We’ll get this out of the way: the Clash 100 V2 is not cheap. But for those who know they’re in it for the long haul or simply enjoy the finer things, this is the best all-around racket a beginner can buy. Its blend of power, comfort, and control makes it an ideal choice for players working on every part of their game, while the enlarged sweet spot improves forgiveness and prevents mis-hits.

Keep in mind a racket of this caliber will last you years of regular play when compared to much cheaper models in our roundup. Every beginner should consider making an investment on this model first before looking at a sub-$150 racket.

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Well-designed and loved by players at every level of the game, including numerous professionals, you can’t go wrong with a Babolat. In fact, Macci told us that Babolat is “a brand that I always come back to.” The Boost Series, like its name suggests, adds an extra boost to your returns while maintaining a controllable feel that excels in every aspect of the game. We found this Strike model delivers impressive consistency on returns in both power and control.

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The Hyper Hammer has been one of our favorite tennis rackets for beginners for years now. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver throughout a match and keeps strain off your joints. This also means it takes less effort to create spin, enabling beginners to quickly progress and learn new shot shapes.

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Prince is a legendary brand in tennis, known for everything from stylish off-court apparel to on-court technology. The Thunder Strike 110 has an oversized surface area that limits mishits and makes reaching that ‘tweener just a little bit easier. Since it’s on the heavier side at over 10 ounces when strung, this racket will provide power but may be too heavy for smaller players or marathon practice sessions.

You may not want to drop the cash it takes to buy a pro-worthy racket, but you can still buy one infused with tech trusted by the best in the world. Novak Djokovic, longtime world number one, has used Head rackets for well over a decade, so it’s safe to assume that some of that championship pedigree has been passed down to Head’s more affordable options. This oversized racket makes it possible for beginners to hit Wimbledon-worthy shots, even if they still have a lot to learn.

Yes, the Burn looks effortlessly cool on the court, but it’s also a stellar pick for players who want a lightweight, easy-swinging racket that eases strain on the joints. It comes in at a palatable, middle-of-the-pack price point, and makes up for its light weight with a stiff, powerful carbon fiber construction. This is the Goldilocks racket when compared to the three Wilson rackets we name in this roundup.

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Another value pick from one of tennis’s most trusted brands, the Geo Speed has a large hitting surface and strong, durable construction, two hallmarks of a top-tier beginner racket. The racket’s long length is helpful for small players with short swings, but is beneficial for all players who are just starting to play.

Affordable and easy to learn with, the Boost Rafa is made in the signature colorway of legendary Spaniard Rafael Nadal. You probably can’t hit a forehand like he can, but this racket takes the best tech Babolat has to offer and pares it back to tailor to beginners, making it easy to progress your game.