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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. The game is popping up everywhere.
And, with the average age of players dropping consistently and the level of competition continuing to improve, there’s never been a better time to get started.
But what if you don’t have a hitting partner? Or maybe joining a pickup game is too intimidating for you?
What if you’re already an experienced player but need to hone your backhand or dink?
Then a pickleball machine might be just what you need. A pickleball machine feeds you ball after ball – so you can practice and improve your game.
In this article, we'll look at the eight best pickleball ball machines on the market today and break down their pros and cons..
We'll also answer some commonly asked questions and give you the tools you need to pick the best machine for you.
The best pickleball machines in 2023
Set it to spin, and let's dive in!
1. Pickleball Tutor Plus
Best Overall Pickleball Machine
The Tutor Plus is a staple when it comes to pickleball ball machines. It has a capacity of 110 balls and can fire them with topspin or backspin at a rate higher than most of its competitors. What’s more, it’s well-suited to both indoor and outdoor play.
The delay timer, random oscillation function, and rechargeable battery make it an easy choice at the top of the list. There are other machines (as you’ll see below) that can do individual things a bit better. But there’s no comparison in terms of overall effectiveness.
If you want to be sure that you have one of the strongest performing machines on the market, the Tutor Plus is the safest bet around.
Price Point: $$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: Yes, 2-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Top & under
- Ball Capacity: 110
- Max Speed: 65 mph
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 34 lbs (battery model) / 27 lbs (AC model)
- Dimensions: 20”H x 22”L x 14”W
- Warranty: 3 years (battery 1 year)
Pros:
- Can train various shots
- Wheels
- Multiple oscillation settings
- Electronic elevation
Cons:
- Lower ball capacity
- Heavier than some machines
2. Pickleball Tutor Spin
Best Pickleball Machine - Runner-Up
The sister machine to the Tutor Plus, the Tutor Spin is just as reliable and has only a handful of differences.
The first, suggested by its name, is the type of spin that this machine can supply. The Tutor Spin offers both right and left spin, while still providing nearly all the same benefits as our top choice.
It’s also smaller and lighter than the Tutor Plus, though there are a handful of disadvantages, including the maximum speed. The Spin can only fire balls up to 60 mph, which means if you’re looking for the fastest product on the market, this isn’t it.
Still, in almost every category it can hold its own against most competitors. That’s why the Pickleball Tutor Spin is an excellent option and one that may end up being the best for your specific needs.
Price Point: $$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: Yes, 2-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Left & right
- Ball Capacity: 120
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 30 lbs (battery model) / 23 lbs (AC model)
- Dimensions: 12”H x 19.5”L x 18”W
- Warranty: 3 years (battery 1 year)
Pros:
- Uncommon spins
- Wheels
- Multiple oscillation settings
- Electronic elevation
Cons:
- Lower maximum speed
3. Lobster Pickle Ball Machine
Best Pickleball Machine for Beginners
New to the game?
If you’re just starting and aren’t sure what kind of investment you want to make, our top two machines may seem a bit expensive. That’s where the Lobster Sports comes in! It’s a reliable option at a much lower cost.
There are some limitations to this machine, and it doesn’t stand up quite as well against some of the newer models. But there is no reason to doubt its ability to help beginners get the most out of their practice.
The biggest selling point? How about a hopper that holds 135 balls? This means you can train for even longer sessions without having to reload. It comes with a trickle charger (for overcharging protection) or you can upgrade it to a 3-AMP charger to keep it fully juiced in just 3-6 hours.
Price Point: $
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery
- Remote: Yes, 2-function
- Oscillation: Random
- Spin: Top & under Ball
- Capacity: 135
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Battery Life: 2-4 hours
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Dimensions: 26”H x 16”L x 22”W
- Warranty: 2 years (battery 6 months)
Pros:
- Large ball capacity
- Extremely portable
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- No electronic elevation
- Shorter warranty
- No 2-line oscillation
4. Lobster Pickle Two
Best Pickleball Machine for Intermediate Players
Those limitations with the original Lobster? They’re (mostly) gone for the Pickle Two, which adds 2-line oscillation and electronic elevation. The newer model also includes a better battery and maintains the large 135-ball hopper.
There are also some added optional features, including an external battery pack that you can remove from the machine for easier charging, and remote control that pairs with your Apple devices.
It comes at a much higher price point though–and can get even higher than the Tutors if you add on some of the optional components. If you are going to pass on one of our two top picks but still want something better than an entry-level pickleball machine, the Pickle Two might be the perfect answer.
