Best pickleball nets in 2023 - 8 picks to play anywhere

Why I picked it

The Rally Deluxe Portable Net was an easy choice for the top spot. It assembles in minutes, maintains its height and tension, is built to last, and won't break the bank. You get a reliable regulation net at a budget-friendly price.

Who it's for

This net is suitable for pickleball players of all levels, as well as coaches, organizers, and clubs. It works well for outdoor play—even in windy conditions—but is best stored indoors.

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Features

The makers of the Rally Deluxe have honed their net system over the years to produce this simple but highly effective product.

The steel tubing is oval-shaped, which adds strength to prevent bending and twisting. It also makes for faster set-up of the frame, as does the molded center support.

Design and feel

Each element of this net has been tested and developed on the courts to make it as user-friendly and playable as possible. The steel elements are powder-coated to avoid scratches and rust, so you can be confident this net system will last through countless play sessions.

The elasticated bottom on the net helps to take tension off the net itself, which reduces wear and tear and makes it last longer.

The whole net easily comes apart into 15 components, ready to be packed away neatly in the heavy-duty carry bag when needed. The bag also features compartments with dividers and straps to keep the components secure when packed away.

Performance

After setting up the net in record time (usually less than 5 minutes), it's ready to play a full, regulation match. The rectangular center strap keeps the net at a consistent net height of 34", meaning no surprises mid-game.

Meanwhile, the net adjustment straps and elasticated net bottom offer great net tension to stop it from sagging halfway through a session.

Value for money

At just under $190, this net isn't the cheapest on the list, but for its build quality and simple assembly, I think it offers great value for money.

Pros

✔️ Quick set up

✔️ Twist-free oval frame

✔️ Carry bag with compartments

Cons

❌ Heavy once packed up (32 lb)

Why I picked it

The ZENY is a more affordable version of our number one pick, the Rally Deluxe. This one offers everything #1 can—in fact, it's almost identical in design and features.

The difference comes in the quality and durability of the materials—but that's to be expected for a net that's a third of the price.

Who it's for

I realize not everyone has the money to spend on a premium pickleball net, so I added this for those on a budget. This net is great for pickleball clubs and organizers, for those times when an extra court is needed on the fly.

It's also an excellent choice if you want to practice pickleball at home in your yard or driveway.

Features

The ZENY system features a regulation-size net with a metal frame. The steel is reinforced for strength and powder-coated to slow down rust build-up. The supports for the uprights also feature extra bars to make it even stronger.

The net itself is made from a durable, all-weather material (polyester tetoron fiber). It's kept taut and secure with adjustable straps on the posts, while a fiberglass rod sits in the middle to stop the net from sagging.

Design and feel

For the price, this net looks and feels surprisingly good. While the steel tubing is not up to the standard of the Rally Deluxe, it's 25mm thick and reinforced at the weak points.

The carry bag is a little flimsy, but the whole assembly weighs only 18 lbs, so this shouldn't be a problem.

Performance

The ZENY net performs great. It's easy to set up and take down, and is lightweight enough to carry around with ease. The components are numbered and easily clip together.

The adjustable straps keep the top of the net tight, making the net solid and reliable once it's all assembled. That said, this net can blow over in windy conditions, but that's easily avoided by adding a little weight to each of the legs.

Value for money

At just under $70, this net is a true bargain. Some nets on Amazon are twice the price yet don't offer any more than the ZENY.

Pros

✔️ Affordable price tag

✔️ Only 18 lbs when packed away

✔️ Easy and quick to assemble

Cons

❌ Materials not as premium as other offerings

❌ Can blow over in windy conditions

Why I picked it

The Douglas Premier PPS22-SQ offers the highest professional quality you can find in a portable pickleball.

It's got all the benefits of a permanent net and is recognized as a game-changer in the pickleball world. Used by pro court complexes and tournaments across the country, this net will truly last a lifetime.

Who it's for

This net is great for those who want the playability of a permanent net without the cost and hassle of drilling holes and pouring concrete.

It's ideal for courts and clubs that also host tennis and other sports, as well as home set-ups that can't have permanent alterations to their yards or sports areas.

Features

The Douglas is a true heavyweight piece of machinery, with a built-in gear system to keep the net taut. This keeps the net tension at 400 lbs to 500 lbs—close to the tension of a permanent net.

The built-in, heavy-duty wheels fold away when playing, while allowing you to move the unit around easily when needed.

