Best Pickleball Paddles Under $50: Top Budget-Friendly Options for 2024

Pickleball has become a popular sport for players of all ages. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it fun and easy to learn. A good paddle is key to enjoying the game, but you don’t need to spend a lot to get started.

Affordable pickleball paddles can offer great performance for beginners and casual players. Many options under $50 provide a good balance of power and control. These paddles often use materials like polymer or composite to keep costs down while still delivering solid gameplay.

When choosing a pickleball paddle, pay attention to weight, grip size, and paddle face material. The right combination of these factors can improve your comfort and play style. You’ll want a paddle that feels good in your hand and suits your strength and skill level. We tested dozens of budget-friendly paddles to find the best options for new and improving players.

Best Pickleball Paddles Under $50

You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy pickleball. We’ve found great paddles that won’t break the bank. Check out our top picks for affordable, quality pickleball paddles below.

MTEN Fiberglass Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this USAPA-approved pickleball set that offers quality paddles and extras at an affordable price.

Pros

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

Cons

• Medium weight may not suit all players
• Grip size fixed at 4.57 inches
• Paddle face may scuff easily

The MTEN pickleball set gives you a lot for your money. You get two paddles, four balls, and a handy carrying case. The paddles have a nice feel when you hit the ball. They’re not too heavy or too light.

The grip feels good in your hand. It’s wrapped to soak up sweat, which helps you keep control during long games. The paddle face is wide, so it’s easier to hit the ball. This is great if you’re just starting out.

These paddles work well for casual games and even tournaments. They’re approved by the USA Pickleball Association. The set comes with extra balls, which is nice. You won’t have to buy more right away. The carrying case keeps everything together, so you can take your gear to the courts easily.

DULCE DOM Pickleball Set

This affordable pickleball set offers great value for beginners and casual players looking to get started with the sport.

Pros

• Includes 4 paddles, 4 balls, and a carrying bag
• Comfortable grip with sweat-wicking ventilation
• Lightweight and easy to handle

Cons

• Outdoor balls may crack with heavy use
• Not suitable for advanced players
• Paddles may show wear after extended play

When you’re just getting into pickleball, the DULCE DOM set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. The paddles feel light in your hands, making them easy to swing for beginners.

You’ll appreciate the comfortable grip, which helps you maintain control even when your palms get sweaty. The included carrying bag is a nice touch. You can easily pack up all the paddles, balls, and other essentials for a day at the courts. The bag’s adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry, so you won’t mind bringing it along to the park or community center.

While these paddles work well for casual play, you might outgrow them as your skills improve. The outdoor balls could crack sooner than you’d like, so you may want to buy some extra balls separately. For the price, though, this set gives you a great introduction to pickleball without breaking the bank.

VINSGUIR Fiberglass Paddles

You’ll get great value from these USAPA-approved pickleball paddles that offer quality performance at an affordable price.

Pros

• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Lightweight with large sweet spot
• Comes with carrying bag and balls

Cons

• May not suit advanced players
• Grip could be more durable
• Limited color options

These paddles pack a punch for beginners and casual players. The fiberglass face lets you add spin to your shots, while the polymer honeycomb core reduces vibration. You’ll find the larger sweet spot forgiving as you learn the game.

At just 7.8 ounces, these paddles are easy to maneuver. The 4.8-inch handle gives you a good grip, though it might wear down with heavy use. The edge guard helps protect against scratches and dents.

You get two paddles, balls, and a carrying case in this set. It’s a good starter kit to share with a friend or family member. While pros may want more advanced options, these paddles work well for most recreational players looking to improve their game without breaking the bank.

YC DGYCASI Fiberglass Pickleball Set

This affordable pickleball set offers good value for beginners looking to start playing.

