If you want to level up your pickleball game fast, training is absolutely essential. However, if you can't find a trainer or a partner to practice with, then you're going to need one of the best pickleball machines.
When you're looking to develop quickly, your pickleball drills can be improved greatly with the help of a training machine. Since they never tire and can shoot balls with high accuracy, they're a great investment if you want to improve your pickleball skills quickly.
In this article, I've compared my top nine picks, scoring them across ball capacity, battery life, speed range, drill customizability, and more. So you can see which ones are actually worth spending your money on.
Best pickleball machines at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. The Erne
Best cheap
Our Rating:
2. Spinshot
Best professional
Our Rating:
3. SIMON X
Best compact
Our Rating:
4. Titan ACE
Best mid-range
Our Rating:
5. Pickleball Tutor Plus
Best under $200
Our Rating:
6. Furlihong 680PBH Pickleball Starter Kit
Best for beginners
Our Rating:
7. Lobster Pickle Ball Machine
The best pickleball machines in 2024
Why should you trust Pickleheads? I spend hours testing every product I recommend. Only the cream of the crop makes it onto my lists, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test and review products.
Want to know more? Keep scrolling for my in-depth analysis of each pick.
1. The Erne
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're an intermediate looking to improve your game:
the Erne gives you the reps you need to break through a level.
You don't have a human drill partner:
this machine is the closest you'll find to a real human training partner.
You're tech-savvy:
everything is controlled with the Erne app for unbeatable functionality.
Pass if:
You're on a budget:
this machine costs nearly $1900.
You're a beginner at pickleball:
the Erne is probably overkill for a brand new player.
You're buying for the custom sequence drill:
right now the Erne can't customize each shot's height and speed in a sequence. Check out the Spinshot instead.
Power Source
Battery and AC
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random and 2-way
Spin
Top and back
Ball Capacity
150
Max Speed
65 mph
Battery Life
4–8hrs
Weight
50 lbs
Dimensions
22" x 15 ¾" x 34 ¼"
Warranty
1 year
Who it's for
Save $100 on the Erne with code PH100
Features
Design and feel
Performance
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Value for money
Today’s best deal
2. Spinshot
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Pros:
You want to design your own drills:
the Drill Maker App lets you create and save whole sequences of play.
You want connectivity to your phone:
a built-in WiFi network means you can control the machine remotely.
You want the latest tech updates:
new features and functionality can be added by remotely updating the machine's software.
Cons:
You want to play straight out of the box:
the Spinshot requires some initial assembly before playing.
You need long sessions with no power:
the battery only lasts about 3 hours, though extra batteries are cheap on Amazon.
You want to test yourself against fast shots:
this machine's max ball speed is 56 mph, whereas the Simon X can shoot them at 70 mph.
Power Source
Battery, AC, hybrid
Remote
Phone app or optional watch remote
Oscillation
Horizontal & vertical
Spin
Top & back
Ball Capacity
85
Max Speed
56 mph
Battery Life
2-3 hours
Weight
44 lbs
Dimensions
50" L x 45" L x 30" W
Warranty
Two years
Who it suits
Buy the Spinshot machine & get $200 off with their end-of-year sale
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
3. SIMON X
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want a machine that will challenge your reaction time.
Balls coming at you at 70 mph every 1.5 seconds will certainly focus the mind.
You like the element of surprise.
This machine's unique oscillation system means you can't predict where the ball will emerge, like playing against a real person.
You like the comfort of a guarantee.
The Simon X has a 5 year parts warranty, and the throwing wheels have a lifetime warranty.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
This machine is a serious investment.
You're a beginner.
This machine is for upper intermediate and advanced players only.
You have trouble lifting heavy items.
This machine weighs 65 lbs.
Power Source
Battery and AC
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random, 2-way and 'stealth'
Spin
Top and Back
Ball Capacity
120
Max Speed
70 mph
Battery Life
10-12 hrs
Weight
65 lb
Dimensions
38" x 14.5" x 14.5"
Warranty
5 years
Who it's for
Get the SIMON X & train like the pros do
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
4. Titan ACE
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want a compact version of the Erne:
this is a software-powered machine like the Erne, but it's smaller and a lot lighter, making it easier to transport.
You want the most customizable machine:
every shot can be customized and you can preview the sequences with the in-app Simulator.
You'd like the easiest battery charging:
the Titan ACE battery pops right out for simple charging, so you don't have to move the whole machine to the wall.
Pass if:
You want the highest ball capacity:
You want the highest ball capacity: the Erne is very similar to the Titan ACE but it holds 150 balls (vs 110 for the Titan ACE).
You want the longest battery life:
the professional-grade SIMON X has a 10-12-hour battery life.
You want a lower-tech, cheaper alternative:
if you don't need the software-powered Titan, the Pickleball Tutor Plus is a solid mid-range machine for $1,259.
Speed Range
10-75 mph
Ball Capacity
110
Interval
1-10 seconds
Battery Life
2 hours
Weight
39 lbs
Portable Remote
Titan remote sold separately
Who it suits
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Features
Try the Titan ACE & get complete control over your pickleball drills
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
5. Pickleball Tutor Plus
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want to practice a variety of shots.
