13 Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners (Tested & Ranked for 2025)

Choosing the right tennis racquets for beginners can feel overwhelming with hundreds of options flooding the market. The difference between the perfect racket and the wrong one might be what keeps you enjoying the sport or giving up after a few frustrating sessions.

Many new players make the mistake of selecting rackets based solely on price or how professional they look. However, factors like weight, head size, and string tension actually determine how well you’ll connect with the ball and progress in your game. Beginners specifically need rackets that offer forgiveness, power assistance, and comfortable handling to build confidence.

Fortunately, we’ve tested dozens of models to identify the 13 best beginner-friendly rackets available for 2025. Each option on our list balances playability with value, helping you make an informed decision based on your height, strength, and playing style. Whether you’re looking for lightweight maneuverability or extra power, our comprehensive rankings have you covered.

Head Titanium Ti.S6

The legendary Head Titanium Ti.S6 stands as the best-selling racquet in Head’s history, boasting a devoted following among recreational players. This beginner-friendly option balances power and forgiveness in a lightweight package.

Key Features

The Ti.S6 features an oversized 115 square inch head for maximum forgiveness. At just 8.6 ounces strung, it’s remarkably lightweight yet maintains stability thanks to its head-heavy balance (7 points). The racquet’s 27.75-inch length offers extended reach, while the titanium-graphite composite construction provides stiffness with minimal weight. Additionally, the open 16×19 string pattern enhances spin potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight design prevents fatigue
• Massive sweet spot increases forgiveness
• Head-heavy balance generates excellent power
• Open string pattern enhances spin production
• Comfortable feel reduces arm strain

Cons:

• Too light for advanced players seeking control
• Head-heavy balance takes adjustment time
• Can be difficult to maneuver at the net
• Factory strings benefit from replacement

Pricing

The Ti.S6 maintains consistent pricing at $99, representing exceptional value for beginners entering the sport.

Best For

This racquet especially benefits beginners with slower, compact strokes and seniors seeking arm-friendly options. Furthermore, its forgiving nature makes it ideal for recreational players up to USTA 3.5 rating and those returning after long breaks from tennis.

Prince O3 Legacy 120

Prince O3 Legacy 120 combines maximum comfort with effortless power, making it a standout choice in the beginner racquet market. The 2024 model builds upon its predecessor’s reputation with enhanced stability and performance features.

Key Features

The O3 Legacy 120 boasts an oversized 120 square inch head that provides an exceptional sweet spot and margin of error. At 9.7 ounces strung (275g), it remains manageable while offering 27.25 inches of extended length for additional reach. The signature O3 Port System uses a grommetless construction that enhances string movement for more power and reduces vibration. Its AntiTorque System combines TexTreme carbon layers with Zylon polymers at the 10/2 o’clock positions to increase stability without sacrificing maneuverability. The 16×19 string pattern creates excellent spin potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely forgiving with large sweet spot
• Exceptional comfort and vibration dampening
• Powerful response even with compact strokes
• Extended length aids reach on serves and groundstrokes
• Strong spin generation capabilities

Cons:

• Less maneuverable than smaller-headed racquets
• Head-heavy balance requires adjustment period
• Not suited for advanced players seeking control

Pricing

The Prince O3 Legacy 120 is priced at $199.00, representing solid value for its technology package.

Best For

This racquet excels for beginners with compact swings and seniors seeking arm-friendly options. It particularly benefits players looking for maximum comfort and power, as well as those wanting to enhance their doubles game. The forgiving nature makes it ideal for recreational players transitioning to more regular play.

Babolat Boost Drive

Designed with accessibility in mind, the Babolat Boost Drive offers beginners a premium graphite racquet experience without the premium price tag. This lightweight option delivers impressive performance for players still developing their technique.

