9 Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners to Buy in 2023

Jul 04, 2023

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Up your game with these lightweight rackets.

Tennis is often referred to as "the sport for a lifetime," because it's, overall, a low-impact game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. But if you're a newbie hoping to ace it on the court, you'll need the right gear — including a tennis racket for beginners.

To make our top picks, we scouted out the best-selling products from top brands like Wilson and Head, analyzing hundreds of reviews and product specifications. We also consulted tennis professionals, including Arnaud Delanoe, director of racquets and recreation at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and Mario Musa, a certified tennis instructor, for their tips on shopping for the best beginner rackets. Based on our research, these are our top recommendations.

After our picks, keep reading to learn more about what to look for when shopping for tennis rackets.

Both of the tennis pros we spoke to recommended Babolat tennis rackets — and the Boost Drive is one of the brand's standouts, especially for beginners. It checks all of the boxes — the head size is a roomy 105 square inches, so inexperienced players have a better chance of hitting the sweet spot, the racket weighs just 9.2 ounces unstrung and the grip size is just right. If there's any downside, it's that Babolat rackets tend to be fairly stiff, which means they can be a little bit tougher on the joints.

True beginners who aren't ready to commit to any one racket will appreciate the very budget-friendly price point of this option. It's made of highly durable aluminum carbon fiber that's resistant to excess wear and tear, plus has a triangular-shaped frame that helps with shock absorption and minimizes vibrations. Unfortunately, this racket is a bit stiffer than some other beginner-friendly options, which may make your arm sore once you really start rallying. But it's a great entry-level racket with which to grow your skills and learn the game.

It may be on the heavier side for some beginners, but those who can handle the extra weight will appreciate the control and stability this Prince tennis racket offers. It's all thanks to the 100-square-inch head and solid beam. The racket, which is one of Prince's top sellers, also has a balance point that falls closer to the head — a feature experts say will help intermediate players learn how to put some spin on the ball.

If you're looking for a lightweight racket that's easy for beginners to use, this 8-ounce option from Head is one of the most widely loved. It has a very large 115-square-inch head that makes it more likely for inexperienced players to hit the ball. Plus, because it's so lightweight, it's nice and gentle on your joints — an important consideration for more mature players learning the sport. Users do caution that the factory string job is less than stellar and recommend having the racket restrung at a pro shop for best results.

Because this racket is heavier and has a smaller head size, true beginners may want to look elsewhere. But if your skills are steadily improving, and you can handle these details, it doesn't get much more comfortable than this racket. The end cap (a.k.a. handle) on this option is specially designed with ergonomics in mind — an important comfort factor, especially as you begin to play for longer lengths of time. The 97-square-inch head also has a dense double-braided string bead that helps with precision to help you deliver more consistent shots.

It may be one of the more budget-friendly options out there, but this tennis racket's claim to fame is helping beginner players generate the power they need to play competitively. The 112-square-inch head boasts a special V-Matrix Technology that creates a larger sweet spot, plus a Power Bridge to improve rebound speed. Still, the racket is nice and lightweight, so it won't feel cumbersome in the hands of newbies. If there's any downside, it's that the racket tends to vibrate a bit when returning more powerful shots from your opponent.

Named for famed player Rafael Nadal, it should come as no surprise that this tennis racket hits all of the right marks for players approaching an intermediate level and beyond. It's a bit heavier than other options, but it still falls within the range of acceptable for this level of player. And it's this weight that helps add the stability you need to generate powerful shot after powerful shot — just like the legend himself. You'll even be able to experiment with spin, thanks to the special 16- by 19-inch string pattern.

Even beginners will recognize that satisfying "ping" the moment the ball hits the sweet spot of their racket — and this lightweight option from YONEX increases the chance you'll nail it. The beginner-friendly racket features a special square-shaped frame that the brand says increases the sweet spot by 7%. This means that each shot you make is more likely to be targeted and powerful. It may be more expensive than most options for novices, but it's a great racket that will grow with you as you evolve into a more intermediate player.

This tennis racket has a relatively large 105-square-inch head, plus a 16- by 18-inch string pattern that helps new players generate more power and even a little bit of spin. It also has a special technology the brand calls Sonic Core, which places Infinergy returns at the racket's 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Essentially, this makes the racket more flexible than most for improved rebound and fewer vibrations. Just keep in mind: This racket is relatively expensive, especially considering it comes unstrung.

When shopping for the best tennis rackets for beginners, don't overspend. A beginner will put a lot of wear and tear on a racket, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options that meet the following criteria outlined by pros, including Delanoe.

✔️ Weight: Look for a racket that won't feel too heavy in your hand as you develop the muscle for the sport. In general, beginners should consider tennis rackets that weigh less than 11 ounces, but for better handling, smaller people may want to look for rackets closer to 8 or 9 ounces.

✔️ Grip size: Tennis rackets come with variously-sized grips (or handles), and this is an important consideration not only for control but also to avoid injuries. The racket should feel comfortable in your hand — and for most beginners, a grip size of about 4 1/4 inches will be best.

✔️ Head size: For a better chance of hitting the sweet spot and sending the ball sailing, beginners should look for rackets with head sizes above 100 square inches. Just note: The larger you go, the harder it is to hit precise shots, so seek out larger heads within reason — and consider graduating to a head size of about 85 to 97 square inches once you've become a more intermediate player.

Age and strength are the key factors to determining what size racket is best for you, says Delanoe. In general, adults will need tennis rackets that measure about 27 inches in length. Next, consider the head size. Oversized heads generate more power — especially for beginners who may have trouble placing the ball in the sweet spot of their racket — but they don't offer as much control. When you're just starting out, look for a head size beyond 100 square inches. Once you're an intermediate player ready to practice more precise shots, consider racquets with head sizes between 85 to 97 square inches.

Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience writing about products, including fitness gear. She worked under the guidance of tennis pros, as well as experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and review the rackets recommended in this story.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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