For most tennis players, finding the best tennis ball machine can be a real challenge. As a result, most players, whether beginners, intermediate or advanced, fail to get the most out of their practice sessions.
To purchase the best tennis ball machine for the money, it is important to understand the key features that you should consider. As you look to advance your tennis skills, we will provide you with important information on features such as portability, price range, power source and warranty.
On top of these features, we will also offer an in depth explanation of other factors such as elevation, ball speed, oscillations, ball capacity and feed rate that will help you find the most suitable training device for your skill level.
The best tennis machine buying guide
Other than relying solely on online tennis ball machine reviews, you will need to consider several factors when buying a tennis ball feeder. Due to this, we have arranged a systematic guide that will highlight some of the most crucial factors to consider before purchasing a tennis ball serving machine. Below is a list and description of important features to help you make the right decision for your skill level.
Consider these features before purchasing the best tennis ball machine
1. Find your skill level
Before purchasing a tennis ball machine, it is highly important to consider your skill level. You can either be a beginner, intermediate or advanced tennis player. Luckily, tennis ball machines come with modifications that suit every skill level. For advanced players, a tennis ball machine is required to have dual oscillation features. That is, the machine should simulate an opponent by shooting the ball in various directions. Advanced models offer both vertical and horizontal oscillations.
If you are a beginner starting to learn the ropes, we would advise starting with a machine with vertical oscillation. Intermediate players, on the other hand, can use machines with dual oscillation to help progress to the advanced level. Expert players must not compromise on the oscillation. Always remember, the harder you train, the easier it is to win a match. Therefore, before making a purchase, consider your skill level. Once you do this, it will be easy to find the best tennis ball machine for intermediate to advanced players that will help you advance to the next level.
2. Portability
Regardless of brand, performance or level of advancement, portability is a key feature that you should consider before making a purchase. However, portability can be termed as relative since it depends on personal preferences and the area of storage. Finding the best portable tennis ball machine is usually challenging, especially since most come with large batteries in addition to the many parts. So be on the look-out for machines with large wheels and steady handles as they will be easier to move around. After all, most of your energy should be directed to actual training as opposed to using all your reserves for moving the machine in and outside the court.
3. Power source
Despite the availability of machines with A/C and battery options, most tennis ball machines are battery operated. Using a battery operated tennis machine can prove to be a challenge, more so when the battery runs out. When using a machine that operates on battery, be sure to charge it hours before your practice session since most cannot be used when charging. However, unlike the battery-operated machines, some advanced models have A/C features that enable them to charge and work simultaneously. The more advanced tennis ball machines will cost you relatively more than ordinary ones. Therefore, if you are on a budget or just want to save some coins, we would advise going for a battery operated tennis ball machine. Always remember to charge your training device hours before your session.
4. Price Range
As is usually the case, the decision to purchase is determined by the price tags. Tennis ball machines vary in prices. Some cost $500 while others can set you back $4000 or even more. The more expensive machines come with a host of features such as dual oscillation, and A/C functions which guarantee zero interruptions during training. We would advise acquiring a machine with multiple features, however, acquiring such a machine would cost you. On the other hand, if operating on a limited budget, you can still find an inexpensive tennis ball machine with equally good features to help advance your skills. There are several best tennis ball machines under $1000 which offer excellent features depending on your skill level.
5. Warranty
Buying a tennis ball machine will cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. As a result, you need assurance that in exchange for your money, the machine will serve you diligently on top of lasting for as long as expected. Having a good warranty to match the expense of a tennis ball machine is the surest way to guarantee value for your money. Some of the best brands have been known to have material defects, although on rare occasions. To avoid getting disappointed after purchase, ensure you take time in comparing warranties for your preferred option. Failure to observe due diligence while checking for warranties might incur you additional costs in the form of repairs. Therefore, we advise you to do your homework, especially in regards to warranty to ensure you are safe from unprecedented defects or damage to your tennis ball machine.
Other things to know
Elevation
The elevation capabilities of a tennis ball serving machine are crucial in regards to offering an effective training session. Elevation, in this case, refers to how high or low your machine can feed balls. If a complete training session is what you are after, we would advise going for a machine that is flexible enough to feed both high and low balls.
Feed rate
Reaction practice is more often than not determined by a tennis ball feeder`s ability to supply balls. As soon as you start training with the machine, you will realize that a faster feed rate will drastically increase your ability to respond to serves and continuous play. Also, if you intend to use the machine as a group of players, we would suggest purchasing a fast-feeding tennis ball machine as it will allow players to practice simultaneously.
