Looking for the best padel racket under £100 in 2026? You’re in the right place. Padel is booming across the UK, but premium rackets costing £200-£350 can make the sport feel inaccessible — especially if you’re just getting started or want a reliable backup pala.
The good news? You absolutely don’t need to spend a fortune. We’ve tested and researched dozens of budget-friendly options to bring you the 9 best cheap padel rackets available in the UK right now. Every racket on this list delivers genuine quality, solid performance, and excellent value for money.
Whether you’re a complete beginner buying your first racket, an intermediate player looking for a second pala, or simply a savvy shopper who knows that last season’s models play just as well — this guide has you covered.
Quick Comparison: Best Budget Padel Rackets Under £100
| Racket | Shape | Weight | Balance | Face | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HEAD Evo Speed 2025 | Teardrop | 360-370g | Medium | Fibreglass | All-rounders | ~£70 | View on Amazon |
 Babolat Counter Origin | Round | 350-365g | Low | Fibreglass | Control players | ~£65 | View on Amazon |
 Wilson Blade Team V2 | Teardrop | 360-370g | Medium-High | Fibreglass | Budget beginners | ~£45 | View on Amazon |
 Bullpadel Hack 02 PRF 2024 | Hybrid | 360-375g | Medium | Fibreglass | Intermediate power | ~£80 | View on Amazon |
 Adidas RX Series 2026 | Round | 355-370g | Low | Fibreglass | Value all-rounder | ~£75 | View on Amazon |
 Nox Equation Light 2025 | Round | 350-360g | Low | Fibreglass | Lightweight control | ~£85 | View on Amazon |
 Tecnifibre Wall Master 365 | Round | 365g | Low-Medium | Fibreglass | Reliable mid-range | ~£75 | View on Amazon |
| Bullpadel Open Control 2025 | Round | 340-355g | Low | Fibreglass | Absolute beginners | ~£50 | View on Amazon |
| Babolat Technical Vertuo 2023 | Diamond | 360g | High | Fibreglass | Attacking intermediates | ~£78 | View on Amazon |
1. HEAD Evo Speed 2025 — Best All-Round Budget Racket
The HEAD Evo Speed 2025 is our top pick for the best cheap padel racket in the UK. Its teardrop shape delivers a fantastic balance of control and power, making it incredibly versatile on court.
HEAD’s Innegra technology reduces vibration and increases stability, which is a feature you’d normally expect in much pricier rackets. The soft EVA foam core provides excellent comfort, while the enlarged sweet spot makes it forgiving on off-centre shots.
Pros
- Excellent blend of power and control
- Innegra anti-vibration technology
- Comfortable for extended play sessions
- Suits beginners and intermediates equally well
Cons
- Teardrop shape may feel less forgiving than round for complete beginners
- Design is relatively understated
2. Babolat Counter Origin — Best for Control Players
If you prioritise placement over power, the Babolat Counter Origin is a dream. This round-shaped racket delivers one of the largest sweet spots in the budget category, giving you pinpoint accuracy and incredible consistency.
The softer fibreglass face absorbs impact beautifully, reducing strain on your arm and wrist during long sessions. At around 355g, it’s light enough to manoeuvre quickly at the net while still providing enough weight behind your volleys.
Pros
- Massive sweet spot for exceptional control
- Soft, comfortable feel reduces fatigue
- Lightweight and manoeuvrable
- One of Babolat’s most popular models for good reason
Cons
- Less power than teardrop or diamond alternatives
- Advanced players may outgrow it quickly
3. Wilson Blade Team V2 — Best Budget Beginner Racket
At under £50, the Wilson Blade Team V2 is arguably the best value padel racket on the market. Don’t let the price fool you — Wilson’s build quality is excellent, and this teardrop-shaped racket punches well above its weight class.
The medium-high balance gives beginners a taste of power on smashes, while the soft EVA core absorbs vibration — a real bonus for players with elbow or joint concerns. The large sweet spot is incredibly forgiving as you develop your technique.
Pros
- Unbeatable price — often under £50
- Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
- Vibration-absorbing soft EVA core
- Matte black finish looks premium
Cons
- Fundamentally a beginner-oriented racket
- Lower-intermediate players may want to upgrade within 6-12 months
4. Bullpadel Hack 02 PRF 2024 — Best for Intermediate Power
Bullpadel are padel specialists through and through, and the Hack 02 PRF 2024 represents phenomenal value as a previous-season model. The hybrid shape gives you the large sweet spot of a round with added power from the slightly elongated head.