Price Point: $$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery (internal and external options)
- Remote: Yes, 2-function or 5-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Top & under
- Ball Capacity: 135
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Battery Life: 6-8 hours
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Dimensions: 26”H x 16”L x 22”W
- Warranty: 2 years (battery 6 months)
Pros:
- Large ball capacity
- Extremely portable
- Extended battery life
- Multiple oscillation settings
- Electronic elevation
Cons:
- Shorter warranty
- Can be expensive depending on the accessories
5. Spinshot-Player
Best Pickleball Machine for Advanced Players
If you’re a tennis player switching to pickleball and want to take it seriously, you know the name Spinshot is going to provide quality. Known for their tennis ball machines, they have a strong following in both the UK and the USA and have been in the business for more than two decades.
The pickleball version of the best-selling tennis ball machine is one of the most reliable products on the market. And it can be the perfect option for advanced players looking to take their game to the next level.
With 12 pre-programmed drills, controlled by the pad on the side of the machine or your smartphone, there’s no shot this behemoth can’t replicate.
The downside is that with such power – the Spinshot can fire balls up to 68 mph – the battery life isn’t as good as some of its competitors. Also, the price point is high as you’d expect. So If you aren’t going to play regularly, this likely isn’t the machine to pick.
Price Point: $$$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery (internal and external options) or AC
- Remote: Yes, multi-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Top, under, left, right
- Ball Capacity: 120
- Max Speed: 68 mph
- Battery Life: 2-3 hours
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Dimensions: 20”H x 18”L x 12”W
- Warranty: 2 years (battery 6 months)
Pros:
- Most diverse settings
- Programmable drills
- Can train all shots
- Fast maximum speed
Cons:
- Shorter warranty
- Shorter battery life
- Higher price point
6. Tutor Plus Ultra
Best Pickleball Machine for Speed
The next three options are all out of the same family of machines from Sports Tutor. These pickleball machines include a handful of unique features that set them apart for these specific categories.
For speed, choose Tutor Plus Ultra. The machine keeps the maximum speed of 65 mph but has a few benefits over the standard model.
The biggest of those features is the addition of six pre-programmed drills. This will have you sweating in no time as you return pickleballs at a very fast pace. It also includes all the optional features of the original model and multiple remote options, including one that connects to your smartphone.
The Tutor Plus was already the best pick on the market, and the Ultra only improves on it. Unfortunately, improvements always come at a cost. And, it’ll require a few more dollars for the upgraded model.
Price Point: $$$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: Yes, multi-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Top & under
- Ball Capacity: 110
- Max Speed: 65 mph
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Dimensions: 20”H x 22”L x 14”W
- Warranty: 3 years (battery 1 year)
Pros:
- High-speed
- Pre-programmed drills
- Multiple oscillation settings
- Electronic elevation
Cons:
- Lower ball capacity
- Higher price point
7. Tutor Spin Ultra
Best Pickleball Machine for Spin
You guessed it right! If the Tutor Plus Ultra is best for speed, the Tutor Spin Ultra is best for spin. Similar improvements have been made to our runner-up, giving it those six pre-programmed drills and several remote options.
Once again, those optional features from the standard model have been included, making this machine capable of helping even the most advanced players.
Price Point: $$$
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: Yes, multi-function
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Left & right
- Ball Capacity: 120
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Battery Life: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Dimensions: 12”H x 19.5”L x 18”W
- Warranty: 3 years (battery 1 year)
Pros:
- Pre-programmed drills
- Uncommon spins
- Electronic elevation
- Multiple oscillation settings
Cons:
- Lower maximum speed
- Higher price point
8. Tutor Mini
Best Pickleball Machine on a Budget
Want an inexpensive option that comes with all the security and reliability of the leading brand? How about a tiny package you can bring with you anywhere you need it?
The 24-lbs Pickleball Tutor Mini is the perfect option for players who want to move their machines around regularly.
It provides some of the same functionality as its bigger brothers and sisters but comes at a much lower price. This is a great option if you’re just getting into pickleball and can’t justify spending thousands of dollars on a training aid. If you’re on a budget and aren’t quite yet an advanced player, this might just be the option for you.
Still, there are quite a few drawbacks, such as a smaller hopper and a lack of spin. Even the oscillation options are limited, and the maximum speed is reduced. For experienced players, there may be enough limitations to cross it off the list.
Price Point: $
Specifications:
- Power: Source Battery
- Remote: No
- Oscillation: Random
- Spin: None
- Ball Capacity: 60
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Battery Life: 2-3 hours
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Dimensions: 15”H x 12”L x 13”W
- Warranty: 3 years (battery 1 year)
Pros:
- Small, lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Portable
Cons:
- Lower maximum speed
- Lower ball capacity
- No remote
- No electronic elevation
- Limited oscillation options
How to Choose The Best Practice Machines for Pickleball
Even after seeing the best pickleball throwing machines on the market, you still might be thinking "how do I choose which is the best for me?"