Design and feel

This net system feels heavy-duty and seriously premium quality. Given the 215 lb weight, portability isn't its strongest suit. However, it can still be taken down and reassembled as needed, and stored away when not in use.

The steel is thick, heavy, and finished with a baked-on powder coating. The net is made from thick, braided polyester with a 285 lb break strength for maximum durability.

Performance

The heavy-duty casters are great for moving the net system around. Once assembled, the whole net can be rolled out of the way by a couple of people.

The axle then flips up to allow the posts to sit firmly on the ground. These 3 inch posts have flat stabilizer legs that give rigid stability without damaging the surface underneath.

This net won't shrink, sag, tear, or develop rot. All components are weather-treated and approved for use all year round—even in the toughest conditions.

Value for money

At $2299, this net is a serious investment, but it's truly built to last a lifetime.

Pros

✔️ Professional quality build, used by the pros

✔️ Designed to withstand the elements

✔️ Made in the USA

Cons

❌ Very heavy (215 lbs)

❌ Doesn't come with a carry bag

❌ Tools needed for assembly

Why I picked it

The SwiftNet 2.1 is an excellent piece of pickleball engineering. Assembling portable nets can be a pain, but this net makes it easy thanks to its clever design.

Who it's for

This is an awesome piece of equipment for players of all levels who want a pop-up net system that can be carried anywhere. If you've struggled with assembling portable nets before, this one's for you.

Features

The SwiftNet uses a clever system of lightweight uprights attached to splayed feet (carbon fiber) with the net strung between them. A long boom is then assembled like a tent pole and attached to both uprights.

To make the net more rigid, this pole is then bent down to the bottom edge of the net and strapped in place, creating an arch shape. Finally, the top cord of the net is tightened using a simple pull cord system.

Design and feel

The build of this net system feels like a high-quality tent with its detachable carbon-fiber poles on an elasticated shock cord, and lightweight aluminum uprights.

The SwiftNet is made in the home of pickleball, Washington, from recycled aeronautical components sourced from the Carbon Recycling Technology Center (CRTC).

Performance

These nets truly work on the courts. The top cord of the net acts like the cable on a permanent net. This keeps it super taut, so when a ball hits it, it reacts more like a permanent net.

The clever boom design means there's no center support to get in the way of your shots. The flexibility of the boom and the feet means players can fall onto them without breaking them—they just spring back into shape.

The net is designed specifically to have fewer protruding parts, so you don't have to worry about obstacles getting in the way. Also, despite its light weight, its stable design makes it surprisingly resistant to wind.

Value for money

At $369.99, this portable net system isn't cheap, but it's built to last and comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

✔️ Sets up in minutes

✔️ Super lightweight

✔️ Made in the USA

✔️ Uses recycled materials

Cons

❌ More expensive than entry-level nets

❌ No wheels

Why I picked it

The Flybold is our best for beginners because it's lightweight, easy to assemble, and very affordable.

Who it's for

This portable net is perfect for new players as well as younger players who want to set up a court quickly and get practicing.

Features

The metal frame has an interlocking design that's quick and easy to put together and remains sturdy once assembled. The wide feet add stability, while a smaller foot in the middle of the net helps to prevent sagging—though it can get in the way at times.

The net itself has a velcro system for tightening and the whole assembly is waterproof, so you can keep it up, no matter the weather.

Design and feel

While this doesn't have the premium feel of the more expensive offerings like the PickleNet, the quality is still pretty good. The net looks great as well, with its blue tape perimeter and Flybold branding.

Performance

This net performs perfectly at the beginner level. The net tends to bow a little between the side poles and center support but that won't be a huge issue for new players.

The net has clear instructions for assembly and, if cared for properly, it'll last a long time.

Value for money

For just under $100, this net isn't as cheap as the ZENY, but it offers a better quality build that more than justifies the price tag.

Pros

✔️ Rust-proof and weatherproof

✔️ Lightweight

✔️ Simple, visual instructions

Cons

❌ Flimsy carry case

❌ Metal center post with feet can obstruct play

Why I picked it

Having wheels on your fully assembled net makes it much easier to transport between courts or keep it out of the way when not in use. Plus, this net is super-lightweight, so it can be pushed safely by one person, making it a versatile and user-friendly pick for players of all ages.

Who it's for

This net is ideal for pickleball coaches or organizers. It's sturdily built to withstand plenty of court time and can be easily pushed around whenever necessary.

