Best pickleball paddle under $50

Finding a high quality yet cheap pickleball paddle can be overwhelming, especially with so many brands flooding Amazon. 

As a seasoned player, I have tested plenty of paddles, and I know that price doesn’t always reflect quality. 

Whether you’re buying for a kid’s first game or sticking to a budget, the right choice can still feel excellent on the court. 

The key is to distinguish between solid picks and lower-quality alternatives. To make it easier, 

I have carefully categorized the market and compiled the top 7 options for 2025 to help you make the best choice.

Quick Recommendation

Most affordable pickleball paddle under $50

The best pickleball paddle is a solid choice for beginners and Advance pickleball players looking for good control and power without spending too much.

It gets the job done without breaking the bank, making it perfect for fun games and practice.

1. PBVMURTG Budget Pickleball Paddle

Finding a great budget pickleball paddle that doesn’t compromise on quality can be difficult, but the PBVMURTG paddle proves otherwise. 

This unique brand offers an insane deal, making it hard to believe PBVMURTG priced under $50 at amazon. I recently played with my usual $200 paddle against a friend who competes at a 4.0-4.5 DUPR range, and after losing three games, I switched to this one and I actually won the next game 11-3.

It’s incredible how a carbon fiber paddle at this price point can compete with high-end options. Available on Amazon, “It includes a paddle cover, grip tape, and a cleaning bar to help maintain a clean pickleball paddle grip, which is rare for paddles in this price range.”

My previous favorite, the Anything Sports paddle, was sadly discontinued, which was unfortunate, but testing this paddle side by side with it, I found the PBVMURTG to be the better racket.

My experience was so impressive that I decided to write a full review about it. It makes me wonder how the company is even making money while selling such a high-quality paddle at this price.

Pros

• Responsive customer service that quickly resolves concerns.
• Includes useful extras like a neoprene cover, extra grip wrap, and paddle cleaner.
• Great control, spin, and power at a budget-friendly price, comparable to expensive paddles.

Cons

• Lesser-known brand, so long-term durability is uncertain.
• Handle has a unique rectangular shape that may take time to adjust to.

How it feels

The first time I picked up this paddle, it felt surprisingly nice in hand, offering a good balance between control, spin, and power.

While some high-end paddles in the $100 range might feel more refined, the PBVMURTG holds its own with a carbon fiber face and a 16mm thickness that gives it a solid yet slightly stiff touch.

The sweet spot is smaller than some pricier options, but once I adjusted, it played smoothly. Compared to my old Anything Sports paddle, which I loved before it was discontinued, this one feels even better at just $32.99.

It’s honestly crazy to get a paddle of this quality under $35, and even though it’s from a random brand, it deserves kudos for delivering performance beyond expectations.

Performance

The paddle delivers impressive performance for its price, offering excellent control, spin, and decent power—making it a great choice for executing different shots in pickleball.

Many users found it comparable to high-end paddles from well-known brands, making it a solid choice for intermediate Pickleball players.

It provides a well-balanced feel, good grip, and a unique handle shape that some players appreciate. While its long-term durability is uncertain, its overall performance exceeds expectations, especially given its affordability.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle without spending a fortune, the PBVMURTG is an unbeatable choice.

It competes with high-end paddles, delivers great control, spin, and power, and comes at an almost unbelievable price under $35.

Whether you’re upgrading from a beginner paddle or just want an affordable backup, this one proves that performance doesn’t have to come at a premium.

2-Franklin Sports Budget Pickleball Racket

If you are looking for a solid alternative in the budget range, the Franklin paddle is an excellent choice. It has a 10mm thickness, which is slightly thinner than what I’d usually recommend for a beginner, but its polypropylene core gives it a similar feel to carbon fiber.

The grip size of 5 inches makes it comfortable to hold, offering better control over the ball. At 8 ounces, it has a great weight balance that feels fine for both casual and competitive playing.

