Want an easy-to-understand guide on how to find the best portable pickleball net system? There are many nets to choose from and it can be overwhelming.
The goal of this guide is to simplify your buying decision and provide you with a thoroughly researched list o the best portable pickleball nets.
Our overall top pick for best portable pickleball net is the PickleNet Pickleball Portable Net System by Oncourt Offcourt because it’s easy to assemble, it’s durable and stable.
If you’re looking for a portable practice net or a portable net that will fit easily in most driveways, the Onix 2 in 1 is a great option. It’s a 10 ft wide net for use in your driveway or small space, but it can also be sized to USPA regulation.
Updated: July 10, 2022
Pickleball Net System | Features | |
---|---|---|
Best Pickleball Net System | PickleNet Pickleball Net System | A numbering system makes it easy to assemble and sturdy even during windy conditions. |
Runner-Up Pick | Rally Portable Light Pickleball Net | All parts are attached by cord making it extra easy to assemble. Players report that it’s sturdy when up & compact when stored. |
Top Budget Pickleball Net | Franklin Sports Pickleball Net Set | Half-court size but perfect for rec play or practice. Great for beginners who can spend a lot. Includes 2 paddles & 2 balls. |
Top Pick Pickleball Net on Wheels | PickleNet Deluxe | A great option if you’re looking for a heavy-duty, sturdy pickleball net on wheels. |
Mini Net | PickleNet Pickleball Mini Portable Pickleball Net System | Only 10′ wide making it a great option if you want a net for practice. Use your driveway, garage, cul de sac… |
Pickleball Net Set | Pickleball Net Set with 4 Carbon Paddles & 4 Balls | Easy to set up and take down & the storage bag makes it simple to move around. Paddles are well made & good for rec play. |
Runner-Up – Pickleball Net Set | Pickleball Net Set with 4 Wood Paddles & 4 Balls | Players love how easy this net is to put up & take down. Inexpensive but good value. |
Lightweight Pick | SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System | Lightest, quality net system weighing only14 lbs and made of recycled high-grade aerospace carbon fiber |
All-In-One Net | Onix Pickleball 2 IN 1 Portable Net System | Can be used as a full-size net or as a smaller net for driveway, street practice |
Best Portable Pickleball Net System
PickleNet Pickleball Net System By Oncourt Offcourt
A favorite among pickleball players because of how easy it is to assemble and viewed as the best for durability and quality. The net is regulation net size, which makes it a great option for those who want to practice for tournaments. A good option for outdoor play.
PickleNet Pickleball Net By OnCourt OffCourt
- Dimensions: 22′ wide and 34″ high in the middle, 26″ on ends
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Poles: patented oval tubing, powder-coated steel tubes
- Carry bag: yes
PROS:
- Net dimensions conform to USA Pickleball Association specifications
- Center strap design maintains a consistent net height
- Sturdy and withstands breezy conditions. Good option for outdoor play.
- Design provides consistent net tension
- Patented oval steel tubes prevent twisting of the net, and enable easy and fast setup
- Comes with a strong nylon carry bag
- 1-year warranty
CONS:
- A bit heavier than some others which might be challenging for carrying around often
- The carry bag is not on wheels which might make it a bit heavy for some when transporting
SUMMARY:
If you dread putting Ikea pieces together, you’re going to love this portable net system by OnCourt OffCourt because it has numbers on the net making it easy and fast to put up.
No big surprise that this is the go-to net system for pickleball clubs, indoors and outdoors. Indoor clubs like it because it’s light and simple to build. Outdoor clubs love it because it’s easy to set up and it stands up in the wind so you don’t need to constantly stop a game to re-adjust the net before continuing to rally.
And on the off chance that you lose parts over the years of play, players note that OnCourt OffCourt has replacement parts easily available providing confidence that you’ll continue to get years and years of play out of this net.
