Best Pickleball Paddle for Cheap: Top Budget-Friendly Options in 2024

Pickleball has become a popular sport for people of all ages. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The paddle is a key piece of equipment for this fun and fast-paced game. Many players want to find a good paddle without spending too much money.

A quality pickleball paddle can make a big difference in your game. It affects your control, power, and comfort while playing. Cheap paddles can still offer good performance if you know what to look for. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy playing pickleball.

When choosing a budget-friendly pickleball paddle, pay attention to the weight, grip size, and materials used. These factors impact how the paddle feels and performs during play. You want a paddle that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.

We tested several affordable pickleball paddles to find the best options for players on a budget.

Best Budget Pickleball Paddles

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy pickleball. We’ve rounded up some top-quality paddles that offer great performance at affordable prices. These budget-friendly options will help you improve your game without emptying your wallet.

Flydot Pickleball Paddle Set

This affordable paddle set offers good value for beginners and families looking to try pickleball without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Includes 4 paddles, 4 balls, and a carrying bag
• Wider paddle face for easier ball contact
• Soft grip reduces slipping

Cons

• Wood construction may not last as long as composite paddles
• Not ideal for advanced players
• Paddle surface quality could be better

The Flydot Pickleball Paddle Set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. You get four wood paddles, four balls that work for indoor and outdoor play, and a bag to carry it all. The paddles have a wide face, which makes it easier to hit the ball when you’re just starting out.

When you pick up these paddles, you’ll notice they’re pretty light. This helps you swing faster without getting tired. The grips feel soft in your hand and don’t slip much when you sweat. You can play for a while without your hands hurting.

These paddles work well for backyard games or taking to the park with friends. They’re not fancy, but they get the job done. The balls bounce well on different surfaces. If you’re new to pickleball or want some extra paddles for guests, this set is a good pick. Just don’t expect them to hold up to intense, daily use like more costly options would.

Flydot 4-Pack Pickleball Set

This affordable pickleball set offers good value for beginners and families looking to get into the sport.

Pros

• Includes 4 paddles, balls, and extras
• Durable wood construction
• Comfortable grip

Cons

• Not for advanced players
• Wood paddles lack power
• Limited color options

The Flydot 4-pack pickleball set is a great starter kit for those new to the game. You get four wood paddles, four balls, a carrying bag, and even cooling towels. The paddles feel solid in your hands, with a nice grip that doesn’t slip when you sweat.

When you play with these paddles, you’ll notice they’re a bit heavier than high-end graphite ones. This can help beginners learn proper form. The wood construction is tough and can take a beating. You won’t have to worry about chips or cracks from normal use.

The included balls work well for both indoor and outdoor play. They have a good bounce and feel satisfying to hit. While not pro-level equipment, this set gives you everything you need to start playing pickleball right away. It’s perfect for family game nights or casual matches with friends.

MTEN Fiberglass Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this USAPA-approved pickleball set, perfect for beginners and casual players on a budget.

Pros

• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
• Includes carrying case and extra balls

Cons

• May lack advanced features for pros
• Medium weight might feel heavy for some
• Grip tape may need replacing over time

The MTEN pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. You get two paddles, four outdoor balls, and a handy carrying case. The paddles have a fiberglass surface and polypropylene honeycomb core. This combo offers good power and control for most players.

When you hold these paddles, you’ll notice the comfy grip. It’s made to absorb sweat and provide cushioning. This helps you play longer without your hands getting tired. The 4.57-inch grip size fits most hands well and lets you snap your wrist for extra power and spin.

Each paddle weighs about 7.8 ounces, putting it in the medium weight range. This weight works for many players, but some might find it a bit heavy after long games. The wide paddle face gives you a big sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball well. While these paddles are great for beginners and casual players, pros might want more advanced features.

Sprypals Pink Pickleball Set

You’ll love this fun and affordable pickleball set for beginners and casual players.

