4 Best Padel Rackets for Every Skill Level, From Beginner to Advanced
These rackets will get you started with your new favorite sport.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
When all the tennis and pickleball courts are jam-packed with players, there's another sport you can turn to — padel. While it's not well-known in the U.S. (yet), padel is a big hit globally, so now's a great time to start playing. You don't need much equipment, but you will need some padel balls, a court to play on and a quality padel racket.
As a beginner myself, I went on a search to find the best padel rackets that are worth the cost (they're a bit pricey). I spoke with experts in the sport, coaches and professional players to share their favorites, focusing on key features like shape, materials, weight and more. Once you have a padel racket, playing padel is similar to tennis (the scoring is the same and you must serve or hit within the court lines) but with small twists like being able to rebound the ball off the wall and a requirement for the ball to bounce once before hitting it.
Ahead, discover the best padel rackets of 2025 for beginners, advanced players and everyone in between.
Pros
- Designed to maximize control
- Very lightweight
- Carbon frame and shell help with stability
Cons
- May not be as powerful as a heavier racket
Shape: Teardrop | Weight: 12.0–12.4 ounces | Balance: Low | Frame: Carbon
Jeff Mayorga has competed at the top level in three different racket sports and plays padel, raquetball, squash and pickleball. Mayorga said this well-balanced racket feels good in your hand while playing. "From the moment I hit my first shot with it, I realized that it has incredible 'feel,'" he explained. When I tried this racket, it felt extremely light, had a comfortable handle to grip and was easy to make quick movements. PALLAP labels this racket as a beginner or intermediate level model, making it a great first, second or third padel racket. However, as a beginner, I wish it came with a second racket so that I could convince a friend to learn how to play with me.
"While it is labeled a 'power' racket, it delivers commanding control," Mayorga said. The racket is specially designed with a carbon frame and body (a.k.a. the shell or skin) to maximize control of the ball and support stability, EVA foam that can aid with precision and a unique Spindriver 3D texture intended to add ball control and spin. Note that very light rackets like this one may not deliver as much power in a shot as a heavier racket will.
The teardrop shape is ideal for players looking for a versatile racket that has both power and control. "This [shape] has a balance between power and control where the sweet spot is slightly higher than round-shaped rackets but lower than diamond-shaped rackets," says Matt Bejian, assistant product manager of indoor and outdoor games and sports at Franklin Sports,
Franklin Sports Axel Padel Set
Pros
- Comes with two rackets, a can of balls and a carrying case
- Ideal design for beginners
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Fiberglass is not as durable
Shape: Round | Weight: N/A | Balance: N/A | Frame: Fiberglass
Enlist a friend to play or learn padel with you with this set of two high-quality padel rackets. For $140, these two rackets come with a can of balls and a carrying case, all of which are less expensive than one individual padel racket from other recommended brands.
Bejian said this is a great set for introducing beginners to the game of padel because it comes with everything you need and the design is ideal for beginners. "The round circular shape has a higher chance for players to find the sweet spot producing the best hit when striking the ball," said Bejian. Just find a court, a coach to teach you and you'll be good to go.
Franklin Sports also has one of the best pickleball paddles our fitness pros tested, so it's a brand that we love for its solid, durable paddles. The textured wrapping around the handle makes it easier to grip while making quick movements and the large shape makes it a bit easier to make contact with a ball. While the fiberglass frame and shell make this racket feel lightweight, it is less durable than a racket made with carbon.
The Franklin Sports Axel Padel Set comes with two rackets, a can of padel balls and a carrying bag (not pictured). Sold separately, the Franklin Sports Padel Bag (pictured) fits up to three rackets, a can of balls and other essentials like your wallet, keys and phone.
Bullpadel Neuron Padel Racket
Pros
- Soft materials absorb impact
- Improved power and control
Cons
- A bit heavy
Shape: Diamond | Weight: 12.9–13.2 ounces | Balance: N/A | Frame: Hybrid
Juan Pacheco, lead coach at the Padel United Sports Club and a certified level 2 PadelMBA coach, recommended this racket for beginner and intermediate players because its softer materials help absorb the ball's impact, making it a bit more stable each time you hit. This racket is the heaviest option on our list, which may not be noticeable to novices, but it's something to keep in mind if you're switching from a lighter padel racket.
Made with a Hesacore grip, MultiEVA rubber in the core, a carbon frame and a carbon fiber outer shell, this racket is designed to absorb impact and reduce vibrations. The bridge, which is the section on the racket that connects the grip and the striking area, is also designed to help improve stability. "It's lighter when you hit the ball and the shape is hybrid which means you have control and power at the same time," Pacheco says. The 2025 version of this racket is now available, but for a higher price.
"[The] diamond shape is more for power hitters as the sweet spot position is higher, making it harder to control but delivers power to your shots," says Bejian, who recommends diamond-shaped rackets for aggressive players with a more offensive approach to the game. So the shape itself may feel a bit too advanced for beginners, but the design of this particular racket should help with control and stability.
Pros
- Great power and control
- Designed to reduce vibrations
- Evenly balanced
Cons
- Expensive
Shape: Teardrop | Weight: 12.5–12.7 ounces | Balance: Even | Frame: Carbon
Made with an EVA 30 core type and carbon shell and frame, Mayorga was impressed by the great feel, control and power of this padel racket from PALLAP. "This racquet feels like an extension of my hand and delivers on its control name," he noted.
Although it is quite expensive, it is an excellent option for those more advanced padel players looking for an upgrade. The racket is evenly balanced and designed to maximize control, stability and power. The bridge has reinforcement patches and is made of basalt carbon fiber that helps minimize vibrations as you hit the ball. "Whether I am redirecting a smash or hitting an powerful bandeja, this racquet is stable through every shot," Mayorga shared.