It’s worth noting that they’ve been manufacturing pickleball nets since 2009 and supply under their own label as well as private label and they’re suppliers for the USA Pickleball Association.
3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System
Players like how easy this net is to set up and take down. It’s on the lighter end of nets making it easy to transport. Its regulation net size makes it a great option for those who want to practice for tournaments.
- Dimensions: 22′ wide and 34″ high in the middle, 36 inches high on the ends
- Weight: 22 lbs in case
- Poles: Round tubing, powder-coated metal frame, for indoor and outdoor use
- Carry bag: yes
PROS
- More lightweight than other nets at 22 lbs
- Wide, bent leg net frame increases stability
- Center strap design maintains a consistent net height and good net tension, easy buckle net tension adjusters prevent net sagging.
- Easy and fast to assemble, snap-together metal powder-coated metal frame with numbered coded pieces making assembly simple – no tools required
- Stable even in windy conditions making it a good option for outdoor play
- Comes with a strong nylon carry bag with adequate room for net system, pickleball paddle, balls, tape measure, chalk etc.
CONS
- Some players found the arched ends a tripping hazard
- Some note of bent and scratched poles/frame when initially delivered
Summary:
If you tend to leave your sports equipment including your pickleball net out in all types of weather…rain, wind etc… then this net might be your best option. Pickleball players have reported leaving their net outside in bad weather and it still resists rusting, although, let’s face it, metal will rust over time but it’s good to know that you’re unlikely to see a lot of rust from a day or two of rain.
Players comment on how easy it is to assemble and takedown. The fact that there’s a raised foot in the middle means the net is more stable than other nets and it allows balls to roll under it. The bag is large, making it easy to pack and unpack the net system something that is a huge benefit for those who don’t have a permanent pickleball court.
TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PICK
SwiftNet Portable Pickleball Net System
Well respected for being light, yet sturdy and regulation net size.
- Dimensions: 22′ wide and 34″ high in the middle, 36″ inches wide at the ends
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Poles: recycled high-grade aerospace carbon fiber
PROS
- Much lighter than other similar nets
- Does not rust, fatigue, bend or dent
- End supporting legs angled out from court lines making for less of a tripping hazard
- Fewer parts than other net sets
- Easy and fast setup with a cord/locking system to hold the net in place
- Designed and built in the USA
CONS
- Sometimes the shock cord gets tangled or twisted
- Price – At least double the price of other recreational nets
Summary: At almost half the weight of our top pick, the PickleNet Portable Net System, players who don’t have a permanent pickleball court will appreciate this net set and be okay with paying a premium for a net system that can easily be assembled, taken down and carted around often without struggle.
At 14 lbs, it’s the lightest net system in our review. Not only is it light but players like that it’s stable and well built. Some mention minor durability issues with the tension cords but this is a minor concern for those players who want a lightweight, durable net system that won’t break their backs.
Top Pick – 2 In 1 Portable Net System
Onix Pickleball 2 IN 1 Portable Net System
Manufactured by well-respected Onix, who also manufactures some of the best pickleball paddles on the market. Great for players who want the versatility of a USA Pickleball Association-approved full-size net and a smaller, portable pickleball net.
Onix Pickleball Net
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Frame Material: steel
- Dimensions: 36″H x 22’W or 10′ Practice Net
- Carry bag: yes, with wheels
PROS
- 25 lbs which is as light as other net systems, and in some cases, lighter
- Easy assembly and simple to setup
- Center post to help prevent net sagging
- Includes a carrying case with wheels
- Can be set up as a 10′ wide practice net
CONS
- The wheels on the carrying case are not as durable as they could be with some complaints about them breaking
Summary: Good value for the money especially for players who don’t always want to cart their net to a pickleball court that’s large enough for a USA Pickleball Association regulation size net system.
If you want to be able to easily set up a smaller net for practice, then this net is a great option. The price point is palatable for anyone who wants this flexibility and quality.
