Updated October 26, 2026 · 8 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallWilson Federer Adult4.7★ · light and forgivingCheck price on Amazon →
Best for more powerWilson Tour Slam Adult4.7★ · big sweet spotCheck price on Amazon →Tennis · 2026
The best tennis rackets for beginners
A beginner tennis racket should be light, forgiving and powerful, so the ball goes over the net even when you do not hit the center of the strings. You do not need a $250 pro racket to learn: the best beginner rackets cost $30 to $100 and come pre-strung.
We compared the best-selling beginner tennis rackets on Amazon for adults and kids on head size, weight, power and what thousands of players say. Below is one clear racket for each kind of beginner, plus a grip size guide.
Quick answer: the best tennis rackets for beginners
- Best overallWilson Federer Adult · 4.7★ · light and forgiving
- Best for more powerWilson Tour Slam Adult · 4.7★ · big sweet spot
- Best upgradeHEAD Ti.S6 · 115 sq in, 8.6 oz
- Best set for two2-racket set with balls and bag · start together
- Best for kids 9 to 10Wilson Profile 25 Junior · 25-inch racket
If you want one answer: buy the Wilson Federer adult racket. It is light, comes pre-strung, has a midplus head with a large sweet spot, and has 4.7 stars from more than 4,500 players who praise its value, how well it suits beginners and its light weight. If you want an easier, more powerful racket and can spend more, the HEAD Ti.S6 is a long-time favorite.
Pick by player
Wilson Federer
A light, pre-strung racket that makes learning easy and costs around $30.
HEAD Ti.S6
An oversized 115 sq in head and very light frame for effortless power. Popular with older and returning players.
2-racket set
Two rackets, balls, spare overgrips and a bag so two people can start together.
Wilson Profile 25 Junior
A 25-inch junior racket sized for kids around 9 to 10 years old.
The best tennis rackets for beginners, reviewed
Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket
You need this if: you are learning tennis and want a light, forgiving racket at a low price.
- FrameAirLite Alloy
- HeadMidplus, enlarged sweet spot
- ComfortStop Shock pads
- Ratings4.7★, 4,500+
Why we recommend it: It is one of the most popular beginner rackets. Players mention value, suitability for beginners, light weight and construction. Power Strings with longer main strings add pop, and Stop Shock pads reduce vibration for a more comfortable feel.
Keep in mind: Aluminum alloy frames are less refined than graphite. You will likely upgrade after a season or two of regular play.
Wilson Tour Slam Adult Recreational Racket
You need this if: you want a little more power and stability than the Federer.
- FrameVolcanic Frame Technology, AirLite Alloy
- StringsPower Strings
- ComfortStop Shock pads
- Ratings4.7★, 4,400+
Why we recommend it: Players praise its quality, value and how well it suits beginners. The Volcanic frame adds stability and power, and it comes in several colors and grip sizes.
Keep in mind: Weight is mixed in reviews: some find it slightly heavier than they expected.
HEAD Ti.S6 Tennis Racket
You need this if: you want effortless power and a huge sweet spot, and can spend around $100.
- Head115 sq in oversize
- WeightAbout 8.6 oz strung
- FrameTitanium and graphite
- Ratings4.7★, 1,900+
Why we recommend it: The Ti.S6 has been a favorite with beginners, returning players and seniors for years. Players praise its light weight, value, suitability for beginners, power and control. The oversized head forgives off-center hits, and the light frame is easy to swing.
Keep in mind: Very light, powerful rackets can make it harder to control the ball as you improve, and they transmit more shock. It suits players who want easy power.
2-Racket Tennis Set with Balls and Bag
You need this if: two people are starting tennis together.
- Includes2 rackets, balls, overgrips, bag
- Length27 in adult
- WeightAbout 260 g
- Ratings4.5★, 2,100+
Why we recommend it: You get everything to start in one box. Buyers praise its quality, value, suitability for beginners and light weight. The thick aluminum frame is designed to resist warping.
Keep in mind: It is a budget set. Players who stick with tennis will want a better racket later.
Wilson Profile 25 Junior Tennis Racket
You need this if: you are buying for a child around 9 or 10.
- Length25 in
- AgesAbout 9 to 10
- FrameAirLite Alloy
- Ratings4.7★, 350+
Why we recommend it: Kids need rackets sized to their height, not cut-down adult rackets. The Profile 25 is light and well balanced for kids around 9 or 10. Buyers praise its quality.
Keep in mind: Check the junior length chart below, since younger or older kids need different lengths.