Hopper capacity
Before making any purchase, ensure you compare the hopper capacity of different tennis robot machines. Some of the factors that you should consider are such as user capacity. That is, is the unit for individual practice or will it be used for group training? Of course, if you are training as a group, you will require a large hopper capacity that holds around 200-300 balls. For personal training, a medium-capacity hopper that holds 100-150 balls will suffice.
Oscillations
You should select feeders that oscillate balls according to your skill level. For a beginner, starting with a tennis ball feeder that offers complex oscillations such as fully random or 2-line oscillation can be too much to handle. Tennis ball servers that provide random horizontal oscillation are the most appropriate for learners. However, at the intermediate or advanced levels, devices providing random vertical oscillation, as well as both horizontal and vertical oscillation, are the preferred options. A combination of both horizontal and vertical oscillation ensures you train with the left and right sides in addition to up-down training.
Advanced tennis ball feeders offer fully random oscillations and 2-line oscillations on top of the other forms of oscillations. With a fully random oscillation, the training device combines vertical and horizontal oscillations and increases unpredictability by altering ball spin, ball speed and the overall feed rate. 2-line oscillations provide an efficient form of simulation as the device will alternate between the right and left side systematically.
Remote control and charge
Although a remote-controlled tennis ball machine will cost you more, the expense is totally worth it. A remote gives you the power to start and stop the device without having to control it manually. Most modern tennis ball feeders come with remote control options. However, be ready to spend more when purchasing a remote-controlled training device. Another important point to consider is the feeder`s ability to conserve power when in use. Since most sessions can take a considerable amount of time, select a tennis ball serving machine that will not require you to recharge in between practice.
Driving force
Ball speed is an important factor in the game of tennis. As such, you will need to train at different speeds when using your tennis ball machine. Always check the driving force before purchase. Most tennis ball servers run on either counter-rotating wheels or pneumatic force. For advanced players looking to master the art of handling high-speed balls, a tennis robot machine using the counter-rotating wheels system is the preferred option. Also, when looking to purchase the best tennis ball machine, we recommend going for products that offer both backspin and topspin options as they will help increase the efficiency of your training sessions.
| Product | Skill level | Portability | Power source | Warranty |
| Spinshot-Player Tennis Ball Machine | Beginner to Intermediate | Good | Available with battery, AC cord, or a hybrid setup. | 2 years (3 months for the battery) |
| Lobster Sports – Elite Liberty | Beginner | Not very good | Battery | 2 years (6 months for battery and wheels) |
| Lobster Sports – Elite One | Intermediate to advanced | Pretty good | Battery | 2 years (6 months for battery and wheels) |
| Lobster Sports – Elite Grand Four | Intermediate to advanced | Good | Battery | 2 years (6 months for battery and wheels) |
Top 4 tennis ball machines reviews
Although there are countless good models of tennis ball launcher out there, we have decided to focus on what seem to be the four most popular launchers. It is by coincidence that three of the four come from the same company.
Spinshot Player Tennis Ball Machine – best tennis ball machine 2019
The Spinshot Player tennis ball machine looks like a great choice right away, because it comes with a thick steel housing. One look at this machine tells you that it is meant for durability. Its size is about the same as our other choices, but it is a little heavier. Another nice feature of the Spinshot is the wide variety of power options. The product usually comes with a battery and a charger, but since the battery life is only 2-3 hours, you also have the option of switching it with a normal AC power cord. The company also offers a hybrid system that can be used either way, and this is probably your best option for maximum versatility.
The other big feature of the Spinshot tennis ball machine is precise control. You can choose from 12 drills, each consisting of 6 balls. The machine has twelve buttons on the side for easy switching. However, you can also customize each drill by making use of a cellphone/smartwatch app. Some reviewers have reported problems with the app, and these complaints seem to be the most common. Based on that, it seems likely that some phones will not work with the app.
Key Features And Benefits:
- Outer casing made of thick steel
- Available in three different power setups
- 2-year warranty
- Apps to control the machine from a phone or smart watch
- Thick, durable wheels and a carry handle
- 12 preset 6-ball drills
Pros:
- Tough outer casing
- Easy to program and use
- 2-year warranty
- Wheels and a handle for easy carrying
Cons:
- Some reviews report problems with the control app
- Kind of heavy
- Sometimes shoots a little to the right
- Top speed isn’t high enough for advanced players
Verdict:
Overall, this seems like a decent choice, though I wouldn’t recommend it for an advanced player.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UYMFS4
Lobster Sports Elite Liberty – best tennis ball machine under 1000
The Lobster Elite Liberty might just be the best cheap tennis ball machine. While it may not be the top of the line, it will certainly get the job done for all but the most demanding users. This machine is small, compact and lightweight, and the oversize wheels help a lot in getting it over the rough ground.