Key Features

The Boost Drive features a generous 105 square inch head for excellent forgiveness with an ultra-lightweight 9.7oz (275g) strung weight. Its 27-inch standard length combines with a slightly head-heavy balance for stability. The racquet incorporates Babolat’s proprietary Woofer grommet system that extends ball-string contact time, enhancing power and comfort. The 16×19 string pattern provides ample spin potential, consequently making it easier to generate depth on shots.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely maneuverable due to light weight
• Full graphite construction unlike many entry-level racquets
• Generous sweet spot minimizes mishit vibrations
• Quick preparation at net due to lightweight design
• Budget-friendly yet performance-oriented

Cons:

• Too light for players with aggressive baseline styles
• Limited feel on touch shots and volleys
• Not ideal for advanced spin techniques

Pricing

The Babolat Boost Drive retails for under $120, offering excellent value compared to higher-end models.

Best For

This racquet suits beginners still developing proper technique, rising juniors transitioning to adult frames, and recreational players rated 3.0 and below. Moreover, it works well for seniors or returning players seeking a comfortable, arm-friendly option.

Yonex Astrel 105

Yonex brings Japanese engineering precision to beginner tennis with the Astrel 105, a racquet that balances comfort, control, and forgiveness in a lightweight package.

Key Features

The Astrel 105 features a 105 square inch head with Yonex’s signature ISOMETRIC™ design that creates a 7% larger sweet spot than conventional round frames. At just 9.2 ounces (260g) unstrung, it remains highly maneuverable despite its slightly thicker beam (27/28.5/25mm). The racquet incorporates three different dampening agents – Vibslayer Carbon, Shock-less Grommets, and Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM). Its 16×17 string pattern and innovative oval-shaped upper grommet design enhance ball pocketing and string movement.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally arm-friendly with multiple vibration dampening technologies
• ISOMETRIC™ head shape provides larger sweet spot without sacrificing power
• Lightweight design prevents fatigue during extended play
• Open string pattern facilitates easy spin generation

Cons:

• May feel too flexible for players with powerful swings
• Limited stability against heavy-hitting opponents
• Too light for advanced players seeking more control

Pricing

The Yonex Astrel 105 retails for $179-$199, positioning it in the mid-range price bracket for quality beginner racquets.

Best For

This racquet primarily serves beginners seeking a comfort-first approach and intermediate recreational players wanting easy power without arm strain. It excels for doubles players and those transitioning from casual to more regular play.

Wilson Ultra 108

As the most powerful member of Wilson’s Ultra family, the Ultra 108 v4 offers beginners an exceptional blend of speed, power and comfort in a forgiving package.

Key Features

The Ultra 108 boasts a 108 square inch head that provides exceptional forgiveness, With an extended length of 27.25 inches, this racket delivers extra power on serves and groundstrokes. At just 10 ounces strung (283g), it remains maneuverable for players with slower swings. The racket features Wilson’s innovative FORTYFIVE weave in the carbon fiber layup, which enhances comfort while maintaining the crisp, powerful response. Its open 16×18 string pattern facilitates spin generation, and the reengineered thinner shaft improves swing speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Forgiving head size increases confidence with clean ball contact
• Extended length provides extra reach and serving power
• FORTYFIVE weave technology balances comfort with crisp response
• Open string pattern enhances spin potential
• Lightweight design prevents fatigue for beginners

Cons:

• Stiffness rating of 70 may concern players with arm issues
• Some players report firmness that requires adjustment
• Less control than smaller-headed rackets
• Not ideal for advanced players seeking precision

Pricing

The Wilson Ultra 108 v4 typically retails between $149-$199, making it a mid-range option for beginners seeking quality without excessive cost.

Best For

This racket primarily benefits beginners looking for explosive power and those with slower, moderate swing speeds. It’s ideal for recreational players developing confidence in their strokes and seniors wanting extra forgiveness. Essentially, it suits anyone seeking a lightweight, powerful option with a generous sweet spot for developing consistent technique.

