Best quiet pickleball paddles in 2025

Buy if:

• You want a paddle that's truly quiet:

  there's a reason this one is on the USAP Quiet Approved List – the sound dampening is highly effective, ideal for noise-restricted communities.

• You don't want to lose power:

  this is a quiet paddle with explosive power – not quite in Gearbox and Diadem Hush territory, but plenty for aggressive play.

• You want a good balance of control and softness:

  despite the pop, I can still drop, dink, and reset with confidence. The paddle has enough touch to shape shots without feeling mushy.

Pass if:

• You need a larger sweet spot:

  miss the center here and you'll feel it – both in reduced power and less consistent control. Take a look at the budget-friendly Stafford OverSpin.

• You want a paddle that generates more spin:

  spin is decent but I scored it lowest on the list at 8/10.

• You like to hit two-handed shots:

  the grip length is noticeably short so if you have larger hands, or you hit two-handed backhands, you may find it limiting.

Buy if:

• You put control over power:

  don't get this for power – control is the standout feature here.

• You put a lot of spin on your shots:

  the patented Acoustene™ graphene surface grips the ball really well to help you generate great spin.

• You want to save money compared to the premium brands:

  at $169, this costs $30 less than the Whisper and is much cheaper than the $250+ Gearbox and Selkirk paddles.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle:

  the Whisper, Gearbox, and Diadem are all great options with a lot more power.

• You want to step up to a more premium paddle:

  the Selkirk LUXX is like a high-end version of this paddle, with great control too. It's not as quiet as the quiet-engineered OWL, though.

• You like a comfy base grip:

  I'm not a fan of the rectangular grip shape here – it feels flat in my hand and never quite clicked for me.

Buy if:

• You want top-tier spin:

  the spin is elite, thanks to the super aggressive spray-on grit. That said, it might wear off pretty quickly.

• You want the most forgiving quiet paddle:

  the OverSpin has the biggest sweet spot on this list for the best forgiveness (it also has a great balance of power and control).

• You want an affordable quiet paddle:

  this is the cheapest paddle on the list at $149.

Pass if:

• You want a pure power paddle:

  the Diadem and Gearbox come with explosive power.

• You want a pure control paddle:

  the OverSpin is well balanced between power and control – if you want a purer control paddle, try the Selkirk LUXX, followed by the OWL PXE.

• You're worried about the spray-on grit:

  other paddles like the Gearbox and Selkirk have a textured grit that will last longer.

Buy if:

• You want insane, stealthy power:

  the well-named Hush is a sneaky paddle – easily one of the hardest-hitting but deadly silent. Shots fly under the radar, launching off the face with pop and speed with complete sound suppression.

• You need solid spin:

  topspin and slice feel strong and reliable. I had no issues generating spin from any position on the court.

• You like a paddle that's quick and maneuverable:

  despite the power, the paddle feels comfortable in the hand and fast enough at the kitchen line.

Pass if:

• You need a paddle that's easy to control:

  because it's so poppy, touch shots like drops and dinks are harder to dial in. It's not very forgiving without customization.

• You prefer more forgiving paddles:

  with a tight sweet spot, mishits can easily happen. Try the Stafford OverSpin for the best forgiveness.

• You want to make friends at the courts:

  the combo of stealth and power means opponents might not love playing against the Diadem Hush.

Buy if:

• You want a top-tier power paddle that's quiet:

  this is a rare premium power paddle with a quiet pop, ideal for bangers who play on noise-restricted courts.

• You're already a Gearbox fan:

  if you're used to the trademark Gearbox feel, you'll be happy to know they have quiet models.

• You want more control and forgiveness than the Diadem Hush:

  the biggest advantage of the Gearbox over the Diadem is that you get more control and a slightly larger sweet spot.

Pass if:

• You want an even quieter, even more powerful paddle:

  the Diadem Hush is like a stealthy weapon – your opponents won't hear the rockets you fire at them.

• You want a control paddle:

  the Selkirk LUXX is built for players who prioritize their touch game.

• You're on a budget:

  this is pricey at $275. The Stafford OverSpin will give you almost as much power for just $150.

Buy if:

• You love a cushioned, softer feel:

  nothing feels more luxurious and padded than the LUXX, with a super-thick 19 mm core that makes touch shots feel so natural.

• You use a lot of spin:

  I love adding intense topspin to my touch shots with this paddle – that combo is what makes it competitive despite a lack of power.

• You want a quick paddle:

  Selkirk's trademark Air Dynamic Throat really works and this paddle cuts through the air with lightning speed.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle:

  the Diadem Hush and Gearbox Pro Ultimate will satisfy bangers looking for a quiet paddle.

• You need more forgiveness:

  surprisingly, the LUXX has a smallish sweet spot. Try the Stafford OverSpin, an affordable quiet paddle that's a touch more forgiving.

• You want to spend under $200:

  the LUXX is the most expensive option here at $280. The OWL PXE is the next-best control paddle and it costs $169.