Best Pull Up Bars & Power Racks UK 2026
Build a V-Taper at Home
The pull-up is the ultimate upper body builder. While simple doorway bars exist, serious home gyms are moving towards multi-functional **Power Racks** that combine a pull-up station with safety spotters for squats and bench presses. We tested the best options for every budget and space.
Marcy MWM-8070 Power Cage
- •Includes Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar
- •Dip handles included
Fuel Fitness Power Rack with Hi-Lo Pulley
- •Great price for a cage
- •Includes cable system
Fuel Fitness Power Rack with Hi-Lo Pulley
- •Great price for a cage
- •Includes cable system
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Fitness Leg Raise - Dip | £1195.00 | Best Premium | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Marcy MWM-8070 Power Cage | £799.00 | Best Overall | 4.8/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Primal Personal Series V3 | £599.00 | Most Versatile | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Fuel Fitness Power Rack with Hi-Lo Pulley | £399.00 | Best Value | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Fuel Fitness Squat and Bench Press Rack | £149.00 | Budget Pick | 4.3/5 | Check Latest Price |
1. Spirit Fitness Leg Raise - Dip
Pros
- Rock solid stability
- Includes dip station
- Multiple grip positions
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Requires dedicated floor space
- Expensive investment
- Assembly takes 1-2 hours
Our Review
This is not a temporary doorway fix but a commercial-grade station requiring dedicated floor space. With angled arm pads for ergonomic leg raises and a stable dip station, it eliminates the wobble found in budget towers, supporting strict callisthenics work safely.
2. Marcy MWM-8070 Power Cage
Pros
- Includes Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar
- Dip handles included
- Safety straps protect bar
- Landmine attachment included
Cons
- Large footprint
- Does not include bench/weights
- Long assembly time
Our Review
The MWM-8070 is a complete home gym centrepiece. Its width-adjustable pull-up bar features multiple grip angles for targeting different back muscles, while the included dip handles and knee raise station make it a callisthenics powerhouse. The safety strap system is quieter than steel pins, making it garage-gym friendly.
3. Primal Personal Series V3
Pros
- Integrated Lat Pulldown
- Low Row station
- Dip handles included
- Landmine attachment
Cons
- Only rated for 250kg
- Lat pulldown uses plate loading
- Complex setup
Our Review
Primal delivers incredible value by integrating a cable system directly into the rack. This allows you to perform lat pulldowns and seated rows instantly after your pull-ups, creating a complete back workout station in a single footprint. The V3 update brings improved stability and smoother cable action.
4. Fuel Fitness Power Rack with Hi-Lo Pulley
Pros
- Great price for a cage
- Includes cable system
- Knurled pull up bar
- Plate storage horns
Cons
- Lightweight frame
- Cable motion not commercial smooth
- Basic finish
Our Review
For under £400, getting a full cage with a high/low pulley system is exceptional. While lighter than the Marcy or Primal options, it provides a safe enclosed environment for pull-ups and squats. The knurled pull-up bar provides excellent grip even without chalk.
5. Fuel Fitness Squat and Bench Press Rack
Pros
- Very affordable
- Adjustable width
- Small footprint
- Spotter catchers included
Cons
- No pull up bar included
- Less stable than cage
- Basic design
Our Review
If you fit a separate doorway pull-up bar, this rack handles the heavy lifting duties. It's an adjustable width stand that is perfect for small garages where a full cage won't fit. While it lacks an integrated pull-up bar, it's the essential partner to one for a complete home gym.
Buying Guide: Pull-Up Bars & Racks
What to Look For
Power Rack vs Doorway Bar: A doorway bar is great for testing the water, but a Power Rack (Cage) is a lifetime investment. It allows you to perform pull-ups, squats, and bench presses safely alone. If you have the space (2m height), always choose a rack.
Grip Options: Look for a rack with a 'monkey bar' or 'multi-grip' pull-up station. This allows for neutral grip pulling (palms facing each other) which is much friendlier on the shoulders than straight bar pull-ups.
Weight Capacity: A standard doorway bar might hold 100kg. A proper rack holds 250kg+. This isn't just about your bodyweight; it's about dynamic force. If you kip or swing, you can exert 2-3x your bodyweight in force. Always over-spec your equipment for safety.
Budget Guidance
Entry Level (£20-£40): Simple doorway leverage bars. Good for strict pull-ups but risk marking door frames. Do not use for dynamic moves.
Mid-Range (£150-£300): Squat stands with a pull-up bar connecting them. Great for garages with lower ceilings but less stable than a full cage.
Premium (£400+): Full Power Cages. The gold standard. Enclosed 4-post design offers maximum safety for solo training. Look for included extras like dip handles or cable systems to maximise value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Ceiling Height: Pull-ups require your head to go *over* the bar. Ensure you have at least 30-40cm clearance above the rack's top bar so you don't smash your head into the ceiling. Measure twice!
Buying 'Cheap' Steel: Look for the gauge of steel. 14-gauge or lower (thicker) is best for racks. 2mm wall thickness is a good benchmark. Thin, wobbly racks are terrifying to use and will kill your confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it damage my door?
Doorway bars can mark paint. Power racks are free-standing and won't touch your walls, but you should protect your floor with a <a href="/reviews/best-exercise-mats-small-spaces-uk">mat</a>.
Do I need to bolt it down?
Most modern home racks are stable enough for strict pull-ups without bolting. However, for kipping or dynamic movements, bolting to the floor or a platform is essential for safety.
Can I do muscle-ups?
On a sturdy, bolted power rack, yes. On a budget stand or doorway bar, absolutely not. The lateral force will tip it over.
What if I can't do a pull-up?
Use <a href="/reviews/best-resistance-bands-uk-2026">resistance bands</a> looped over the rack's top bar to assist you. This is the fastest way to build the strength for unassisted reps.
How much space do I need?
Allow for a 2.5m x 2.5m footprint for a cage to allow loading weights comfortably. Check height carefully!
Can I put it in the garden?
Only if galvanized (outdoor rated). Standard gym equipment will rust within weeks in the UK climate. If you must, cover it with a heavy tarpaulin.
Low ceiling solutions?
Look for 'short' or 'compact' racks (usually ~190cm). Alternatively, mount a ceiling bar directly to the joists if you have the DIY skills.
Wall mounted bars?
Excellent for saving floor space, but require a solid brick/block wall. Do NOT mount heavy bars onto stud/plasterboard walls.