Let’s face it – pull-ups are really freaking hard for the majority of people. According to a study done by the Human Performance Laboratory1, “Many individuals struggle with being able to complete one repetition (rep) as well as increasing the maximum number of reps they are able to complete.”
This is where the best pull-up assist bands come in. If you have the tools to allow you to both support and challenge yourself appropriately, you’ll be able to accurately monitor progress towards your goals—whatever they may be. Pull-up assist bands can allow the user to grow the upper body muscles associated with completing unassisted pull-ups in an achievable way.
Over 100 Resistance Bands Tested
Among our team of expert product reviewers and testers, there are certified personal trainers, CrossFit L-1 trainers, health coaches, and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach. When we say we know fitness, we really mean it. Heck, we live it every single day. I’ve tested well over 100 resistance bands on the quest to find you the best pull-up assistance bands you can buy. Let’s dive right in.
7 Best Pull-up Assist Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Band Bundle: Fringe Sport Latex-Free Strength Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Athletes: Gymreapers Military Resistance Band Set
- Best Heavy-Duty Pull-Up Assist Bands: Rogue Monster Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Travel: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands
- Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Beginners: SYNTECSO 220-440Lbs Pull-up Assistance Bands
- Best Pull-up Assistance Bands for Full Body Workout: WODFitters Pull-Up Assistance Band Set
Best Pull-Up Assist Band Bundle: Fringe Sport Latex-Free Strength Bands
Good for: Someone who wants an entire set of pull-up assist bands with various resistance levels
Best Pull-up Assist Band Bundle
Fringe Sports Latex-Free Strength Bands
Product Highlights
- No latex
- Made from medical-grade rubber
- 6 different resistance levels
- Purchased individually or in sets
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made from latex-free, medical-grade rubber
- Six resistance levels for fine-tuning workouts
- Available to purchase a single bands or in various sets
- One year warranty and free shipping
- Fringe’s website offers movement recommendations for each band
Cons
- Expensive, but could be worth it if they are used frequently
- No carrying case provided
Bottom Line
Although fairly expensive, these resistance bands are durable. Also, they are latex-free, making them a great option for those with latex allergies and/or sensitivities.
Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Athletes: Gymreapers Military Resistance Bands
Good for: Athletes who want assistance with pull-ups with a variety of resistance options
Best Pull-up Assist Bands for Athletes
Gymreapers Military Resistance Band Set
Product Highlights
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Durable resistance bands
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Color-coded and labeled
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5 resistance levels
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable
- Color-coded for resistance
- 5 resistance levels
Cons
- Only available as a set
- No carrying case provided
Bottom Line
Gymreapers resistance bands are durable, color-coded, and provide five resistance levels for users to choose from.
Best Heavy-Duty Pull-Up Assist Bands: Rogue Monster Bands
Good for: Someone who needs durable bands that will stand the test of time
Best Heavy-Duty Pull-up Assist Bands
Rogue Monster Bands
Product Highlights
- High-quality natural latex rubber
- Versatile use for any workout
- Color coded resistance/tension
- Compact and easily stored or transported
- Available in a wide range of tensions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality natural latex rubber
- Band tension from 15-200 lbs
- Bands can be used alone or with a barbell
- Less prone to splitting and breaking than cheaper latex
Cons
- Pricey due to natural latex rubber
- Not meant for anyone allergic to latex
Bottom Line
The Rogue Monster Bands are, by and large, the best value resistance bands on the market. They use high quality natural latex, offer a variety of resistance levels, and have free shipping when you buy three at a time. If you're using these as stand-alone or with a barbell, these are what we suggest, although we do recommend checking pricing on EliteFTS before a purchase as they sometimes have sales that win out on price.
Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Travel: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands
Good for: Individuals who travel a lot but still want equipment to help them work on their pull-ups
Best Pull-up Assist Bands for Travel
Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands
Product Highlights
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Durable
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Four resistance levels
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Labeled and color-coded
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Easy to transport
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4 resistance levels
- Color-coded, labeled bands
- Extended warranty available
Cons
- The heaviest band only provides 80 lbs of resistance
- No carrying case
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands include four different color-coded, clearly labeled bands. There’s no carrying case, but the bands are very durable and portable.
Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for Beginners: SYNTECSO 220-440Lbs Pull-Up Assistance Bands
Good for: Beginners or heavy people who need help with pull-ups and want a secure option to support them
Best Pull-up Assist Bands for Beginners
SYNTECSO Pull-Up Assistance Bands
Product Highlights
- 6 heavy-duty elastic straps able to support users up to 220 pounds.
