You can work wonders with a good arsenal of home gym equipment, and it doesn’t have to leave you bankrupt either. A pair of parallettes rank among the most effective bodyweight training equipment you can get your hands on, adding huge range and variability to your bodyweight and calisthenic workouts.
The perfect pair of parallettes for one person will be different to the next. You should choose your set based on what you plan to use them for. For exercises that require you to go deep and work negatively to the bar – like bodyweight dips – you’ll need a pair of high parallettes. Otherwise, a lower set of handles will suit you better if you plan to work closer to the ground – with raised push-ups or L-sits.
The best parallettes of 2024 at a glance:
• The best paralette bars for dips: Gravity Fitness Parallettes – View at Amazon
• The best adjustable parallette bars: CORENGTH Adjustable and Compact Design Dip Bars TS 100 – View at Decathlon
• The best non-slip parallettes: Myprotein Paralettes – Grey – View at Myprotein
It’s also important to take into account the material in which your parallettes are made from. Typical options include wood, steel, and plastic, all with distinct characteristics. Wood will generally be more comfortable, but it does take more looking after. Metal is far more durable but may be more susceptible to slipping on flat surfaces. Plastic falls somewhat in the middle but is less adept at withstanding large weights, so if you plan on adding plates to your dips, opt for a hardier material.
Another point of interest when purchasing a set of parallettes is how thick the bars are. If you don’t get a suitable bar width, you might find exercising with the bars far more uncomfortable than it should be. Smaller hands will struggle with thicker bars, while bigger hands will struggle with thinner ones.
The best paralletes of 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
The best parallette bars for dips
Get ready to level up your workouts with Gravity Fitness Parallettes. These bad boys are rock solid, easy on the hands, and perfect for busting out those killer callisthenics moves. They may take some getting used to for beginners, but they are excellent once you're familiar with them.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Quality material
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners
The best budget parallette bars for dips
Meet your new workout essentials: the YOLEO Adjustable Dip Bars! They're adjustable, and sturdy as a rock, making every dip and raise impactful. Total confidence in use will take some practice, but nothing that won't be worth it in the end.
Pros
- Very good value
- Robust build
Cons
- Use requires practice
The best hybrid parallettes
gravity.fitness
Check out these Hybrid Parallettes from Gravity Fitness. Tough, sturdy, and ready to elevate your workouts. Bring on the gains and be rid of limitations with these essential calisthenics companions. We just wish you could bolt them together for extra stability.
Pros
- Best of both worlds, wood grip, metal base
- Reliable manufacturer
- Totally multi-purpose
Cons
- The two grips cannot be bolted together
The best adjustable parallette bars
www.decathlon.co.uk
The TS 100 from CORENGTH boasts a compact design, robust build, and endless home workout opportunities. Just take extra care with assembly, as some parts can be quite delicate.
Pros
- Three adjustable positions
- Easily stored
- Robust kit
Cons
- Assembly parts can be delicate
The best mid-sized parallette bars
Add some flavour to your bodyweight workout game with these KingMile Parallettes Bars. These bad boys are built tough, look slick, and are all you need to dominate your callisthenics routine. They may be the most effective on carpet or rubber floors, especially if you don't want them to slip.
Pros
- Max user weight of 300kg
- Perfect mid-sized option
- Versatile
Cons
- Can slip on non-carpet floors
The best wooden parallettes
If you've been searching for the best wooden parallette bars, CALI SPORTS have entered the chat. These little wonders are not only sturdy but also look sleek in your home gym. They may be better suited to larger hands, so check the grip thickness before buying.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy
- Non-slip
- Solid value for money
Cons
- Handles might be too thick for smaller hands
The best budget wood parallettes
Holdfiturn's Wood Parallettes: Crafted for durability and performance, these bars are your key to unlocking advanced callisthenics moves. Did we mention that they're incredible value for money too? Just steer clear of using them on wooden surfaces as they are likely to slip.
Pros
- Some of the most affordable on the market
- Super lightweight
- Comes assembled
Cons
- They do slip on wooden floors
The best non-slip parallettes
www.myprotein.com
Unlock your callisthenics potential with these non-slip parallettes from MyProtein. Designed for stability and strength training, they're perfect for mastering bodyweight exercises and building functional strength.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Non-slip
- Comfortable grips
Cons
- Not the conventional wood or metal frame
The best tall parallette bars
www.argos.co.uk
These Tall Parallette Bars from Pro Fitness can vastly improve your workout routine. Made with stability and comfort in mind, they're perfect for callisthenics, helping you build strength and improve flexibility.
Pros
- Versatile bar
- Easily gripped
- Stylish design
Cons
- Made of plastic, questionable integrity in the long run
FAQs
What are parallettes?
Parallettes are typically a pair of bars or grips which an individual uses to perform bodyweight exercises. Parallette bars are used for strength exercises, callisthenics, and even gymnastics. A set of good parallettes can be an extremely versatile kit and make a fine addition to anyone’s home gym setup.
How to use parallettes
How parallettes are used depends entirely on the person and their goals. A gymnast would use parallettes to master their balance and stability through exercises like planches and handstands, while a bodybuilder might use parallettes for dips and push-ups. If used correctly, a pair of parallettes can be as versatile as a multi-functional push-up board.
Are parallettes worth it?
Yes, parallettes are a great investment for anyone who wants to perform bodyweight exercises either in the comfort of their own home, or on the move. There’s a vast catalogue of movements and exercises where a set of parallettes are the key, whether that be for gymnastics training, strength training, or a mix of both.
If you're interested in finding more bodyweight training equipment to light up your home gym, check out some of the best pull up bars too.
Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.