Let's take a closer look at every key feature of a pickleball machine and how to know which option fits your needs.
Spin
Spin is the rotation a ball has after it’s hit. Almost every shot has some spin on it. And advanced players can use spin strategically to keep their opponents on the defensive.
As you improve your game, you need to learn how to read the spin on the ball. And having a pickleball machine that can throw with a topspin, backspin, or sidespin can help you assess and respond accordingly.
Speed
All machines have speed control, but some are more adjustable than others. Regardless of your skill level, you may want something that offers a range of speeds so you can practice different strokes.
At the advanced level, pickleball becomes a very fast-paced game. And, having a pickleball ball machine with a high speed range can be a great way to train for that style of game play.
Oscillation
Oscillation is how the ball is delivered to you. Oscillating moves the feeder back and forth across the front of the machine. But there’s a clear difference between random and 2-line.
Random oscillation will fire out balls no matter where it is currently pointed, giving you an unexpected exit trajectory. This can help test your reaction skills, but can also sometimes be frustrating if you’re trying to work on a specific shot.
Meanwhile, 2-line oscillation means alternating between two specific launch angles, giving you the chance to fine-tune your training regimen.
Remote Control
You probably don’t want to walk over to the other side of the court every time you need to change a setting. So remotes are important to think about. Many advanced players love the ability to switch things up with their smartphone or watch, saving them time that is better used practicing.
Drills
The best pickleball ball machines come with a variety of drills pre-programmed in. Whether you want to focus on your dinks, groundstrokes, volleys, or lobs, this can save you a lot of time figuring out how to set up your practice routine. You even get some inspiration on how to improve your game. Not all machines allow the drills to be customized though. So make sure if you are going to be tweaking, you get the right product.
Ball Capacity
This is mostly a “more is better” category, though if you are traveling often with your pickleball machine sometimes that can be counterproductive. Make sure you consider how you’ll most often be using it before weighing the different capacities.
Portability and Weight
Similarly, the weight and portability of a machine are important to think about if you’re going to be moving it around a lot. The Tutor Mini, for instance, may be small and light but also doesn’t include wheels.
Quality of Materials
As with any piece of equipment, you'll want to consider how durable the machine is. It's important to find something that will last, especially if you plan on using it frequently or will be transporting it between venues. Ideally, you’d want something that’s made with heavy-duty materials to withstand any OnCourt Offcourt use.
Power
Power supply is an important consideration. Will you be doing pickleball practice at home or indoors? An AC-powered unit may be a reasonable option.
If it’s for outdoor use though, a strong battery pack will be required. It’s not just battery length you have to think about though.
Does the entire machine need to be plugged in to charge, or is it an external pack that can be taken inside? Does it come with multiple packs that can help to lengthen the battery life?
Warranty
Too often, customers overlook things like warranties when making a serious purchase. Pickleball ball machines are expensive enough that this shouldn’t be one of those situations. Warranty is an important part of any decision and a big reason why the Tutor family rates so highly across the board.
The three-year (machine)/one-year (battery) warranty that covers every Tutor machine listed here (including their kid-friendly Multi-twist machine) is longer than virtually any other option on the market today. Make sure when you are buying a pickleball machine that it has a warranty of at least two years, especially if you plan on using it regularly.
Price
It always comes down to price in the end. Paying more or less than you need can make an otherwise perfectly reasonable machine seem like a huge mistake. Make sure you know exactly what you can afford. And don’t overextend just because you want the most expensive product on the market.
What accessories will I need for my ball machine?
Outside of a paddle and enough balls to fill the hopper, there aren’t a ton of necessary accessories for a pickleball machine. You’re probably going to want a ball collector of some sort, whether it is a rolling Kollectaball or a standard pickup tube, and a container to keep them in.
A weatherproof cover is also always a good bet, even if you’re going to be storing the machine indoors. Given the investment you are making, you should protect it when not in use.
Bottom Line
Pickleball ball machines are the perfect training tool for all levels of players. They offer consistent ball speed, trajectory, and spin so that you can improve your skills no matter where you are.
There are many different machines to choose from. But the eight we’ve listed are some of the best ones on the market. They all have different features that make them unique. So be sure to compare several before checkout.
Hopefully, we’ve helped make it a little easier, so you can start practicing and perfect that cross-court dink.
