Buying a new tennis racket can feel like learning a whole new language. The best tennis rackets range from under £50 to well over £250, and once you start comparing head sizes, frame materials, string patterns, weights, balance points and grip sizes, it's tempting to buy the first one you recognise and hope for the best.
It's a decision more of us are making. The latest figures from the Lawn Tennis Association show adult participation in Britain grew by 44 per cent between 2019 and 2023, reaching 5.6 million players. With another three years of Wimbledon-inspired interest since then, that number has likely grown further.
When I first started playing, I assumed every racket felt much the same. It wasn't until I tested different models that I realised how much the right one could improve my game. A lighter frame made me quicker at the net, while a larger head instantly gave me more confidence from the baseline.
To help you avoid the same trial and error, I tested rackets for beginners through to advanced players, assessing each one for comfort, power, control, manoeuvrability and value for money.
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Best tennis rackets at a glance
Best overall – HEAD MicroGel Radical MP tennis racket: £89.99, Amazon.co.uk
Best budget buy – Slazenger Smash tennis racket: £14.99, Sportsdirect.co.uk
Best for beginners – Wilson Envy XP Lite tennis racket: £34.99, Amazon.co.uk
Best for kids – MANTIS CS 275 Phantom: £115, Mantissport.com
Best for building confidence – Wilson Fed Open 105 TR 00 Black/White L2: £49.99, Sportsdirect.co.uk
Tested by: Zoë Griffin
Zoë Griffin has been reviewing fitness products and sports equipment since 2019, testing everything from running shoes and smartwatches to swimming goggles and recovery gear. A member of Boston Manor Tennis Club in west London, she's played tennis since childhood.
One of her proudest tennis achievements was winning the Associated Newspapers Mixed Doubles Tournament in 2006, a title she's still proud of nearly 20 years later. Along the way, she's even had the chance to hit with Andy Murray’s mum Judy, picking up a few tips that have stayed with her ever since.
HEAD MicroGel Radical MP tennis racket
★★★★★
Best: Overall
What we love: Excellent value, precise feel, rewarding for improving players, and premium graphite frame.
Take note: The denser 18 x 20 string pattern is less forgiving than some of the other rackets in this guide.
Some tennis rackets age surprisingly well, and this is one of them. Despite not being the newest model in HEAD's range, it still delivered a polished, confidence-inspiring performance.
Unlike some of the more specialised rackets I tested, this one didn't force me to change the way I played. It felt equally comfortable from the baseline, at the net and on serve, making it a racket I could happily recommend to almost any player ready to improve but not ready to spend upwards of £100 on a racket.
I really appreciate how predictable it feels. My groundstrokes landed consistently, volleys felt crisp, and I always knew where the ball was likely to go. The slightly smaller head and denser string pattern reward clean technique, giving me confidence to go for more precise shots rather than simply relying on power. HEAD's MicroGel technology works well to spread the impact more evenly across the frame, creating a softer, controlled feel that helps you last the match.
Overall, it's a dependable racket that rewards good technique and offers outstanding value for anyone ready to take their game to the next level.
Buy now £89.00, Amazon.co.uk
Slazenger Smash tennis racket
★★★★☆
Best for: Budget-friendly aluminium (beginner’s) racket
What we love: Incredibly affordable, forgiving oversized head, durable frame, and ideal for casual play.
Take note: Heavier and less responsive than the graphite rackets.
For less than the price of a couple of hours on a tennis court, the Slazenger Smash is an easy way to get started. I wasn't expecting miracles at this price, but it was perfectly capable for a relaxed knockabout with family or friends and ideal for anyone who's only likely to play a handful of times each summer.
The oversized 105 sq in head was the feature I appreciated most. It gave me a little more margin for error on off-centre shots, helping keep rallies going rather than constantly chasing balls into the fence. The aluminium frame also feels robust enough to cope with being knocked about, making it a sensible choice for families or anyone likely to leave it rattling around in the boot of the car.
Unsurprisingly, it doesn't have the crisp, responsive feel of the graphite rackets higher up this guide, and as rallies became faster, I found myself wanting a little more precision. But if you're simply looking for an inexpensive racket to get out on court and see whether tennis is for you, this is a perfectly decent, wallet-friendly choice.
Buy now £149.00, Sportsdirect.co.uk
Decathlon Artengo TR500
★★★★☆
Best for: Budget-friendly graphite racket
What we love: Excellent value, lightweight graphite frame, forgiving and easy to use, suiting a wide range of players.
Take note: More advanced players may eventually want a racket with greater precision.
Spending more than £150 on a tennis racket isn't realistic for everyone, which is where the Artengo TR500 really shines. At around £60, it delivers many of the benefits of a premium graphite frame without the premium price tag. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to swing, making it simple to build up racket speed without feeling like I was fighting the frame.
One of the biggest advantages is the graphite construction. Compared with cheaper aluminium rackets, it feels much more responsive, so I had a better sense of where I'd struck the ball. It also absorbs more of the impact, making shots feel cleaner and more controlled, whether I was rallying from the baseline or returning serve.