The Tutor Plus can mimic a range of shots, including spin.
You plan to play where you can't plug in your machine.
The Tutor Plus has a 3–4 hour battery life.
You like to test your reactions to fast shots.
This machine shoots balls up to 65 mph, and won't tire out.
Pass if:
You want maximum ball capacity.
110 isn't exactly bad, but other machines on our list can hold even more.
You're a tall player.
The handle on this machine is a little too low for taller players to move it around with ease.
Power Source
Battery or AC
Remote
Yes, 2-function (extra cost)
Oscillation
Random & 2-line
Spin
Top & under
Ball Capacity
110
Max Speed
65 mph
Battery Life
3–4 hours
Weight
34 lbs (battery model) or 27 lbs (AC model)
Dimensions
20" H x 22" L x 14" W
Warranty
3 years (battery 1 year)
Who it's for
Features
Try the Tutor Plus and get 24 outdoor balls for free
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
6. Furlihong 680PBH Pickleball Starter Kit
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Speed
Ball capacity
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're a beginner looking to improve.
This is ideal for those starting out and looking to improve their essential pickleball skills.
You want to practice in a basement or garage.
This machine works well for indoor practice.
You're on a budget.
This complete set comes in at under $250.
Pass if:
You're an intermediate or advanced player.
This is a basic, beginners machine and paddle.
You're looking to practice challenging, hard shots.
This machine tosses balls out at a more relaxed pace.
Power Source
Battery (4 X D4s) or AC
Remote
No
Oscillation
Random
Spin
No
Ball Capacity
4 or 9
Max Speed
30 mph
Battery Life
Unknown
Weight
16 lbs (whole set)
Dimensions
Unknown
Warranty
No
Who it's for
Get the Furlihong for great tech at an unbeatable price
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
7. Lobster Pickle Ball Machine
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Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're an improving-beginner.
This machine has all the right features to help you progress your game.
You have to haul your machine across grass or gravel.
The large wheels mean this machine is highly portable.
You like to spend more time playing and less time chasing balls.
The hopper can hold 135 pickleballs.
Pass if:
You want to practice while plugged into a power source.
This machine is battery only.
You want two-way oscillation.
Only random here, unfortunately.
Power Source
Battery only
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random
Spin
Top and Back
Ball Capacity
135
Max Speed
60 mph
Battery Life
2-4hrs
Weight
35 lb
Dimensions
26" x 16" x 22"
Warranty
3 years
Who it's for
Try the Lobster machine & get 24 outdoor balls for free
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
How to choose the best pickleball machines
Just like when choosing a pickleball paddle, there's a lot to consider when finding the right pickleball machine for you. 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 you hit it. Almost every shot has some spin on it.
As you improve your game, you need to learn how to read the spin on the ball. Having a pickleball machine that can throw with topspin, backspin, or sidespin can help you assess and respond accordingly.
If you're a big fan of spin, check out my list of the best pickleball paddles for spin.
Speed
All machines have speed control, but some are more adjustable than others. Regardless of your pickleball 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. So, having a pickleball ball machine with a high-speed range can be a great way to train for that style of gameplay.
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
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 machines come with a variety of pre-programmed drills. 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
When it comes to how many pickleball balls your machine can store, it's usually a case of more is better—unless you often travel with it Make sure you consider how you'll most often be using it before weighing up 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.
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 on-court or off-court 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.
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.
How do you use a pickleball machine?
Using a pickleball machine isn't overly complicated, but the more often you use them the more use and value you will get from them. To use a machine effectively, read the manual and watch some videos of others using them.
To get set up, simply:
- Unbox your machine and find a flat playing surface to start playing on.
- Figure out your power source, whether it be plugged into AC or running on battery.
- Fill the machine with pickleballs.
- Study the settings, and try them all out to see what effect they have on the shots.
Fire up the machine and get practicing!
Will a tennis ball machine work with pickleballs?
This question gets asked all the time, and the simple answer is sometimes. Some machines are capable of throwing various types of balls, but I recommend getting a pickleball-specific machine if you're planning to invest.
Tennis balls are more than twice as heavy as pickleball balls. Not only that, but the material used and the surface of the balls are totally different, meaning that the two balls shot from the same machine will fly completely differently.
If you're looking for precision and consistency (two important aspects of any machine), then you should definitely opt for one that's been designed specifically for pickleball.
Learn about the differences between pickleball and tennis.
Bottom line
So folks, that's my rundown of the best pickleball machines in 2024. The Erne is the star of the show for us, but let's recap the top 5 again:
- The Erne - best overall
- Spinshot - best cheap
- SIMON X - best professional
- Titan ACE - best compact
- Pickleball Tutor Plus - best mid-range
Make sure you pick the one that suits you best. What's best for me may not be best for you.
Recent updates
March 2024
In this update, I've added a new product to a brand new category: the Titan ACE, the "best compact" pickleball machine in 2024. Not only is it a strong contender for the top spot (performing similarly to the Erne), but it's also more compact, can be easily transported, and is completely customizable.
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