no manual included with the pull up bar, and that’s because Titan is trying to reduce their footprint. It’s commendable for sure, but looking through manuals online just isn’t as convenient.
Titan’s Red Outdoor Power Tower is the best there is as far as freestanding pull up bars go. It’s well-built, weather-resistant, and has a reasonable price.
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2. Rogue Mil Pull-Up Station
- Dimensions: 62’’L x 93’’H
- Material: 2x3’’ 11-gauge steel
- Item weight: 146 lbs
- Bar diameter: 1.25’’
- Grip option: Designed for alternating grip
- Pull-up bar length: 62’’
This is a military-inspired pull up bar stand designed to meet the specifications of the Army Combat Fitness Test’s “Leg Tuck” event.
The station is built from 2x3’’ 11-gauge steel and is incredibly durable. Seriously, it’s like a tank and it’s going to last you forever and it can withstand any type of workout, no matter how intense it gets. It rocks a bit during kipping though, so try to weigh its base down if you can to make it more stable.
There’s more than enough room for maneuvering because the width between the uprights is 62’’. It suits people of all heights and can be used for military training as well as commercial and home gyms. The height is adjustable and ranges from 86’’ to 90’’.
Along with the station, you get a detachable step that’s compatible with the heights used in the Army’s Climbing Pods. The step has a large rubber insert that covers all metal edges, so you don’t need to worry about possibly getting injured during intense workouts where you really don’t want to focus on anything else but on what you’re doing.
It has black powder coating, and the step has the MG Rogue Red finish to make it more visible. Naturally, there’s also the laser-cut Rogue branding near the rear crossmember tube.
If you want to travel with this or take it somewhere, you’ll need to buy the Handle Kit that streamlines breakdown, storage, and transportation. This kit is a good option because the station weighs 146 pounds, so it’s not the most travel-friendly thing in the world. The kit includes Rogue wrenches, 1000D Cordura hardware pouch, and nylon webbing cinching handles.
This is a military-inspired pull up bar stand designed to meet the specifications of the Army Combat Fitness Test’s “Leg Tuck” event. The station is built from 2x3’’ 11-gauge steel and is incredibly durable.
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3. Kt Khanh Trinh Foldable Free Standing Pull Up Bar
- Dimensions: 70.87’’L x 43.31’’W x 100.39’’H
- Material: Alloy steel
- Item weight: 44 lbs
- Weight capacity: 771.6 lbs
This standalone pull up bar was designed by Khanh Trinh, who has 15 years of Calisthenics and street workout experience. It’s a pretty big pull-up bar, so be prepared to dedicate quite a bit of space to it.
The bar is made of alloy steel and has adjustable height ranging from 76.7’’ to 100.4’’. It suits people under 6.65 ft and its weight capacity is 771.6 pounds.
Its design is foldable, so you can use it indoors, outdoors, in gyms, etc. because it’s easy to transport. It’s also easy to store it after your workout because it may be an issue to find somewhere where you can keep it unfolded all the time due to its size. It takes only 8-10 seconds to fold it! The handlebar width is 39.37’’, which gives you plenty of space and eliminates the risk of hitting knees or shins during workouts.
When you look at the manufacturer’s claims, you’ll see a lot of things about it being robust and sturdy, and although it’s relatively well-built, it’s not as amazing as described. The main pull-up bar is hollow, which is quite disappointing for a product that brags about being durable and heavy-duty.
This standalone pull up bar was designed by Khanh Trinh, who has 15 years of Calisthenics and street workout experience. It’s a pretty big pull-up bar, so be prepared to dedicate quite a bit of space to it.
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4. Onetwofit Power Tower
- Dimensions: 38.8’’L x 31.5’’W x 50-88.2’’H
- Material: Steel
- Item weight: 53.93 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Grip option: Fixed handle type
This pull up rack is made of steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs. It gives a good range of workouts and has a space-saving design.
This is a space-efficient option, whether folded or not. When you fold it up, its dimensions are only 9.8’’ x 9.8’’. It’s ideal for small gyms because you don’t need to have a dedicated space for it: just fold it up once you’re done and stick it in a closet until you need it again.
This foldable pull up bar has 9 levels of height, and it goes from 50’’ to 88.2’’, and the armrests have 2 levels of height adjustments going from 34’’ to 41.5’’. The armrests are nice and comfortable due to the dense foam and leather elbow pads. You can use this to do pull-ups, push-ups, leg raises, dips, and vertical knee raises. It’s very adjustable, so it will be suitable for people of all heights and sizes.