It doesn't have quite the polished feel of the Yonex EZONE or the pinpoint precision of the HEAD Speed MP Legend, but it's also a fraction of the price. For anyone moving on from a basic aluminium racket or returning to tennis after a few years away, I'd happily recommend it as a dependable all-rounder that leaves plenty of money for lessons, balls or court hire.
Buy now £59.99, Decathlon.co.uk
HEAD Speed MP Legend 2025 Tennis Racket
★★★★☆
Best for: Control
What we love: Superb accuracy, excellent feel, forgiving for a player's racket, and a premium finish.
Take note: Expensive.
If you're starting to outgrow a beginner's racket and want to hit with more accuracy, this is one of the most confidence-inspiring rackets I tested. I found myself aiming closer to the lines and corners because the racket responded so predictably, giving me the confidence to go for riskier shots without spraying the ball long.
Although it's designed with intermediate and advanced players in mind, it never felt demanding. The 300g frame strikes a lovely balance between stability and manoeuvrability, while the 100 sq in head still offers enough forgiveness when your timing isn't quite spot on. I also liked the feedback through the handle. HEAD's Auxetic 2.0 technology is designed to make the racket feel more responsive at impact and, in practice, I found I had a much better sense of where I'd struck the ball, particularly on volleys and returns.
As a finishing touch, this special edition was developed with Novak Djokovic, with a stylish black-and-gold trim. This makes it stunning to look at, and the performance more than lives up to the looks.
Buy now £170.00, Tennishq.co.uk
Yonex EZONE 100 Blast Blue 2025 tennis racket
★★★★☆
Best for: Power
What we love: Effortless power, generous sweet spot, excellent comfort, stable feel at impact.
Take note: Less suited to complete beginners who may prefer a lighter, more forgiving frame.
If you've reached the point where you're hitting the ball cleanly but want more power without having to swing harder, this racket is an excellent upgrade. The 100 sq in head gives you a decent sweet spot, which I found made a real difference when my timing wasn't quite perfect. Instead of dropping short or into the net, off-centre shots still had enough power to keep the rally going.
What impressed me most, though, was how comfortable it felt. Yonex's Vibration Dampening Mesh (VDM) is built into the handle to absorb unwanted shock, and, in practice, it worked well. Even on off-centre hits, the racket felt noticeably smoother than many others I tested, helping reduce the jarring sensation that can creep into your arm during a long session.
At 300g, it's not a racket I'd recommend to complete beginners, who may prefer something lighter while developing their technique. But if you're ready to move on from an entry-level frame and want something that will help you hit with more confidence, this was one of the most enjoyable rackets I tested.
Buy now £191.00, Allthingstennis.co.uk
MANTIS PS 300 v4 Tour
★★★★☆
Best for: Spin
What we love: Easy access to topspin, customisation options, comfortable feel, and minimalist design.
Take note: Rackets are available strung or unstrung, and you can customise string material and tension.
Topspin is what helps the ball dip back down into the court after you've hit it, so you can swing faster without constantly worrying about sending shots long. Of all the rackets I tested, this was the one that made generating that extra spin feel the most natural. I found myself hitting with more confidence, particularly on forehands, because I knew the ball was more likely to drop inside the baseline.
What surprised me was that it didn't sacrifice comfort in the process. MANTIS's Thermocore Fusion construction is designed to reduce unwanted vibration and create a cleaner connection with the ball. Whether I was rallying from the baseline or stepping in for a volley, the racket felt predictable and stable, which made it easier to trust my swing.
It might not have the same name recognition as Yonex, HEAD or Wilson, but that's part of its appeal. MANTIS has built a loyal following among club players who value performance over branding, and after spending time with the PS 300 v4, that reputation feels thoroughly deserved.
Buy now £182.00, Mantissport.com
Babolat Eagle tennis racket
★★★★☆
Best for: Occasional players
What we love: Affordable, lightweight, forgiving, trusted tennis brand.
Take note: Best suited to beginners and occasional players rather than those playing regularly in clubs.
Taking up tennis doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of pounds on your first racket. At under £30, the Babolat Eagle is an affordable way to get out on court without feeling like you've bought a toy. I found it easy to pick up and play with, particularly during gentle rallies and coaching drills where consistency matters more than outright power.
The 275g aluminium frame is ideal for beginners because it's durable and forgiving. I didn't have to think too much about the racket itself and could concentrate on getting my footwork and timing right instead. As my shots became more confident, I did notice it wasn't quite as responsive as the graphite rackets in this guide, but you wouldn’t notice that if you’re new to the sport.
Babolat has an excellent reputation in tennis, and although this is one of its more affordable models, it still feels well-made. It's not a racket you'll necessarily keep for years, but for someone trying tennis for the first time or playing socially a few times each summer, it offers everything you need at a price that's hard to argue with.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon.co.uk
Wilson Fed Open 105 TR 00 Black/White L2
★★★★☆
Best for: Building confidence
What we love: Forgiving oversized head, easy to rally with, balanced feel, ideal for recreational players.
Take note: Expensive for an aluminium racket.