It’s not a flimsy net system and this is good because it will stand up under typical weather conditions, outdoor play and easily hold its own on an indoor pickleball court. Players report that whether you’re putting it up to full size or the smaller size, it’s easy and fast to assemble.
A11N Portable Pickleball Net System
The A11N portable pickleball net system is priced competitively, and players love this net system because it’s easy to set up and take down. The regulation net size makes it a great option for those who want to practice for tournaments.
- Dimensions: 22′ wide, 34″ high in the middle, 36″ high on the ends
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Frame Material: steel
- Carry bag: no
PROS
- Very lightweight at only 20 lbs, compared to other nets in the same category
- Known for its stability
- Dual PVC fabric is more durable than the polyester used by other brands making the net more durable
- Numbered parts make it easy and fast to set up
- Priced very competitively
CONS
- Some quality control issues with the actual net and reports of the net size not being correct and wouldn’t fit
Pro Focus Portable Pickleball Net System
A great portable pickleball net option for those who need a reliable, sturdy net.
SPECS
- Dimensions: 21′ wide, 24″ high in the middle, 36″ on the ends
- Frame Material: Steel
PROS
- Very sturdy net that is easy to set up and withstands the wind
- The stationary center pole is easy to connect and has adjustable straps for tension control.
- Great for outdoor use with reports by players that have left their systems outside for extended periods of time without rusting or blowing over
OnCourt OffCourt Picklenet Deluxe Portable Pickleball Net System
A great option for a portable pickleball net system on wheels that also meets USA Pickleball Association specifications.
SPECS:
- Dimensions: net height is 34″ and length is 22′, regulation size
- Frame Material: powder-coated steel tubes
- Poles: 1.5″ x 3″ oval tubing with locking 4″ wheels
- Carry bag: yes, with wheels
PROS
- Heavy-duty carrying case on wheels makes it easy to transport and has interior dividers for easy organization.
- Very sturdy
- Easily maneuverable
- Fast to setup and takedown, only taking less than 5 minutes according to pickleball players who have this net system
CONS
- Definitely more expensive than other net systems but this is a full-size, durable, high-quality net system
Rally Portable Light Pickleball Net System
- Dimensions: 20′ wide, 34″ high in the middle, 36″ high on the ends
- Weight: 13.5 lbs
- Frame Material: steel
- Carry Bag: yes (38x6x6)
PROS
- Very lightweight at only 13.5 lbs, compared to other nets in the same category
- Known for its stability
- Cords connect all pieces making it simple for assembly. Height markings make it easy to get the net at the correct height.
- Players talk about how fast and easy it is to assemble.
- Great price point
Franklin Sports Pickleball Net System
- Dimensions: 10′ wide, 34″ high in the middle, 36″ high on the ends
- Weight: 9.4 lbs
- Frame Material: pvc
- Carry Bag: no
PROS
- Very lightweight at only 9.4 lbs
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Great, affordable option for rec play and getting kids involved
- Great price point
How do you pick a pickleball net?
You can pick a pickleball net by first measuring the space where you’ll put the net up. If it’s at least 44 ft in length and 20 ft wide, then a full size regulation net is a good option. Even if the space is a bit smaller in length or width, a full size net should work fine.
If the area that you want to play is much smaller, then pick a half-size portable pickleball net which is usually 10 ft. wide which is a great alternative to a full size pickleball net.
What is the official pickleball net size?
The official size of a pickleball net is 20 ft wide, 36 inches on the ends and 34″ inches in the middle.
How do you make a temporary pickleball court?
You can make a temporary pickleball court by marking the court lines with chalk, pickleball court tape,, vinyl tape or using a pickleball court marker kit.
Once you’ve marked the lines, put up either a full regulation size pickleball net or a half size pickleball net. Learn more about how to make a temporary pickleball court.
How do you set up a portable pickleball net?