One thing we like about this launcher is its incredible consistency. Each ball hits in the same spot every time. This is a simple and basic model that is meant to include everything you need in a cheap package. The machine is also relatively quiet and has an interesting side-to-side feature that allows two people to practice at once.
Key Features And Benefits:
- Topspin and backspin control
- On-board battery
- 2-year warranty
- Manual oscillation
- Oversized wheels
- Elevation crank
- Feed-on LED indicator
Pros:
- Lightweight
- All controls clearly labeled
- consistent accuracy
- Can throw up to 80MPH
Cons:
- Ball hopper is excessively bulky
- Replacement remote is really expensive
- Hard to clear jammed balls
- Many users report issues with battery life
Verdict:
Since this is a relatively inexpensive machine, I would definitely recommend it for someone who requires a cheap, basic model. It probably wouldn’t be well-suited for a professional-level player, but makes a good model for a beginner.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBT4PPI
Lobster Sports Elite One – best portable tennis ball machine
Now we come to something a little more advanced. The Elite One lives up to its name, as it offers a lot more features than its cheaper cousin. It has an 18-amp rechargeable battery that is rated for four to six hours of playing time. With a 150-ball capacity, you won’t need to reload it very often. Its thick, durable construction combines with its superior precision in a very favorable way. Some have reported issues with this model, but most reviews are positive.
Key Features And Benefits:
- 2-year warranty
- Random corner-to-corner oscillation
- 4-hour battery life
- Lobs up to 60 degrees
- Feed interval between 2-12 seconds
- Remote switch
- Speed, spin, and elevation controls
Pros:
- Precise control over spin and angle
- Wide adjustment range
- Can launch up to 80MPH
- Full corner-to-corner oscillation
Cons:
- Price
- Battery is not removable
- Parts of the casing aren’t very thick
Verdict:
This launcher stacks up very well against the competition. The only real problem I can see is that there are better portable ball machiens that are available for only a little more money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MZ7998
Lobster Sports Elite Grand Four – best tennis ball machine for intermediate to advanced player
To be perfectly honest, this one isn’t that different from Lobster’s other offerings, except for the fact that is has a very high price tag. It comes with only six pre-loaded drills, launches balls at 35-80 MPH, random oscillation for an extra challenge, and all the other features that are common. The only new feature I see is a 2-line option that allows you to alternate between forehand and backhand serves. While it is an impressive machine, It should really be made of steel or some other metal, since it represents such a significant investment.
Key Features And Benefits:
- 6 pre-programmed drills
- Full random oscillation
- 2-line feature
- Remote control
- 150-ball translucent hopper
- Ball speeds range from 35-80 MPH
- Elevation adjustment from 0 to 50 degrees
Pros:
- Every feature you could ever want
- Powerful and consistent performance
- 2-line feature to simulate alternating strokes
- Lots of cool accessories
Cons:
- Expensive
- Could be more durable
- Some users report serious battery issues
- No option for corded power
Verdict:
We weren’t particularly impressed with this one. Considering its price, expectations were considerably higher. What we found is that this model is only slightly better than its cheaper counterparts. For a professional tennis ball machine, you could probably do better at this price range.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MZ7CJ0
Most recent questions about tennis ball machines from customers
Spinshot vs. Lobster – which is better?
Overall, it is hard to pin down, but most would seem to agree that Spinshot machines are slightly better. They have a reputation that is well-established and well-deserved. When we look at Lobster ball machine reviews, we see very few negative comments. However, Spinshot machines have closed the gap in recent years, and they now seem to get even better reviews than the Lobster models.
Best tennis ball machine – Conclusion
Overall, we have decided to give the win to the Spinshot Player tennis ball machine. For the money, this is the best deal you are going to find. The Lobster machines are kind of like a Rolls-Royce. They’re “considered” to be the best, and that’s why they have become ridiculously expensive. It makes no sense to break the bank when you can get the same functionality for less. Ease of use, versatility, and a reasonable price tag combine to make the Spinshot the best tennis ball machine.