Although the bar is made of steel and supposed to be robust and sturdy, it feels a little flimsy, but it’s still functional. Another thing that’s not ideal is that it doesn’t offer multiple grip options because of the fixed handlebars.
This pull up rack is made of steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs. It gives a good range of workouts and has a space-saving design.
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5. Gobeast Pull Up Bar
- Dimensions: 47.24’’L x 47.24’’W x 74.8’’H
- Item weight: 45.2 lbs
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Grip option: Fixed handle type
As far as travel-friendly options go, this portable pull up station is the best you’ll find. It’s super travel-friendly and still manages to remain functional and versatile with over 35 workouts you can do with it.
The dimensions are 47.24’’ x 47.24’’ x 74.8’’ and it has a fixed handle type bar. The maximum weight it can handle is 330 pounds, which is not too impressive, but what can you do? It’s designed to be portable, not heavy-duty.
And while we’re on the subject of portability, you’ll be able to dismantle this pull-up bar into smaller tubular lengths, which makes storing it a piece of cake. It comes with a large storage bag that has a shoulder strap, so taking it with you is also really easy. Think about group exercises or fitness sessions with your friends – you’ll have absolutely no problem taking this with you.
As far as drawbacks go, there’s nothing too serious to note. The vertical bars wobble a bit during use, but keep in mind that the main thing this pull-up bar needs to do is to be portable, which is not something you would see in a commercial gym. Overall, this is a decent piece of equipment that does its job.
As far as travel-friendly options go, this portable pull up station is the best you’ll find. It’s super travel-friendly and still manages to remain functional and versatile with over 35 workouts you can do with it.
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6. Soges Power Tower
- Dimensions: 35.4’’L x 29.1’’W x 61’’H
- Material: Metal
- Item weight: 17.64 lbs
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Grip option: Fixed handle type
Gym equipment can get expensive, so if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, Soges’ Power Tower is a good option.
Its design allows you to do exercises like chin-ups, dips, vertical knee raises, push-ups, and reverse grip chin-ups, so the workout regimen it provides is quite comprehensive. It has a metal frame and a stable base, so its longevity should be decent, and it seems pretty durable.
The height is adjustable, which is commendable because it should fit both short and tall people. However, this free standing chin-up bar is quite narrow, and overall, everything is on the smaller side, so there’s no way it will fit everyone because 29.1 inches in width just isn’t enough to accommodate people of all sizes.
If you’re just starting out with pull-up bars and are curious about the workouts they provide, this one is okay because it lets you see how it works and what you can do with it, and if you don’t like it, at least you didn’t spend a lot of money on it. However, if you’re more experienced (especially with commercial equipment), it’s unlikely you’ll be happy with this bar, because it’s not very comfortable unless you’re very petite.
Its design allows you to do exercises like chin-ups, dips, vertical knee raises, push-ups, and reverse grip chin-ups, so the workout regimen it provides is quite comprehensive.
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7. Stamina Power Tower
- Dimensions: 49’’L x 42.5’’W x 81’’H
- Material: Steel frame with foam hand grips
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Grip option: Foam hand grips at each exercise station
Stamina’s Power Tower offers smart-guided coaching, personalized workouts, exercise demos, assembly guidance and more through the müüv app. This app will improve your entire workout experience, because it gives you guidance to make the workouts you’re doing even more effective.
This free-standing pull up bar for home is made of steel and has foam hand grips. It’s meant to withstand even the most intense workouts and its dimensions should accommodate most people, but the weight capacity is pretty low. 250 lbs is rather limiting and although it has some awesome features, this equipment won’t be for everyone.
Its design is compact, so you should be able to fit this in your home gym even if you don’t have a crazy amount of space available. It’s very easy to put together and it allows for exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips, and vertical knee raises.
There’s no arguing that this power tower is versatile with its multiple exercise stations (pull-up station, dip station, vertical knee raise station), but it would be even better if it could cater to a wider range of people.
The pull-up bar’s position is something that needs work, because it’s almost directly over the lumbar support bar, which causes discomfort during pull-ups.
Stamina’s Power Tower offers smart-guided coaching, personalized workouts, exercise demos, assembly guidance and more through the müüv app. This app will improve your entire workout experience.
