The 8 Best Pickleball Paddles to Help You Secure the Win

Brooklyn Pickleball Co Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle ($30)

A chic paddle with a comfortable grip, this lightweight honeycomb-core paddle has a non-slip cushion grip to keep your hands feeling good as you play.

What reviewers say: Shoppers say this paddle is both stylish and high-quality. "This is a great looking pickleball paddle. We got this for my wife, and she really likes the color and pattern, and has gotten a lot of compliments on the paddle when we've played pickleball with friends," one player wrote. "Shots leave the paddle face uniformly and the paddle has good control."

Why we love it: This paddle looks great, but it's also one of the few affordable carbon fiber paddles we've seen, if you're looking for something other than fiberglass.

What's worth noting: Although the paddle is advertised for beginner and intermediate players, shoppers say it's best for beginners. Also, because it's a smooth paddle, it's not the best for adding spin.

Vinsguir Lightweight Fiberglass Pickleball Set ($30, originally $40)

If you're new to pickleball, this fiberglass set is a great place to start. The paddles are lightweight with a large sweet spot and a honeycomb core, and even come with balls and a bag to carry them in.

What reviewers say: Reviewers love the lightweight feel and reasonable price point. "We are beginners at pickleball and didn't want to invest a lot of money at this point," one shopper wrote. "These paddles were very affordable and come with pickleballs and two carry bags to boot."

Why we love it: If you're new to pickleball, it doesn't always make sense to invest in an advanced paddle right away. These paddles give you the ability to get a feel for the sport without breaking the bank.

What's worth noting: While most reviewers agree the paddles are a great value, some say the balls included could be better. It might be worth trying these out with different pickle balls to get a sense of their performance.

MTEN Fiberglass Surface Pickleball Set ($36, originally $50)

This fiberglass pickleball set includes two paddles, four outdoor pickle balls, a carrying bag, and even grip tape. The medium-weight paddles have a honeycomb core to give you a good balance of power and control.

What reviewers say: Players note that these paddles are another great pick for pickleball beginners. "Being carbon fiber, they have a great pop to the hits and don't feel flat. The price point was excellent for a beginner. And the grip feels really nice," one shopper wrote. "Not sure I need to upgrade, it seems to have it all."

Why we love it: This set makes it easy to get into pickleball, including lots of essential gear at a fair price.

What's worth noting: Although reviewers said the grip was fine as is, some used the tape to provide additional comfort.

Aluci Fiberglass Pickleball Rackets ($45)

These pickleball paddles are among the cutest we've seen, but the quality is also there. The fiberglass paddles are lightweight with an extended handle and large sweet spot. Plus, the set comes with two pickleball totes and sweatbands for your wrists.

What reviewers say: People love how much is included in the set, noting that everything from the paddles to the tote bag is high quality. "I am a beginner to pickleball and was looking for the perfect set to have and have landed the jackpot with the Aluci set," one reviewer wrote. "These paddles are so cute and very comfortable to hold during the games. I also love the tote bags that are included to carry the paddle and balls."

Why we love it: The aesthetic appeal is obviously a huge plus, but we love that you don't have to sacrifice quality to look cute on the court.

What's worth noting: This paddle is still best for beginner and intermediate players, but it's a great choice if you want a paddle that looks as good as it performs.

Play Paddles USAPA Approved Pickleball Racket ($71, originally $80)

This paddle may look sweet, but it's made for powerful play. Beyond the fun design, this pickleball paddle is USAPA-approved, with polypropylene honeycomb technology to ensure durability.

What reviewers say: Reviewers confirm that this paddle is more than its fun design. "First, the designs are so fun and original," one player wrote. "But they also are really well made. I have found they don't have a dead spot that my other set did."

Why we love it: We can't get over the idea of playing aggressive pickleball with a sprinkle paddle. BRB, adding to cart.

What's worth noting: This paddle has a textured surface, so it's especially great for spin.

Recess Pickleball Starter Set ($88)

These orange pickleball paddles are all about comfort. If you're looking for a lightweight paddle with a cushiony grip, this set is a great option.

What reviewers say: Players love the overall feel, but they also appreciate the chic look, and say the price seems reasonable. "The paddles are lightweight and really great quality. The grip feels super comfortable," one reviewer says. "I also love the color/aesthetic compared to other options I've seen."

Why we love it: We appreciate that these widebody paddles are made of high-quality materials, and we think these would make a great gift for any pickleball fanatic.

What's worth noting: One reviewer noted that if you have sweaty hands, it may cause minor discoloration along the white grips.

EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle ($128, Previously $160)

If you've ever wondered about the sweet spot, this paddle makes it easy to find. Not to mention it has a polymer core to help with spin, and vibration control technology.

What reviewers say: This paddle is a great choice for more intermediate players. People say it's lightweight with a big sweet spot, and delivers on power and control. "A great quality paddle, the surface allows for better spin ability," one player says. "Feels good on contract and I've gained better overall accuracy with my shots."

Why we love it: There's nothing better than hitting the ball right on the sweet spot — this paddle makes it easier to do so.

What's worth noting: While intermediate players seem to like this paddle most (possibly due to the higher price point), beginners say it's also easy for them to play with.

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Pickleball Paddle ($160, Previously $220)

This company makes paddles for pickleball players like Ben Johns, so you already know it's going to be good. This carbon fiber pick has a carbon-flex5 textured surface to help maximize spin, making it a great choice for more advanced players.

What reviewers say: "Playing for two years with the same inexpensive paddle, I didn't know what I was missing. Great pop off the paddle. Very smooth returns, with better spin potential," one player wrote. Others agreed it helped them deliver more power with a good amount of spin.

Why we love it: This paddle might not turn you into Ben Johns, but if you're looking for an upgrade, this is a solid option.

What's worth noting: Some players say the handle is a bit longer and wider in comparison to other paddles.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.