The best portable pickleball net is the OnCourt-OffCourt system by Picklenet. Check out the buying guide below for tips on the best nets for beginners, advanced pickleball players, and community centers, as well as a deep dive into the different types of nets on the market.
Best Pickleball Nets
Franklin Portable Net System
The Franklin Portable Pickleball Net System with Wheels is wonderful for players who enjoy having access to a court, and will enjoy the ease with which this net sytem can be deployed, moved, and packed away.
The Franklin Portable Net System is a portable pickleball net system that provides two nets for you to use. It functions as both a USAPA regulation-size net and a smaller practice net, useful for running drills in a smaller space.
| Pros | Cons |
| Two nets for the price of one | Material isn’t particularly heavy-duty, meaning wear and tear will happen faster |
| Having a specific practice net can encourage you to work on your drills | Net tension isn’t as strong as other systems |
| Lightweight | Velcro straps are harder to control |
| Comes with a wheeled carry case |
OnCourt-OffCourt Picklenet Portable Net System
The OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet portable net system is one of the best portable nets currently on the market. It is noted for its intuitive and excellent design elements, such as the oval tubing and elastic bottom band for fast and easy set up.
The OnCourt-OffCourt Picklenet portable net system is one of the best portable pickleball nets on the market. With intuitive and excellent design elements, such as the oval tubing (for faster setup) and the elastic bottom band for better net tension, this is a brilliantly manufactured pickleball net.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality manufacturing | One of the heavier sets on the market |
| Heavy-duty, high-quality materials (powder-coated steel frame) | |
| Easy to maintain net height and net tension |
3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System
The Champion Portable Pickleball Net System is one of our favorite nets that ensures a dependable, quality level of gameplay in a portable net.
For a cheap and lightweight alternative, consider the Champion Portable Net System by Pickleball Inc. It’s cleverly designed with wide arcing legs, which make it stable in windy conditions despite its lightness.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheap | Larger leg footprint can be harder to set up |
| Lightweight | Can be a tripping hazard |
| Stable |
Choosing the Right Pickleball Net
Approved Pickleball Net Specifications
The USA Pickleball (USAPA) official rules have clear specifications for pickleball nets. The USAPA regulations state:
- The net may be made of any mesh fabric material that will not allow a ball to pass through it.
- Net posts should be 22 feet +/- 0.0 Inches (6.71 m) from the inside of one post to the inside of the other post. The maximum diameter of the net post should be 3 inches (7.62 cm).
- The net length should be at least 21 feet 9 inches (6.63 m) extending from one post to the other. The net height from the bottom edge of the net to the top should be at least 30 inches.
- The top of the net should be edged with a 2 inch (5.08-cm) white tape binding over a cord or cable running through the binding. This binding must rest upon the cord or cable.
- A center strap is recommended for a permanent net and must be placed at the center of the net to enable easy adjustment to the 34-inch (86.36-cm) requirement at the center. The top shall be 36 inches (91.44 cm) high at the sidelines.
Design Options
Within the USAPA regulations, there are plenty of different options for nets used on pickleball courts.
Permanent nets are usually the most heavy-duty and high-quality nets. They are built into the pickleball court and never move, meaning they can be built of strong material (i.e, with a steel frame or other metal frame).
Permanent nets designed for outdoor use will often be made with powder-coated steel, designed to prevent corrosion from the elements over time.
Many other courts use a portable pickleball net system. These net sets come with a carrying case or carry bag and are designed for easy assembly, with tension straps to ensure net tension. Portable nets often come as part of a pickleball set.
Portable nets are available at a lower price point than permanent nets. They’re ideal for beginner pickleball players wanting to set up a quick pickleball game or for pickleball clubs who share their space with badminton or tennis courts.
Portable nets are made of lighter material than permanent nets—typically carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite. Be aware that their lighter weight can mean they blow around in windy conditions. If you’re purchasing a portable pickleball net system, select one with a good strap system to tie it down!
Dimensions
For pickleball tournaments, nets must be 22 feet across (an official USAPA regulation size net). However, some practice nets and portable pickleball net systems are smaller.
Because a pickleball court is only 20 feet across, a net can be as small as 20 feet in width and still cover the full diameter of the court.
Many community centers or pickleball clubs have smaller practice nets for their teaching lessons. These might be as small as 10 feet in width.
Other Features
Some portable pickleball net systems have wheels. These are rarely fully disassembled but instead are wheeled away into storage and out again when they are needed.
Collapsible pickleball nets often come with a carry bag or carrying case. This is to provide ease of transport, as these are most often used by individual pickleball players who play on pickleball courts without permanent nets.
Starter Pickleball Nets
Starter pickleball sets often include pickleball paddles, balls, and a portable pickleball net system. These can be great for beginner pickleball players as they have a much lower price point.
However, if you intend to use your net for a long time, avoid starter sets. They’re often cheaper because they use lower-quality materials, meaning they’ll wear out much faster.