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Could be better:
What Is a Free Standing Pull Up Bar?
When you hear the words “pull up bar,” you most likely think of the traditional wall-mounted ones, but a free-standing pull-up bar is designed to provide upper body and core workouts without needing to be attached to a wall or to the ceiling.
It often has multiple exercise stations, including pull-up bars, dip bars, push-up stations, and vertical knee raise handles. It’s a very comprehensive platform for targeting different muscle groups.
A lot of times, a free-standing pull-up bar has several exercise stations, like pull-up bars, dip bars, push-up platforms, and handles for vertical knee raises. This multipurpose setup is great because it means that a single piece of equipment can be used for different fitness routines and to tone and strengthen different muscle groups.
Basically, it’s an all-in-one fitness station that provides super effective at-home workouts.
4 Types of Free Standing Pull Up Bars
There wouldn’t be as much versatility if there was only one type of design, so it’s great that free-standing pull-up bars come in various shapes and sizes and with different features. This way, you can evaluate each type’s features and find what you want easier.
1. Standard Free-Standing Bar
This one has a sturdy frame and it’s often made of steel with a horizontal pull-up bar at the top. Its design is very straightforward and usually, this is one of the most stable, durable options you can find when it comes to free-standing pull-up bars. Their robust construction is their best feature, but they take up more space than some of the others because of their fixed structure.
2. Tower Combo with a Dip Station
This type is a combination of a pull-up bar and a dip station. Sometimes, it even has additional workout stations like push-up handles or knee raise bars. This is a very space-efficient option because you get a lot of exercise options within one unit, but it’s usually more expensive compared to standard bars.
3. Foldable Free-Standing Bar
You can probably guess what this type is. It has a collapsible or foldable design and allows you to store it easily when not in use. A collapsible pull up bar is ideal for small spaces, but it’s not as stable as something that’s fixed.
4. Portable Bars
A mobile pull up bar is made for on-the-go workouts and typically, you’re able to disassemble it in smaller components so it’s easier to carry. It’s a great choice for travel or temporary setups, but keep in mind that its weight capacity is lower and, like the foldable bars, it’s not as stable.
Features | Standart Free-standing Bars | Tower Combo with Dip Station | Foldable Free-standing Bar | Portable Bars |
---|---|---|---|---|
Design | Sturdy frame | Pull-up bar combined with a dip station | Collapsible or foldable | Lightweight, portable |
Exercise Options | Limited to pull-ups and chin-ups | Offers pull-ups, dips, push-ups, knee raises | Mostly limited to pull-ups | Pull-ups on the go |
Space Requirements | Needs more space | Compact | Space-saving when folded | Easily transportable |
Pros | Robust construction, durable | Multiple exercise options | Space-saving design | Great for travel and temporary setups |
Cons | Occupies more space than other types | Potentially higher cost | Possible stability issues | Limited exercise options |
6 Benefits of Free Standing Pull Up Bars
If you don’t have a free-standing pull-up bar in your home gym, what are you waiting for? It offers quite a few exercise options and it’s a great way to strengthen your muscles and get a good workout in the comfort of your home. Of course, we can’t forget about their health benefits, too.
✅ Versatile Workouts
You can use a free-standing pull-up bar for all sorts of workouts. They allow you to do pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises, and knee raises and are great at targeting the muscles in your upper body, e.g. in arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
✅ Convenience and Accessibility
You can place it anywhere because of its independent design and there are no installation adjustments to be made. You don’t need to worry about having access to walls, a ceiling, or a doorway.
✅ Stronger Grip
If you use a pull-up bar often, your grip will get stronger, which is beneficial not just for sports, but also for everyday tasks that need hand and forearm strength. Grip strength is also a good indicator of overall physical fitness.
✅ Stronger Core
Your core will thank you for including pull-up bar workouts like leg raises or knee raises into your routine because they target your core muscles and make your abs and lower back stronger.
✅ Bone Density
Weight-bearing exercises make your bones denser, and pull-ups are no exception. Good bone density reduces the risk of osteoporosis and makes your bones healthier.
✅ Better Posture and Stability
If you’re consistent with using a pull-up bar, you can help your posture get better and enhance spinal alignment. You’ll strengthen your back and improve your overall stability. If you have any issues that are caused by poor posture, this can be a great way to help it.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Free Standing Pull Up Bar
With so many options to choose from, finding the right one can get complicated. A good thing to do is to read reviews and see what the people who have used the bar have to say about it, but apart from that, you also need to do your own research to determine what’s going to work.