One feature I really appreciate is its paddle design, which includes an image of the sweet spot, helping players understand exactly where to hit for optimal performance.

While many choose pricier models like the Head Extreme Elite, Onyx Z5, or Hello Friday, I personally prefer this Franklin paddle over those more expensive options.

It delivers high-end performance without breaking the bank, making it a standout pick in the affordable category.

Pros

• Durable core with a comfortable grip
• MaxGrit surface enhances spin
• Lightweight and easy to control

Cons

• Not as premium as high-end paddles

How it feels

If you are wondering how to become a professional pickleball player, choosing the right gear is essential. The Franklin Sports Overall Budget Pickleball Racket offers a lightweight yet sturdy feel, making it easy to control for both beginners and experienced players.

The non-slip comfort grip ensures a secure, smooth, and non-sticky hold, allowing for extended play without discomfort.

Its balanced weight and ample sweet spot provide a responsive touch, making every shot feel natural and controlled.

Performance

The Franklin Sports Overall Budget Pickleball Racket delivers impressive performance with its strong polypropylene core, ensuring a large sweet spot for accurate and powerful shots.

The MaxGrit fiberglass surface enhances ball control and spin, making precision shots easier. Weighing 7.7 – 8.2 ounces, it offers a lightweight feel for effortless maneuverability.

Plus, the non-slip comfort grip provides stability, ensuring better control during fast-paced games.

Conclusion

The Franklin Sports Overall Budget Pickleball Racket is a reliable, high-performance option for players looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.

With its lightweight build, strong polypropylene core, and MaxGrit fiberglass surface, it delivers excellent control, spin, and durability.

The comfortable, non-slip grip enhances handling, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

USAPA-approved and well-rated by thousands, this paddle proves that budget-friendly gear can still elevate your game.

3- Coastal Sports Best Budget Racket Under $25

For those looking for an affordable yet reliable paddle, the Coastal Sports pickleball padddle option is my top pick for under $25.

With an impressive 4.8 rating on Amazon backed by over 100 reviews, it stands out in the budget category.

The graphite face delivers excellent responsiveness, which I personally appreciate more than Fiberglass alternatives.

Its honeycomb polypropylene core ensures durability and control, making it a great choice for players of all levels.

The design is both sporty and simple, appealing to those who want style without unnecessary extras. Plus, there’s often a 5% coupon available on Amazon, making the price even lower for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price, offering solid performance under $25.
• Lightweight design allows for easy handling and control.
• Durable honeycomb core and graphite face ensure longevity.

Cons

• Light-colored paddle may show dirt and wear quickly.

How it feels

The Best Budget Racket Under $25 feels incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for beginners and casual players.

The textured graphite face provides great control and spin, while the honeycomb polypropylene core ensures a nice balance of power and touch.

The comfortable, sweat-resistant grip allows for extended play without hand fatigue, and despite its budget-friendly price, it holds up well with consistent use.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable racket, this one delivers solid performance without breaking the bank!

Performance

For a budget-friendly option under $25, this racket delivers impressive control and playability. The lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability, while the textured face helps generate spin with accuracy.

The honeycomb core provides a balanced feel, offering just the right amount of power without sacrificing touch.

Whether you’re a beginner or casual player, this paddle ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience on the court.

Conclusion

The Best Budget Racket Under $25 is a fantastic choice for beginners and casual players looking for an affordable yet high-quality paddle.

Its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and responsive graphite face make it easy to control while providing a smooth playing experience.

Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers great durability and performance, making it a solid investment for anyone wanting to enjoy pickleball without overspending.

If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and cost-effective paddle, this one is definitely worth considering!

4- PELARD Cheap Pickleball Paddle Under $10

If you’re looking for the least expensive option to test out the game without spending much, the PELARD Pickleball Paddle is a great choice.

I managed to grab it for just $5.46 after applying a 50% coupon, making it an unbeatable low price deal. What’s impressive is that this paddle still holds a solid 4.6 rating based on over 100 reviews, proving its reliability.