At 360-375g with medium balance, it’s a racket that rewards developing players who are starting to add more attacking shots to their game. The CustomWeight system lets you adjust the balance point with included weights — a feature rarely seen at this price.
Pros
- Hybrid shape delivers power and control
- CustomWeight system for personalised balance
- Built by padel specialists — genuine quality
- Previous-season model = great discount
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some alternatives — may tire newer players
- Medium stiffness won’t suit everyone
5. Adidas RX Series 2026 — Best Value All-Rounder
The Adidas RX Series 2026 has been making waves as one of the best value-for-money padel rackets available. Despite sitting under the £100 price point, it delivers impressive control, comfort, and all-round performance that rivals rackets costing significantly more.
The round shape provides a generous sweet spot, while Adidas’s Spin Blade technology on the face adds texture for improved spin generation. The soft EVA core ensures comfort during extended sessions.
Pros
- Outstanding value from a premium brand
- Spin Blade technology for better spin
- Comfortable and forgiving for all levels
- Clean, modern design
Cons
- Round shape limits power potential
- May feel too soft for aggressive players
6. Nox Equation Light 2025 — Best Lightweight Option
Weighing just 350-360g, the Nox Equation Light 2025 is ideal for players who value manoeuvrability above all else. The round shape and low balance make it incredibly easy to handle at the net, while the HR3 soft core provides a more premium feel than you’d expect at this price.
The rough 3D Spin surface adds genuine bite to your shots, helping you generate topspin on lobs and slice on volleys. Nox’s Testfakta certification confirms the build quality — rare for sub-£90 rackets.
Pros
- Very light — reduces arm fatigue
- Rough surface for excellent spin generation
- HR3 soft core feels premium
- Quality-certified build
Cons
- Lighter weight means less inherent power
- Advanced players will want something more substantial
7. Tecnifibre Wall Master 365 — Best Reliable Mid-Range
The Tecnifibre Wall Master 365 is a consistent best-seller, and for good reason. Tecnifibre’s Arch-Bridge technology offers a noticeably more stable hitting feel, while X-Top technology increases the durability of the racket head — perfect if you occasionally scrape the court.
At 365g with a round shape, it’s a racket that most players can pick up and play comfortably straight away. It’s particularly popular as a second racket for players wanting something reliable to alternate with their primary pala.
Pros
- Arch-Bridge technology for stable hits
- X-Top for increased durability
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Excellent as a backup or second racket
Cons
- Design is somewhat plain
- 365g may feel slightly heavy for smaller players
8. Bullpadel Open Control 2025 — Best for Absolute Beginners
If you’re brand new to padel and want the most beginner-friendly racket possible without breaking the bank, the Bullpadel Open Control 2025 is your answer. At around £50, it’s designed specifically for newcomers, prioritising ease of handling and comfort above all.
The low balance and lightweight design (340-355g) make it effortless to swing, while the round shape provides maximum sweet spot coverage. It’s the kind of racket that builds confidence on court.
Pros
- Purpose-built for beginners
- Very affordable entry point
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
- From a padel-specialist brand
Cons
- You’ll likely outgrow it within 6-12 months
- Limited power for advancing players
9. Babolat Technical Vertuo 2023 — Best Budget Attacking Racket
For intermediate players who want to play aggressively without spending £200+, the Babolat Technical Vertuo 2023 is an absolute steal as a previous-season model. The diamond shape and high balance deliver serious smash velocity, while the 3D Spin texture genuinely adds topspin to your overhead game.
The compact sweet spot demands better technique than the round rackets on this list, but if you’re ready to commit to an attacking style, this racket rewards you handsomely.
Pros
- Diamond shape for maximum power
- 3D Spin texture adds genuine topspin
- Previous-season bargain — massive discount
- Looks far more expensive than it is
Cons
- Smaller sweet spot — not for beginners
- Medium-high stiffness can be harsh on joints
Budget Padel Racket Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For
Before you buy, here are the key factors to consider when choosing a cheap padel racket in the UK:
Shape: Round, Teardrop, or Diamond?