How you set up a portable pickleball net depends on the instructions that come with the net. Some have the parts numbered so it’s easy to connect them. Other nets, like the Rally Portable Pickleball Net.
How high should a pickleball net be?
A pickleball net should be 36 inches high on the ends and 34 inches high in the middle.
Can you use a tennis net for pickleball?
Yes, you can use a tennis net for pickleball, however a tennis net is approximately 2 inches higher than a pickleball net, making it different when hitting over the net.
Can you make a mini pickleball court?
Yes, you can make a mini pickleball court. You draw the court lines so that the court is smaller than a full size court. As an example, a half size pickleball net is 10 ft. If you want to use this net, draw the width of the court to fit the 10 ft net. You then have a choice of the length the net. A full size pickleball court is 44 ft long but feel free to make it as long as you want. It’s a good idea to make the non-volley zone (the kitchen) 7 ft deep.
Is a pickleball net the same height as a tennis net?
No, a pickleball net is not the same height as a tennis net. A tennis net is 3.5 feet at the poles and 3 ft in the middle. A pickleball net is 36″ at the ends and 34″ in the middle.
SUMMARY – Best Portable Pickleball Net Systems
All these portable pickleball net systems will do a good job, whether you need a portable pickleball net for the local pickleball club or you need one for your driveway.
TOP OVERALL PICK
I’ve read many reviews and have chosen the PickleNet Pickleball Net as the best overall pick based on a few key factors:
The manufacturer, OnCourt OffCourt is well established and respected in the pickleball net marketplace which means that their business relies on producing quality pickleball nets and you can be assured they will provide quality service and nets.
It’s at a decent price point and for those players who need to or want to invest in a net, I think this net is your best value.
TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PICK
I’ve chosen SwiftNet for the best lightweight net. At only 14 lbs, this net is easily transportable, it’s sturdy and made of carbon material which accounts for the lightweight.
SwiftNet is not my number one overall top pick because it’s almost twice as much as other nets of similar quality but you are paying more for the fact that it’s almost 10 lbs lighter than most of the other regulation nets.
Just a reminder that before I selected a pickleball net to include in this review, I read dozens of reviews from various sources for many paddles and only included the nets that I believed would be a good choice.
Top Pick – Portable Pickleball Nets for Driveway
I’ve chosen the Onix Pickleball Net and the PickleNet Pickleball Mini as the two top portable Pickleball Nets for those players who are looking for a smaller net that can be used for practice.
If you want a multi-use net, then the Onix gives you 2 sizes but if you are only looking for a practice net, both nets will work.
Onix Portable Pickleball Net System – 10′ Wide Practice
- Great option for those who want a smaller practice and a full-size all-in-one.
- The Onix Pickleball Net can be built as either a full regulation size or as a 10′ net for practice.
PickleNet Pickleball Mini Portable Pickleball Net System
A great option for those who want a smaller practice net.
Dimensions: 10′ wide, 34″ high in the middle
- Easy to set up and very portable
- High-quality oval tubing
- A great, quality alternative to a full-size net, making it perfect for practicing when you have limited space to use and want to play on your driveway or grass yard.
Selection Criteria For The Best Portable Pickleball Net System
The game of pickleball has grown exponentially over the last few years and as a result, there are many nets on the market now, making it time-consuming and overwhelming to weed through all of the options.
My goal is to make your pickleball net purchase easier, less confusing and less time-consuming.
I’ve spent many hours reading dozens and dozens of reviews and ratings so that you don’t have to.
And I’ve narrowed down this list and included only nets that I believe are a good option and as a result, I hope that I will make it easier for you to choose a pickleball net that you’ll be happy playing with. I vetted the reviews and ratings, and only included nets that I believe are worthy enough to be included.
I also want to mention that I have not played with all of these nets and I’m not associated with any brand or manufacturer.
It’s true that if I had played with all of these nets, I would be able to provide you with my own unique perspective.
However, I believe that it’s more valuable to provide you with consolidated feedback from a large wide group of players.