It performs similar to other paddles in the $10-$25 range, yet it isn’t marketed as aggressively as some higher-priced paddles.

If you’re interested, you can use the link provided to search for deals, as prices fluctuate. There are often paddles available under $15, so checking regularly increases your chances of getting the best price.

Pros

• Great quality for the price.
• Secure & sweat-resistant.
• Easy to handle.

Cons

• Lacks pro-level strength.

How it feels

he Best Very Cheap Pickleball Paddle feels lightweight yet sturdy, allowing for smooth swings and easy maneuverability on the court.

The ergonomic grip is soft, comfortable, and sweat-resistant, providing a secure hold even during intense matches.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the paddle offers a balanced feel with good control and power, making it enjoyable for players of all levels.

Performance

he Best Very Cheap Pickleball Paddle offers impressive durability and control at an affordable price, making it a great choice for budget conscious players.

The lightweight carbon fiber surface enhances spin and shot precision, while the polymer honeycomb core ensures a solid, responsive feel.

With a comfortable, non-slip grip and a reinforced edge guard, this paddle provides excellent maneuverability and long-lasting performance on the court.

Conclusion

The Best Very Cheap Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for beginners and casual players looking for quality at an affordable price.

With a lightweight carbon fiber surface, a durable honeycomb core, and a comfortable grip, it delivers a great balance of control and power.

The sturdy edge guard enhances longevity, making it a reliable option for regular play. Overall, this paddle provides impressive performance without breaking the bank.

5- JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddles

For players looking for a cheap yet high-quality entry paddle, the JOOLA Essentials is an excellent choice. This paddle incorporates some of the same tech as the GOAT himself, Ben Johns, making it a standout option in the price range.

It’s an all-court paddle that delivers impressive spin and performs better than most alternatives on Amazon.

Whether you’re a beginner who wants to play with gear from top brands in the game, or you dream of playing like the Johns brothers, this paddle provides pro-level features at a budget price.

Its balanced nature means it doesn’t skew toward just one style but instead offers a mix of power, control, and forgiveness, making it reliable across the board.

What sets this paddle apart is its multi-layered fiberglass face, combined with a 12 mm core, which gives it extra pop on every shot.

The edge guard is strong, ensuring durability and protecting the paddle over time. Additionally, the JOOLA Sure-Grip handle reduces slipping and vibrations, improving comfort.

However, the grip circumference of 4″ is thin, so some players may prefer adding an overgrip. The handle length is 4.75″, slightly shorter than average, but many players like the maneuverability it provides.

Pros

• Balanced for control, spin, and power, making it an all-court beginner paddle.
• Made by JOOLA, a top brand trusted by pros like Ben Johns.
• A great budget paddle with advanced tech, outperforming many $60 paddles.

Cons

• Heavier than most beginner paddles at 8.2 oz, making it head-heavy
• Less forgiving than other beginner-friendly paddles like the SLK Neo 2.0.
• Doesn’t come as a full set, unlike the SLK Neo 2.0, which includes two paddles, balls, and a carry bag.

How it feels

Stepping onto the courts with a JOOLA paddle instantly builds confidence, especially for a beginner looking for an affordable option that doesn’t feel cheap.

The Essentials model stands out, almost holding its own next to the brand’s more famous pro-level paddles like the Perseus and Scorpeus.

It offers impressive responsiveness and a solid feel during play, though it leans slightly heavy compared to other entry-level choices.

On the court, this paddle delivers a comfortable grip, ensuring control without compromising power. While it may not be a pro model, it certainly performs like one, making it a great fit for players aiming to up their game without stretching their budget.

Performance

The Essentials paddle offers an excellent blend of power and control, making it a strong choice for beginners looking to experiment with their game.

While it has a slight pop on touch shots, it can also generate impressive amounts of spin, including topspin, side spin, and backspin, which many $60 paddles fail to achieve.

