The 4 Best Portable Pickleball Nets in 2023 (Buyer’s Guide)

Ready to ace your next game of pickleball? 

The options for portable pickleball nets in 2023 are more advanced than ever before – allowing you to literally take your next match anywhere: from the beach to the backyard, driveway, or grocery store parking lot. 

Whether you’re playing in the park or hosting a tournament at home, this handy guide will help you find just the right portable net to suit your needs – at just the right price. 

So grab your paddle and let’s explore all your netting options with this comprehensive pickleball net buyer’s guide!

How to choose the best portable pickleball net system for you 

Choosing the right portable pickleball net can be tricky. 

There are a lot of factors to consider like weight, height, and frame size.

Depending on your exact needs, there are some specific things to look for when shopping for a pickleball net: 

Is the net height adjustable?

This is important if you are hoping to play multiple sports with your net (tennis, volleyball, or badminton) or if you have young kids who need the option of a lower net. 

How heavy is the net?

Some portable pickleball nets are quite heavy with a thick canvas and heavy metal frame.

Be sure to check the measurements and weight of the net before you buy it, or consider purchasing a portable pickleball net with wheels. 

Is the net weather-proof?

If you live somewhere with four seasons, you might be worried about the net being snow, rain, and rust-proof.

If you live in a warmer climate, can the net withstand high temps and damage from the sun? 

Price per play.

Some pickleball net systems cost upwards of $300 for the entire setup.

Try to imagine how often you’ll use your portable net system and decide if the price is worth it. If not, you might want to opt for a lower-cost net (just be sure the quality is still good!). 

What is the best portable pickleball net?

I play most of my pickleball in a four-season climate, so I’m concerned with durability, easy setup, and price.

I usually set up a DIY temporary pickleball court in my backyard in the summer, so I need an outdoor portable pickleball net system that will stand up to extreme temps and long days in the sun. 

In the winter, my pickleball net gets packed up and stored away for the season, so it also must be easy to tear down and small enough to store away. 

The best portable pickleball net I’ve used that fits these criteria is the Wilson Portable Pickleball Net System.

Why is it the best?

Pickleball players—both new and experienced—should be familiar with Wilson — the company has been a leading supplier of pickleball and tennis equipment for over 60 years and is well-known for its quality products and innovative designs.

Wilson’s portable tennis net system holds up to its name.

The net is lightweight and easy to transport and takes less than 10 minutes to set up.

It is also USAPA-approved and regulation height (22 feet long x 3 feet high).

It comes with a carrying case and folds down to a small size for easy storage.

The Best Portable Pickleball Net with Wheels

If you’re searching for a portable pickleball net with wheels, the best one I’ve seen in use is the Escalade Sports ONIX Pickleball Regulation-Size Net.

It is USAPA regulation size and made of solid, durable materials. The Amazon reviews speak for themselves.

The Best Portable Pickleball Net on Amazon

Whether you’re on the go or just want to practice in a more comfortable setting (aka your backyard), Amazon has a ton of portable pickleball nets for sale with fast shipping.

Another benefit? User reviews and Q&As (with photos!).

The A11N Portable Pickleball Net System boasts more than 1,200 4-star ratings on Amazon with rave reviews for their customer service.

Any issues with the nets have been quickly solved and replaced by A11N. Overall, customers seem extremely happy with this portable pickleball net!

The best portable pickleball net set with paddles

Sometimes purchasing an entire set—pickleball paddles, pickleballs, and a portable net—is the easiest and most cost-effective option.

The Pickleball Basic Package from OnCourt OffCourt has everything you need to get started playing. The set comes with:

• 1 PickleNet Mini (the most popular net system in the world!)
• 1 Set of 6 Head Outdoor Pickleballs
• 2 Head Radical Tour Paddles

What Size Net Do you need for pickleball?

USAPA approved-pickleball nets are 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the sidelines.  

According to USA Pickleball guidelines, regulation pickleball nets must be: 

• Made out of a mesh material that a ball can’t pass through. 
• At least 21 feet and 9 inches long.
• At least 30 inches wide.
• Posts should be no more than 3 inches in diameter.
• The top edge of the net should have a cord or cable covered with tape (2 inches).

Are pickleball nets different than tennis nets?

Although they look very similar, pickleball and tennis nets are actually different heights!

Tennis nets are 36 inches in the center while pickleball nets are only 34 inches at the center. 

Because they are only a few inches different in net height, you can use a tennis net for pickleball. 

How do you convert a tennis net to a pickleball net?

If you don’t have access to a pickleball net or just want to have a fun, casual game, you can use a tennis net for pickleball. 

Because a tennis net is two inches higher than a pickleball net, you’ll have to lower the net to make it closer to regulation pickleball size. 

The easiest option to convert a tennis net into one for pickleball is to use a velcro tie (or any other material) to lower the net at the center.

Just be sure you don’t ruin the net for future use. 

Are portable pickleball nets heavy? 

Depending on the size and material of the frame and net, some pickleball net systems are quite heavy. 

Materials like thick canvas for nets and sturdy metal frames weigh much more than lighter mesh nets and aluminum frames. 

Consider the material of your portable net before purchasing. 

Your net should be lightweight and easy to transport, but you also want to ensure that the quality of the net is strong and durable. 

How to set up a portable pickleball net

To set up a portable pickleball net, be sure to follow the individual instructions on your portable pickleball net system. Each system is different.

Most portable nets have interlocking frames and all pieces are connected by bungee cord (it’s really similar to setting up a camping tent). This makes it harder to lose pieces.

Choose a location where the net will be safe and secure and that is big enough for standard pickleball court dimensions.

Make sure the net is tight against the surface or frame – it shouldn’t sag or move around.

Finally, thread the ropes through the hooks on either side of the net. You’re ready to play!

How to make a DIY pickleball court 

You can pretty much play pickleball anywhere you want—on the beach, on the grass in your backyard, on a tennis court, or driveway. 

To make your own DIY pickleball court, you’ll need a pickleball court marking set, enough space for a court, and a portable pickleball net.

Read our guide to playing pickleball on a tennis court.

The cheapest and quickest option for a pickleball net is this Quick Start Pickleball Package.

It comes with:

• 6 Domes and Poles
• A 500-foot roll of Pickleball Caution Tape
• A zipper carry case

The set weighs just a few pounds, but you must fill the domes with sand or gravel before inserting the poles.

Instead of a pickleball net, use the caution tape as a divider between court sides.

The pickleball caution tape is durable enough to be reused.