Tennis is a superb sport, whether you're taking it up as a hobby or you're an experienced player - so long as you have the best tennis rackets in your kit. Tennis (like Padel and badminton) involves plenty of running, as well as hitting a target, and it's ideal for developing and maintaining your cardiovascular endurance as well as your overall strength and agility.
Even when played simply for fun, it's a great form of exercise and if played with friends or family, it's an excellent and easy way of spending quality time together.
It's also great to be played competitively, and whether you're watching or playing, you're sure to be entertained. Whether you're a beginner, professional, or just use tennis as a hobby, you need an excellent tennis racket.
The best tennis rackets, at a glance
• Best overall tennis racket: HEAD Ti S6 Titanium Tennis Racket - View now on Sports Direct
• Best tennis racket for beginners: Wilson Burn Excel 112 Adults Tennis Racket - View now on Amazon
• Best tennis racket for advanced players: Wilson Roland Garros Elite Tennis Racket - View now on Amazon
Whilst the racket can't significantly improve your skillset, it can help you generate power and pace, which in turn allows you to hit the tennis ball harder, which is crucial to winning your sets. That's why we've searched far and wide to round up the best tennis rackets on the market right now.
SHOP: The best tennis rackets
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall tennis racket
www.sportsdirect.com
Description
The HEAD TI S6 tennis jacket is all about delivering an unmatched blend of power, precision and agility. Made with an ultra-lightweight design and an oversized head, this racket is your ticket to dominating every serve and volley with finesse and flair.
And you might be asking; what sets this tennis racket apart from the others? It's all in the details. Engineered with a cutting-edge ShockStop system which is integrated in the handle, this racket makes sure that every impact is met with incredible shock absorption. But that's not all. With a perforated Head tape finish, you'll experience a grip that's not only secure, but also breathable. So, say goodbye to sweaty palms and hello to a handle that feels like an extension of your own hand.
Pros
- Frame weight of 225g makes it easy to manoeuvre
- Ti technology means the lightness doesn't compromise the power
- Oversized head assists players in finding the sweet spot
Cons
- The lightweight feel isn't for every player
Best tennis racket for beginners
Description
If you're just starting out or you only play tennis every so often as a hobby, then the Wilson Burn Excel 112 might just be the one for you. As far as tennis rackets go, it's got an attractive price tag, features stop shock pads to reduce racket vibrations, and has a Volcanic Frame Technology which provides more power and stability to your shots.
Pros
- Offers generous amounts of power and forgiveness
- Volcanic Frame Technology yields more power and stability
- Stop Shock Pads minimise racket vibrations
Cons
- Racket frame is not as strong as other Wilson Burn iterations
Best tennis racket for advanced players
Description
Imagine stepping onto the court armed with a racket that feels like an extension of your arm. Well, that's the promise of Wilson's Roland Garros Elite. With its oversized head boasting a large sweet spot, say goodbye to those frustrating off-centre hits and hello to a more forgiving play. Plus, this racket features a lightweight aluminium frame infused with AirLite technology, giving you the perfect balance of power and resilience. It's a marriage made in tennis heaven.
Pros
- Oversized racket head with large sweet spot for power
- Volcanic Frame Technology increases stability without limiting impact power
- Lightweight frame with AirLite technology for power and durability
Cons
- Heavy grip might not be for every player
Best tennis racket for children
Description
Tennis can be a great way for your children to exercise - the sport helps them develop cardio, physical strength and flexibility. This tennis racket is an ideal option for any child getting started in the sport. It's lightweight yet sturdy, has a pretty sweet price tag, and already comes with three tennis balls.
Pros
- Comes with three tennis balls
- Available in three different sizes for different ages
- Good value
Cons
- Might be a little lightweight for some children
Best easy-to-handle tennis racket
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
Made for players of all levels, this easy to handle tennis racket strikes a good balance between power and control. Its head 680cm squared head size offers a generous sweet spot, ensuring consistent performance and forgiving mishits. Plus, with its neutral balance and ergonomic grip, you'll feel like you're wielding a finely-tuned instrument, ready to orchestrate the perfect symphony of shots.
Pros
- Extremely powerful due to its 680cm squared head size and 275g weight
- Easy to handle because of its neutral balance
- Vibration dampening thanks to the aluminium frame
Cons
- Grip is a little flimsy
Best high-end tennis racket
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
This Babolat tennis racket features a high torsional rigidity (HTR) system, which is a fancy way of saying this racket can boost your energy return. Other great features to note is the SWX PURE FEEL technology to minimise vibrations, and the low swing weight. The only downside to this racket is that it's primarily made for advanced players, and it's on the more expensive side of things compared to other rackets on our list.