Pros

• Lightweight fiberglass construction
• Comfortable grip with sweat-wicking holes
• Includes paddles, balls, and carry bag

Cons

• Ball bounce could be better
• May not satisfy advanced players
• Included balls are lower quality

The YC DGYCASI pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing. You get two paddles, four balls, and a handy carry bag. The paddles feel light in your hands, making them easy to swing. Their fiberglass surface provides decent control for beginners.

When you grip these paddles, you’ll notice the comfortable handles. They have small holes to help absorb sweat, which is great for hot days. The edge guards protect the paddles from damage if you accidentally hit the ground.

While playing, you might find the ball bounce isn’t perfect. But for casual games, it works fine. As you improve, you may want to upgrade to better paddles. For now, this set lets you learn and have fun without spending too much money.

GARYE Carbon Fiber Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this USAPA-approved pickleball set with its quality paddles and extras.

Pros

• Lightweight carbon fiber paddles
• USAPA approved for tournaments
• Includes paddles, balls, and carrying bag

Cons

• Included balls aren’t top quality
• Bag could be bigger
• Some users report peeling paddle surface

The GARYE pickleball set gives you two carbon fiber paddles that feel light and easy to swing. At 8.1 ounces each, these paddles help you react fast without tiring out your arm. The 0.69-inch thick design adds power to your shots.

You’ll like the comfy grip on these paddles. It’s cushioned and perforated to absorb sweat, so your hand won’t slip during intense rallies. The 4.57-inch grip size fits most players well. A large sweet spot on the paddle face helps you hit more consistent shots.

This set works for all skill levels. You get six pickleballs and a carrying bag along with the two paddles. While the balls aren’t pro-level, they’re fine for casual play. The bag holds the paddles and balls, plus has room for small items like your keys or phone. It’s a good starter set, but serious players may want to upgrade the balls.

Glarollirace Retro Pickleball Set

You’ll get great value from this stylish and versatile pickleball set for players of all levels.

Pros

• USAPA approved for official play
• Comfortable, non-slip grip
• Includes indoor and outdoor balls

Cons

• May be too light for some players
• Durability concerns with frequent use
• Carry bag could be sturdier

The Glarollirace Retro Pickleball Set offers an attractive package for both beginners and more skilled players. When you pick up these paddles, you’ll notice the comfortable grip right away. It feels secure in your hand and won’t slip, even during intense rallies.

On the court, these paddles perform well. The fiberglass surface gives you good control and spin on your shots. You’ll find it easy to place the ball where you want. The polypropylene core helps reduce vibration, so your arm won’t tire as quickly during long games.

This set comes with both indoor and outdoor balls, which is handy. You can practice at home or head to the local courts without needing to buy extra equipment. The included carry bag makes it easy to take everything with you. While it’s not the most rugged bag, it does the job for casual play.

VUFOXT Carbon Fiber Paddles

You’ll get great value from these USAPA-approved pickleball paddles, offering a mix of performance and affordability for players of all levels.

Pros

• Lightweight carbon fiber design
• Comes with balls and carry bag
• Comfortable grip for long games

Cons

• Grip may be short for large hands
• May not suit advanced players
• Limited color options

These VUFOXT paddles give you a solid entry into pickleball without breaking the bank. The carbon fiber surface helps you put some spin on your shots, while the polypropylene core adds power. You’ll find the paddles easy to swing, thanks to their light weight of 11.2 ounces.

The set includes two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag, making it easy to get started right away. The ergonomic grip feels good in your hand, even during long games. The paddles have edge guards to protect them from chips and cracks when you accidentally hit the ground.

While these paddles work well for beginners and intermediate players, you might outgrow them as your skills improve. The grip could be too short if you have big hands. But for the price, you get a lot of features that help you learn and enjoy the game. These VUFOXT paddles give you a chance to try pickleball without spending too much money.

Mayboom Sunset Pickleball Set

This USAPA-approved paddle set offers great value and quality for beginners and casual players.