Though its forgiveness isn’t the best compared to some other beginner options I’ve tested, the sweet spot is still reliable enough to help players improve.

Like most JOOLA models, this paddle plays a bit head-heavy, which gives it unique attributes that add stability and consistency at an unbeatable price.

Conclusion

The JOOLA Essentials paddle is a solid choice for beginners wanting a high-quality yet affordable option. It offers a balanced mix of power, control, and forgiveness, with a multi-layered fiberglass face that adds extra pop to every shot.

While slightly head-heavy, it provides impressive spin, durability, and a comfortable grip, making it a great all-court performer.

Whether you are just starting or aiming to play like the Johns brothers, this paddle delivers pro level features at a budget price.

6- SLK NEO 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

If you’ve been burned by cheap paddle sets in the past, the SLK NEO 2.0 is a great pick for those wanting a high-quality pickleball set without overspending.

It stands out in the market in 2024 as one of the best beginner sets, offering an impressive package that prioritizes quality over gimmicks.

Designed by Selkirk, a trusted name in the sport, this paddle actually performs at a high level while still being a great set for entry-level players.

It has a sleek design and matches the performance of many higher-end options, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for real value for money.

At $80, this set includes two paddles and extras, making it ideal for a beginner who wants to avoid wasting time on a lower-performing Amazon set.

If you already own a budget set but aren’t happy with it, this is a great alternative to truly hit the ground running.

The multi-layered fiberglass and graphite face help generate spin, while the 13 mm core adds some pop, making it feel much livelier than most entry-level paddles I’ve tested.

The solid edge guard ensures durability, providing a long-lasting paddle that won’t wear out quickly.

Pros

• One of the best beginner paddles, offering a solid feel and easy playability.
• Made by Selkirk, a big brand known for its advanced tech and high-performance paddles.
• Comes as a complete set with two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag, perfect for playing with a partner.

Cons

• Not designed as a youth paddle—for kids, the Oneshot Juniorshot is a better choice.
• Lacks spin compared to the JOOLA Essentials, which generates more.
• Not ideal if you don’t need a full set—the JOOLA Essentials is a better single paddle option.

How it feels

The SLK NEO 2.0 stands out with its cool, vibrant design, making it feel more like a premium paddle than a budget-friendly choice.

Whether you go for the green and purple combination or the set with blue and red, it looks as good as it plays.

More importantly, it delivers a sturdy feel on the court, absorbing shocks and vibrations effortlessly. The grip is surprisingly high quality, staying comfy in my hands without becoming slippery, even in extreme weather like 100ºF heat.

It’s a paddle built for control, comfort, and confidence at a price that won’t break the bank.

Performance

One of the first things I noticed while playing with this paddle was how incredibly light and maneuverable it felt, making it ideal for beginners who want to play fast and react quickly at the kitchen line.

The SLK NEO stands out for its forgiveness, and its wide face with a large sweet spot ensures that mishits are kept to a minimum. Rated a 9/10, even the SLK NEO 2.0 doesn’t feel far off in quality.

The 13 mm core gives it a satisfying pop, while the SpinFlex texture helps generate more power and spin, something rarely found in cheap beginner paddles.

I was honestly shocked and happy to see such impressive performance in an affordable option.

Conclusion

The SLK NEO 2.0 is an excellent choice for beginners who want a high-quality pickleball set without breaking the bank.

Designed by Selkirk, it offers a sleek design, impressive spin, and a forgiving feel, making it a top-tier beginner set in 2024.

With its lightweight, maneuverable build, a 13 mm core for extra pop, and a comfortable, high-quality grip, it performs well beyond its price point.

7- GoSports GS1 Pickleball Paddles

If you’re starting out in pickleball and not ready to invest too much in the game, the GoSports GS1 Paddle is a fantastic budget option.

While my top choice, the JOOLA Essentials, is priced at $60, this paddle is available for just $25, making it ideal for those on a limited budget.