Round rackets have the largest sweet spot and most control. They’re ideal for beginners and defensive players. Teardrop shapes offer a balance of control and power — great for all-rounders. Diamond shapes concentrate weight at the head for maximum power but have the smallest sweet spot, suiting experienced attackers.
Weight and Balance
Most budget rackets weigh 340-375g. Lighter rackets (340-355g) are easier to swing and better for beginners. Heavier rackets (360-375g) provide more power but can cause fatigue. Balance matters too — head-heavy rackets deliver more power, while handle-heavy or neutral balance gives better control and manoeuvrability.
Face Material: Fibreglass vs Carbon Fibre
Nearly all rackets under £100 use fibreglass faces, which is actually advantageous for developing players. Fibreglass is softer, more forgiving, and absorbs vibration better than carbon fibre. Carbon fibre offers more power and precision but is less forgiving and more expensive.
Core Material
Look for soft EVA foam cores in budget rackets. Soft cores provide better comfort, more feel, and greater forgiveness. Some premium budget rackets use specialised foam (like HEAD’s Power Foam or Bullpadel’s EVA Soft) that enhances the playing experience significantly.
Buy Previous-Season Models
This is the single best money-saving tip for padel equipment. Previous-season rackets (2023 or 2024 models) often cost 30-50% less than the current version with virtually identical performance. Most year-on-year changes are cosmetic. Save your money and buy two rackets instead of one!
Where to Buy Budget Padel Rackets in the UK
We recommend buying from reputable sources. Amazon UK offers excellent prices with Prime delivery, easy returns, and buyer protection. Specialist padel retailers like PDH Sports and Padel Nuestro also stock great budget options. Avoid unbranded rackets from unknown sellers — the quality difference is enormous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cheap padel racket good enough for beginners?
Absolutely. For beginners, a budget padel racket under £100 is ideal. You don’t need expensive carbon fibre technology when you’re learning the basics. Round-shaped rackets with large sweet spots — like the HEAD Evo Speed or Wilson Blade Team V2 — offer excellent forgiveness and control at a fraction of the price of premium models.
What shape padel racket is best for beginners on a budget?
Round-shaped padel rackets are generally best for beginners. They have the largest sweet spot, making it easier to connect cleanly with the ball. Teardrop shapes offer a good middle ground between control and power. Diamond-shaped rackets are more suited to advanced players who can consistently hit the smaller sweet spot.
How long does a budget padel racket last?
A quality budget padel racket should last 12-18 months of regular play (2-3 times per week). Fibreglass-faced rackets are generally more durable than carbon fibre ones. Replace your racket if you notice cracks, delamination, or a significant loss of power and feel.
Should I buy last year’s padel racket model to save money?
Yes — this is one of the smartest ways to get a premium racket at a budget price. Year-on-year changes are usually cosmetic or minor. A 2024 or 2025 model will play almost identically to the 2026 version but often costs 30-50% less. Many of the rackets in our list are previous-season models offering exceptional value.
What’s the difference between fibreglass and carbon fibre padel rackets?
Fibreglass faces are softer, more forgiving, and better for beginners — they absorb vibration and offer a larger effective sweet spot. Carbon fibre faces are stiffer and more responsive, providing greater power and precision but less forgiveness on off-centre hits. Most budget rackets use fibreglass, which is actually ideal for developing players.
Can I use a budget padel racket for competitive play?
Yes, you can. Many club-level and league players use rackets in the £60-£100 range. Brands like Bullpadel, HEAD, and Babolat produce budget models with genuine performance credentials. The key is finding the right shape and weight for your playing style rather than simply spending more money.
Final Verdict: Which Budget Padel Racket Should You Buy?
Here’s our quick recommendation based on your situation:
- Best overall budget racket: HEAD Evo Speed 2025 — unbeatable all-round performance for the price
- Best for complete beginners: Bullpadel Open Control 2025 — light, forgiving, and affordable
- Best value for money: Wilson Blade Team V2 — incredible racket for under £50
- Best for attacking players: Babolat Technical Vertuo 2023 — diamond power at a budget price
- Best for control players: Babolat Counter Origin — precision and comfort in one package
Whatever your budget, there’s a quality padel racket out there for you. The UK padel scene is growing rapidly, and the competition among manufacturers means you get more performance per pound than ever before. Happy shopping — and we’ll see you on court! 🎾
Prices checked February 2026. This article contains affiliate links — if you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Padel Mad and keeps our reviews independent.
