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Pull-ups look deceptively simple, but they're one of the toughest upper-body strength training exercises you can do. If you've ever tried to knock out a few but couldn't get your chin to the bar, the best pull-up assist bands can help build your strength and improve your form so you can eventually do them on your own (if that's your goal). If not, they're still an excellent tool that you can use to work assisted pull-ups into your resistance training routine.
The Best Pull-Up Assist Bands - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Pull-Up Assist Bands: Rep Fitness Pullup Bands
- Best Heavy-Duty Pull-Up Assist Bands: Rogue Monster Bands Pack
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Beginners: TRX Strength Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Advanced Athletes: Rogue Echo Resistance Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Band Bundle: Prosource Fit XFit Power Bands
- Best Budget Pull-Up Assist Bands: TRX Strength Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Travel: CANWAY Pullup Assistance Bands
- Best Latex-Free Pull-Up Assist Bands: HGT Resistance Bands
When shopping for pull-up assist bands, you'll want to consider the band strength, resistance, quantity (whether it's a single band or comes as part of a set) and price. To help you narrow down your choices, we extensively researched pull-up assist bands, keeping all these factors in mind. We also considered customer reviews and the brand's reputation, as well our own personal experience with some of the picks on the list.
Below, you'll find the best pull-up assist bands plus a comprehensive guide that can help you choose the best option for you.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Pull-Up Assist Bands - Rep Fitness Pull-up Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 5 - 15 lbs., 5 - 35 lbs., 20 - 60 lbs., 30 - 80 lbs., 40 - 110 lbs., 60 - 150 lbs. and 70 - 175 lbs.
CHECK PRICEThese pull-up assist bands from Rep Fitness are made of layered elastic (which is made of latex) that's designed to provide constant tension while resisting regular wear and tear. You can buy the color-coded bands individually—they come in seven sizes from XXX-light (5 to 15 pounds of resistance) to X-heavy (70 to 175 pounds of resistance)—or as a set of five.
The set comes with XX-light, X-light, light, medium, and heavy bands for a total resistance range of 5 to 150 pounds, but doesn't include the XXX-light and X-heavy options. If you buy the bands as a set, you'll save about $25 compared to purchasing the five bands individually. These bands are affordable and high-quality which is why they top our list as best overall pull-up assist bands.
What We Like
- Can buy individually or a set
- Come in 7 sizes
- Made with layered latex for extra durability
What We Don't Like
- Set doesn't include all sizes
- Lighter weights are thin
Best Heavy-Duty Pull-Up Assist Bands - Rogue Monster Bands Pack
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15 lbs., 30 lbs., 50 lbs., 65 lbs., 100 lbs., 140 lbs., 175 lbs. and 200 lbs.
CHECK PRICEAnother option from Rogue, the Monster Bands are for anyone looking for heavy-duty stretch bands that max-out resistance. These latex bands can be purchased individually, as a pair, or in curated sets that are specifically designed for assisted pull-ups. They start at 15 pounds and go all the way up to 200 pounds. If you want to buy them in a set, you have two options. Package one includes a 65-pound, 100-pound, and 140-pound band. Package two includes a pair of 30-pound bands, a pair of 50-pound bands, and one 65-pound band. We recommend buying one of the sets since you save a little money if you do.
The Rogue Monster Bands are compatible with the Rogue Door Strap so if you want to vary your workouts, you can do mobility, strength training or stretching exercises anywhere you have a strong door.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comes individually, as a pair, or in sets
- Goes up to 200 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- A bit pricey
- Can't design your own set
Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Beginners - TRX Strength Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 5 to 15 lbs.,15 to 30 lbs., 25 to 50 lbs., 35 to 70 lbs., 45 to 110 lbs., and 60 to 150 lbs.
CHECK PRICEWhether assisted or not, pull-ups can be intimidating for beginners, but the TRX Strength Bands are a user-friendly option that makes it easier to start a strength training routine. These latex bands are available in six different resistance levels and go all the way up to 150 pounds for added support as you're just starting out. To make them easier to identify, all bands are labeled with the resistance, both in pounds and kilograms.
You can buy each band individually, or as a set that includes all six. If you buy the set, you'll save about $50 compared to buying each band separately. The workout bands are compatible with the TRX Bandit, a universal fit handle that allows you to use them as regular resistance bands, too.
What We Like
- Range from 5 - 150 lbs.
