Best cheap pickleball paddles (2025)

Buy if:

• You want a premium budget paddle:

  this is made with way more advanced tech than most $60 paddles.

• You want a paddle from a top brand:

  JOOLA is one of the best-known paddle makers, working with top pros like Ben Johns.

• You want an all-court beginner paddle:

  control, spin, and power are closely matched here.

Pass if:

• You want a lightweight paddle:

  at 8.2 oz this is on the heavier side, so consider the 7-oz GoSports GS1.

• You want a paddle set:

  the SLK Neo 2.0 bundle comes with two great paddles, four Selkirk balls, and a nice carry bag.

• You want two paddles:

  the Friday Original 2-for-$99 paddle deal is the best deal for beginners.

Buy if:

• You want the most advanced cheap paddle:

  this is built like a more premium paddle, with carbon fiber and foam-injected walls.

• You want to try power and spin:

  the Friday starts you off with a taste for the power and spin that are so important in today's game.

• You're shopping for a pickleball gift:

  the 2-for-$99 offer is not only a great price, it makes for the perfect present for new pickleball players.

Pass if:

• You want a paddle with more forgiveness:

  this is an elongated paddle with a narrower sweet spot, so try the widebody SLK NEO 2.0 for great forgiveness.

• You want a full paddle set:

  again, check out the SLK Neo 2.0 bundle which includes high-quality balls and a bag.

• You want a super-low-cost paddle:

  the GoSports GS1 is by far the best $25 paddle I've ever seen.

Buy if:

• You've got someone to play with:

  with two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag, you and your partner can hit the courts right away.

• You want a top-quality set from a big brand:

  Selkirk has a strong reputation for advanced tech and high performance and they deliver here – this is a step above other budget paddle sets.

• You want a great beginner paddle:

  the NEO 2.0 is a top paddle for beginners, with one of the largest and most forgiving sweet spots.

Pass if:

• You don't need a set:

  try the JOOLA Essentials or Friday Original for other great-quality paddles.

• You want more spin and power:

  the SLK set leans more toward control and forgiveness, so try the Friday Original.

• You want a kids paddle:

  the Oneshot Juniorshot is a great paddle for youth players.

Buy if:

• You want a real bargain:

  for just over $25, you get a beginner paddle that actually performs on the courts.

• You want a fast paddle:

  the lightweight GoSports GS1 flies through the air, weighing just 7 oz.

• You'd like a forgiving control paddle:

  mishits are rare thanks to this paddle's widebody face and generous sweet spot.

Pass if:

• You're able to spend more:

  if you have a $50-60 budget, I'd recommend the JOOLA Essentials and Friday Original for a big boost in durability and performance.

• You prefer heavier paddles:

  this is super light at 7 oz so try the JOOLA Essentials (8.2 oz) or Friday Original (8.3 oz) for heftier paddles.

• You're looking for a youth paddle:

  I highly recommend the Oneshot Juniorshot Series for young players.

Buy if:

• You want a paddle designed specifically for kids:

  this has a short handle for short hands, a low weight, and cool kid-friendly designs.

• You don't want to spend a ton of money:

  at $40-45, this paddle is a great value for its performance.

• You're shopping for any age under 12:

  the Juniorshot comes in two sizes: toddler (under 8s) and kids (under 12s).

Pass if:

• You want a paddle for a teen:

  players over the age of 12 are usually ready for a full-size beginner paddle.

• You want a paddle set:

  the SLK NEO 2.0 comes with two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag.

• You want a pair of adult-size paddles:

  Friday has an excellent two-paddle deal on their Original model.