Tennis is an excellent sport, whether you're picking it up as a hobby or an experienced player—as long as you have the best tennis rackets in your kit. Like Padel and badminton, tennis involves plenty of running and hitting a target, making it ideal for developing and maintaining cardiovascular endurance, overall strength, and agility.
Even when played just for fun, it's a great exercise. If played with friends or family, it's an excellent and easy way to spend quality time together. It's also great for competitive play, and whether you're watching or playing, you're sure to be entertained. Whether a beginner, professional or just playing tennis as a hobby, you need an excellent tennis racket.
The best tennis rackets, at a glance
• Best overall: HEAD Ti S6 Titanium – View on Sweat Band
• Best for beginners: Wilson Burn Excel 112 – View now on Amazon
• Best for advanced players: Roland-Garros Elite 25 – View now on Wilson
Whilst the racket can't significantly improve your skillset, it can help you generate power and pace, which in turn allows you to hit the tennis ball harder, which is crucial to winning your sets. That's why we've searched far and wide to round up the best tennis rackets on the market right now.
The best tennis rackets of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
www.sweatband.com
The HEAD TI S6 tennis racket is designed to offer an exceptional combination of power, precision, and agility. With its ultra-lightweight design and oversized head, this racket is your ticket to dominating every serve and volley with finesse and flair.
You might be wondering, what makes this tennis racket stand out from the rest? It's all in the details. Engineered with a state-of-the-art ShockStop system integrated into the handle, this racket ensures that every impact is met with incredible shock absorption. But there's more. With a perforated Head tape finish, you will have a secure and breathable grip, eliminating sweaty palms and giving you a handle that feels like a natural extension of your own hand.
Pros
- Frame weight of 225g makes it easy to manoeuvre
- Ti technology means the lightness doesn't compromise the power
- Oversized head assists players in finding the sweet spot
Cons
- The lightweight feel isn't for every player
| Weight | 225g |
| Frame material | Titanium |
| Skill level | All levels |
Best for beginners
If you're a beginner or just play tennis occasionally for fun, then the Wilson Burn Excel 112 might be perfect for you. This tennis racket comes with an affordable price tag, stop shock pads to reduce vibrations, and Volcanic Frame Technology for added power and stability in your shots.
Pros
- Offers generous amounts of power and forgiveness
- Volcanic Frame Technology yields more power and stability
- Stop Shock Pads minimise racket vibrations
Cons
- Racket frame is not as strong as other Wilson Burn iterations
| Weight | 291g |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Beginner |
Best for advanced players
Wilson / Roland-Garroswww.wilson.com
Imagine stepping onto the court armed with a racket that feels like an extension of your arm. That's the promise of Wilson's Roland Garros Elite 25. With its oversized head boasting a large sweet spot, you can say goodbye to those frustrating off-centre hits and hello to a more forgiving play. What's more, this racket features a lightweight aluminium frame infused with AirLite technology, giving you the perfect balance of power and resilience. It's a marriage made in tennis heaven.
Pros
- Oversized racket head with large sweet spot for power
- Volcanic Frame Technology increases stability without limiting impact power
- Lightweight frame with AirLite technology for power and durability
Cons
- Heavy grip might not be for every player
| Weight | 225g |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Advanced |
Best for children
Tennis can be an excellent way for your children to get exercise. The sport helps them develop cardio, physical strength, and flexibility. This tennis racket is a fantastic option for any child starting in the sport. It's lightweight yet robust, comes with three tennis balls, in five different sizes, and is, above all, reasonably priced.
Pros
- Comes with three tennis balls
- Available in five different sizes for different ages
- Good value
Cons
- Might be a little lightweight for some children
| Weight | Unknown |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Junior |
Best easy-to-handle
www.sweatband.com
Designed for players of all skill levels, this easy-to-handle tennis racket balances power and control. Its 680cm squared head size offers a generous sweet spot, ensuring consistent performance and forgiving mishits. Additionally, its neutral balance and ergonomic grip will make you feel like you're using a finely tuned instrument, ready to orchestrate the perfect symphony of shots.
Pros
- Extremely powerful due to its 680cm squared head size and 275g weight
- Easy to handle because of its neutral balance
- Vibration dampening thanks to the aluminium frame
Cons
- Grip is a little flimsy
| Weight | 275g |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Any level |
Best high-end
www.decathlon.co.uk
This Babolat tennis racket is equipped with a High-Torsional Rigidity (HTR) system, which essentially means that it can enhance your energy return. It also features SWX PURE FEEL technology to minimise vibrations and low swing weight. One downside is that it's designed primarily for advanced players and is priced higher than other rackets on our list.
