To improve your tennis game you need to practice tennis a lot during your free hours. Luckily we live in a modern generation where technologies are easily accessible. At first tennis ball machines were in clubs only but now you can buy one of your own as it comes at reasonable prices. Also, aside from personal use, there is a high-end Best Tennis Ball Machine for clubs as well.
We have played with many tennis ball machines and have picked out the best tennis ball machines for you. Whether you are a beginner or professional, these best tennis ball machines will help in your game skill level upgrade. Also, we have provided you with a guide on which parts to look into when getting a tennis ball machine. So, without wasting time let’s begin.
Comparison of 8 Best Tennis Ball Machine
Image | Tennis ball machine | Ball capacity | Speed | Battery life | Buy here |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinshot player | 120+ balls | 19-68 mph | 3 hours | Click to buy | |
Spinshot plus 2 | 120 balls | 18-68 mph | 3 hours | Click to buy | |
Lobster Sports Elite 2 | 150 balls | 80 mph | 4 to 8 hours | Click to buy | |
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube | 70 balls | 10-50 mph | 2 hours | Click to buy | |
Sports Tutor ProLite plus | 110 balls | 10-75 mph | 3-4 hours | Click to buy | |
Wilson Portable Tennis Ball Machine | 110 balls | Up to 75 mph | 4 hours | Click to buy | |
Spinshot pro | 120+ balls | 20-110 kmh | 6 hours | Click to buy | |
Lobster Sports Elite 1 | 150 balls | 10-80 mph | 4 to 8 hours | Click to buy |
Top 8 Best Tennis Ball Machine Reviews in 2023
1 Spinshot player-Best Overall Tennis Ball Machine
Spinshot player tennis ball machine is the first machine that has 12 pre-programmed drills at 6 shots each. This means that you can have a machine as your coach whether you are a beginner or a professional. Upon one refill, it can fit 120 tennis balls and feeds at speed of 19 to 68 mph. Furthermore, it can help with your fast-paced volleys as it has a feed rate of 2 to 10 seconds only. You can do all types of oscillations by using it.
Also, the size of the Spinshot player is compact so you can fit it in your car whenever needed. Plus the lightweight-ness and the handle of this machine make it more portable and we easily handled this machine during testing. In addition to all that this is user-friendly and easily controllable. You can control it by the control panel on the machine, or by downloading a free phone remote app. You can connect it to the app for free as it has a stable wifi connection. There’s another optional way to easily control the machine that is by buying a one-button watch. Also, check the Pickleball Myths.
This is a battery-operated tennis ball machine, you do receive a charger but the battery needs to be bought separately. Also, you can opt for an AC main power module for money. The battery lasts for 3 hours approximately on the Spinshot player after that it needs to be recharged.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 120+ balls
- Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
- Speed: 19-68 mph
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 17.75 inches
- Controlled by mobile app
- 12 programmable drills
- Adjustable speed and spin feature
- Tough body material
- Easily portable
- Not for highly advanced players
- Low battery life
Final Words :
All in all, from size to features, Spinshot players aces all categories. We do wish the battery life would last a bit longer, but as a beginner or intermediate player, 3 hours of consistent practice is enough. This machine has a maximum speed of 68 mph, if you are a highly advanced player this speed will not be sufficient for improvement. Aside from that, you can use the app for easy controls and set different drills settings for an accurate spin, speed, and trajectory.
2 Spinshot plus 2-Best expensive tennis ball machine
Do not get Snipshot’s tennis ball machines confused as they look similar body-wise. Spinshot plus 2 is an upgraded version of previous models and features an OLED screen with a control panel for easy use. Also, its design is patented De-BallJam for maximum accuracy and precision of shots without jamming.
Similar to Spinshot player, you can control it by the control panel, phone app, or optional watch. Also, it is battery operated which is shipped on a different day than the machine for free. The AC main power supply option is not free but you can opt for that as well. You get a similar ball speed and feed rate of 68 mph in 2-10 seconds. So what’s different? Firstly it has an LED screen and secondly, it has an oscillation setup panel. It is fully programmed and you can autosave the oscillation settings. The purpose of this machine is to improve all types of skills from forehands to backhands and topspin to backspin; this covers all shots at different speeds. You Can also check the Tennis vs. Pickleball.
Talking about the design, it’s compact and easily portable. It comes with a handle and tires so you can move it around easily. Plus, you can fit it in a car trunk as well! Lastly, its battery life lasts for 3 hours and the battery can be easily changed.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 120 balls
- Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
- Speed: 18-68 mph
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Dimensions: 21x21x14 inches
- Patent De-BallJam design
- Quick charging
- Multiple control options
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Fully customizable oscillation
- Complicated app
- Low battery life
Final Words:
Lastly, Spinshot plus 2 is an elite pick plus it’s the world’s top-rated tennis ball machine. Although it is expensive it backs up the price. It is simple to use and is durable as well. The OLED screen is highly convenient plus the control panel can be programmed easily. It also features 12 preset programmed settings.
