The 7 Best Tennis Ball Machines | Reviews & Guide (2022)

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Tennis ball machines are one of the most effective, and fastest ways to improve your tennis game. They allow you to play when you want, where you want, and practice drills without a coach or hitting partner.

Below you’ll see reviews of the best tennis ball machines on the market today, including a complete guide for choosing the right tennis ball machine for your needs. Also, we’ve included all the features to consider before buying a tennis ball machine.

These 7 machines are portable tennis ball machines. They are more mobile for a player to keep at their home and bring to their local courts for personal use.

Here is our list of the 7 best tennis ball machines.

7 Best Tennis Ball Machines Reviewed!

These portable ball machines, also called tennis ball launcher machines, are for tennis players looking to improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, you’ll be able to find the right ball machine for you below.

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#1 – Spinshot Player

This is the top portable tennis ball machine on the market for beginners or advanced players who want a fully customizable experience. The machine checks all the boxes that you’d look for in a good tennis ball machine.

The machine has a ball capacity of over 120 balls and can feed balls from around 19 to 68 miles per hour (30-110 kmph). You can program drills that have spin and move you from one side of the court to the other. If you need to practice fast-paced volleys, this ball machine’s feed frequency is from 2 to 10 seconds.

The best part of this ball machine though is the mobile app. You can download it right from your phone and customize drills specifically for areas of your game you need to work on. You can create up to 12 preset drills for yourself with up to 6 shots per drill.

It’s like having a coach right there on the court, but better! Your coach can’t feed 60 MPH topspin with the accuracy of this machine 😉 So instead of expensive private lessons, this machine will be your coach and pay for itself in only 25 hitting sessions.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: Any
Ball Capacity: 120+
Feed Frequency: 2-10 seconds
Oscillation: Horizontal & Vertical
Speed & Spin: 19-68 MPH (30-110 KMPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: Yes, create 12 preset drills at 6 shots each
Control: Android or iPhone App (or Apple watch to pause and start)
Size & Weight: 46 lbs (with battery) | 21h x 20l x 14w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery included but shipped separately | Lasts 2-3 hours

Pros

• Mobile app allows you to create custom preset drills
• You can adjust spin, speed, direction, trajectory, and feed rate
• Has all features you need for any skill level
• Great manufacturer support

Cons

• Max speed is 68MPH which is a problem for highly advanced players (USTA 5.0+)

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#2 – Lobster Sports Elite 2 Portable Ball Machine

If you’re looking to improve your fitness for singles, or just hit a lot of balls, this tennis ball machine is a great choice. This ball machine will move you all over the court and can feed balls with a variety of paces, spins, and elevations.

In addition to its large ball capacity, this machine can hit balls as fast as 80 miles per hour for high-level tennis players. If you’re just a beginner, you can start as low as 10 MPH. The feed frequency, oscillation, and elevation are all top class.

This machine feeds balls with random oscillation either vertically, horizontally, or both. This means you can work on deep groundstrokes and approach shots on either side of the court. Then you can change the ball machine settings to work on both forehands or backhands. If you set the machine to both random vertical and horizontal, you are in for a great workout!

You cannot customize drills with this machine. Of course, you can turn off the random setting to work on one shot in repetition. Also, keep in mind that the remote control is an additional cost.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: Any
Ball Capacity: 150
Feed Frequency: 2-12 seconds
Oscillation: Random Horizontal & Vertical
Speed & Spin: 10-80 MPH (16-129 KMPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine. Remote control available for purchase.
Size & Weight: 44 lbs | Collapses to 21h x 29l x 15 ½w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery included with charger. Fast charger available. | Lasts 4-8 hours

Pros

• Wide range of pace & spins for beginner to advanced players
• Feeds side to side as well as short and deep balls
• Easy to maneuver with handle and large wheels
• Adjustable height to work on a variety of shots including overheads

Cons

• Leaving it on the charger can hurt the battery
• Remote control sold separately
• No custom preset drills

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#3 – Sports Tutor Tennis Cube Ball Machine

This tennis ball machine is perfect for beginners, juniors, and even most intermediate players. If you’re just getting started with tennis, this is a great way to improve your skills without spending lots of money on lessons.

The Tennis Cube feeds balls at a beginner’s pace. It is a lightweight, portable ball machine, and can vary the height, direction, and frequency with which the balls are fed.

If you’re a parent looking to coach your child, this is a great ball machine for kids and junior tennis players. It does not allow you to control the spin and only feeds up to 50 MPH, so we do not recommend it for advanced players.

See our guide on the best beginner tennis racquets to find the right racquet to go with your new ball machine.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: Beginner & Some Intermediate
Ball Capacity: 70
Feed Frequency: 2 to 10 seconds
Oscillation: Random Horizontal & Vertical
Speed & Spin: 10-50 MPH | No spin control
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine
Size & Weight: 24 lbs | 15h x 12l x 13w inches
Power: Rechargeable battery lasts 2 hours with charger included

Pros

• Great value – costs less than 13 private tennis lessons
• Customize feed rate & elevation
• Random oscillation to move side to side
• Up to 50 MPH
• 3 year warranty

Cons

• Not for advanced players
• 70 ball capacity is lower than other machines, for a similar machine with 125 ball capacity see the ProLite Version

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#4 – Spinshot Plus

This ball machine from Spinshot is similar to Lobster’s Elite 2 machine reviewed above. It’s a great choice for players who are looking to improve any area of their tennis game.

