9 Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners, According to Tennis Pros
From Wilson to Babolat to Prince and more, these beginner-friendly tennis rackets can help you improve your game.
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It's never too late to start playing tennis. It's often referred to as a "lifetime sport" because it's a low-impact game that players of all generations and skill levels can enjoy. Tennis is the perfect summer sport whether you're playing competitively or just rallying with friends. But if you're a newbie hoping to ace it on the court, you're going to need to invest in a beginner tennis racket. And with so many brands, options, and price points on the market, it can be hard to determine which racket is best.
We tested the newest and best-selling rackets from top brands like Babolat and Wilson and analyzed hundreds of reviews and product specifications. We also consulted tennis professionals, including Anthony Evrard, co-founder and CEO of Court 16 in New York City; Arnaud Delanoe, director of rackets and recreation at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida and Mario Musa, a certified tennis instructor, for their tips on what to consider when shopping for the best beginner rackets. Based on our testing and research, these are our top recommendations.
Pros
- Large head size
- Lightweight
- Hoop technology allows for explosive shots
Cons
- Higher price point
Power, power and more power — that's what this lightweight racket is all about. No matter your skill level, the versatility of this best-selling racket will bring power to your game. Thanks to new technology in the large-sized head (100 square inches), we noticed more rigidity, which, even as a beginner allowed for more explosive, accurate shots — no matter if the ball hits the sweet spot or not. And when you do connect with the sweet spot, the vibration system hits with a unique, delightful sound on impact — one you just don't experience the same way when you shank it.
While it is on the pricey side, this 30th-anniversary edition reinforces the success of the timeless Pure Drive design, so you can grow with it as your game progresses. This racket is widely used on tour by professional players too.
“Yes it’s expensive, but its status as one of the best-selling rackets in the world for the past 30 years speaks to its quality and performance,” says Evrard. “This special anniversary edition is ideal for those who want to invest in a top-tier racket — with exceptional feel and control — from the start.”
| Head size | 100 square inches |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Grip size | 4 1/8 inches |
Pros
- Durable
- Good shock absorption
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Not strung very strongly
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 it has a triangular-shaped frame that helps with shock absorption and minimizes vibrations. The racket is extremely lightweight too, which allows beginners to play for longer without causing any arm or shoulder pain. The strings might need to be restrung if you use it frequently, but it's a great entry-level racket.
| Head size | 105 square inches |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Grip size | 4 1/4 inches |
Pros
- Versatile, flexible racket
- Lightweight
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- Grip may wear out quickly
The flexibility built into this racket makes it a versatile option for a beginner player. It's made out of alloy aluminum, which keeps the racket lightweight but with just enough stiffness to return more powerful shots or quick volleys up at the net. The 110-square-inch head size gives beginners a large sweet spot to hit off of, and the string pattern is designed for better control to help create more spin off the face. Unfortunately, the grip isn't the highest quality, so you might need to regrip it sooner rather than later.
| Head size | 110 square inches |
| Weight | 10.5 ounces |
| Grip size | 4 1/4 inches |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generates a lot of power
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- Below-average shock absorption
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 the brand's special V-Matrix Technology that creates a larger sweet spot, plus a Power Bridge to improve rebound speed. Still, the racket's lightweight construction won't feel cumbersome in the hands of newbies. If there's any downside, it's the lack of shock absorption and that the racket tends to vibrate a bit when returning more powerful shots from your opponent.
| Head size | 112 square inches |
| Weight | 9.7 ounces (unstrung) |
| Grip size | 4 3/8 inches |
Pros
- Large head
- Gentle on joints
Cons
- Users say factory stringing is subpar
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 brand's best sellers — and the same brand that 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic uses. It has a very large 115-square-inch hoop (or 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.
| Head size | 115 square inches |
| Weight | 8 ounces (unstrung) |
| Grip size | 4 1/4 inches |
Pros
- Great precision
- Sturdy racket
- Creates a good amount of spin on the ball
Cons
- On the heavier side for beginners
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, or thickness of the racket. The racket, which is one of Prince's top sellers, also has a balance point that falls closer to the head — a feature that experts like Delanoe say will help intermediate players learn how to put some spin on the ball.