- Can purchase individually or as a set
- Compatible with TRX Bandit handle
What We Don't Like
- Some users say they're on the stiffer side
- Pricier than some others
BUY: TRX Strength Bands
Best Pull-Up Assist Band for Advanced Athletes - Rogue Echo Resistance Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15 lbs., 30 lbs., 50 lbs., 65 lbs., 100 lbs., 140 lbs., 175 lbs., and 200 lbs.
CHECK PRICERogue is the go-to brand for advanced athletes. So, if you want heavy-duty workout bands that can withstand serious use, the Rogue Echo Resistance Bands are a top choice. They come in eight resistance levels, from 15 pounds to 200 pounds. Since each band has a specific strength, rather than a range, it can be used for more targeted, specialized training.
You can buy most of the bands individually or in pairs, but the 15- and 30-pound options are only available in pairs. They're all color-coded, and each band has the same 41-inch length so even the lightest one can comfortably accommodate pull-ups.
What We Like
- All bands are the same length
- Color-coded for easier identification
- Goes up to 200 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- No set options
- Lower weights are only available in pairs
BUY: Rogue Echo Resistance Bands
Best Pull-Up Assist Band Bundle - Prosource Fit XFit Power Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 10 - 35 lbs., 30 - 50 lbs., 45 - 80 lbs., 50 - 120 lbs., and 60 - 150 lbs.
CHECK PRICEIf you want to jump right into a set, the Prosource Fit XFit Power Bands have pretty much every need covered. There are five bands included, and while the resistance isn't printed on them, each is color-coded so you can easily identify which is which (once you get used to them).
They come in light to heavy options; the resistance ranges from 10 to 35 pounds on the lightest band to 60 to 150 pounds on the heaviest band. The bands are made of latex and have a closed-loop design that increases durability and makes them a good fit for assisted pull-ups, as well as any other resistance exercises.
What We Like
- Different colors
- Wide weight range
- Goes down to 10 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- Resistance isn't printed on the band
- Some users say they stretch out a little
BUY: Prosource Fit XFit Power Bands
Best Budget Pull-Up Assist Bands - TRX Strength Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 5 to 15 lbs.,15 to 30 lbs., 25 to 50 lbs., 35 to 70 lbs., 45 to 110 lbs., and 60 to 150 lbs.
CHECK PRICETRX makes our list again, this time as best budget. Sure they cost slightly more than the rep bands individually, but when you buy them as a set you get one more band than the rep set, and you save about 50 bucks. We also like the TRX bands because their resistance is measured by actual pounds or kilograms, not just light, medium, heavy. This allows you to more accurately select the resistance level to help counter your body weight when doing pull-ups.
Also when purchasing these bands you get a free 3-day trial to the TRX training club to help you accelerate your progress and stay on track.
What We Like
- Range from 5 - 150 lbs.
- Can purchase individually or as a set
- Compatible with TRX Bandit handle
What We Don't Like
- Some users say they're on the stiffer side
- Pricier than some others
BUY: TRX Strength Bands
Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Travel - CANWAY Pull-up Assistance Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Resistance: 15 - 35 lbs., 25 - 65 lbs., 35 - 85 lbs. and 50 - 125 lbs.
CHECK PRICEAll pull-up assist bands are pretty travel-friendly, but this set from CANWAY comes with a drawstring bag that keeps them together so you don't lose track of them in your suitcase or gym bag. There are four different bands in the set, giving you a resistance range of 15 pounds to 125 pounds.
While the resistance isn't printed directly on them like some other options, the bands are each a different color (and thickness) to help you identify which is which. They're made from 100% natural latex and have a continuous design without seams to increase durability and longevity.
What We Like
- Comes with a travel bag
- 100% natural latex
- Continuous loop design
What We Don't Like
- Lowest weight is 15 lbs.
- Resistance isn't printed on the band
BUY: CANWAY Pullup Assistance Bands
Best Latex-Free Pull-Up Assist Bands - HGT Resistance Bands
SPECS
- Material: Synthetic rubber
- Resistance: 15 - 20 lbs., 30 - 40 lbs., 45 - 60 lbs., 60 - 80 lbs., and 75 - 100 lbs.
If you're allergic to latex (or you just prefer to avoid it), the HGT Resistance Bands are a good option. They're made of latex-free synthetic rubber that's just as durable and resistant to snapping and ripping. While the material's specifics are kept under wraps, the company states that it's naturally anti-aging so it won't break down with regular use.