The oscillation modes and different paces can help you practice all kinds of shots including groundstrokes, volleys, and overheads. You can also use Spinshot’s mobile app to control this machine.

While this ball machine is a lower cost than the Lobster’s Elite 2 (if you buy the remote), it does have a slightly smaller ball capacity and does not reach the pace of the Lobster product (80 MPH). However, this machine is more compact and has an AC option so you can play for hours without worrying about the battery.

Honestly, if you’re considering buying this machine, it is a great choice, but at only a fraction of the cost more, the Spinshot Player with customizable preset drills may be the better option.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: All
Ball Capacity: 120+
Feed Frequency: 2-10 seconds
Oscillation: 5 Oscillation Modes | Elevation Control from Panel
Speed & Spin: 19-68 MPH (30-110 KMPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine. Phone Apps optional
Size & Weight: 46 lbs (with battery) | 21h x 20l x 14w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery included but shipped separately. | Lasts 2-3 hours

Pros

• Great for any skill level player who want to improve their game fast
• Compact machine, very mobile
• Mobile app allows ease of control
• Feeds all varieties of shots

Cons

• No customized preset drills
• Max speed (68 mph) is less than Lobster machines

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#5 – Spinshot Pro

If you need a tennis ball machine to get a physical workout and don’t need all the customization of the advanced machines, the Spinshot Pro is for you. This machine can feed balls side to side giving you an excellent cardio workout, and has the ability to hit you a variety of shots.

For beginners, intermediate, or advanced players who just want to practice more, but don’t necessarily need a customizable drill experience, this ball machine is a great value. With its compact size, good battery life, and multiple speed and spin options, you will be able to work on all your shots. These features also make this ball machine good for more advanced kids and junior tennis players.

The oscillation does not randomly hit short and deep balls, but it will feed balls side to side so you can work on backhands and forehands. To work on approach shots or lobs, you simply change the settings on the control panel.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: All
Ball Capacity: 120+
Feed Frequency: 2-10 seconds
Oscillation: Random Horizontal Oscillator & Elevation Contol
Speed & Spin: 19-68 MPH (30-110 KMPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine. Two button remote included.
Size & Weight: 44 lbs (with battery) | 21h x 20l x 14w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery included but shipped separately | Lasts 2-3 hours

Pros

• Feeds tennis balls a wide range of paces & spins for all skill levels
• Oscillates horizontally for a great cardio workout
• Very mobile & good value for any skill level

Cons

• Depth of the ball feeding must be set from the panel & cannot randomly oscillate
• No customizable drills

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#6 – Lobster Sports Elite 1 Portable Ball Machine

Similar to the Spinshot Pro above, the Lobster Elite 1 tennis ball machine can provide a great baseline workout. You can work on both forehands and backhands with its random oscillation feature that feeds balls from side to side.

This machine is a great value and has a few advantages to the Spinshot Pro as well as some drawbacks. Like all of Lobster Sports’ tennis ball machines, it has a larger ball capacity and can feed balls faster than the Spinshot Pro. However, this machine does not include a remote control and is a bit bulkier than the Spinshot Pro.

Overall this is a great machine for players who don’t need all the drill customization of some of the nicer machines out there. You’ll be able to hit plenty of balls and adjust to your skill level as you improve.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: All levels
Ball Capacity: 150
Feed Frequency: 2-12 seconds
Oscillation: Random Horizontal Oscillation & Elevation
Speed & Spin: 10-80 MPH (16-129 KMPH) | Topspin & Slice
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine. Remote control available for purchase.
Size & Weight: 42 lbs | Collapses to 21h x 29l x 15 ½w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery included with charger. Fast charger available. | Lasts 4-8 hours

Pros

• Great for beginner to advanced players
• Oscillates side to side for a great singles or groundstrokes workout
• Easy to maneuver with handle and large wheels
• Adjustable height to work on a variety of shots including overheads

Cons

• No custom drills
• Does not feed short and deep balls in oscillation
• Remote control sold separately

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#7 – Tennis Tutor ProLite Ball Machine

If you need a tennis ball machine under $1000, this is an excellent choice. It is a very portable machine at only 29 lbs. While you cannot create any drills, the ball machine does have a horizontal oscillation feature so you can practice both your forehand and backhand.

This machine can be used by most skill levels and you can adjust the feed rate to as low as 1.5 seconds for a great workout. You can also adjust the elevation manually to practice groundstrokes, volleys, and even overheads or lobs.

This machine does not have a topspin or backspin adjustment and feeds up to 60 MPH. However, this is fast enough for most players below the USTA 5.0 level.

