Did you know that over 75% of the courts on Pickleheads don't have a permanent net? That's why having your own portable pickleball net is such a great idea. It allows you to set up a game on a tennis or basketball court, or any flat surface with enough space.
In this list, I'll explain why the SwiftNet 2.1 is the best portable pickleball net in 2024. I've also included choices for players on a budget, nets you can take home, and nets that move around the court. Read on to see why SwiftNet, ZENY, and OnCourt OffCourt make the best portable nets for pickleball.
Best portable nets at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. SwiftNet 2.1
Best cheap
Our Rating:
2. ZENY Portable Pickleball Net Set System
Best on wheels
Our Rating:
3. OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet Deluxe
Most durable
Our Rating:
4. Dominator Rolling Portable Pickleball Net
Easiest to set up
Our Rating:
5. JOOLA Symmetry
Best under $200
Our Rating:
6. PickleNet Portable Pickleball Net System
The best portable pickleball nets in 2024
Why should you trust Pickleheads? I spend hours testing every product I recommend. Only the cream of the crop makes it onto my lists, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test and review products.
Read on for a deeper look into each of my favorite portable nets.
1. SwiftNet 2.1
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
You need a net that's quick to set up:
I was able to assemble the SwiftNet in less than 5 minutes.
You want the lightest net on my list:
at just 17 lbs, the SwiftNet 2.1 won't throw your back out before you even start playing.
You want a net that plays like a permanent net:
the taut top cord, lack of a center post, and tucked-away feet set this apart from other portable nets.
Pass if:
You're on a budget:
premium nets come at premium prices. I recommend the ZENY or JOOLA Symmetry as cheaper alternatives.
You want a net you can leave outside year-round:
you'll prefer the Dominator, the most durable net on my list.
You need a net with wheels:
the OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet Deluxe is my top choice for you.
Weight
17 lbs
Wheels
No
Carry Bag
Yes, with long straps
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" high
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both
Frame
Aluminum
Who it suits
Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS and get free pickleballs and a duffel bag
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
2. ZENY Portable Pickleball Net Set System
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
You're on a budget:
the ZENY is a full-size, user-friendly net for a great price.
You're new to pickleball:
if you're just learning pickleball, you probably won't want to spend a bunch on a net.
You plan to carry your net over long distances:
at only 18 lbs, this net won't wear you out.
Pass if:
You plan to play in gusty conditions:
unlike the similarly light SwiftNet, the ZENY can blow over if not weighed down.
You want to leave the net outdoors:
this net won't stand up to the elements quite as well as the Dominator.
You have $200 to spend:
for an extra $100, you can get an upgrade in quality and durability with the PickleNet.
Weight
18 lbs
Wheels
No
Carry Bag
Yes
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" in the middle
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both
Frame
Steel alloy
Who it suits
Loading...
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
3. OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet Deluxe
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
You want a net that's portable even when fully assembled:
this can be easily moved around to clear the space.
You want a heavy-duty net that can still be transported easily:
the wheeled bag makes this net easy to move around.
You want a strongly built net:
this has a solid metal frame and thick net material that helps it hold up even outdoors.
Pass if:
You want a lightweight net:
check out my top pick, the SwiftNet 2.1, for a lighter option.
You're on a budget:
this is the most expensive net on my list, so take a look at the ZENY instead.
You're buying for personal use:
wheels are likely unnecessary if you're just looking for a net to set up and take down at your local courts.
Weight
42 lbs
Wheels
Yes
Carry Bag
Yes
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" high
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both
Frame
Hybrid steel and aluminum oval tubing
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
4. Dominator Rolling Portable Pickleball Net
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
You want a heavy-duty net that'll last:
think of this as a long-term investment.
You play outdoors in very sunny or wet conditions:
this net can withstand harsh weather conditions thanks to its rust-proof materials.
You want a net with wheels:
the Dominator can be easily pushed around the court and out of the way when not in use.
Pass if:
You're on a budget:
check out the ZENY on my list for a great portable net under $80.
You play mainly indoors:
I'd recommend the SwiftNet 2.1 or either PickleNet instead.
You want something lightweight:
the SwiftNet is a better bet here too, at half the Dominator's weight.
Weight
35 lbs
Wheels
Yes
Carry Bag
Yes, with wheels
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" high
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both, but built for outdoor use
Frame
6061 T6 aluminum
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
5. JOOLA Symmetry
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
You're looking for something easy to set up:
only five components that take under five minutes to put together.
You want a net that can easily be carried around:
this weighs only 27.5 lbs when packed away.
You're a JOOLA fan:
this net is designed well—just like their paddles and pickleballs.
Pass if:
You want a net that can stay assembled over long periods of time:
this is more of a pop-up temporary net, so try the Dominator instead.
You're on a tight budget:
check out the ZENY for a more affordable option.
You want to leave your net outdoors:
the Dominator will hold up much better if left outside.
Weight
27.5 lbs
Wheels
No
Carry Bag
Yes
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" high
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both
Frame
Aluminum
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deals
6. PickleNet Portable Pickleball Net System
Loading...
