Checklist · 11 picks · 4 categories
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Tennis is having a moment, and getting on court costs less than you'd think. As a beginner you want a forgiving racket with a big sweet spot, not the stiff pro frame your favorite player swings; BestReviews picked rackets that go easy on off-center hits.
Grab a can or two of balls, because dead balls make everyone look bad. Court shoes matter more than they seem: they're built for side-to-side moves, and RunRepeat lab-tests and cuts open tennis shoes to see how they grip, cushion and wear. A bag is the nice-to-have that keeps your racket, balls, phone and water in one place. The rackets, balls and bags come from BestReviews, and the shoes from RunRepeat. Each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you're picking up a paddle instead of a racket; the Pickleball list has paddles, balls and court shoes.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Recreational Racket | budget | $25-50 | your first season of rallies | 1 outlet |
| Head Ti.S6 | splurge | $50-100 | a light racket you won't outgrow fast | 1 outlet |
| Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Tennis Racket | mid | $25-50 | long, chill hitting sessions | 1 outlet |
Best tennis racketbudget pick · Adult
Best for your first season of rallies
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis racket, and its pick for beginners: a wide head gives a bigger sweet spot.
Heads up. The grip can be harder to hold when wet
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis racket.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Adult
Best for a light racket you won't outgrow fast
BestReviews' best of the best tennis racket: a light titanium and graphite frame that's well balanced and good for beginners.
Heads up. Expert players may feel it holds them back
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best tennis racket.
$50-100
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mid pick · Adult
Best for long, chill hitting sessions
A BestReviews top pick tennis racket: it comes pre-strung with power strings and has a really comfortable grip for long sessions.
Heads up. Somewhat heavy compared to other options
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick tennis racket.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Championship Tennis Balls | budget | under $15 | hard-court hitting | 1 outlet |
| Wilson U.S. Open Extra Duty Tennis Ball | mid | under $15 | matches with friends | 1 outlet |
| KEVENZ Green Advanced Training Tennis Balls | mid | $15-25 | wall drills and serve practice | 1 outlet |
Best tennis ballsbudget pick · Can
Best for hard-court hitting
BestReviews' best of the best tennis balls: extra-duty felt holds up on hard courts, and they're approved for competitive play.
Heads up. Can pick up debris easily
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best tennis balls.
under $15
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mid pick · Can of 3
Best for matches with friends
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis balls: the official ball of the U.S. Open, known for responsiveness and good bounce.
Heads up. Durability and quick loss of pressure can be issues, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis balls.
under $15
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mid pick · 12-pack
Best for wall drills and serve practice
A BestReviews top pick for tennis balls: a 12-pack of real-rubber balls for practice and casual play.
Heads up. Not as bouncy as bigger brands, and fairly soft
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick tennis balls.
$15-25
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-Swiss Ultrashot Light | budget | $50-100 | beginner and rec players | 1 outlet |
| adidas Gamecourt 2.0 | mid | $50-100 | hard courts that chew through soles | 1 outlet |
| K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 | splurge | $100-150 | wide feet and sore knees | 1 outlet |
Best court shoesbudget pick · Pick by size
Best for beginner and rec players
RunRepeat's best cheap tennis shoes overall: one of the lightest tennis shoes it has reviewed, with sticky traction even on wet courts.
Heads up. Borderline narrow toebox and limited lateral support
1 outlet. RunRepeat best cheap tennis shoes overall.
$50-100
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mid pick · Pick by size
Best for hard courts that chew through soles
RunRepeat's cheap tennis shoe with the best durability: a wide, stable base with excellent grip on hard courts.
Heads up. Very little forefoot cushioning
1 outlet. RunRepeat cheap tennis shoes with the best durability.
$50-100
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splurge pick · Pick by size
Best for wide feet and sore knees
RunRepeat's cheap tennis shoe with the best shock absorption: soft, well-balanced cushioning on a wide, stable platform.
Heads up. Lacks breathability, and not for narrow feet
1 outlet. RunRepeat cheap tennis shoes with the best shock absorption.
$100-150
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Best racket bagbudget pick · 3 racquets
Best for racket, balls, phone, keys
A BestReviews top pick tennis racquet bag: two outside pockets, one felt-lined for sunglasses and your phone.
Heads up. May really only fit two racquets, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick tennis racquet bag.
$25-50
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mid pick · Up to 6 racquets
Best for carrying gear for you and a friend
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tennis racquet bag: holds up to six rackets plus gear, and it's light.
Heads up. Thin material doesn't protect rackets as well
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck tennis racquet bag.
$50-100
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
A racket, a can of balls and court shoes are the essentials. A practice pack of balls and a racket bag are nice to have. Playing pickleball instead? Our Pickleball list has paddles and balls.
BestReviews names the Wilson Recreational Racket its best bang for the buck and its pick for beginners, thanks to a wide head and a forgiving feel. Its best of the best, the Head Ti.S6, is light and well balanced, though expert players may feel it holds them back.
Court shoes are a better bet. Running shoes are built for forward motion, while tennis shoes support quick side-to-side steps. RunRepeat's best cheap tennis shoe overall, the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light, is one of the lightest it has reviewed.