Pros

• Lightweight fiberglass paddles
• Comfortable non-slip grip
• Includes balls and carrying bag

Cons

• May lack power for advanced players
• Included balls are basic quality
• Grip size not adjustable

The Mayboom Sunset paddles feel great in your hands. They’re light and easy to swing, which helps you react quickly at the net.

The wide face gives you a big sweet spot, so you’ll hit more solid shots even if you’re new to pickleball.

You’ll love the grip on these paddles. It’s soft but tacky, so your hand won’t slip even when you sweat.

The paddles have a nice balance that lets you put spin on the ball without too much effort. After playing for hours, your arm won’t feel tired.

This set is perfect if you want to start playing with a friend or family member. You get two paddles, four balls, and a carrying bag.

The paddles look cool with their sunset design. While the balls aren’t top-notch, they work fine for casual games.

At this price, you’re getting a solid deal for a USAPA-approved set that will help you learn and enjoy pickleball.

Dobelay Carbon Fiber Paddle

The Dobelay Carbon Fiber Paddle offers great value for beginners and intermediate players looking for a lightweight, durable option under $50.

Pros

• Lightweight at 8 ounces
• Durable 3K carbon fiber face
• Comfortable elongated handle

Cons

• May lack power for advanced players
• Limited color options
• Grip size not adjustable

When you pick up this paddle, you’ll notice how light it feels in your hand. At just 8 ounces, it’s easy to maneuver during fast-paced rallies.

The 3K carbon fiber face gives you a nice, crisp feel when you hit the ball.

You’ll like the elongated handle, which lets you get extra reach on those tough shots. It’s great for two-handed backhands too.

The edge guard helps protect the paddle from chips and dings when you’re diving for low shots.

This paddle works well for both indoor and outdoor play. You can generate decent spin with it, though very advanced players might want something with a bit more pop.

For the price, it’s a solid choice if you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade from a wooden paddle.

Niupipo Fiberglass Paddles

These USAPA-approved paddles offer a blend of power and control for beginners and intermediate players.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Fiberglass face provides good power
• Comes with carrying case and balls

Cons

• May lack precision for advanced players
• Grip might be too large for small hands
• Limited color options

These Niupipo paddles are a solid choice if you’re new to pickleball or want to upgrade from a basic set.

The fiberglass face gives you nice pop on your shots without sacrificing too much control. You’ll find the lightweight design helps you play longer without tiring out your arm.

The polypropylene honeycomb core absorbs shock well, so you won’t feel much vibration in your hand when you hit the ball. This also helps keep the noise down, which your neighbors might thank you for.

The edge guard protects the paddle if you accidentally hit the ground, but it’s slim enough that it won’t get in your way during play.

You get two paddles, four balls, and a carrying case in this set. It’s a good deal for the price, letting you and a friend get started right away.

The grip is comfortable and helps absorb sweat, but some players with smaller hands may find it a bit thick. While these paddles are great for learning and improving your game, very skilled players might want something with more finesse for tournament play.

Buying Guide

Choosing a great pickleball paddle under $50 takes some know-how. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

Weight

Paddle weight affects your control and power. Lighter paddles (7-8 oz) offer more control, while heavier ones (8-9 oz) give more power. Pick based on your playing style.

Grip Size

Your grip size impacts comfort and control. Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger to find your ideal size.

Core Material

The paddle’s core affects its performance. Common materials include:

• Polymer: Offers control and soft touch
• Nomex: Provides power and durability
• Aluminum: Balances power and control

Face Material

Face materials influence the paddle’s feel and spin potential:

• Graphite: Lightweight with good control
• Fiberglass: Adds power and durability
• Carbon fiber: Offers strength and responsiveness

Shape

Paddle shapes vary in their sweet spot size and maneuverability:

• Wide body: Larger sweet spot, good for beginners
• Elongated: Smaller sweet spot, better reach

USAPA Approval

If you plan to compete, check if the paddle is approved for tournament play.

When shopping for your new paddle, consider these factors. Try different options if possible to find the best fit for your game.