Specifications & Features

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Ball Capacity: 125
Feed Frequency: 1.5-10s
Oscillation: Random Horizontal Oscillation | Manual Elevation Controls
Speed & Spin: 10-60mph | No
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine (remote available for purchase)
Size & Weight: 29 lbs. | 12h x 19.5l x 18w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery | Lasts 2-3 hours

Pros

• Side to side oscillation
• Great value & very lightweight
• 3-year warranty from the manufacturer
• Manual height adjustment controls to change feed trajectory

Cons

• No topspin or backspin controls
• Cannot customize drills or oscillate vertically

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Tennis Ball Machine

When looking for a tennis ball launcher machine, there are many factors to consider. This guide will help you understand all your options and give you the perfect machine for your needs. Below are questions you should ask yourself before choosing a machine.

What is Your Skill Level?

Depending on your skill level as a tennis player, you will choose a different ball machine.

Advanced Tennis Players

Ball machines for advanced players need to be able to feed a variety of shots with different spins, paces, and heights. These machines are more expensive, but provide a customizable experience that pays for itself easily when compared to private lessons. You can create custom drills with these machines.

Intermediate Level Players

Intermediate players typically are looking to improve their game to the next level. Similar to choosing a tennis racquet, you will likely want to get a product that will work for advanced players too. You may not use all the features immediately but as you push yourself with more difficult tennis drills, you will improve faster.

Beginners

Beginners can purchase a ball machine with fewer features. They typically just need to hit more forehands and backhands from the baseline to improve their groundstrokes. Tennis ball machines for beginners can feed balls at a slower pace, without spin or variety. I recommend that beginners buy a less expensive machine and work on moving to hit backhands and forehands. The Tennis Cube Ball Machine is the best option for beginners!

How Often Will You Use the Machine?

When purchasing a new ball machine, you have to be serious about how often you’ll be using the machine. As we discussed above, the ball machine will pay for itself after a certain number of uses. However, if you only plan to use it a few times per year, then it may not be a good idea for you. Most machines are worth it if you can use them at least a few times per month.

If you’re serious about tennis and really want to get better, buying a tennis ball machine is a no-brainer. You don’t have the headache of finding someone else to hit with. You don’t have the expensive bills of a private lesson. You get to play when you want, on your terms.

If you’re less serious about improving, then you should consider your budget and possibly find a friend or family member to split the machine with so you can justify it. We also recommend reviewing the best tennis ball hoppers to make ball pickup and refilling the machine easier.

What is Your Budget?

Purchasing a tennis ball machine is a decision that costs a lot upfront, but pays for itself over time. You’ll need to consider how often you’ll use the machine before you can do the math on how long it will take you to break even.

For example, if you take 2 private lessons per week at $60 per lesson, and you buy a $1500 ball machine to replace those private lessons, it will only take you 3 months before you start saving money! In this case, it’s an easy decision.

Again, to help mitigate the cost, you can consider sharing the machine with your doubles partner or another player from your local tennis courts. Country clubs & tennis centers can rent the machine to players to help pay for the machine as well.

If you are on a tight budget, the Tennis Tutor ProLite Machine is the best value and works for most skill levels.

Features of Tennis Ball Machines

Before purchasing a tennis ball machine, you need to understand all the features a ball machine has to offer. Below are the primary features explained and definitions of each.

Tennis Ball Capacity

How many tennis balls fit into the machine at one time? In other words, how many balls can you hit before you have to pick up the balls and refill the machine?

Feed Rate

How much time do you have between shots? This is important because advanced players will want to look for machines that can feed the balls quickly. Beginners should look for more time between shots since they don’t hit the ball as hard.

Oscillation

Horizontal oscillation refers to the ability of the machine to feed balls to both sides of the tennis court. Some ball machines can only feed in one direction while more advanced machines can feed to both the forehand and backhand sides.

Vertical oscillation refers to the height of the ball being fed. This becomes important for drilling. If you want to practice high lobs, overheads, and low volleys, for example, you will need a machine that can provide different vertical oscillation on each shot.

Ball Speed & Spin

Speed is how fast can the machine feed each individual tennis ball. Advanced players need a machine that feeds the ball harder to simulate real match play. Spin refers to the spin on the ball. Unless you’re a complete beginner, you will likely want a machine that can hit both topspin balls, and slice shots.

Custom Drills

Many machines below allow you to create custom tennis drills. This is like having a personal coach and is a great feature for those serious about improving. For example, you could program a machine to feed a deep topspin forehand followed by a short backhand approach, then a high forehand volley. This would help you work on coming into the net.

Here are 5 drills you can work on with your new tennis ball machine.

Control: Phone App, Remote, or Panel

How you control the machine is an important factor. Most machines come with some sort of remote control feature and some even have a downloadable app for your phone. Others have only a panel on the machine itself.

Size & Weight

If you need a mobile machine, make sure you don’t buy something that can’t fit in your car!

Power

Tennis ball machines will either be powered through a normal outlet, or have a rechargeable battery. For some machines, the battery is sold separately.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Top Tennis Ball Machine

Tennis ball machines are a great way to improve your game fast. They’re reliable, don’t get tired, and they never miss.

For a tennis player looking for an all-in-one portable ball machine, we recommend the Spinshot Player Tennis Ball Machine. It has all the latest technology you’d want in a ball machine including an app to control the machine from your smartphone. You can even create your own custom tennis workout.