| Head size | 100 square inches |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces (unstrung) |
| Grip size | 4 1/4 inches |
Pros
- Easily generates power
- Lightweight frame
- Square-shape frame creates larger sweet spot
Cons
- Grip may need to be replaced over time
If you're looking to swing fast and easily generate power, this racket is for you. Weighing in at just 9.5 ounces, this beginner-friendly racket won't tire out your arms too quickly. The brand's isometric square-shaped frame is designed to have a larger sweet spot and allows you to have more control, so the racket feels more comfortable overall in your hand. Plus, by optimizing the intersection of main and cross strings, you can also generate easy power. You may need to regrip the racket over time.
| Head size | 100 square inches |
| Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| Grip size | 4 3/8 inches |
Pros
- Vibration-dampening technology
- Special string pattern for power
- Large hoop size
Cons
- More expensive price point
- Does not come strung
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 dampening the shock and creating a more comfortable feel when hitting. Just keep in mind: This racket is on the pricier side, especially considering it comes unstrung.
| Head size | 105 square inches |
| Weight | 9.5 ounces (unstrung) |
| Grip size | 4 3/8 inches |
Pros
- Longer racket head creates a bigger sweet spot
- Strung tightly
- Lightweight frame
Cons
- Heavier than other options
With over 2,500 five-star reviews, this racket that's named after legendary tennis player Roger Federer is a beginner favorite — and for good reason. The face features the brand's Power Strings system with longer main strings strung more tightly so you can generate the maximum amount of power. The racket is longer than other options, so you have greater reach to get to those wide returns at the baseline. It is a bit heavier than other beginner options, but the large hoop size does make for a bigger sweet spot. Bonus: Shock pads are built in to minimize vibrations on contact.
| Head size | 106 square inches |
| Weight | 10.4 ounces |
| Grip size | 4 3/8 inches |
What to look for when shopping for beginner tennis rackets
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 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. "When purchasing a racket, the primary consideration for a new tennis player should be its weight," said Evrard. "A lightweight, compact racket allows beginners to achieve an efficient and effective swing and is easier to maneuver." In general, beginners should consider tennis rackets that weigh less than 11 ounces, but smaller people may want to look for rackets closer to 8 or 9 ounces for better handling.
✔️ 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. "If a player can comfortably hold the racket in their dominant hand on the grip and their fingers can reach their thumb it is a good fit," said Evrard.
✔️ Head size: For a better chance of hitting the sweet spot and sending the ball sailing, beginners should look for rackets with head sizes over 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.
✔️ Flexibility: As a newbie to the game, you'll want to look for a racket that is more flexible than rigid. This makes the racket a bit more versatile and easier to maneuver when chasing after shots. “Beginners and recreational players should avoid high stiffness ratings as they can cause technical inefficiencies and increase the risk of injury,” explains Evrard. “A less stiff frame absorbs more of the shot, reducing the impact on the arm and potential for injury.” As your game improves, rigidity in a racket can add more power to your shots.
How do I know what size tennis racket I need?
Age and strength are the key factors to determining what size racket is best for you, says Delanoe. Adults will generally need tennis rackets that measure about 27 inches in length. Next, you'll want to consider the head size. Oversized heads have a larger sweet spot and generate more power — especially for beginners who may have trouble hitting the ball off the center of the face — but they don't offer as much control. When starting out, look for a head size beyond 100 square inches. Once you're an intermediate player ready to practice more precise shots, consider rackets with head sizes between 85 to 97 square inches, giving you more control over the placement of shots.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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.
As a NASM-certified personal trainer and journalist who has been in the fitness and health industry for over a decade, Amy Schlinger is extremely passionate about fitness and healthy living. She has both watched and played sports her whole life, including tennis, with the U.S. Open being one of her favorite sporting events (she has gone every year for 16 years). Recently, she’s been enjoying working on her own game playing downtown at Court 16 in Fidi.
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