Confidence can make all the difference when you're learning tennis or getting back into the sport, and this racket helped me keep more balls in play than I expected. The generous 105 sq. in. head creates a larger sweet spot, so even when I didn't strike the ball perfectly, my shots still found the court. That meant longer rallies, fewer frustrating mishits and more enjoyable sessions in general.
Although it's made from aluminium rather than graphite, it felt well-balanced and easy to swing. I particularly noticed the extra forgiveness on returns and volleys, where I wasn't always making perfect contact but still managed to keep the rally alive. As part of Wilson's Federer collection, it carries the name of one of tennis's greatest players, but it's aimed firmly at recreational players who want a dependable racket rather than elite-level performance.
More experienced players will eventually want the greater feel and responsiveness of a graphite frame, but for social matches, holiday tennis or anyone looking to build confidence on court, this is a reassuring choice from one of the sport's most trusted brands.
Buy now £49.99, Sportsdirect.com
Wilson Envy XP Lite tennis racket
★★★★☆
Best for: Beginners
What we love: Lightweight and easy to swing, forgiving oversized head, cheerful design, and affordable.
Take note: Better suited to beginners than players looking to develop more advanced shot-making.
Starting tennis can feel intimidating enough without battling a heavy, unforgiving racket. The Wilson Envy XP Lite is designed to make those first few sessions much more enjoyable. It felt noticeably lighter than many of the other rackets I tested, making it easier to react to the ball, particularly at the net or when returning quicker shots. Its 112 sq. in. head is the largest in this guide, which should help beginners feel more confident when returning shots.
I also loved the design. The fresh coral and white colourway stands out from the sea of black rackets on court and gives it a fun, approachable feel that is summery and joyful. The lightweight frame made serving feel less tiring, which I think beginners will really appreciate during longer practice sessions.
More experienced players will probably outgrow it quite quickly, as it doesn't offer the precision or stability of the graphite rackets in this guide. But for beginners taking lessons or playing socially for the first time, it's an affordable, confidence-boosting racket that's easy to pick up and enjoy.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon.co.uk
MANTIS CS 275 Phantom
★★★★☆
Best for: Improving juniors
What we love: Lightweight but stable, premium graphite frame, and an ideal step up from a junior racket.
Take note: Best suited to children who play regularly rather than complete beginners.
Finding a racket for older children can be surprisingly tricky. Many junior rackets are outgrown quickly, while adult frames can feel too heavy and unforgiving. I tested the MANTIS CS 275 Phantom with my 10-year-old son, who plays regularly, and it struck an excellent balance between the two.
He immediately found it easier to swing than a full-weight adult racket, but because it's made from graphite rather than aluminium, it still felt stable and responsive when he started hitting harder.
I also let my nine-year-old daughter try it and, although I expected the step up to feel a little daunting, she took to it almost immediately. She was keeping more balls in play, timing her shots better and playing some of the strongest tennis I've seen from her.
Buy now £115.00, Mantissport.com
What are the best tennis rackets?
After testing rackets across a range of prices and skill levels, the HEAD MicroGel Radical MP is the one I'd recommend to most players, closely followed by the Decathlon Artengo TR500. Both offer an excellent balance of power, control, manoeuvrability and value for money, proving you don't need to spend over £100 to get a high-performing graphite racket. If you're an experienced player looking for effortless power, the Yonex EZONE 100 is worth the extra investment, while beginners might appreciate the lightweight Wilson Envy XP Lite, whose oversized 112 sq. in. head inspires confidence from the very first rally.
How to choose your grip size
Choosing the right grip size is just as important as picking the right racket. If the grip is too small, you'll naturally squeeze the handle more tightly, which can reduce control and contribute to wrist or elbow discomfort. If it's too large, it can make it harder to change grips quickly and generate spin.
Most adult women are comfortable with an L2 grip, while many men prefer an L3, although hand size varies.
If you're unsure, the easiest way to measure your grip size is with a ruler or tape measure:
- Lay your hand flat with your fingers together and your thumb relaxed.
- Place the ruler at the bottom crease of your palm.
- Measure to the tip of your ring finger.
You can also check the grip size of your current racket by looking at the number printed on the butt cap at the bottom of the handle.
If you're between sizes, it's usually best to choose the smaller grip. You can easily increase the size by adding an overgrip, but it's much harder to make a grip smaller.
How I tested
I've been playing tennis since I was a child and regularly test sports equipment as part of my job as a fitness product reviewer. For this guide, I tested each racket over multiple sessions at my local tennis club, using a mixture of coaching drills, baseline rallies, serves, volleys and match play to understand how they performed in real-life conditions.
Rather than simply comparing specifications, I looked at how each racket felt on court. I considered how easy it was to generate power, how forgiving it was on off-centre shots, whether it inspired confidence during rallies and how comfortable it felt over a full hitting session. I also compared aluminium and graphite frames to see whether the extra investment translated into a noticeable difference in performance.
Where relevant, I also tested selected rackets with my 10-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter to assess how suitable they were for improving junior players. Every racket was judged on performance, value for money and who it would suit best, from complete beginners through to experienced club players.
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