Beginner tennis rackets compared
| Racket | Best for | Head | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Federer | Adult beginners | Midplus | 4.7★ (4,500+) |
| Wilson Tour Slam | More power | Large | 4.7★ (4,400+) |
| HEAD Ti.S6 | Easy power upgrade | 115 sq in | 4.7★ (1,900+) |
| 2-racket set | Two players | Standard | 4.5★ (2,100+) |
| Wilson Profile 25 | Kids 9 to 10 | Junior | 4.7★ (350+) |
Ratings were checked on Amazon in October 2026. Prices vary by grip size and color.
Tennis racket grip size guide
| Grip size | Circumference | Typical player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 1/8 in | Smaller hands, many women and teens |
| 2 | 4 1/4 in | Small to medium hands |
| 3 | 4 3/8 in | Medium hands, many men |
| 4 | 4 1/2 in | Larger hands |
| 5 | 4 5/8 in | Very large hands |
Quick test: hold the racket in a handshake grip. You should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller grip and add an overgrip.
Junior tennis racket size by age
| Age (about) | Racket length |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | 19 in |
| 4 to 6 | 21 in |
| 6 to 8 | 23 in |
| 9 to 10 | 25 in |
| 10 and up | 26 in, then adult 27 in |
▶ How to Choose Your First Tennis RacquetRacquetGuys explain head size, weight and grip size for beginners. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
What to look for in a beginner tennis racket
Head size
Bigger heads (100 sq in and up) give a larger sweet spot and more power. Beginners do well with midplus to oversize heads.
Weight
Lighter rackets (about 8.5 to 10 oz) are easier to swing and maneuver. Heavier rackets are more stable but tire beginners quickly.
Pre-strung
All picks here come strung and ready to play, which saves money and hassle for beginners.
Material
Aluminum alloy is cheap and durable. Graphite is lighter and more refined. Upgrade to graphite once you play regularly.
Best tennis racket for women beginners
Women beginners usually do best with a light racket and a smaller grip, often size 1 or 2. The Wilson Tour Slam comes in a pink grip size 2 version, and the HEAD Ti.S6 is very light with an oversized head that makes the game easier.
What else do tennis beginners need?
- Tennis balls for your court type. Extra duty for hard courts, regular duty for clay and indoor.
- Court shoes with lateral support. Running shoes are not made for side-to-side moves.
- An overgrip to keep the handle tacky and adjust the size.
- A water bottle and hat for sunny courts.
- A few lessons to learn good technique early, which also protects your elbow.
How to look after your tennis racket
Do not leave your racket in a hot car, which can warp the frame and loosen strings. Replace the overgrip when it feels slick, and restring when the strings feel dead or break. A simple rule for recreational players is to restring as many times a year as you play per week.
Tennis racket vs pickleball paddle for beginners
Pickleball is easier to pick up in the first few sessions because the court is smaller and the paddle is short. Tennis takes longer to learn but rewards practice with longer rallies and more running. Many people play both. If pickleball interests you, see our pickleball sets for beginners.
When to upgrade your beginner racket
Upgrade when you play every week, hit consistently and want more control or spin. A graphite intermediate racket and a restring with softer strings make a big difference at that point. Many clubs offer demo rackets so you can try before you buy.
Get the right balls for your court in the best tennis balls, and protect your arm with a tennis elbow strap if needed.
Related guide: Once you have a racket, a fresh overgrip makes a big difference. See the best tennis overgrips. Curious about padel? Start with the best padel rackets for beginners.
Related guide: Practicing serves alone? A tennis ball hopper saves a lot of bending.
Free tool: Buying for a child? Use our junior tennis racket size finder.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tennis racket for beginners?
For most adult beginners, the Wilson Federer. It is light, forgiving, pre-strung and costs around $30.
What is the best tennis racket for beginner women?
A light racket with a smaller grip, such as the Wilson Tour Slam in grip size 2 or the HEAD Ti.S6.
What is the best tennis racket for beginner men?
The Wilson Federer or Tour Slam in grip size 3 for most men, or the HEAD Ti.S6 for easy power.
What size tennis racket for kids?
About 21 in for ages 4 to 6, 23 in for 6 to 8, 25 in for 9 to 10 and 26 in for 10 and up.
What grip size tennis racket do I need?
Most women use size 1 or 2 and most men size 3. Use the finger test and choose the smaller size if unsure.
Is the HEAD Ti.S6 good for beginners?
Yes. Its oversized head and light weight make it easy to hit, especially for beginners and returning players.
How much should I spend on a beginner tennis racket?
About $30 to $100. More expensive rackets help once you play regularly.
Do beginner tennis rackets come strung?
Yes. All the rackets in this guide come pre-strung and ready to play.
How we chose
We compared the best-selling and best-reviewed beginner tennis rackets on Amazon in October 2026, for adults and kids. We looked at head size, weight, frame, grip sizes and price, and read Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews to see what players praise and complain about. We picked one racket for each kind of beginner. We have not tested these rackets in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