Pros
- Low swing weight makes it easier to handle
- The SWX PURE FEEL technology is there to dampen vibrations
- The HTR SYSTEM (higher torsional rigidity) for more power
Cons
- Designed primarily for advanced players
Best budget tennis racket
Description
Mainly made for beginners, but can be used by players of all levels, the HEAD Ti Conquest is a recreational racket with some great features. Its oversized 108 inch head gives a larger sweet spot, making precise shots easier to get to grips with. Plus, it's head-light balance minimises vibrations and enhances stability, giving you the added confidence to hit your best shots yet.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Head-light balance to reduce vibrations and aid in stability
- Made with a durable Nano Titanium technology
Cons
- Handle grip isn't the best
Best tennis racket for recreational games
www.argos.co.uk
Description
For beginners looking to conquer the tennis court, this Slazenger racket is a great choice. With a length of 27 inches, it's made for players standing at 5 foot or taller, or for children aged 13 or above. Weighing in at 290g, it strikes the ideal balance between manoeuvrability and stability, ensuring you can swing with confidence. The best part? it comes complete with a headcover for added protection and easy portability. So you can take this racket to game after game.
Pros
- Great value
- Lightweight aluminium construction with I-beam profile
- Comes with a 3/4 length headcover
Cons
- Best for beginners or those playing recreational tennis
Best tennis racket for intermediate players
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
The Wilson Ultra Team V4.0 has all the features you'd expect from an intermediate tennis racket. Like a 16 x 19 string pattern, 645cm squared surface area and 280g weight. It also has Wilson's unique FortyFive technology (which is an updated version of carbon mapping), and gives the racket a unrivalled combination of flex and stability. So, for intermediate players, this is a great racket choice sure to shake up the competition.
Pros
- Neutral balance makes it easy to handle
- String pattern provides the necessary power
- FortyFive technology gives an unrivalled combination of flex and stability
Cons
- Sometimes can be difficult to get hold of due to popularity
The best tennis rackets: FAQs
What tennis racket weight is best?
This completely depends on you and your level as a tennis player. Heavier tennis rackets are much better suited for advanced and professional players, as the added weight delivers more powerful tennis shots. The additional weight doesn't affect them too much.
A lighter racket may not provide the extra power and spin, but it's ideal for beginners and anyone who plays tennis as a hobby. These rackets will be much more portable, more comfortable, and easier to grip and handle, giving the player more control.
Do expensive tennis rackets make a difference?
Picture swinging a top-choice, wallet-lightening racket. Sure, it might not turn you into Andy Murray overnight, but there is something about a aesthetically-pleasing design and premium craftsmanship. And, let's not forget about all those impressive tech features that come with a more expensive racket. But, here's the kicker. It's not just about the racket, it's also about the player holding it. Splurging on a high-end tennis racket might make you feel more confident, but it's your own skill that makes all the difference. So yes, an expensive tennis racket might add a dash or flair to your sports game, but it's unlikely it will change your performance drastically.
How do I choose a tennis racket?
Choosing the best tennis racket for you can be as scary as facing match point in a tiebreaker. But, don't worry, choosing the perfect racket shouldn't feel like an impossible task.
Think about your skill level
Are you a beginner looking to master the basics? Or are you more of a seasoned player aiming to refine your style? Or maybe you're only used to using badminton racquets? Understanding how good you are at the game and your preferred style of play will help you to choose the right racket.
Grip size matters
A proper grip will help you to control the ball, and minimises the risk of injury. If your grip is on the small side, you'll find yourself gripping too tightly. On the other side of things, if it's too large, you'll struggle to move the racket with ease. The best grip size for you is one that feels like an extension of your own hand.
Also consider racket head size
A larger head will typically make for a larger sweet spot, which offers players more forgiveness on off-centre hits. A racket with a larger head is often preferred for beginners as it increases the likelihood of making solid contact with the ball. In time this will boost their consistency and confidence on the court.
Feel the difference in weight distribution
Finally, this is another factor to think about. Rackets come in various balance points, ranging from head-heavy to head-light. A head-heavy racket will generate more power, so it's a good choice if you like having strength and aggression in your shots. Alternatively, a head-light racket offers better movement, which is great for players who want speed and precision. If neither of these seem like a good fit, there's always neutrally-balanced rackets.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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