3 Lobster Sports Elite 2- Best Battery life
Lobster Sports Elite 2 is an upgraded model of Lobster Sports Elite. It is constructed with special triple oscillation and can withhold 150 tennis balls in one refill. Also, it has a speed level for both beginners and professionals. It ranges from 10 mph to 80 mph. Also,it feeds at a rate of 2-12 seconds at random oscillations for a real-match experience.
This is a battery-operated tennis ball machine. The battery lasts for 4 to 8 long hours which makes it perfect for tennis clubs. Another good thing about the elite two battery is that it charges quickly. To control Lobster Sports Elite 2, you need to buy a separate wireless remote controller. For a budget-friendly option, you can just use the panel on the machine. Also, check the How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle?
Moving onto the structure of this machine, it is lightweight and portable. It can also be folded; while folding it has a compact size of 29x21x15.5 inches which makes it easy to fit in your car. Moreover, the tires make it easy to transport and move around.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 150 balls
- Feed rate: 2-12 seconds
- Speed: 80 mph
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Dimensions:5 inches
- Large ball capacity
- Adjustable speed for beginners and professionals
- Highly portable
- Easy to use
- Triple oscillations
- Long battery life
- Remote controller sold separately
- No customized preset drills
Final Words:
To sum it up, this tennis ball machine is perfect for both beginners and advanced skill level tennis players. This perfectly feeds balls side to side and short, deep balls as well. The walker design makes it easy to move around and the folding function is highly attractive. The remote controller needs to be purchased separately which is quite costly including the machine price. Aside from that it has no custom drills so keep that in mind.
4 Sports Tutor Tennis Cube-Best budget-friendly
Coming in a cube structure design, Sports Tutor Tennis Cube brings a speed of 10-50 mph. This is perfect for both beginners and intermediate players, the speed is quite low for advanced players. Players get convenience as this has a 10 seconds delay startup for players to get in position. Also, it can hold 70 balls with a feed rate of 2-10 seconds. You Can also check the Can You Play Pickleball On A Tennis Court?
Furthermore, this has a random oscillator that shots in all directions. And it follows a traditional control panel instead of a programmed one. Just use buttons and knobs on control panels for controlling and settings. You get a rechargeable battery with the machine that can last for 2 hours. The most attractive feature is that the battery has a smart charger. The smart charger charges to full and shuts off automatically to avoid damaging the machine.
Also, this tennis ball machine offers more convenient features like having an adjustable elevation level and a handy optional oscillator. Both of these features improve groundstrokes and lobs on either side of the tennis court. Lastly, this machine comes with a three-year-long warranty to ensure durability.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 70 balls
- Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
- Speed: 10-50 mph
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 15x12x13 inches
- Perfect for beginners
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Adjustable elevation level
- Long warranty
- Durable
- Low ball capacity
- Not for professionals
Final Words:
To conclude, this is the only tennis ball machine that comes with such a long warranty. Plus it’s also durable with various attractive features. We do not recommend this for advanced plays as it only has a speed of 50 mph maximum. Aside from that, it gives overall great improvement to beginners by providing random oscillations. So it can be one of the best tennis ball machines for intermediate players.
5 Sports Tutor ProLite plus-Best Value Tennis Ball Machine
Sports Tutor ProLite Plus has a topspin touch button for topspin at speed of 10 to 75 mph. This is also budget-friendly compared to others. Also, it has horizontal oscillation so you can practice forehand and backhand. However, it has no backspin or vertical oscillations feature. It can withhold 110 tennis balls and shoot them within a feed rate of 1.5 to 10 seconds.
For portability, it has a pulling handle and wheels that can be folded into the body to make the machine stable while shooting tennis balls. In addition to that, its elevation level can be adjusted by using hands.
Moreover, it is easy to use and has knobs on the control panel for settings and adjustments. You can also buy a wireless remote controller for controlling the Sports Tutor ProLite Plus. Also, check the What is Pickleball?
Talking about battery powers, you get a smart charger and a rechargeable battery. The smart charger shuts itself off when the battery is full so there’s no need to worry about overcharging or burning the battery. You can play for 3 to 4 hours on a fully charged battery. Lastly, it has a similar start-up delay feature and three years warranty like the Sports Tutor cube.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 110 balls
- Feed rate: 5-10 seconds
- Speed: 10-75 mph
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 20 inches
- Durable
- Warranty
- Highball capacity
- Adjustable speed
- Great for intermediate players
- Heavy
- Long charging time
Final Words:
Finally, we recommend this best tennis ball machine for intermediate skill level players who have a tight budget. The only drawback is that it is quite heavy to move around. Another thing that you need to know is that it takes 18 hours to be fully charged which is quite long. Aside from that, it is perfect for practicing tennis at varying speeds and feed rates.