Features

The PickleNet Deluxe is made from 1.5 inch by 3 inch metal tubing, so it's more heavy-duty than many of its competitors. This makes it strong, sturdy, and resistant to wind and tough court conditions.

The 4 inch wheels make it a breeze to roll around and can lock firmly into place with brakes when you're ready to play. The velcro straps on the top allow you to tighten the net to stop it from sagging.

Design and feel

This net is a sturdier version of our top pick, the Rally Deluxe. While the PickleNet uses heavier metal in the tubing, it offsets the extra weight by using more aluminum in the build.

The net still ends up heavier than the rally (at 42 lbs), but this extra density makes it more solid when assembled. Plus, the tubing is oval-shaped to add strength and reduce the risk of bending and twisting when you're transporting it or playing with a clumsy picklehead.

The included duffel bag is divided into compartments, which helps keep the components from shifting around and avoids damage. This bag also has wheels, making it easy to move around despite the extra weight.

Performance

The PickleNet Deluxe offers ultimate playability and portability. Once assembled, it's a full-regulation-size net. Plus, the velcro tensioning system means you can keep it at the perfect height. Balls can also roll under the net which means less time collecting stray pickleballs.

The high-quality wheeled bag takes the stress out of moving the net to and from the courts.

Value for money

At $460, this portable net system isn't cheap, but that's because it's built with top-quality materials.

Pros

✔️ Wheels around effortlessly

✔️ The bag has interior straps and wheels

✔️ Heavy-duty oval frame prevents twisting and bending

Cons

❌ Heavy to lift in and out of a car

❌ Premium price tag

Why I picked it

The ANYTHING SPORTS net is built to withstand the elements, and holds up to the toughest conditions without breaking a sweat. Plus, with the addition of wheels, it's a sturdy portable option, bith indoors and outside.

Who it's for

This net is ideal for anyone wanting to leave their net assembled throughout the season and not have to worry about it getting too damaged by the sun and rain.

Features

Made from heavy-duty steel, the frame uses a simple assembly system that takes minutes to set up.

The 2.0 includes a high-quality, hard-wearing net and easy-to-use velcro straps that keep it taut even after extended play.

Design and feel

This net is tough and reliable, but that extra strength comes with additional weight. However, thanks to the added wheels, it can be easily transported once fully assembled, and when packed away in its wheelie carry bag.

Performance

The ANYTHING SPORTS net is a simple piece of equipment to use. All the parts are numbered for ease of assembly and they pack away neatly into the bag for storage.

When it comes to the wheels on the net, this offering has smaller casters than the PickleNet Deluxe, which can make it trickier to roll over uneven surfaces.

Value for money

Currently at $240, this net offers good value for money when you consider how heavily built it is.

Pros

✔️ Weather-resistant in sunny and wet conditions

✔️ Wheels on carry case

✔️ Balls can roll under the net

Cons

❌ Heavy to carry when unable to roll it

❌ Net can sag between side poles and middle support

Why I picked it

The VENUX pickleball net set offers everything you need to get a doubles game underway—without having to purchase a bunch of other gear. You get the net, balls, paddles, and even a carry bag, making it a perfect pick for families looking to get everything in a single purchase.

Who it's for

This is the perfect set for beginner pickleheads looking to set up a game indoors or outdoors. It's also ideal for kids and anyone who teaches pickleball to new players.

Features

This net set includes a regulation-size portable net, four modern paddles, and 10 pickleballs. The set even includes a carry bag for the net and paddles, as well as overgrips for those who find the paddle handles too small.

Design and feel

The paddles are made from lightweight fiberglass and graphite with a honeycomb core, which is common even among modern high-end paddles. The net itself is made with a sturdy metal frame and durable PVC tarps for the end covers.

Performance

This set offers plenty of performance for beginners or younger players setting out on their pickleball journey. While the paddles are modern and lightweight, they are not professional by any means, and even intermediates will find them lacking.

The portable net is well-built and seems durable for the price. The system for keeping the net taut is basic and will need readjusting regularly, but the assembly and disassembly are quick. What's more, the whole set can fold away neatly into the carry bag.

Value for money

For under $160, this set allows four people to play a full-size pickleball game on the fly.

Pros

✔️ Packs away quickly and neatly

✔️ Modern, lightweight paddles

✔️ Regulation width and height

Cons

❌ Basic tensioning system

❌ Free balls aren't very durable