- Up to 440 lbs of resistance
- Can be quickly attached and detached
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Portable
- Heavy-duty
- Up to 440 pounds of resistance
- Multi-functional
- Adjustable length
Cons
- Some users found them to be cumbersome
- Surface to place knees or feet is hard and uncomfortable to some
Bottom Line
One of the more heavy-duty adjustable resistance bands on the market, the SYNTECSO Pull-Up Assistance Bands may be a good choice for anyone needing more assistance/resistance.
Best Pull-Up Assistance Bands for Full Body Workout: WODFitters Pull-Up Assistance Bands
Good for: A fitness enthusiast who wants a versatile set of bands to use for a variety of exercises
Best Pull-up Assistance Bands for Full Body Workout
WODFitters Pull Up Assistance Bands
Product Highlights
- Perfect for learning pull-ups, chin-ups, ring dips, and muscle-ups
- 4 or 5 bands per set
- Color-coded
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes in a set of 4 or 5 bands
- Color-coded for easy identification
- Lifetime warranty
- Versatile and useful for a variety of exercises
Cons
- Not made in the USA
- Bands are not labeled with resistance
- Cost could be expensive for some people
Bottom Line
The WODFitters resistance bands add that extra bit of resistance to your workout that not only forces your body to perform better but ultimately provides lasting results.
Other Pull-Up Assist Bands We Tried and Researched
There are dozens upon dozens of pull-up assist bands to choose from. Here are a few others we tried or researched that didn’t quite make our best resistance bands list:
AmazonBasics Resistance and Pull-up Bands: These bands are a super budget option for those who want to spend very little cash. With such an inexpensive product, there are bound to be tradeoffs, and the durability of the AmazonBasics bands is questionable based on customer reviews.
REP Pull-Up Bands: At an average price point, the REP Pull-Up Bands are a pretty decent option. However, they are made of latex, which is worth noting if you are allergic.
Rubberbanditz Combo Band Set: With a lifetime warranty, the Rubberbanditz Combo Band Set may be a good option if you’re willing to fork over $120 for a set.
How We Picked and Tested the Pull-Up Assist Bands
I’ll be perfectly honest with you—a lot of pull-up assist bands on the market will get the job done. However, some will function better than others, especially depending on specific considerations you may want or need to take into account. Here are the top things our expert product testers looked at when using these pull-up assist bands:
- Durability: Is there a warranty? How well will this hold up over time? Do we see signs of wear quickly?
- Price: How expensive is a single band versus a set? Is the price comparable to others on the market?
- Optionality: Can these be used for more than just pull-ups? What else can they be used for? Will they work for the majority of people?
- Materials used: Is latex the main material used? Do the bands smell strongly due to the material used?
- Overall value: Does the price match up with the product the customer will receive? Are these a good deal?
Benefits of Pull-Up Assist Bands
Not sure why you should purchase pull-up assist bands? Don’t just take it from me—take it from a certified personal trainer:
“Pull-up assist bands are a great tool for beginners to learn how to do pull-ups, and for intermediate exercises to improve their pulling strength,” Amanda Capritto, GGR senior writer and certified personal trainer, explains. “These looped resistance bands allow people to move through the full range of motion with control and develop proper pull-up technique, as opposed to the common mistakes often seen in beginners: flailing, poor attempts at kipping, protracted (rounded) shoulder blades, and kicking the legs.”
Consider them training wheels for pull-ups that still serve a purpose even after you master the move. Pull-up assist bands are also great for people rehabbing an injury who don’t want to put excess strain on a muscle group.
How to Choose the Best Pull-Up Assist Bands for You
With so many different options on the market for pull-up assist bands, it can be confusing and frustrating to try and make a decision on your own. Here are the main things you should consider before choosing a set or singular band to add to your home gym repertoire:
Fitness Level
Be realistic with yourself—are you able to crank out 12 unassisted pull-ups before your body gives out, or do you struggle to do one? If the former is true, all you probably need is a band or bands with low resistance. Consider checking out a light to medium resistance set to get a customizable experience. For those who struggle with completing one pull-up properly (no shame at all), consider picking up heavier resistance bands closer to 100 pounds.
Material
For those who have a latex allergy, you’ll obviously want to avoid the majority of resistance bands as they are constructed out of pesky rubber. However, plenty of companies like Fringe Sport and TheraBand have thoughtfully made options that are latex-free, so be sure to look out for these specific bands.