Head Speed PWR

The Head Speed PWR delivers exceptional power with maneuverability, making it an approachable option for beginners seeking a racquet that grows with their skills.

Key Features

The Speed PWR features an oversized 115 square inch head providing excellent forgiveness. At a lightweight 255g unstrung (9.7oz strung), it remains easy to handle for developing players. The racquet incorporates Auxetic 2.0 technology that delivers a softer, more responsive feel on impact. With a 26-26-28mm beam and 16×19 string pattern, it balances power with moderate spin potential. The frame includes Power Grommets that maximize string movement for additional power, alongside Graphene Inside which strategically strengthens the frame without adding weight.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally powerful with calculated power value of 2297.5
• Lightweight design prevents fatigue
• Responsive feel through Auxetic 2.0 technology
• Excellent progression path for developing players

Cons:

• Head-heavy balance (345mm) requires adjustment
• Less control than smaller-headed racquets
• May need customization for advanced players

Pricing

The Head Speed PWR retails between ₹15,333-₹23,589 (approximately $180-$280), positioning it as a mid-range investment.

Best For

This racquet excels for beginners planning regular practice who want a frame they won’t quickly outgrow. Likewise, it benefits players with slower swings or those transitioning to more consistent play. Since it sits between the control-oriented Prestige and power-focused Extreme series, it offers a balanced option for developing all-court skills.

Yonex Ezone Ace

The Yonex Ezone Ace stands out as an entry-level option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, offering accessibility for newcomers without compromising performance.

Key Features

The Ezone Ace features a 102 square inch head with Yonex’s signature ISOMETRIC™ technology that creates a 7% larger sweet spot than conventional frames. At just 9.2 ounces (260g) unstrung, it remains highly maneuverable yet stable. The racquet incorporates a head-heavy balance (345mm) that supports players with shorter swings. Its 16×19 string pattern and oval-pressed shaft optimize spin potential, while the Aero Shape design with varying beam widths (24mm/26.5mm/23mm) delivers a plush feel.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally comfortable with plush, responsive feel
• ISOMETRIC head shape enhances sweet spot without power sacrifice
• Pre-strung for immediate play and extra value
• Impressive stability for its lightweight class

Cons:

• Less control than smaller-headed racquets
• Head-heavy balance requires adjustment period
• Not ideal for players with aggressive baseline styles

Pricing

The Yonex Ezone Ace retails for approximately $110, positioning it as an excellent value entry point with features typically found in more expensive models.

Best For

This racquet primarily serves casual players seeking high performance without excessive cost. It excels for beginners developing consistent technique and recreational players wanting reliability with effortless power. Overall, it represents an ideal starting point for those transitioning into regular tennis play.

Wilson Clash 108

Widely recognized for its revolutionary flexible frame, the Wilson Clash 108 offers beginner players exceptional comfort without sacrificing performance.

Key Features

The Clash 108 features a generously sized 108 square inch head providing a maximized sweet spot for forgiveness. At 10.4 ounces strung, it remains lightweight yet stable. The slightly extended 27.25-inch length increases reach and leverage. Wilson’s proprietary FortyFive technology enhances flexibility while maintaining stability, whereas the SI3D technology optimizes three-dimensional frame bending for targeted power and spin. Its 16×19 string pattern facilitates spin generation, and the 1 pt head-light balance ensures maneuverability.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional comfort with arm-friendly design
• Large sweet spot makes entire string bed forgiving
• Flexible frame reduces vibration and shock
• Quick at net and easy to feed balls with

Cons:

• Can feel too soft for aggressive players
• Less stability against hard-hitting opponents
• Some players report needing head weighting

Pricing

The Wilson Clash 108 retails between $149-$199.

Best For

This racquet especially benefits recreational players with arm sensitivities, club-level intermediates seeking forgiveness, and beginners transitioning from casual to regular play.

Head IG Challenge Team L

The lightest member of the Challenge family, the Head IG Challenge Team L shines as an effortless option for newcomers to tennis with its ultra-responsive handling and forgiving nature.

