Looking for the best pickleball portable set with a net? You’re in the right place. I’ve done the legwork and found some great options that offer excellent value for your money.
When I started researching portable pickleball nets, I quickly discovered that many nets are essentially identical but sold under different brand names. It’s surprising how often this happens.
During my research, I came across articles like “Top 10 Pickleball Nets of 2024.” However, those articles didn’t convince me that anyone had actually used the nets.
They seemed more interested in earning affiliate commissions than providing genuine insights. I wanted to share my own experiences to help you find the best nets.
For instance, one of the worst nets I tested was featured in another blog’s top list.
To give you the best recommendations, I created my own ranking system and tested numerous nets based on:
- Cost – Is it affordable relative to its playability and ease of setup?
- Playability – How well does the net perform during play?
- Durability – How long will it last?
- Other Reviews – What do Amazon reviews say, and are there any signs of fake reviews?
- Setup – Is it easy to set up and take down?
Being somewhat frugal, I always consider cost, so my top picks are budget-friendly, though I do mention a premium option if you’re looking to splurge.
1. Best Pickleball Portable Net
My favorite pickleball portable net is the TYRSEN regulation-sized net that comes with additional equipment.
Firstly, I love that this net has wheels, making it much easier to move around.
Secondly, the price is already great, but it also includes a carrying bag, four pickleball paddles (though they didn’t make my top paddles list), court markers (which I estimate are worth about $20), and a few pickleballs and a bag.
Check out all these extras.
The TYRSEN net comes with court markers and other gear. The frame feels sturdy and durable, and it was easy to set up following the instructions. I now keep it in a few pieces in my garage for quick assembly.
Plus, Amazon often has a coupon for this net, making it an even better deal. It boasts a 4.6-star rating based on 120 reviews on Amazon.
Best vs. Worst Pickleball Net
There’s a significant difference between the best and worst pickleball portable nets I tested. For example, while the worst net was about $10 cheaper, it didn’t come with balls, paddles, or markers.
The worst net lacked wheels and fell apart during play. The instructions made setup much more difficult.
Here are some images showing how the net would collapse when hit with a ball.
Additionally, the sides wouldn’t stay up, no matter what I tried. I rarely return items to Amazon, but this was an immediate return.
Here’s an image showing the middle collapsing:
The worst net couldn’t maintain its shape due to poor construction.
Another image shows the exposed sides:
The worst net had exposed edges that couldn’t be adjusted properly.
2. Runner-Up Pickleball Portable Net
I use the SLK portable net about twice a week with a friend. I’m a big fan of the SLK paddle set from Costco, so it’s no surprise that I like this net too.
It has wheels, which is a major plus.
The net performs well, and I like how the balls roll under the net instead of getting stuck.
The price is higher than my top pick, which is a downside, but it’s still under $200.
3. Best Expensive Net
If money is no object, the Joola portable net with wheels is unbeatable. I saw it at the pickleball tournament, and it’s clear this is a top-tier net.
The best overall net at the Monterey Pickleball Tournament. However, it’s quite expensive. While I focused on nets under $200, this one will set you back over $2,000.
That said, it’s an excellent net, so if you play pickleball frequently and have the budget, it might be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Owning a portable pickleball net has greatly improved my game and you can even play pickleball alone with a net, but I was surprised at the stark differences between the best and worst nets.
Ideally, I prefer a net with wheels for easy mobility, as long as the wheels stay put during play.