You can purchase these bands individually—they come in five sizes from extra light to extra heavy—or as a set that includes all the bands. If you purchase the set upfront, you'll save about $30. The resistance options start at 15 pounds and cap out at 100 pounds. Plus, they're all red, so you can't identify them by color alone, but the resistance is printed on each band.
What We Like
- Made of anti-aging synthetic rubber
- Can purchase individually or as a set
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Lowest weight is 15 lbs.
- Bands are all the same color
BUY: HGT Resistance Bands
Benefits of Pull-Up Assist Bands
Pull-ups are one of the most difficult upper-body strength training exercises you can do. That's why completing a certain number of unassisted pull-ups is often a common goal for those on a fitness journey.
Pull-up assist bands are an excellent way to master the proper form and build strength as you work toward that goal. They support your weight and reduce the load you have to carry, making it easier to get your chin to the bar. You typically start out with a higher resistance band, then as build strength, you progressively reduce the resistance until you can do pull-ups with a lighter resistance band or completely unassisted.
They're also really versatile, so you can use them for other forms of resistance training too. And compared to other strength training equipment, they're budget-friendly too.
Pull-Up Assist Bands vs. Resistance Bands
At first glance, pull-up assist bands and resistance bands to look very similar, but there are notable differences between them. Pull-up assist bands are much longer than resistance bands. They need to have enough length to wrap about the pull-up bar and reach your foot. They also provide more resistance. Regular resistance bands typically cap out around 75 to 100 pounds of resistance, but pull-up assist bands need to be strong enough to accommodate almost the full load of someone's body weight. Because of this, pull-up assist bands often go up to 150 to 200 pounds.
How to Choose the Best Pull-Up Assist Bands
Pull-up assist bands may look identical at first glance, but they're not all the same. When choosing the right bands for you, consider material, strength (resistance), quantity and price.
Material
Most pull-up assist bands are made of latex because it's incredibly durable and easy to wash. However, if you have a latex allergy, there are fabric and synthetic options too. When choosing a pull-up assist band, check the material and make sure it works for you and your needs.
Strength/Resistance
Pull-up assist bands are designed to hold some of your weight so the load you're lifting is much less intense. If you're a beginner or you weigh more, you'll want a band with a higher level of resistance so it can properly support you as you move through the movement. As you progress in your fitness journey, you can make the assisted exercise harder by swapping out your band with one with less resistance.
It's a good idea to start with a pull-up assist band that's about 10 to 15 pounds under your body weight. For example, if you weigh 190 pounds, you can choose a 175-pound band. That means when you're doing your pull-ups, you'll be lifting a 15-pound load.
Quantity
You can usually buy pull up assist bands in singles or as part of a progressive set that has different levels of resistance. If you decide to purchase a set, you might get a slight discount. When shopping for bands, decide if you just want one or two to try, or if you want a set that can adapt with you as you build strength and skill.
Price
Price is always something to consider, regardless of what you're shopping for. While pull up assist bands are less expensive than other types of exercise equipment, there's still a pretty decent price range between brands. When shopping for pull up assist bands, consider how much you want to spend up front, and factor in things like shipping and warranty length too.
FAQs About Pull-Up Assist Bands
How long do pull-up assist bands last?
Pull-up assist bands can last between six months and two years, on average. The actual lifespan depends on how often you use them, as well as the durability of the material. Many pull-up assist bands are backed by one-year warranties, so if anything goes wrong prematurely you might be able to get a replacement.
Are pull-up assist bands worth it?
Yes, pull-up assist bands are worth it. They're an excellent way to build the strength needed to work toward unassisted pull-ups (if that's your goal), and even the higher-end options from Rogue are fairly inexpensive compared to other strength training equipment.
How do I clean my pull-up assist bands?
It's best to hand wash your pull-up assist bands in a bucket of warm (not hot) water with mild dish detergent. Soak them for a few minutes and then use your hands to gently clean them. Dry them off with a cloth then hang them to finish drying completely.
You don't have to do this every time you use them, though—just when your bands have accumulated extra dirt and grime. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth in between deeper cleans.
About the Author
Lindsay is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor. She has written 15 books and numerous articles on fitness, wellness, and nutrition. Her work appears on Forbes.com, CNET.com, Healthline.com, Garagegymreviews.com, CNN.com, mindbodygreen,com, and LIVESTRONG.com, among others.
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