Price
Generally speaking, resistance bands are not cost-prohibitive, like say a Rogue Power Rack might be. However, if you’re only looking to spend something like $20, your options may be limited. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer on quality—plenty of high-caliber bands are offered for sale as singles, which can make them more affordable than purchasing a set of five.
Body-Weight
If you’ve never attempted a pull-up before or have little upper-body strength, the general rule of thumb for the appropriate resistance would be 10 pounds under your body weight. This essentially means all you’re pulling is 10 pounds, because the band is compensating for the rest. Obviously, this is just a good place to start, and some may need more or less help as a beginner. Consider your bodyweight and adjust the resistance needed accordingly.
Portability
If you’re a big-time traveler, finding high-quality resistance bands that are portable or easy to travel with is a must. Some sets even come with a handy carry bag for easier stowability. Generally, most resistance bands should be unproblematic to travel with, unless you’re attempting to bring a Gorilla Bow on an American Airlines flight (spoiler, that won’t work out well as the thing looks like a bow and arrow).
Durability
If you’ve ever watched America’s Funniest Home Videos or any viral video that has a resistance band in it, you know this type of equipment can sometimes snap and result in a very painful ending, and in some cases, cause serious injuries. Make sure you purchase a pull-up assist band that’s more of high-quality virgin rubber or similar material that can withstand prolonged use.
Pull-Up Assist Bands vs. Loop Resistance Bands
You might be asking yourself, “What the heck is the difference between loop and pull-up bands?” I’m glad you asked!
Pull-up assist bands are generally much longer than loop bands and offer quite a bit more resistance. If you’re looking for resistance bands that will help you activate your glutes, allow you to stretch a little deeper, and add some yoga into your routine, you might like loop bands better.
However, if you want a durable band that will allow you to rep out some pull-ups or to add additional challenge to your barbell deadlift, pull assist bands are your best option.
Still wondering what some of our top choices for loop resistance bands are? Check them out below:
Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Bands: With a strong 1-year warranty, the Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Bands are impressively durable. Plus, with included free shipping, it’s hard to go wrong.

Gritin Resistance Bands: Looking for a budget option? The Gritin Resistance Bands are under $10 on Amazon and are each labeled with the specific resistance amount.
Pull-Up Assist Bands FAQs
Do pull-up assist bands actually help?
Yes, pull-up assist bands can be a great tool to help people get stronger while adding some (you guessed it) assistance.
What pull-up assist band should I get?
This all depends on where you’re at with your unassisted pull-ups. If you can do one unassisted, you can likely go for a lighter resistance band, because you need less support. If you’re nowhere near getting a pull-up on your own (no shame at all) picking a heavy-duty band is your best bet. To pick the best pull-up bands, you’ll need to accurately assess your own strength.
Are banded pull-ups good?
Yes! Doing banded pull-ups is a great way to work on your strength as you make headway towards performing unassisted pull-ups. You’ll likely also see improvements in your strength training regime, since you’ll be getting stronger overall.
Do the different colors in a resistance band set mean anything?
Yes, they generally indicate a variety of resistance levels. For example, the black band might be the strongest in a set or the weakest. There is no universal code to know what each color means, unless you either look online or the company has properly labeled the rubber band.
What’s the difference between a chin-up and a pull-up?
Both appear on the surface to be similar motions, but involve a different grip, which in turn, targets different muscles.
“Chin-ups and pull-ups both engage many muscle groups throughout the body, including the back muscles, deltoids, biceps, triceps, pectorals, and core. While the primary movers are the same in both exercises, due to the difference in grip — specifically pronation (pull-ups) and supination (chin-ups) — the supporting muscles differ slightly,” explains CPT Amanda Capritto. “During chin-ups, your biceps, pecs, and anterior deltoids support the movement pattern, but during pull-ups, your latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and posterior deltoids support the movement pattern.”
Both can usually be included in resistance training home workouts, provided you have a pull-up bar and complete a good warm-up first.
How do I know which band I should use for assisted pull-ups?
If you’re someone who’s good at unassisted pull-ups, go for a lighter pull-up assist band that’s made with high-quality materials. If you’re a pull-up novice, go for a heavier-duty band.
References
- Hewit, J. K., Jaffe, D. A., & Crowder, T. (2018, November 2). A comparison of muscle activation during the pull-up and … Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine, & Treatment in Sports. https://juniperpublishers.com/jpfmts/pdf/JPFMTS.MS.ID.555669.pdf