Pros

• Cute pink designs stand out
• Good value 4-paddle set with balls and bag
• USAPA approved for tournament play

Cons

• Wood paddles lack power of composites
• Grip could be more comfortable
• May not satisfy advanced players

The Sprypals Pink Pickleball Set catches your eye right away with its fun graffiti-style designs. When you pick up a paddle, you’ll notice it’s lightweight and easy to swing. The wood construction gives a nice solid feel, though it doesn’t have quite the same pop as pricier composite paddles.

You’ll appreciate the complete set that comes with four paddles, four balls, and a carry bag. It’s perfect for family game nights or bringing to the park with friends. The paddles are USAPA approved, so you can even use them in tournaments if you want to try competitive play.

As you start playing, you may find the grip a bit basic. It does the job, but doesn’t feel as cushy as some high-end paddles. Still, for the price, these work great for beginners and casual players. The wood paddles give you good control as you learn proper form and shot placement. You’ll have a blast picking up this fun sport without breaking the bank.

DULCE DOM Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this affordable pickleball set that’s perfect for beginners and casual players.

Pros

• Complete set with paddles, balls, and carrying bag
• Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
• Suitable for all ages and skill levels

Cons

• Paddles may not suit advanced players
• Outdoor balls can crack with heavy use
• Durability may be limited compared to pricier options

The DULCE DOM pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. When you open the package, you’ll find four paddles, four balls, and a handy carrying bag. The paddles feel light in your hands, weighing about 10.58 ounces each. This weight makes them easy to swing, even during long games.

You’ll appreciate the comfortable grip on these paddles. It’s designed with soft material and has small holes to help your hands stay dry. This feature comes in handy when you’re playing for hours and your palms get sweaty. The grip also helps reduce the shock you feel when hitting the ball, which is great for your wrists and elbows.

The set includes both indoor and outdoor balls, so you can play wherever you want. Keep in mind that the outdoor balls might not last as long as you’d like. Some players have reported cracks after a few uses. But for casual games with friends and family, these balls work just fine. The included bag is a nice touch, letting you carry all your gear in one place.

VOICEPTT Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this USAPA-approved pickleball set that’s perfect for players of all skill levels.

Pros

• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Includes paddles, balls, and carry bag

Cons

• May be too basic for advanced players
• Limited color options
• Bag could be more durable

This pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. The paddles have a nice weight to them and feel solid when you hit the ball. You’ll like how the grip fits in your hand – it’s comfy and helps you keep control during long games.

The balls that come with the set bounce well and are fun to play with. You get both 40-hole and 26-hole balls, so you can try different types. The carry bag is handy for taking your gear to the court, but it might not last as long as the paddles.

For the price, you’re getting a good deal on this set. It’s great if you’re new to pickleball or want an extra set to keep at your vacation home. The paddles work well for casual games with friends or family. While pros might want fancier gear, this set is perfect for most players who just want to have fun.

YC DGYCASI Fiberglass Pickleball Set

This USAPA-approved pickleball set is perfect for beginners and intermediate players. The set includes lightweight fiberglass paddles, comfortable grip with ventilation holes, and balls and a carrying bag.

Pros

• Lightweight fiberglass paddles
• Comfortable grip with ventilation holes
• Includes balls and carrying bag

Cons

• Ball quality could be better
• May not suit advanced players
• Some hollow spots in paddle

The YC DGYCASI pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. The paddles feel light in your hands. At 7.5-7.9 ounces, they won’t tire out your arms during long games.

You’ll love the grip on these paddles. It’s soft and has tiny holes to help absorb sweat. This means you can play for hours without the paddle slipping in your hand. The edge guard is a nice touch too. It protects the paddle if you accidentally hit the ground.

The set comes with both indoor and outdoor balls, which is great. You can play anywhere you want. The carrying bag is handy for taking your gear to the court. While the balls aren’t top quality, they work fine for casual games and practice.

AUTOSAN Graphite Pickleball Paddle

This paddle is a great balance of quality and affordability for beginner or intermediate players. The paddle is lightweight and easy to maneuver and has a durable graphite and fiberglass construction. It also comes with a comfortable grip with good sweat absorption.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Durable graphite and fiberglass construction
• Comfortable grip with good sweat absorption

Cons

• May lack power for advanced players
• Some color variations from product images
• Edge guard could be more protective

This AUTOSAN paddle feels great in your hands. At around 7.5 ounces, it’s light enough for quick reactions but still has enough heft for solid shots. The graphite and fiberglass face gives you good control and feel for the ball.