Pros
- Low swing weight makes it easier to handle
- The SWX PURE FEEL technology is there to dampen vibrations
- The HTR SYSTEM (higher torsional rigidity) for more power
Cons
- Designed primarily for advanced players
| Weight | 270g |
| Frame material | Unknown |
| Skill level | Advanced |
Best budget
Sports Direct / Slazengerwww.sportsdirect.com
Slazenger's Volt T/Rkt 43 is a recreational racket designed for players of all levels but especially suitable for beginners. It features an oversized 100-square-inch head, which provides a larger sweet spot, making it easier to make precise shots. Additionally, its head-light balance minimises vibrations and enhances stability, giving players the confidence to deliver their best shots.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Head-light balance to reduce vibrations and aid in stability
- Made with a durable Nano Titanium technology
Cons
- Handle grip isn't the best
| Weight | 280g |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Beginner/All levels |
Best for recreational activities
www.argos.co.uk
For those new to tennis and aiming to dominate the court, consider choosing this Slazenger racket. It measures 27 inches long and is suitable for players who are 5 feet or taller and children aged 13 or older. Weighing 290g, it strikes the perfect balance between manoeuvrability and stability, allowing you to swing with confidence. The best part? It includes a headcover for added protection and easy portability so that you can bring this racket to game after game.
Pros
- Great value
- Lightweight aluminium construction with I-beam profile
- Comes with a 3/4 length headcover
Cons
- Best for beginners or those playing recreational tennis
| Weight | 290g |
| Frame material | Aluminium |
| Skill level | Beginner |
Best for intermediate players
www.decathlon.co.uk
The Wilson Ultra Team V4.0 is an ideal choice for intermediate tennis players. It features a 16 x 19 string pattern, 645cm squared surface area, and weighs 280g. Additionally, it is equipped with Wilson's unique FortyFive technology, an updated version of carbon mapping, which provides the racket with an unrivalled combination of flex and stability. This racket is sure to shake up the competition for intermediate players.
Pros
- Neutral balance makes it easy to handle
- String pattern provides the necessary power
- FortyFive technology gives an unrivalled combination of flex and stability
Cons
- Sometimes can be difficult to get hold of due to popularity
| Weight | 280g |
| Frame material | Unknown |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
How to choose the best tennis racket for you?
Choosing the best tennis racket for you can be as scary as facing match point in a tiebreaker. But don't worry; choosing the perfect racket shouldn't be impossible.
Think about your skill level
Are you a beginner looking to master the basics? Or are you more of a seasoned player aiming to refine your style? Or are you only used to using badminton racquets? Understanding how good you are at the game and your preferred play style will help you choose the right racket.
Grip size matters
A proper grip will help you to control the ball, and minimises the risk of injury. If your grip is on the small side, you'll find yourself gripping too tightly. On the other hand, if it's too large, you'll struggle to move the racket with ease. The best grip size for you is one that feels like an extension of your own hand.
Also consider racket head size
A larger head typically creates a larger sweet spot, which offers players more forgiveness on off-centre hits. A racket with a larger head is often preferred for beginners as it increases the likelihood of making solid contact with the ball. In time, this will boost their consistency and confidence on the court.
Feel the difference in weight distribution
Finally, another factor to consider is the balance points of rackets, which range from head-heavy to head-light. A head-heavy racket will provide more power, making it a good choice for players who prefer strength and aggression in their shots. On the other hand, a head-light racket offers better movement, which is beneficial for those who prioritise speed and precision. If neither option seems suitable, there are always neutrally-balanced rackets.
FAQs
What tennis racket weight is best?
It all comes down to your skill level as a tennis player. Advanced and professional players generally prefer heavier rackets because the added weight helps them deliver more powerful shots without affecting their performance. On the other hand, beginners and recreational players may find lighter rackets more suitable. While these rackets may offer less power and spin, they are more portable, comfortable to handle, and provide better control.
Do expensive tennis rackets make a difference?
Imagine swinging a top-of-the-line, wallet-friendly racket. It may not instantly transform you into Andy Murray. Still, there's something special about its attractive design and superior craftsmanship, not to mention all the impressive tech features that come with a pricier racket. But here's the catch: it's not just about the racket; it's also about the player using it. Investing in a high-end tennis racket might boost your confidence, but your skill level makes all the difference. So, while an expensive tennis racket might enhance your sports game, it's unlikely to dramatically change your performance.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best_._ From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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