Durability
Ease of use
Portability
Buy if:
Your budget is $200:
this is the best net I've tested at this price point, and my favorite mid-range option.
You want an easy-to-assemble net:
while this isn't as fast as the SwiftNet, it's still quick and easy.
You want a net that stands up to tough outdoor play:
the oval tubing system prevents twisting and the whole frame is coated to protect against knocks.
Pass if:
You want a light net:
this one comes in at 32 lbs when packed up. For a lighter (and cheaper) option, check out the ZENY.
You want to wheel your net around:
the PickleNet Deluxe on this list is the wheeled version of this net.
You can spend over $200:
I think the upgrades in portability and assembly time make the SwiftNet 2.1 worth its premium.
Weight
32 lbs
Wheels
None
Carry Bag
Yes
Dimensions
22' wide, 36" at posts, and 34" in the middle
Indoor Or Outdoor
Both (storage indoor recommended)
Frame
Oval, powder-coated steel
Who it suits
Features
Design and feel
Performance
Value for money
Today’s best deal
How to choose the best portable pickleball net system
It's easy to be overwhelmed with options when choosing the right portable pickleball net. So, I've created a simple checklist to help you narrow down the choices and make sure you get the right one for your needs.
Height and size
The net should be 22' wide, overlapping the 20' court on either side so that the posts aren't on the court itself. Pickleball net height is meant to be 36" high at the sideline and 34" at the center of the court.
Ease of assembly
You don't want to spend half your session setting up a net. So, choose a net that's easy to assemble and requires no tools.
Weight
Think about how you'll be transporting the net, and whether you need to carry it over long distances. Look for a net that's lightweight enough to be easily carried by one or two people.
Frame and feet design
Oval-shaped frames and scissor feet of nets are designed to provide maximum stability during play. The scissor feet also allow you to adjust the net height quickly and easily.
For indoor play, make sure there are rubber pads on the feet to prevent any damage to the flooring.
Extras
Some nets come with paddles, balls, or other pickleball accessories. These aren't always necessary but can add a little more value to the package—especially for new players.
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Net tightening mechanism
Different nets have different mechanisms for changing tension. Bungee cords, velcro straps, and ratchets are all popular choices. Bungees are the quickest and easiest to use, but they won't provide enough tension for a long session.
Material quality and durability
Don't only consider the frame but also the quality of the netting. Pickleball nets should be made with heavy-duty, tightly-woven polyester or nylon mesh. The frame should be rust-proof and able to withstand regular outdoor use.
Cost
Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on a premium net. I've included nets of all price points in my list, so you'll find something that fits your budget.
Why does the pickleball net matter in the game?
A sagging net means you aren't playing on regulation-sized equipment, which can lead to you developing bad habits and making mistakes later down the line.
It's important to use a net that's stable, well-tensioned, and properly sized. A good pickleball net should also be easy to set up and take down so you don't waste time when setting up the court or packing away after play.
Oval vs round tubing in pickleball net frame
Many cheaper pickleball nets on the market use round tubing for their frame. This can lead to a wobbly net, as it's harder to get a snug fit when putting the pieces together. Oval tubing provides greater stability and is usually found in higher-quality models.
What are the standard pickleball net specifications?
The official specifications for pickleball nets are as follows:
- Width of 22' (6.7 meters)
- Height of 36" (91 cm) at the posts and 34" (86 cm) in the center from the court surface
- Netting constructed from 2.5-3 mm, high-strength polyester or nylon mesh with a minimum mesh size of 9" x 11" (23 cm x 28 cm)
How do you set up a temporary pickleball court?
You can mark out the court lines and put up your net with a piece of chalk and a measuring tape. Then measure out:
- 20' x 44' rectangle for doubles play or 20' x 30' rectangle for singles play
- 7' non-volley zone (the 'kitchen') on each side of the net, marked by dashed lines
- Center service line 8' from the net, marked with a solid line
Bottom line
That's it for my breakdown of the top portable pickleball nets in 2024. The SwiftNet 2.1 comes out on top as it's just so simple, light, and easy to set up. I don't like spending any more time than I have to setting up nets, and that's what I like most about the SwiftNet 2.1.
Here are my top six picks again:
- SwiftNet 2.1 - Best overall
- ZENY Portable Net System - Best cheap
- OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet Deluxe - Best on wheels
- Dominator - Most durable
- JOOLA Symmetry - Easiest to set up
- OnCourt OffCourt PickleNet (classic) - Best under $200
Whichever you choose, I hope it does what it's made to—allow you to play more pickleball! See you on the courts.
Recent updates
March 2024
My new picks are in and I've chosen the SwiftNet 2.1 as my new favorite portable net in 2024, replacing the Rally Deluxe Portable Net System. The SwiftNet is both the quickest to assemble and the lightest net on my list—two of the most important features to look for in a portable net.
I added a couple of new picks, including the JOOLA Symmetry ("easiest to set up"), taking note of what players want most in a portable net.
This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!