You’ll notice the comfortable grip right away. It has tiny holes to absorb sweat and stay tacky during long games. The 4.25-inch circumference fits most hand sizes well. The honeycomb core inside the paddle adds strength without extra weight.

For the price, this paddle performs very well. It works for indoor and outdoor play. The UV coating helps prevent fading over time. While not a pro-level paddle, it’s perfect for learning the game or improving your skills without spending a fortune. The included cover is a nice bonus to protect your investment.

Glarollirace Retro Pickleball Set

This USAPA-approved pickleball set has stylish paddles and complete accessories. The set includes durable fiberglass paddles with a good grip, indoor and outdoor balls, and a convenient carrying bag.

Pros

• Durable fiberglass paddles with good grip
• Includes indoor and outdoor balls
• Convenient carrying bag

Cons

• May be too basic for advanced players
• Limited color options
• Paddle weight not adjustable

The Glarollirace pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. You get two retro-styled paddles made with fiberglass faces and polypropylene cores. These materials help you hit with power and control.

When you grip the paddles, you’ll notice how comfortable they feel. The handles have a soft, textured surface that won’t slip in your hands, even if you sweat. This lets you focus on your game without worrying about dropping your paddle.

Playing with these paddles is fun and easy. They’re light at 8-8.5 ounces, so you can swing them fast. The wide body design gives you a big sweet spot to hit the ball. You’ll like how the edges are protected with a TPU guard, keeping your paddles safe if you drop them.

This set comes with four balls – two for indoor play and two for outdoors. You also get a sturdy bag to carry everything. It’s big enough to hold the paddles, balls, and some extras like your keys or phone.

Whether you’re new to pickleball or looking for an affordable set, these paddles work well. They meet official standards, so you can use them in tournaments too. For the price, you get a solid set that will help you enjoy many games of pickleball.

Upalled Pickleball Set

This USAPA-approved pickleball set is great for beginners and casual players. The set includes paddles with a comfortable grip, and indoor and outdoor balls.

Pros

• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
• Includes indoor and outdoor balls

Cons

• Medium weight may not suit all players
• Limited color options
• Grip size may be too large for some

When you first pick up these paddles, you’ll notice how light they feel in your hands. The fiberglass face gives a nice pop to your shots, while the polypropylene core keeps vibrations to a minimum. This combo helps you place the ball with good accuracy.

The grip is a standout feature. It’s cushioned and perforated, which means your hands won’t slip even when you start to sweat. You’ll find it easy to maintain control during long rallies or intense matches.

One thing to keep in mind is the paddle weight. At around 7.8 ounces, it’s in the medium range. This works well for most players, but if you prefer a super lightweight or heavy paddle, you might want to look elsewhere. The set comes with both indoor and outdoor balls, so you can play anywhere. Plus, the carrying bag makes it easy to take your gear to the courts.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a cheap pickleball paddle, there are key factors to consider. Here’s what to look for:

Material

The paddle’s material affects its performance and price. Common options include:

• Wood: Cheapest, but heavy and less durable
• Composite: Mid-range price, good balance of weight and power
• Graphite: Pricier, lightweight with excellent control

Weight

Paddle weight impacts your play style:

• Light (6-7.3 oz): Easier to maneuver, less power
• Medium (7.3-8.4 oz): Balanced performance
• Heavy (8.4+ oz): More power, harder to control

Grip Size

Choose a grip that feels comfortable in your hand. Sizes typically range from 4″ to 4 1/2″.

Shape

Paddle shapes affect reach and control:

• Wide body: Larger sweet spot, good for beginners
• Elongated: Extended reach, suits aggressive players

Core Material

The core affects the paddle’s feel and power:

• Nomex: Provides a firm feel and good control
• Polymer: Offers a softer feel and reduces vibration
• Aluminum: Lightweight and provides power

Consider these features to find a budget-friendly paddle that suits your playing style.