6 Wilson Portable Tennis Ball Machine-Best Lightweight Tennis Ball Machine
Wilson manufacturers are upgrading their sports games by introducing tennis ball machines. Wilson’s portable tennis ball machine shoots at speed of up to 75 miles per hour and can feed balls at a frequency of 1.5 to 10 seconds. Also, its attractive feature is electronic elevation control that shoots the ball at the accurate trajectory of lobs and groundstrokes both! For horizontal and vertical oscillation, you need to buy a 2-line oscillator as this machine does not come with any drills. However, it does have a built-in oscillator that gives shots randomly so you can hit while running to improve agility. Furthermore, it can give both topspin and backspin shots. Also, check the How To Score In Pickleball?
Simply designed with a minimalist structure, Wilson’s tennis ball machine looks great on the court. It also weighs less and comes with a towing handle and tires for transportation. You can fold its lid to make it small and compact, however, it does not fit in cars. The built-in battery lasts for up to four hours and can be charged with a smart charger that is included with the machine.
It allows you to control it easily by using control panel buttons and knobs. Also if you want a remote control, you can also buy it separately.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 110 balls
- Feed rate: 5-10 seconds
- Speed: up to 75 mph
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 20 inches
- Perfect for beginners
- Tech support
- Three-year warranty
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Topspin availability
- No remote control
- 2-LINE oscillation sold separately
Final Words:
All in all, it is a lightweight tennis ball machine and comes with a full feature set that is needed for tennis players, especially beginners. It can go well with clubs as it is perfect for novices and can back up its price in no time! The only drawback is that it has no forehand or backhand feature, but you can get an upgrade of 2-Line oscillation that will cost you extra. We do not recommend this for advanced or expert players.
7 Spinshot pro -Best user-friendly tennis ball machine
Spinshot pro offers a high speed of 110km/h which makes it ideal for people of all skill levels. You can use it to improve your children’s game as well. This machine has adjustable features like topspin and backspin along with horizontal oscillation. You can get a watch controller for easy control of the machine. It also allows you to set controls by using a phone app or control panel for free. The control panel comes with various settings like adjusting feed rate, speed, height, and oscillator buttons and knobs. It is incredibly easy to use and the most user-friendly tennis ball machine on the list.
With a high capacity of 12 plus tennis balls and an adjustable feed are of 2-10 seconds, this machine gives reliable performance. It is a perfect practice partner on a tennis court. In addition to that, it has a battery life of approximately 6 hours.
You can move it around effortlessly and fit it in your car as it is foldable and has tires. It gets compact of size 18x12x20 inches when folded. Talking about its design, its whole body is made up of metal which makes it strong and resistant to the plastic tennis ball machines.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 120+ balls
- Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
- Speed: 20-110 kmh
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 23 inches
- Suitable for all players
- Oscillates horizontally
- Reasonable price
- Adjustable speed and spin
- Adjustable ball trajectory
- User-friendly
- No customized drills
Final Words:
To summarize, this is not a high-end machine but comes with all features that are needed in a well-functioning tennis ball machine. It does not have any customized drill settings, but aside from that its speed, spin, and oscillation can be adjusted which is a plus feature. However, keep in mind that the battery dies quickly.
8 Lobster Sports Elite 1- Best ball capacity tennis ball machine
Players who can not afford Lobster Sports Elite 2 can go for this Elite 1 model. It comes with a corner-to-corner horizontal oscillation sweep feature which is challenging to hit even for advanced players. Therefore, it has higher chances of improving your tennis game better than anyone. You can shoot balls at a speed of 10 to 80 mph that can be adjusted to your skill level.
Moreover, you get a high capacity of 150 tennis balls and a long-lasting battery of 4 to 8 hours. Therefore you can play or practice with it for longer periods without any disruption. And the battery charges to full in 18 hours, however, you can speed the charging by opting for the premium charger. Also, check the Best Quiet Pickleball Paddles.
The most distinctive and attractive feature that makes this machine stand out is the 60-degree lob which is perfect for practicing overhead shots. Talking about its convenience, it is easy to maneuver. Furthermore, it has 8-inch wheels, all-terrain wheels, and a handle that makes it easy to move. Moreover, it is highly portable and can easily fit in your car when folded.
Specifications:
- Ball capacity: 150 balls
- Feed rate: 2-12 seconds
- Speed: 10-80 mph
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Dimensions: 29 x 43 x 15. 5 inches
- Lightweight
- 60-degree lob setting
- Highball capacity
- Affordable
- Well-suited for all skill levels
- Adjustable height
- Easy to move around
- Noisy
- No customized drills
Final Words:
Overall, this best tennis ball machine offers much more than its price and you can improve your game steadily whether you are a beginner or an advanced player. The only flaw we found was that it gets noisy during long hours. Aside from that, it is a highly durable and reliable tennis ball machine with 0 to 60 degrees lob!