Despite its affordability, it offers great forgiveness, control, and speed, making it an excellent entry-level paddle for newcomers.

If you don’t want to spend upwards of $50, but still need a paddle that performs well, this is one of the best budget options out there. It plays better than many Amazon paddles, thanks to its 13 mm honeycomb core, which provides a decent pop and helps players generate power.

The fiberglass face is textured to add some spin, though not as much as higher-end paddles.

With an 8″ wide paddle face, you get plenty of room to hit the ball, making it easier for beginners to connect with their shots.

The short 4.25″ handle allows beginners to get used to the feel of a pickleball paddle before trying two-handed shots.

Weighing just 7 oz, it is incredibly lightweight and maneuverable, making it a great choice for those who want an easy-to-handle paddle as they learn the game.

Pros

• Forgiving control paddle with an 8” wide face and a generous sweet spot, reducing mishits.
• Lightweight at only 7 oz, making it easy to maneuver and swing effortlessly.
• A real bargain at just $25, offering solid performance for beginners.

Cons

• If you can spend more, the JOOLA Essentials at $50-60 offers better overall quality.
• Not ideal for those who prefer heavier paddles—the JOOLA Essentials weighs 8.2 oz.

How it feels

This no-frills black paddle may have a simple look, but it makes up for it with solid performance that stands out against its rivals.

While it won’t be winning any design awards, it’s focused on delivering value for your buck, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious players.

In my hands, it feels incredibly fast, allowing for quick reactions at the net. The comfy grip ensures control and stability, proving that a great paddle doesn’t have to come with a high price point.

Performance

When stepping onto the courts with this paddle, I immediately noticed how quick and fast it felt in action. The ability to react quickly to incoming shots makes it ideal for beginners looking to refine their control and defensive skills.

Thanks to its wide face, mishits are minimized, making it an incredibly forgiving choice. The lightweight design, combined with a thin core and textured surface, allows for a good mix of power and spin, adding versatility to every game.

Whether you’re focusing on a rounded playing style or simply improving your performance, this paddle supports steady growth in the game of Pickleball.

Its balance of speed, forgiveness, and handling makes it a smart pick for those just getting started.

Conclusion

The GoSports GS1 is a fantastic budget-friendly option for beginners, offering great control, forgiveness, and speed at just $25.

Its lightweight build, wide face, and comfortable grip make it easy to handle, helping new players develop their skills with confidence.

If you’re looking for an affordable paddle that still performs well, this one is a solid choice!

How to choose the best budget pickleball paddle

When looking for the best paddle under $50, focusing on value, performance, and features is essential.

When choosing a pickleball paddle, the question often arises: should a pickleball paddle be light or heavy? A well-balanced paddle should provide the right mix of control, power, and forgiveness on the court while remaining durable and lightweight

Some budget-friendly options, like the GoSports GS1 at $25 or the JOOLA Essentials at $60, provide great value despite their lower price.

If you’re looking for a great deal, the SLK NEO 2.0 set, which includes two paddles for $80 (technically less than $40 per paddle), is a solid choice.

Always check if the paddle has a textured face to help generate spin, as well as a comfortable grip for better handling.

A good design can also make a difference, especially for youth players who may be more drawn to a cool look that makes pickleball more fun.

Beyond looks, consider how the weighting affects aerodynamics and overall performance. Some paddles claim advanced features, but real testing on the court helps differentiate marketing claims from actual results.

While expensive paddles often promise superior play, some budget options still hold their own, making them a great choice for beginners and casual players.

A solid paddle should feel well-balanced in hand, provide a good balance of power and control, and maintain durability over time.

If you’re serious about improving your game, selecting the right budget paddle can make a significant difference without exceeding your limit.

Whether you’re prioritizing a reliable grip, a high-quality face, or the right weighting, taking the time to find the best paddle ensures you get the most for your money.