The BEST Pickleball Ball Machines Under $1000 (in 2023)

pickleball ball machines in front of a bright background

Pickleball is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and a sharp eye. To take your game to the next level, you should consider investing in a pickleball ball machine. 

A great ball machine can offer endless practice opportunities and allow you to work on specific skills like volleying, dinking, and returning those tricky spin shots! You can also adjust the ball speed and spin to challenge yourself and keep your skills sharp. 

With consistent practice, your skills will improve dramatically over time, and you’ll be able to test yourself against the toughest opponents.

So if you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, a ball machine could be one of the best investments you’ll ever make!

Keep reading for our review of the best budget-friendly pickleball ball machines on the market in January 2023. 

Our Top Pick

Pickleball Tutor Mini

5.0

The Pickleball Tutor Mini model is the most compact pickleball machine available.

Shoot any type of shot (serves, groundstrokes, dinks, lobs, drives)

  • Ball Speed – Up to 50 MPH.
  • Ball Feed – Adjustable from every 2 seconds to every 10 seconds.
  • 60 ball capacity – one standard pick-up basket full.
  • Throws both indoor and outdoor pickleballs.


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Hightest Rated

Infinity Play System Rebounder Net

5.0

The Infinity Play System provides endless practice, just about anywhere.

This self-feeding system continually shoots pickleballs for the player to hit into a net which feeds back into the ball machine. Perfect for players, parents, and coaches!

Ball Capacity: 15 pickleballs

Dimensions: When fully set up, the Infinity Play System measures 7ft 9in wide and 7ft tall.


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Best Value
Sports Tutor Multi-Twist Ball Machine
5.0

Power Source: Battery-powered

Ball Capacities: 24 Pickleballs 

Feed interval: The MultiTwist throws 1 ball every 5 seconds.

Ball ejection speed: 10-20 foot toss with 5 adjustable settings.

Weight: 11lbs

Dimensions: 10"X10"X25"

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Check out how simple and easy it is to use the Sports Tutor Multi-Twist Pickleball Machine:

Are pickleball machines worth it?

Using an automatic ball machine to improve your pickleball game can be a GREAT way to take your skills to the next level.

It’s an excellent tool for hitting shots that you might not get to practice in a game—you can work on specific shots like drop shots, dinks, or lobs without having to wait for someone else to hit the ball.

You can also practice transitioning from one shot to another quickly. This will help you develop a more advanced reaction time and better shot selection. The ball machine can also be used to practice different serves, allowing you to experiment with the spin, speed, and placement of your serve in order to maximize its effectiveness.

Additionally, practicing with a ball machine can help you maintain a consistent rhythm during rallies and make adjustments more quickly when needed.

Overall, using a ball machine as part of your training regimen can definitely help you become a better and more successful pickleball player!

a woman holds a pickleball paddle on a court

How to Choose the best pickleball throwing machine

When it comes to choosing the best pickleball ball machine, there are a few key factors to consider. 

Size & Weight

Firstly, you should consider the size and weight of the machine as this will determine how portable it is. Your machine should be light enough to be transported on and off the court, but not so light that it isn’t structurally sound.

The ball capacity of the machine is also important. Pickleball machines might have a capacity of anywhere from 24 to 135 balls. 

Speed

You should also look at the speed settings of the machine as this will determine the types of games and shots you can play with it. Some pickleball machines have different speeds that can go from slow (great for beginners) to quite fast.

Timer

Additionally, most machines feature a timer function that can be set to launch shots at regular intervals, making them ideal for practicing and honing your skills.

Power Source

You should also think about the type of power source the machine requires: is it battery-powered? Or does it need to be near an outlet? And whether or not it has adjustable spin settings and multiple angle options. You should also research the battery life of the machine to ensure it will last as long as you need. If not, you might need to consider purchasing an extra battery pack. 

Technology

Finally, take a look at the features the machine has, such as LCD display screens and wireless remote controls. By taking all of these criteria into consideration, you can ensure that you’ll find the best pickleball ball machine for you.

How do you use a pickleball ball machine?

Each pickleball ball machine is different, but there are some general rules to follow when using them. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when setting up and using your ball machine. 

Check out this video on how to use the Infinity Play System with the Multi-Twist Mini Ball Machine: 

The important takeaways from this video are: 

  • The player tests the machine first to see where the ball will land and how hard it will shoot out. 
  • The player plans out his drills and moves ahead of time so he’s not caught off guard or accidentally hit by the ball
  • The player has someone else working the machine for him. It’s always a good idea to have a spotter for safety. 

Will a tennis ball machine work with pickleballs?

Some tennis ball machines will work with pickleballs, but not all. 

Think about the size and weight difference between the two balls: pickleballs are much lighter than standard tennis balls, and the type of material used for the skin and core of a pickleball is different from that of a tennis ball. This means the pressure and strength needed for the machine to shoot out the ball will be very different for pickleballs vs tennis balls. 

Be sure to read the specs of your ball machine to learn exactly which balls will work with your model. 

If it’s still unclear, reach out to the company before trying to put pickleballs in your tennis ball machine. You don’t want to break your machine—these things aren’t cheap! 

If you’re looking for a tennis ball machine, read our guide on finding the right one for you.

Final thoughts on pickleball machines

If you’re looking to practice pickleball alone, using a pickleball throwing machine is a great tool to add to your belt. 

Out of the pickleball ball machines on the market, we really recommend the Pickleball Tutor Mini. It’s compact, versatile (you can shoot any type of shot from dinks to drives), and has a 60-ball capacity, which is one of the highest on the market.

A quality ball machine for pickleball is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to level-up their game. It helps players practice specific shots and strategies that may be too difficult or expensive to learn with a partner, giving them a chance to improve on their own.

The machine can be programmed to shoot balls at different heights and speeds. Allowing the player to hone in on weaknesses or adjust the settings depending on who they’re playing. 

Additionally, having a ball machine handy can make it easier for coaches to teach classes and drills without having someone else available to feed balls. With all of these features, it’s easy to see why having a quality ball machine is so important for any serious pickleball enthusiast’s practice routine.

If you’re not ready to buy a portable pickleball machine just yet, you might be able to find one used, or consider renting one. 

As you search for the right machine to fit your needs, it is important to test out a variety of models to get a sense of which one feels best.

Take time to explore the different features and capabilities of each machine before making a final decision. Additionally, speak with sales staff or other customers (read online reviews!) about their experiences with the various models. 

With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect machine for your needs. Happy pickling! 

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