Buying Guide
When choosing a tennis ball machine you might be startled by a variety of choices. Before getting a tennis ball machine you should know thoroughly about tennis machines and about how you intend to use them. Here are some factors you need to know to get the best tennis ball machine.
Competency level:
Before buying any machine related to sports you need to know what competency (skill) level you are at.
Beginner skill level:
As a beginner, you would foremost need to improve groundstrokes. Meaning you should get a budget-friendly tennis ball machine. Your tennis ball machine should be able to give balls that help forehands and backhands hit at a slower pace. There’s no need to get an expensive tennis ball machine as a beginner.
Intermediate skill level:
Intermediate tennis players can get an expensive tennis ball machine that has enough tennis drills and features. Having a tennis ball machine at this level will help improve your skills steadily!
Expert skill level:
For professional tennis players, we recommend getting a high-end tennis ball machine. Most of these are expensive and come with various speed and programmable drills settings. They can be customized to fit your height and spin as well!
Usage and budget of tennis ball machine:
Aside from keeping your skill level in your head, you also need to draft how much you will spend on the machine. Along with that, knowing how much a tennis ball machine will be in use is also important. Tennis players who have private lessons should consider the budget seriously per their tutor lessons. We recommend getting a low battery life tennis ball machine if needed. Individuals who want to train on their own can consider getting a long-lasting and long battery life tennis ball machine.
Features to consider in tennis ball machine:
Speed and spin:
Tennis ball machines come with a limited speed and spin feature. Beginners can get a slow-speed one. But advanced and intermediate players are recommended to get a fast-speed tennis ball machine. Look into the speed range, top speed, topspin, and backspin feature.
Ball capacity:
Best tennis ball machines have over 120 to 150 tennis balls capacity. The capacity shows how many balls you will hit in one refill.
Feed rate:
This is the speed at which the balls can be fired out of the machine. Feed rate will tell how much time it will take in-between shots. A fast feed rate will help in improving your tennis tournament skills.
Oscillation:
There are two types of oscillations in tennis ball machines:
- Horizontal oscillation: This allows you to feed tennis balls on either side of the court. Few expensive tennis balls machines come with both forehand and backhand sides.
- Vertical oscillation: As the word “vertical” indicates it determines the height of balls feeding. Vertical oscillations help in the improvement of drillings like for hitting lobs and overheads that are high in the air, overheads that are high in the air, and low volleys that are low in the air.
Battery life:
Battery life and battery source are also important factors. Some tennis balls include batteries in the package, but some do not. Furthermore, there are rechargeable batteries as well. Also, having knowledge one when the battery needs to be charged is crucial. AC powered tennis ball machines can be charged with a direct electricity outlet
Size and portability:
If you want a tennis ball machine to fit in your car, you need to look into the size and weight of the machine as well. Make sure that it fits in your car. For maximum portability, the tennis ball machine should have wheels or a handle.
Control:
The way in which you operate the machine is up to your preference. Most machines include a remote control option or a phone app that you can download. Others merely have a panel on the machine. Expensive tennis ball machines include features such as a smartphone or smartwatch app with which any programmable settings can be used.
Drills:
Few tennis ball machines have programmable drills for real-life coach experience. So, do look into this feature if you want.
Final words
We hope this best tennis ball machine review helped you in selecting the machine of your choice and need. Lastly, we would like to tell you the benefits of tennis ball machines along with giving you our top picks. Tennis ball machines improve consistency and are a great way to test your reactions. Furthermore, they increase your movements and agility. Here are our top picks that we loved:
- Spinshot player-Best overall Tennis ball machine: The top pick is the Spinshot player due to its affordable price and overall features. With a maximum speed of 68 mph and customized drills, this takes first place.
- Spinshot plus 2-Best expensive tennis ball machine: The second top pick is Spisnhot plus 2. With a futuristic OLED screen and 12 preset programmable drills, it provides flawless functioning.
- Lobster Sports Elite 2– Best Battery life: This takes third place due to the amazing 150 plus ball capacity and long battery life that can last for 8 hours!
Faqs:
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Can professional tennis players improve using tennis ball machines?
Yes, not most of them use it to train others but machines are a good partner for improvement.
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How much can be spent on tennis ball machines approximately?
About 600 to 3000 dollars can be spent on tennis ball machines.
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Are tennis ball machines good for players?
Yes, tennis ball machines are helpful for tennis players of all skill levels.
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Which battery option is more durable in tennis ball machines?
The main benefit of an AC-powered machine is that it may be used for as long as the user wants without the danger of running out of power. So they come with more durability.