Key Features

The IG Challenge Team L features an oversized 107 square inch head with an enlarged sweet spot for consistent contact. At a mere 260g (9.2oz) unstrung weight, it ranks among the most maneuverable options available. The racquet incorporates Innegra technology, the world’s lightest high-performance fiber that creates an ultra-tough hybrid composite with HEAD’s carbon technology. Its 23/26/23mm beam width and even balance (345mm) provide stability without sacrificing maneuverability, while the 16×19 string pattern enhances spin potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight design for quick reaction time
• Oversized head increases forgiveness on off-center hits
• Full graphite construction ensures durability
• Ergonomic design for precise and powerful hits

Cons:

• Too light for advanced players seeking control
• Limited stability against hard-hitting opponents
• Requires adjustment period for head-heavy balance

Pricing

The Head IG Challenge Team L retails between €74.95-€120.00, making it an affordable entry point for quality graphite construction.

Best For

This racquet primarily serves beginning players developing basic strokes. It excels for recreational players seeking ease of use and those wanting to generate spin and power with minimal effort.

Wilson Burn 100LS

Beginners seeking a lightweight racquet with exceptional spin potential will find an ideal partner in the Wilson Burn 100LS. This spin-friendly frame offers a perfect balance of maneuverability and power for developing players.

Key Features

The Burn 100LS features a 100 square inch head with an 18×16 string pattern that maximizes spin generation. At just 10.5 ounces strung (298g), it remains highly maneuverable yet stable with its 3 points head-light balance. The frame incorporates High-Performance Carbon Fiber construction that increases stiffness for explosive power. Its Parallel Drilling technology provides a more consistent and forgiving stringbed response, therefore creating a larger sweet spot.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely maneuverable and easy to swing
• Excellent spin generation from open string pattern
• Powerful response from baseline
• Forgiving on off-center hits

Cons:

• High stiffness rating of 72 may cause arm discomfort
• Can be difficult to control for beginners
• Not ideal for touch shots and volleys

Pricing

The Wilson Burn 100LS typically retails for approximately $149, representing solid value in the intermediate racquet market.

Best For

This racquet primarily benefits rising intermediate players seeking explosive speed and spin-friendly targeting. It excels for players who love hitting from the baseline and those developing aggressive groundstroke techniques.

Babolat EVO Drive Lite

The Babolat EVO Drive Lite offers exceptional value with user-friendly performance, making it an affordable gateway into quality tennis equipment for newcomers.

Key Features

The EVO Drive Lite features a generous 104 square inch head providing excellent forgiveness on off-center hits. Weighing just 9.5 ounces strung (269g), it remains remarkably maneuverable for players developing their technique. Its graphite frame and 16/17 string pattern effectively increase shot power while maintaining control. The racquet incorporates Babolat’s exclusive Air Handle Touch technology that significantly improves vibration absorption, reducing joint impact. Additionally, the elliptical frame structure delivers optimal strength and overall stiffness for enhanced power.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight design prevents fatigue during extended play
• Pre-strung for immediate use and extra value
• Open string pattern facilitates spin generation
• Excellent forgiveness on mishits
• Comfortable handle reduces vibration

Cons:

• Less stability against hard-hitting opponents
• Primarily suited for slower swing speeds
• May require adjustment for head-light balance

Pricing

The Babolat EVO Drive Lite represents outstanding value in Babolat’s lineup, positioned as an affordable performance option.

Best For

This racquet particularly serves beginners and early intermediates seeking user-friendly speed and easy power. It’s ideal for young players transitioning to adult-sized racquets and recreational players rated up to USTA 3.0. First thing to remember, its lightweight nature makes it perfect for those who prioritize maneuverability and comfort over control.

Wilson Tour Slam

For players seeking an ultra-budget entry into tennis, the Wilson Tour Slam stands out as the most affordable option from a major brand without completely sacrificing playability.

