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The best tennis ball machine is the Spinfire Pro 2. This ball machine is portable and extremely customizable. However, you may want a different tennis ball machine based on your skill level, goals, budget, and more. The best value machine is the Spinshot Pro.
Below you’ll see reviews of the best tennis ball machines on the market today based on ball capacity, portability, price, and more. We also have a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right tennis ball machine for your needs.
All eight of these ball machines are portable. You can keep them at your home and bring them in your car to the courts for personal use.
List of the Best Tennis Ball Machines
Here is our list of the 8 best tennis ball machines by category. We reviewed each ball machine in more detail below.
Click the links below to order your racquet from Tennis Warehouse.
| Category | Ball Machine |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Tennis Ball Machine | Spinfire Pro 2 Jump to Review |
| Best Ball Machine with Fast Pace for Advanced Players | Lobster Sports Elite 2 Jump to Review |
| Best Ball Machine for Beginners | Sports Tutor Tennis Cube Jump to Review |
| Best Tennis Ball Machine for Under $1000 | Nisplay N1 Tennis Ball Machine Jump to Review |
| Best Intermediate-Level Ball Machine | Spinshot Plus Jump to Review |
| Best Value Tennis Ball Machine | Spinshot Pro Jump to Review |
| Best Capacity Ball Machine | Lobster Sports Elite 1 Portable Jump to Review |
| Best Capacity Ball Machine for Beginners | Tennis Tutor ProLite Jump to Review |
Reviews of the 8 Best Tennis Ball Machines
The ball machines we’ve reviewed below, also called tennis ball launcher machines, are for any tennis players looking to improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced tennis player, you’ll be able to find the right ball machine for you below.
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#1 – Spinfire Pro 2 Tennis Ball Machine: Best Overall
This is the top overall tennis ball machine on the market for players who want a fully customizable experience. The machine checks all the boxes you’d look for in a good tennis ball machine.
The Spinfire Pro 2 has a ball capacity of 150 balls and can feed balls from 20 to 80 miles per hour (32-130 kmph). You can program drills with specific shot placement or let it oscillate randomly both horizontally and vertically. If you need to practice fast-paced volleys or want to take it nice and slow, this ball machine’s feed frequency is from 2 to 15 seconds, and you can choose different time intervals within the same drill.
The best part of this ball machine though is the mobile app. You can use it to control the ball machine on the court, download drills, or even take advantage of the AI feature to help create your own drills.
It’s like having a private coach right there on the court, but better! Your coach can’t feed 80 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 no time.
Specifications & Features
Skill Level: Any
Ball Capacity: 150
Feed Frequency: 2-15 seconds
Oscillation: Horizontal & Vertical
Speed & Spin: 20-80 MPH (32-130 KMPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: Yes, plus use AI to help you create them
Control: Remote control, panel on the machine, Android & iPhone apps
Size & Weight: 40-54 lbs | 19h x 24l x 16w (inches)
Power: Rechargeable battery or AC plug | Lasts 3-8 hours
Pros
- Great portability & easy to roll from car to court
- Mobile app with AI helps you create custom drills
- You can adjust spin, speed, direction, trajectory, and feed rate
- Has all features you need for any skill level
- Multiple power options
- Remote control allows you to start/stop & adjust speed, spin, interval, & more
Cons
- Expensive for casual players
#2 – Lobster Sports Elite 2 Portable Ball Machine: Fastest Pace
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 advanced 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
#3 – Sports Tutor Tennis Cube Ball Machine: Best for Beginners
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
#4 – Nisplay N1 Tennis Ball Machine: Best Under $1000
This is a great portable tennis ball machine for those looking to spend less than $1000. It has a good slate of features for its price point and is definitely worth considering.
The machine has a ball capacity of over 80 balls and can feed balls from around 6 to 68 miles per hour (10-110 kmph). You can also set it to oscillate horizontally if you purchase the extra base. If you need to practice fast-paced volleys, this ball machine’s feed frequency is from 1 to 10 seconds, and you can adjust the launch angle for 0-55 degrees.
One great feature this machine implements is a remote control start/stop button. This way you don’t have to waste the first couple balls between turning the ball machine on and running to get into position.
Specifications & Features
Skill Level: Any
Ball Capacity: 80+
Feed Frequency: 1 to 10 seconds
Oscillation: Horizontal (with available $99 base)
Speed & Spin: 6-68 MPH (10-110 KPH) | Topspin & Backspin
Custom Drills: No
Control: Panel on machine, included remote (start/stop only)
Size & Weight: 26 lbs | 12.5h x 10.6l x 12.6w inches
Power: Rechargeable battery included | Lasts 4 hours
Pros
- Remote to start/stop machine so no balls are wasted getting into position
- You can adjust spin, speed, direction, trajectory, and feed rate
- 1-Year Warranty
- 0-55 degree variable elevation
- 3-foot folding handle for easy transportation
Cons
- Max speed is 68MPH which may be a problem for highly advanced players (USTA 5.0+)
- Horizontal oscillation costs extra, no vertical oscillation
#5 – Spinshot Plus Tennis Ball Machine: Best for Intermediate Players
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 slightly higher price, the Spinfire Pro 2 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 wants 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
#6 – Spinshot Pro Tennis Ball Machine: Best Value
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 can 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
#7 – Lobster Sports Elite 1 Portable Ball Machine: Best Capacity
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
#8 – Tennis Tutor ProLite Ball Machine: Best Capacity Machine for Beginners
If you need a tennis ball machine with good capacity for 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
Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off.
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 Need a Machine with Customizable Features
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.
- Best Tennis Ball Machine for Advanced Players: Spinfire Pro 2
Intermediate Players Should Choose a Machine that Feeds with Different Speeds & Spins
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.
Choose a ball machine that feeds a variety of shots with different paces, spins, directions, and heights. You may not use all the features immediately but as you push yourself with more difficult tennis drills, you will improve faster.
- Best Tennis Ball Machine for Intermediate Players: Spinshot Plus
Beginners Can Choose a Basic Ball Machine for a Lower Cost
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.
- Best Tennis Ball Machine for Beginners: Tennis Cube Ball Machine
How Often Will You Use the Ball 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 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 for a Tennis Ball Machine?
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 two private lessons per week at $60 per lesson, and you buy a $1,500 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.
- Best Tennis Ball Machine on a Budget: Tennis Tutor ProLite Machine
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 Varies from 50 to 150+
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 Can be Fast or Slow and is Often Adjustable
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 Changes Height & Direction of the Tennis Balls
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 Can Also Vary and is Adjustable with Some Machines
Speed is how fast can the machine feed each 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 Available on Some Tennis Ball Machines
Many machines above 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.
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 of Tennis Ball Machines
If you need a mobile machine, make sure you don’t buy something that can’t fit in your car!
Tennis Ball Machines are Powered by Rechargeable Battery or an Outlet
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 Spinfire Pro 2 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 use AI to help you create a custom tennis workout.
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