There will be situations where I provide my own personal feedback on a net or another product, but not in this particular guide.
Here are the criteria I used to determine which nets to include:
Reviews or ratings from a minimum of 2 or more sources, when possible
I excluded nets that had consistent complaints across reviews about a particular feature. There is no perfect net that works for 100% of the people but where I saw a problem that was consistently mentioned, I excluded that net.
Nets in various price ranges have been included because what’s affordable to another person, is expensive to another. And each category of net emphasizes meeting the needs of a specific player.
Only nets that have a loosely aggregated score of 8.0 out of 10 were included. Because the sources I reference have a different scoring system, I’ve done my best to average scores out to ensure only those with a score of 8.0 or higher have been included (at the time of writing this review guide).
No aluminum pole/structure nets have been included.
Buyer’s Guide For The Best Portable Pickleball Net Systems
When shopping for a pickleball net, there are a few things you want to consider before landing on the net that you want to buy.
Think about these 7 things:
- How often will you use the net? An hour every day? 3 hours every day? Once a week or once a month?
- Will you need to transport it wherever you want to use it? Or will it be left up somewhere? Or will you be setting it up in your driveway or garage?
- Is it for a rec center or a school where it will get a lot of use (and abuse) and will need to be set up and taken down every time it is used? Or, can it stay up all the time?
- Will you be using it primarily for practicing your game or for playing games?
- Will you be using it for tournaments or just recreational play?
- Is it just for playing pickleball or would you prefer a net that is height adjustable and can be used for other sports such as badminton or volleyball?
- What’s your budget?
Once you’ve answered the questions above, consider these 7 factors when choosing your pickleball net:
- There are nets that are at a lower price point but as with many things you buy, you typically pay more for quality nets that will last longer and withstand regular play.
- Powder-coating helps to protect the poles from the elements although most manufacturers recommend not leaving the net outside for extended periods of time
- Stay away from aluminum or softer materials and try to stick with steel or carbon fiber for durability
- A heavier net system typically indicates a more sturdy, durable net (often but not always).
- The Swiftnet portable pickleball net is the exception to point #4 above. The poles are made from recycled material into carbon fiber so they are very well made and durable.
- Look for a solid, flat-based (wide steel base), steel center pole for increased stability and reduced sagging of the net.
- Do you want a pickleball net bag with wheels? Look at the benefits, costs, and options.
The Best Pickleball Net System Options
There are a few different net options to consider when buying a pickleball net.
I’ve included the options below at a high level.
- Full Size – Pickleball nets that meet regulation guidelines will typically be priced higher than other nets but will be full size so they can be used in tournaments as well.
- Family Friendly Nets – Pickleball nets on the low price end will be adequate if you are truly just looking to bounce the ball around with your family but be aware that the reviews suggest that the nets aren’t the greatest and aren’t very stable when set up, especially if it’s a bit windy. This is okay as long as you aren’t too concerned and are really just looking for a net that will do the job.
- Practice Nets – There are a couple of mini pickleball nets that work great for practicing at home but are not large enough to play an actual game unless you want to play a version of skinny singles. This is a good option for your driveway or garage if you are limited on space.
- Pickleball Net With Wheels – There is a net on wheels that is very sturdy and easy to move around. It’s heavy and likely a solution if you need a net that can easily be moved around such as in a gymnasium or a pickleball center. This net is on the more expensive end but worth every cent if you avoid having to set up and take down a net several times a day or week.
- Multi-Purpose Nets – There are multi-purpose nets for playing pickleball, badminton, and tennis. These are a great option for the active family or rec center. There seem to be different options available at various price points but again, from what I can see, these nets are not super steady but likely a great option for an active person or family who likes to mix up their games.
Summary – Best Pickleball Net Systems
The game of pickleball is quickly rising in popularity and as a result, so are the number and types of pickleball nets available on the market.
It can be overwhelming.