Key Features

The Tour Slam features an oversized 110 square inch head creating a generous sweet spot. At 11.5 oz strung weight, it’s slightly heavier than many beginner options. The racquet includes Volcanic Frame Technology enhancing stability, plus Power Strings with longer main strings for explosive power. Its Stop Shock pads reduce vibration at the throat, and V-Matrix Technology expands the sweet spot for added forgiveness.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally budget-friendly
• Large sweet spot minimizes mishits
• Solid power for recreational play
• Trusted Wilson brand quality

Cons:

• Heavier than ideal for beginners at 11.5 oz
• Not suitable for advancing beyond recreational play
• Mixed reports on grip quality and durability

Pricing

The Wilson Tour Slam retails between $30-$50, indeed making it one of the most affordable options from a major manufacturer.

Best For

This racquet primarily benefits occasional players on tight budgets. Certainly suitable for USTA ratings up to 3.0, it’s perfect for those wanting to try tennis without significant investment.

Babolat Pure Drive 110

The oversized Babolat Pure Drive 110 elevates the iconic Pure Drive series with beginner-friendly features while maintaining the explosive power that made this line famous for over 30 years.

Key Features

The Pure Drive 110 boasts an expansive 110 square inch head size creating an easy-to-find sweet spot for more consistent contact. At just 9.0 oz unstrung, this lightweight frame offers excellent maneuverability without sacrificing stability. Its extended 27.6 inch length provides additional reach on serves and groundstrokes. The racquet incorporates Babolat’s HTR System (High Torsional Rigidity) that increases frame responsiveness at impact, plus SWX Pure Feel technology that filters vibrations for improved comfort. The 16×19 string pattern facilitates spin generation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Generous sweet spot minimizes mishits
• Lightweight design prevents fatigue
• Extended length improves reach
• Exceptional power even with compact strokes
• Head-light balance enhances maneuverability

Cons:

• Stiff frame (RA 72) may cause arm discomfort
• Power-focused design limits control
• Not suited for advanced players seeking precision

Pricing

The Babolat Pure Drive 110 typically retails between $179-$229, positioning it as a mid-range investment for serious beginners.

Best For

This racquet excels for newcomers seeking a forgiving frame with easy power. It benefits recreational players developing consistent technique as well as those with compact swings. Although powerful, its user-friendly design makes it appropriate even for players just beginning their tennis journey.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tennis racket stands as perhaps the most crucial decision for anyone beginning their tennis journey. Throughout our comprehensive testing, we’ve identified rackets that balance forgiveness, power, and comfort while remaining accessible to developing players. These 13 options address diverse needs across a spectrum of budgets and playing styles.

Weight emerges as a pivotal consideration, with most beginner-friendly rackets falling between 9-10.5 ounces strung. Likewise, larger head sizes (100-115 square inches) provide the generous sweet spots necessary for building confidence with consistent ball contact. Players must also consider balance, with head-heavy designs offering more power assistance while head-light options deliver greater maneuverability.

Budget-conscious players will find excellent value in the Wilson Tour Slam at under $50, though serious beginners might prefer investing in the Babolat Boost Drive or Yonex Ezone Ace for their superior performance characteristics. Players concerned about arm strain should certainly prioritize the exceptional comfort of the Wilson Clash 108 or Yonex Astrel 105 with their vibration-dampening technologies.

Remember that your ideal racket depends largely on your physical attributes and playing goals. Compact swingers and seniors typically benefit from lightweight, head-heavy options like the Head Titanium Ti.S6, whereas athletic players developing aggressive groundstrokes might prefer the Wilson Burn 100LS with its spin-friendly string pattern.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a quality racket. Many options on our list deliver premium features at accessible price points. Ultimately, the perfect beginner racket provides enough forgiveness to make the learning process enjoyable while offering performance characteristics that support your development as your skills advance.