Let’s go over the most important things you need to consider.
1. Dimensions/Space Required
Decide where you want your pull-up bar to go and then measure the space you have available for it. Don’t forget about the space you need around the bar so you can exercise without obstructions.
2. Bar Height
Adjustable height is the way to go because it can accommodate different user heights and exercises. Before you make a purchase, check the height range the bar has and see if it suits your needs.
3. Bar Diameter
Bar diameter is what’s going to have a big impact on how comfortable the grip is and how quickly your hands become tired. The bar needs to feel good in your hands: thicker bars may strengthen your grip over time, but some people consider thinner bars to be more comfortable.
4. Weight Capacity
The pull-up bar you choose has to support your body weight, but also any additional weight or resistance you might use during your workouts. It would be best if the bar’s weight limit exceeds your requirements.
5. Durability
A sturdy steel frame, durable coating, reliable construction… You want all of this because your pull-up bar should last you a long time and needs to be stable during your workouts.
6. Purpose
What do you want to use the pull up bar for? Some of them are designed strictly for basic pull-ups and chin-ups, while others have the option to do dips, muscle-ups, etc. Decide what your priorities are and then make a choice accordingly.
FAQ
Are Portable Pull-up Bars Good?
It depends on what your priorities are. If you want something that’s cost-effective, convenient, and easy to take with you, then yes, a portable pull up bar will work. However, the weight capacity of portable chinup bars is lower and they’re not as stable compared to stationary bars.
Are Freestanding Pull-up Bars Safe?
Generally, they are, but you need to make sure you assemble it properly and that the surface it’s placed on is completely flat. You also need to check the weight limit and not go over it.
Conclusion
A free-standing pull-up bar is a great addition to any home gym because it’s versatile, convenient, and comes in different designs so you can choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and space.
If you want to get the best one, then you need the TITAN FITNESS Red Outdoor Power Tower. It’s priced well, it allows you to do a bunch of workouts with its 4 workout stations, and you can even use it outside because it’s weather-resistant. It also allows for various grip positions, which is important because different types of grip affect how hard your muscles work.
Do you have experience with pull-up bars and what do you think of the free-standing options? Which one do you think would work best for you? Do you think a free-standing pull-up bar is a must for a home gym and why?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section. Let’s help each other by exchanging knowledge and experiences on the matter!
Free standing out!
Also read:
- Best Smelling Salts for Athletes
- Best Hand Grippers
- Best Home Gym Equipment
- Best Compact Workout Equipment
- Best Gym Timers
- How Much Does a Home Gym Cost
References:
- Du-Jin Park, Se-Yeon Park, "Which Trunk Exercise Most Effectively Activates Abdominal Muscles? A Comparative Study of Plank and Isometric Bilateral Leg Raise Exercises," Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 32, no. 5 (2019): 797-802.
- James A. Dickie, James A. Faulkner, Matthew J. Barnes, Sally D. Lark, "Electromyographic Analysis of Muscle Activation during Pull-up Variations," Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 32 (2017): 30-36.
- Po-Jung Pan, Nai-Wei Hsu, Meng-Jer Lee, You-Yuan Lin, Chih-Chun Tsai, Wang-Sheng Lin, "Physical Fitness and Its Correlation with Handgrip Strength in Active Community-Dwelling Older Adults," Scientific Reports 12, no. 17227 (2022).
- Richard Medina, Sierra Schultz, Mikayla Holder, Erica Nurenberg, "The Effects of 5 Weeks of Pull-up Training with Fat Gripz™ Bar Attachments on Grip Strength and Shot Speed in Collegiate Men’s Lacrosse Athletes," 16th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Performance (2017), paper 167.
- “Slowing Bone Loss with Weight-Bearing Exercise,” Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/slowing-bone-loss-with-weight-bearing-exercise (accessed December 15, 2023).
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Jason Li
Personal Coach, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
Jason is an NYC personal training expert and National level Olympic Weightlifting Coach with over 10 years of experience training everyday clients to high levels of performance. He has trained everyone from youth (13 years old and under) to masters (60+ years old) to regional and national rankings for powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, Short distance (up to 200m) sprinting, discus & hammer throwing.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiries considering product reviews, you can reach out to us via email – [email protected]