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
1. 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 like the ease with which this net sytem can be deployed, moved, and packed away.
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The Franklin Portable Net System is a portable pickleball net 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 and comes with a wheeled carry case | 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 |
2. OnCourt-OffCourt Picklenet Portable Net System
The OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet features high-quality, oval-shaped tubing for stability and durability. Its Velcro tension system allows for easy adjustment of net tightness, while a redesigned center rod ensures the net maintains the correct height without breaking through the top band.
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The OnCourt-OffCourt Picklenet 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. SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System
The SwiftNet 2.1 Pickleball Net System ensures the correct playing height with its unique locking system and brace. Its high-tensile, non-stretch top cord keeps the net from sagging, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments. Additionally, its poles easily slide into the base for quick setup and breakdown.
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For a quick set-up and lightweight alternative, consider the SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System. It’s cleverly designed with a high-tensile, non-stretch top cord, ensuring it stays taut and doesn’t need readjusting, even with weeks of use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super easy to assemble | Higher price |
| Lightweight | Very stable and wind-proof |
| Very table and wind-proof |
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:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Net Width | 22 feet (6.7 meters) – The net spans the width of the doubles court. |
| Net Height | 36 inches (91.44 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.36 cm) at the center. |
| Mesh Size | Should be small enough to prevent the ball from passing through. |
| Material | Weather-resistant and durable material, typically nylon or vinyl. |
| Color | Black or dark color, providing a clear visibility against the background. |
| Edge Banding | The net must have a white band along the top, 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide. |
| Posts | Should be placed outside the court, not exceeding 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter. |
| Center Strap | Used to adjust the net to the correct height at the center. |
- 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.
