Face it, it’s probably about time for you to get your own pickleball set. You’re probably getting tired of relying on your friends to go out and play or awkwardly asking strangers at the court if you can borrow their paddle. No one wants to be a moocher — trust me it’s easier to buy.

If you’re looking to make a purchase but aren’t sure where to start, relax. Your favorite fanatics at the PickleWire have you covered. And when it comes to buying a pickleball set, it’s fairly straightforward.

Best Pickleball Sets

There are two main types of pickleball sets: sets that come with nets, and sets that don’t. Beyond that, sets with differ in price, aesthetic, and the amount of paddles included. If you’re looking to start your search, then start with these:

4-Paddles sets without nets:

1. JoncAye Pickleball Set
2. Amicoson Pickleball Paddles

2-Paddles sets without nets:

1. VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddles Set
2. Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle

4-Paddles sets with nets:

1. ROBBIMS Portable Pickleball Set
2. SGSPORT Portable Pickleball Net Set

4-Paddle Pickleball sets without nets

This is the most common type of set you’ll run into shopping. Since doubles is the most popular form of play, most sets are sold in fours.

Best all around option: JoncAye Pickleball set

This might be the most popular choice out there for first-time pickleball set buyers. Made to fit official pickleball regulations, this pickleball set has everything you need to start playing: 4 paddles, 4 balls, replacement grip tape, and even a large bag to tow it all around in. The paddles also come in four different color patterns (including one that shows the NYC subway system).

Best Budget option: Amicoson

If you’re looking for something that’s not just regulation size but a little easier on the wallet, Amicoson is the way to go. For under $40, you can get yourself 4 paddles, eight balls, and a little mesh bag to carry it all around it. It’s barebones, but if you’re just looking for a cheap, quick way to get playing, it’s a great call.

2-Paddle Pickleball sets without nets

2-paddle sets are great for players that already have some gear but need to replace something due to wear and tear or losing a piece. If the majority of people you play with have their own paddles, than this can be cheaper way to buy in, though it will prevent you from playing doubles with folks that don’t have their own gear.

Best all around option: Vinsguir Pickleball set

Personally, I’m obsessed with these paddles. Yes the design is a little loud, but that’s kind of why I’m into them. With so many mono-toned paddles out there, it’s nice to have something that jumps off the court a bit. Not only is the design rad, but they are approved by USAPA for tournaments. The artwork definitely lands them in a bit of a higher cost bracket, but I think the swag is worth it. Just make sure you have the game to back it up.

Best Budget option: Franklin Sports

As far as bang for your buck goes, it doesn’t get better than this. This set comes in at under $17 making the cost per paddle about as low as you’ll find anywhere. Franklin is a fairly reliable name… really in all sports. 2 paddles, 2 balls, no nonsense. Rated four stars overall, this is definitely the cheapest way to get yourself out there and playing.

Pickleball sets with nets

Last and certainly not least we have pickleball sets that come with nets. Having your own net is a total game changer — rather than standing around at a court waiting for your turn, you can do set up on any piece of concrete, mark your court dimensions with cones, and start playing. Even on rainy days, you can often find a covered area to set up in so the weather doesn’t keep you sidelined.

Nets are going to bring the price tag up a notch, but for the ability to play whenever you want, I think it’s well worth it.

Best Overall Option: Robbims

Let’s start with the basics: four paddles, eight balls, net, and carrying duffle. This is pretty standard across sets, but Robbims has a reputation for craftsmanship. I’ve played on a Robbims net myself and it was super simple to set up, but still stayed in place even when I sent ball after ball straight into it.

They also have great customer service, so if on the off chance something is damaged in transit, they will happily ship you a new one. The cherry-on-top? It’s USAPA approved, making it a solid choice for pickleballers of all levels.

Best Budget option: SG Sport

Finally on our list is the SG Sport set. Like the Robbims, it comes with a set of four paddles, 4 balls, a net, and carrying case. The paddles have wrist loops which some players love. Others (like myself) can’t stand them, though you can cut them off pretty easily.

Overall, there’s not a ton to say about it. It’s just a standard net. A little less support in places than the Robbims, but it doesn’t effect gameplay. At almost $100 cheaper, it’s a great buy.

Bonus Review!

If you’re looking a just a pickleball net, check out this one from Feetik. It comes with its own system to quickly set up court lines with rope, so you don’t have to bring your own string. Buy it now, thank me later.

Wrap Up

So there you have it, the best pickleball sets. Like I said at the start, construction of paddles and balls is all pretty standard since they have to fit certain specifications to be deemed legal for play. The real fun is in choosing the design you want to rep when you’re on the court.

If you don’t have a paddle, it’s time to break out that credit card and get to shopping. Don’t think of it as a splurge, think about it as an investment. An investment in becoming a better player, a more healthy individual, or really whatever you need to tell yourself you pull the trigger.