More padel rackets
- Adidas Metalbone Team Padel Racket: Adidas is a brand we have been impressed by here at the GH Institute, so while this wasn't a racket that is popular among players, we think it's worth a try, although it's on the pricier end.
- Bullpadel Vertex 04: Abigail McCulloch, founder of Alma Padel and a padel player, recommended this racket for its combination of textured grip and surface grit. "The grip ensures a firm, stable hold in my hand, while the rough racket face enhances control and spin, making me feel fully connected to every shot," she says. We prefer the Neuron Padel Racket from Bullpadel.
- Head EVO Padel Racket: While our pros did not test this padel racket, it is rated well on Amazon. One reviewer wrote "it gives you a great control on your shots," but noted the grip isn't great — a sentiment other reviewers shared.
- Nox ML10: Pacheco said the Nox ML10 is another favorite because it is rounder, which gives you more power and control. However, one beginner player wrote that their racket was damaged fairly quickly in an Amazon review. The Nox Padel Racket AT Pro Cup Genius is a similar, more affordable option from the same brand.
How we chose the best padel rackets
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab have tested and reviewed all sorts of exercise equipment and sports gear over the years, including the best tennis rackets, pickleball paddles, pickleball shoes and golf push carts.
To choose the best padel rackets, I interviewed multiple players and experts in the sport to learn what the pros are looking for in a great racket and hear their recommendations. I also consulted the fitness experts in the Wellness Lab and considered testers' feedback on brands from previous racket-sport testing. Plus, I researched the best brands and sifted through tons of online reviews and forums from real padel players.
What to look for when shopping for the best padel racket
As with any sports equipment, the best padel racket will ultimately come down to personal preference. "Start with what feels good in your hand — weight, balance, etc., then aesthetics (who wants to play with an ugly racquet?) and, finally, price," Mayorga explains.
Here are a few features and key factors to consider while shopping:
✔️ Shape: According to some pros, shape is generally the most important factor when it comes to racket selection. There are three main shapes a player can choose from — round, diamond and teardrop. Round is a great option for beginners, diamond is better for more advanced players who need less control but more power and teardrop rackets are somewhere in the middle, offering both power and control.
✔️ Materials: Different materials will ultimately affect the weight, balance, longevity and price of a racket. Fiberglass can be ideal for beginners because it is cheaper and softer, but it is heavier than other materials. A carbon frame and shell is lighter, harder and will last longer. The inner core of rackets are made with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam or polyethylene foam (which is lighter and less durable than EVA). Pacheco always recommends softer rackets for beginners: This maximizes precision and control, but lighter and harder materials gives you more power once you've mastered making impact with the ball.
✔️ Weight: The lighter the racket the easier it is to swing around. However, EVA foam is more durable and better for delivering power to a racket, though it is heavier. Decide if you want to prioritize a lighter weight for quicker movements or a stronger material for stronger shots.
✔️ Grip comfort: If the racket is uncomfortable to hold, it'll be uncomfortable to play the sport. Some rackets have thicker handles or textured wrapping to improve your grip, so see what feels most comfortable in your hand and and which handles are easiest for you to hold onto as you make quick movements with your wrist.
✔️ Balance: McCulloch advises players to prioritize balance because it can significantly affect your shots. "A heavier-headed racket paired with a player that lacks control can be like a hammer in the hands of a toddler, " she explains.
✔️ Price: It's important to keep your budget in mind and remember that a more expensive racket isn't necessarily better, especially for beginners. "The most expensive rackets may not be suitable for a beginner (too stiff, too heavy or light, head heavy), so I suggest trying out entry level, intermediate and advanced models before making a final decision," Mayorga says.
How can a beginner start padel?
Padel is not very well-known among Americans yet (I only learned about the sport recently!), but it's more popular in countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mexico and more. So if you're a beginner like me, here are a few tips from the pros that can help you get started and improve over time:
✔️ Take a lesson: Mayorga recommends finding a coach or class to take a lesson and learn the proper mechanics and rules of the game. Beginners can check out the programs at the Padel United Sports Club or look into local lessons at courts near you.
✔️ Practice drills: Doing drills is an excellent way to improve your skills at any sport. "Nothing is better than repetition and muscle memory, especially when you are first starting out," Mayorga says.
✔️ Join socials: You can look up if there are open plays, clubs and socials at a court near you to play against others. "That is the quickest path to meeting others interested in learning the game with you," McCulloch shares.
Can I use a tennis ball to play padel?
Padel balls may look like a tennis ball at first glance, but a tennis ball is slightly larger in diameter and has a higher internal pressure than a padel ball. Bejian says the lower the ball pressure, the lower the bounce, which "decreases the ball speed contributing to longer and more strategic rallies."
You really shouldn't play a game of padel with tennis balls. If you don't have any padel balls, Pacheco says you can try using an older tennis ball which likely has less pressure.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Always staying active (she's tried every sport under the sun), she has experience evaluating and reviewing fitness gear like running vests, fitness trackers and running shorts.
To write this article, Cavallo consulted multiple padel players and experts to learn more about the key features in rackets and hear their recommendations:
- Abigail McCulloch, founder of Alma Padel and a padel player
- Jeff Mayorga, padel, raquetball, squash and pickleball player.
- Juan Pacheco, lead coach and certified level 2 Padelmba coach
- Matt Bejian, assistant product manager of indoor and outdoor sports at Franklin Sports
Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.
